Celebrate Every Day

Did You Ever Have A Little Red Wagon As A Kid?

Welcome to March 31, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate the little things that inspire the kid in us all. 

If you never had a Radio Flyer little red wagon as a kid, then you’ve missed out on something truly American, hauling stuff around.  When we grow up we buy trucks and let our hair blow in the breeze.  Our dogs ride shotgun with their noses out the window.  And the back is full of gear for our next great adventure.  This all starts with our first set of wheels, and anyone who sees a kid at the park pulling his version of the important stuff knows it.  There goes an entrepreneur, an engineer, the next great lemonade stand!  Keep your eyes open for this right of passage.  It’s a good one and it’s bound to pull on your heart strings.  On National Little Red Wagon Day, you can bet these kids hauling stuff around are going some place good. 

Every kid knows the kaleidoscope of colors found in every box of Crayola crayons. The company makes crayons in dozens of hues, allowing tiny artists to create works of art that adorn refrigerators around the world. But there was one important person who wasn’t able to enjoy Crayola’s full spectrum of color. Emerson Moser, who was one of the company’s most senior crayon makers, was colorblind. He could see color, but couldn’t differentiate between blues and greens. When he retired from Crayola after 37 years on the job, he’d created nearly 1.5 billion crayons. His boots, which had become coated with colorful wax over the years, were donated to the Crayola Hall of Fame. On National Crayon Day, break out a box of creative color and be grateful for all the hues you can see.

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

Today Is The Perfect Day For Nature's Best Medicine!

Welcome to March 30, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate a walk in the park and a taste of our own medicine.  

Stress is a part of everyday life. Thankfully, no matter where you live, there is a free and simple solution.  Unless you live underwater, getting outside for a breath of fresh air is an easy way to unwind and let go of the daily grind.  Park systems exist in almost every city as a natural oasis for our senses.  If you can throw on a pair of walking shoes, you can count on a release of endorphins that can help you get a grip on life.  Grab a friend or loved one to double down on the effect and enjoy the great outdoors together.  Troubles in life are almost certain but changing your outlook is only a few steps away.  On National Take A Walk In The Park Day we invite you to celebrate nature’s best medicine. 

In ancient times, when indigenous tribes called on a medicine man they believed that illness was caused by evil spirits or magic.  The act of expelling these spirits was thought to constitute a healing.  Hippocrates dispelled this myth and became the father of modern medicine in ancient Greece. He viewed illness as a physical rather than a supernatural notion, and helped to move the needle forward.  No pun intended. To this day physicians still take the Hippocratic oath. We owe thanks to countless medical professionals for their contributions throughout the ages, but on this day in 1842, one doctor made a significant stride.  Crawford Long M.D. administered the first ether anesthesia during a surgery and the patient reported feeling no pain.  On National Doctors Day, we honor those who sacrifice to put the health of their communities first. 

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

Did You Know That The Lemon Chiffon Cake Recipe Was Once A Well Guarded Secret?

Welcome to March 29, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate supporting the American Dream and one man’s lighter than air treasure. 

Anyone who owns a Mom and Pop business store has seen their share of trials.  For Rick Segel’s parents, who owned a hat store during the Great Depression this was all too real.  They eventually grew to a 10,000 square foot clothing store that brought in $2 million dollars, but this was due to some serious elbow grease, a lot of luck and a loyal fan base.  Today, Mom and Pop stores are still the cornerstone of many communities and they survive and thrive because of their loyal patrons.  On National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day, show your love, support and appreciation by spending your hard earned dollars with the people who make a difference to you.

The recipe for chiffon cake was a closely guarded secret for decades.  While angel food cake was already popular in the 1920s, Henry Baker believed it could be better.  The insurance salesman turned caterer worked feverishly on his combination of ingredients.  Then in 1927 he stumbled on the perfect method for creating a rich but airy cake.  Sure that he had struck gold, Henry offered his services to the Brown Derby restaurant in Los Angeles.  This place catered to the Hollywood elite and for the next 20 years, Henry was the only person to bake his proprietary recipe.  Finally, in 1947 he sold it to General Mills for an undisclosed amount.  On National Lemon Chiffon Cake Day share a golden bite of baking history that’s too good to keep all to yourself. 

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

What's The Craziest Food You've Ever Eaten On A Stick?

Welcome to March 28, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate wicked good cakes and food on the go. 

In Southeastern Germany lies the world-famous Black Forest. It’s known as the setting for several Grimm fairy tales. But many more know it because of the dessert that bears its name: Black Forest Cake. Some people may dismiss it as plain old chocolate cake, but they’re missing out entirely. This chocolate cake layered with whipped cream and topped with cherries is nothing short of magical. The star of the recipe is cherry liqueur, which is distilled in the Black Forest region of Germany and gives this cake its  delicious allure. Celebrate National Black Forest Cake Day with a slice of decadence, but beware of any witches who serve it up from gingerbread houses.

If you’ve ever been to the Minnesota State Fair, then you know just about everything tastes better on a stick.  And nothing beats this method for food on the go, while you casually stroll through the exhibits.  It may seem like a uniquely Midwestern thing to put corn, Nashville hot chicken or even cookie dough on a skewer, but this practical solution goes way beyond geography. It turns out that even gorillas use sticks for their meals by dipping them into an anthill. And cooking shish kabob over an open fire can be traced back to... well, the invention of fire.  On National Something On A Stick Day consider your connection to the caveman, and count yourself lucky for hotdogs and marshmallows that don’t have to be hunted or gathered. 

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

Welcome to March 27, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate a sizzling history and a cup of Joe. 

The Spanish rice dish known as Paella, has an interesting linguistic history. Rice was first brought to Spain by the Moors around 1,200 years ago. Because of this, the word for rice (arroz) does not come from Latin, but rather from Arabic. Then there’s the word “paella” itself which refers to the pan in which the meal is cooked.  The word comes from the old French for pan or paelle. Are you following along? Good. Because there’s more. Some people claim that the word paella is a contraction of “para ella,” which means “for her,” because the man who supposedly came up with the recipe did so for his lover. Celebrate National Spanish Paella Day with this uniquely delicious dish and its spicy history.

Ever wonder why we call coffee a cup of Joe?  Back in World War I, Joseph Daniels, the Secretary of the Navy, banned alcohol on naval bases.  Needless to say, this didn’t always sit well with the troops.  Daniels thought he could make up for it by increasing rations for coffee.  But morale went from bad to worse and sailors began referring sarcastically to coffee as a cup of Joseph Daniels or a cup of Joe. Today we also celebrate the people we know and love who have the name Joe.  So on National Joe Day grab your friends Joey, Joanna and Joseph and take them to lunch or maybe grab a cup of, well, Joe.

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

Welcome to March 26, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate the wearing of the green and the indomitable Irish. 

If your friend has spinach in their teeth, do you let them know right away?  Of course you do!  That’s what friends are for. During her reign as queen of France, Catherine de Medici liked spinach so much that it was served to her at every meal.  Because she was born in Florence, Italy, dishes made with spinach are known to this day as “Florentine.” And we bet she had a bestie that let her know when her smile was tarnished by the “wearing of the green.”  On National Spinach Day look out for your friends as you enjoy this mighty green fit for a queen. 

In the mid 1800s the Potato Famine in Ireland forced people to leave their country and many of them immigrated to the United States.  The Irish had a tough go of it at first, but they managed to work their way into being respected members of the community.  As a huge voting block they helped certain politicians get elected.  By taking on jobs as police and firefighters, they were seen doing good deeds and the Irish became respected members of society.  Since then we can count 22 American Presidents, authors, inventors, and entrepreneurs that can all claim Irish roots. During Irish American Heritage Month celebrate these indomitable folks who have added a tight knit to our cultural fabric. 

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

Welcome to March 25, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate the heroes who lived to tell legends from here and back again. 

If you’ve ever played Dungeons & Dragons or binge-watched Game of Thrones you can thank J.R.R. Tolkien. This author began his writing career as a professor of English Literature, where he studied such works as Beowulf.  This story of a great hero who battles a seemingly invincible monster gave Tolkien the inspiration to create a whole new world of elves, monsters, and of course, dragons. The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings created a new genre of fiction and paved the way for writers like Terry Pratchett and George R.R. Martin. On Tolkien Reading Day, take a journey to Middle Earth. It’s always an adventure to go there and back again. 

During the Spanish American War a young Colonel named Theodore Roosevelt grew impatient as progress was stalled on a charge of the San Juan hill.  He managed to convince his immediate supervisor to allow his Rough Riders to push ahead.  With only four or five men, Teddy became the first American to arrive in the Spanish trenches.  As more American soldiers were inspired to follow, the tide of this battle was turned. While Roosevelt was nominated for a Medal of Honor during his time, his incredible bravery was awarded posthumously in 2001 by President Clinton.  On National Medal of Honor Day we remember the more than 3500 souls who have received this award by going above and beyond the call of duty.  

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

Welcome to March 24, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate an old school sandwich feud and a classic movie candy. 

In 1930, Pat Olivier ran a hotdog stand in Philadelphia. One afternoon, he cooked some sliced beef on his grill to make a steak sandwich. A passing cab driver thought it smelled delicious and asked Pat to make him one too. The driver loved it so much that he told all his friends and soon the steak sandwich was the talk of the town. It was nearly 20 years later when someone came up with the idea of adding cheese. And this is where the cheesesteak restaurant version of the Hatfields and McCoys began. Geno’s and Pat’s, two rival restaurants located across the street from one another each want to take credit. At this point, no one seems to be sure. But on National Cheesesteak Day, the one thing everyone can agree on is that this sandwich is worth all the fuss.

Movie night just isn’t the same without an assortment of snacks.  Popcorn is a given, but a true connoisseur knows that chocolate covered raisins are where it’s at.  Raisinets are number 3 on the list of all time best selling candies. Created by the Blumenthal Brothers in 1927, Raisinets along with Snowcaps and Goobers are still manufactured to this day.  That’s a pretty good run for a candy that’s been around nearly 100 years, although Nestle has been making them since 1984.  The best explanation for their longevity seems to be their association with movie theatres.  On National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day, make your home theatre pop with your favorite movie sidekick.  

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

Do You Remember Chia Pets?

Welcome to March 23, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate pets that are practical and fun! 

The tiny little seed known as chia was at one time as important to the Aztec culture as maize.  Today we know chia seeds are full of nutrients such as Omega 3s and antioxidants.  They are also known for their gooey consistency when mixed with a liquid.  Have you ever tried chia seeds in a smoothie? But if I’m being honest, my favorite way to use chia is on the old fashioned chia pet.  This came as a kit in the early 1980’s with a grooved terracotta figurine and a packet of seeds. Add water and wait two weeks and the chia grass forms the hair on your pet.  You can still find these kits today and some standouts are the Bob Ross chia pet and the Golden Girls chia pets.  On National Chia Day, it’s okay to play with your food!

Dogs and humans have shared a bond since the dawn of civilization.  They have hunted together, played together and something much closer to home, they have snuggled for warmth.  The expression three dog night comes from this practical purpose, when on the coldest of nights it takes 3 dogs to keep out the chill. But puppies are more than practical they are endearing.  That’s why the organization Canine Companions for Independence trains assistance dogs for people with disabilities, free of charge. Recently, three pilots volunteered to deliver more than 108 puppies to their new temporary homes across the country on behalf of the nonprofit.  Now more than ever, dogs serve as a reminder of all that is good in the world. On National Puppy Day cuddle up with your favorite pup. Sloppy kisses are optional. 

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

What's The Difference Between French And Bavarian Crepes?

Welcome to March 22, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate getting to the good stuff and getting silly. 

If you’ve ever wondered about the difference between French and Bavarian Crepes, here’s the deal.  It starts with the batter.  The French recipe calls for a period of rest after mixing the ingredients, which allows the gluten in the flour to relax.  And if you have time to wait, then by all means kick back, drink a glass of wine and do things the Parisian way.  This makes for a lighter, more tender crepe.  If you don’t mind a sturdier pancake, however, then get on with it already.  After all, if you’re adding Bavarian Cream to the pancake why wait for tenderness?  On National Bavarian Crepes Day celebrate getting to the good stuff. And if this means having dessert for breakfast, even better.  

Being an adult kinda stinks. Yeah, there are good parts like being able to drive, but there’s also having to work every day and pay bills. And that’s the stuff that can make people burn out and lose the sense of joy we felt as children. So other than the responsibility factor, what’s the reason people are so much happier as kids? Playing. Laughing. Being silly. That aspect of life vanishes so quickly that most of us don’t even notice it’s gone. But it’s important. Even stuffy old writers like Ralph Waldo Emerson get the importance of fun. He wrote “Be silly. Be honest. Be kind.” And for all the philosophy he wrote, that might be the most important thing he ever said. On National Goof Off Day, take some time to get in touch with your inner child.

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