May 1, 2015

Daily Holidays - May 1

National Chocolate Parfait Day A parfait way to begin May, May 1 is National Chocolate Parfait Day!

Depending on how you parfait, you can spend this perfect day celebrating one or two wonderful ways. Because parfait literally means "perfect" in French, you'll be sure to enjoy this dessert in at least one of its forms.

In 1894, parfait began to describe a frozen French dessert made with sugar syrup, eggs and cream. When the dessert migrated to the U.S., we naturally had to put our own spin on things.

The American chocolate parfait usually involves chocolate mousse or pudding layered with whipped cream, fruit, cookie crumbs or anything else delicious that you can imagine. You can also use a gelatin- or yogurt-based parfait and build from there. http://eatocracy.cnn.com/2012/05/01/national-chocolate-parfait-day/

Batman Day If you are of the opinion that there are not enough days set aside to celebrate fictional vigilantes, who dress up as flying creatures in order to tackle crime, then we agree with you. Fortunately, there is one such date set aside every year – Batman Day.

The purpose of Batman Day is to celebrate the anniversary of the character’s first ever appearance, which was in Detective Comics #27 way back in May 1939. Since those early comic book appearances, Batman has grown into one of the world’s best-loved and most recognisable fictional characters, and is the focal point of television shows, animated cartoons, video games and Hollywood blockbusters.

Do you possess some Batman-related comic books, video games or DVDs? Are you the proud owner of a Batman fancy dress costume that rarely gets used? Whatever the case, why not find a way to celebrate Gotham City’s greatest detective? https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/batman-day/

Global Love Day We are one humanity on this planet.
All life is interconnected and interdependent.
All share in the Universal bond of love.
Love begins with self acceptance and forgiveness.
With respect and compassion we embrace diversity.
Together we make a difference through love. http://www.thelovefoundation.com/globalloveday/

May Day May Day on May 1 is an ancient Northern Hemisphere spring festival and usually a public holiday;[1] it is also a traditional spring holiday in many cultures. Dances, singing, and cake are usually part of the celebrations that the day includes.

In the late 19th Century, May Day was chosen as the date for International Workers' Day by the Socialists and Communists of the Second International to commemorate the Haymarket affair in Chicago. In those countries that celebrate International Workers' Day, the day may also be referred to as "May Day" but it is a different celebration from the traditional May Day. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_Day

Mother Goose Day Mother Goose Day is a celebration of classic nursery rhymes of long ago, that are quickly passing into the realms of history. Established in 1987, Mother Goose Day aims to promote pre-school reading and learning via nursery rhymes, and it is acknowledged across many cities, by establishments such as kindergartens, junior schools, cereal makers, libraries and care homes.

There are various ways for adults and children to enjoy Mother Goose Day. Make a list of your favourite nursery rhymes, or try writing a rhyme yourself. Choose one of the nursery rhymes and act it out, or draw pictures to illustrate it. Alternatively, you can use printed colouring pages, and fill them in. You can also watch videos of nursery rhymes and sing along with the songs. Groups of children can also recite popular nursery rhymes, with everyone taking a turn to deliver a line. However you celebrate, enjoy the day. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/mother-goose-day/

New Homeowner's Day If you’ve recently taken the plunge and purchased a house, New Home Owners Day is the perfect time to celebrate your new home! This is your day to forget the stresses of the whole process and bask in your accomplishments.

Even better, why not schedule your housewarming for the occasion? Invite all of your friends and family to enjoy your new home, and fill it with their laughter and their warmth.

New Home Owners Day is also a great time to reflect on how far you’ve come on your home-buying journey, and how far you can still go. You could look back on completed household projects or draw up some plans for new improvements. You might find that just re-arranging your current furniture can completely alter the look of your home!

Whichever way you choose to spend New Home Owners Day, tell us all about it in the comment section! https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/new-home-owners-day/

Lei Day The most common festivities on Lei Day are hula, lei making demonstrations and contests, and the crowning of the Lei Queen and her court. What better way to celebrate Lei Day than by booking a trip to one of Hawaii’s many resorts!

Each island has its own Lei, traditional to each made with flowers, fruit and vines found on that island. Hawaii’s Lei is the Lehua, made from blossoms of ‘Ohi’, a Lehua tree which grows on the slopes of the Volcano.

History
Officially made a holiday in 1929, and continues to date. The record for the world’s longest Lei was set at the 81st celebration of Lei Day in 2008. Unofficially the Lei measured more than a mile in length. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/lei-day/

School Principals' Day Along with lawyers and bankers, school principals are in a small group of jobs whose holders are often hated and only rarely appreciated. That should change on School Principals’ Day, the origin of which is unknown but can probably be credited to teachers’ unions!

Though the job title varies between countries (‘School Principal’ is used in North America, while ‘Head Teacher’ is preferred in the UK, for example) every school has to have a boss. Schools are like small businesses, with hundreds of customers (students) and dozens of staff (teachers, receptionists, cleaners and so on) and making it all run smoothly is the job of the Principal. It’s especially difficult if the kids are trouble-makers or the parents aren’t happy. Principals have varying responsibilities, from teacher evaluations to dealing with serious discipline issues, but at its heart their job is about providing the best environment for kids to learn. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/school-principals-day/

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/may1.html

April 30, 2015

Watch as strong winds knock over a train in Jefferson Parish

From a storm that passed through the New Orleans area on Monday of this week.

http://wgno.com/2015/04/27/watch-strong-winds-knocks-over-train-in-jefferson-parish/

ELMWOOD, La. (WGNO) – Nearly a dozen shipping containers and some train cars were blown off elevated tracks in Jefferson Parish Monday.

WGNO reporter Jabari Thomas captured the moment when strong winds knocked over some train cars on the Huey P. Long Bridge. It happened around 10:30 a.m. Monday in Elmwood behind the Raising Cane’s restaurant on South Clearview Parkway and Bloomfield Street.

April 30, 2015

Daily Holidays - April 30

National Raisin Day We heard it through the grapevine - April 30 is National Raisin Day!

When grapes spend a little too much time in the sun, they cross the border into dried fruit and become raisins. But these little beauties are chewy, sweet and a great snack to have on hand.

Because there is already so much naturally occurring fructose and glucose in grapes, the flavor amps up even more after the grapes are dried. Largely, the sugar remains - so much so that if you keep raisins for a while, the sugar begins to crystallize.

If you're not a serial raisin snacker, then perhaps today's other food holiday will tempt you into trying a few. April 30 is also National Oatmeal Cookie Day!

And, what do you get when you combine these chewy drop cookies with an even more flavorful addition? Oatmeal raisin cookies! Is it a coincidence that these two holidays happened on the same day? Who knows, but you're sure getting twice the bang for your buck. http://eatocracy.cnn.com/2012/04/30/national-raisin-day/

Adopt A Shelter Pet Day National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day is celebrated each year on April 30. This day was created as a way to raise awareness for thousands of pets that are waiting for (and needing) adoption from the shelters.

CELEBRATE

Celebrate National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day by sharing pictures of your adopted pet on Social Media using #AdoptAShelterPetDay.

HISTORY

National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day is an “unofficial” National holiday. If you are interested in making this an official National holiday, send a letter to the President urging him to declare a National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day. Visit http://www.halopets.com/lettersforpets/index.php for more information. http://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-adopt-a-shelter-pet-day-april-30/

International Jazz Day Jazz Day encourages jazz fans all over the world to attend or start jazz festivals, events and parties. Why not take up the trumpet, saxophone, piano or Clarinet? Presumably not all at once, but you get the idea. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/jazz-day/

National Honesty Day Honesty Day is all about telling the truth. Be brave and share opinions, thoughts and perspectives that might otherwise go unsaid in order to be polite – but take care not to upset or offend others. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/honesty-day/

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/april30.html

April 29, 2015

Daily Holidays - April 29

National Shrimp Scampi 
Day The word “scampi” means “shrimp”. Therefore, “shrimp scampi” is “shrimp shrimp” (or “scampi scampi”).The pistol shrimp can deliver an explosive attack hotter than the surface of the sun and loud enough to rupture a human ear drum.Every shrimp is actually born male, and some develop into females. Some shrimp are actually capable of glowing in the dark. http://foodimentary.com/2014/04/29/april-29-is-national-shrimp-scampi-day/

Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare Secretary-General's Message for 2015

This year’s Day of Remembrance for All Victims of Chemical Warfare is more significant than ever as it marks the 100th anniversary of the first time chemical weapons were deployed on a large scale in battle.

The events in Ypres in 1915 should be a distant memory – but the frightening truth is we are still grappling with the inhumane and indiscriminate effects of chemical weapons today. One hundred years after chlorine gas was used a weapon of war in Ypres, such horrific weapons continue to threaten humankind.

It is an outrage that 90 years after the 1925 Geneva Protocol and nearly 20 years after the entry into force of the Chemical Weapons Convention the list of those we mourn on this Day only grows longer. The world has learned too little from the past – at the expense of innocent people whose lives have been destroyed by chemical attacks.

Just two years ago, reports of the use of chemical weapons in Syria served as a shocking wake-up call to the international community about the continuing threat posed by these inhumane weapons. The horrific images of the victims of chemical weapons in Syria should continue to haunt us all. http://www.un.org/en/events/chemwarfareday/2015/sgmessage.shtml

International Dance Day Founded in 1982, International Dance Day seeks to promote the art of dance around the world. The founding body, the International Dance Committee of the International Theatre Institute selects a special personality each year to create an International Dance Day Message to be shared around the world. Dance is practised by both amateurs and professionals and is enjoyed in theatres everywhere. This special day is all about the history of dance and the recognition of its place in society.

Dance is both an art form and a method of communication in cultures around the world, and is practised by millions of people. Celebrate this International Dance Day by learning about the history of dance, or perhaps even learning a new dance yourself or with a group of friends! It’s a great excuse to sign up for those dance classes you’ve always fancied. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/international-dance-day/

World Wish Day It was the wish of seven-year-old Leukaemia sufferer Chris Greicius to become a police officer. When police heard about this they wanted to help and granted his wish. Young Chris was a police officer for one day on the 29th April 1980. Others heard about this and thought that granting wishes for sick children was a good idea. So, the Make-A-Wish Foundation was founded and became one of the best-known children’s charities in the world.

This led to the birth of World Wish Day – the anniversary of the day the police granted Chris’ wish. There are now 48 countries involved in World Wish Day. People celebrate wish-granting across the globe by making dreams come true for sick children. Anyone who wants to get involved in this celebration can spread the word using social media sites, donate money to the charity or refer a child they know. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/world-wish-day/

Zipper Day From handbags and jackets to trousers and boots, it really is impossible to imagine life without zippers. They are so widespread it is easy to take them for granted. This is where Zipper Day comes along to remind us of the origin and history of this truly omnipresent invention.

The exact birthday of the zipper is debated, but Zipper Day is traditionally celebrated on April 29. On that date in 1913, Swedish-American scientist and inventor Gideon Sundback received a patent for a curious contraption he called “hook-less fastener”. Although similar inventions had been around since the 1850s, his version is widely accepted as the first modern zipper.

The continuous fastening line found numerous applications and grew in popularity, also thanks to the US Army who stepped in as an early adopter. Functional, fashionable, infinitely adjustable – these qualities of Sundback’s design have helped popularize the invention and practically make every day Zipper Day. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/zipper-day/

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/april29.html

April 28, 2015

World Day for Safety and Health at Work

The World Day for Safety and Health at Work is an annual international campaign to promote safe, healthy and decent work. It is held on 28 April and has been observed by the International Labour Organization (ILO) since 2003.

28 April has also long been associated with the world's trade union movement's commemoration of the victims of occupational accidents and diseases.

Every year some two million men and women lose their lives through accidents and diseases linked to their work. In addition, there are 270 million occupational accidents and 160 million occupational diseases each year, incurring US$ 2.8 trillion in costs for lost working time and expenses for treatment, compensation and rehabilitation. Fatalities, accidents and illness at work are highly preventable and we have an obligation to act.

A national occupational safety and health culture is one in which the right to a safe and healthy working environment is respected at all levels, where governments, employers and workers actively participate in securing a safe and healthy working environment through a system of defined rights, responsibilities and duties, and where the highest priority is accorded to the principle of prevention.

http://www.un.org/en/events/safeworkday/

April 28, 2015

Daily Holidays - April 28

National Blueberry Pie 
Day What could be more enjoyable than a slice of, delicious, Blueberry pie? Blueberries, or star berries as the Native Americans called them, are one of nature’s super foods. The humble blueberry is one of few blue foods, found in nature, and it is native to the Americas. The chemicals found in blueberries may contribute to fighting diseases and preventing against certain cancers. Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, it’s only fitting that we should have a special day, in the form of Blueberry Pie Day, to celebrate them.

Americans have been enjoying blueberry pies for years and there is no shortage of scrumptious recipes on the internet. Why not have your own blueberry pie celebration by making a pie, or eating blueberry themed dishes? As well as using traditional blueberry pie recipes, why not experiment with some new ones? Adding ricotta cheese to the filling, will add a creamy twist to the pie or adding black pepper, combined with warm spices, will give your pie a real kick! https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/blueberry-pie-day/

Biological Clock Day The words ‘biological clock’ may conjure up images of dancing babies, but there’s much more to the biological clock than that last minute urge to make babies that supposedly kicks in at a certain point in a woman’s life.

For a start, both men and women have a biological clock, as being celebrated by Biological Clock Day, and it affects their behaviour and mood on a daily basis. It maintains a sleep-wake pattern that fits in with the light and dark of a day on Earth. More formally known as the circadian rhythm, it monitors light, temperature and other environmental factors to influence things like alertness, energy levels, hunger and motivation.

The technology of today’s world can upset the balance of the biological clock, so celebrate Biological Clock Day by setting aside some time to re-regulate it; create a regular bedtime routine, minimise naps and eat regularly. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/biological-clock-day/

Workers Memorial Day Workers’ Memorial Day commemorates those who died at work and to try and make it safer for the living, and to promote safer working conditions.

This date was chosen because it is the anniversary of the Occupational Health and Safety Act in the USA and commemorates the day of a construction accident in Connecticut that claimed 28 lives. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/workers-memorial-day/

World Day for Safety and Health at Work The World Day for Safety and Health at Work is an annual international campaign to promote safe, healthy and decent work. It is held on 28 April and has been observed by the International Labour Organization (ILO) since 2003.

28 April has also long been associated with the world's trade union movement's commemoration of the victims of occupational accidents and diseases.

Every year some two million men and women lose their lives through accidents and diseases linked to their work. In addition, there are 270 million occupational accidents and 160 million occupational diseases each year, incurring US$ 2.8 trillion in costs for lost working time and expenses for treatment, compensation and rehabilitation. Fatalities, accidents and illness at work are highly preventable and we have an obligation to act.
A national occupational safety and health culture is one in which the right to a safe and healthy working environment is respected at all levels, where governments, employers and workers actively participate in securing a safe and healthy working environment through a system of defined rights, responsibilities and duties, and where the highest priority is accorded to the principle of prevention. http://www.un.org/en/events/safeworkday/

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/april28.html

April 27, 2015

Daily Holidays - April 27

National Prime Rib Day Prime Rib Day is a feast day in honour of this classic cut of the finest beef. Although little appears to be known about the origins of Prime Rib Day, it is best celebrated with great enthusiasm, with family and friends gathering to enjoy the occasion. Many restaurants also provide special menus in celebration. Prime rib, also known as ‘standing rib roast’ is located between the eighth and twelfth rib, on the upper back of the cattle.

Prime rib is best cooked on a low, slow heat, with the meat standing on the bones, so that it does not touch the roasting pan, thus ensuring its succulence. The top of the rib bones can be removed to make carving easier. Also popular on the barbecue, this delicacy is great when served with fully loaded baked potatoes or fries, mushrooms, creamed spinach, onion gravy, and don’t forget the Yorkshire puddings. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/prime-rib-day/

Tell A Story Day Tell a Story Day is celebrated in the United States, Scotland and the United Kingdom. The aim of the day to get participants telling, sharing and listening to each others stories. It is a celebration of the art of oral storytelling in all of its many forms, whether it be fiction or non-fiction, a tall tale, or folklore. The stories may be told from memory or from a book. Events can be held in community centres, churches, homes and gardens, hospitals, libraries, schools or more unusual venues!

The origin of the day is unknown, but there is surely a story to tell about it – maybe you can make one up for the next Tell a Story Day! For the day itself you can organise your own event with friends, family or colleagues and create a magical world of enchanting fairy tales, scary ghost stories or age-old family legends. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/tell-a-story-day/

Morse Code Day Morse Code Day commemorates the birth of the inventor of the Morse Code – Samuel Morse in 1791. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/morse-code-day/

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/april27.html

April 26, 2015

Daily Holidays - April 26

National Pretzel Day It’s generally believed that the humble pretzel is the oldest of all snack foods, with documented consumption of pretzels dating back as far as the 7th century AD, where French monks baked salted dough strips shaped like the arms of children in prayer.

Whether you like yours sweet, salty, covered in chocolate, or flavored with herbs and spices, Pretzel Day is all about enjoying the humble pretzel in all of its shapes, sizes, flavors and styles. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/pretzel-day/

Hug An Australian Day Hug An Australian Day is an annual event that was founded by Thomas and Ruth Roy of the Wellcat.com website.

Though the origins of this event are unclear, Hug An Australian Day has quickly become popular over the last few years, and is celebrated by sending the likes of greeting cards and e-cards to Aussie friends.

Event ideas for Hug An Australian Day include listening to famous Aussie music artists, from The Seekers to Kylie all day long with a can of Foster’s or Castlemaine XXXX, or holding an Aussie movies day – beginning with ‘Crocodile Dundee‘, naturally enough.

Hug An Australian Day shouldn’t just stop with just a hug for Aussies living overseas. They’re bound to be appreciative of a present that reminds them of home, like a toy koala bear or kangaroo for instance – or a DVD of great Aussie cricket moments.

If you really want to celebrate Hug An Australian Day why not plan a trip around it? It is the perfect time to travel to the land down under, especially if you have friends or relatives there that need a good hugging. It could be Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, it doesn’t matter, there’s bound to be Australians to hug wherever you choose. With the timing right before the big holiday season beginning in May, most travel sites will even be offering discounts. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/hug-an-australian-day/

National Help A Horse Day No horsing around – today is an opportunity for you to be a good ‘neeeiiigh-bor’ on Help a Horse Day!

Horses continue to be both a popular pet as well as serving as hard-working farm animals. In recent years, stories of their neglect and abandonment have continued to rise; as owners have found the cost of looking after them too prohibitive to cope with.

Help a Horse Day is your opportunity to send a donation to an equine care charity of your choice! Or share an apple or carrot with a local horse you know! Or sign your name to a petition demanding better care for these faithful, four-footed friends who have served us so well over the centuries. All they need is a hand (after all, most of them are at least 10 hands high!) to enjoy a better life. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/help-a-horse-day/

Richter Scale Day If there’s ever a day to hold onto hats, double-test foundations and keep an ear out for rumblings deep within the Earth, it’s Richter Scale Day. This occasion is an acknowledgement and celebration of the birthday of the man who taught the world how to measure earthquakes – Charles F. Richter.

Born in 1900, the American earthquake obsessive (technically known as a ‘seismologist’), came up with the Richter Scale in 1935, while at the California Institute of Technology. Since then, the world has been able to compare various earthquakes and investigate their relative power for destruction. The 20th century’s biggest happened in Chile on 22 May 1960, measuring a magnitude of 9.5.

Some people celebrate by getting together with a bunch of friends to watch their favourite disaster films. 1974’s Earthquake, 1999’s Aftershock: Earthquake in New York and 2003’s The Core are all popular choices. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/richter-scale-day/

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/april26.html

April 25, 2015

Daily Holidays - April 25

National Zucchini Bread
 Day The other day, we here at HuffPost Taste were talking about how ridiculous it is that April 25 is National Zucchini Bread Day. I mean, who needs a national holiday for zucchini bread? http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/25/zucchini-bread-recipes_n_5208210.html

Hug A Plumber Day Most of us take plumbing for granted – running water, hot water on demand, and the complex systems of piping that keep things ticking over for us in the background are easy to forget about it. Hug A Plumber Day encourages us to recognize the ingenuity, hard work and skills of plumbers everywhere – because who knows when you’ll spring a leak. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/hug-a-plumber-day/

World Penguin Day (WITI) — Penguins are some of the most beloved animals in zoos and aquariums today. However, these animals are much more than their adorable waddles, beautiful markings and quirky personalities.

Penguins are a unique and important part of our natural world, and on Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Milwaukee County Zoo will host its first “World Penguin Day,” to highlight these remarkable animals, and to draw attention to their dwindling populations in the wild. http://fox6now.com/2015/04/24/milwaukee-county-zoo-will-host-its-first-world-penguin-day-april-25/

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/april25.html

April 24, 2015

Daily Holidays - April 24

National Pigs-In-A-Blanket Day Pig In A Blanket Day encourages the consumption of ‘pigs in blankets’ – small pork sausages (or chipolatas) wrapped in bacon or pastry, and cooked until crispy. Chinese and eastern varieties more closely resemble mini sausage rolls.

For an alternative approach to celebrating Pig In A Blanket Day, you might consider wrapping your farm animals in layers of protective fabric – whichever you prefer. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/pig-in-a-blanket-day/

Hairball Awareness Day is a time to consider the grooming challenges of our purr-fectly aristocratic pets. Being beautiful and regal comes naturally to felines, but lots of personal grooming is required to maintain that exquisite superior look. Newborn kittens are groomed within inches of their lives by enthusiastic mother cats, and personal hygiene becomes an ingrained part of the cat’s daily routine ranking above everything except food. Ferocious grooming causes ingestion of fur, and sooner or later, in a most unbecoming way, the haughty, dignified feline will hack up a hairball.

Hairball Awareness Day is an invitation to be aware and to practice preventative measures to help kitty through this nasty process. Practice regular grooming with a pet brush to reduce the amount of ingested fur, and offer a vet-recommended diet for hairball prevention. Be aware that occasional hairballs are to be expected, but frequent hairballs could indicate a problem. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/hairball-awareness-day/

Teach Your Children to Save Day is an educational program that was established by the American Bankers Association (ABA), with the aim of encouraging kids to develop a good savings habit as early as possible in their financial life. This is done through banking volunteers giving presentations to school kids to teach them specifically about saving money, but also about other financial matters such as spending, donating and investing. Volunteers can find out how to get involved through the ABA, with the association having teaching materials available that can be used as a starting point for preparing a fun and interesting talk.

Banks are encouraged to contact schools in their area about giving a presentation as part of their local community efforts and while a specific date is publicized each year for the day, the lectures can be done at any time throughout the year. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/teach-your-children-to-save-day/

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/april24.html