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sandrewn

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  1. September 13th - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: Feast of the Cross (Assyrian Church of the East) Aimé (Amatus) Ame Eulogius of Alexandria John Chrysostom Marcellinus of Carthage Maurilius (Maurille) of Angers Nectarius of Autun Venerius the Hermit Wulfthryth (Wilfrida) of Wilton September 13 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics). Day of the Programmer, during a non-leap year. (International) Día de los Niños Héroes (Mexico) Engineer's Day (Mauritius) Roald Dahl Day (Africa, United Kingdom, Latin America) Super Mario Bros. 35th Anniversary Observances (click on the day or week for details) Fortune Cookie Day Boss/Employee Exchange Day Hug Your Boss Day Celiac Awareness Day Supernatural Day Defy Superstition Day Kids Take Over The Kitchen Day Peanut Day Fun Observances Positive Thinking Day Is life getting you down? Are you on your way to getting a Ph.D. in complaining? If your answer is a yes, then Positive Thinking Day (PTD) on September 13 is just the holiday you need to celebrate. PTD is a day to set aside all negative thoughts and see that the glass is always half full. The stresses and struggles of daily life can sometimes fill our heads with pessimistic thoughts. This unofficial holiday promotes the idea that negative thoughts do more harm than good - they drain energy, create more stress and can make one a less likeable person. Nobody wants to spend time with someone who is always negative and pessimistic. Lowers Depression The holiday, also known as International Positive Thinking Day encourages people to deal with difficult situations in life with optimism and positivity. Positive thinking can have many benefits. Studies have shown that positive thinking can reduce stress and the risk of heart diseases, lower depression and increase life span. Some studies have even shown that positive thinking can increase the body's resistance to the common cold. How to Celebrate? Think positive! If you are having trouble believe that the glass is half full, then have a friend or a loved one reaffirm you. Take or sit in a positive thinking seminar. Sometimes hearing about the benefits of positive thinking from an uninvested party can help. Make a conscious decision not to put yourself down every time you do something wrong. Laugh as much as you can. Laughter can reduce stress and decrease the urge to think negatively. Go out for a comedy show or movie, do a marathon of your favorite comedy TV show or read a comic novel. You will see a marked difference in how you feel after a few laughs. After all, someone wise did once say laughter is the best medicine! Still feeling a bit low? Turn that pity party into an awesome dance party. Studies have shown that physical exercise can help alleviate mood and promotes positive thinking. Do something nice for yourself, a loved one or a stranger - doing good deeds can help increase levels of optimism. Did You Know... ...that the term Debbie Downer is the name of a fictional character on the popular American late-night live television sketch comedy show, Saturday Night Live? The always negative character, played by Rachel Dratch made its first appearance in 2004. These days the term is used to call anyone who is always complaining and negative. *** While on manoeuvres in the desert, our convoy got lost – forcing our lieutenant to radio for help. “Are you near any landmarks that might help us locate you?” the base operator asked him. “Yes,” said the lieutenant. “We are directly under the moon.” *** A friend of mine works at a tattoo parlour. A client walked in and got a sentence tattooed on his back. A few hours later the customer called, demanding a refund. “You did my tattoo backwards,” he screamed down the phone. “It’s backwards?” my friend said, confused. “Yes!” came the angry reply. “I’m looking at it in the mirror right now!” *** I was driving home recently when I stopped on impulse at a roadside vegetable stand. It was deserted expect for a sleeping German shepherd. I stepped carefully over the dog, grabbed some veggies, then opened up the cash box to leave some money. Taped to the inside of the lid was a note: “The dog can count.” *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn
  2. September 12th - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: Ailbe (Elvis, Eilfyw) of Emly Ebontius Guy of Anderlecht The Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary John Henry Hobart (Episcopal Church (USA)) Laisrén mac Nad Froích Sacerdos of Lyon September 12 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Commemoration of the mass hanging of the Saint Patrick's Battalion (Mexico) Day of Conception (Russia) Defenders Day (Maryland, United States) Earliest date on which Programmers' Day can fall, while September 13 is the latest; celebrated on the 256th day of the year (Russia and programmers around the world. It falls on this date during leap years) Enkutatash falls on this day if it is a leap year. Celebrated on the first day of Mäskäräm. (Ethiopia, Eritrea, Rastafari) Nayrouz (Coptic Orthodox Church) (leap years only, September 11 on normal years) National Day (Cape Verde) National Day of Encouragement (United States) Saragarhi Day (Sikhism) United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation (International)[35] Observances (click on the day or week for details) Video Games Day Grandparent’s Day Housekeepers Week Fun Observances (2) Chocolate Milkshake Day September 12 is Chocolate Milkshake Day. So, what are you waiting for? Take out that blender and make yourself a glass of yummy chocolate milkshake. Also known as thick shake, a milkshake is a cold beverage made by blending together milk or ice cream with some sweetening agents and flavorings. Popular flavors of milkshakes include vanilla, strawberry and of course, chocolate. Chocolate milkshake is made by blending chocolate syrup or cocoa powder with milk or ice cream. Fries on the Side It is believed that the original milkshakes were alcoholic, though in its present day form milkshakes are generally associated with wholesome family meals. In many parts of the world, burgers, fries and milkshakes are considered to be a good food and beverage pairing. In some parts of Boston, a milkshake is also called a frappe. How to Celebrate? This unofficial holiday is the prefect excuse to indulge in a tall glass of chocolate milkshake. Here are some more ways you can celebrate this delicious holiday: Have chocolate milkshake for all your meals. Add healthy chia seeds to your chocolate milkshake for breakfast, and make it extra special for dinner by adding a dash of rum, whiskey or irish cream. Experiment with flavors. Add a bit of orange essence or mint to your chocolate milkshake. Or what about making a oreo or brownie batter chocolate milkshake? Instead of making dark or milk chocolate milkshakes, why not make white chocolate milkshakes? Add a bunch of raspberries or hazelnuts to the shake when blending. Go out to your favorite shake shop for their milkshakes. Many restaurants offer free chocolate shakes on this day. Did You Know... …that the popular candy, Milky Way, is actually named after a milkshake? Created in 1923 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the candy was created to taste like a malted milkshake. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Hug Tour Hound Day On September 12, give your four-legged best friend a big hug because it is Hug Your Hound Day. Created by canine behaviorist Ami Moore, the holiday encourages dog parents and owners to focus on their dogs' health, safety and happiness. The unofficial holiday celebrates the special bond between dogs and their owners. The day also aims at creating more a more dog friendly environment in urban areas. The holiday is also known as National Hug Your Hound Day in the United States. Another holiday for man's best friend is Dog Appreciation Day. How to Celebrate? Take your hound for a long walk or to the dog park to say hello to their friends. Treat them to their favorite treats. And of course, give them a big hug! If you have been thinking of bringing a dog in your life, take this day to visit your local shelter to see if you can adopt a dog. Don't have the time or space to adopt a dog? What about volunteering your time and money to your local dog shelter. Spend the day bringing joy in the lives of dogs who are waiting to be adopted. If you are a business owner, take steps to make your business more dog friendly. Don't have a dog, but love cats? Don't worry, you have a holiday that you can celebrate with your feline friends: Hug Your Cat Day! Did You Know… …that pigs and dogs were the earliest domesticated animals in human history? *** “Do you want to hear a good Batman impression?” asked my friend Dave. “Go on then,” I replied. “NOT THE KRYPTONITE!” he screamed. “That’s Superman,” I said. “Thanks, I’ve been practising,” he replied. *** *** What did the snail who was riding on the turtle's back say? Wheeeee! *** What do you get when you mix a cocker spaniel, a poodle, and a ghost? A cocker-poodle boo. *** Why don’t we see elephants hiding in trees? Because they’re really good at it. *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn
  3. September 11th - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Battle of Tendra Day (Russia) Christian feast days: Blessed Francesco Bonifacio Deiniol Felix, Regula, and Exuperantius Harry Burleigh (Episcopal Church) John Gabriel Perboyre (one of Martyr Saints of China) Leudinus (Bobo) Our Lady of Coromoto Paphnutius of Thebes (Roman Catholic Church) Patiens of Lyon Protus and Hyacinth Sperandia Theodora of Alexandria September 11 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Death Anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah (Pakistan) Emergency Number Day (United States) Enkutatash falls on this day if it is not a leap year. Celebrated on the first day of Mäskäräm. (Ethiopia, Eritrea, Rastafari) National Day (Catalonia) Nayrouz (Coptic Orthodox Church), September 12 on leap years. September 11 attacks-related observances (United States😞 National Day of Service and Remembrance Patriot Day Teachers' Day (Argentina) Observances (click on the day or week for details) Make Your Bed Day Drive Your Studebaker Day No News is Good News Day Hot Cross Bun Day Patriot Day Patriot Day falls on 11th September (also commonly known as ‘Nine-Eleven’) and is remembered globally as the anniversary of the catastrophic terrorist attacks on the USA of 11th September 2001. Patriot Day falls on 11th September (also commonly known as ‘Nine-Eleven’) and is remembered globally as the anniversary of the catastrophic terrorist attacks on the USA of 11th September 2001. Learn about Patriot Day Embedded in the memories of everyone who lived through it, this was the day four jet planes were hijacked and crashed into the New York World Trade Center and the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, causing the deaths of 2,977 people. The fourth plane (United Airlines Flight 93) was directed at Washington DC, but its passengers bravely attempted to take back control and it crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The large majority of those lost after the attacks on the Twin Towers were working at or above the points of collision; thousands of people who had gone to work that morning like every other day, found themselves suddenly stranded at the top of a burning skyscraper. A number made the choice to jump from the flaming buildings rather than wait to be caught by the flames or for the building to collapse. No one could forget the terrifying and heartbreaking stories and images captured by the news footage of the day. In the wake of the World Trade Center collisions, many brave men and women from the emergency services risked their lives to try to help rescue victims of the attacks, and of them 411 lost their own lives attempting to fight fires and rescue people. History of Patriot Day Patriot Day is recognized by US law as the official day of remembrance for these tragic events, and has been observed every year since. Each year on this day, American flags are flown at half-staff to honour and commemorate those lives lost. The US President asks fellow Americans to observe a moment of silence at 8.46am (Eastern Daylight Time), the time of the first plane collision into the North Tower of the World Trade Center. While the events took place within the USA, the shock and grief experienced in response to the attacks was shared across the globe, and for this reason Patriot Day will be observed not only in America, but all over the world. How to observe Patriot Day There are a number of ways that you can observe Patriot Day. One way is by paying honor to those who were on the ground on September 11th, as well as those that lost their lives. There are a number of different ways that you can do this. Thanks to the Internet, we are able to reach out to people that we never would have been able to, and so you can always post a message on social media. If you don’t know much about the attacks because you were too young at the time, it is a good idea to spend some time doing a bit of research about the occasion. On this date, four airliners carrying passengers, which were bound for California from northeastern airports in the United States, were hijacked by terrorists of al-Qaeda (19 in total). Two of the planes crashed into the North and South twin towers of the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan. This was United Airlines Flight 175 and American Airlines Flight 11. Both of the 110 story towers collapsed within an hour and 42 minutes. All of the other buildings in the World Trade Center complex collapsed either partially or completely because of the resulting fires and debris. The third plane crashed into the Pentagon. This was American Airlines Flight 77. This resulted in the west side of the headquarters for the United States Department of Defense collapsing partially. The fourth plane was flown in the direction of Washington D.C. This was United Airlines Flight 93. However, passengers thwarted the hijackers, and the plane crashed into a field in Pennsylvania, potentially saving many lives. There is a great film that focuses on the fourth flight – United Airlines Flight 93. The film is called United 93, and it was released in 2006. The film aims to take you through the events of what happened on the plane, focusing on the passengers responding to the hijackers in order to direct the plane away from Washington D.C. The film received critical acclaim, winning a number of awards. The film is a great watch. It shows how the passengers came together to revolt against the hijackers, despite knowing that their lives were at very high risk. While they ultimately lost their lives in the end, they stopped the terrorists from reaching their intended target, saving many more lives in the process. It is also a good idea to use this day to pay honor to the people who died on the 11th of September. This not only includes those on board the aircrafts, but those who died as a consequence of the collapsing buildings and the brave men and women who risked their lives to try and help those in danger. In total, 2,977 victims died on this day, with there being more than 6,000 injuries. Most of the people who died were civilians. However, there were also 71 law enforcement officers who died and 343 firefighters. Why not spend some time reading up on them to show that we will never forget! They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn; At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, We will remember them. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This is all that I have for you today. No jokes, interesting or weird facts, no did you knows. On September 11, 2001 I had just opened my computer store, turned on the lights and made the coffee. I sat down at my desk, turned on my computer and could not get on to the internet. I hadn't turned on the radio on the drive to work, we had 10 workstations but no T.V. or radio in the store. My staff would only be in at 9:30, so I had the place to myself. When the internet started to slowly work again the first thing I saw was a live feed of the twin Trade Center Towers on fire and the impossible news that both had been struck by planes!?!?!?!!!!. My first thought was, "The world as we know it has just changed forever!" Even today, right now as I type this, if I close my eyes, I can still see that first image and that same thought comes to mind. sandrewn
  4. September 10th - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Amerindian Heritage Day (Guyana) Children's Day (Honduras) Christian feast day: Alexander Crummell (Episcopal Church) Aubert Blessed Thomas Tsugi, Charles Spinola, and Great Martyrs of Nagasaki Edmund James Peck (Anglican Church of Canada) Nicholas of Tolentino Theodard of Maastricht September 10 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Gibraltar National Day Saint George's Caye Day (Belize) Teachers' Day (China) World Suicide Prevention Day Observances (click on the day or week for details) TV Dinner Day Alpaca Day Fun Observances Swap Ideas Day September 10 is Swap Ideas Day. It is a day to share thoughts, barter goods, exchange ideas, trade opinions and discuss viewpoints with family members, friends, co-workers and strangers. This unofficial holiday is a celebration of the collaborative spirit. It promotes the notion that knowledge grows best when shared and that best ideas come about through teamwork. After all, two (or more) heads are better than one! The day is also known in the United States as National Swap Ideas Day. How to Celebrate? Have a million dollar idea? Get together with a trusted family member, friend and co-worker and talk to them about what you have in mind. Who knows, they may come up with something that may make your plan better and easy to implement? Is there a problem that is bothering you? Exchange ideas with someone to figure out a solution to your quandary. And remember, you don't have to swap serious ideas on Swap Ideas Day. Have some fun with what you swap. For example, what about exchanging knitting or sewing patterns with fellow artists or swapping recipes or food items with other cooks? Love reading? Have a friend lend you their favorite book and loan your favorite author's book to them in return. Host a favorite things party. Ask everyone to bring their favorite thing for all the other guests. The favorite thing could be a tube of toothpaste, a bottle of some beverage or a pen. Make sure to set a maximum budget. During the course of the party, swap everyone's favorite thing with each other. By the end of the party, you may just go back home with some more new favorite things! Host a book swap meet. Ask everyone to bring a book or two that they no longer want to hold on to, pile the books on a table and let people choose a book to take back home. Attend a swap meet. A swap meet is a type of market where people barter products and merchandise. Did You Know… …that the use of the word swap originated in the 13th century? Then swap was used to refer to the sound of hitting. In the 16th century, the word came about to mean exchange, because people used to hit their hands together to indicate that they had come to an agreement. *** My nine-year-old and I passed a store with a sign that read “Watch Batteries Installed – $5.” He seemed confused: “Who would pay to watch batteries installed?” *** Heavy snow had buried my van in our driveway. My husband dug around the wheels, rocked the van back and forth, and finally pushed me free. I was on the road when I heard an odd noise. I got on the phone and called home. “Thank goodness you answered,” I said when my husband picked up. “There’s an alarming sound coming from under the van. For a moment I thought I was dragging you down the highway!” “And you didn’t stop?” *** “Those frames are so flattering,” I assured my sister. She’d just gotten new glasses after 25 years and wasn’t happy with them. “They’re OK,” she said, staring gloomily at herself in the mirror. “Can you see better?” “Yeah, I can see better.” “So what’s wrong?” “Well, for one thing,” she said, “I thought I was still cute.” *** My grandpa is definitely a meat-and-potatoes kind of guy. Once, while getting dinner ready, I asked him how he liked his vegetables prepared. He said, “Fed to a cow, so they’ll turn into steak.” *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** iii sandewn
  5. September 9th - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: Charles Lowder (Church of England) Ciarán of Clonmacnoise Constance, Nun, and her Companions (Episcopal Church) Our Lady of Arantzazu (Oñati) Peter Claver Synaxis of Ss. Joachim and Anna, an Afterfeast. (Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches) September 9 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Armored Forces Day (Ukraine) California Admission Day (California, United States) Children's Day (Costa Rica) Chrysanthemum Day or Kiku no Sekku (Japan) Day of the Victims of Holocaust and of Racial Violence (Slovakia) Emergency Services Day (United Kingdom) Independence Day or Republic Day, celebrates the proclamation of Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) in 1948. Independence Day (Tajikistan), celebrates the independence of Tajikistan from USSR in 1991. Martyrs' Day (Afghanistan) (date may fall on September 8, follows a non-Gregorian calendar, see List of observances set by the Solar Hijri calendar) Remembrance for Herman the Cheruscan (The Troth) Observances (click on the day or week for details) Wienerschnitzel Day Wonderful Weirdos Day Steak Au Poivre Day Fun Observances Teddy Bear Day September 9 is Teddy Bear Day, a day to bring out all your teddy bears and thank them for their company, the fun times you have had with them, and for all the days and nights they comforted you. Also, don't forget to give your teddy a big hug and apologize for all the rough housing your poor teddy bear may have had to go through in your childhood. Teddy Roosevelt Thought to have been created in the early 20th century, this iconic toy owes its name to American President Theodore Roosevelt, who was lovingly called Teddy by his family and friends. The story of why the toy came to be named after him dates back to a hunting trip in 1902 when Roosevelt refused to shoot an injured bear. Rumor has it that in response, Morris Michtom, a candy store owner in New York displayed two stuffed bears made by his wife in his display window and called them Teddy's bear. Children's Books Heros Today teddy bears are a popular toy for children of all ages. The stuffed toy has also become a part of children's literature and movies and popular culture. Some famous teddy bears include Paddington Bear, Winnie-the-Pooh, Corduroy, the Berenstain Bear family and Fozzie Bear. How to Celebrate? If you have toys from your childhood stored away in the attic or the garage, today is the day to take out all your teddy bears and show them some love. If you are looking to make space, why not take them to a local charity shop where they can be cleaned and given to children who need them? If you have children in your life, surprise them with their own teddy bear to cuddle with. Watch TV shows and movies that feature a teddy bear. Learn about the habitat and life of bears. Did You Know… …that the collective noun for bears is sleuth? *** Feeling sick, my sister grabbed the thermometer from the medicine cabinet and popped it into her mouth. “Uh, Julie, that’s the dog’s thermometer,” said my mother. Julie spit it out. “Ewww, was that in Fitzie’s mouth?!” Mum hesitated before replying, “Not exactly.” *** I was really pleased with my purchase of a new pair of shoes from a major retailer. About a week later, on a rainy day, I was in a rush and quickly grabbed my shoes from the rack and made my way into town. To my horror, I felt a wet sensation inside my right shoe – it was leaking. I returned to the shop to complain about the leaking right shoe. At customer service, the assistant looked at both shoes and said, “Yes, sir, you’re correct – the right shoe leaks, but unfortunately only the left shoe was bought from this store.” My apology was as swift as my departure. *** A vacuum cleaner salesman knocks on the door of an old lady’s house. The lady takes one look at him and says, “You are wasting your time, I have no money,” and tries to close the door. Quick as a flash the salesman jams his foot in the door. He then tips a big pile of horse manure on her carpet and says “If I don’t clean all this up, I’ll eat the rest.” The old lady says “Fine. But my power was cut off this morning, so let me get you a fork.” *** While at a convention, Bill, Jim and Scott shared a hotel suite on the 75th floor. After a long day of meetings, they were shocked to find that the hotel elevators were broken and that they’d have to take the stairs all the way up to their room. “I have a way to break the monotony,” said Bill. “I’ll tell jokes for 25 flights, Jim can sing songs for the next 25, and Scott can tell sad stories the rest of the way.” As they started climbing, Bill told his first joke. At the 26th floor, Jim began to sing. At the 51st floor, it was Scott’s turn. “I will tell my saddest story first,” he said. “Once there was a man who left the room key in the car.” *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn
  6. September 8th - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian Feast Day: Adrian and Natalia of Nicomedia (Roman Catholic Church) Corbinian Disibod Nativity of Mary (Roman Catholic Church), (Anglo-Catholicism) Monti Fest (Mangalorean Catholic) Our Lady of Charity Our Lady of Covadonga Our Lady of Good Health of Vailankanni Pope Sergius I September 8 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Feast Day of Our Lady of Meritxell (national holiday in Andorra) Earliest day on which Auditor's Day can fall, while September 14 is the latest; celebrated on the second Sunday in September. (Church of Scientology) Earliest day on which Grandparents Day (Estonia) can fall, while September 14 is the latest; celebrated on the second Sunday in September. (Estonia) Earliest day on which Mid-Autumn Festival can fall, while October 8 is the latest; celebrated on the 15th day in the 8th month of Chinese calendar. (China, Chinese diaspora) Earliest day on which Turkmen Bakhshi Day can fall, while September 14 is the latest; celebrated on the second Sunday in September. (Turkmenistan) Day of the Battle of Borodino (Russia) Feast of 'Izzat – First day of the tenth month of the Baháʼí calendar. (Baháʼí Faith) Independence Day, celebrates the independence of Macedonia from Yugoslavia in 1991. International Literacy Day (International)[27] Martyrs' Day (Afghanistan) (date may fall on September 9, follows a non-Gregorian calendar) National Day, also the feast of Our Lady of Meritxell (Andorra) Victory Day (Pakistan) Victory Day, also the feast of Our Lady of Victories or il-Vittorja (Malta) World Physical Therapy Day Observances (click on the day or week for details) Star Trek Day Quiet Day Iguana Awareness Day Actors’ Day Fun Observances Pardon Day September 8 is Pardon Day, a day to seek and give forgiveness. On Pardon Day put aside all your grudges, be kind to everyone and forgive those who may have hurt you. It is thought that the day owes its existence to the pardon granted by United States President Gerald Ford to former President Nixon for his involvement in the Watergate Scandal on September 8, 1974. Giving Pardon While the word pardon can be commonly used as a synonym of forgiveness, the word has a very specific legal implication. It is used to refer to an official or legal act that releases an individual or a group from the punishment for a crime. In its legal form a pardon is usually given by the head of a government, state or a religious authority. In many countries the rules of a pardon are coded in law or in the constitution. Forgive and Be Happy Forgiveness is the deliberate act of giving up on feelings of resentment or vengeance towards a person, group, or institution that may have wronged you. Most religions and cultures hold forgiveness as one of the key elements of living a good, honest and pure life. Scientific studies have shown that practicing forgiveness can improve the physical and mental health of the forgiver. People who forgive those who have hurt them tend to live happier and healthier lives. This unofficial holiday is also known as International Pardon Day or National Pardon Day in the U.S. How to Celebrate? There is nothing wrong in saying sorry, so if you have someone you think you have hurt, tell them that you are sorry. Write a nice note or meet them for coffee. If someone comes to you to apologize for something they have done, be gracious and forgive them. Did You Know... ...that the word pardon comes from the Latin perdonare meaning to grant freely? *** An airline introduced a half-price fare for women accompanying their husbands on business trips. Expecting valuable testimonials, the airline wrote to all of the wives who’d used the special rate, asking them if they enjoyed their trip. Letters are still pouring in asking, “What trip?” *** A man sat on a train, chewing gum and staring vacantly across the aisle. Eventually, an old woman sitting opposite him leaned across the gap separating them. “It’s no good you speaking to me, young man,” she bellowed. “I went deaf years ago!” *** When the coffeemaker went on the fritz, I joked that maybe it was the fault of the cockroaches. Our office manager was not amused. “We don’t have cockroaches,” she said, putting me straight. “What about all the roach traps?” I asked, pointing to one. “A lot you know – those aren’t roach traps,” she sniffed. “They’re mousetraps.” *** We took our two teenage sons to a restaurant that was packed with fans watching a sporting event on TV. The harassed waitress took our order, but 30 minutes later there was no sign of our food. I was trying to keep my boys occupied when suddenly shouts of victory erupted from the bar. “You hear that?” said my 13-year-old. “Someone just got their food.” *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** kkkkkkk sandrewn
  7. September 7th - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Air Force Day (Pakistan) Christian feast day: Anastasius the Fuller Clodoald Gratus of Aosta Stephen Pongracz Marko Krizin Regina September 7 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Earliest day on which National Grandparents Day can fall, while September 13 is the latest; celebrated on the first Sunday after Labor Day. (United States) Last day on which Labor Day (United States) can fall, while September 1st is the first; celebrated on the first Monday of September. Constitution Day (Fiji) Independence Day (Brazil), celebrates the independence of Brazil from Portugal in 1822. Military Intelligence Day (Ukraine) National Threatened Species Day (Australia) Victory Day (Mozambique) Observances (click on the day or week for details) World Duchenne Awareness Day Beer Lover’s Day Superhuman Day Buy a Book Day Another Look Unlimited Day Acorn Squash Day Fun Observances Salami Day September 7 is Salami Day, a annual holiday that honors the delicious and spicy cured Italian sausage that is a perfect wine and cheese accompaniment. Typically made out of fermented and air dried meat, the salami is plural of the Italian word salame and originates from the Italian word for salt. Salami is traditionally made from beef or pork which is mixed with spices like pepper, garlic and wine, though many regional variations exist. Popular Sausage The more popular kinds of salami include pepperoni, chorizo and soppressata. The first Salami Day was held in 2006 in Henrico, Virginia, and was organized by the Salami Appreciation Society. Salami Day is also called National Salami Day in the United States How to Celebrate? Eat salami as it is, or pair with some crackers, cheese and wine. Learn how to make your own salami. Did You Know... ...that the salami is cased in animal intestines, usually the same animal from which the meat comes from. *** A police officer stopped at a farm and told the old farmer, “I need to inspect your farm for illegally grown drugs.” The farmer said, “OK – as long as you don’t go in that field over there.” The policeman sneered nastily. “I think you’ll find, sir, that I have the authority of the police force behind me.” He pulled out his badge. “See this? It means I’m allowed to go wherever I want. No questions asked, no answers given. I’m in charge. Understand, old man?” The farmer nodded politely and went about his chores. A short time later, he heard loud screams. He looked up to see the policeman running for his life, pursued by the farmer’s massive bull. With every step, the beast was gaining ground. The policeman looked terrified. The farmer threw down his tools, ran to the fence and shouted at the top of his lungs, “Your badge – show him your badge!” *** I recently took my wife on holidays to the north of England, and since our son was to join us for a few days, I texted him to bring fuel for the fire as it had turned decidedly chilly. A few days into our stay, we received news that an elderly relative had died, so I texted our son with the funeral arrangements. Although the two messages were sent days apart, patchy phone reception in that remote part of the country meant they reached him almost simultaneously – and in reverse order. They read: “Uncle’s funeral at crematorium 11:30 on Saturday… Bring logs for the fire.” *** God said, “Your request is materialistic. Think of the enormous challenges for that kind of undertaking; the supports required reaching the bottom of the Pacific and the concrete and steel it would take! It will nearly exhaust several natural resources. Of course I can do it, but it is hard for me to justify your desire for worldly things. Take a little more time and think of something that could possibly help mankind.” The biker thought about if for a long time. Finally, he said, “Lord, I wish that I and all men could understand women; I want to know how a woman feels inside, what she’s thinking when she gives me the silent treatment, why she cries, what she means when she says nothing’s wrong, and how I can make a woman truly happy.” God replied, “You want two lanes or four on that bridge?” *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn
  8. September 6th - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast days: Begga Chagnoald Faustus, Abibus and Dionysius of Alexandria Gondulphus of Metz Magnus of Füssen Onesiphorus Zechariah (Hebrew prophet) (Catholic church) September 6 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) The earliest date on which the Abbots Bromley Horn Dance is performed Armed Forces Day (São Tomé and Príncipe) Defence Day or Army Day (Pakistan) Flag Day (Bonaire) Independence Day (Swaziland), celebrates the independence of Eswatini from the United Kingdom in 1968 Unification Day (Bulgaria) Observances (click on the day or week for details) Mouthguard Day Coffee Ice Cream Day Fun Observances (2) Fight Procrastination Day September 6 is Fight Procrastination Day. It is an unofficial holiday that encourages people to take charge of their procrastination problem and to find ways to combat the never-ending urge to put off important tasks for another day. Every once in a while we come across a task we rather not do. It could be something as simple as cleaning up our desk or ordering a birthday present or as complex as writing a paper for class or finish cleaning out the garage. When it comes to daunting, boring or important tasks we have all procrastinated by doing something else. Perfectionists Procrastination does not always have disastrous consequences. Most people who procrastinate tend to finish the task at hand at the last moment. Some psychologists believe that sometimes procrastination can be a sign of a perfectionist personality. Sometimes however procrastination can become a problem. Studies have shown that habitual procrastination increases stress and anxiety, reduces productivity and can have a negative impact on a person's job performance. How to Celebrate? If you find yourself to be a habitual procrastinator, here are some ways you can fight the impulse to put things off on Fight Procrastination Day: Get to your to-do list now and start crossing off tasks. Learn ways to fight your procrastinating tendencies. Perhaps ask a friend to monitor your progress? Reward yourself for tasks completed on time. Did You Know... ...that procrastibaking is the act of using baking as a procrastination device? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Read a Book Day On September 6, pour yourself a cup of tea, find a cozy spot and curl up with a good book because it is Read A Book Day! Possibly created by a bibliophile, the unofficial holiday encourages people to pick up a book and immerse themselves in it. Lowers Stress Research has shown that reading can have several health and social benefits. Frequent readers tend to have lower stress levels than non-readers. In addition, reading can stimulate brain activity and improve memory. Socially, reading can reap a lot of benefits - well-read people tend to be more empathetic and aware of societal ills and differences. Reading can also improve critical thinking and comprehension skills and can make people better writers. How to Celebrate? Wether you are a fan of fiction, non-fiction, science fiction, history, medical literature, short stories or any of the hundreds of genre of literature out there, here are some ways you can celebrate Read a Book Day: Read that book you have always been meaning to pick up and read. Revisit your favorite book and read it again. Join a local book club so that you have more motivation to read. If you are already a part of a book club, what about organizing a book party for them? Invite all the book club members and discuss a book while enjoying dishes inspired by your favorite books. Learn more about the life and work of your favorite author. Visit your local library, and if you are not already a member, become one. Support your local library or any reading initiatives that exist in your neighborhood by volunteering your time, money or expertise. Did You Know... ...that the Japanese word tsundoku refers to the act of piling up books without reading them? We have all been guilty one time or the other of buying multiple books and letting them pile without ever getting around to reading them. *** Thank you for calling the Weight Loss Hotline. If you’d like to lose half a kilo right now, press “one” 18,000 times. *** After a check-up, a doctor asked his patient, “Is there anything else you’d like to discuss?” “Well,” said the patient, “I was thinking about getting a vasectomy.” “That’s a big decision. Have you talked it over with your family?” “Yes, we took a vote … and they’re in favour of it 15 to 2.” *** A little boy in my infant class came into school and told me he could spell his mum’s name. “M-U-M,” he said proudly. Before I could congratulate him, another little boy said excitedly, “That’s how you spell my mum’s name too!” *** My husband was a tour guide for a 16th-century castle just near Leuchars airfield in Fife, Scotland. One day, while speaking to a group of American tourists, a jet plane flew overhead. The noise was very loud and prompted one of the party to comment that he couldn’t understand why the castle had been built so near an airfield! *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn
  9. September 5th - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: Bertin Charbel (martyr) Genebald Gregorio Aglipay (Episcopal Church) Mother Teresa Ursicinus of Ravenna Zechariah and Elisabeth (Anglican and Eastern Orthodox Church) September 5 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Earliest date on which Jeûne genevois can fall, while September 11 is the latest; celebrated on Thursday after the first Sunday of September. (Canton of Geneva) International Day of Charity[10] Teacher's Day (India) The flag-flying day for Denmark's deployed personnel (Denmark)[11] First day of school in Vietnam Observances (click on the day or week for details) World Samosa Day Pet Rock Day Fun Observances (2) Be Late for Something Day We would normally not encourage you to do this on any other day, but Be Late For Something Day on September 5 is the perfect excuse for you to be late. It is believed that Be Late For Something Day was created by the Procrastinators' Club of America, an organization as a way to allow people to take a break from their busy daily schedules. Don't Rush In today's world, most people spend their lives rushing and hurrying, always fighting against the clock. This unofficial holiday asks people to slow down; take a breath and savor the world around them; and enjoy the small pleasures of life. Stop and smell the roses, if you will. Be Late For Something Day is also known as National Be Late For Something Day in the United States. How to Celebrate? Be late to something on purpose. But be considerate to the people who are waiting for you - call them ahead and let them know you are running late. Did You Know… …that the use of the term, late, to refer to a deceased person, dates back to the late 15th century? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Creese Pizza Day September 5 is Cheese Pizza Day, a day to indulge in a slice (or two) of the classic and simple cheese pizza. While the origins of this fun food holiday are unknown, we can all safely assume that it encourages people to pay homage to the humble but delicious pizza pie covered with only tomato sauce, seasonings and cheese. Hearty Italian Dish Italian in origin, a pizza is a hearty dish made of rolled out dough topped with tomato, cheese, vegetables or meats, which is baked in an oven before being served. It is believed that the pizza as we know it today originated in Naples, Italy. A Traditional Speciality Guaranteed product in Europe, the Neapolitan pizza is made with tomatoes and Mozzarella cheese. This means that only pizzas made in Naples can be called Neapolitan pizza in the European Union and the rest of Europe. Fit for a Queen Legend has it that a variant of Neapolitan pizza, the Margherita, was created by pizza maker Raffaele Esposito in 1889 to honour the Queen consort of Italy, Margherita of Savoy. The pizza represented the national colors of the flag of Italy with the use of tomato, mozzarella and basil. How to Celebrate? Celebrating Cheese Pizza Day, which is also sometimes known as National Cheese Pizza Day in the United States, is easy. Here are some ways to celebrate this delicious holiday: Make your own cheese pizza at home from scratch. Experiment with different types of cheese. Perhaps you could try replacing the mozzarella with blue cheese, brie or some creamy goat cheese? Have cheese pizza for all your meals. Start with a breakfast pizza, with feta cheese, bacon and eggs. Have a classic cheese pizza for lunch, and a gourmet cheese pizza with your favorite meat and vegetable toppings for dinner. End the day with a dessert pizza - pizza with cream cheese, chocolate and berries. Visit your favorite pizza place and treat yourself to a slice or two of their cheese pizza. Did You Know… ...that tomato wasn’t a staple addition to the pizza until the 1700s? Tomatoes only became popular with pizza lovers in Italy in the 1900s. Before that, they were thought to be poisonous and unfit for consumption. *** A university football coach called out the new member saying, “Look, I’m not supposed to have you on this team because you failed your maths exams but we really do need you to play for us. What I’ll do is ask you one simple maths question and if you answer it correctly I’ll sign a slip to say that you’ve passed maths, OK?’ The player nodded. “Right” said the coach: “What’s four plus four?” The player wrinkled his forehead and thought for a while, then replied, “Eight!” Immediately all the other team members shouted,” Aw, come on coach. Give him another chance!” *** William came home from the doctor looking very worried. “What is it? asked his wife. “What’s the problem?” “Well, the doctor told me I have to take one of these pills every day for the rest of my life,” explained William. “So what?” his wife replied. “Lots of people have to do that.” “I know. But he only gave me four pills.” *** A woman is feeling unwell, so she goes to her GP. He immediately spots the problem and says to her, “Take this red pill after breakfast with a glass of water.” “OK.” “Take this blue pill after lunch with two glasses of water.” “Ok.” “And take this yellow pill after dinner with three glasses of water.” “Good heavens,” says the woman, “whatever is the matter with me?” “You don’t drink enough water.” *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn
  10. September 4th - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: Candida the Elder Blessed Catherine of Racconigi Blessed Dina Bélanger Hermione of Ephesus Ida of Herzfeld Irmgardis (of Süchteln) Moses and Aaron (Lutheran Church and Eastern Orthodox Church) Paul Jones (Episcopal Church) Rosalia Rose of Viterbo Rufinus, Silvanus, and Vitalicus Thamel and companions Ultan of Ardbraccan September 4 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Immigrant's Day (Argentina) Newspaper Carrier Day (United States) Observances (click on the day or week for details) Wildlife Day Macadamia Nut Day Turkey Vulture Day Beard Day Fun Observances Eat an Extra Dessert Day September 4 is Eat an Extra Dessert Day, a day that encourages people to treat their sweet tooth with a second (or well, even a third) helping of dessert. It is unclear who created this awesome but unofficial holiday, but we think that whoever it was, deserves a big slice of cake after a huge bowl of ice cream! Ends the Meal Desserts are usually a sweet course served after the end of a meal. While in the past typically this meal took place at the end of the day, in modern times desserts can accompany a mid-day meal as well. Desserts are also known as sweets in many parts of the world. This sweet holiday is also called National Eat an Extra Dessert Day in the in the United States. How to Celebrate? Guiltlessly indulge yourself in a little extra dessert on this day and inform everyone you know about this happy holiday. We are convinced that it will soon become everyone's favorite made-up holiday! Spend some time in the kitchen whipping up some delicious desserts to share with your friends, family and co-workers. Have a dessert party! Ask guests to bring their favorite dessert to share and spend the evening enjoying the desserts. Make sure you are all equipped with healthy food for the sugar crash afterwards! Did You Know… …that the word dessert comes from the French word desservir, which means to clear the table? *** The bartender asks the guy sitting at the bar, “What’ll you have?” The guy answers, “A scotch, please.” The bartender hands him the drink, and says, “That’ll be $10,” to which the guy replies, “What are you talking about? I don’t owe you anything for this.” A lawyer, sitting nearby and overhearing the conversation, then says to the bartender, “You know, he’s got you there. In the original offer, which constitutes a binding contract upon acceptance, there was no stipulation of remuneration.” The bartender was not impressed, but says to the guy, “Okay, you beat me for a drink. But don’t ever let me catch you in here again.” The next day, the same guy walks into the bar. The bartender says, “What the heck are you doing in here? I can’t believe you’ve got the audacity to come back!” The guy says, “What are you talking about? I’ve never been in this place in my life!” The bartender replies, “I’m very sorry, but this is uncanny. You must have a double.” To which the guy replies, “Thank you. Make it a scotch.” *** Finding a woman sobbing that she had locked her keys in her car, a passing soldier assures her that he can help. She looks on amazed as he removes his trousers, rolls them into a tight ball and rubs them against the car door. Magically it opens. “That’s so clever,” the woman gasps. “How did you do it?” “Easy,” replies the man. “These are khakis”. *** An old, tired-looking dog wandered into my garden one afternoon. I could tell from his collar and well-fed belly that he was well looked after. I gave him a few pats on the head and he followed me into my house, slowly walked down the hall, curled up in the corner and fell asleep. An hour later, he went to the door and I let him out. The next day he was back. He resumed his spot in the hall and again slept for about an hour. This continued for several weeks. Curious, I pinned a note to his collar: “I’d like to find out who the owner of this wonderful dog is, and ask if you’re aware that almost every afternoon he comes to my house for a nap.” The next day he arrived for his nap with a different note pinned to his collar. “He lives in a home with six children,” it read. “Two are under the age of three and he’s trying to catch up on his sleep. Can I come with him tomorrow?” *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn
  11. You, too. Toodle-oo,
  12. September 3rd - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: Mansuetus of Toul Marinus Pope Gregory I Remaclus Prudence Crandall (Episcopal Church (USA)) September 3 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) China's victory over Japan commemoration related observances: Armed Forces Day (Republic of China) V-J Day (People's Republic of China) Feast of San Marino and the Republic, celebrates the foundation of the Republic of San Marino in 301. Flag Day (Australia) Independence Day, celebrates the second independence of Qatar from the United Kingdom in 1971. Levy Mwanawasa Day (Zambia) Memorial Day (Tunisia) Merchant Navy Remembrance Day (Canada) Merchant Navy Day (United Kingdom) National Welsh Rarebit Day (United States) Tokehega Day (Tokelau, New Zealand) Observances (click on the day or week for details) Bring Your Manners To Work Day College Colors Day Lazy Mom’s Day Fun Observances Skyscraper Day Skyscraper Day is held annually on September 3. Celebrate this unofficial holiday by climbing or taking the elevator/lift up a skyscraper and by acknowledging the architectural and engineering feats that make such buildings possible. The holiday, which has unknown origins, encourages people to learn more about the science and art of building skyscrapers. 40 Floors Skyscrapers are very tall buildings that define a city's skyline. The term originates in the United States in the late 1880s during the building boom in Chicago and New York. At this time, buildings that had more floors than the surrounding buildings were called skyscrapers. These days, buildings that have have at least 40 or more floors are designated as skyscrapers. Three Height Criteria The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, an international organization of civil engineers and architects based in Chicago, U.S. is an authority on the official heights of tall buildings and determines which building receives the title of the Tallest Building in the World. The Council ranks the heights of buildings based on three criteria: the height of building from the lowest level to the architectural top, excluding antennae and flagpoles; the highest occupied floor; and from the lowest level to the highest level, including antennae and flagpoles. How to Celebrate? Go up a skyscraper and take in the views from the top floor. Many skyscrapers have restaurants or cafes at their top floors - why not have a meal there while enjoying your city’s landscape? Learn more about the science and engineering behind these architectural marvels. Make your own skyscraper city using toy blocks or other materials. Did You Know... ...that in Hong Kong tall buildings do not have a floor numbered 13 or any floors that have a 4 in its number. This is because the numbers 13 and 4 are culturally seen as unlucky numbers. *** James and Stephen go into a sweet shop. James stealthily pockets three bars of chocolate and slips out. Gloating, he challenges Stephen to do something even bigger. “No problem,” replies Stephen. “I’ll show you the real art of thieving.” Re-entering the shop, Stephen approaches a member of staff and asks, “Would you like to see a magic trick?” The staff member nods, so Stephen takes three chocolate bars off the shelf and eats them all. “So where’s the magic?” asks the staff member. “Just check my friend’s pocket,” Stephen replies, pointing to James. “You’ll find all three bars intact.” *** At the funeral of a family friend, I was chatting to June, an elderly lady I hadn’t seen since I was a teenager. I was thrilled when she told me what a beautiful young woman I’d become. On the journey home, I remarked to my mother how lovely it had been to see June again. “Yes, it’s such a shame that she’s gone blind,” she said sadly. *** Two hunters hired a pilot to fly them deep into the wilderness to look for deer. After bagging six large bucks, they were loading the plane to return when the pilot said, “Hold on. This aircraft is only rated to carry four deer.” The two men objected strongly. “Last year we got six and the pilot let us take them all – and he had the exact same plane.” Reluctantly, the pilot gave in and all six deer were loaded. However, even on full power, the little plane couldn’t handle the load and went down in the forest. Somehow the two men survived, and after climbing from the wreckage the first hunter asked: “Any idea where we are?” “Sure,” his friend replied. “I think we’re pretty close to where we crashed last year.” *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn
  13. September 02nd - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: Acepsimas of Hnaita and companions (Syriac Orthodox Church) Agricola of Avignon Antoninus of Pamiers Brocard Castor of Apt Diomedes Eleazar Hieu Ingrid of Sweden Justus of Lyon Margaret of Louvain Maxima of Rome Nonnosus William of Roskilde September 2 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Democracy Day (Tibet) Independence Day (Transnistria, unrecognized) Independence Day (Artsakh, unrecognized) National Blueberry Popsicle Day (United States) National Day, celebrates the independence of Vietnam from Japan and France in 1945 Victory over Japan Day (United States) Observances (click on the day or week for details) Calendar Adjustment Day Fun Observances Bison Ten Yell Day On September 2 celebrate the 200th anniversary of any imaginary character of your choosing because it is Bison-Ten-Yell Day. Don't get it? It has nothing to do with bisons except for the name. Read Bison-Ten-Yell Day out fast and it sounds like bicentennial day. The origins of this unofficial day are unknown. How to Celebrate? If you need an excuse for a celebration, today is it. Make up a character or happy event and celebrate its bicentennial on this day. You could even make up a story around the character and have a contest among your guests - whoever comes up with the best and the most historically correct story will win! Since the day has bison in its name, what about spending some time to learn about bisons and their environment? Did You Know… …that despite their size, bisons can run very fast? They can gain speeds up to 65 km/h (40 mph). *** My wife was checking her emails and told me her password was “mickeyminniebatmanrobintomjerryLondon”. I asked her why it needed to be so long. “Because,” she replied, “I was told it had to have at least six characters and one capital.” *** I often wonder about people who live in tropical destinations. What do their screen savers look like? *** A guy in a van pulls up next to a Rolls-Royce at a red light and asks, “Hey, is your car Bluetooth enabled?” The Rolls owner nods. “So is mine. Got Wi-Fi?” The Rolls owner nods again. “Me too. What about a double bed?” “No. Do you?” asks the Rolls guy. “Yep.” The light changes and the van takes off. Jealous, the Rolls guy heads to a Pimp My Rolls customising shop and gets a double bed installed, then drives around until he finds the van parked on the side of the road. He raps on the window. “Guess what? I got a double bed put in my car too.” The van owner peers out. “You got me out of the shower to tell me that?!” *** *** *** *** Just for your interest. These are some their notable descendants: Hillary Clinton Angelina Jolie Madonna Bernie "Boom Boom" Geoffrion (Hall of Fame ice hockey player) *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn
  14. September 1st - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Anniversary of the Start of the Armed Struggle (Eritrea) Christian feast day: Constantius (Costanzo) of Aquino David Pendleton Oakerhater (Anglican Communion) Giles Loup (Lupus) of Sens Nivard (Nivo) Sixtus of Reims Terentian (Terrence) Verena Vibiana The beginning of the new liturgical year (Eastern Orthodox Church and the Eastern Catholic Church) September 1 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Constitution Day (Slovakia) Disaster Prevention Day (Japan)[43] Earliest day on which Father's Day can fall, while September 7 is the latest; celebrated on the first Sunday in September. (Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea) Earliest day on which Labor Day can fall, while September 7 is the latest; celebrated on the first Monday in September. (Canada, United States, Palau) First day of school in many countries in Asia, Europe and the Americas. Flag Day (Honduras) Independence Day, celebrates the independence of Uzbekistan from the Soviet Union in 1991. Journalist Day (Taiwan) Knowledge Day (Russia, Ukraine and Armenia) Random Acts of Kindness Day (New Zealand) Veteran's Day (Poland) Wattle Day (Australia) Observances (click on the day for details) Building and Code Staff Appreciation Day Tofu Day Global Talent Acquisition Day Ginger Cat Appreciation Day Letter Writing Day Cherry Popover Day Observances (click on the month for details) Sepsis Awareness Month Friendship Month Sourdough September Chiari Awareness Month Read A New Book Month Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month Suicide Prevention Month Shake Month Sewing Month Childhood Cancer Awareness Month Hunger Action Month Happy Cat Month Honey Month Chicken Month Piano Month Preparedness Month Library Card Sign-up Month Mushroom Month Fun Observances (2) Emma Nutt Day Emma Nutt Day on September 1 celebrates the world’s first female telephone operator, Emma M Nutt. Like almost all professions, telephone services began as a man's world. The first telephone operators were all men, though very soon managers and customers realized that they were often impatient and rude with their customers. To avoid more unhappy customers, the Edwin Holmes Telephone Dispatch Company in Boston, Massachusetts decided to hire women. So on September 1, 1878 Alexander Graham Bell himself appointed Emma as the world's first female telephone operator. Her trailblazing career lasted for almost 35 years. Pioneering Women Emma's appointment was pathbreaking in many ways. She spearheaded a drastic change in the face and the tone of the telecommunications industry in the United States - by the mid 1900s, a majority of telephone operators in the country were women. Additionally, her employment strengthened the slowly pervading notion that women could work outside their homes and also contribute to the society and economy. Other annual holidays that celebrate pioneering women around the world include Helen Keller Day, The Duchess Who Wasn’t Day, Frankenstein Day, Ada Lovelace Day, and Jane Addams Day. How to Celebrate? Like Emma, there are many other women who paved the path for future generations of girls to opt for careers and professions generally only reserved for men. Learn about their lives and their contribution to the society. Read more about the telephone industry and the science behind telecommunications. Pick up the phone and call the women who inspire you, and let them know that they are your role models. Did You Know… …that Emma Nutt and her sister Stella were the world's first sister duo to work as telephone operators? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ No Rhyme or Reason Day September 1 is No Rhyme or Reason Day. The unofficial holiday is dedicated to the English language idiom, no rhyme or reason, which means something that occurs without any purpose or explanation. The idiom is thought to have first found its way in the English language through the 1460 book The Boke of Nurture by John Russell, though it is most famous for its appearance in the 1590 Shakespearean play Comedy of Errors. It once again showed up in Shakespeare's 1600 play, As You Like It. The holiday is also known in the United States as National No Rhyme or Reason Day or National No Rhyme (Nor Reason) Day. How to Celebrate? Do you need a rhyme or a reason to celebrate this fun holiday? Here are some ways you can honor this expression: What about celebrating this holiday by tapping into your creative side? Spend the day writing free verse - poetry without any rhyme. Have a no rhyming contest with a friend or a co-worker. Find words that do not rhyme with anything else. Whoever finds the most words wins a copy of a thesaurus or a dictionary! Do something nice for someone for no rhyme or reason. Sometimes the most generous gestures are the ones that are undertaken without any cause or purpose. Did You Know... ...that in literature and poetry, words that are spelled similarly but pronounced differently are called eye rhymes? *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn Most of my source pages vanished(I lost them), more variety next time.
  15. August 31st - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Baloch-Pakhtun Unity Day (Balochs and Pashtuns, International observance) Christian feast day: Aidan of Lindisfarne[12] Aristides of Athens Cuthburh Dominguito del Val Joseph of Arimathea Nicodemus Paulinus of Trier Raymond Nonnatus Wala of Corbie Waltheof, Earl of Northumbria August 31 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Day of Solidarity and Freedom (Poland) Independence Day, celebrates the independence of Kyrgyzstan from the Soviet Union in 1991. Independence Day, celebrates the independence of Malaya from the United Kingdom in 1957. Independence Day, celebrates the independence of Trinidad and Tobago from the United Kingdom in 1962. Romanian Language Day (Romania)[21] Our Language (Moldova) National Trail Mix Day (United States) North Borneo Self-government Day (Sabah, Borneo) Observances (click on the day or week for details) Overdose Awareness Day We Love Memoirs Day Love Litigating Lawyers Day Fun Observances Eat Outside Day August 31 is Eat Outside Day. So, pack up a lunch, head on over to the park and commune with nature while you eat your meal under the Sun. This unofficial holiday of unknown origins encourages eating outside as an excuse for people to go outdoors and take in some fresh air and enjoy some time under the Sun. The day is also known as Eat Outdoors Day or National Eat Outside Day in the US. How to Celebrate? Pack up a picnic lunch and enjoy it with family and friends in the park. Grill outside in the yard or take a portable grill to the park. If you usually have lunch at your desk at work, what about going out for your lunch break and having your meal under the Sun? Did You Know… …that picnics began as a meal break for hunters while hunting? *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn
  16. August 30th - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: Alexander of Constantinople (Eastern Orthodoxy) Blessed Alfredo Ildefonso Schuster Blessed Eustáquio van Lieshout Blessed Stephen Nehmé (Maronite Church / Catholic Church) Charles Chapman Grafton (Episcopal Church) Fantinus Felix and Adauctus Fiacre Jeanne Jugan Narcisa de Jesús Pammachius August 30 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Constitution Day (Kazakhstan) Constitution Day (Turks and Caicos Islands) Independence Day (Tartarstan, Russia not formally recognized) International Day of the Disappeared[28] Popular Consultation Day (East Timor) Saint Rose of Lima's Day (Peru) Victory Day (Turkey) Observances (click on the day or week for details) Slinky Day Amagwinya Day Grief Awareness Day Holistic Pet Day International Whale Shark Day Toasted Marshmallow Day Fun Observances Frankenstein Day August 30 is Frankenstein Day. The unofficial holiday celebrates the life and times of English author Mary Shelley who wrote one of the word’s most read monster novel, Frankenstein, or The Modern Prometheus. Born on August 30, 1797, Shelley published Frankenstein in 1818 anonymously at the young age of 22. Early Science Fiction Considered to be a predecessor of modern day science fiction, Frankenstein recounts the story of scientist Victor Frankenstein and his experiment that ends with the creation of a human-like creature. In the novel, the creature who is hated and rejected by everyone due to its appearance does not have a name. In popular culture, however, it is mistakenly referred to as Frankenstein after its creator. Although everyone in the novel believes him to be a monster, he is also an intelligent and emotional being who is looking to be accepted by others. The holiday is also known as National Frankenstein Day. How to Celebrate? Fan of the macabre, the strange, and the scary? Here are some ways you can celebrate this literary holiday: Pick up a copy of the book and spend the day reading it. Watch the many TV and film adaptations of the book. Halloween may be 2 months away, but that doesn't mean you can't celebrate Frankenstein Day by hosting a Frankenstein themed party. Decorate your venue as a lab, serve green colored food, and bake a cake with Frankenstein's face on it. Think of this as a dress rehearsal for your Halloween party! Frankenstein isn't Mary Shelley's only literary work. She wrote a number of short stories, travelogues, historical novels, and even a novel, The Last Man that depicted a apocalyptical world. Honor her by reading one of her works. Did You Know… …that a similar holiday called Frankenstein Friday is celebrated every year on the last Friday in October? *** Did you hear about the new e-reader? Reader’s Digest and Amazon created software that will condense books when you download them. It’s called the Dwindle. *** Q: How many sheep does it take to make one sweater? A: Depends how well they can knit. *** Q: What did Adam say the day before Christmas? A: It’s Christmas, Eve! *** Would You Like to Join … The Yoko Club? Oh no. The German Philosophy Club? I Kant. The Compulsive-Rhymers Club? Okey-dokey. The Codependence Club? Can I bring a friend? The Procrastinators Club? Maybe next week. *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn
  17. August 29th - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: Adelphus of Metz Beheading of St. John the Baptist Eadwold of Cerne Euphrasia Eluvathingal (Syro-Malabar Catholic Church) John Bunyan (Episcopal Church) Sabina Vitalis, Sator and Repositus August 29 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) International Day against Nuclear Tests[20] Miners' Day (Ukraine) Day of Remembrance of the Defenders of Ukraine (Ukraine) Municipal Police Day (Poland) National Sports Day (India) Slovak National Uprising Anniversary (Slovakia) Telugu Language Day (India) Observances (click on the day or week for details) More Herbs, Less Salt Day Potteries Bottle Oven Day Individual Rights Day Pony Express Day Chop Suey Day Lemon Juice Day Fun Observances According to Hoyle Day On August 29, honor expertise, authority, and the rules because it is According to Hoyle Day. Named after the English language phrase, according to Hoyle, the unofficial holiday celebrates the life and times of Englishman Edmond Hoyle, who died on this day in 1769. A lawyer by trade, Edmond Hoyle is best known for publishing books detailing the rules and regulations of many popular card and board games of his time, including chess and backgammon. He is also known for writing an authoritative pamphlet on the card game of Whist. Game of Skills Whist is a trick card game played by two teams of two players each. The card game evolved from a previous game called Ruff and Honors and is the predecessor of Bridge. Popular in the 18th and the 19th century, the game required mathematical and logical skills. Appeal to Authority The phrase according to Hoyle came from the authoritative books Hoyle wrote on the rules and regulations of games. When people played these games and made a play that was questioned, they could invoke Hoyle's rules by saying “according to Hoyle...”. Today, the phrase is used generally to suggest expertise or the highest authority on a subject matter. How to Celebrate? Play a game of Whist by following Hoyle's rules. Don't know how? Today is a good excuse to learn! Are you an expert on a subject? Why not spend the day jotting your thought about the subject? Did You Know… …the word Whist comes from whisk, from whisking or moving the cards during the game? *** Crossword Puzzle Answers You’d Never get Right: • Star of Gravity (Newton) • You say potato, I say __(carbsmakemefat) • Turned water into wine (ernestandjulio) • Number of wheels on an 18-wheeler (goingtoofasttocount) • Etsy, Russian (nyetsy) *** News that her third child was going to be a girl thrilled my cousin, who already had two boys. "My husband wants to call her Sunny," she told me, "and I want to give her Anna as her middle name in memory of my mom." I thought they might want to reconsider their decision, since their birth announcement would herald the arrival of Sunny Anna Rainey. *** My niece bought her five-year-old daughter, Kayleigh, a hamster. One day he escaped from his cage. The family turned the house upside down and finally found him. Several weeks later, while Kayleigh was at school, he escaped from his cage again. My niece searched frantically but never found the critter. Hoping to make the loss less painful for Kayleigh, my niece took the cage out of her room. When Kayleigh came home from school that afternoon, she climbed into her mother’s lap. “We’ve got a serious problem,” she announced. “Not only is my hamster gone again, but this time he took the cage.” *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn
  18. August 28th - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: Alexander of Constantinople Augustine of Hippo Edmund Arrowsmith Hermes Moses the Black August 28 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) National Grandparents Day (Mexico) Observances (click on the day or week for details) Franchise Appreciation Day Cherry Turnover Day Crackers Over The Keyboard Day Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day Radio Commercials Day Race Your Mouse Around The Icons Day Fun Observances Bow Tie Day August 28 is Bow Tie Day, an annual holiday that celebrates the elegant fashion accessory usually worn by men at formal occasions. A type of necktie, the bow tie became a part of a fashionable man's wardrobe in the early 19th century. It is believed that tie evolved from another type of male neckwear called the cravat. The cravat originated in Croatia in the 17th century as a band of cloth that was wrapped around the neck and was possibly worn as a way for soldiers to close the fronts of their shirts or to hide any stains on the front of their shirts. By the 18th century, the cravat had become popular among fashionable circles in France and Europe. No Longer Formal Wear In the early days, the bow tie was specifically reserved for formal occasions. Black tie attire became a term synonymous with tuxedos worn with black bow ties. Outside of formal events, bow ties gained a reputation of being associated with stodgy intellectualism, thought to be worn by people who did not care much about what others thought of them. In recent years, bow ties have become cool again. Today, they are part of the daily attire of many men and women. How to Celebrate? If you have never worn a bow tie before, today is the day to procure one and spend some time learning how to tie it. Host a bow tie party. Decorate the venue with bow ties and require all your guests to come wearing a bow tie. Serve cookies and cakes in the shape of bows and give out bow ties as favors or prizes for party games. Do you have a creative side? Why not then hand knit, crochet, or sew your own unique bow tie to wear to your next event? Did You Know… …that a very fashionable person is known as a clotheshorse? *** On vacation my nine-year-old son, Ryan, and I were at the pool, where two attractive young women wearing thong bikinis were sunning themselves. I noticed that Ryan kept staring at them, but he would occasionally glance back at me. When they got up to leave, Ryan watched them particularly closely. I was bracing myself for questions he might have when he turned to me and whispered, "Dad, can I take that candy bar those girls left behind?" *** A friend of mine has an adopted son who, at six-foot-one, loves to play basketball. The boy was applying to basketball camp, and a section of the application called for him to write a brief essay about himself. My friend got a lump in his throat as he read his son's words: "Most of all I am thankful that I am adopted…" Then my friend got a cold dose of reality as he continued: "because my dad is so short." *** My wife, a real estate agent, wrote an ad for a house she was listing. The house had a second-floor suite that could be accessed using a lift chair that slid along the staircase. Quickly describing this feature, she inadvertently made it sound even more attractive: "Mother-in-law suite comes with an electric chair." *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn
  19. August 27th - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: Baculus of Sorrento Caesarius of Arles Decuman Gebhard of Constance Euthalia John of Pavia Lycerius (or: Glycerius, Lizier) Máel Ruba (or Rufus) (Scotland) Margaret the Barefooted Monica of Hippo, mother of Augustine of Hippo Narnus Phanourios of Rhodes Rufus and Carpophorus Syagrius of Autun Thomas Gallaudet and Henry Winter Syle (Episcopal Church) August 27 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Film and Movies Day (Russia) Independence Day (Republic of Moldova), celebrates the independence of Moldova from the USSR in 1991. Lyndon Baines Johnson Day (Texas, United States) National Banana Lovers Day (United States) National Pots De Creme Day (United States) Observances (click on the day or week for details) International Bat Night Daffodil Day Petroleum Day Tug-of-War Day Bubblegum Day Fun Observances The Duchess Who Wasn't Day The Duchess Who Wasn’t Day on August 27 celebrates the life, times and works of Irish author Margaret Wolfe Hungerford. Born in 1855, Hungerford wrote anonymously under the pen name, The Duchess. She is most well known for her book Molly Bawn. It is unclear why August 27 was chosen by the unknown creators of this unofficial holidays to honor Hungerford, but some people speculate that the day is called the Duchess Who Wasn’t Day because of the anonymity in which Hungerford spent her life as a writer. Anonymous Female Writers History is full of women writers who spent their lives writing and publishing books and novels anonymously. This was because in the past, it was believed that women could not write. Books published under a female name were either rejected for publication or did not do well in the bookstores. This forced talented writers like Hungerford to publish under pen names or male sounding names. Some examples of now famous authors who wrote under pseudonyms because they were women are: the Brontë sisters, who wrote under the names Currer Bell (Charlotte), Ellis Bell (Emily), and Acton Bell (Anne); Jane Austen, who wrote as The Lady; and Mary Ann Evans, who wrote Middlemarch as George Elliot. The Dutchess Who Wasn't Day also celebrates these and many other women authors who were unable to be themselves because of societal constraints. How to Celebrate? Celebrate the day by reading some of Hungerford’s work. In addition to Molly Bawn, her other works include A Little Rebel, Phyllis and Faith and Unfaith. Read books by other anonymous women authors and read about their lives as women trying to break societal expectations of what they could and could not do. Did You Know... ...that Hungerford is attributed for making the phrase “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” famous? *** At the nudist colony for communists, two men are sitting on the front porch. One turns to the other and says, "I say, have you read Marx?" The other replies, "Yes … I believe it's these wicker chairs." *** It had been a long time—seven years to be exact—since my friend Brian had been to see his doctor. So the nurse told him that if he wanted to make an appointment, he would have to be reprocessed as a new patient. "Okay," said Brian, "reprocess me." "I'm sorry," she told him. "We're not accepting any new patients." *** Ever wonder what medical personnel scribble on those clipboards attached to the foot of the bed? Here are some incredible comments taken from hospital charts: "The patient refused autopsy." "The patient has no previous history of suicides." "She has had no rigors or shaking chills, but her husband states she was very hot in bed last night." "She is numb from her toes down." "Patient has two teenage children but no other abnormalities." "Discharge status: Alive but without my permission." *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** jjj sandrewn
  20. August 26th - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: Adrian and Natalia of Nicomedia (Eastern Orthodox Church) Alexander of Bergamo (Roman Catholic Church) Blessed Ceferino Namuncurá David Lewis Jeanne-Elisabeth Bichier des Ages Mariam Baouardy (Melkite Greek Catholic Church) Melchizedek Our Lady of Częstochowa Simplicius, Constantius and Victorinus Teresa Jornet Ibars Zephyrinus August 26 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) The Sunday nearest to this date is Go Topless Day (International observance) Herero Day (Namibia) Heroes' Day (Namibia) Repentance Day (Papua New Guinea) Women's Equality Day (United States) Observances (click on the day or week for details) Burger Day Cherry Popsicle Day WebMistress Day Fun Observances Dog Appreciation Day August 26 is Dog Day or Dog Appreciation Day, a day to appreciate your best friend on four legs. Founded in 2004 by pet and family lifestyle expert and animal behaviorist Colleen Paige, the day honors dogs for all that they do to enrich our lives and communities. The holiday also aims to raise awareness about dog adoption and the importance of providing rescue dogs with a safe and loving environment. Man's Best Friend Often known as man's best friend, dogs were the first animals to be domesticated by humans and they were often used for guarding property, herding stock, and for hunting game. Today, dogs are used as companions and are considered to be a member of the family in many parts of the world. The unofficial holiday is also sometimes called World Dog Day, National Dog Appreciation Day, or International Dog Day. How to Celebrate? Adopt a dog and give it a loving home. If you have a dog, treat them with their favorite treats. If you are unable to have a dog in your family, celebrate the day by donating your time and money to the local animal and dog shelter. Did You Know… …that Dalmatians are born without any spots? Their characteristic spots appear as they grow older. *** The public safety officer came up to a large mob of people outside a department store and asked, “What’s happening?” A mall officer replied, “These people are waiting to get the new Barbie doll.” The public safety officer shook his head and muttered, “Who can resist a Barbie queue?” *** A termite walks into a bar and says, "Where is the bar tender?" *** I put all my spare cash into an origami business. It folded. *** Did you hear about the mathematician who was afraid of negative numbers? He'd stop at nothing to avoid them. *** Someone sent ten different puns to friends, with the hope that at least one of the puns would make them laugh. No pun in ten did. *** “How is your long distance relationship going?” “So far, so good.” *** Two Eskimos sitting in a kayak were chilly, but when they lit a fire in the craft it sank -- proving once and for all that you can't have your kayak and heat it, too. *** In ancient Rome, deli workers were told that they could eat anything they wanted during the lunch hour. Anything, that is except the smoked salmon. Thus were created the world's first anti-lox breaks. *** Confucius say, man who runs behind car will get exhausted, but man who runs in front of car will get tired. *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn
  21. August 25th - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: Æbbe of Coldingham Aredius Genesius of Arles Genesius of Rome Ginés de la Jara (or Genesius of Cartagena) Gregory of Utrecht Joseph Calasanz Louis IX of France Blessed Ludovicus Baba Blessed Ludovicus Sasada Blessed Luis Sotelo Menas of Constantinople Blessed Miguel de Carvalho Patricia of Naples Blessed Pedro Vásquez Thomas de Cantilupe (or of Hereford) August 25 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Day of Songun (North Korea) Earliest day on which Father's Day can fall, while August 31 is the latest; celebrated on the last Monday in August. (South Sudan) Earliest day on which La Tomatina can fall, while August 31 is the latest; celebrated on the last Wednesday in August. (Buñol) Independence Day, celebrates the independence of Uruguay from Brazil in 1825. Liberation Day (France) Soldier's Day (Brazil) Observances (click on the day or week for details) Banana Split Day Whiskey Sour Day Fun Observances Kiss and Make Up Day August 25 is Kiss and Make Up Day, a day to let go of resentment, grudges, anger, and indignation. The unofficial holiday encourages people to make up and reconcile with anyone they are estranged with - at work, school, or in their family. Conflict is one of the biggest truths in life. No matter how much we may try, disagreements are a big part of our relationships with others. Most of the times, these differences can be easily set aside and forgotten. Sometimes, however, arguments and misunderstandings can take an ugly turn, estranging and isolating people from each other. Kiss and make up is an English language idiom that means to forgive someone and be friends again with them. A Second Chance Kiss and Make Up Day provides a second chance - it is a day to set aside all difference and let people in our lives know that despite all the quarrels and the disagreements, they mean a lot to us. How to Celebrate? Staying angry with a loved one can be harmful not only to a relationship but to one’s own mental and physical health. So, take this day to let go of all the anger and make up with someone you have quarreled with. Did You Know... ...that in many cultures kissing on the cheek is a sign of respect and friendship? *** When a music student brought his French horn to my shop for repair, he complained that the instrument “felt stuffy” and he couldn’t blow air through it. It’s not unusual to find partial blockages in brass instruments if small items get lodged in the tubing, but when I tested the instrument, the horn was completely blocked. After much probing and prodding, a small tangerine dropped out of the bell. “Oh,” said the musician when I handed him the fruit. Seeing the bewildered look on my face, he explained, “My mom used the horn for a cornucopia in a Thanksgiving centerpiece.” *** A Briton flies into Australia 
and is asked by the immigration 
officer, “Do you have any felony 
convictions?” The Briton replies, “Sorry. I didn’t realize that was still a requirement.” *** I had spent the late winter months waiting impatiently for signs of spring. When the first warm, sunny Saturday arrived, I eagerly unlocked the storm door and stepped onto our patio deck. I was pleased by the sight of green sprouts and the sounds of singing birds. More than anything else, I delighted in the sweet aroma of the spring air. Knocking on the kitchen window, I beckoned to my wife to join me in enjoying the pleasures of the season. She quietly brought me back to earth when she reminded me that I was standing over the dryer vent, inhaling the scent of fabric softener. *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn
  22. @sixxone If ever I chance to say 'trash talk' again, these two images will definitely come to mind. 😬
  23. August 24th - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: Abbán of Ireland Aurea of Ostia Bartholomew the Apostle (Roman Catholic, Anglican) Jeanne-Antide Thouret Maria Micaela Desmaisieres Massa Candida (Martyrs of Utica) Owen (Audoin) August 24 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Flag Day (Liberia) Independence Day or Den' Nezalezhnosti, celebrates the independence of Ukraine from the Soviet Union in 1991. International Strange Music Day National Waffle Day (United States) Nostalgia Night (Uruguay) Willka Raymi (Cusco, Peru) Observances (click on the day or week for details) International Strange Music Day Knife Day Peach Pie Day Internaut Day Vesuvius Day Fun Observances Pluto Demoted Day Pluto Demoted Day on August 24 commemorates the day in 2006 when Pluto's status was downgraded from a full sized planet to a dwarf planet by the International Astronomical Union (IAU). Discovered in 1930 by Clyde Tombaugh at the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, Pluto was the Solar System's 9th planet for 76 years. Given the name of the ancient Greek ruler of the underworld, Pluto was named by an 11-year-old girl called Venetia Burney. 250 Year Orbit Because Pluto is very far from us - on average it is about 6 billion kilometers (4 billion miles) from Earth, little is known about the dwarf planet. In size, Pluto has a diameter of about 2250 kilometers (1400 miles), which is about two-thirds the size of Earth's Moon. Pluto's orbit is highly eccentric. In other words, its orbit around the Sun is not perfectly circular. This means that the distance between it and the Sun varies over time. It takes Pluto about 250 Earth years to orbit once around the Sun, and about 6.5 Earth days to make a full rotation around its axis. Demotion to Dwarf Planet The IAU defines a planet as a celestial body that "orbits around the Sun, has a nearly round shape and has cleared the neighborhood around its orbit." Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet because it does not meet the third criteria to be a full-sized planet. It is not the dominant object on its orbit around the Sun - other bodies can be found in the region around its neighborhood. How to Celebrate? Celebrate Pluto's previous status as a planet by spendings some time in the day reading about planets and their characteristics. Have children? Take them on a visit to your local planetarium and introduce them to the joys of astronomy. Teach them everything you know about the Solar System and about planets. Maybe you could make a model of the Solar System with them in order to understand how it works? Learn more about dwarf planets and other astronomical objects like comets, asteroids and meteor showers. Did You Know… …that Pluto has 5 moons: Charon, Kerberos, Nix, Hydra, and Styx? *** My nephew, a flight attendant, split the back of his pants one day during a flight. To save embarrassment, he decided to work in front of the beverage cart, facing forward. The arrangement worked perfectly until he got to the last row and a passenger leaned over to him and said in a low voice, "Your fly is open." *** Security and peace of mind were part of the reason we moved to a gated community. Both flew out the window the night I called a local pizza shop for a delivery. "I'd like to order a large pepperoni, please," I said, then gave him the address of our condominium. "We'll be there in about half an hour," the kid at the other end replied. "Your gate code is still 1238, right?" *** My sister Darlene has the courage—but not always the skills—to tackle any home-repair project. For example, in her garage are pieces of a lawn mower she once tried to fix. So I wasn't surprised the day my other sister, Jesse, and I found Darlene attacking her vacuum cleaner with a screwdriver. "I can't get this thing to cooperate," she explained. "Why don't you drag it out to the garage and show it the lawn mower?" Jesse suggested. *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn
  24. August 23rd - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Battle of Kursk Day (Russia) Christian feast day: Ascelina Asterius, Claudius, and Neon Éogan of Ardstraw Lupus (Luppus) of Novae Philip Benitius Quiriacus and companions, of Ostia Rose of Lima Tydfil Zacchaeus of Jerusalem August 23 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Day of the National Flag (Ukraine) European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism or Black Ribbon Day (European Union and other countries), and related observances: Liberation from Fascist Occupation Day (Romania) International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition[26] National Day for Physicians (Iran) Umhlanga Day (Swaziland) Observances (click on the day or week for details) Cuban Sandwich Day Sponge Cake Day Valentino Day Fun Observances Ride Like the Wind Day August 23 is Ride Like the Wind Day, a day to well, ride like the wind if you can. The day also commemorates the first time the Kremer Prize was awarded in 1977. The prize is awarded to people who pioneer human powered flight. Human powered flights are aircraft that use human muscle power to run. Due to technological issues - they are unable to fly for long distances or for a considerable amount of time - human powered flights are usually flown for experimental and recreational purposes. The first authenticated human powered flight that was successful in taking off and flying for a significant distance took place in 1961. Derek Piggott, a glider pilot in the British Royal Air Force flew Southampton University's Man Powered Aircraft on November 9, 1961, for about 600 meters. Running Away The holiday is a play on the English language phrase run like the wind, which means to run very fast. It is sometimes used in the context of running away from someone or something - the 1980 song Ride Like the Wind, by American singer-songwriter Christopher Cross, recounts the story of an outlaw who runs away to Mexico to avoid punishment. Ride like the wind is also sometimes used to refer to the act of doing things without purpose. Just like the wind can change direction at any time, someone riding like the wind can change the course of their lives without any warning and do things without any rhyme or reason. How to Celebrate? Learn more about the history and science of human powered flight. Take flying lessons and ride like the wind. Take your bike out for a spin and feel the wind in your hair. Did You Know… …that Jacqueline Cochran was the first woman to break the sound barrier on May 18, 1953? *** When I enlisted in my teens, I took up smoking cigars to make myself look more mature. Did it work? Well, one time, as I proudly puffed away at our NCO club, an older 
sergeant growled, “Hey, kid, your candy bar’s on fire.” *** Sign above the toilet in a women’s latrine at Camp Ripley in Minnesota: “If you are reading this sign while using this latrine, you are in the wrong one.” *** Few civilians 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 ship. Then I asked a little girl, “Now do you know what I do?” She said, “You’re a cheerleader.” *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** sandrewn
  25. August 22nd - Holidays and Observances (click on the day for details) Christian feast day: Fabrizio Guinefort Immaculate Heart of Mary (Roman Catholic calendar of 1960) Queenship of Mary Symphorian and Timotheus August 22 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics) Earliest day on which National Heroes' Day (Philippines) can fall, while August 28 is the latest; celebrated on the fourth Monday in August. Flag Day (Russia) Madras Day (Chennai and Tamil Nadu, India) End of Filseta feast in Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo and Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief (International) Observances (click on the day or week for details) Eat A Peach Day Pecan Torte Day Take Your Cat to the Vet Day Fun Observances Be An Angel Day August 22 is Be An Angel Day. Established in 1993 by Jaune Howard Feldman, the day encourages people to be angels to those in need. In many religions, angels are supernatural spirits that are thought to be responsible for protecting humans. The day reminds us that even though we can't be actual angels, we can emulate the kindness they are known for. Being kind and good to our fellow human beings is not hard - all we need to do is to stop thinking about ourselves for a while (or a day) and to think about how we can make the world a nicer and kinder place. How to Celebrate? Be kind to others. Do something to help a stranger. Do random acts of kindness without any expectations of reciprocation. For example, give up your seat on the bus or train to someone else, pay for the coffee the person behind you may buy at the coffee shop, or leave a small gift in your neighbor's mailbox. Volunteer your time and money to a charitable organization. Do something that will bring a smile to the face of people. If you know of someone who is going through a difficult time, give them your support and let them know that you are there for them. Help them out in their difficult times. If someone is being an angel to you, thank them, and let them know that their kindness is being appreciated. Did You Know… …that Angelology is the theological study of angels?Be An Angel Day Observances *** Why did I get divorced? Well, last week was my birthday. My wife didn't wish me a happy birthday. My parents forgot and so did my kids. I went to work and even my colleagues didn't wish me a happy birthday. As I entered my office, my secretary said, "Happy birthday, boss!" I felt so special. She asked me out for lunch. After lunch, she invited me to her apartment. We went there and she said, "Do you mind if I go into the bedroom for a minute?" "Okay," I said. She came out 5 minutes later with a birthday cake, my wife, my parents, my kids, my friends, & my colleagues all yelling, "SURPRISE!!!" while I was waiting on the sofa... naked. *** The Lone Ranger woke to see his tent blown away by a tornado. He declared, "Tonto, we’re not in canvas anymore." *** People’s parents actually give them sage advice, like “Do what you love, and the money will follow” or “The early bird gets the worm.” All I remember is “Don’t fill up on bread.” *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** An African or European swallow? sandrewn
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