May 26, 2015

Daily Holidays - May 26

National Blueberry Cheesecake Day Cheesecake is an institution in itself. The treat’s origins go back to Antiquity, but Americans have truly made it their own by adding a variety of flavors. Blueberry Cheesecake Day is here to commemorate the most common topping which combines the ancient tradition of creamy goodness with the modern love of healthy natural berries.

Cheesecake is as widespread as it is versatile. The recipes and ingredients vary from region to region. Europeans use ricotta or curd cheese which makes the final product spongy and a little harder, while in America cream cheese keeps the dessert full-bodied and light at the same time. Blueberries, on the other hand, are a steeple of sweet Americana, playing major roles in a variety of muffins, tarts, and pies.

It is only natural to combine these two delectable traditions in a signature treat. Blueberry Cheesecake Day celebrates this happy encounter and inspires even more culinary exploration and enjoyment! https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/blueberry-cheesecake-day/

World Lindy Hop Day If you’ve been thinking that there just aren’t enough reasons to cavort around a dance floor to the boisterous sounds of 1920s jazz, then you will no doubt become a fan of Lindy Hop Day. After a decline in popularity in the 1950s, this form of swing music is back and infecting more and more followers with its undeniable vitality.

It’s an energetic dance that originated in black communities in Harlem, in New York City. If you want a true experience, try to seek out a venue with live big-band jazz. It’s fun, frenetic, occasionally frenzied, and is likely to leave you exhausted, but don’t worry: you only need to do it once every year. Some say the name commemorates Charles Lindbergh’s 1927 ‘hop’ across the Atlantic in a plane – the first time that feat was accomplished alone – but let’s hope he wasn’t doing this dance when he was at the controls! https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/world-lindy-hop-day/

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/may26.html

May 25, 2015

Daily Holidays - May 25

Memorial Day ST. LOUIS, Mo. — Here are 10 fast facts about Memorial Day, a holiday honoring American soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country:

• Even though numerous communities had been independently celebrating Memorial Day for years, the federal government declared Waterloo, N.Y. the official birthplace of Memorial Day. Waterloo first celebrated the holiday on May 5, 1866.

• Memorial Day was celebrated on May 30 for decades, but in 1971, Congress established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May and a federal holiday.

• Memorial Day originally honored military personnel who died in the Civil War (1861-1865).

• Roughly 620,000 Americans died in the Civil War — making it the deadliest war in American history. About 644,000 Americans have died in all other conflicts combined. http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/05/22/historical-facts-memorial-day/27817017/


National Tap Dance Day Whether you are an aspiring Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, or Ginger Rogers, or whether you simply enjoy celebrating dance, Tap Dance Day makes a great annual celebration. Tap Dance Day officially began in 1989 and celebrates the heritage and origins of the dance genre, along with the notable tap dancing greats, including Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, the Mark Brothers, and more.

Some cities have celebratory tap dancing shows and displays to mark the occasion, so, if you want to join in the celebrations, go along and join in the fun. Alternatively, take a beginner tap dancing class, and get your toes tapping. You can approach your local dance studio and encourage them to put on a performance, perhaps recreating a scene from an iconic movie or show. You can even combine the celebration of Tap Dance Day with healthy living and family bonding, getting everyone involved. Make costumes, practice your routine, and amaze and thrill onlookers with your skills. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/tap-dance-day/


Towel Day A tribute to Douglas Adams, author of The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy, Towel Day sees fans of the author and the book carrying towels with them to work, to school and as part of their daily activities.

The most important thing that you need to remember in order to celebrate is DON’T PANIC; no matter what the day throws at you, draw comfort from the knowledge that you’re armed with your trusty towel.

Whether you’re a fan of high-tech, circuitry-enhanced towels with more features, bells and whistles than a supercomputer, or if your towel of preference is a simple, old-fashioned fabric hug, all that matters is that your towel never leaves your side.

The wonderful folks over at Lemon.ly have seen fit to celebrate towel day by producing a handy, helpful guide to some of the key ways in which you might consider using it. In truth, we think that this really only scratches the surface, and that if you really want to celebrate properly you’ll come up with a whole range of unique use-cases which others can learn from and put to good use. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/towel-day/


http://www.famousbirthdays.com/may25.html

May 24, 2015

Daily Holidays - May 24

Brother's Day Brother’s Day celebrates the bond between brothers – an amazing gift and should be cherished. Take this day to make contact with your brother and tell him how much he means to you. Why not arrange to take your brother out for a meal and discuss your family memories?

Brother’s Day should not be confused with Wright Brothers Day, which is observed in the USA in December to celebrate the iconic brothers who worked together to create the first heavier than air flying machine. This example of successful brotherhood shows just how amazing the brotherly connection can be. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/brothers-day/

Indianapolis 500 One of the world’s most famous races, the Indianapolis 500 is known as The Greatest Spectacle in Racing, and attracts up to 400,000 spectators for peak time races. The race is run on a 2.5 mile circuit, for 200 laps – totalling a whopping 500 mile (hence the name)

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/may24.html

May 23, 2015

Daily Holidays - May 23

National Taffy Day National Taffy Day is celebrated annually on May 23. Taffy candy has been made and sold for many years and has become a popular souvenir of many vacationers.

“Taffy is made by stretching or pulling a sticky mass of boiled sugar, butter or vegetable oil, flavorings, and coloring until fluffy.” It is then rolled and cut into small pieces before it is wrapped in a waxed paper which keeps it soft. Taffy is noted for its fruit flavors however there are other flavors available as well, including licorice.

Salt water taffy in was invented 1883 in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

More fun facts about taffy can be found at:
http://www.candyusa.com/FunStuff/FunFactsDetail.cfm?ItemNumber=975

Lucky Penny Day Pennies are often just a nuisance. They don’t seem to be worth much, especially considering their weight, which is decidedly disproportionate to their actual value. So what are they really good for? Well, for centuries, finding a penny has been considered a good omen, an event that suggested something good would happen in the life of the finder. Lucky Penny Day is all about celebrating this simple superstition and doing what we can to make sure some good does in fact come of pennies. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/lucky-penny-day/

National Title Track Day Some albums are defined by a single track, ones that tie the entire album together and will be the banner for the sound it brings, and often the best of these are the title track of the album. Title Track Day is a day to dust off and break out those albums whose artists have nailed it, and placed the most iconic of a collections music right there on the label. Title tracks are, simply put, the song on an album that shares the name of the album itself.

Occasionally you get a brilliant trifecta that sets off a chain reaction that goes on to define a band. Black Sabbath produced an album that was self-titled, with a track of the same name that went on to define the band itself. The deep sonorous tones implemented the “diabla in musica”, or the devil’s chord, a discordant set of notes used to represent satanic influences since time immemorial in western music. The band was off to a running start in its desire to create the ‘horror movie’ equivalent of music.

Title tracks tend to be the most memorable of an albums songs, as Quiet Riots “Metal Health” album demonstrates beautifully. While not quite as popular as the second track on the album “Cum on feel the noize”, the song Metal Health makes you want to Bang Your Head within the first few bars. While they went on to produce many more albums after this, this song and the album it came from is by far one of their most memorable.

When a title track really shines and does its job, it sets the theme for an entire album, and this is the case with Metallicas “Master of Puppets”. As an album “Master of Puppets” speaks of control and abusing power, and is far and away the magnum opus of this particular band. The title track is specifically referencing the way a drug addiction can rule a person’s life, pulling their strings so that everything is about the drug, and serving the addiction.https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/title-track-day/


World Turtle Day Turtle Day encourages you to discover the world of turtles and tortoises, and to learn how you can help to protect and help them to thrive. Some ideas include dressing up as turtles, saving turtles on roads, or getting involved in turtle research. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/turtle-day/

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/may23.html

May 22, 2015

Daily Holidays - May 22

National Vanilla Pudding Day National Vanilla Pudding Day is celebrated annually on May 22. Enjoy a nice cold bowl of vanilla pudding to celebrate the holiday.
Vanilla pudding has a very long history and he evolved from a meat or fish dish. Arabs had a pudding-like dish of rice and almonds, that could be traced to the 12th century, but it is believed that is had appeared even earlier. The recipe of this dish was translated and it appeared in medieval Europe. Over ages the dish evolved into French blancmange, that was enjoyed Europe's wealthy families. https://anydayguide.com/calendar/1050

The original ingredients for blancmange were milk, sugar and shredded capon or fish. Later meat was dropped and blancmange evolved into a dessert made with milk and eggs. In the 19th century arrowroot and cornstarch were added to the dish, that made the modern pudding. Jelly-based pudding is the final stage of vanilla pudding development. Jell-O launched the line of instant puddings in the 1950s and advertised this product as the busy-day dessert.

No matter what kind of vanilla pudding you prefer, homemade or bought in the store, both are good for the holiday. And if you want a special treat, pair pudding with chocolate or fresh fruit.

Harvey Milk On Harvey Milk Day, people celebrate the life and achievements of Harvey Milk, a gay rights activist who was the first openly gay politician to be elected to public office in California. Tragically, Harvey Milk served as city supervisor in San Francisco for only a little less than a year before he was murdered by Dan White, a rival politician. During his time in office, he was responsible for championing a civil rights bill that outlawed discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Harvey Milk led an unremarkable life until he found his calling as a leader of the gay rights movement in the famous Castro District of San Francisco. He was naturally charismatic, and deeply concerned with social issues. His successful campaign was a landmark in American political history. On Harvey Milk Day, people around the world celebrate the achievements of the international gay rights movement, and reflect on the work that still remains to be done. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/harvey-milk-day/


International Day for Biological Diversity Biodiversity, a simple word with some very broad reaching implications. Biodiversity, when split into it’s component parts, “Diversity” defined as “a range of different things.” and bio meaning “life”, quite simply means “A Diversity of Life”. It has been shown that ecological niches with good biodiversity flourish and are healthy. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/international-day-for-biological-diversity/

National Maritime Day A day to recognize the maritime industry, Maritime Day commemorates the date upon which the first American steamship Savannah set sail from Savannah in Georgia on the first ever transoceanic voyage under steam power. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/maritime-day/



http://www.famousbirthdays.com/may22.html

May 21, 2015

Daily Holidays - May 21

National Strawberries and Cream Day National Strawberries and Cream Day is observed annually on May 21st. Fresh strawberries and homemade whipped cream is a must when strawberries are in season. They are the perfect, refreshing, light snack on a nice warm day!

Strawberries are a very healthy snack as they are low-fat, low in calories and a good source of vitamin C, fiber, folic acid, and potassium.

Following is a “tried and true” recipe from Mayo Clinic for a low-fat desert of Strawberries and Cream with amaretto liqueur and sour cream. Enjoy! http://nationaldaycalendar.com/2015/05/20/may-21-2015-national-strawberries-and-cream-day-national-red-cross-founders-day-national-waitstaff-day-national-memo-day/

American Red Cross Founder's Day Annually observed on May 21, National American Red Cross Founder’s Day marks the anniversary of the American Red Cross which was founded in 1881 by Clara Barton, the first president of the organization. Barton lead the organization for the next twenty-three years.

The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization which provides assistance inside the United States and is the designated affiliate of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

In addition to domestic disaster relief, the American Red Cross which is headquartered in Washington D.C. and governed by volunteers, now offers services in five other areas: http://nationaldaycalendar.com/2015/05/20/may-21-2015-national-strawberries-and-cream-day-national-red-cross-founders-day-national-waitstaff-day-national-memo-day/

End of the World or Rapture Party Day The Rapture may not have seemed like a joking matter or much of a reason to have a party time for the people who believed it would happen back in 2011, and it’s easy understand why. Imagine believing that 200 million people all over the globe suddenly get sucked up into the sky without a word of warning, amid horrific earthquakes of unprecedented magnitude and relentless plagues–that’s kind of scary, isn’t it? Luckily, the predictions turned out to be completely false. But why let the opportunity to celebrate not having been annihilated go to waste? If the survival of the human race is not an occasion for celebration, what is? So what are you waiting for? Time to throw a Rapture Day Party!

The Rapture may not have seemed like a joking matter or much of a reason to have a party time for the people who believed it would happen back in 2011, and it’s easy understand why. Imagine believing that 200 million people all over the globe suddenly get sucked up into the sky without a word of warning, amid horrific earthquakes of unprecedented magnitude and relentless plagues–that’s kind of scary, isn’t it? Luckily, the predictions turned out to be completely false. But why let the opportunity to celebrate not having been annihilated go to waste? If the survival of the human race is not an occasion for celebration, what is? So what are you waiting for? Time to throw a Rapture Day Party! https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/rapture-party-day/

I Need A Patch For That Day Some holidays are set up with the express purpose of ensuring that something we often take for granted or miss entirely receives the honour that it deserves.

I Need A Patch For That Day is a good example of that. Quite simply, it is a day in which we sit back and celebrate the humble patch in all its forms. You may be wondering what sort of patch is referred to, and the answer is that it is every single type of patch that you can imagine: from patches in clothes to nicotine patches, from software patches to patchwork quilts.

Do we really need a day to celebrate patches? Well, think about it. Every single day we take many little things for granted, even though we would often struggle without them. Think of I Need A Patch For That Day as an idea that helps us to appreciate those little things in life. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/i-need-a-patch-for-that-day/

National Wait Staff Day National Waitstaff Day is observed each year on May 21. This day was created to show appreciation to and thank all waitstaff for the work they do in making our dining experiences enjoyable ones. It is also a day for restaurant owners and managers to recognize and express their appreciation to the dedicated waiters/waitresses.

Waiters and waitresses are a big determining factor on the difference between your dining experience being a good experience or a bad one. The food may be delicious but the attentiveness and attitude of the waiter/waitress can make or change the whole experience.

There are those waiter/waitresses that go out of their way to make it extra nice and make sure you have the best time possible. They fill your drinks before you ask, bring extra bread, rolls or chips, give honest opinions on food choices when asked, ask if everything is okay, ask if they can get you anything else and etc. There are good servers that turn diners into regulars. http://nationaldaycalendar.com/2015/05/20/may-21-2015-national-strawberries-and-cream-day-national-red-cross-founders-day-national-waitstaff-day-national-memo-day/

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/may21.html

May 20, 2015

Please vote in this poll on "Right to Work"

http://www.semissourian.com/polls

May 20, 2015

Analysts skeptical of new Whole Foods format

Whole Foods Market has yet to announce the name of the new small-format, value-priced stores it plans to begin opening next year, but the company has listed some of the possibilities it is considering in trademark applications it has filed, one analyst said Thursday.

Those possibilities include 365, Dailyshop, Clever Egg, Small Batch, Swiftgoods and Greenlife, according to Charles Grom, an analyst with Sterne Agree, New York.

The company did not discuss the name of the new format during a conference call with analysts a day earlier, saying it would release more information about the format shortly before Labor Day.

Analysts expressed skepticism about the new format in written reports issued after the conference call.

http://supermarketnews.com/small-format-supermarket/analysts-skeptical-new-whole-foods-format

May 20, 2015

Safeway says closings based on local decisions

Closures of Safeway stores in a variety of the chain’s operating divisions are local in nature and are not part of any larger pattern, the chain told SN Tuesday.

“Store opening and closure decisions are an ongoing part of the retail grocery business,” a Safeway spokesman said, adding there is “no pattern here” to nine closings in Denver, two in Phoenix, two in Fresno and two in Northern California that have been announced over the last few weeks.

With approximately 2,200 Safeway stores — now owned by Albertsons — the company intends to continue investing in its store base and opening additional locations, he added.

http://supermarketnews.com/retail-financial/safeway-says-closings-based-local-decisions

May 20, 2015

Daily Holidays - May 20

Pick Strawberries Day There’s nothing quite like locally picked, seasonal fruit – and Pick Strawberries Day is a great excuse to experience one of the key highlights of the fruit calendar! Find your local ‘pick your own fruit’ business and take a basket or two – be sure to wash your strawberries and check that they’re safe to eat, and try not to eat them all at once! https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/pick-strawberries-day/

Weights & Measures Day Like most people out there, you’re probably confused about what your baby weighed at birth. Well, you should be, because there’s only one day a year that anybody bothers to convert from dram to gram and from gram to grain, and that’s Weights and Measures Day.

We celebrate this day by taking children’s measurements, weighing the cats and checking that the king size bed matches the country’s guidelines. We also hold a moment of silence for those measurements that have become obsolete, such as the chalder or chaldron, the clove, the scruple, and as soon as that time is up, we proceed by making snotty remarks about the Indian candy, the Chinese catty and tan, the Japanese chin, the jupiter, the kip, and the slug, all valid measurements, as hilarious as they may sound to us. We then conclude by vigorously proclaiming the superiority of the metric or the imperial system, whichever of the two applies. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/weights-measures-day/

Be A Millionaire Day The term “millionaire” first appeared in the English language in a letter written by Lord Byron in 1816. There were only a few millionaires at the time, but thanks to the Industrial Revolution, more millionaires were created outside of the aristocracy. Today there are more than 12 million millionaires scattered around the globe. The origins of Be a Millionaire Day may be unknown, but the day honors the desire to enjoy the freedom and power associated with being financially secure.

If you’re an aspiring millionaire, and who isn’t, why not celebrate Be a Millionaire Day by following the advice of the most successful sports performance coaches. Use visualization techniques to see yourself surrounded by luxury, free of monetary concerns, and living your life on your terms. Then get down to business – get financial advice, find extra sources of income, save, live within your means and commit to becoming a millionaire. https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/be-a-millionaire-day/

http://www.famousbirthdays.com/may20.html