National Weatherman’s Day
National Weatherman’s Day honors weathermen, and women who work hard to accurately predict the often fickle weather. Despite major technological advances and supercomputers, forecasting the weather is still a tricky, and ever changing business.
Knowing the weather is important in so many ways, it affects how we dress, where we go, and even if we go. Space launches are made or delayed depending upon the weather. And, knowing the weather can save lives. The most obvious example is knowing when and where hurricanes or tornados may hit.
According to the Air Force News, Weatherman’s Day “commemorates the birth of John Jeffries, one of America’s first weathermen”. Jeffries was born on Feb 5, 1744. He kept weather records from 1774 to 1816.
If you see a weatherman today, give them your appreciation for a job well done.
Thank a Mailman Day
Thank a Mailman Day is your chance to say thanks to the guy, or gal, who delivers your mail. After all, they are there five days a week. The reliable postal worker is always there doing their job, regardless of the weather. They are a hardy lot. You’ll find some mail carriers on walking routes, wearing shorts in all but the coldest of winter days.
Did you Know? Pony Express riders were the most famous early American “mailmen”. Their motto was ” Neither rain, nor snow, nor death of the night, can keep us from our duty”. This motto is believed to be taken in part from a motto dating back to ancient times. Among the most popular variation is “Through rain or snow, or sleet or hail, we’ll carry the mail. We will not fail”.
Make it a point to catch your mail carrier enroute today. Give him or her great big smile and a great big “TY”. If you happen to visit your local post office, give them a thank you, too.
The Day the Music Died Day
The Day the Music Died Day commemorates the untimely death of singers Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and the Big Bopper. These three Rock singers died in an airplane crash on February 3, 1959. at the height of their popularity.
Every generation has their music idols. These three were among the top of the 1950’s generation. Those who grew up in the fifties mourned the premature deaths of their music idols. Memorials and remembrances occurred for years. Today, there are many websites memorializing their deaths, and detailing the events before and after the tragedy.
Groundhog Day
Groundhog Day is celebrated each year on February 2nd. On this day in mid-winter, the groundhog awakens from a long winter’s nap, and goes outside of his den to see if he sees his shadow. This tradition is big, on an otherwise cold and dreary mid-winter’s day.
According to legend, if the groundhog sees his shadow (a sunny morning), there will be six more weeks of winter. He then returns to his den and goes back to sleep. If however, he does not see his shadow (cloudy days), he plays around outside of his hole for a while. If he does not see his shadow, spring is just around the corner.
The Groundhog’s Day tradition travelled long ways. It comes from German roots. German immigrants brought the tradition with them from Germany. As they settled in hills of Pennsylvania, they began the tradition of using the Groundhog to predict the the arrival of Spring. The tradition is based upon Candlemas, the day that is the midpoint between Winter and Spring. A famous Candlemas poems goes:
If Candlemas be fair and bright, Winter has another flight. If Candlemas brings clouds and rain, Winter will not come again.
Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania is the site of the annual Ground Hog event. Our little rodent friend (yes, Groundhogs are classified as rodents) is called Punxsutawney Phil. There are a few other “predictors” around the country, but they all pale in comparison to Phil’s ability to predict the remainder of winter.
For the Record Phil sees his shadow about 9 out of 10 times
National Freedom Day
National Freedom Day celebrates freedom from slavery, and recognizes that America is a symbol of freedom.
National Freedom Day was established in 1948 to remind us that America stands for, and is a symbol of freedom for all people. The roots of this special day come directly from the end of slavery and the signing of the 13th amendment outlawing slavery.
Celebrate this day by reflecting upon your own freedoms that you enjoy by being fortunate enough to be in America. Millions of people in the world are not free.
Origin of National Freedom Day:
Major Richard Robert Wright Sr., a former slave, created National Freedom Day. He believed that there should be a day when freedom for all Americans is celebrated. President Lincoln signed the 13th Amendment outlawing slavery on February 1, 1865. So, February 1st was chosen to celebrate National Freedom Day.
On June 30, 1948, President Harry Truman signed a the bill proclaiming February 1st as National Freedom Day.
Sdrawkcab Yad
Backwards Day is a day to do everything backwards. Use your imagination, and Backwards Day can be lots of fun. It’s especially popular with school aged kids.
Try writing backwards or reading backwards. Wear your shirt with the back in the front. Eat your meal, starting with dessert! Now that’s what I call fun! Walk backwards, or talk backwards. Play a board game backwards, from the finish line to the start. Are you starting to get the picture!?
This day is limited only by your imagination. Evah nuf!
National Inane Answering Message Day
Many people look at the title of this day and think ….huh!!? Some people think its a typo, and the day should read “National Insane Answering Message Day”. However, it actually and truly is “National Inane Answering Message Day”.
First let,s clarify the meaning of an “inane” answering message. We all get them on our answering machines. An inane message is a senseless or meaningless message, or a prank call. Or, it could be an insane message.
So, National Inane Answering Message Day is a day to end those numerous, annoying inane answering machine messages. Trouble is…….how do you do that? In today’s, world, caller Id is a great tool to accomplish this goal.
National Puzzle Day
Don’t be puzzled by today. National Puzzle Day honours puzzles of all sizes, shapes and forms. Crossword puzzles are by far the most common. Sudoku, a number puzzle, is the most recent puzzle rage. There’s easy puzzles, and there’s puzzles for experts. They fit the needs of every person, and every skill level.
Puzzles are a favourite pastime of millions of people, young and old. So, what’s with this fascination over puzzles? There are numerous reasons for its popularity. For many, doing puzzles is fun. Some people just like the challenge of completing them, and graduating to evermore complex and difficult puzzle solving levels. For others, it is a way to kill time, and to eliminate boredom. Others still, do puzzles to keep their mind sharp, or to learn new words.
Whatever the cause for your interest, spend National Puzzle Day doing puzzles.
National Kazoo Day
People young and old love Kazoos. Kazoo Day celebrates the the joy of this musical instrument.
Alabama Vest of Macon Georgia made the first Kazoo in the 1840’s. Actually, he conceived the Kazoo, and had Thaddeus Von Clegg, a German clockmaster make it to his specifications.
Commercial production of the Kazoo didn’t occur until many years later in 1912. Manufacturing was first started by Emil Sorg in Western New York. Sorg joined up with Michael McIntyre, a Buffalo tool and die maker. Production moved to Eden, NY where the factory museum remains today.
Kazoos are easy to play. Simply hum a tune into the kazoo, and you’re an expert. Kazoos can be played solo, or in groups. It plays a great tune both ways.
What do you do on National Kazoo day? Why, play the kazoo, of course.
Bell – Let’s Talk Day
Today is Bell – Let’s Talk Day. Not a holiday, but an important day. Addressing the thousands of Canadians with mental health issues, Bell – Let’s talk day raises funds and awareness for those in need of help. Mental health issues such as depression can hit anyone at any time. Start the conversation. For every tweet using #BellLetsTalk, Bell will donate 5¢ more to the cause. Go to http://letstalk.bell.ca/en/end-the-stigma/facts/ to find out more.
Namaste