sandrewn

July 3rd 2022 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: Anatolius of Constantinople Anatolius of Laodicea Dathus Germanus of Man Gurthiern Heliodorus of Altino Mucian Peregrina Mogas Fontcuberta Pope Leo II Thomas the Apostle July 3 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Emancipation Day (United States Virgin Islands) Independence Day, celebrates the liberation of Minsk from Nazi occupation by Soviet troops in 1944 (Belarus) The start of the Dog Days according to the Old Farmer's Almanac but not according to established meaning in most European cultures Women's Day (Myanmar) Observances National Stay Out of the Sun Day National Chocolate Wafer Day Disobedience Day Air Conditioning Appreciation Day National Eat Your Beans Day National Fried Clam Day Build A Scarecrow Day American Redneck Day Bonalu First Day of NAIDOC Week International Drop a Rock Day NATIONAL HOP-A-PARK DAY National Independent Beer Run Day StartTheConversation Day The Day of Dombyra Tom Cruise Brooklyn Queen Fun Observances ( 2 ) Compliment Your Mirror Day July 3 is Compliment Your Mirror Day, a day to encourage self-acceptance and to acknowledge that you are beautiful, smart, and strong. In today's fast-paced world, it is sometimes easy to forget to celebrate who we are and to take stock of the fact that we are unique and wonderful. Compliment Your Mirror Day is an unofficial holiday of unknown origins that inspires us to look in the mirror and affirm that we are special and beautiful inside and out. Raising Self-Worth Also sometimes known as National Compliment Your Mirror Day in the United States, this holiday is not just about outer beauty. It is about raising our self-worth and recognizing that we have a lot to contribute to our families, workplaces, societies, and communities. How to Celebrate? Compliment the person you see in the mirror. Tell them that they are awesome and an amazing human being! Be nice to yourself – treat yourself to something you have always wanted. Pamper yourself to a day at the spa or a day of quiet meditation or a long overdue vacation – you’ll find that feeling better about oneself can make everything else in life better. Did You Know... ...that ancient humans built mirrors using obsidian - naturally occurring volcanic glass? ~~~~~~~ International Plastic Bag Free Day On July 3, when you go to the grocery store take a cloth or paper bag with you because it is International Plastic Bag Free Day. Created by Bag Free World, a “global initiative that aims to eliminate the use of single-use plastic bags,” International Bag Free Day is an unofficial holiday that promotes environmental conservation by encouraging people to reject plastic bags. The holiday also raises awareness of the harm that plastic bags do to nature and to animals and marine life. How to Celebrate? Say no to single-use plastic bags. Take your own cloth or paper bag when you go shopping. Not only will you be saving money – several grocery stores give discounts for patrons bringing in their own bags, you will also be helping to save the environment. If you are crafty, make your own bag and carry it with style. Volunteer your time or money with an environmental organization that works on cleaning water and landmasses of plastic bags. Recycle all the plastic in your house and office. Spread the word to your family and friends. If you are a company, why not make promotional cloth bags to give away to your clients and customers? Did You Know… …that plastic comprises of around 75% of all marine litter? *** During a heartfelt chat with her friend about relationships, my wife sighed and said, "You know, if something happened to Lloyd, I don't think I could ever marry again." Her friend nodded sympathetically. "I know what you mean," she said. "Once is enough." *** As I shopped, the following announcement came over the department store's PA system: "If someone here has a convertible with the top down, it just started raining. Towels are located in aisle five." *** As I helped my elderly neighbor clean out his garage, I stumbled upon an ax in the corner. "That was my grandfather's," he said, picking it up and running his fingers along the blade. "Of course, it's been through three new heads since he last used it." *** My friend was working at an amusement park when a couple stopped him. "Excuse me," said the woman, pointing to a pond. "What is that water made out of?" Bemused, my friend replied, "Two parts hydrogen and one part oxygen." "See?" she said to her boyfriend. "I told you it wasn't real." *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn

July 2nd 2022 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: Aberoh and Atom (Coptic Church) Bernardino Realino Feast of the Visitation (Anglicanism; Levoča at Mariánska hora) Monegundis Otto of Bamberg Oudoceus Martinian and Processus Pishoy (Coptic Church) Stephen III of Moldavia July 2 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Flag Day (Curaçao) Palio di Provenzano (Siena, Italy) Police Day (Azerbaijan) Observances National Hop-A-Park Day National Anisette Day Comic Sans Day Freedom From Fear of Speaking Day International Cherry Pit Spitting Day International Day of Cooperatives Made In The USA Day National Disco Day National Report Military Fraud Day Special Recreation for the Disabled Day World Sports Journalists Day Vince Staples Saweetie Fun Observances ( 2 ) I Forgot Day July 2 is I Forgot Day. If you are you a forgetful person who frequently forgets anniversaries, birthdays, special occasions, or even to bring the milk from the store on your way back home, then this is the unofficial holiday you should be celebrating. Created by Gaye Anderson, the holiday encourages people to apologize and make up for all the events and occasions they might have forgotten in the past few months. How to Celebrate? Acknowledge your mistake and do something nice for those whose birthdays and anniversaries you missed. Some ideas include: making a nice dinner for them or sending them flowers. Write a nice apology note to your loved ones telling them how sorry you are that you forgot their birthday or that special occasion. Create an online reminder or calendar for all the special occasions in your life. That way, you’ll never have to forget a thing, except today’s holiday! Did You Know... ...that according to some studies, walking through doors can create memory lapses? Psychologists believe that this is because when people walk through a door from one room to another, the transition indicates to the brain that the scene has changed and all information gathered in the previous room or scenario is no longer needed. ~~~~~~~ World UFO Day On July 2, World UFO Day, bring out your telescopes, gaze up the skies and look out for Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). Also sometimes celebrated on June 24, the holiday was created by the World UFO Day Organization as a way to bring together UFO enthusiasts and to raise awareness about UFOs. Subjects of Conspiracy Theories While UFOs are usually thought to be sophisticated spaceships of alien visitors to Earth, the term UFO can be used to refer to any type of object or phenomena that has not been previously observed in an area. Most UFO sightings are easily explained by scientific means. Despite this, UFOs are a constant subject of conspiracy theories around the world. It is believed that the abbreviation - UFO - was first coined in the 1950s by Edward J. Ruppelt, an officer with the United States Air Force, as a way to replace the prevailing terms used for unidentified objects in the skies at that time. These terms were flying saucers and flying discs. How to Celebrate? Join a local UFO sighting organization and attend their events. Read more about UFOS and what they are. Have a UFO sighting party, where you get together with family and friends to spot UFOs in the sky. Did You Know... ...the oldest recorded instance of a UFO viewing can be traced back to 214 CE? *** For a romantic touch, I washed our sheets with lavender-scented detergent. When my husband got into bed, he sniffed. "What's this?" he asked. "Guess," I said coyly. "I have no idea," he said. "It smells like the stuff you use to line the hamster's cage." *** I decided to grab a burger at a drive-thru. There were no cars in sight, so I rolled up to the pay window. "We're still serving breakfast. And you have to order at the speaker," the clerk scolded. I drove all the way around the building to the squawk box and ordered a breakfast sandwich. "I'm sorry," she said, "we are now serving lunch." *** Our first stop as new recruits was the barber's. "Want to keep your sideburns?" he asked. "Yes, that would be great," I said. "Okay, I'll get you a bag to put them in." *** One day we were watching a game, when my mother-in-law shrieked from the kitchen, "Jim, there's a horsefly in here!" Not taking his eyes off the screen, he barked back, "Give it some cough syrup." *** *** *** ( I think we all know where our minds went ) *** I don’t know whether to be impressed or concerned that I understand this reference *** That's what they do in vet school... just like the nursing program. *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn

July 1st 2022 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: Aaron (Syriac Christianity) Blessed Antonio Rosmini-Serbati Felix of Como Junípero Serra Julius and Aaron Leontius of Autun Servanus Veep July 1 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Feast of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ (removed from official Roman Catholic calendar since 1969) Earliest day on which Alexanderson Day can fall, celebrated on the Sunday closest to July 2. (Sweden) Earliest day on which CARICOM Day can fall, celebrated on the first Monday of July. (Guyana) Earliest day on which Constitution Day can fall, celebrated on the first Monday of July. (Cayman Islands) Earliest day on which Día del Amigo can fall, celebrated on the first Saturday of July. (Peru) Earliest day on which Fishermen's Holiday can fall, celebrated on the first Friday of July. (Marshall Islands) Earliest day on which Heroes' Day can fall, celebrated on the first Monday of July. (Zambia) Earliest day on which International Co-operative Day can fall, celebrated on the first Saturday of July. Earliest day on which International Free Hugs Day can fall, celebrated on the first Saturday of July. Earliest day on which Navy Day can fall, celebrated on the first Sunday of July. (Ukraine) Earliest day on which Navy Days can fall, celebrated on the first Saturday and Sunday of July. (Netherlands) Earliest day on which Youth Day can fall, celebrated on the first Sunday of July. (Singapore) Armed Forces Day (Singapore) Bobby Bonilla Day (United States) Canada Day, formerly Dominion Day (Canada) Children's Day (Pakistan) Chinese Communist Party Founding Day (China) Day of Officials and Civil Servants (Hungary) Doctors' Day (India) Emancipation Day (Sint Maarten[59] and Sint Eustatius[60]) Engineer's Day (Bahrain, Mexico) Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day (Hong Kong, China) Independence Day (Burundi), celebrates the independence of Burundi from Belgium in 1962. Independence Day (Rwanda) Independence Day (Somalia) International Tartan Day July Morning (Bulgaria) Keti Koti (Emancipation Day) (Suriname) Madeira Day (Madeira, Portugal) Moving Day (Quebec) (Canada) Newfoundland and Labrador Memorial Day Republic Day (Ghana) Sir Seretse Khama Day (Botswana) Territory Day (British Virgin Islands) The first day of Van Mahotsav, celebrated until July 7. (India) Observances International Chicken Wing Day National Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day International Reggae Day National Gingersnap Day ZIP Code Day National Postal Workers Day Alice Springs Show Day American Zoo Day Blink 182 Day Drive Your Corvette to Work Day International Reggae Day National Baby-Led Weaning Day National U.S. Postage Stamp Day National Wrong Trousers Day Rath Yatra Second Second Half of the Year Day Liv Tyler Pamela Anderson ~~~~~~~~~ Fri Jul 1st, 2022 - Thu Jul 7th, 2022 Write a Letter Appreciation Week Observances (Month) National Ice Cream Month Plastic Free July Bank Account Bonus Month Sarcoma Awareness Month National Picnic Month National Independent Retailer Month World Watercolor Month National Horseradish Month National Cell Phone Courtesy Month Dog House Repair Month Smart Irrigation Month Fun Observances International Joke Day Not only does July 1 mark the middle of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, it is also International Joke Day. The unofficial holiday encourages participants to share their funniest and sidesplitting jokes with the world. While the origins of this rib-tickling holiday are unknown, one can assume that its creators wanted people to spread cheer, laughter, and happiness by telling jokes to everyone they meet. A joke is a written or spoken narrative that entertains, amuses, or generates laughter among readers or listeners. Creating Ties Humans have been telling jokes for a large part of their history. According to historians, the oldest recorded joke can be traced back to the ancient Sumerians in 1900 BC. Anthropological studies have shown that laughter evolved as a way for humans to signal friendship and as a way to create and strengthen ties with a group. How to Celebrate? They say laughter is the best medicine, so make people around you laugh out loud by telling them jokes. Organize a joke contest at work – the best joke wins a gag prize. Read joke books today and share your favorite ones with family and friends. What about playing a harmless practical joke on a friend or a colleague? Did You Know... ...that it is believed on average children between the ages of 0 to 4 laugh 200-300 times a day, while adults only laugh about 4-20 times a day? *** Take heed, scientists: Not every scientific advancement is Nobel Prize worthy. Some must lay claim to an Ig Nobel Prize, awarded by the Annals of Improbable Research magazine: The Prize for Physiology went to the report "No Evidence of Contagious Yawning in the Red-Footed Tortoise." The Prize for Medicine went to a study that demonstrates that people make better decisions about some kinds of things — but worse decisions about other kinds of things — when they have a strong urge to urinate. The Prize for Biology went to the discovery that a particular kind of beetle mates with a particular kind of Australian beer bottle. *** The topic for my third-grade class was genetics. Smiling broadly, I pointed to my dimples and asked, "What trait do you think I passed on to my children?" One student called out, "Wrinkles!" *** Needing to escape her hectic office, my friend fled to the mall, bought a candy bar, and then relaxed on a bench next to a businessman. Soon, she heard the sound of a crumpling wrapper and realized that he was eating her candy bar. When he went to work on an ice cream cone, she leaned over and took a huge lick. "There!" she declared. She then stormed off to her car, reached into her purse for her keys, and pulled out the candy bar she thought he'd eaten. *** Overheard at my garden-club meeting: "I never knew what compost was until I met my husband." *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn

June 30th 2022 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: Martial Theobald of Provins First Martyrs of the Church of Rome June 30 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Armed Forces Day (Guatemala) Asteroid Day[42](International observance) General Prayer Day (Central African Republic) Independence Day (Democratic Republic of the Congo), celebrates the independence of Democratic Republic of the Congo from Belgium in 1960. Navy Day (Israel) Philippine–Spanish Friendship Day (Philippines) Revolution Day (Sudan) Teachers' Day (Dominican Republic) Observances Worldwide Knit in Public Day Social Media Day National Bomb Pop Day National Corvette Day National Handshake Day National Work From Home Day Blink 182 Day International Day of Parliamentarism National OOTD Day Michael Phelps Angela Raiola Fun Observances Meteor Watch Day June 30 is Meteor Watch Day, a day to look up at the skies and behold the wonder of nature's celestial fireworks, meteors. Commonly known as shooting stars, meteors are space particles known as meteoroids that burn up with a flash of light when they enter the Earth's atmosphere. Even though meteors can only be seen by the naked eye when it is dark, meteoroids enter the Earth's atmosphere all the time. It is estimated that about 20 to 25 million meteors weighing about 100 tons in total enter the Earth's atmosphere every day! Celestial sights to see during the year Meteor Showers Meteors can sometimes enter the Earth in clusters. When this happens the event is known as a meteor shower. Some meteor showers occur at the same time every year. A handy guide to annual meteor showers The unofficial holiday is also sometimes called National Meteor Watch Day or Meteor Day. How to Celebrate? Have a meteor watching party with friends - grab a blanket, find a good spot to spread it, lay down on it and gaze over the night sky – you may be able to spot a meteor or two. Remember to check the weather before you step out of the house and always wear appropriate clothing. Did You Know… …that meteors that enter the Earth's atmosphere and hit the ground are called meteorites? *** After we had lunch with another couple, the women went shopping, and the men opted to go sailing. Bad decision—a storm blew in while we men were out on the water. Making matters worse, the tide had gone out, grounding the boat. We had to climb overboard and shove it back into deep water. As my friend stood there—ankles deep in muck, muscles straining against the weight of the boat, and rain pelting his face—he grinned broadly and with unmistakable sincerity said, "Sure beats shopping!" *** "We're having something a little different this year for Thanksgiving. Instead of a turkey, we're having a swan. You get more stuffing." *** "I celebrated Thanksgiving in an old-fashioned way. I invited everyone in my neighborhood to my house, we had an enormous feast, and then I killed them and took their land."—Jon Stewart *** An angel appears at a faculty meeting and tells the dean, "In return for your unselfish and exemplary behavior, the Lord will reward you with your choice of infinite wealth, wisdom, or beauty." "Give me infinite wisdom!" declares the dean, without hesitation. "Done!" says the angel before disappearing in a cloud of smoke. All heads now turn to the dean, who sits surrounded by a faint halo of light. "Well," says a colleague, "say something brilliant." The dean stands and, with the poise of Socrates, opines, "I should have taken the money." *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn

June 29th 2022 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: Cassius of Narni Feast of Saints Peter and Paul (Western Christianity), and its related observances: Haro Wine Festival (Haro, La Rioja) l-Imnarja (Malta) June 29 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Engineer's Day (Ecuador) Independence Day (Seychelles), celebrates the independence of Seychelles from the United Kingdom in 1976. Veterans' Day (Netherlands) National Statistics Day (India) Observances World Industrial Design Day International Mud Day National Almond Buttercrunch Day National Waffle Iron Day Hug Holiday National Camera Day Internal Autonomy Day International Day of the Tropics International Fisherman Day National Parchment Day The National Day of Joy Colin Jost Camila Mendes Fun Observances Camera Day June 29 is Camera Day, a day to celebrate the gadget that lets you record all your memories. Today, cameras are very sophisticated, allowing us to capture, save, and manipulate thousands of images as well as to shoot films. Every year, companies come out with smaller cameras with larger capabilities than their predecessors. An Ancient History Indeed, cameras have come a long way from the days of the camera obscura. Used by the ancient Chinese and Greeks, the camera obscura, a primitive precursor to the cameras we all use today, used a pinhole to project an upside-down image on a surface in a dark room. Cameras, as we know them today, did not exist until the early 1900s. Nicéphore Niépce (Joseph Niépce) was the first person in known history to have permanently captured an image using a camera in 1816. His partner, Louis-Jacques-Mandé Daguerre made the next big stride in photography when he invented the daguerreotype, a process that used a silver plate or a copper plate covered in silver to capture images. Cheap and Easy to Learn Hobby Photography and camera technology evolved by leaps and bounds and by the end of the 19th century, Kodak had started marketing photographic film and cameras to the general public. The next major revolution in the field came with the invention of digital cameras. Marketed commercially in the late 1980s, digital cameras have made photography an inexpensive and easy-to-adopt hobby and profession. How to Celebrate? Can you imagine a life where you couldn't capture the first dance at a wedding or a baby's first year or a graduation or one where there are no movie theaters? Here are some ways you can honor the humble device: Take your camera with you and record little moments of the day. Share the pictures you took on any of the photo sharing social website out there. If you have always wanted to learn about photography, today may be the day to start. Learn more about the history and science of cameras and photography. Did You Know… …that Kodak, one of the most popular brands of cameras, was the first company to build a digital camera? *** Experience is a great teacher, especially if it’s someone else who’s learning from his mistakes. These examples were sent to learnfrommyfail.failblog.org: "When holding a DVD in one hand and food in the other, remember which hand has what when you take a bite." "When running errands where one stop involves going to a bank and one involves dropping off a firearm, drop off the firearm first." "If you’re prone to impulse purchases, stick to shoes, not tattoos." "When attending a funeral, never clap after the eulogy, regardless of how meaningful and heartfelt it was." *** A bilingual road sign in Wales caught bikers off guard. The English part read Cyclists Dismount. The Welsh: Llid Y Bledren Dymchwelyd, or "Bladder disease has returned." One theory for the mistake—instead of typing cyclist into an online translation program, someone typed cystitis. *** A customer called our service line demanding help with her TV set, which wouldn’t come on. "I’m sorry, but we can’t send a technician out today due to the blizzard," I told her. Unsatisfied, she barked, "I need my TV fixed today! What else am I supposed to do while the power is out?!" *** An elevator in our office building is frequently out of order. The last time, maintenance posted a sign that summed up the situation: Elevator Closed for Temporary Repairs. *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ( A repeat, I know, but it still cracks me up! ) *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn

June 28th 2022 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: Basilides and Potamiana Irenaeus of Lyon (Western Christianity) Heimerad Blessed Maria Pia Mastena Paulus I Vincenza Gerosa June 28 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Constitution Day (Ukraine) Poznań Remembrance Day (Poland) Vidovdan, celebrating St. Vitus and an important day in Serbian history. (Eastern Orthodox Church) Observances National Insurance Awareness Day National Logistics Day National Ceviche Day National Paul Bunyan Day National Tapioca Day International Body Piercing Day Happy Heart Hugs Day National Alaska Day Vietnamese Family Day John Elway Elon Musk Fun Observances Tau Day Tau Day, an anti-Pi Day holiday, is an unofficial observance held every year since 2010 on June 28, or 06/28 as written in the American date format. The day began as a way to recognize tau, τ, a ratio constant describing the relationship between the circumference and the radius of a circle. In recent years, some mathematicians and physicists have argued for the replacement of pi (π) by tau. Replacing Pi The concept of replacing pi by tau as a better way to describe the relationship between a circle’s circumference and its radius was first brought up by mathematics professor, Bob Palais in the Mathematical Intelligencer in an article called π is wrong!. This was followed by the publishing of the Tau Manifesto by physicist Michael Hartl. Both of these articles called for the replacement of pi by tau. Tau, the ratio of a circle's circumference to its radius, is equal to 2 π or 6.283. Not Widely Accepted Tau is not yet widely accepted within the scientific community, though there is a large community of scientists and technologists who have called for the replacement of pi by tau. Other Mathematical Dates The Gregorian Calendar is full of dates that when written in a special manner represent a mathematical or scientific concept. Some of these include Yellow Pig Day, Mole Day, Fibonacci Day, Palindrome Day, and e-Day. Use our Date Pattern Calculator to find out other interesting calendar dates during the year. How to Celebrate? Because the value of tau is twice the value of pi, proponents of tau day call for “twice as much of pie” and to eat circular shaped food. So, instead of one slice of pie, eat two or four. If you are a teacher, use this day to encourage students to get interested in mathematics and to consider mathematics as a career choice. Did You Know… … that Michael Hartl, called for renaming March 14 (3/14) or Pi Day to Half Tau Day? *** Inspirational speaker Dr. Wayne Dyer still remembers the card his kids gave him for his 64th birthday. The front said, "Inside is a message from God." Pleased they finally appreciated his work, he opened it to read, "See you soon!" *** My husband uses scraps of wood, called "shorts," for carving. In a lumber store, he saw some lovely pieces in a bin behind the counter. But he had a lot of explaining to do after he asked the clerk, "Do you mind if I come around and poke through your shorts?" *** I arrived home to find the place ransacked. Fortunately, my niece and her husband, PJ, were with me. Grabbing a golf club, PJ searched the house to make sure the robber was gone. Then he looked at the club -- a three iron. "I should have taken the wedge," he said. "Why?" I asked. "Lately I've been having trouble hitting anything with my three." *** Shortly before our 25th wedding anniversary, my husband sent 25 long-stemmed yellow roses to me at my office. A few days later, I plucked all the petals and dried them. On the night of our anniversary, I spread the petals over the bed and lay on top of them, wearing only a negligee. As I'd hoped, I got a reaction from my husband. When he saw me, he shouted, "Are those potato chips?" *** *** *** *** *** *** It Was A Happy Day For All Witches *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn

June 27th 2022 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: Arialdo Crescens, one of the Seventy disciples Cyril of Alexandria (Coptic Church, Roman Catholic Church, Anglican Communion and Lutheran Church) Ladislaus I of Hungary Our Lady of Perpetual Help Sampson the Hospitable Zoilus June 27 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Canadian Multiculturalism Day (Canada) Commemoration Day for the Victims of the Communist Regime (Czech Republic) Day of Turkmen Workers of Culture and Art and poetry of Magtymguly Pyragy (Turkmenistan)[29] Independence Day, celebrates the independence of Djibouti from France in 1977. Mixed Race Day (Brazil) National HIV Testing Day (United States) National PTSD Awareness Day (United States) Seven Sleepers' Day or Siebenschläfertag (Germany) Unity Day (Tajikistan) Observances National Ice Cream Cake Day International Pineapple Day Please Take My Children to Work Day National Orange Blossom Day Industrial Workers Of The World Day National Sunglasses Day National Bingo Day Attwari National Onion Day Sacred Heart P.I.BANG Ed Westwick Fun Observances Helen Keller Day Celebrate human resilience and achievement on Helen Keller Day. Celebrated annually on June 27, the day commemorates the life and achievements of Helen Keller, American activist, author, and suffragist. The unofficial holiday is also a celebration of human grit and hard work. It promotes the idea that people can overcome challenges and achieve anything they want if they put their hearts and souls into it. A Life Spent Overcoming Challenges Born on June 27, 1880, in Alabama, United States, Helen Keller suffered from an illness in her childhood that left her blind and deaf at the age of two. Despite her challenges, Keller learned to communicate in sign language with the help of her teacher Anne Sullivan. In 1904, Keller became the first deaf and blind person to earn a bachelor's degree in the US. Disability Advocate Helen Keller spent the rest of her life advocating for people with disabilities, supporting the socialist party, traveling the world, and writing. In 1980, during her birth centennial, President Jimmy Carter proclaimed June 27, her birthday, to be celebrated as Helen Keller Day. How to Celebrate? Read about the life and times of Helen Keller. Honor and celebrate people in your life and community who have conquered hardships and achieved something in life. Did You Know… …that Helen Keller won an Oscar for a documentary on her life? The documentary was called Helen Keller in Her Story. It was released in 1954 and received the Oscar in 1955. *** I told my wife, Annie, about a story I heard on the radio. An eccentric millionaire married a dolphin at a resort where she swam with the critter. "Isn't that nuts?" I marveled. "But just think of the fortune she'll make when she writes her memoirs," my wife said. "She could call it The Porpoise Driven Wife." *** During a home renovation, my grandfather was watching me drive in nails. "You hammer like lightning," he said. "Really?" I replied, flattered. "You never strike the same place twice." *** Few people know what a quartermaster does. So during my aircraft carrier's Family Day, I demonstrated a procedure called semaphore—I grabbed my flags and signaled an imaginary boat. When finished, I pointed to a little girl in front and asked, "Now do you know what I do?" "Yes," she said. "You're a cheerleader." *** When a squirrel slipped into my house, I did the logical thing: I panicked and called my father. "How do you get a squirrel out of a basement?" I shrieked. Dad advised me to leave a trail of peanut butter and crackers from the basement to the outside. It worked—the squirrel ate his way out of the house. Unfortunately, he passed another squirrel eating his way in. *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn

June 26th 2022 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Day of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan Christian feast day: Anthelm of Belley David the Dendrite Hermogius Isabel Florence Hapgood (Episcopal Church) Jeremiah (Lutheran) John and Paul José María Robles Hurtado (one of Saints of the Cristero War) Josemaría Escrivá Mar Abhai (Syriac Orthodox Church) Pelagius of Córdoba Vigilius of Trent June 26 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Flag Day (Romania) Independence Day, celebrates the independence of Madagascar from France in 1960. (Madagascar) Independence Day, celebrates the independence of Somaliland from United Kingdom in 1960. (Somaliland) International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (International)[31] International Day in Support of Victims of Torture (International)[31] Ratcatcher's Day (Hamelin, Germany) Sunthorn Phu Day (Thailand) World Refrigeration Day (International) Observances National Cream Tea Day National Beauticians Day National Canoe Day Log Cabin Day Armed Forces Day (U.K.) National Fatherless Children’s Day Jacob Elordi Ariana Grande Fun Observances Chocolate Pudding Day June 26 is Chocolate Pudding Day. This unofficial holiday celebrates everyone's favorite lunch dessert snack - the chocolate pudding. Pudding is a dessert enjoyed by people in many parts of the world. In the United States and Canada, pudding is a custard-based dessert that is usually made of milk or cream, eggs, and sugar. The dessert is thickened with gelatin or starch and then cooled before being served. While many flavors of pudding exist, chocolate pudding is one of the most popular flavors and is commonly eaten as a lunch time snack. Savory Roots In the United Kingdom, while the word pudding is usually reserved to refer to desserts, savory dishes can also be called pudding. In fact, the term pudding was originally used for savory dishes especially those that came in some form of a casing such as a sausage. It is believed that the word pudding comes from the old French word, boudin, meaning sausage. In the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, flour is added to chocolate pudding giving it the consistency of a dense cake. How to Celebrate? The holiday is a good excuse to have this yummy dessert for all your meals. Use chocolate pudding as a topping for your oatmeal or cereal for breakfast. Skip your lunch and have a big bowl of chocolate pudding instead and have it as dessert for dinner. Make your own chocolate pudding from scratch and serve it to family and friends. Elevate the flavor of your chocolate pudding. Make it Mexican style by adding cinnamon and a pinch of chili or an Indian inspired chocolate pudding by adding a dash of cardamom. Trying to eat healthy? Skip the unhealthy ingredients and use avocados to whip up a batch of tasty and healthy chocolate pudding. Make a chocolate pie using chocolate pudding as a filling. Did You Know… …that a majority of the world's chocolate is produced in Ivory Coast? *** Shortly after joining the Army, I was in line with some other inductees when the sergeant stepped forward with that day's assignments. After handing over various tasks, he asked, "Does anyone here have experience with radio communications?" A longtime ham operator, I shouted, "I do!" "Good," he said. "You can dig the hole for the new telephone pole." *** Our day-care center spent time helping the kids memorize their home addresses. My daughter, who was in my class, had her street name down, but couldn't remember the house number. "If our house is on fire and you call 911," I asked, "how will the firefighters know where to go?" She had a plan: "I'll tell them to go to South 14th Street and look for the house that's on fire." *** With several years of Army National Guard duty under his belt, my roommate applied for officer training. But his lifelong dreams were dashed after he failed the eye exam. "That's too bad," I sympathized. "Does that mean you now have to quit the Guard entirely?" "No, I get to keep my old job," he said. "Driving trucks." *** You didn't have to be a brain surgeon to figure out that a customer at our post office was an off-duty mail clerk from another plant. He'd written on his package, "Fragile: Toss Underhand." *** *** *** *** *** WOW! Check out this and other amazing finds. What Happened To The Iconic Navajo Blanket From Antiques Roadshow? - YouTube *** *** *** *** Same deal with Hungary. My Godson, whose grandfather was born there, now has a Hungarian passport and is considered a EU citizen. *** *** *** *** *** Girl Uses Slingbow To Pull Out Tooth - YouTube sandrewn

June 25th 2022 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Arbor Day (Philippines) Christian feast day: David of Munktorp Eurosia Maximus (Massimo) of Turin Philipp Melanchthon (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) Presentation of the Augsburg Confession (Lutheran) Prosper of Aquitaine Prosper of Reggio William of Montevergine June 25 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Independence Day, celebrates the independence of Mozambique from Portugal in 1975. National Catfish Day (United States) Statehood Day (Slovenia) Statehood Day (Virginia) Teacher's Day (Guatemala) World Vitiligo Day Observances Global Beatles Day National Strawberry Parfait Day Color TV Day UK Armed Forces Day Goats Cheese Day International Day of the Seafarer National Leon Day ARRL Field Day Bourdain Day Croatia Independence Day Midsummer Day National Camp Counts Day National Croatian Wine Day The Day of the Filipino Seafarer Mckenna Grace La La Anthony George Michael Fun Observances Please Take my Children to Work Day Please Take my Children to Work Day first began as a tongue-in-cheek holiday for overworked and tired stay-at-home mothers to take a day off from their routines. The holiday is celebrated annually on June 25. Today, as times have changed, this day applies to any parent who would like to take a break from their parental duties. The unofficial holiday, which is not be confused with Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day, was created in 2003 by Jen Singer of MommaSaid.net - a parenting blog. The holiday encourages friends and family to take care of the children so that the stay-at-home parent can have some time to relax and rejuvenate. The holiday is also sometimes celebrated on June 30 or on the last Monday of June. How to Celebrate? Being a stay-at-home parent can be one of most rewarding as well as an exhausting experience for parents. This unofficial holiday is a great excuse for them to take a break and enjoy some much-needed me-time. Here are some ways to celebrate it: Ask friends or family members to look after your children for the day. And if they can't, hire a babysitter and take the day off to pamper yourself. Go to the spa or take the day to go to the movies or shop or do anything else that you may not be able to do on a normal day. If you know someone who is a stay-at-home parent, take this day to show your appreciation of them. Do something nice for them - take them out for an adults-only lunch or volunteer to babysit their children so that they can have some much needed time to themselves. Did You Know… …that a new-born child has 300 bones while a fully grown adult has 206? The bones fuse together as the child grows. *** She's only in her 40s, but my friend Mary has bounced back from cancer, heart problems, even a stroke. Through it all, she and her husband, Mark, have kept their sense of humor. One day she said, "You know what kills me ... ?" Smiling, Mark teased, "Apparently nothing." *** In the midst of a creative writing assignment we were doing in class, I asked my first-grade students to come up with a good name for the main character. "Chicago," called out one student. "Actually, I was looking for more of a Christian name," I said. "St. Louis!" he yelled back. *** "Does anyone in this room need to be dismissed from jury duty?" my father, a judge, asked a roomful of prospective jurors. A nervous young man stood up. "I'd like to be dismissed," he said. "And why is that?" "My wife is about to conceive." Slightly taken aback, Dad responded, "I believe, sir, you mean 'deliver.' But either way, I agree. You should be there." *** Snail mail, I decided, is definitely dead. Before I left on a trip to Alaska, I promised my five-year-old grandson, "I'll write you a letter when I get there." "Okay," he said. "I'd like an A." *** *** Common raccoon dog - Wikipedia *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn

June 24th 2022 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Army Day or Battle of Carabobo Day (Venezuela) Bannockburn Day (Scotland) Christian feast day: María Guadalupe García Zavala Nativity of Saint John the Baptist June 24 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Day of the Caboclo (Amazonas, Brazil) Inti Raymi, a winter solstice festival and a New Year in the Andes of the Southern Hemisphere (Sacsayhuamán) St John's Day and the second day of the Midsummer celebrations (although this is not the astronomical summer solstice, see June 20) (Roman Catholic Church, Europe), and its related observances: Enyovden (Bulgaria) Jaanipäev (Estonia) Jāņi (Latvia) Jónsmessa (Iceland) Midsummer Day (England) Saint Jonas' Festival or Joninės (Lithuania) Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day (Quebec) Sânziene (western Carpathian Mountains of Romania) Wattah Wattah Festival (Philippines) Fors Fortuna, ancient Roman festival to Fortuna Observances International Fairy Day National Upcycling Day National Pralines Day Cream Tea Day Farmer Day Matariki National Food Truck Day National Relationship Equity Day Vincy Mas in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Tana Mongeau Stassi Schroeder Fun Observances ( 2 ) Take Your Dog to Work Day Studies have shown that bringing pets to work can increase productivity. So, on a Friday in June, take your dog to work to celebrate Take Your Dog to Work Day. Celebrated annually since 1999 on the first Friday after Father’s Day in the United States, the unofficial holiday was created by Pet Sitters International as a way to encourage dog adoption and to celebrate the love and joy dogs bring to the lives of their pet parents. The week preceding this unofficial holiday is Take Your Pets to Work Week. How to Celebrate? Take your furry friend to work on this day. Make sure you let your co-workers know that you will be bringing your dog to work and clear it with anyone who may have allergies or other issues. Have your company organize a visit to the local dog shelter, or, better yet, let the local dog shelter come to your workplace with dogs that are in need of a loving home – you never know, some of your co-workers may adopt a dog! Did You Know… … that in ancient China, royals would carry little dogs in their sleeves to keep warm? ~~~~~~~ Swim a Lap Day Dive into a pool and swim a lap or two for your health on June 24 or Swim a Lap Day. The unofficial holiday celebrates the ancient sport of swimming and encourages people to engage in it for the purpose of exercise. Humans have been swimming since antiquity for survival, recreation, and exercise. Historians and archaeologists have found cave paintings and written scripts that depict swimming as a common and enjoyable activity. Swimming emerged as a competitive sport in 19th century England, though there is historical evidence that the ancient Japanese were responsible for inventing it. Today, swimming is one of the most popular Olympic sports around the world and includes four kinds of swimming styles: the front crawl, backstroke, butterfly, and the breaststroke. Swim your Way to Health Studies have shown that swimming offers many health benefits. Because a swimmer uses all of his or her muscles while swimming, the activity is considered to be an excellent all-around workout. Not only does it burn substantial amounts of calories, it also increases heart activity and builds muscle strength. In addition, swimming can reduce stress and help people relax. In young children, swimming can help build posture, increase coordination, and flexibility, and can help with motor development. How to Celebrate? This one's easy: get into your swim gear, take a dip in your local pool, and swim a lap or 2. If you prefer, go swim in a lake, river, or the sea. Make sure you take all the necessary precautions one must take when swimming in nature. If you have never learned to swim, today is just the day to begin. Many community pools hold adult swimming classes. Join them and get started. Organize a pool party with family and friends and have your own mini-swim meet. Have children? Take a class on pool safety and how to supervise kids around pools and other bodies of water. Did You Know… …that swimming is the only sport that could save a life? *** Martians land on Earth, and the first thing they do is seek out a doctor to discuss reproduction. "Martian forms come down an assembly line, and robots add the head, arms, and legs," the head Martian begins. "At the end of the line, they receive a power surge that activates them, and they walk away to their first assignment. Now, how do you humans do it?" The doctor whispers in the Martian’s ear. His eyes grow huge in disbelief. "That’s incredible," he says. "Why?" asks the doctor. "Because that’s how we build cars." *** I’d just sat down at a Manhattan diner when I noticed schav on the menu. Since I hadn’t had a bowl of the cold, sour soup in quite a while, I ordered some. "We don’t have it today," said the waitress. "Oh, you have it only on certain days?" I asked. "No, we never have it." I was confused. "Then why is it on the menu?" "Oh," she said with a shrug, "some people like it." *** Experience is a great teacher, especially if it’s someone else who’s learning from his mistakes. These examples were sent to learnfrommyfail.failblog.org: "When holding a DVD in one hand and food in the other, remember which hand has what when you take a bite." "When running errands where one stop involves going to a bank and one involves dropping off a firearm, drop off the firearm first." "If you’re prone to impulse purchases, stick to shoes, not tattoos." "When attending a funeral, never clap after the eulogy, regardless of how meaningful and heartfelt it was." *** After I was widowed, I moved to Wales. My neighbor asked me where my husband was. "He’s gone to a better place," I said. She looked amazed. "Better than Wales?" *** http://www.funsalot.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/aa44-3.jpg http://www.funsalot.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/aa444-4.jpg *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** R.I.P. *** *** Johnny Cash's Love Letter To June Carter Cash Is One For The Ages | HuffPost Life *** *** *** sandrewn

June 23rd 2022 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: Æthelthryth Marie of Oignies Joseph Cafasso June 23 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Father's Day (Nicaragua, Poland) Grand Duke's Official Birthday (Luxembourg) International Widows Day (international)[34] National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism (Canada) Okinawa Memorial Day (Okinawa Prefecture) Saint John's Eve and the first day of the Midsummer celebrations [although this is not the real summer solstice; see June 20] (Roman Catholic Church, Europe😞 Bonfires of Saint John (Spain) First night of Festa de São João do Porto (Porto) First day of Golowan Festival (Cornwall) Jaaniõhtu (Estonia) Jāņi (Latvia) Kupala Night (Belarus, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Ukraine) Last day of Drăgaica fair (Buzău, Romania) United Nations Public Service Day (International) Victory Day (Estonia) Observances National Porridge Day National Let It Go Day International Women in Engineering Day National Hydration Day National Pecan Sandies Day National Pink Day Lilliana Ketchman Brawadis Fun Observances Typewriter Day June 23, the anniversary of the granting of a patent to American inventor Christopher Latham Sholes in 1868 is celebrated around the world as Typewriter Day. So, take out your old typewriter from the attic, dust it and get started on your magnum opus! A typewriter is a mechanical device that allows users to type directly on a sheet of paper. While many people had been working on different prototypes of typewriters before 1868, Christopher Latham Sholes' typewriter was the first one to be commercially marketed. Known as the Sholes and Glidden typewriter or the Remington 1 typewriter, the device could only type uppercase letters. Revolutionary Device Typewriters revolutionized the world of communications. Letters and correspondences looked more professional, followed a consistent format, and were more legible when typed out on a typewriter compared to handwritten communications that dominated the workplace in the past. In addition to creating an efficient and more organized workspace, the use of typewriters in businesses and governments worldwide meant that typing became a required skill for many jobs. A large percentage of these jobs were administrative in nature and were usually done by women, who were specifically hired for their typing skills - the typewriter played a very important role in opening up workspaces for women. How to Celebrate? Organize a typewriting contest – whoever types the fastest and with the least number of errors wins. Show your typewriter pride by wearing typewriter-shaped jewelry. Avoid using your computer and email, type letters and send them in the post or mail. Did You Know… …that most typewriters and computers today share the same keyboard layout? *** The computer in my high school classroom was acting up. After watching me struggle with it, a student explained that my hard drive had crashed. So I called IT. "Can someone look at my computer?" I asked. "The hard drive crashed." "We can't just send people down on your say-so," said the specialist. "How do you know that's the problem?" "A student told me." "We'll send someone right over." *** When our client's dog lapped up anti-freeze, the veterinarian I work for ordered a unique treatment: an IV drip mixing fluids with vodka. "Go buy the cheapest bottle you can find," he told me. At the liquor store, I was uneasy buying cheap booze so early in the day, and I felt compelled to explain things to the clerk. "Believe it or not," I said, "this is for a sick dog." As I was leaving, the next customer plunked down two bottles of muscatel and announced, "These are for my cats." *** While visiting a retirement community, my wife and I decided to do some shopping and soon became separated. "Excuse me," I said, approaching a clerk. "I'm looking for my wife. She has white hair and is wearing white shoes." Gesturing around the store, the clerk responded, "Take your pick." *** When my very pregnant niece, a sergeant in the New York Army National Guard, accidentally knocked over a glass of water, one of her soldiers volunteered to help clean it up. As he was mopping up the mess, an officer walked in. "Private, what's going on in here?" he asked. To the officer's horror, the private replied, "Sir, the sergeant's water broke, and I'm helping her clean up." *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn

June 22nd 2022 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: Aaron of Aleth Alban, first recorded Martyr in Britain (commemoration, Anglicanism)[34] Blessed Pope Innocent V Eusebius of Samosata (Eastern Orthodox Church) John Fisher (Catholic Church) Nicetas of Remesiana Paulinus of Nola Thomas More (Catholic Church) June 22 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Anti-Fascist Struggle Day (Croatia) Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Great Patriotic War (Belarus)[35] Father's Day (Guernsey, Isle of Man, and Jersey) Teachers' Day (El Salvador) Windrush Day (UK) Observances World Rainforest Day National Kissing Day B Kinder Day National Chocolate Eclair Day Positive Media Day Glastonbury Festival National HVAC Tech Day Zach Clayton Elizabeth Warren Fun Observances Onion Ring Day Celebrate the delicious deep fried snack on June 22, Onion Ring Day. Commonly found on most bar menus in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, onion rings are made by breading and deep frying rings of onions. Onion rings are usually served with ketchup or some other form of dip or sauce. Found Around the World Some food historians believe that this snack was first created sometime in the 1930s in the United States, though versions of the dish can be found in many other parts of the world. In India for example, strips of onions are battered and fried and then served as a roadside snack. A blooming onion is a whole onion that is cut in a shape of a flower and then battered and deep fried. This version of a fried onion was first served in the late 1980s in a chain restaurant in the United States. How to Celebrate? Have onion rings for all your meals. Make it more interesting by creating different dipping sauces for each meal. Health conscious? What about baking onion rings instead of deep-frying them? Did You Know… …that people in Libya consume more onions than people in any other country? *** Imagine my surprise when I went to Tipler Army Medical Center for a heart bypass operation and discovered my surgeon's name was Dr. Eror. "What a name for a doctor," I said, not sure whether to laugh or cry. "Yeah," he agreed. "You can imagine the reaction I got when I was a major." *** On the way back from a Cub Scout meeting, my grandson asked my son the question. "Dad, I know that babies come from mommies' tummies, but how do they get there in the first place?" he asked innocently. After my son hemmed and hawed awhile, my grandson finally spoke up in disgust."You don't have to make something up, Dad. It's OK if you don't know the answer." *** A co-worker returned after lunch carrying a dress from the cleaners. "Pretty," said one of the guys. "Big date tonight?" "I picked it up for a friend," she replied, adding, "Do you really think I could fit in a tiny thing like this?" Jerry smiled and said, "Do you really think I've lived this long by answering questions like that?" *** My wife left the car unattended for only a minute, but it was long enough for our two-year-old to climb in, throw the car into reverse and crash into a lamppost. He was fine, but the car wasn't, and I had a hard time explaining who was behind the wheel to the insurance company. After a pause, the adjuster asked, "Do you let him drive often?" *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn

June 21st 2022 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: Alban of Mainz Aloysius Gonzaga[45] Engelmund of Velsen Martin of Tongres Onesimos Nesib (Lutheran) June 21 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Day of the Martyrs (Togo) Father's Day (Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Uganda, Pakistan, United Arab Emirates) Go Skateboarding Day International Yoga Day (international)[49] National Aboriginal Day (Canada) Solstice-related observances (see also June 20😞 Day of Private Reflection (Northern Ireland) International Surfing Day National Day (Greenland) We Tripantu, a winter solstice festival in the southern hemisphere. (Mapuche, southern Chile) Willkakuti, an Andean-Amazonic New Year (Aymara) Fête de la Musique World Humanist Day (Humanism) World Hydrography Day (international) Observances National Smoothie Day Worldwide Knit in Public Day World Giraffe Day National Selfie Day World Music Day World Motorcycle Day National Peaches ‘N’ Cream Day Make Music Day National Cherry Tart Day National Arizona Day National Cookie Dough Day National Day of the Gong National Seashell Day National Yard Games Day Shades for Migraine Rebecca Black Max Schneider Fun Observances Daylight Appreciation Day On June 21, wear your flip-flops, put on your sunglasses, and step outdoors to enjoy some Sun, because it is Daylight Appreciation Day. The holiday was created by Solatube International as a way to raise awareness about the advantages of daylighting. Daylighting is the use of natural light to light up interior spaces. This can be done by simply opening windows and raising shades in a room or by constructing windows and adding reflective surfaces to them to allow the maximum amount of sunlight indoors. An Ancient Practice... Daylighting is an ancient practice and is highly recommended by architects, interior decorators and energy experts today, due to its health and energy saving benefits. Using natural light cuts down on energy and electricity costs. Studies have shown that daylighting in the workplace can help increase productivity, work performance, employee satisfaction and retention. ...With Health Benefits By connecting people with nature and the outdoors even when they are indoors, daylighting helps reduce stress. Studies have shown that people who spend time in a room lit with bright sunlight tend to be happier than those who spend a lot of time under artificial lights. Longest Day of the Year Daylight Appreciation Day is fittingly celebrated on the longest day of the year for Northern Hemisphere residents - in most years, the June Solstice occurs on June 21. In the Northern Hemisphere, the day is also called the Summer Solstice and is considered by many to be the first day of summer. In the Southern Hemisphere, it is the shortest day of the year and is thought to mark the first day of winter in the region. How to Celebrate? Speak to an architect or a civil engineer to find ways to daylight your indoor spaces. If you don't want to spend the time and money to make major structural changes to your place of work or home, what about taking some simple steps like opening the window, installing light colored drapes or curtains or applying a reflective surface to the window to let more natural sunlight in? If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, spend some time in the outdoors and appreciate the extended period of daylight. Maybe you could celebrate the day by hosting a BBQ and a pool party? Treat everyone with homemade creamsicles, iced tea and corn on the cob. Since it is also the June Solstice, why not spend the day participating in local solstice related events. Many cultures assign special significance to the solstices. Read about their traditions and participate in any local festivals or events marking the day. If you are a Southern Hemisphere dweller, make the most of the sunlight before peak winter sets in. Maybe host a soup party, where everyone brings warm soup to share? Serve warm and spiced wine to usher in the winter. Did You Know… …that daylighting designers and architects take into account the direction when deciding on where to build windows? South-facing windows let in a lot of winter sunlight but very little direct light in the summer. East- and west-facing windows, on the other hand, let in a lot of light during the morning and evenings but also tend to cause glare. *** "Where is Pearl Harbor?" I asked my fourth-grade history class. "Here’s a hint: It’s a place where everyone wants to go." One student blurted out, "Candy Land!" *** Workers at the Carlsberg brewery in Denmark walked off the job after losing a prized perk: unlimited beer at work. They now have to settle for three beers at lunch. A worker told the Wall Street Journal that wasn’t enough: "I need a beer when I take a cigarette break." *** On his birthday, my husband was stuck driving our six rambunctious children around. As usual, they were yelling, punching, and annoying one another. Joel finally had had enough. "Kids," he said over the din, "if you would behave and be kind to each other, that would be a very nice birthday present for me." Our six-year-old shot back: "Too late, I already got you another present." *** I took four tires to a friend’s garage sale and was asking $30 apiece. I needed to leave for a few minutes, so I asked him to watch them for me. "Sure," he said, "but if someone offers less, how low are you willing to go?" "Try for more, but I will accept $15," I said, and left. When I returned, my tires were gone. "How much did you get for them?" I asked excitedly. "Fifteen dollars each." "Who bought them?" "I did!" *** This diving suit was used in 1920s France and even included a telephone The deep sea has always been a source of fascination for us human beings, exploration seeming so tantalizingly possible and yet out of reach. For this reason, we have as a species long sought to explore the seafloor with diving suits. In the early 20th century there was tremendous interest in building those exploratory suits, including the Neufeldt-Kuhnke which spawned yet more variations. *** *** *** *** *** Sometimes even the best intentions....... *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn

@Mrsgnomie My nephew loves cheese, yet he is not interested in Sardinia's Casu Marzu. ........... That makes two of us.

June 20th 2022 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: Adalbert of Magdeburg Florentina John of Matera Blessed Margareta Ebner Methodius of Olympus Pope Silverius June 20 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Day of the National Flag (Argentina) Earliest possible date for the summer solstice in the Northern hemisphere and the winter solstice in the Southern hemisphere, and its related observance: Earliest day on which Day of the Finnish Flag can fall, while June 26 is the latest; celebrated on Saturday of Midsummer's Day (Finland) International Surfing Day (third Saturday in June, on or near Summer solstice) Litha / Midsummer celebrations in the northern hemisphere, Yule in the southern hemisphere. Gas Sector Day (Azerbaijan) Martyrs' Day (Eritrea) West Virginia Day (West Virginia) World Refugee Day (International) Observances Juneteenth National American Eagle Day National Take Your Cat to Work Day Ugliest Dog Day Bald Eagle Appreciation Day International Nystagmus Day National Hike with a Geek Day National Ice Cream Soda Day National Kouign Amann Day National Vanilla Milkshake Day World Productivity Day Nicole Kidman Capri Bryant *** My friend had been pounding the pavement in search of a job with no luck. Frustrated, she asked her dad to look at her résumé. He didn't get much further than the first line of her cover letter before spotting the problem. "Is it too generic?" she asked. "I doubt it," said her father. "Especially since it's addressed 'Dear Sir or Madman.'" *** Someone advertising on Craigslist said she was well suited for child care. After all, she had plenty of experience in "CPR and Choking Children." *** When a woman applies for a job at a citrus grove, the foreman asks, "Do you have any experience picking lemons?" "Well," she answers, "I've been divorced three times." *** When asked her opinion on punctuality, an applicant for an office job assured me she thought it was extremely important. "I use periods, commas, and question marks all the time," she said. *** Louie and his wife are listening to the radio when they hear the weather report: "A snow emergency has been declared. You must park your cars on the odd-numbered side of the street.” So Louie gets up and moves his car. Two days later—same thing. "A snow emergency has been declared,” blares the radio. "Park your cars on the even-numbered side of the street.” Louie gets up and does what he’s told. Three days later: "There will be a foot of snow today. Park your cars on the ...,” and then the power goes out. "What should I do?” a confused Louie asks his wife. "This time,” she says, "why don’t you just leave the car in the garage?” *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** " A (the) secret ingredient? " *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn

June 19th 2022 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: Deodatus (or Didier) of Nevers (or of Jointures) Gervasius and Protasius (Catholic Church) Hildegrim of Châlons Juliana Falconieri Romuald Ursicinus of Ravenna Zosimus June 19 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) New Church feast day New Church Day Day of the Independent Hungary (Hungary) Feast of Forest (Palawan) Juneteenth (United States)[27] Labour Day (Trinidad and Tobago) Laguna Day (Laguna) Birthday of Jose Gervasio Artigas (Uruguay)[28] World Sickle Cell Day (International) Observances World Martini Day National Garfield the Cat Day Burghfield BoxKart Bash Day National Turkey Lovers’ Day Father's Day International Box Day International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict National Watch Day Tommie Lee Symonne Harrison Fun Observances Sauntering Day June 19 is Sauntering Day, an annual holiday that reminds people to pause, take a stock of their busy schedules, and slow down for a bit. And because the day has the word sauntering in it, it also encourages everyone to take a leisurely walk. The unofficial holiday is the brainchild of W.T. Rabe, who created it at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan in the late 1970s. Rabe invented Sauntering Day as a response to the rising popularity of jogging, and to inspire people to slow down the pace of their lives and unwind. How to Celebrate? Take your lunchtime or leave a little early from work to take a stroll in a park close to you. Saunter down to your local coffee shop with a book in hand and spend some time people watching while drinking coffee. Don't want to saunter? No worries. This holiday is all about getting away from the daily grind and finding a way to relax. Whether you chill at home with a glass of wine and a movie marathon on the TV or take a stroll around your neighborhood, remember to enjoy yourself! Did You Know… …that for average walkers, walking 1 mile or 1.6 kilometers can burn up to 100 calories? So, why not saunter your way to health? *** A soldier in my National Guard platoon became concerned when the Army insisted that he sign up for direct deposit. "It’s not going to work for me," he said, panicked. "Why not?" I asked. "Because I use my Guard pay for spending money." "So?" "For the past ten years, I’ve been telling my wife that I serve for free!" *** Our grandson’s scoutmaster must have fainted when he saw what he’d texted to his troop’s parents: "Scouts 7:00 Sharp at the Church. We will finish up Aviation, Cycling, and Gynecology Merit Badges." That was followed by this message three minutes later: "Change of Plans. We will not be finishing up the Gynecology Merit Badge. Instead, it will be the Genealogy Merit Badge." *** After setting off the alarms at airport security, I was escorted behind a curtain. As two female officials "wanded" me, the senior officer gave instructions to the trainee on proper technique: first down the front of my body, then up the back of me, and—much to my embarrassment—up between my legs. After she was done, her boss congratulated her. "Great job," she said. "Now do it again. But this time, try turning on the wand." *** After my ten-year-old daughter declared her disgust with cosmetic surgery, I dropped a bomb on her. "Don’t be too quick to judge," I told her. "Before college, I had a nose job." She was completely thrown. "You mean," she said, "it was bigger?" *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn

To all of you out there (you know who you are). Happy Father's Day And to all of our dads, yours and mine. Some gone, but none forgotten. I miss you dad,

June 18th 2022 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Autistic Pride Day (International) Christian feast day: Bernard Mizeki (Anglican and Episcopal Church) Elisabeth of Schönau Gregorio Barbarigo Leontius, Hypatius and Theodulus Marina the Monk (Maronite Church, Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria) Mark and Marcellian June 18 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Foundation Day (Benguet) Human Rights Day (Azerbaijan) National Day (Seychelles)[32] Queen Mother's Birthday (Cambodia) Waterloo Day (United Kingdom) Observances International Sushi Day National Go Fishing Day International Surfing Day Clean Your Aquarium Day National Splurge Day Artigas Birthday International Day for Countering Hate Speech National Cherry Tart Day National Dog Dad Day National Wanna Get Away Day Sustainable Gastronomy Day Wear BLUE Day Josh Dun Blake Shelton Fun Observances ( 3 ) World Juggling Day World Juggling Day is held annually on a Saturday closest to June 17 to commemorate the anniversary of the foundation of the International Jugglers Association (IJA) in 1975. The unofficial holiday was first observed in the mid-1980s as National Juggling Day in the United States in order to raise awareness of the art and science of juggling and to encourage people to take up the art. In 1995, the name of the day was changed to World Juggling Day in order to reflect the global reach of the IJA. How to Celebrate? Attend juggling contests, festivals, and shows where professional jugglers perform. Try your hand with juggling. Just make sure, you start with small items. So no knives or heavy items, ok? Did You Know… …that the earliest record of juggling objects dates back to 15th century Egypt? ~~~~~~~ International Picnic Day International Picnic Day is a made-up holiday that is celebrated annually on June 18. So, pack your picnic basket, hop into the car, or walk to a park or a picnic area and enjoy an outdoors meal by yourself or with your family and friends to celebrate this unofficial holiday. International Picnic Day is a day to commune with nature and enjoy a lovely summer day if you are in the Northern Hemisphere. For those of you in the Southern Hemisphere, who says you can’t picnic indoors? Just spread a blanket in the middle of your living room. Maybe even create a pillow fort and enjoy some time with your family! A similar holiday is celebrated in the Australia’s Northern Territory on the first Monday of August each year. Picnic Day in this region is a public holiday. How to Celebrate? Plan a picnic and invite all your friends and family. If you are working, take your lunch hour off to have a picnic by yourself. Did You Know... ...that according to the Guinness Book of World Records, the world's largest picnic was held in Lisbon, Portugal on June 20, 2009? Over 22,000 people attended this picnic organized by Realizar Impact Marketing and Modelo. ~~~~~~~ International Panic Day June 18 is International Panic Day. Use it as an excuse to panic about everything under the Sun, or take the day to evaluate your priorities and eliminate anything that causes you stress and anxiety. It is a fact of life that as we grow older, life can get complicated. This made-up holiday is an acknowledgment that work, finances, health and relationships can all sometimes get overwhelming and that it is necessary to take a pause once in a while and relax. The holiday encourages people to find ways to reduce and manage their stress. A similar holiday, called Panic Day is also sometimes observed on March 9. Harmful to Health Stress is not always a bad thing. In the short-term, stress is the body's response to threats. Stress hormones released in the body increase heartbeat and the flow of oxygen to the brain, and help an individual appropriately react and respond to the threat. However, in the long-term, anxiety and stress can be harmful to a person's physical, mental and social health. Chronic stress can negatively affect the heart, the immune system, and the digestive system. People with chronic stress are more likely to suffer from aches and pains, and may be at a higher risk for heart diseases, stroke, type II diabetes, and a weak immune system. Negative Social Impact Chronic stress can also lead to depression and other mental health issues. Studies have shown that people who are stressed tend to be socially withdrawn, and have trouble forging new and supportive relationships. This can lead to a vicious cycle – people who suffer from chronic stress need social and personal support to deal with their anxieties, but these very anxieties do not let them create strong and supportive social bonds. Keep Calm Managing stress is not easy, but with a little bit of determination and support, it can be done. Experts suggest that the first step to stress management is to recognize the sources of your anxieties. Once you have done that, find ways to either eliminate them or work on reducing your interaction with them. For example, if you are stressed because of a person, one way to help yourself is to find a way to reduce your interaction with her or him. If driving to work is stressing you out, ask your boss if you can work from home some days of the week? How to Observe? Take the day off and relax. It is for good reason that today is also International Picnic Day. What better way to relax and forget all your stresses than by going on a picnic? Go to the store and treat yourself to some aromatic candles. It has been shown that soothing music and pleasant smells can help reduce stress. Go for a long walk in the park and commune with nature. Read, get a new hobby or get involved in social activities. The more you are busy, the less time you will have to think about your stressors. Recruit a stress buddy – someone who can calm you and work through the futility of panicking with you. Every time you feel life is overwhelming you, call them and ask them for their help. Did You Know… …that the word panic is derived from the Greek word associated with the Greek shepherd god Pan? According to mythology, Pan amused himself by striking fear among travelers in the woods. *** As we pulled into the parking lot, we saw a couple of people looking under the hood of their car. Concerned, Mom wondered aloud, "Do you think they have a flat tire?" *** A candy company’s sales team was promised a trip to sunny Hawaii this past winter if they met their sales quota. They missed their mark and instead got the consolation prize: a vacation in Fargo, North Dakota, where the temperature was 7 degrees. *** A month after Donald MacDonald started at Harvard, his mother called from Scotland. "And how are the American students, Donald?" she asked. "They’re so noisy," he complained. "One neighbor endlessly bangs his head against the wall, while another screams all night." "How do you put up with it?" "I just ignore them and play my bagpipes." *** My 18-year-old daughter and I were watching TV when a character with my maiden name—Lester Highsmith—was introduced. "I’ve never heard my name on TV before," I said. My daughter was equally surprised. "Your name used to be Lester?" *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn

June 17th 2022 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: Albert Chmielowski Botolph (England and Scandinavia) Gondulphus of Berry Hervé Hypatius of Bithynia (Eastern Orthodox and Byzantine Catholic Churches) Rainerius Samuel and Henrietta Barnett (Church of England) June 17 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Father's Day (El Salvador, Guatemala) Icelandic National Day, celebrates the independence of Iceland from Kingdom of Denmark in 1944. National Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Forest Fires (Portugal)[32] Occupation of the Latvian Republic Day (Latvia) World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought (international)[33] Zemla Intifada Day (Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic) Observances National Apple Strudel Day National Flip Flop Day Global Garbage Man Day National Take Back the Lunch Break Day World Tessellation Day Bunker Hill Day Commemoration of General Don Martín Miguel de Güemes National Dump the Pump Day National Mascot Day National Stewart’s Root Beer Day Nursing Assistants Day Paulina Rubio Lisa Mantler Fun Observances Eat Your Vegetables Day Whether you love your veggies or can’t stand them, you should celebrate Eat Your Vegetables Day on June 17. Why, you ask? Because the doctor says so, and because vegetables are delicious! If you can’t stand greens and veggies on your plate at a meal, maybe it is time to start today. Vegetables are healthy and full of vitamins, phytonutrients, fiber, and minerals. Eating vegetables every day can help reduce the risk of a variety of health problems, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, and some types of cancers. Doctors around the world recommend that people eat at least five portion or servings of vegetables during the day. How to Celebrate? This is an easy day to celebrate. Eat up your veggies today and make a resolution to add more greens and vegetables to your diet in the future. Here are some more ways you can celebrate Eat Your Vegetables Day: Visit your local farmer’s market and get some locally grown produce. Prepare all your favorite veggies for all your meals. Make your desserts using veggies. Have at least five vegetables today. Did You Know… …that onions are the world's most widely used vegetable? *** "How do you spell toad?" one of my first-grade students asked. "We just read a story about a toad," I said, then helped him spell it out: "T-O-A-D." Satisfied, he finished writing the story he'd begun, then read it aloud: "I toad my mama I wanted a dog for my birthday." *** Not everyone has mastered the art of texting. Case in point: Mom: Stop at dollar store on way home and get lunch maggots. Me: Lunch maggots? Mom: Baffles. Mom: Baggies. Mom: Ziploc lunch Baggies. Mom: Spell-check is not helping me. Mom: By the way, this is Dad. *** Job hunting is stressful enough without having to answer these interview questions posed by hiring managers: "Rate yourself on a scale of one to ten how weird you are." "How many basketballs can you fit in this room?" "An apple costs 20 cents, an orange costs 40 cents, and a grapefruit costs 60 cents. How much is a pear?" "How many bottles of beer are consumed in the city each week?" *** Our six-year-old daughter, Terra, has a need to ask questions … lots of questions. Finally, one day, my wife had had it. "Have you ever heard that curiosity killed the cat?" my wife asked. "No," replied Terra. "Well, there was a cat, and he was very inquisitive. And one day, he looked into a big hole, fell in, and died!" Terra was intrigued: "What was in the hole?" *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn

June 16th 2022 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Birthday of Leonard P. Howell (Rastafari) Christian feast days: Aurelianus of Arles Aureus of Mainz (and his sister Justina) Benno Cettin of Oran Curig of Llanbadarn Ferreolus and Ferrutio George Berkeley and Joseph Butler (Episcopal Church) June 16 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Lutgardis Quriaqos and Julietta Engineer's Day (Argentina) Father's Day (Seychelles) International Day of the African Child (Organisation of African Unity) Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev (Sikhism) Sussex Day (Sussex) Youth Day (South Africa) Observances World Tapas Day Fresh Veggies Day National Fudge Day Arborist Appreciation Day National Dump the Pump Day Corpus Christi Feast of Corpus Christi International Day of Family Remittancesd National Career Nurse Assistants Day World Sea Turtle Day Phil Mickelson Tupac's Birthday Fun Observances Bloomsday Celebrated annually on June 16, Bloomsday celebrates the life and times of Irish author James Joyce. The name and the date of this unofficial holiday come from Joyce's epic novel, Ulysses. Published in 1922 as a novel, the book follows Leopold Bloom, an advertising agent as he goes about his day in Dublin on June 16, 1904. According to some sources, June 16, 1904 is the date when Joyce met his future wife Nora Barnacle. Controversial Book Considered to be one of the most defining works of modernist literature, Ulysses courted controversy when it was first came out in serial form in the American literary magazine, The Little Review. It was banned in the United States and the United Kingdom until the mid-1930s. Thought to have been first observed in 1924, fans of the novel re-enact the events that occur in the book as a way to celebrate this literary holiday. How to Celebrate? Participate in your local Bloomsday events. If there aren’t any such events, what about organizing one of your own? If you haven’t read the book, or it has been a while since you last read the book, maybe it is time to get a copy and read it. Did You Know… …that James Joyce suffered from cynophobia or the irrational fear of dogs? *** I was watching a marathon and saw one runner dressed as a chicken and another as an egg. I thought, Now, this could be interesting. *** Senior citizens have taken to texting with gusto. They even have their own vocabulary: BFF: Best Friend Fainted BYOT: Bring Your Own Teeth CBM: Covered by Medicare FWB: Friend with Beta-blockers LMDO: Laughing My Dentures Out GGPBL: Gotta Go, Pacemaker Battery Low! *** A job applicant was asked, "What would you consider to be your main strengths and weaknesses?" "Well," he began, "my main weakness would definitely be my issues with reality—telling what’s real from what’s not." "Okay," said the interviewer. "And what are your strengths?" "I’m Batman." *** One of the less difficult blanks to fill in on our job-agency application is "Position Wanted." One job seeker wrote "Sitting." *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn

June 15th 2022 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Arbor Day (Costa Rica) Christian feast day: Abraham of Clermont (or of St Cyriacus) Alice (or Adelaide) of Schaerbeek Augustine of Hippo (Eastern Orthodox Church) Blessed Albertina Berkenbrock Blessed Clement Vismara Edburga of Winchester Evelyn Underhill (Church of England and The Episcopal Church) Germaine Cousin Landelin (of Crespin or of Lobbes) Trillo Vitus (Guy), Modestus and Crescentia June 15 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Day of Valdemar and Reunion Day (Flag Day) (Denmark) Engineer's Day (Italy) Global Wind Day (international) National Beer Day (United Kingdom) National Salvation Day (Azerbaijan) Observances National Lobster Day World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Magna Carta Day National Smile Power Day National Bug Busting Day National Megalodon Day National Prune Day National Smile Power Day Sneak A Kiss Ice Cube Courteney Cox Fun Observances Nature Photography Day June 15 is Nature Photography Day. The North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA) created the day in 2006 as a way to encourage people to learn and enjoy capturing the beauty of nature through their cameras. The day also promotes conservation through photography. Nature photography is a branch of photography that is devoted to taking pictures of natural elements including landscapes, geological formations, and flora and fauna in their natural habitats and in zoos. As a rule, nature photography does not include photographing human subjects, though some exceptions can be made depending on the situation. Preserving Nature's Bounties NANPA is a non-profit organization based in the United States that promotes nature photography as a way to preserve and conserve nature and to promote appreciation of the bounties of our natural environment. How to Celebrate? Find the sunrise and sunset times for your location to capture nature in the magical golden hour, or the special blue hour. Find out more about how to take pictures during sunrise and sunset, and how to take pictures of the Moon and its surroundings. Join a photography club and participate in any events they may have on this day. Take a hike with your family and friends and take in the nature around you, while capturing the scenes with your camera. Share your favorite outdoorsy picture on social media. Volunteer time and money to a local conservation organization. Did You Know… …the largest flower in the world is the Rafflesia arnoldii? Found in the rainforests of Indonesia, the flower can grow up to 3 feet (0.914 meters) across. *** An investment banker decides she needs in-house counsel, so she interviews a young lawyer. "Mr. Peterson," she says. "Would you say you're honest?" "Honest?" replies Peterson. "Let me tell you something about honesty. My father lent me $85,000 for my education, and I paid back every penny the minute I tried my first case." "Impressive. And what sort of case was that?" "Dad sued me for the money." *** One friend complained to another, "All my husband and I do anymore is fight. I've been so upset, I've lost 20 pounds." "If it's that bad, why don't you just leave him?" asked the second friend. "I'd like to lose another 15 pounds first." *** When I took my school-age daughters to a lunch with veterans, I told them to ask questions. One of the men said he’d fought in the Korean War, and the girls were so impressed that the eldest wanted to know more: "Did you fight for the North or the South?" *** Did you hear about the identical twins who robbed a bank? After they were caught, they finished each other’s sentences. *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** At one point, we used to be able to buy cigarettes while lying in our hospital beds. What other medical practices will fall by the wayside in 30 years? *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn

June 14th 2022 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: Burchard of Meissen Caomhán of Inisheer Elisha (Roman Catholic and Lutheran) Fortunatus of Naples (Roman Catholic) Blessed Francisca de Paula de Jesus (Nhá Chica) Joseph the Hymnographer (Roman Catholic: Orthodox April 3) Methodios I of Constantinople Quintian of Rodez (Rodez) Richard Baxter (Church of England)[49] Valerius and Rufinus June 14 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Commemoration of the Soviet Deportation related observances: Baltic Freedom Day (United States) Commemoration Day for the Victims of Communist Genocide (Latvia)[50][51][52] Mourning and Commemoration Day or Leinapäev (Estonia) Mourning and Hope Day (Lithuania) Day of Memory for Repressed People (Armenia) Flag Day (United States) Freedom Day (Malawi) Liberation Day (Falkland Islands and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands) World Blood Donor Day Observances National Cupcake Day International Bath Day National Call Your Doctor Day Army Birthday International Bath Day Monkey Around Day National Forklift Safety Day National New Mexico Day National Pop Goes The Weasel Day National Strawberry Shortcake Day Tzuyu Lucy Hale Fun Observances Bourbon Day June 14 is Bourbon Day. So, set aside some time in the day to enjoy a glass of the uniquely American distilled liquor. Bourbon is a type of whiskey that is made from corn and rye or wheat, and aged in charred oak barrels. Although it is usually associated with Kentucky - about 90% of the world's bourbon is made in the state - bourbon is distilled all over the United States. In fact, for a whiskey to be considered bourbon it must be made in the US, have at least 51% corn and should not contain any artificial flavors or coloring. The higher the percentage of corn, the sweeter the whiskey is. Mysterious Origins There is some dispute as to why the whiskey is called bourbon. Some people believe that it comes from Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Louisiana, while others think that the whiskey is named after Bourbon County in Kentucky. The origins of the beverage are equally mysterious. A Baptist minister called Elijah Craig is sometimes credited as being the first person in the US to make bourbon. A Connoisseur's Drink Because of its bold flavors, bourbon is a niche drink - people either love it or hate it. Experts suggest that beginners mix it with water or on the rocks. Many people enjoy bourbon in a cocktail. Some popular bourbon mixed drinks are bourbon sour, old fashioned, and mint julep. How to Celebrate? If you have never tasted bourbon, today is the perfect excuse to try it. Have a friend who is knowledgeable about the whiskey help you. Have a bourbon tasting party. Ask guests to bring a bottle of bourbon from a specific region or brand and then get around with some good eats and start tasting. Have a rating sheet and have everyone rate the bourbon they taste. Like many other liquors, bourbon can be used to flavor many dishes. For instance, you could make a bourbon pecan pie or add some bourbon to your chocolate milkshake. Did You Know... ...that the oak barrels used to age the whiskey can only be used once? After a batch of bourbon has been aged, the barrels can be used to store other liquors like tequila, scotch or beer, but never bourbon again. *** "What's the difference between an optimist and a pessimist?" I asked my husband. He thought for a minute before responding, "An optimist is the guy who created the airplane. A pessimist is the guy who created the parachute." *** My 17-year-old niece was looking for a job, so her mother scoured the want ads with her. "Here's one. A couple are looking for someone to watch their two kids and do light housekeeping." "Hel-looo!" said my niece, rolling her eyes. "I can't take that job. I don't know anything about lighthouses." *** A German, looking for directions in Paris, pulls up to a bus stop where two Americans are waiting. "Entschuldigung, sprechen Sie Deutsch?" he asks. The two Americans just stare at him. "Parlez-vous français?" he says. The two continue to stare, so the German tries again "Parlate italiano?" No response. "¿Hablan ustedes español?" Still nothing. Frustrated, the German guy drives off. The first American says, "You know, we should learn a foreign language." "Why?" asks the other. "He knew four languages, and it didn't do him any good." *** I dressed up my dog as a mailman for Halloween. He bit himself. *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn

June 13th 2022 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: Anthony of Padua, Doctor of the Church Aquilina Cetteus (Peregrinus) Felicula G. K. Chesterton (Episcopal Church (USA)) Gerard of Clairvaux Psalmodius Ragnebert (Rambert) Blessed Thomas Woodhouse Triphyllius June 13 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Inventors' Day (Hungary) Suleimaniah City Fallen and Martyrs Day (Iraqi Kurdistan) International Albinism Awareness Day (international)[ Observances World Softball Day International Axe Throwing Day Eat Flexitarian Day International Community Association Managers Day Holy Spirit Monday Maharana Pratap Jayanti National Kitchen Klutzes of America Day National Weed Your Garden Day Random Acts of Light Day Mary-Kate Olsen Steve-O ~~~~~~ Mon Jun 13th, 2022 - Sun Jun 19th, 2022 Meet A Mate Week Fun Observances Sewing Machine Day They say a stitch in time saves nine. So, on June 13, Sewing Machine Day, dust off your sewing machine and sew away! The unofficial holiday celebrates the day in 1790 when English inventor Thomas Saint received a patent for the very first sewing machine design. However, it took 14 more years before the first working sewing machine was created in 1804, and another 15 years before sewing machines became easily accessible to consumers. Agents of Social Change The invention of sewing machines made the process of sewing easier, faster and more streamlined. In addition, the manufacturing of sewing machines for household use meant that women who spent a majority of time sewing, stitching and mending clothes by hand could now do all these tasks in a matter of hours instead of days and weeks. This gave them more time to seek paid employment. In this way, the sewing machine had a huge hand to play in the economic and social progress of women around the world. Sewing Machine Day is also celebrated by some people on September 10. How to Celebrate? Bring out your sewing machine to sew a new pattern. If you have always wanted to learn how to sew, now is the time to start learning. Have a sewing party – invite friends to teach you new patterns or exchange your creations with them. Did You Know... ...that the earliest sewing needles were made of bones and stone? *** Cops had no trouble tracking down a woman who allegedly shoplifted from a Toronto-area store. A few minutes earlier, she had interviewed for a job there and left her résumé. *** My husband and I were watching Forrest Gump at the base theater. The crowd was pretty quiet throughout the film, until the scene when Forrest graduates from college and is met by an Army recruiter. That was met with a shout from behind us: "Run, Forrest, run!" *** My wife is a by-the-recipe baker. But that attention to detail still hasn't made her chocolate chip cookies taste any better. One day, after the cookies had been in the oven a while, I smelled a familiar odor. "They're burning," I shouted. "I know," she said nonchalantly. "Aren't you going to take them out?" "No. They still have six minutes." *** From our local TV news station, this undeniably true travel suggestion: "Next up, ten money-saving tips for your trip to Hawaii. Don't go away!" *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn

June 12th 2022 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Chaco Armistice Day (Paraguay) Christian feast day: 108 Martyrs of World War II Basilides, Cyrinus, Nabor and Nazarius Blessed Hildegard Burjan Enmegahbowh (Episcopal Church) Eskil First Ecumenical Council (Lutheran) Gaspar Bertoni John of Sahagún Onuphrius Pope Leo III Ternan June 12 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Dia dos Namorados (Brazil) Helsinki Day (Finland) Independence Day, celebrates the independence of the Philippines from Spain in 1898. June 12 Commemoration (Lagos State) Loving Day (United States) Russia Day (Russia) World Day Against Child Labour, and its related observances: Children's Day (Haiti) Observances Superman Day International Falafel Day National Peanut Butter Cookie Day National Children’s Day National Jerky Day Race Unity Day Raggedy Ann and Andy Day Trinity Sunday White Nights Festival in St. Petersburg Dave Franco Adriana Lima Fun Observances Red Rose Day June 12 is Red Rose Day. It is an annual celebration of the universal symbol of love and romance - the humble, but beautiful red rose. Communicate Emotions People have been using roses to communicate a variety of emotions and feelings since antiquity. The earliest evidence of rose cultivation dates back to about 5000 years ago in China. In ancient Greece and Rome, roses were a luxury item, available only to the rich and the royals, and a muse for painters and writers. Roses were used for medicinal purposes and for religious ceremonies. The popularity of the rose declined with the spread of Christianity in Europe. It was seen as a symbol of depravity and decadence, vices that did not match up with the puritanical roots of the religion. By the 5th and 6th century CE, the rose had once again caught the fascination of artists, poets and writers in Europe and in the Middle East. Symbol of War and Love In the 15th century, factions battling in England over the throne adopted the rose as their symbol. The white rose was the symbol for York and the red rose for Lancaster. The resulting war was called the War of the Roses, which was eventually won by the supporters of the red rose. Red roses have held a symbolic place in most cultures around the world. In many parts of the world, it is seen as a way to express love, romance, beauty, and respect. Red roses are some of the most popular flowers gifted during holidays like Valentine's Day and Mother's Day. It is also the symbol of social democratic parties in many countries. In Spanish, French, and Portuguese, rose is the word for red. How to Celebrate? Treat yourself or a loved one to a big bunch of red roses. Learn more about the history and botany of roses. If you have a garden or a yard, why not take this day to learn more about how to grow red roses? Spend some time reading about the War of the Roses. Did You Know... ...that the phrase sub rosa, meaning secrecy, comes from the practice in ancient Rome of leaving a rose outside a door during a confidential meeting? The rose indicated that those in the room did not want to be disturbed. *** Experience is a great teacher, especially when it's someone else's. These examples were submitted to learnfrommyfail.com: "When trying to compliment your girlfriend, tell her that she is prettier than her sister, not that her sister is uglier than she is." "Never name a goldfish after your child, or his younger brother might go to school and tell his teacher that Eric died." "When a coworker calls to say she's going to be late because she 'has to wait for the paramedics,' don't respond, 'Okay. Have fun!'" "When your boyfriend is rehearsing for a play, don't tell your roommate that he is 'upstairs doing lines.'" *** A Brooklyn café is charging $12 for a cup of Ethiopian coffee. The drink doesn't have a name, so The Week asked its readers to do the honors. Mocha Dinero Cost-a-latte Brokefest Blend Excesso Ka-Ching-accino Goldbean Sachs Café au Laitaway *** The toughest part of applying for a new job is having to explain why you're no longer at your previous one. Here are rationalizations from cover letters that did no one any good: "My boss thought I could do better elsewhere." "The company made me a scapegoat, just like my three previous employers." "Note: Please don't misconstrue my 14 jobs as 'job hopping.' I have never quit a job." "Responsibilities make me nervous." *** Before he was deployed to Afghanistan, my brother Ken was lamenting over how many people seemed unaware of the conflict. I had to concede his point when I later mentioned to a neighbor that he was leaving for Afghanistan. "Really?" he said. "For business or pleasure?" *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** Sadly, Gail passed away on February 16, 2022 (aged 101) R.I.P. Gail Halvorsen - Wikipedia *** *** sandrewn

June 11th 2022 - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) American Evacuation Day (Libya) Brazilian Navy commemorative day (Brazil) Christian feast day: Barnabas the Apostle Bartholomew the Apostle (Eastern Christianity) Blessed Ignatius Maloyan (Armenian Catholic Church) Paula Frassinetti Riagail of Bangor June 11 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Davis Day (Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada) King Kamehameha I Day (Hawaii, United States) Student Day (Honduras) Observances World Gin Day National Rosé Day International Yarn Bombing Day National German Chocolate Cake Day Worldwide Knit in Public Day Belmont Stakes National Making Life Beautiful Day Say Hi Day Kodak Black Claire Holt Fun Observances Corn on the Cob Day Summer is finally here, and what better way to celebrate it than with some delicious corn on the cob? Celebrate this popular summer side dish on Corn on the Cob Day, celebrated annually on June 11. A corn cob is the central woody part of maize or corn on which the corn grains are attached. Corn on the cob is a type of dish where the corn grains are cooked and eaten while still on the cob. Corn on the cob can be boiled, grilled, or roasted and served as a side dish or enjoyed as is. Never Served at Formal Occasions Because eating corn on the cob can be a messy affair - hands have to be used, the kernels tend to stick in one's teeth - etiquette rules that it should never be served at formal occasions or ordered on a first date. According to Emily Post, one of history's leading etiquette specialists, corn on the cob should not usually be served at lunch or dinner, but if it is, one must not "attack it ferociously or greedily". An Ancient Crop Corn or maize is an ancient plant native to the Americas. It is believed that corn was first cultivated in Mexico and spread around the world via European explorers in the 15th and 16th centuries. The starchy seeds or kernels of the plant are now used by millions of people around the world as their staple food. How to Celebrate? Get the grill out and grill some delicious corn on the cob to accompany the iced tea you made on June 10. If you are in the Southern Hemisphere, make some corn on the cob to remind you of the summer. Did You Know… …that a corncob is part of the corn plant's flower? The individual kernels are seeds of the plant. *** As I performed a simple medical procedure on my patient, I warned her, "After this, you can't have sex for at least three days." "Did you hear that?" she asked her husband. "No sex for three days." "I heard," he said. "But she was speaking to you *** Scene: A bookstore Customer: Can you help me find a book? Me: Of course. Do you know the author or title? Customer: Well, I was at the beach and I saw this girl reading a purple book. She looked like she was really enjoying it. I want that book. Me: Ma'am, you're going to have to be more specific. There are a lot of books with purple covers. Customer: Can't you search on your computer for purple books? Me: Unfortunately, no. Customer: In that case, I'll take my business to a bookstore that has better computers. *** The band Kings of Leon cut short a concert after pigeons bombarded them with poop. Bass player Jared Followill couldn't say how many birds there were. "The last thing I was going to do was look up," he told CNN. *** When my eight-year-old sister came to visit, I took a day off from my job at the Pentagon and showed her the Lincoln Memorial. There she saw a large block of text—273 words long—etched into the monument. "What's that?" she asked. "Lincoln's Gettysburg Address," I told her. "If that's his address, how does he get any mail?" *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ????????????????????????????????????????? *** sandrewn