| April is the fourth month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars, and one of four months with a length of 30 days. April was originally the second month of the Roman calendar, before January and February were added by King Numa Pompilius about 700 BC. It became the fourth month of the calendar year (the year when twelve months are displayed in order) during the time of the decemvirs about 450 BC, when it also was given 29 days. The derivation of the name (Latin Aprilis) is uncertain. The traditional etymology is from the Latin aperire, "to open," in allusion to its being the season when trees and flowers begin to "open," which is supported by comparison with the modern Greek use of anoixis (opening) for spring. Since some of the Roman months were named in honor of divinities, and as April was sacred to the goddess Venus, the Festum Veneris et Fortunae Virilis being held on the first day, it has been suggested that Aprilis was originally her month Aphrilis, from her equivalent Greek goddess name Aphrodite (Aphros), or from the Etruscan name Apru. Jacob Grimm suggests the name of a hypothetical god or hero, Aper or Aprus. The Anglo-Saxons called April Oster-monath or Eostur-monath. The Venerable Bede says in The Reckoning of Time that this month Eostur is the root of the word Easter. He further speculates that the month was named after a goddess Eostre whose feast was in that month. St George's day is the twenty-third of the month; and St Mark's Eve, with its superstition that the ghosts of those who are doomed to die within the year will be seen to pass into the church, falls on the twenty-fourth. In China the symbolic ploughing of the earth by the emperor and princes of the blood took place in their third month, which frequently corresponds to our April. The Finns called (and still call) this month huhtikuu, or 'Burnwood Month', when the wood for beat and burn clearing of farmland was felled. The "days of April" (journees d'avril) is a name appropriated in French history to a series of insurrections at Lyons, Paris and elsewhere, against the government of Louis Philippe in 1834, which led to violent repressive measures, and to a famous trial known as the procès d'avril. April is commonly associated with the season of spring in the Northern hemisphere and autumn in the Southern hemisphere, where it is the seasonal equivalent to October in the Northern hemisphere and vice versa. April starts on the same day of the week as July in all years, and January in leap years. April ends on the same day of the week as December every year. |
April is Black History Month
more than 200 years of history by winning the presidential election.
National League on Urban Conditions Among Negroes and the Niagra Movement.
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| "Courage is the most important of all the virtues, because without courage you can't practice any other virtue consistently. You can practice any virtue erratically, but nothing consistently without courage." Maya Angelou (DOB: April 4, 1928) |
Month-Long Celebrations:
Weekly Celebrations:
Administrative Professionals Week: April 22-28, 2012 Daily Celebrations:
In churches, observances include the blessing and distribution of Palm leaves to their congregants. Palm Sunday is also the beginning of Holy Week, the countdown to Christ's crucifixion and His resurrection on Easter Sunday. Observed: Annually, Sunday before Easter. Palm Sunday is a Christian movable feast that falls on the Sunday before Easter. The feast commemorates Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, an event mentioned in all four canonical Gospels. (Mark 11:1–11, Matthew 21:1–11, Luke 19:28–44, and John 12:12–19). In many Christian churches, Palm Sunday is marked by the distribution of palm leaves (often tied into crosses) to the assembled worshipers. The difficulty of procuring palms for that day's ceremonies in unfavorable climates for palms led to the substitution of boughs of box, yew, willow or other native trees. The Sunday was often designated by the names of these trees, as Yew Sunday or by the general term Branch Sunday. * Mark 11:1–11 * Matthew 21:1–11 * Luke 19:28–44 * John 12:12–19
but instead, it is intended to get serious and get work done. Unfortunately, not all of us are lucky enough to have a job that's fun to do so if you fit into that category, then today is a day just for you! Think of ways to make your job more fun and exciting. Look to do some fun things at work today, even if it takes away from production just a wee bit. Please Note: If you do fun things today that is counter-productive or takes you away from the job, make sure you get your boss' permission first. Better still, get him or her involved.
Major League Baseball and most of the minor leagues, this day falls during the first week of April. For baseball fans, Opening Day serves as a symbol of rebirth; writer Thomas Boswell once penned a book titled, Why Time Begins on Opening Day. Many feel that the occasion represents a newness or a chance to forget last season, in that the 30 major league clubs and their millions of fans begin with 0-0 records.
of people. On this day, "tatters" around the world have different activities, mostly educational to celebrate their hobby and introduce it to others. Often, they celebrate by eating chocolates and making tatted lace.
employees those who newly hired after their graduation from schools, on this day.
stranger and more absurd the joke, the better. The challenge is to carry out a trick that is believable, if only for a little while. Tricks are most successful if played earlier in the day before a person is wise to what is going on. Younger children are also more gullible. Any tricks or jokes must be harmless and in good taste for the unsuspecting "victim". And, we suggest you think twice before pulling one on the boss, even if he/she is know to be of good humor. It is important that jokes and gags be harmless and fun. They must not be dangerous or hurt anyone’s feelings. Give your jokes and gags some thought before carrying them out, then have fun! We do not know the exact origin of this day. It appears to have several origins, and may have evolved from several of them. Some of the origins date back to the days of the Roman Empire.
Day. It marks the birthday of Danish storyteller Hans Christian Andersen (1805). International Children's Book Day encourages reading, and promotes the love of books for children. The best and fastest way to develop our young children into intelligent human beings is by teaching them to read. Instilling a love of reading promotes a lifetime of learning and enjoyment. Libraries can celebrate today with story telling hours and other events for young children. You can celebrate today by giving a new book to every child you know. If they are too young to read, spend time reading stories to them, as it is a great and memorable bonding time for you and the child.
re-establish relationships between family, friends and couples. Life is too short to hold a grudge between those we love. Estranged couples may find today to be an opportunity to work out their problems. People who have had a "falling out" with family members are encouraged to reach out and "mend the fence". For those considering a reconciliation, the old saying is "It's never too late". But, that is not true as someday, it could be too late. So, please use today to begin your reconciliation. Since 1989, newspaper columnist Ann Landers has promoted April 2nd as Reconciliation Day. She writes an annual article dedicated to this day. She posts and replies to readers' questions and issues on reconciliation. There are many other "Relationship Days" held around the world on many different dates. Among the countries are South Africa, Korea, Angola and many others that have struggled with war and strife.
lunchtime sandwich of American kids, and many adults, too. Some kids practically live on Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches. There must be a LOT of Peanut Butter lovers out there, as there are three separate Peanut Butter holidays: 1. April 2nd - National Peanut Butter & Jelly Day 2. March 1st - National Peanut Butter Lover's Day 3. September 13th - National Peanut Day.
Saturday or Sunday when you are normally off work, it is an easy day to participate, otherwise, make sure you get your boss' approval prior to participating. Employer Tip: To increase attendance today, we suggest you consider things that will make it fun to go to work. Like the promise of a paycheck, benefits, etc. Warning: We strongly suggest that anyone thinking of not going into work, clears it with their boss first! Special and bizarre days are fun to participate in, but, not at the risk of losing your job. Our research did not find the creator or origin of this day, but you can be certain that it was not your boss.
1) Either it celebrates the warm, fashionable woolen clothing that originated in Scotland. Seemingly always in fashion, Tweed keeps you warm and looks good, too. It should come as no surprise to learn that tweed is more popular in the North, and not often worn in the South. 2) It celebrates the birthday of a corrupt, New York City politician, William Magear "Boss" Tweed. William Magear "Boss" Tweed was born on April 3, 1823. Boss Tweed was a politician from New York who was an U.S. Senator and a NY State Senator. His claim to fame was being convicted of graft and corruption and stealing millions of dollars from New York City. Our problem with this theory is why a special day for a convicted crook!? We would like to believe that Tweed Day celebrates Tweed suits. Conversely, do we really want to celebrate the birth date of a crook??? We will let you make the call. Definition of Tweed: Originating in Scotland, tweed is a thick woolen, twill styled material. Tweed jackets, suits and slacks are popular. Wearing something tweed from your wardrobe is an absolute must today, but better still, buy a new tweed outfit and wear it today.
Rev Dr. Martin Luther King. On Victims of Violence Wholly Day, programs are dedicated to visually affirming the principles of non-violence as preached by Dr. King. The other Days of Respect are Humanitarian Day in January and Dream Day Quest and Jubilee in August. This one marks the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King’s assassination. The basic point is to remind us that non-violence is often better than violence, and that his dream has still not been realized for all. Dr. Martin Luther King was in Memphis to lead a march in support of striking garbage workers. Dr. King was the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Today, we acknowledge the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King. Dr. King legacy is one of noble works, King’s philosophies of social equality and multiculturalism. Dr. King encouraged all Americans to embrace alternatives to violence and discover their common humanity. After 44 years, a street in Memphis will be named today, Wednesday, April 4, 2012 in remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King's death. During his lifetime, Dr. King sought to find the common ground on which people from all walks of life could join together as equals to address important community issues. He believed in service, as he realized it was the great equalizer. In regards, he once said, “Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.”
libraries. The education of young minds needs to be nurtured and fed. Feeding those minds with good quality, yet challenging reading material and reference materials is how school librarians excel. Take a minute today, to appreciate all the hard work that a school librarian does daily, and the patience the librarian displays, as he or she aids our youth. You may choose to show your appreciation to School Librarians in a variety of ways, including: * Give the librarian a big smile and a big "Thank You!" * Tell you librarian that she is doing a wonderful job. * Send an E-Card. * Buy an age appropriate book or reference material and donate it to your local library. We found references to this day on numerous dates in April. April 4th was the most common date and was most often referenced on educational sites. Without identifying the originator, we can not be 100% certain that this is the correctly designated date. Click HERE to visit the American Association of School Librarians.
Come on, just admit it! You have watched your cute newsman day in and day out, and you have always told yourself if you ever see him, you would give him a great, big hug. Well, today is your opportunity. Important Note: Today is also a day to hug a news "woman". They would not want to be left out of this very special day.
the potential problem. Today is the day where we pay careful attention to avoid things that pose as a risk or dangerous. "Walk around things" can also be used figuratively. It is also wise to walk around, or avoid, topics, issues, and problems that are sticky or may provoke an argument.
person to lie is hard to comprehend. Nevertheless, today is the day to tell lies, big and small. However, tomorrow we MUST get back to the virtue of "honesty is the best policy". If you find today a bit discomforting, you can look forward to "National Honesty Day" later in the month. Important Note: If you choose not to participate in this day, we will look up to you!
Public Affairs Center of Excellence writes: "…Being a history Buff, I know that during World War II, the most decorated unit in the US Army was a unit made up of Japanese Americans. I found “April 5-6, 1945: 442nd Regimental Combat Team makes a surprise attack on Nazi mountainside positions in Italy, breaking through the Nazi Gothic Line in one day. That may be related to the Go for Broke Day." Today is a day to put it all on the line and take a chance. It might be money, a new love relationship or even time to initiate a risky project or to seek a new job. If you are of a conservative ilk, you may have never gone out on a limb, or taken big risks. If this sounds like you, maybe today is a day to let loose and "Go for Broke".
celebrated though. Arbor Day (from the Latin arbor, meaning tree) is a holiday in which individuals and groups are encouraged to plant and care for trees. It originated in Nebraska City, Nebraska, United States during 1872 by J. Sterling Morton. The first Arbor Day was held on April 10, 1872, and an estimated 1 million trees were planted that day. Many countries now observe a similar holiday. Though usually observed in the spring, the date varies, depending on climate and suitable planting season.
consecutive days starting the day before the Qingming Festival in the Chinese Calendar, which falls on the 1055th day after dongzhi. It is celebrated in China as well as the nearby nations of Korea and Vietnam. At this time of year, the sky becomes clearer and buds sprout in the field. Farmers sow various seeds and supply water to their rice paddies. Legend has it that Chonger, a prince of Jin, endured many hardships while he fled around the warring States. Once, in order to help the prince who was tormented by hunger, Jie Zhitui cut off the flesh from his thigh and offered it to the prince for sustenance. Later, when Chonger became Duke Wen of Jin, he ordered a search for Jie Zhitui who had gone into hiding in the remote mountains with his mother. Jie Zhitui had no political ambitions and felt ashamed to work with his hypocritical fellows, hence refused invitation of the Duke. Chonger ordered the mountains to be burned down in order to force Zhitui out of hiding. Unfortunately Zhitui did not give in and the fire ended up killing Zhitui and his mother. Filled with remorse, Chonger ordered that each year during these three days the setting of fire is forbidden – all food was to be consumed cold. Therefore the Festival is thus named. In Jiexiu City of the Shanxi Province, where Zhitui died, locals still remember this tradition clearly. But even for them the tradition of eating cold food is no longer actually practiced. In China ancestral worship used to be practiced during the time of the Cold Food Festival. It was later moved to coincide with the Qingming Festival. However in Korea, where the festival is called Hansik the tradition of ancestral worship during the Cold Food Festival still remains. In Korea, it is called Hansik, literally meaning "cold food," and is a traditional Korean holiday. In the modern version of Hansik, people welcome the warm weather thawing the frozen lands. On this day, rites to worship ancestors are observed early in the morning, and the family visits their ancestors' tombs to tidy up.
(named after Julius Caesar), which had been in use since 42 BC. The Julian calendar, which consisted of eleven months of 30 or 31 days and a 28-day February (extended to 29 days every fourth year), was actually quite accurate. It differed from the real solar calendar by only 11 and 1/2 minutes a year. After centuries, though, even a small inaccuracy like this adds up. By the 1500s, it had put the Julian calendar behind the solar calendar by 10 days. However, the British did not make the change in 1582, so there was a difference of 10 days between the calendar in Britain and the rest of Europe. By 1752 the difference had increased to 11 days (one calendar had a leap year in 1600, the other did not). Even the British realized that something must be done and they changed to the Gregorian calendar in that year. Until 1752 the tax year in Great Britain started on March 25th old New Year’s Day. In order to ensure no loss of tax revenue, the Treasury decided that the taxation year which started March 1752 would be of the usual length (365 days) and therefore it would end on April 4th, the following tax year beginning April 5th. The next difficulty was that 1800 was not a leap year in the new Gregorian calendar but would have been in the old Julian system. Therefore the Treasury moved the year start again from the 5th to 6th of April, and this date has remained unchanged ever since.
Good Friday is a fast day in the Catholic Church, and falls within the Paschal Triduum. Good Friday is the Friday within Holy Week, and is a time of fasting and penance, commemorating the anniversary of Christ's crucifixion and death. For Christians (Catholic, Orthodox, Methodist, etc), Good Friday commemorates not just a historical event, but the sacrificial death of Christ, which with the resurrection, comprises the heart of the Christian faith. The Catholic Catechism states this clearly: Justification has been merited for us by the Passion of Christ who offered Himself on the cross as a living victim, holy and pleasing to God, and whose blood has become the instrument of atonement for the sins of all men (CCC 1992). This is based on the words of St. Paul: "[Believers] are justified freely by God's grace through the redemption in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as an expiation, through faith, by his blood... (Romans 3:24-25, NAB)." The customs and prayers associated with Good Friday typically focus on the theme of Christ's sacrificial death for our sins. The evening (at sunset) of Good Friday begins the second day of the Paschal Triduum. The major Good Friday worship services begin in the afternoon at 3:00 (the time Jesus likely died). Various traditions and customs are associated with the Western celebration of Good Friday. The singing (or preaching) of the Passion of St. John's gospel consists of reading or singing parts of John's gospel (currently John 18:1-19:42 in the Catholic Church). The Veneration of the Cross is also common in the Western Church. This is when Christians approach a wooden cross and venerate it, often by kneeling before it, or kissing part of it. In addition to these traditions, Holy Communion with the reserved host is practiced. In the Latin Rite of the Catholic Church, no Masses are said on Good Friday or Holy Saturday, therefore the reserved host from the Holy Thursday Mass is used. This is called the "Mass of the Pre-Sanctified." Many Churches also offer the Stations of the Cross, also called the "Way of the Cross," on Good Friday. This is a devotion in which fourteen events surrounding the death of Jesus are commemorated. Most Catholic Churches have fourteen images of Jesus' final days displayed throughout the parish, for use in public Stations of the Cross services. Another service started by the Jesuit Alphonso Messia in 1732, now less common, the Tre Ore or "Three Hours," is often held from noon until 3:00 PM, and consists of seven sermons on the seven last words of Christ. This service has been popular in many Protestant churches. Good Friday, along with Ash Wednesday, is an official fast day of the Catholic Church. The Eastern Churches have different customs for the day they call "the Great Friday." The Orthodox Church begins the day with Matins (Morning Prayer), where the "Twelve Gospels" is chanted, which consists of 12 passages drawn from the Passion narratives. In the morning, the "Little Hours" follow one after the other, consisting of Gospel, Epistle, and Prophet readings. Vespers (Evening Prayer) ends with a solemn veneration of the epitaphion, an embroidered veil containing scenes of Christ's burial. Compline (Night Prayer) includes a lamentation placed on the Virgin Mary's lips. On Good Friday night, a symbolic burial of Christ is performed. Traditionally, Chaldean and Syrian Christians cease using their customary Shlama greeting ("peace be with you") on Good Friday and Holy Saturday, because Judas greeted Christ this way. They use the phrase "The light of God be with your departed ones" instead. In Russia, the tradition is to bring out a silver coffin, bearing a cross, and surrounded with candles and flowers. The faithful creep on their knees and kiss and venerate the image of Christ's body painted on the "winding sheet" (shroud). For more information, see The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church and The Catholic Source Book. The celebration of Good Friday is ancient, and some of the practices associated with Good Friday are attested to by Egeria in the 4th century. The day gradually became a time of penance and fasting as the anniversary of the death of Christ. The name "Good Friday" possibly comes from "God's Friday," although the exact reason for the current name is unclear. The custom of venerating the cross on Good Friday probably originated in Jerusalem in the 7th or 8th century, and continues to this day in many Western Churches. Pre-sanctified Masses are referenced in the documents of the Quinisext Council, which was held in AD 692, which means the practice pre-dates the seventh century. The Council mentions Pre-sanctified liturgies as occurring primarily during Lent. Various churches observe Good Friday in addition to Catholics and Eastern Christians. Anglicans, Methodists, and Lutherans all observe Good Friday to varying degrees. * Paschal Triduum * The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church * The Catholic Source Book
(Jewish slaves) from Egypt during the reign of the Pharaoh Ramses II. A time of family gatherings and lavish meals called Seders, the story of Passover is retold through the reading of the Haggadah. With its special foods, songs, and customs, the Seder is the focal point of the Passover celebration. Passover begins on the 15th day of the Jewish month of Nissan. As the Jewish day begins at sundown the night before, for the year 2012, the first night of Passover will be April 6th.
Walk to Work Day as April 2, 2004. With obesity and sedentary lifestyles growing at an alarming rate, National Walk to Work Day was initiated to draw attention to the need to get out and exercise, and to get in shape. On this day, Americans are encouraged to walk to work. If you cannot walk to work, walking during lunchtime, or another time of the day. The goal is to walk 30 minutes a day. Health officials are hoping this will encourage people to add a 30-minute walk to their daily lives. Health officials, medical agencies, and medical organizations around the country state that a 30-minute walk will significantly improve you health. The benefits are many, including lower weight, less chance of heart disease, less risk of diabetes, and much more. This translates to a longer and healthier life. Unmentioned in other articles, are the emotional and mental benefits of walking. Walking is relaxing and peaceful. If you walk in a park, or along a waterfront, it can be captivating. Need a quick picker upper? Take a walk today. Note: Walking is free of charge and as of this writing there is no tax on walking, either. So, if you cannot walk to work today, walk 30 minutes at a convenient time. Then, make it a part of your daily life.
think about it, maybe it is best if you do it, as you never know what a relative or friend may put on your tombstone once you're gone. Or, worse still, what if they "do not" say anything? While we are young, we think this is a long ways away. As we age, and get wiser, more of us consider getting directly involved with our epitaph, as well as all of the details of our demise. So, if you need a little nudge to plan your epitaph, let today be the day.
have been spurned and yet somehow survived it. Take a minute today and reflect upon a past dejection. Then, smile with he realization that stuff happens to all of us. Sorry Charlie.
year. Annually, a different country is selected to host World Health Day events. Sponsored by United Nation's World Health Organization (WHO), World Health Day focuses upon a different health theme each year. It is an international event to emphasize and work on important health issues or problems. Many countries around the world participate. Major activities on world health Day focus upon, awareness, education programs, and fund raising activities to help with the health issue for the year. Countries also work on resolving problems related to the theme. Recent annual themes: * 2006 - Health Workers * 2005 - Make Every Mother and Child Count * 2004 - Road Safety * 2003 - Healthy Environments for Children Click HERE to visit the website for World Health Day Click HERE to visit the website for United Nation's World Health Organization
to someone in need – and learn that giving really does feel as good as receiving. Celebrate Tangible Karma Day by donating items as well as your services to make a difference for someone. You can also donate your items to your local charity or shelter.
and Popcorn. This tasty, chewy treat is hard to beat. Caramel popcorn is readily found in popcorn tins and specialty shops. If you are like me, you do not need an excuse to eat any kind of popcorn, and if so, you can easily participate on this day. While other flavors of popcorn are fine any other day, today it must be caramel popcorn. A great way to make this day truly memorable is to make homemade caramel popcorn. Click HERE for a Homemade Caramel Popcorn Recipe.
No Housework Day is your chance to do anything except housework. Better still, have someone else do the chores for a day. Housework is a daily, seemingly endless and repetitive group of tasks. It often goes unrecognized and worst of all, taken for granted. But, watch out! If the dishes are not clean, or no clean towels, someone takes note. There's two ways to celebrate this day: * If you normally do the housework around the house, cease and desist for this day. Instead, kick back and enjoy the day. Relax and do anything, except housework. * If you are a spouse or significant other, do the housework for your mate. It gives her (or him) a break from the housework and you just might get an appreciation of how much work it takes to keep up the house.
Easter marks the Resurrection of Jesus three days after His Crucifixion. Sandwiched between the 40 preparatory days of Lenten penitence and the seven weeks of Easter tide, it is the most important and most joyous holiday on the Christian calendar. The Easter time line runs as follows: - Shrove Tuesday, aka Mardi Gras - Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent... - Lent — 40 days, excluding Sundays - Holy Week, the last week of Lent, consisting of Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday - Easter Sunday - Easter Monday - Easter tide, the 50 days leading up to Pentecost... Pentecost: Though the New Testament contains no reference to an annual feast celebrating the Resurrection, the practice was well established by the second century. Early churchmen were divided on whether to hold a feast on 14 Nisan (the date of the Biblical Pesach, which morphed into the name for Easter in many languages) or on the following Sunday; disputes and excommunications ensued in this Quartodeciman controversy until the Council of Nicea in 325 decided it must fall on a Sunday. Eventually the date was formulated roughly as "the first Sunday after the full moon that occurs on or after the vernal equinox." This can range between March 22 and April 25. According to the eighth-century theologian the Venerable Bede (who came up with the dating system of AD and BC), Easter is named for Easter, an Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring. She is associated with the egg and with the hare, both symbols of procreation that have been enduringly incorporated by the church in the form of Easter eggs and the Easter bunny who brings them. Easter celebratory ideas: * As always, Pray and secondly, thank God for sending His Son and the opportunity to celebrate with love ones. Also, during prayer, repent. * Attend an Easter vigil, when baptisms take place, Alleluias are said for the first time since the beginning of Lent and the Paschal candle is lit. * Decorate your home and church in white and gold, the colors of Easter. * Wear new clothes to represent a new beginning, especially an Easter bonnet. * Hide decorated Easter eggs for children to find, to represent coming out of the womb/tomb (i.e., Easter's intertwined themes of fertility and resurrection). * Take part in an Easter egg roll. The White House first hosted one during the administration of Rutherford B. Hayes. Easter egg can also refer to an unexpected goodie hidden inside software, a movie, book, CD or DVD. The name comes from the traditional Easter egg hunt.
All is Ours Day is bound to be a spectacular day for everyone. Think of the concept and imagine the possibilities. Let us dissect the meaning and intent of this great day. We will do so by examining the title of this day, word for word. It begins with the word "all". For such a little word, it is all-inclusive. From a possessive standpoint, therefore, we are talking about anything and everything we want. The verb "is" is short, sweet and definite. It leaves no room for doubt or question. Finally, the creator chose the word "our" rather than the word "mine" This is a vital decision allowing, us to completely enjoy today. The greatest events and the best things in life, are those that are shared. The only thing the creator left out is the definition of which "Ours" represents, but that is left up to you.
matter whether you are young or not so young. If you like to draw, then today is a day to draw pictures of a bird or two, or three or even more. You can also celebrate this day with children by grabbing some crayons and opening the curtains and look for some birds. Once you spot a nice one, start drawing. Make sure to autograph your picture. You never know your work may one day become famous!
fresh flowers to temples in remembrance of the Buddha's birth in a grove of blossoming trees. Click HERE for more info.
1963, Winston Churchill became the very first person to become an honorary citizen. He was given this honor posthumously. There have only been 6 people (two are a married couple who received it jointly) to be accorded this stature. To become and be recognized as an honorary US citizen, you have to have made extraordinary accomplishments or contributions in your life and a law must be drafted and voted upon by the U.S. Senate. Celebrate today by reading and learning about Winston Churchill, Britain's Prime Minister during World War II.
Prince Mieszko I in 966 A.D. Baptism with water signifies cleansing, fertility, and purification. Somewhere along the way, the tradition of tossing water on the girls and hitting them with pussy willows evolved. Dyngus Day, also spelled Dingus Day, is a Polish Holiday. It is very popular in Poland, and in Polish communities in America. After the long Lenten holiday, Dyngus Day is a day of fun and can also be a little romantic. Dyngus Day is also called "Wet Easter Monday." Wet Monday is also celebrated at Jonathan Edwards College, one of the residential colleges at Yale University, when each year the freshman class storms the college with water weapons, where upperclassmen are ready to defend the college and ensure no one goes home dry.
you like your name, then change your name for just today. If you do not like your name, use today to select a new name for life! As for me, I like giving EVERYONE MY NAME, as it means so much to me! I know I am a tad selfish and egotistical, but at least I am honest and willing to reveal my flaws.
Bataan Peninsula, which juts into Manila Bay in the Philippines. For nearly five months, the troops had fought ferociously against overwhelming odds until they ran out of food, medical supplies and ammunition. As prisoners of war (POW's), they and thousands of Filipinos were taken to a camp run by the Japanese army. This grueling series of marches are now known as the "Bataan Death March." Following are some compelling - facts about the March. * During World War II, there were approximately 78,000 Allied soldiers stationed in Bataan including 12,000 Americans and 66,000 Filipinos. The poorly trained Filipinos, most of who had never fired a weapon, were thrown into front line combat against highly trained Japanese troops. Americans from non-combatant outfits, such as air corpsmen, and in some instances even civilians, were also formed into provisional infantry units. * Following the surrender, the Japanese army assembled the captive Fil-American soldiers in the various sectors in Bataan, but mainly at Mariveles, the southernmost tip of the Peninsula. Although American trucks were available to transport the prisoners, the Japanese decided to march the soldiers to their destination. * The Death March was really a series of marches, which lasted from five to nine days. The point at which he started on the trail determined the distance a captive had to march. The full route was 55 miles long from Mariveles, Bataan, to San Fernando, Pangpanga. At San Fernando, the prisoners were placed into cargo trains and transported to Capas, Tarlac, and a distance of around 24 miles. They were then marched another six miles to their final destination, Camp O'Donnell. * It is estimated that about 24,000 men died during the March as the tired, sick and starving troops were repeatedly beaten and denied food and water. Many of the soldiers lost their lives to dehydration and heat exhaustion. Those who tried to stop for water or to accept food from the local people were also killed. * Approximately 1,600 Americans died in the first 40 days in Camp O'Donnell. Almost 20,000 Filipinos also lost their lives in their first four months of captivity in the same camp. O'Donnell did not have the sanitation sub-structure or water supply necessary to hold so many men and there was little On June 6, 1942, the Japanese transferred all Americans to Cabanatuan, North of Camp O'Donnell, leaving behind 500 as caretakers and for funeral details. They in turn were sent to Cabanatuan on July 5, 1942. The Filipino prisoners were paroled; beginning in July 1942 medicine available to treat the dysentery and beriberi that was common among the POW's. An inadequate diet also contributed to the high death rate. * Cabanatuan, for most prisoners, ended up being a temporary POW camp. The Japanese had a policy - in direct violation of the Geneva Convention - that prisoners were to be used as a source of labor. Most were sent to various other camps in the Philippines, China, Japan and Korea, where they were used as slave labor. Some worked in mines, others in farms and factories, while yet more unloaded ships in port areas, for the remainder of the war. Most Americans did not find out about the atrocities that took place in Bataan until January 28, 1944, when the U.S. government released a joint report from the Army and Navy. This was compiled from the sworn statements of officers who survived the March and POW camps. * Bataan Day is a national holiday in the Philippines when large groups of its citizens solemnly re-walk parts of the death route and pay homage to the victims of the March. The battleground of Bataan is now a national shrine. In the U.S., the Bataan Memorial Death March takes place each year at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. More than 3,000 marchers from across the U.S. and from overseas tackle a 26.2-mile route through high desert terrain in honor of those who served. Additional information about the Bataan Death March can be found HERE.
this is likely why we celebrate Golfer's Day today. Additionally, someone noted that the tubular steel golf club shaft approved for championship play on this day in 1924. Nonetheless, some avid golfers might suggest that any and every day is Golfer's Day, but this day makes it official. The only question is, does this day honor the golfer, the sport, or the weather? Well, it is a little of each. Golfer's Day is an opportunity to be thankful that someone invented this addicting, yet relaxing hobby. Also referred to as "Golf Day", there is only one proper way to enjoy this day, and that is out on the golf course. When Golfer's Day falls on a weekday, it is even more special. That means you now have an excuse to take a day off work and go play a round ...or two. Regardless of your score today, you know that even a bad day on the greens, is better than a good day at work.
tragic deaths of her brother and sister. Twenty-two State governors have issued proclamation on this day and President Bill Clinton has supported it. However, we are not aware of any presidential proclamation or an act of congress making this a true "National" day. National Sibling Day is a day to appreciate and cherish your brothers and sisters. Siblings are truly a special blessing that we probably all too often take for granted. They are often our best friends and supporters through life. Another reason to celebrate is that not everyone is lucky enough to have siblings. Their lives are significantly different growing up, and throughout life. Celebrate National Sibling Day in a variety of ways. It is a great time to be thankful for your sibling, but more importantly get in touch with your siblings. Visit them if they live nearby. Call them, if they live far away. Send them a card, a letter, gifts, or flowers. National Siblings Day is similar to Brothers and Sisters Day, which is celebrated on May 2nd.
industry. Endless loop-motion-pictures were made from the 1920s on for advertising or other special purposes. With the appearance of inexpensive reel-to-reel tape recorders in the late 1940s, several inventors adapted the endless loop motion picture idea for use with the new German-style plastic recording tapes. Of these inventors, only one, William Powell Lear, gets much attention. Eight Track Tape Day brings back fond memories of the sixties and seventies. During this era, eight track tapes ruled the music world. America's love of the automobile, was a driving force in creating the demand for musical cassette formats. For those who grew up in this era, an eight-track tape player in your home and your car was essential. It was eventually replaced by cassette and other formats for storing music. Eight Track Tape Day is a day to bring back fond memories of the sixties and seventies. If you still have tapes and a player, enjoy the day listening to some great music. If not, just spend a few minutes looking back in time to when you loved your eight track tapes!
the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America in Tulsa, Oklahoma on April 11, 1938. Barbershop Quartets date back to the early 1900's in America. Barbershop quartets are a popular musical group. Musical selections are usually happy and lighthearted, and allow full utilization of the voice ranges and skills of these great singers. Competitions at local and national levels encourage these groups to flourish. Celebrate today by listening to a Barbershop Quartet, either live or recorded.
established on this date in 1900. Our research did not find the creator or the origin of this day, but there are a number of isolated and local events declared to be Submarine Day. The United Kingdom appears to be the most active country with Submarine Day celebrations. National Submarine Day celebrates the submersible boat.
On April 12, 1934, the staff of the Mount Washington Observatory recorded the highest surface wind ever measured, anywhere on earth. This big wind was officially recorded at 231 miles per hour. As of today, this record has never been broken.
Vostok 1. He spent 108 minutes in space. The USSR’s Supreme Council decreed this day on April 9, 1962. This flight marked the beginning of the space race. While Russia (then the USSR), put the first man in space, The United States went on to be the first to put a man on the moon.
and people, both young and old enjoy this game. “Scrabble” was created in 1938 by Alfred Mosher Butts and is now sold by Hasbro, Inc. It is very easy to celebrate Scrabble Day. Just get out the old board game, dust it off, and play a few rounds with family and/or friends. Additionally, Scrabble is a fun way to teach our children how to spell.
passage") is celebrated in Thailand as the traditional New Year's Day from April 13th to April 15th. It coincides with the New Year of many calendars of South and Southeast Asia. On New Year's Eve, Thai people go to Thai Buddhist temples to make merit (free birds, fishes...) and donations (offer buckets, money, rent Buddha statues...). They also come to listen to Dharma speeches told by monks.
to the ancient Hindu calendar, which falls around April 13, 14, or 15 in the Gregorian calendar. The celebration is considered to the most important and biggest traditional festival in the country. The festival coincides with the end of the dry season and the start of the monsoon season. It is seen as a day of rebirth and purification. According to a Lao legend, the Pii May celebration started after Thao Kabinlaphrom lost his life in a bet to a man named Thammaban Khuman. Thao Kabinlaphrom was not able to solve a three-part riddle. Per his request, his seven daughters (representing each day of the week) took great care not to let his severed head touch the ground or there would be great destruction throughout the world. The head was kept at Mt. Sumeru until Pii May of each year when each daughter would take turns cleansing it. Today, this story is reenacted during the Lao New Year celebration. The community chooses one female to represent Nang Sangkhan one of the seven sisters, to lead a procession or parade while highlighting a replica of Thao Kabinlaphrom on a ceremonial tray called Khan. Pii May Lao is a three day event. The first day is called Sangkhan Luang or the last day of the old year. This is the day when people clean their houses in preparation for the New Year. On this day, people earn merit and blessings by building mounds of sand, usually on the riverbanks and temple grounds, which are then decorated with small triangular flags, flowers, money and candles. The second day is called Sangkhan Nao, which is the day between the old and the New Year (This day is considered neither to be part of the old year or the New Year). Sangkhan Nao is also known as the day of rest, which means all work is forbidden. Only fun activities should take place such as visiting relatives and friends, taking a day trip or the customary throwing of water on friends and passersby. At night time, there is usually a Lamvong or circle dancing party and everyone dresses their best to partake in the celebration. Plenty of food and drinks are available well into the night. This year, Sangkhan Nao is only one day long. The third day of the Lao New Year is called Sangkhan Kheun Pii May. It is the start of the New Year and is the most joyous day of the festival. People go to the temple and make offerings to gain merit. Young people prepare scented water with flowers and visit their grandparents, parents, and elders. They rinse the elders’ hands with the water and ask for their blessings and forgiveness for any wrong doings in the past year. At home, they engage in a special family ceremony called the Suukhwan or Baci. This ritual is to welcome the New Year where participants take turns tying the blessed white strings around each other’s wrists to wish them good luck and prosperity for the New Year.
him or herself. What a great time you can have on this day. Imagine all the problems, errors, and mistakes you could heap on someone else today. On this day, you do not have to take responsibility or blame for any faux pas on your part. On the downside, this day comes as a double-edged sword. While you are busy putting the blame elsewhere, someone might just be putting the blame on you! Any blame you place today can come back to bite you tomorrow. So.......if ther is somethin wrong whif the spellin of this artickle, it's not my fallt.....its' yours. Origin of Blame Someone Else Day: We discovered no substantial information about the origin of this day. In the spirit of the day, we will tell you that it was not any of us, but will put the blame on someone else for starting this day. We put the blame on Anne Moeller of Clio, Michigan for creating this day. On the first Friday the 13th of 1982, Anne's alarm clock did not go off, and she over slept. Consequently, she was late for appointments all day long. According to the story, she spent the day spreading the blame, and making excuses for being late.
national holiday since the 1938 Presidential proclamation. Jefferson's Birthday (April 13) officially honors the birth of the third U.S. President, Thomas Jefferson. This day was recognized as part of Presidential Proclamation 2276 on March 21, 1938. More recently, President George W. Bush issued proclamation 8124 on April 11, 2007, stating that "... on Thomas Jefferson Day, we commemorate the birthday of a monumental figure whose place in our Nation’s history will always be cherished"
word performance, food, fashion show, and music, music, music! Often there is an amazing electric guitar stylings of Khmer pop that was in vogue in Cambodia in the 1960s and early 1970s before the Khmer Rouge, traditional flute (khui), xylophone (krim), mouth organ (kaen), and drum (gong) performances as well as many local singers. Performances include a traditional girl's dance known as “Robam Neary Chea Jour,” which is meant to celebrate the beauty and grace of Cambodian women. (Often, this dance is practiced for hours at a time.) The observance of this day is to learn the beauty of their culture and heritage. The vicious Khmer Rouge regime killed an estimated 1.5 to 2 million Cambodians during the 4 years of their reign of terror. During that time, 90 percent of Cambodia’s educated population as well as artists, dancers, and trained musicians died. Despite the tragedies that almost every single Cambodian family in America has experienced, many in the community are coming together to pass on the rich and beautiful traditions of Khmer culture. Through this tragedy, the people have nothing but joy at the Cambodian New Year Festival! Good Krama is a site devoted to selling items such as traditional scarves directly from the women who make them in Cambodia and donate a portion of the proceeds to help women and children in Cambodia.
experience the country's culture and share in its traditions. Burma, known officially as the Union of Myanmar, and bordered by India, China, Bangladesh and Indonesia, is geographically the largest country in Southeast Asia. With all those influences, it contains a mix of ethnicity's and traditions. Thingyan (Burmese MLCTS: sangkran, Arakanese; from Pali sankanta, which translates 'transit [of the Sun from Pisces to Aries] is the Burmese New Year Water Festival and usually falls around mid-April (the Burmese month of Tagu). It is a Buddhist festival celebrated over a period of four to five days culminating in the New Year. Formerly the dates of the Thingyan festival are calculated according to the traditional Burma lunisolar calendar and but now have fixed Roman calendar (April 13th thru April 16th) equivalent it often coincides with Easter. The dates of the festival are observed as the most important public holiday throughout Burma and are part of the summer holidays at the end of the school year. Water-throwing or dousing one another from any shape or form of vessel or device that delivers water is the distinguishing feature of this festival and may be done on the first four days of the festival. However, in most parts of the country, it does not begin in earnest until the second day. Thingyan is comparable to other New Year festivities in Theravada Buddhist areas of Southeast Asia such as Lao New Year, Cambodian New Year and Songkran in Thailand.
this day, right? Could anyone actually want to recognize their Ex? Most of us want to forget them. Hard as it may be to believe, Ex Spouse Day has indeed arrived. Again, we will remind you that we do not create the days we merely report them, so please do not shoot the messenger. All too often, relationships do not work out. Life provides us with many ex-girlfriends, and ex-boyfriends. There are many ex-wives and ex-husbands. Most likely, we would prefer to forget them. With a little stretch of the imagination and an open eye, you may find a few "Ex's" out there that actually has good traits. There are even examples where some people get along better with their ex after the relationship is over. If you value your ex in any way, give him or her whatever appreciation and recognition you feel is appropriate. If you cannot find any redeeming trait, no one will fault you for skipping today's celebrations altogether.
would be nice to meet the creator of this day in person so we could share a laugh together. We found varying dates for this celebration, all in the month of April. But among them, April 14th is the day designated by the creator as International Moment of Laughter Day.
be going on up there. An asteroid or meteor may be on its way. A solar eclipse could be on display. A flock of geese or birds may be over head (you may need to duck for cover). Alternatively, the clouds may be forming into interesting characters and patterns. Take a few minutes out from your busy day to look up at the sky today. If nothing else, the break from the routine will be relaxing. Important Note: If you look up at the sky too long, people are going to think you have nothing better to do, and perhaps you do not!
Pecan trees are the only nut trees native to North America. Celebrate Pecan Day and National Pecan Day by cracking open and eating a few pecan nuts. Also, have some pecan pie. Apparently, someone thought that it was such a great nut that they created two days to celebrate Pecans. One in March, and the other in April. A little nutty perhaps, but true. (Pecan Day is March 25th)
experience. Today, there are no limits as you can literally reach for the sky. Is there something you have wanted to "go for", and felt it was just out of reach? A new job, perhaps or maybe a date with that cute co-worker or classmate. Whatever the challenge you face, if you reach as high as you can, you just might win the prize, but you will never know until you try. So, use Reach as High as You Can Day to reach and attain, or even surpass, your goals and objectives; you will be oh, so glad that you did!
returns are due to the federal government. The term may also refer to the same day for States, even where the tax return due date is a different day. Since 1955, Tax Day is usually on April 15. When April 15 falls on a weekend, Emancipation Day, or any other holiday, tax returns are instead due on the following business day. In 2011, Tax Day was Monday, April 18. In 2012, Tax Day is Tuesday, April 17. In 2013, Tax Day will be Monday, April 15. Federal income tax was introduced with the Revenue Act of 1861 to help fund the Civil War, and subsequently repealed, re-adopted, and held unconstitutional. The early taxes were based on assessments, not voluntary tax returns. Tax payment dates varied by act. The case of Pollock v. Farmers' Loan & Trust Co. challenged the constitutionality of the Wilson-Gorman Tariff Act of 1894, which taxed incomes over $4,000 at the rate of two percent. The case was decided by the United States Supreme Court in 1895. The Supreme Court decided that the Act's un-apportioned income taxes on interest, dividends, and rents were effectively direct taxes. The Act was therefore unconstitutional because it violated the Constitution's rule that direct taxes be apportioned. In 1913, eighteen years later, the Sixteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified. This Amendment gave the United States Congress the legal authority to tax all incomes without regard to the apportionment requirement. The filing deadline for individuals was March 1, 1913 and was changed to March 15, 1918 and again to April 15 in 1955. Today, the filing deadline for U.S. federal income tax returns for individuals remains April 15 or, in the event that the 15th falls on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday, the first succeeding day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or holiday. Tax Day occasionally falls on Patriots' Day, a civic holiday in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and State of Maine, or the preceding weekend. When this occurred for some time, the federal tax deadline was extended by a day for the residents of Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont, and the District of Columbia because the IRS processing center for these areas was located in Andover, Massachusetts and the unionized IRS employees got the day off. In 2011, the Monday, April 18, Tax Day fell on Patriots' Day. However, federal filings were directed to Hartford, Connecticut, Charlotte, North Carolina and Kansas City, Missouri and there was no further extension for Maine, Massachusetts or other surrounding states' residents. The Maine State tax-filing deadline was still extended to April 19 in 2011 due to Patriots' Day. In 2007, Tax Day was on Tuesday, April 17, 2007 because April 15 fell on a Sunday and Monday, April 16 was Emancipation Day, a legal holiday in the District of Columbia. A storm and flooding affected the Northeast that year and certain states were granted additional time to file. In some cases, the deadline was extended to as late as June 25. In 2011, the federal tax deadline was extended to April 18, since Emancipation Day, a holiday in Washington, D.C., was celebrated on April 15, a Friday.
died. On this day in 1912, the Titanic sank in the icy waters of the North Atlantic Ocean. Her builder and designer called the Titanic "unsinkable" and the "safest ship afloat". However, on her maiden voyage from England to New York City, the cruise ship Titanic hit an iceberg in the Atlantic Ocean. This occurred on April 14, 1912 at 11:40p.m. Two hours later, with a gaping gash in her side, the ship quickly sank in icy waters; 1522 passengers and crew died. The historic sinking of the Titanic spurred a numerous of television documentaries, specials, and big screen movies. The most recent was the blockbuster movie Titanic, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. The Titanic had a sister ship, the Olympic. The ships were constructed around the same time, with the Olympic starting first. The Olympic was launched in 1910. She served as a cruise liner until pressed into service during WWI as a troop carrier. She was retired in 1935. Origin of "Titanic Remembrance Day": Our research did not find the creator, or the origin of this day. We found claims for this day on three dates: April 14-15-16. The ship hit an iceberg just before midnight on the 14th. It sank early on the 15th. There is no justification for this day on the 16th that we know of. Click HERE for the history of the Titanic.
and this day is designated to recognize and appreciate the value of that little plug (as manufacturers call them) that sits atop our pencils. When we make a mistake, they are the big "cover-up", make that eraser, of our booboo or faux pas. Just imagine how messy our documents would be without it! Why not just call it "Eraser Day"? There's two reasons. The first erasers were made of rubber. Today, they are made of rubber, or vinyl. Secondly, in Great Britain, they are formally called "rubbers". In the world of erasers, two men are prominent. Joseph Priestley discovered the eraser in 1770, using pieces of rubber imported from Brazil. Then in 1858, Hyman Lipman of Philadelphia, PA patented the pencil with an eraser at the end. Today's Quote: To err is human, an eraser is divine!
and community organizations, supports the fifth annual National Healthcare Decisions Day on April 16, 2012. National Healthcare Decisions Day was established to encourage advance care planning for all adults with decision-making capacity. Although several States and numerous organizations have devoted substantial time and money to improving education about advance care planning, only a small minority of Americans has executed advance directives. National Healthcare Decisions Day mobilizes national, state, and community organizations, healthcare providers, and other key stakeholders to promote awareness, completion and discussion of advance directives. “Advance care planning enables individuals to consider, discuss, and document health care decisions before a crisis occurs,” says NASW Executive Director Elizabeth J. Clark, PhD, ACSW, MPH. “Social workers can help people considering their health care options to explore the goals and values that guide this decision-making process.” Social workers routinely advocate for advance care planning and are an excellent resource for people who are unclear about the benefits of such planning or are reluctant to complete advance directives. Social workers can offer information about the process of creating a living will and choosing a health care agent and often help individuals understand and prepare advance directives. NASW is proud to support National Healthcare Decisions Day 2011 and believes this event will increase Americans’ awareness and use of advance directives. Click HERE for more information on NHDD.
In the States in New England, it is a holiday with a day off work and banks, schools, post offices, and businesses have the day off. Patriot's Day commemorates the Battle of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775. This battle began the American Revolutionary War. It also honors the "Midnight Ride of Paul Revere", that evening when Paul Revere rode through town warning the colonists, "The Red Coats are coming!"
people you know. When you visit your cavernous library in search of a particular book, or a specific research topic, they always quickly point you in the right direction and often do it with a smile. Experts of the Dewey Decimal System, your Librarian aids and assists you in identifying and retrieving a myriad of books, periodicals, and reference material. Librarians hold a wealth of knowledge in their heads. Got a subject you are researching? Chances are, the Librarian will point you right to the book you need. Celebrate the day by sending a card to your librarian. Visit the library today, and make certain to say hello and "Thank you" to all librarians.
Network (HRN). They started this holiday in 1992 to increase public awareness of the causes and cures of stress. Often times, when I feel overwhelmed, I pray and meditate and when able, I enjoy Yoga. Click HERE to learn more about relieving stress.
English muffins. Many people have never had Eggs Benedict. If you are one of the upper crust, you most likely have enjoyed Eggs Benedict a number of times, and perhaps, on a regular basis. Celebrate today by eating Eggs Benedict. If it is your first time, we suggest you go to a restaurant where they know from experience how to properly make it. We do not know the origin of "National Eggs Benedict Day" however, Eggs Benedict was created in New York City over 100 years ago. There are historical claims that one of two individuals are credited with its creation: Mrs. LeGrand Benedict in 1893, and Mr. Lemuel Benedict in 1894.
Organized by members of the Boston Athletic Association (BAA), the race involved only 15 runners. Nowadays the Boston draws anywhere from 7,000 to more than 9,000 official starters, that must meet established qualifying times. Several thousand additional runners participate on an unofficial basis. In 1972, it became the first marathon to officially admit women runners, and in 1975 a wheelchair division was created. The 26.2-mile course begins exactly at noon in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, includes the infamous "Heartbreak Hill" (a section of Commonwealth Avenue in Newton Centre, Massachusetts, that marks the race's 21st mile), and ends near Copley Square in the Back Bay Area. Well-known American winners of the Boston Marathon include the "old" John Kelley, who won twice and last completed the race in 1992 when he was 84; the "young" John J. Kelley (no relation), who was the first American victor in the post-World War II era; and "Tarzan" Brown, who in 1938 took a break at the nine-mile mark for a quick swim in Lake Cochichuate. Among the women, Rosa Mota of Portugal was the first to win three official Boston Marathon titles. And few people will forget the infamous Rosie Ruiz in 1980, who many believed tried to defraud the BAA by showing up at the end of the race to capture the women's laurel wreath, the traditional symbol of victory, without having actually run the full distance; this was substantiated by television coverage of certain checkpoints. Jackie Gareau of Canada was later declared the women's winner, although Ruiz continued to insist that she'd run the race fairly By 1988 the Boston Marathon became the Olympic Marathon trial for nine African countries, leading to what organizers call "the African running revolution." In 1988, a Kenyan runner, Ibrahim Hussein, won the Marathon, becoming the first African to do so. Since then, from 1988 to 2008, all but one winner in the men's division hailed from Africa. That impressive run included two Ethiopians, with all the rest of the winners coming from Kenya.
commemorating the evacuation of the last French soldier and Syria's proclamation of full independence and the end of the French mandate of Syria on April 17, 1946. Syria and France negotiated a treaty of independence in September 1936, and Hashim al-Atassi, who was Prime Minister under King Faisal's brief reign, was the first president to be elected under a new constitution, effectively the first incarnation of the modern republic of Syria. However, the treaty never came into force because the French Legislature refused to ratify it. With the fall of France in 1940 during World War II, Syria came under the control of Vichy France until the British and Free French occupied the country in the Syria-Lebanon campaign in July 1941. Syria proclaimed its independence again in 1941, but it was not until January 1, 1944 that it was recognized as an independent republic. Continuing pressure from Syrian nationalist groups and British pressure forced the French to evacuate their troops in April 1946, leaving the country in the hands of a republican government that had been formed during the mandate.
reason in itself to celebrate as it is truly great to own a pet. There is little documentation on the internet about this day. What information exists may surprise you. The few websites that explain this day, suggest it's a day for your pets to go to work and you stay home. Ha ha, if you own a pet, do a switcheroo of roles today!
all of the projects and things that people have been nagging you to do. This may include quitting a habit, losing weight or working on home projects. The "Honey Do" list or job jar is a top target for today.
cheese balls: There is the light and airy, puffy cheese ball that you munch on for a snack by the dozens and, there's also the cheese ball often decorated with nuts, that sits on a party tray until spread on a cracker. When it comes to the cheese ball snack, we are certain that you cannot eat just one; not even a handful. Cheese balls are addicting. Place a bowl of cheese balls on the counter, and watch them disappear right before your eyes. The cheese balls of holiday trays are equally loved. Strangely, it is wildly popular around the holidays and hard to find other times of year. Celebrate today with cheese balls (both kinds). Serve them after dinner during your favorite television show or whenever it's convenient.
talented people who can juggle many balls and objects at the same time. Common objects include balls, clubs, swords, plates, rings and flaming sticks. The best jugglers can juggle up to ten balls at a time. Juggling is a skill and form of entertainment that has been around for thousands and thousands of years. Some of the earliest recorded history supplies proof that juggling was around during the early days of civilized Man. Juggling is primarily entertainment. It is most well documented in medieval times in Europe. It remains popular today. It can be most frequently seen when the circus comes to town. Some might suggest that office workers are juggles, as they multi-task and keep several "balls" (projects) going at the same time. Celebrate Juggling Day by watching a juggler at work. Better still, get several balls and give juggling a try. You may never know, you just might be a talented juggler! Origin of "Jugglers Day": According to Juggler James Reid: "World Juggling Day was originally established in the mid 1980's as "National Juggling Day" by the International Jugglers' Association (IJA)." Do to the lack of documentation, we are uncertain why there is both an International Juggler's Day and a World Juggler's Day. International Jugglers Day and World Juggler's Day also applies to multi tasking office workers.
established on April 18th in memory of the day columnist and Pulitzer Prize winner, Ernie Pyle who was killed in World War II. We did not find any documentation confirming this to be a "National" day, but you can celebrate this day with your children by having them to read a few columns to you. If they are too young, take the time and read to them, as it is very educational.
Virginia created it. Those students were Conor Lastowka from San Diego, California, Sam Miotke of Corvallis, Oregon, and Wynn Walent of New York City who celebrated with lemonade and a profusion of High Fives. The act of giving a "High Five", dates back to 1977, when it was first used during a Basketball game. Their congratulatory gesture caught on rapidly and has been popular ever since. Gimme a high five. As a matter of fact, give everyone you see a High Five! The "High Five" is a celebratory slapping of hands atop raised arms. It has been a standard for celebration of sporting victories, special event, competitions and many other activities for decades. It is fun, and easy to celebrate this special day. Give a High Five to everyone you see. This includes friends, family, passersby, and total strangers. The more high fives you give, the better. It's okay to give a "Low Five" today, but only after you've given the "High Five". Additional information can be found HERE.
As I reminisce about it now, it was a special time for he and I as he would talk to himself and then to me as he cooked. Back then I hated the smell the garlic residue left on my hands and I kept saying to myself, I would never use garlic. But now that I’m older, I am always concerned that I might run out as I use it quite often. National Garlic Day promotes the many uses of Garlic and there are there are certainly many uses. It is a vegetable and herb, and used in recipes around the world. Garlic has been used medicinally for thousands of years. The only negative thing you can say about it, is that it can negatively affect an otherwise romantic evening. As a medicinal herb, Garlic is used int he following ways: * Phytochemicals in garlic are believed to provide protection against heart disease and cancer, specifically, stomach and colorectal cancers. * Helps to fight off colds and flu. * Lowers blood cholesterol levels. * Reduces the buildup of plaque in arteries. * Used as a treatment for acne and warts. * Used for toothaches. Celebrate National Garlic Day by using it heavily in your meals and snacks today. Spend some time researching its medical benefits. You might find you are adding more garlic to your menu everyday. We all have fears. In fact, there are so many phobias, that psychologists can hardly keep track of them all. Just so you are well informed, Alliumphobia is the fear of garlic.
helping others. They are making big and small differences in the lives of millions of people all over the world. They are saving lives, improving lives and providing comfort and they assist people, animals, and nature. Most volunteers do not ask for recognition, as they just want to help and to "give back" where they can. In documenting special and unique days, this author attempts to avoid editorializing, and keeps to reporting the facts, however I will step away from the norm when speaking to this topic. It is vital and essential that more people get involved as there are so many groups and causes that need volunteer efforts. Moreover, the needs are so broad and urgent, that everyone can find somewhere to volunteer and make a difference. Celebrate this "Volunteer Recognition Day by: * Thanking volunteers for their work * Getting involved yourself in a volunteer activity * Donating to a volunteer group BTW: Volunteers are keeping a big secret from those that don't volunteer. Volunteer activities are energizing and rewarding and it lots of fun and camaraderie. Try it and you will see!
a way to identify oneself with cannabis subculture. The notable day for these is April 20. (Not to be confused with J-Day, an international protest held on the first Saturday of May.)
Today is a day to find someone you really look up to and try to look like them. Start with the hair. Cut and style your hair, as needed, to look like the person you have selected to look like. Then, select items from your wardrobe (or buy some new clothes!) that your look-alike wears. Along the way, make sure to practice and copy their walk, talk and their facial expressions. In other words, try to be as identical to that person as possible. Whom should you look like? Anyone you want. It is as simple as that. Pick an actor or actress, a singer, a politician, family member or friend. Look alike contests and parties are a great idea to celebrate today.
holiday commemorating the anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the first battles of the American Revolutionary War. It is observed on the third Monday in April in Massachusetts and Maine (once part of Massachusetts), and is a public school observance day in Wisconsin. Observances and re-enactment’s of these first battles of the American Revolution occur annually at Lexington Green in Lexington, Massachusetts, (around 6:00 AM) and The Old North Bridge in Concord, Massachusetts, (around 9:00 AM). In the morning, mounted re-enactors with state police escorts retrace the rides of Paul Revere and William Dawes, calling out warnings the whole way.
anxious time for parents and their child. Most parents and children will never forget their first day at Kindergarten. I hope that it was a good experience for all! Kindergarten Day is celebrated in honor of Friedrich Froebel who was born on this day in 1782. In 1837, he started the first Kindergarten in Germany and it quickly became popular. Kindergartens were originally a 1/2-day so that were children acclimated into learning, social interaction in school in a fun a, yet educational manner. Kindergarten has evolved in most areas into a full-time program. This is partly the result of increasing pressures on education, and partly due to the increase in working mothers in America. Celebrate today with a trip down memory lane. Pull out the old pictures of you and/or your child's first day at Kindergarten.
year. Its purpose, as conceived by independent record store employee Chris Brown, is to celebrate the art of music. The day brings together fans, artists, and the over 700 independently owned record stores in the United States, along with hundreds of independent record stores across the world. Record Store Day was officially founded in 2007 by Eric Levin, Michael Kurtz, Carrie Colliton, Amy Dorfman, Don Van Cleave and Brian Poehner. It is now celebrated globally with hundreds of recording and other artists participating in the day by making special appearances, performances, meet and greets with their fans, the holding of art exhibits, and the issuing of special vinyl and CD releases along with other promotional products to mark the occasion. Record Store Day's website is posted HERE.
program. Girl Scout Leader Day began on April 22, 1982, when a flag honoring Girl Scout leaders was flown over the Capitol building in Washington, D.C. This day honors the thousands of volunteers who help to make the Girl Scout program a success.
environment. Earth Day was founded by United States Senator Gaylord Nelson as an environmental teach-in first held on April 22, 1970. While this first Earth Day was focused on the United States, an organization launched by Denis Hayes, who was the original national coordinator in 1970, took it international in 1990 and organized events in 141 nations. Earth Day is now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network, and is celebrated in more than 175 countries every year. Numerous communities celebrate Earth Week, an entire week of activities focused on environmental issues. In 2009, the United Nations designated.
which reflects the interdependence that exists among human beings, other living species and the planet. For instance, Bolivians call Mother Earth Pachamama and Nicaraguans refer to her as Tonantzin. The proclamation of April 22nd as International Mother Earth Day is an acknowledgement that the Earth and its ecosystems provide its inhabitants with life and sustenance. It also recognizes a collective responsibility, as called for in the 1992 Rio Declaration to promote harmony with nature and the Earth to achieve a just balance among the economic, social and environmental needs of present and future generations of humanity. International Mother Earth Day provides an opportunity to raise public awareness around the world to the challenges regarding the well being of the planet and all the life it supports.
world marathons that make up the World Marathon Majors competition, which has a $1 million prize purse. It has been held each spring in London since 1981. The race is currently sponsored by Virgin Money, as the Virgin London Marathon. The race was founded by the former Olympic champion and journalist Chris Brasher and Welsh athlete John Disley. It is organized by former 10,000m world record holder David Bedford as Race Director and Nick Bitel as Chief Executive. Set over a largely flat course around the River Thames, the race begins at three separate points around Blackheath and finishes in The Mall alongside St. James's Park. Since the first marathon, the course has undergone very few route changes. In 1982, the finishing post was moved from Constitution Hill to Westminster Bridge due to construction works. It remained there for twelve years before moving to its present location at The Mall. In addition to being one of the top five international marathons run over the traditional distance of 42.195 km (26 miles and 385 yards), the London Marathon is also a large, celebratory sporting festival, second only to the Great North Run in Newcastle, in terms of the number of participants. The event has raised over £450 million for charity since 1981, and holds the Guinness world record as the largest annual fund raising event in the world, with the 2009 participants raising over £47.2 million for charity. In 2007, 78% of all runners raised money. In 2011, the official charity of the London Marathon was Oxfam.
Union troops fighting in the Civil War. The original candy maker is unknown. National Jelly Bean Day is a time to enjoy gobs and gobs of jelly beans. Anyone, who loves jellybeans, knows they are not just for Easter, but enjoyed year round. The flavors are limited only by the imagination of candy makers. If you have never enjoyed the multitude of flavors in a box of gourmet jelly beans, we suggest you head right out to the store and buy some. Our research did not find the creator or origin of this day, however former president Ronald Reagan was well known for his love of jelly beans.
4th Sunday in Lent. Secularly it became a celebration of motherhood. It is increasingly being called Mother's Day, although in countries other than the UK and Ireland that holiday has other origins. In the UK it is considered synonymous with Mother's Day as celebrated in other countries. In the Roman religion, the Hilaria festival was held in honor of the mother goddess Cybele and it took place during mid-March. As the Roman Empire and Europe converted to Christianity, this celebration became part of the liturgical calendar as Laetare Sunday, the fourth Sunday in Lent to honor the Virgin Mary and the "mother church".
in love, everyday is Lover's Day. Sometimes however, shy and timid people need a little incentive to express their love or to take a "leap". Valentine's Day is one such opportunity, and Lover's Day is yet another chance at love. Some people plan their weddings on Lover's Day. It certainly is an appropriate date. So, what do you do on Lover's Day? For starters, express your love to that special someone in whatever way you feel is appropriate. It does not have to be gifts. We suggest you cap off this day doing what lovers do…
On this day, lovers of this sweet, nutritious dessert and breakfast food have an excuse to indulge in a slice, or even bake up a batch at home to devour alone or share with friends and family. Zucchini is a summer squash that is green in color. It is sometimes referred to as Italian squash. Its appearance is often compared to that of a cucumber. It is high in a nutrient called lutein, which is known to protect the eyesight. Zucchini bread is considered to be a healthy dessert choice when made with other nutritious ingredients, and zucchini can be used to make soups, casseroles and other dishes. There is a food holiday for almost every single day of the calendar, and more than one such holiday sometimes occurs on the same day. It can prove difficult to track down the origins of these food holidays, as they are generally not made into law (although various federal and local government officials may proclaim them. Making zucchini bread at home, or by purchasing a loaf or slice of the stuff at a local food store or bakery may honor national Zucchini Bread Day. While there is a chance that special events or promotions may occur on this day, they are likely to be regional.
pretty risky (but fun) to me… Life is filled with risks. To get what you want sometimes you have to take a chance and today is created to do just that. Today is the day to take a chance on virtually any object or goal. Will it be love, luck or just lollipops? We hope you fully participate in this day, and that you attain everything you seek. So go ahead and take a chance. As they say "Nothing ventured, nothing gained". Note: If you are going to "take a chance" at winning the lottery, we suggest you only buy one ticket. After all, everyone is going to take a chance today, so the odds are really low.
cures are born. It is also where mad scientists dwell. Countless ideas, concepts and theories are tested in laboratories. Most of the world's greatest medical treatments and cures were discovered and perfected in laboratories, after endless study and testing. Products coming out of laboratories have helped and aided mankind in many, many ways. One of the most well known things to come out of laboratory was Frankenstein! Celebrate World Laboratory Day by learning more about how they work. If you chance across a laboratory worker (or mad scientist) today, wish them a Happy World Laboratory Day. Interesting information about the National Lab Network can be found HERE.
Key West, Florida from the United States on April 23, 1982. It has been maintained as a tourism booster for the city since. Since then, the term "Conch Republic" has been expanded to refer to "all of the Florida Keys, or, that geographic apportionment of land that falls within the legally defined boundaries of Monroe County, Florida, northward to 'Skeeter's Last Chance Saloon' in Florida City, Dade County, Florida, with Key West as the nation's capital and all territories north of Key West being referred to as 'The Northern Territories'." While the protest that sparked the creation of the Conch Republic (and others that have occurred since then) have been described by some as "tongue-in-cheek", they were motivated by frustrations over genuine concerns. The original protest event was motivated by an U.S. Border Patrol roadblock and checkpoint which greatly inconvenienced residents and was detrimental to tourism in the area. The Conch Republic celebrates Independence Day every April 23 as part of a week-long festival of activities involving numerous businesses in Key West. The organization – a "Sovereign State of Mind," seeking only to bring more "Humor, Warmth, and Respect" to a world in sore need of all three according to its Secretary General, Peter Anderson – is an essential tourism booster for the area.
Saint George is the patron saint. St George's Day is celebrated on 23 April, the traditionally accepted date of Saint George's death in AD 303. For Eastern Orthodox Churches who use the Julian calendar, 23 April corresponds to 6 May on the Gregorian calendar. As Easter often falls close to St George's Day, the church celebration of the feast may be moved from April 23rd. In 2011 and 2014, the Anglican and Catholic calendars celebrate St. George's Day on the first Monday after Easter Week (2 May and 28 April, respectively). Similarly, the Eastern Orthodox celebration of the feast moves accordingly to the first Monday after Easter or, as it is else called, to the Monday of Bright Week. Countries that celebrate St George's Day include England, Bulgaria, Canada, Catalonia, Croatia, Portugal, Cyprus, Greece, Georgia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Republic of Macedonia. Cities include Moscow in Russia, Genova in Italy, Ljubljana in Slovenia, Beirut in Lebanon, Qormi and Victoria in Malta and many others. It is also celebrated in the old Crown of Aragon in Spain—Aragon, Catalonia, Valencia, and Majorca. St. George's Day is known as the Feast of Saint George by Palestinians and is celebrated in the Monastery of Saint George in al-Khader, near Bethlehem. It is also known as Georgemas.
and is observed by Armenians in dispersed communities around the world on April 24. It is held annually to commemorate the victims of the Armenian Genocide from 1915 to 1923. In Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, hundreds of thousands of people walk to the Tsitsernakaberd Genocide Memorial to lay flowers at the eternal flame. The date April 24th commemorates the Armenian notables deported from the Ottoman capital in 1915, of hundreds of Armenian intellectuals and community leaders, most of whom would be executed, which was a precursor to the ensuing events.
somewhere decided that this was a very special treat to him or her, so they created a special day to celebrate this culinary delight. Pigs in blankets (also known as worstenbroodjes or saucijzenbroodjes (Dutch), kilted sausages (UK), or in Danish polse'i svob) refers to different sausage-based foods in the United States, United Kingdom, Denmark, Australia, Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands, Russia, Canada, and Japan. They are often different from sausage rolls. In the United States, the term "pigs in a blanket" often refers to hot dogs, Vienna sausages, or breakfast/link sausages wrapped in biscuit dough, pancake, or croissant dough, and baked. The dough is sometimes homemade, but canned dough is most common. They are somewhat similar to a sausage roll or (by extension) a baked corn dog. They are served as an appetizer, a children's dish, or as a breakfast entree. A common variation is to stuff the hot dog or sausage with cheese before wrapping it in dough. At breakfast or brunch, the term "pigs in a blanket" refers to sausage links with pancake wrapped around it. In regions heavily influenced by Slovak immigrants, such as northern Pennsylvania and northeastern Ohio, the term usually refers instead to stuffed cabbage rolls such as the Polish or Ukrainian gotabki. The American Farm Bureau Foundation's Dates to Celebrate Agriculture calendar includes a "National Pigs-in-a-Blanket Day" to be observed every April 24th.
through the work of Harry F. Klemfuss of Young and Rubicam. Klemfuss recognized the importance and value of the position to a company or business. His goal was to encourage more women to become secretaries. Using his skill and experience in public relations, Klemfuss, promoted the values and importance of the job of secretaries. In doing so, he also created the holiday in recognition of the importance of secretaries. Today, the title is changing and evolving. But, the recognition is equally important. There are two new terms in use today. They are "Administrative Professionals" and "Executive Admins". The two names sometimes mean different roles and responsibilities to different companies. Both are broader terms that encompass more positions than the original "Secretary" role. The name change recognizes and acknowledges that the role has changed significantly since 1952, and for the better at that. In addition, Harry Klemfuss' day, these positions were the realm of women. Today, you find some males in these positions. The most common ways of recognizing your Administrative Professional(s) today are: * Flowers * Cards, often with shopping gift certificates * Take them to lunch * Candies * Assorted Gift Baskets
In the United States, the appearance of license plates is frequently chosen to contain staples, cultures, or slogans associated with the issuing jurisdiction, which are the 50 U.S. States and the District of Columbia, each of which independently registers motor vehicles. The First License Plates Issued in the U.S. (1903): Although New York was the first state to require automobiles have license plates (1901), these plates were made by individual owners (with the owner's initials) rather than state-issued plates. The first state-issued license plates were issued in Massachusetts, beginning in 1903. The very first plate, featuring the number "1," was issued to Frederick Tudor. (One of his relatives still holds an active registration on the plate.) These early Massachusetts license plates were made of iron and covered in a porcelain enamel. The background was colored a cobalt blue and the number was in white. Along the top of the plate, also in white, were the words: "MASS. AUTOMOBILE REGISTER." The size of the plate was not constant; it grew wider as the plate number reached into the tens, hundreds, and thousands. Massachusetts was the first to issue license plates, but other states soon followed. As automobiles began to crowd the roads, it was necessary for all states to find ways to start regulating cars, drivers, and traffic. Additional License Plates History can be found HERE.
spontaneous commemorations praising the elemental civil liberties and political freedoms achieved after the revolution. The Carnation Revolution (Portuguese: Revolucao dos Cravos), also referred to as the 25 de Abril (the 25th of April), was a military coup started on April 25, 1974, in Lisbon, Portugal, coupled with an unanticipated and extensive campaign of civil resistance. The name "Carnation Revolution" comes from the fact no shots were fired and when the population started descending the streets to celebrate the end of the war in the colonies. Carnation flowers were put on the guns' ends and on the uniforms. These events effectively changed the Portuguese regime from an authoritarian dictatorship (the Estado Novo) into a democracy, and produced enormous social, economic, territorial, demographic, and political changes in the country. After two years of a transitional period known as PREC (Processo Revolucao Em Curso, or On-Going Revolutionary Process), characterized by social turmoil and power disputes between left- and right-wing political forces. Despite repeated appeals from the revolutionaries on the radio asking the population to stay home, thousands of Portuguese descended on the streets, mixing with the military insurgents. The military-led coup returned democracy to Portugal, ending the unpopular Colonial War where thousands of Portuguese soldiers had been conscripted into military service, and replacing the authoritarian Estado Novo (New State) regime and its secret police which repressed elemental civil liberties and political freedoms. It started as a professional class protest of Portuguese Armed Forces captains against a decree law: the Dec. Lei n o 353/73 of 1973. A group of Portuguese low-ranking officers organized in the Armed Forces Movement (MFA – Movimento das Forças Armadas), including elements who had been fighting the pro-independence guerrillas in the Portuguese empire's territories in Africa, rose to overthrow the corporatist and authoritarian Estado Novo regime that had ruled Portugal since the 1930s. Portugal's new regime pledged itself to end the colonial wars and began negotiations with the African independence movements. By the end of 1974, Portuguese troops had been withdrawn from Portuguese Guinea and the latter had become a UN member. This was followed by the independence of Cape Verde, Mozambique, Sao Tome and Principe and Angola in 1975. The Carnation Revolution in Portugal also led to Portugal's withdrawal from East Timor in Southeast Asia. These events prompted a mass exodus of Portuguese citizens from Portugal's African territories (mostly from Angola and Mozambique), creating over a million destitute Portuguese refugees — the retornados. Although the regime's political police, PIDE, killed four people before surrendering, the revolution was unusual in that the revolutionaries did not use direct violence to achieve their goals. Holding red carnations (cravos in Portuguese), many people joined revolutionary soldiers on the streets of Lisbon, in apparent joy and audible euphoria. Red is a symbolic color for socialism and communism, which were the main ideological tendencies of many anti-New State insurgents. It was the end of the Estado Novo, the longest authoritarian regime in Western Europe, and the final dissolution of the Portuguese Empire. In the aftermath of the revolution a new constitution was drafted, censorship was formally prohibited, free speech declared, political prisoners were released and the Portuguese overseas territories in Sub-Saharan Africa were immediately given their independence as communist states. East Timor was also offered independence, being invaded by neighboring Indonesia afterwards.
teams hold it. It does not have to be limited to sports teams. It could be any club or organization that holds competitions, and can be geographically separated into East and West groups. These special games usually serve a number of purposes, including for charitable benefits, Sports booster club and/or to honor and/or showcase the best players of the season. Celebrate "East Meets West Day" by holding an East Meets West game or competition and/or participate or attend one of these games, if possible.
year on or around April 25th. Penguins do not fly rather they walk or waddle their way to and from. Penguins are found in Antarctica, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Peru, the Falkland Islands, and the Galapagos Islands. Elsewhere, they are only found in zoos. Our research did not uncover any information about the origin or consensus on World Penguin Day, but instead, found several conflicting dates on January 20th, as Penguin Awareness Day. About Penguin Awareness Day and World Penguin Day: Penguin Awareness Day and World Penguin Day are great opportunities to learn about and appreciate one of the few natives of Antarctica. On these days, spend a little time learning about them. A pictorial book or internet site is fun. You can also watch a documentary of these cute and popular, grounded birds. These days are also a time to wear black and white---penguin colors. However, wearing a tuxedo in their honor is optional. It is also popular today to tell a penguin joke or two.
both countries on 25 April every year to honor the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought at Gallipoli in the Ottoman Empire during World War I. It now more broadly commemorates all those who died and served in military operations for their countries. Anzac Day is also observed in the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tonga. It is no longer observed as a national holiday in Samoa. Anzac Day marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. The acronym ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, whose soldiers were known as Anzacs. Anzac Day remains one of the most important national occasions of both Australia and New Zealand, a rare instance of two sovereign countries not only sharing the same remembrance day, but making reference to both countries in its name. When war broke out in 1914, Australia and New Zealand had been dominions of the British Empire for thirteen and seven years respectively.
Born April 26, 1900, American seismologist Charles F. Richter (1900–1985) invented the Richter Scale in 1935. The Richter Scale measures the amount of energy released by an earthquake by measuring the magnitude or seismic waves produced by an earthquake. The Richter Scale measures from 0 to 9. On the scale, each increase in number represents an earthquake 10 times more powerful. At 4.5, an earthquake can damage buildings and structures. At 7 on the Richter scale, severe and catastrophic damage can occur.
initiated in 1993 by the Ms. Foundation for Women. The intention was to give girls additional direct attention and an insight into work world opportunities available to them. It was to serve the multiple purpose of increased self-esteem for young girls as well as give them some ideas of the wealth of careers in the world. Thirdly, it allowed them more one-on-one time with mom or dad. It quickly took off and became extremely popular. Girls would go off to work with mom or dad or even an aunt or uncle. They would spend the day seeing just what their sponsors' job involved. It was limited only by the practicality of allowing a youthful non-employee in a particular job environment. It works well in office environments, but proves impractical in most blue-collar jobs or where safety can be an issue. Its popularity quickly sparked interest by the boys who soon felt left out and were required to go to school for the day while the girls "got the day off". Consequently, the day has turned to "Take your son or daughter to work day" in many areas. While this takes away from the original intent to give more attention to adolescent girls, it has become a valuable and popular career day opportunity for girls and boys alike. Additional Information can be found HERE.
United States. This day was a day to show our great appreciation for all the love and support the Aussies has given us over the years. It's Hug an Australian Day so go ahead and give a big bear hug to any and all Australians today. This is a great opportunity for you to do your part in improving international relations and hugs benefit the receiver as well as the giver. Go ahead. Give an Australian a hug today. It will do you both good!
What is the difference between a hard pretzel and a soft one? How is a pretzel twisted into that shape anyway? A trip to the Pretzel Museum will answer those queries as well as any other pretzel-related posers one may have. Genial pretzel aficionados lead tours in the museum. The pretzelphyte is led past walls bearing pretzel photos and pretzel trivia. A 7-minute film detailing the history of this contorted wonder and demonstrating modern baking techniques is first up on the tour. The film gives the viewer some fun thoughts to chew on. For instance, certain pretzel historians claim the pretzel is the world's oldest snack food. Further, the pretzel is believed to have been invented by an Italian Monk in the 6th century that rewarded church-going youngsters with this doughy bribe. The word pretzel probably descends from the Latin word "Pretzola," or "little reward," and evolved into the Italian word "brachiola" which means "little arms." Legend has it that the pretzel represents arms crossed in prayer, and that the three holes represent the Trinity. The pretzel probably traveled to America with the Palantine Germans who were later known as the Pennsylvania Dutch. Not too surprisingly, the German word for pretzel is "bretzel". Lititz, a city outside of Lancaster in Pennsylvania Dutch country is said to be the birthplace of the American pretzel. Another legend has it that in the late 1850s, a hobo jumped off a train in Lititz and was given a free meal by a baker named Ambrose Roth. In exchange for Roth's munificence, the hobo gave the baker a recipe for the pretzel. Roth passed on the recipe to his apprentice, William Sturgis, who baked the first American pretzel in 1861. As to why some pretzels are hard while others are soft: Some think that all pretzels were soft until one night a baker fell asleep while a batch of pretzels were cooking. The pretzels had the moisture cooked out of them — hence the hard pretzel. Back to the museum! After the movie, one is led to a table and given hands-on instructions on the art of pretzel twisting. While one may never get to be Helen Hoff, who at 57 pretzels per minute is the world-champion twister, even the most ham-handed on the tour has rolled a respectable pretzel. The museum also contains an on-site pretzel bakery. And like the churchgoing children of the sixth century, you are rewarded with a pretzel for attending the museum. Unfortunately the Pretzel Museum has closed and gone out of business. An average pretzel has 3.5 grams of fat and 260 calories. German kids wear pretzels around their neck for good luck on New Years. Pretzels top some Christmas trees in Austria. * A page in the prayer book used by Catharine of Cleves depicts St. Bartholomew surrounded by pretzels which were thought to bring good luck * Prosperity and spiritual wholeness * Pretzels without salt are called baldies * An 1859 parade in New Orleans featured a float carrying a pretzel-baking machine.
commemorates the first post-apartheid elections held on that day in 1994. They were the first national elections in South Africa in which the franchise did not depend upon race. On Freedom Day, we commit ourselves to ensuring the defense of the sacred freedoms that we had won as a result of a long, difficult and costly struggle. We remind ourselves that the guarantee of these freedoms requires permanent vigilance. It is our pledge to devote ourselves to continue to work to wipe out the legacy of racism in our country. We need to ensure that all our people enjoy these freedoms not merely as theoretical rights but they must form the daily life experience of all South Africans. Click HERE to read more (a VERY informative site)
encouraged to plant and care for trees. It originated in Nebraska City, Nebraska, United States during 1872 by J. Sterling Morton. The first Arbor Day was held on April 10, 1872, and an estimated 1 million trees were planted that day. Many countries now observe a similar holiday. Though usually observed in the spring, the date varies, depending on climate and suitable planting season. Birdsey Northrop of Connecticut was responsible for globalizing it when he visited Japan in 1883 and delivered his Arbor Day and Village Improvement message. In that same year, the American Forestry Association made Northrop the Chairman of the committee to campaign for Arbor Day nationwide. He also brought his enthusiasm for Arbor Day to Australia, Canada and Europe. Arbor Day reached its height of popularity on its 125th anniversary in 1997 when David J. Wright noticed that a Nebraska nonprofit organization called the National Arbor Day Foundation had taken the name of the holiday and commercialized it for their own use as a trademark for their publication "Arbor Day." So David J. Wright countered their efforts, launched a website, and trademarked it for "public use celebrations" and defended the matter in a federal district court in the United States to ensure it was judged as property of the public domain. The case was settled in October 1999. Today anyone can use the term "Arbor Day" as well as hold their own Arbor Day celebration. Click HERE for additional information.
attended Yankee Stadium for Babe Ruth Day. It was to be the 2nd last time he was at the stadium. On this day in 1947, "The Bambino" returned to "The House that Ruth Built" to be honored.
observance in the United States. The purpose of the day is to celebrate prime rib. The rib section of a cow produces very tender and juicy meat, which also includes rib eye steaks. Usually thought to be in the same classification of beef as steak, prime rib is actually from the cut of meat that butchers call a standing rib roast. It is common in many restaurants to serve prime rib from a cart where it can be cut to order from the roast. The origin of National Prime Rib Day is a mystery. Prime rib is more often served as part of a special occasion than as a regular household menu item. One example is that prime rib is served at Christmas in England. One reason that prime rib is not more commonly consumed is that it is a top quality cut of meat and can be expensive for the average consumer. It has not always been that way. Prime rib can be traced back as a staple of the English diet, notably as a Sunday dinner item. At that time, prime rib was made from a cheaper cut of meat. National Prime Rib Day is celebrated by the cooking and eating of prime rib. Some people may choose to go to a restaurant to have their prime rib, while others may wish to try cooking it at home.
non-fiction, a tall tale, or folklore. Today is a day to tell 'em all. Stories can be from a book, other written material, or from memory. Our research discovered two distinct holidays, one in the U.S. The other is in Scotland and the UK. The latter is by far more prominent and organized. These two holidays are exactly six months apart. Libraries celebrate this day with story telling hours for kids. You can enjoy today telling stories to your kids, family members, or organizations and groups that you belong. Make Tell a Story Day an important and pleasure-filled experience. To enhance the enjoyment of the story, try setting the atmosphere. If it is an eerie or spooky story, turn down the lights. Bring decorations and memorabilia that speak to the theme. If it is about a person, display a picture of the individual. In Scotland and England, National Tell a Story Day is October 27th. We wonder why the British holiday and the U.S. holiday are exactly six months apart. We believe there is some kind of story here.
Slovenia to commemorate the establishment of Slovenia’s Liberation "Front to Fight" the occupying forces of nearby European countries such as Germany, Italy, and Hungary. It is formerly known as Liberation Front Day and a considered a work-free day. Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, saw the birth of Liberation Front of the Slovenian People or the anti-imperialist Front on April 26, 1941 that was created to free the Slovenians from foreign occupation. This massive movement is driven by the some of the most notable Slovenians writers and literary critics during the protest such as Ferdo Kozakand and Josip Vidmar, the Communist Party of Slovenia, the dissident or breakaway group of Slovene Sokols and some Christian Socialists. A quick civil war broke out in the Spring of 1942 between the Liberation Front of the Slovenian People and the Slovene Home Guard which are anti-Communist militia in the province of Ljubljana sponsored by the Axis powers. The former took over some portions of territories in Slovenia and contributed, to a large extend, the fall of Nazi Germany, and partly, the fascist Italy. The Liberation Front of the Slovenian People was renamed Socialist Alliance of the Working People of Slovenia at the wake of the Second World War. The Slovenian monument features three beams pointing to the heavens painted in the colors of the Slovenian flag. They angle as a reminder of an old proverb that reads, "We bend but never break.” The three pyramids represent Mount Triglav, the tallest mountain in Slovenia. Triglav is also the name of the monument itself, designed by Mr. Miro Korsik of Toronto. During the holiday, events such as public speeches from surviving Slovenian guerillas and political groups gather at the Monument of Freedom, created by Jakob Savinek (1922-1961) to commemorate this momentous event which liberated the country from foreign rule during World War II. Speeches signify stories about how Slovenes were united during the occupation and how the establishment of liberation army helped Slovenia gain its independence from the three occupying European powers.
and its efforts to protect American workers. Observed: Annually April 28 (some observations held on 4th Friday of April) Workers' Memorial Day, International Workers' Memorial Day or International Commemoration Day (ICD) for Dead and Injured or Day of Mourning takes place annually around the world on April 28, an international day of remembrance and action for workers killed, disabled, injured or made unwell by their work. Click HERE for more information.
public and various astronomy enthusiasts, groups and professionals. This event was started in 1973 by Doug Berger, the president of the Astronomical Association of Northern California. His intent was to set up various telescopes in busy urban locations so that those who passed by could enjoy views of the heavens. Since then the event has expanded and is now sponsored by a number of organizations associated with astronomy. Astronomy Day also forms part of Astronomy Week, which begins on the preceding Monday. Astronomy Day occurs on a Saturday between mid-April and mid-May, and is scheduled to occur at or just before the first quarter Moon. This means that the event happens on a different date each year, rather than a set calendar date.
There's lots of poetry out there. Today is intended to read the world's greatest poetry. Celebrate today in any or all of the following ways: * Read poetry * Hold a poetry reading hour or party * Listen to poetry * Write your own poetry (someday it may be looked upon as great!) Tip: Guys, you will score a lot of points, if you read romantic poetry to your lady today, and also, today is Kiss Your Mate Day.
Kiss Your Mate Day is a perfect chance to smooch with your partner. As if you need an opportunity to share a kiss or two with the one you love. With spring in the air, April is an appropriate time for Kiss Your Mate Day. Some people may ask, "Why you need a holiday to kiss your mate?" Others say, "Every day should be Kiss Your Mate Day." Unfortunately, researchers tell us that kissing, an important part of romance and intimacy, is the first thing to go in a relationship. If you do not currently kiss your mate everyday, use today to re-establish kissing in your life. We do not need to tell you the traditions of this great holiday so just get to it! Here are some Kiss Your Mate Day tips and rules: * There is no limit to the number of times you can kiss your mate today. * There is no limit to the number of kisses you can share today. * It is highly recommended that you limit your kisses to just one mate. * If you don't have a mate, it's all right to kiss someone who is not formally your mate as you never know this day may be a beginning to something. * You can kiss your mate wherever you want (location/place). * You can kiss your mate wherever you want (anatomically speaking) * Giving candy or flowers is not required, but we suggest that those who do will receive more kisses.
culture, Greenery day is a time to commune with nature and to be thankful and appreciative of it's abundance. Celebrate Greenery Day with a nature walk or by doing a project to improve or preserve nature. Greenery Day is celebrated as the birthday of the Japanese Emperor Hirohito. It has been held since 1989. Greenery Day (Midori no hi) is a Japanese holiday. Between 1989 and 2006 it was celebrated on April 29. In 2007, Greenery Day was moved to May 4. The present observation of Greenery Day as a national holiday in Japan stems from the celebration of the Emperor Showa's birthday on April 29 every year during the Showa era. In 1989, following the ascension of the current Emperor Akihito to the Chrysanthemum Throne, the name of the holiday was changed from "Birthday of the Emperor" to "Greenery Day". Officially, as its name suggests, it is a day to commune with nature and to be thankful for blessings. The day was renamed to "Greenery Day" to acknowledge the controversial wartime emperor's love for plants without directly mentioning his name. However, in practice it is seen as just another day that expands the Japanese Golden Week vacation. In 2007, Greenery Day moved to May 4, and April 29 was changed to Showa Day in accordance with a 2005 revision of the law pertaining to public holidays. The Showa Emperor reigned for 62 years and 2 weeks. On May 3, 1947, he became a symbol of Japan by the new constitution of the country.
Birthday from 1927 to 1988, then renamed as Greenery Day after Hirohito's death in 1989. It is usually marked as the first day of "Golden Week", a week-long holiday period.
is also 'May sickness', where new students or workers start to be tired of their new routine. Golden Week, often abbreviated to simply GW and also known as Ogon shukan Golden Week) or Ogara renkyu ("Large consecutive holiday") is a Japanese term applied to the period containing the following public holidays: * April 29 - Emperor's Birthday (Tenno tanjobi ), until 1988, Greenery Day (Midori no hi), from 1989 until 2006, Showa Day (Showa no hi), from 2007 * May 3 - Constitution Memorial Day (Kenpo kinenbi) * May 4 - Holiday † (Kokumin no kyyjitsu), from 1985 until 2006, Greenery Day (Midori no hi), from 2007 * May 5 - Children's Day (Kodomo no hi), also customarily known as Boys' Day (Tango no sekku). "kokumin no kyujitsu" or "citizen's holiday" is a generic term for any official holiday. May 4 - was until 2007 - an unnamed but official holiday because of a rule that converts any day between two holidays into a new holiday. Note: May Day (on May 1st) is not a public holiday. Instead, Japan has Labour Thanksgiving Day, a holiday with a similar purpose. When a public holiday lands on a Sunday, the next day that is not already a holiday becomes a holiday for that year.
Shrimp scampi is simple and easy to make. Just cook the shrimp along with butter and chopped garlic in a skillet.
April 30th, (the 29th if the 30th falls on a Sunday), Koninginnedag is Queen Beatrix's official birthday. Though Queen Beatrix was born on January 31st, the holiday is observed on April 30th, as it was the birthday of her mother and predecessor, Juliana. Many of the traditional activities are held outside, and observing the holiday in April makes suitable weather more likely. The holiday was first observed on August 31, 1885 as Prinsessedag or Princess's Day, the fifth birthday of Princess Wilhelmina, heiress to the Dutch throne. On her accession, the holiday acquired its present name, Koninginnedag. When held on 31 August the holiday was the final day of school summer vacation, leading to its popularity among children. Following the accession of Wilhelmina's daughter Queen Juliana in 1948, the holiday was moved to her birthday. Her daughter, Beatrix retained the celebration on 30 April after she took the throne in 1980. Beatrix altered her mother's custom of receiving a floral parade near a royal palace, instead choosing to visit different Dutch towns each year and join in the festivities. In 2009, the Queen was carrying out this custom in the town of Apeldoorn when a car was driven into a crowd surrounding the royal family's vehicle; seven people in the crowd were killed, and the car's driver also died soon afterwards. Koninginnedag is known for its nationwide vrijmarkt ("free market" or flea market), at which many Dutch sell their secondhand items. It is also an opportunity for "orange madness" or oranjegekte, for the national colour, when the normally straight-laced Dutch let down their hair, often dyed orange for the occasion.
individuality. Each generation of youth creates it's own hairstyles, or come back to style that were popular years ago. We include among the hairstyles, hair coloring and shaved heads. After all, no hair is a hairstyle. Perhaps the most famous hairstyle for women was the "beehive" of the fifties. During the same period, crew cuts were the cut of choice for the guys. Celebrate today with a new hairstyle. Guys: Make sure to take notice and compliment the ladies on how nice their new "do" looks. VERY IMPORTANT: Click HERE for the best hairstyles!
try your best to be honest. Honesty is a great virtue. If we want people to believe us when its important then we need to be open and honest at all times. We all know about the boy who cried wolf. When a wolf actually appeared, no one believed him. Celebrate National Honesty Day in a completely open and honest way. There are few rules for this special day: just be honest. M. Hirsh Goldberg, former press secretary to a governor of Maryland and author of five books, created National Honesty Day in the early 1990s after spending four years researching and writing The Book of Lies (Morrow). This book has been translated into Japanese, Korean and Chinese. Goldberg created this day, because he felt that the month of April, which begins with a big day of lying (April Fools Day), should end on a higher moral note. This is referred to as a "National" day. However, we did not find any congressional records or presidential proclamations for this day. |
| "The sun was warm but the wind was chill. You know how it is with an April day. When the sun is out and the wind is still, You're one month on in the middle of May. But if you so much as dare to speak, a cloud come over the sunlit arch, And wind comes off a frozen peak, And you're two months back in the middle of March." - Robert Frost, Two Tramps in Mud Time, 1926 |
| Recently, I was asked why I allowed others to post and/or took so much time in directing people to Black History links. Well, my answer is simple: Out here, there are a lot (too many) of Black youngsters who do not know their history – mainly Black History. I want them to know. It is important to me that they know. Yes, it is important to me that everyone embraces God and I appreciate most – but not all – biblical postings. When or if I said ‘all biblical postings,’ I would set myself up for a controversial religious dialogue and I don’t want that, so I leave that up to those who actually study the Word. Anyway, when it comes to Black History, I find that my generation and those that follow have not taken time to teach our children about Black African american History. When juveniles join gangs because they are searching for a family and/or say ‘they’ve never had anything, so why should they be about anything.’ Well, I want – need – them to know that it is not true. There are plenty of Black African americans who struggled and made something out of nothing, and these youngsters can do the same. If Barack Obama can be president of these divided states, then all Black African americans can achieve the unthinkable and climb to immeasurable heights. I need us and all Americans to know the history of Black African Americans, their plight, their fight and their victorious accomplishments. I am proud to be a Black African american and I hope, want and need our young Black Brothers and Sisters to be just as creditable; embracing their Blackness. To quote the late James Brown, “Say it loud, I’m Black and I’m proud!” |
| April's Birth Flowers are the Daisy and Sweet Pea The Daisy is the flower bringer of good fortune and blissful pleasure. It is thought that the name "daisy" is a corruption of "day's eye", because the whole head closes at night and opens in the morning. The most common characteristic of all these plants, is that what in common parlance might be called a "flower", is an inflorescence or flower head; a densely packed cluster of many small, individual flowers, usually called florets (meaning "small flowers") .Often considered a weed on lawns, though many also value the appearance of the flowers. Several cultivars and hybrids have been selected with much larger flowerheads up to 5-6 cm diameter and with light pink to purple-red ray florets. Daisy symbolizes innocence and purity. It can also symbolize new beginnings. The flower meaning of daisy is “loyal love”and “I will never tell”. Interesting Facts about Daisies
Daisies are not made of just one flower. A Daisy is made up of two types of flowers - disk florets and petal-like white ray florets. The disk florets are at the center and the ray florets are at the periphery but they are arranged to give the impression of being a single flower. This arrangement on Daisies is a type of inflorescence known as a capitulum. The stems of Daisies are smooth and leafless and support a single flower. Daisy plants have 3 - 4 inch flower stalks. The Daisy leaf texture varies and may be smooth or hairy, narrow at the base and slightly lobed. The Daisy flower stalks are generally longer than the leaves. Varieties of Daisies Some of the varieties of Daisies are the white Daisy-like flowers, the Spanish Daisy, Blue Daisy, Lazy Daisy or Prairie Daisy, African Daisy, Michaelmas Daisy, Swan River Daisy, Tatarian Daisy, Painted Daisy, Paris Daisy, Shasta Daisy, Crown-Daisy, Ox-eye Daisy, Nippon Oxeye Daisy, Giant Daisy, African Daisy, Kingfisher Daisy, Sunshine Daisy, Gerbera Daisy, Transvaal Daisy or Barberton Daisy, Tahoka Daisy, Livingstone Daisy, Gloriosa Daisy, Dahlberg Daisy and Butter Daisy. The Sweet Pea The Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus) is a flowering plant of the genus Lathyrus in the family Fabaceae (the legumes). The Sweet Pea is another April birthday flower. Unlike most peas, the seeds of the sweet pea are not edible. They are often grown by gardeners for their bright colors and the sweet fragrance that gives them their name. The species is annual and so lasts for only one season. The seeds of the sweet pea are poisonous and should not be eaten. Sweet peas have been cultivated since the 17th century and a vast number of flower varieties are commercially available. |
| April Facts: Old English April(is) Latin Aprilis Etruscan Apru Greek Aphro, short for Aphrodite. Aprilis had 30 days, until Numa when it had 29 days, until Julius when it became 30 days long. April is known for the Aphrodite is the Greek goddess of love and beauty.
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| The Diamond A diamond (from the ancient Greek ἀδάμας – adámas, meaning "unbreakable," "proper," or "unalterable") is one of the best-known and most sought-after gemstones. Diamonds have been known to humankind and used as decorative items since ancient times; some of the earliest references can be traced to India. The hardness of diamond and its high dispersion of light – giving the diamond its characteristic "fire" – make it useful for industrial applications and desirable as jewelry. Diamonds are such a highly traded commodity that multiple organizations have been created for grading and certifying them based on the four Cs, which are carat, cut, color, and clarity. Other characteristics, such as presence or lack of fluorescence, also affect the desirability and thus the value of a diamond used for jewelry. |
| I COMPLETELY understand how Maya Angelou felt after a Black man became President of these divided States. Actually, I believe it was MANY months later (perhaps even a year or more) that I realized what had taken place. No, I was not asleep all that time, but a lot of time had passed when it seems as though I HAD actually opened my eyes and mind. At the time, I surprisingly said aloud to myself, "Wow, we have a Black man as President." I could not believe it then and I know for a fact, others still cannot accept it now. Oh well, as my dear Dad used to say, "That's just how it is." |
| The festivities of Black History Month are no longer reduced to just the shortest month of the year, but is now a historical event that will be celebrated every single day for the next 365 days. Happy Black History Day!!! |
| Maya Angelou - Click Play & Double-click Video to Enlarge |
| Black Historical Quotation |
| April's Characteristics |
| April's Holiday Celebrations |
| April's History |
| April's Black History Events |
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| April's Poem |
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