Celebrate Every Day

Are You For Or Against Pineapple On Pizza?

Welcome to February 9th, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate perfect carbs and their sweet and salty pairs.

English is a particularly hard language to learn. Because it borrows words from many other languages, a lot of things aren’t pronounced the way they’re spelled and vice versa. But linguists who have studied the evolution of the English language found that there is one word that hasn’t changed its spelling or meaning for 8,000 years. It’s…drumroll please…Lox. Almost as long as people have been speaking English, they’ve known that smoked salmon is called lox. And this fish is best when it’s served on a bagel. But that word isn’t nearly as old. Heck, bagels weren’t even invented until the 17th century. I guess when something is meant to be, it’s meant to be. Celebrate National Bagel and Lox Day with this iconic duo and be sure to bring cream cheese, onions, and capers.

Pizza began as humble flatbread when ancient cultures discovered how yummy it was with a few simple toppings. But what goes on top is a question that still sparks controversy. Take pineapple.  The Hawaiian pizza originated in Canada in the 1960s believe it or not. When a Greek restaurateur tasted pizza in Detroit he couldn’t wait to offer it in his restaurant back in Ontario. And because pizza was not a thing back home he decided to give canned pineapple a whirl.  For those who love the sweet salty combo this still seems like a happy accident, but some have gone so far as to dream up a ban on pineapple pizza.  And let’s not get started on the deep dish versus flat crust debate.  On National Pizza Day, make pizza not war. It is, after all, nature’s most perfect food.  

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

Sure It's Nice To Feed The Birds, But Have You Ever Gotten Something In Return?

Welcome to February 8th, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate feathered friends and famous kites. 

If you think feeding the birds is a thankless pastime just ask little Gabi Mann.  The 8 year old from Seattle became known in her neighborhood as the kid who spilled her food.  When she was only 4, a flock of crows started following the girl every time she stepped outside.   Eventually Gabi shared her lunch with the crows which became an everyday thing.  Now one might imagine this as a one-way street, but something amazing started to happen.  The crows began leaving Gabi little gifts; a rusty screw, a Lego or button.  Every time they gobbled up food the crows left a present, including Gabi’s favorite piece, a little plastic heart.  During National Bird Feeding Month, strike up your own friendship with nature.  You never know what you might get back.

For most people, kites are simply toys, a way to have fun in the park or at the beach. But not Benjamin Franklin. When he flew his kite in 1752, it became one of the most important experiments in the history of science. Franklin had been studying lightning for some time and wanted to prove that it was the same thing as electricity. He had planned to use a church steeple as a conductor for his experiment, but he got impatient. So he built a homemade kite from a few sticks, a handkerchief, and some string. Then, as we all know, he tied a key to the end and waited for the storm. Luckily, Ben only got a shock. On National Kite Flying Day, celebrate by making the most of a windy day. But if you see storm clouds roll in, get indoors. Not everyone is as lucky as Mr. Franklin.

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

Have You Heard Of The King Of Noodles?

Welcome to February 7th, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate the king of noodles and melting forks.

In 1908, Alfred Di Lelio’s wife was pregnant with their first child and was having trouble eating. He made her pasta with butter and fresh parmesan cheese. She loved it so much that she added it to the menu of their small restaurant. In 1927, Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, two of the hottest stars in Hollywood, were on their honeymoon in Rome. They went to dinner at Alfredo’s restaurant and fell in love with this simple pasta dish. When they returned to America, they spread the word to their friends and the recipe became famous worldwide. As a thank you for introducing them to this marvelous food, the Hollywood stars sent Alfredo a solid gold fork and spoon engraved with the words: “To Alfredo the King of the noodles”. On National Fettuccine Alfredo Day, you don’t need to be famous or eat with expensive flatware to enjoy this delicious Italian meal.

Today we celebrate National Periodic Table Day and if you snoozed through chemistry, you’re in for something cool.  In 1869 a Russian professor began arranging the known elements by their atomic weight and the periodic table was born.  Sure, it’s been tinkered with since then and today there are 118 known elements.  Take gallium, which has a melting point of 30 degrees Celsius. This element can melt in human hands and then solidify again at room temperature.  In the early 20th century some crazy students used gallium to make eating utensils and then watched as their friends tried to eat with melting forks and knives.  Today gallium is used in electronics and most elements have practical uses once we learn how to tame them.  Till then they are mysterious and elusive and have the power to captivate the curious geek in all of us. 

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

What's Your Favorite Ice Cream For Breakfast? It's Okay, We Know You've Tried It.

Welcome to February 6th, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate a kid’s dream come true and saying no to the fork.

Anna: Did you ever have ice cream for breakfast?

Marlo: Mmmmm maybe.

Anna: It’s okay to admit it Marlo. Today is Ice Cream For Breakfast Day and I will confess I have tried this before and love it!  It all started when I made a bowl of oatmeal and didn’t have any milk to pour over it.  I had some premium vanilla ice cream in the freezer and tried a scoop on the hot oatmeal and yep, you guessed it - perfect substitute.  After that I found ice cream flavors that just sound like breakfast, like Chunky Monkey, which is banana ice cream, walnuts and chocolate.  That sounds like breakfast, hey?  What ice cream would you eat for breakfast?

Marlo: Ummmm, vanilla.

Anna: Oh, that’s right you only like vanilla ice cream.  Okay, well sneak some onto your oatmeal if you wanna play it safe.

Fans of Asian cuisine may have noticed that chopsticks from Korea are different from chopsticks found in other Asian countries. Rather than bamboo or wood, Korean chopsticks are made from metal. According to one legend, this began around the year 500 AD when the royal family switched from wood to silver utensils. If their food had been poisoned, the silver would change color and alert them to the danger. Metal chopsticks then became commonplace in homes across the entire country, though most people used steel rather than silver. Metal is perfect for picking up meat from Korean BBQ grills and is much easier to clean. Celebrate National Chopstick Day with takeout from your favorite Asian restaurant and say no to the fork. 

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

Would You Be Willing To Do Your Job In The Face Of A Hurricane?

Welcome to February 5th, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate respect for impossible jobs and illustrious contributions.

Meteorologists don’t get much respect. Most of the time when people watch the weather report, they want to know if they’re going to need an umbrella or a warm coat. And then they’ll spend the rest of the day complaining about how the meteorologist got it wrong. But one weatherperson has a different reputation. When Jim Cantore of the Weather Channel comes to report in your town, batten down the hatches. Starting with Hurricane Andrew in 1992, he’s reported on over 100 hurricanes. Jim stands out in the wind and rain as long as conditions permit in order to give viewers an accurate account of what’s happening with any given storm. On National Weatherperson’s Day, we celebrate the men and women all across the world who give us a heads up on what’s overhead. And if they get it wrong, you’ll have something to talk about at the water cooler.

James West was born in 1931 in Prince Edward County, Virginia.  As a boy, he loved taking things apart and after an accident involving a radio, he discovered a curiosity for electricity.  This led West to obtaining a degree in physics and a position with Bell Laboratories as an inventor.  By 1968 his inexpensive, highly sensitive compact microphone was in mass production and the technology is still used in 90 percent of today’s microphones as well as telephones and tape recorders. James West was inducted into the Inventors Hall of Fame in 1999 and today holds over 250 patents for his inventions.  He is 89 years old and is currently a professor at Johns Hopkins University. During Black History Month we celebrate the men and women who continue to inspire us with their amazing achievements. 

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

Are You A Glass Half Full Person? This Is Your Lucky Day!

Welcome to February 4th, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate unbeatable optimism and a job well done.

When it comes to looking on the bright side, some people seem plum crazy. Take Joe Namath, the young hotshot Quarterback for the New York Jets. In 1969, his team was about to play the heavily favored Baltimore Colts for the NFL championship. In the week leading up to the game, Namath was giving an interview and someone shouted out “The Colts are going to kick your butts.” Without hesitation, Joe shot back “Hey, I got news for you. We’re going to win Sunday, I’ll guarantee you.” His own head coach couldn’t believe what he’d just heard and scolded Namath for shooting off his big mouth. But Namath turned out to be right, leading his team to the championship and one of the biggest upsets in sports history. On Optimist Day, we celebrate the dreamers, the believers, and those who never say quit, no matter what the odds.

Benjamin Franklin once said, “Well done is better than well said.”  When it comes to the United States Postal Service, which Franklin founded in 1775, mail carriers have been getting the job done for more than two centuries.  We may take this service for granted or complain when it doesn’t work in our favor, but postal workers have successfully delivered letters in the trillions.  And sometimes this happens in mysterious ways.  Take the story of Susan Heifetz, who received not one but three letters lost since 1969.  A birthday card from her mother, a letter from a boyfriend sent overseas to Vietnam and another card from her brother, arrived within one week of each other 45 years later.  On National Thank A Mail Carrier Day we celebrate a job well done that happens most often come rain or shine.  

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

If Someone Tells You That You Play Like A Girl, Take It As A Compliment!

Welcome to February 3rd, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate playing like a girl and bid good-bye to Miss American Pie.

When Sarah Fuller wears the slogan “Play Like A Girl” on her football helmet she goes the distance to prove what it means.  Fuller made history last December when she became the first woman to score points as a kicker in a “Power Five” college football game. The Power conferences are the five that feature 65 of the best football programs in the country.  Women have scored points in football games in smaller conferences but never in the Power Five. Sarah has overcome injuries and made comebacks but is most proud of being a role model.  The slogan “Play Like a Girl,” honors the organization that encourages girls to play sports and study science, technology, engineering and math.  On National Girls and Women in Sports Day we think that says it all!  

63 years ago, a plane crash claimed the lives of three of music’s brightest young stars. The Winter Dance Party tour was traveling across the Midwest, with Buddy Holly as one of the headliners. After several shows, he had grown tired of the long, cold drives via tour bus and chartered a plane for the next leg of the trip. Holly intended to travel with his 2 bandmates, Tommy Allsup and Waylon Jennings. But neither traveled with him that fateful night. Before they parted ways, Holly teased Jennings and told him, “I hope your bus freezes up again.” Jennings replied, “Well, I hope your plane crashes.” Waylon Jennings was haunted by this comment for years. On National The Day The Music Died Day, we celebrate the music of Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and The Big Bopper and those who dance with us through this thing called life.  

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

How Do You Like To Serve Up Tots?

Welcome to February 2nd, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate tasty tots and a prophetic rodent.

The story of the golden, crispy nuggets of potatoes made from the cast off bits of French fries begins with two brothers in 1934.  Nephi and Golden Grigg were farmers barely scraping by during the Great Depression. They made a bold decision to mortgage their home to purchase the frozen foods plant they had rented along the Oregon Idaho border.  The Food Company now known as Ore-Ida began producing frozen corn, but Nephi knew the big money was in French fries. The problem was that the equipment used to cut the fries left an abundance of irregular potato bits, which were at first used to feed cattle.   Nephi didn’t like throwing away profits and soon devised a way to pack the peelings into tater tots.  By 1964 Ore-Ida turned an annual profit of $31 million.  On National Tater Tot Day take a tasty bite of the American dream.

The most famous resident of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, is a groundhog named Phil. For over 130 years, he’s made a public appearance on February 2nd to give us a weather forecast. When Phil speaks we all listen. But only the current president of the Groundhog Club can actually understand Phil’s secret language. Groundhogese. And Phil’s predictions are always 100 percent accurate. If his divination skills seem off, it’s because the president translated incorrectly. After the forecast is shared with the world, Phil goes home to his wife Phyllis at the Punxsutawney Town Library, where he waits for next year’s festivities. That's a pretty good gig if you ask me! On National Groundhog Day celebrate this prophetical rodent and his winter forecast or cuddle up and watch the classic Bill Murray film. 

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

Some Purchases Seem Like A Bargain. Others Cause Great Debates. And When They Are Really Crazy, They Inspire A Dessert!

Welcome to February 1st, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate cold blooded creatures and desserts born in a hotbed of controversy.

President Theodore Roosevelt was a lover of the natural world. When he visited Arizona in 1913, he made it a point to visit the Hopi Indian tribe in order to witness their sacred Snake Dance, something outsiders rarely get to see. This ceremony, which has been performed for centuries, is the tribe’s way of showing respect to nature in the hope of receiving ample rainfall in the coming season. The dance involves gathering snakes, both venomous and non-venomous, bathing them and draping them over men. As the men dance around, chanting, more snakes are put on their bodies. Roosevelt was awed by the ceremony and as tough as he was, he was taken aback by the site. On National Serpent Day, we celebrate these reptiles who often get a bum rap.  Although we strongly recommend viewing them at a safe distance.

In 1867 there was a hot debate over the purchase of Alaska from Russia for a cool 7 million. When Secretary of State William Seward agreed to the price and Alaska became a United States territory, some referred to it as Seward’s Folly. That’s when chef Charles Ranhofer, of Delmonico’s Restaurant in New York City, whipped up a dessert to capitalize on the heated controversy. His frozen hard ice cream on a base of sponge cake covered in toasted meringue was called Alaska Florida, for its drastic temperature contrast. It also came at a whopping price that would equal about 40 dollars today.  This strategy worked and his dessert is still on Delmonico’s menu. On National Baked Alaska Day, we enjoy a sweet bite of Seward’s success.  

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

Have You Ever Had Dessert For Breakfast? That's Just The Beginning Of Celebrating This Day!

Welcome to January 31st, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate our heart’s desire and backwards thinking.

Anna: If you are a person that leads with your heart, today is your day to fill it with art. 

Marlo: Hey that sounds like poetry!

Anna: That’s right!  Everything that touches our senses from poetry to painting, music to dance and films can be considered art and even some other things that may surprise you.  Have you ever heard of anamorphosis art?

Marlo: Anna who?

Anna: Anamorphosis is a technique for drawing a picture that can only be viewed from a certain angle.  Leonard da Vinci did drawings that could only be seen in the reflection of a mirror and today artists play around with sidewalk art that mimics incredible 3D vistas.

Marlo: I like making art out of my 3D printer.

Anna: That counts, Marlo.  Whatever inspires your heart.

Urban legends say that if you play certain records backwards you’ll hear scary messages.  But not everything that goes in reverse is a bad thing.  On National Backward Day consider having dessert for breakfast.  Wear your clothes backwards or write from right to left.  Experts agree that mixing things up leads to creativity and innovative thinking.  It certainly worked for Leonardo da Vinci, who even wrote his letters backwards.  Some say he did this to hide controversial ideas about science from the Church.  Others say it prevented his best ideas from being stolen.  And perhaps the most practical reason is that it kept him from smudging the ink as he wrote. Whatever your reasons for trying things in reverse, on National Backward Day don’t forget to use your blinkers.  

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