Late today. Had a bad fall yesterday. More on that when I’m not as woozy.

Bake Cookies Day
December 18, 2013 in the World

Bake Cookies Day occurs in the middle of the holiday season, and is a great excuse to bake some delicious cookies to help you get through the cold, winter days! Why not try some cinnamon flavoured cookies (such as the snickerdoodle) to get your kitchen smelling of winter festivities?

Cookies arrived in America in the 17th century, although the word arrived much later with the Dutch in its original form of “koekje”, meaning “little cake”. This was soon shortened to “cooky” or “cookie”, although cookies themselves seem to date back as far as 7th century Persia!

If you bake more than you can eat, good for you! Wrap up gift trays filled with cookies for friends and neighbors. Most cookies freeze well, too.

***Important Note: we are very surprised that Bake Cookies Day is not immediately followed by “Eat Cookies Day”. We did not even find an Eat Cookies Day. So you can, and should, eat them everyday!.

Where is Bake Cookies Day?
Worldwide

Republic Day of Niger
December 18, 2013 in Niger

Republic Day of Niger is celebrated on December 18, 2013. Since 1958, the 18th has been an historic anniversary, widely commemorated, but not a national festival. In 2005, the government of the Fifth Republic of Niger declared the 18th a national holiday, in conjunction with the August 3rd Independence Day. The 18th is celebrated in Niger with official festivals and appearances of political leaders, as well as public parties and festivities. It is a Public Holiday, in which government offices and many businesses close.

Where is Republic Day of Niger?
Nationwide Niger

International Migrants Day
December 18, 2013 in the World

International Migrants Day is celebrated on December 18, 2013. International Migrants Day is an international day observed for taking into account the large and increasing number of migrants in the world. On December 18, 1990, the General Assembly adopted the international convention on the protection of the rights of migrant workers and members of their families. This day is observed in many countries, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations through the dissemination of information on human rights and fundamental political freedoms of migrants, and through sharing of experiences and the design of actions to ensure the protection of migrants.

Where is Migrants Day?
Worldwide

Roast Suckling Pig Day
December 18, 2013 in the USA

Today is National Roast Suckling Pig Day! During the hectic holiday season, it is difficult to imagine that anyone would actually have the time to roast a pig. It typically takes two days to fully prepare the pig and then to roast it. Nevertheless, roast suckling pigs are an iconic holiday dish, often depicted as the centerpiece of a massive feast.

A suckling pig is a young piglet that has not yet been weaned from its mother. Young piglets are considered a delicacy because their meat is very tender compared to older pigs. A suckling pig can range anywhere from 9 to 20 pounds, depending on how many people you intend to feed.

There are various recipes for suckling pig that can be traced back to Ancient Rome and China. Today, pig roasts are a popular tradition in cultures all around the world. To celebrate National Roast Suckling Pig Day, start gathering the necessary ingredients for the roasted pig centerpiece of your holiday feast!

Where is National Roast Suckling Pig Day?
Nationwide USA

Historical Events:

218 BC – Second Punic War: Battle of the Trebia – Hannibal’s Carthaginian forces defeat those of the Roman Republic.

1271 – Kublai Khan renames his empire “Yuan” (? yuán), officially marking the start of the Yuan Dynasty of China.

1621 – English parliament accept unanimously, Protestation

1719 – Thomas Fleet publishes “Mother Goose’s Melodies For Children”

1849 – William Bond obtains 1st photograph of Moon through a telescope

1888 – Richard Wetherill and his brother in-law discover the ancient Indian ruins of Mesa Verde.

1892 – Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s ballet “Nutcracker Suite” premieres

1900 – The Upper Ferntree Gully to Gembrook Narrow-gauge (2 ft 6 in or 762 mm) Railway (now the Puffing Billy Railway) in Victoria, Australia is opened for traffic.

1936 – Su-Lin, 1st giant panda to come to US from China, arrives in SF

1958 – 1st voice from space: recorded Christmas message by Eisenhower

1960 – General Meeting of UN condemns apartheid

1966 – Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” airs for 1st time on CBS

1969 – Britain abolishes death penalty

1976 – “Wonder Woman” debuts on ABC

1991 – DeForest Kelly (Dr McCoy on Star Trek) gets a star in Hollywood