Alexandria’s Geek Corner “Marvel Rocks!”

“OMG! I love my fellow Canadian, Ryan Reynolds! And there are so many trailers to choose from for Deadpool 2! But this one has to be my favorite.”

 

 

Calendar day; August 10, 2015

Monday, the 10th of August, 2015 is the 222th day in 2015 and in the 33rd calendar week.

Feeding Pets of the Homeless Week
August 9-15, 2015 in the USA/Canada

Homelessness is a serious problem across much of Canada and the US.  Many homeless people are also pet owners but we don’t often consider the effects of homelessness on pets.  This week is Feeding Pets of the Homeless Week and it promotes awareness of the needs of pets with homeless owners.  Feeding Pets of the Homeless Weeks is organized by Pets of the Homeless. Pets of the Homeless is a non-profit, volunteer based organization that seeks to support homeless pet owners by providing pet food and veterinary care to the pets of homeless people across Canada and the US.  In the US it’s estimated that between 5%-10% of homeless people are also pet owners.  That works out to between 175,000-350,000 homeless pet owners.  These pets aren’t strays; they’re the companions of homeless people. If you’d like to help pets in need but can’t adopt or rescue a pet you can make a donation in support of Feeding Pets of the Homeless Week. 

http://www.petsofthehomeless.org/

General Events:

International Biodiesel Day
August 10, 2015 in the World

Every year 10th day of August is celebrated as International Biodiesel day. During the 1850s two scientists named as E. Duffy and J. Patrick had designed the first diesel engine. After that another renowned scientist named as Rudolf Diesel built a prime model of diesel engine with a 10 feet iron cylinder and flywheel at its base. This model was powered for the first time on August 10, 1893 in Augsburg, Germany. Thereafter this day is celebrated as International biodiesel day.

Biodiesel refers to a vegetable oil – or animal fat-based diesel fuel consisting of long-chain alkyl (methyl, ethyl, or propyl) esters. Biodiesel is typically made by chemically reacting lipids (e.g., vegetable oil, soybean oil, animal fat (tallow) with an alcohol producing fatty acid esters.

Biodiesel is meant to be used in standard diesel engines and is thus distinct from the vegetable and waste oils used to fuel converted diesel engines. Biodiesel can be used alone, or blended with petrodiesel in any proportions. Biodiesel blends can also be used as heating oil.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biodiesel

Where is the event”
Worldwide

Lazy Day 2015
August 10, 2015 in the World

Lazy Day is celebrated on August 10, 2015. It’s a day to chill out and be lazy for a day – a perfect chance for a hot summer day. Laziness (also called indolence) is a disinclination to activity or exertion despite having the ability to do so. Related terms for a person seen to be lazy include couch potato, slacker, and bludger.

Despite Sigmund Freud’s discussion of the pleasure principle, Leonard Carmichael notes that “laziness is not a word that appears in the table of contents of most technical books on psychology… It is a guilty secret of modern psychology that more is understood about the motivation of thirsty rats and hungry pecking pigeons as they press levers or hit targets than is known about the way in which poets make themselves write poems or scientists force themselves into the laboratory when the good golfing days of spring arrive.”

A 1931 survey found that high school students were more likely to attribute their failing performance to laziness, while teachers ranked “lack of ability” as the major cause, with laziness coming in second.

Where is the event?
Worldwide

National S’mores Day
August 10, 2015 in the USA

The most popular campfire treat is celebrated each year on August 10th as it is National S’mores Day.  This delicious, sticky and gooey treat is loved by millions across the United States.

S’mores consists of a roasted marshmallow with a layer of chocolate bar sandwiched between two pieces of graham cracker.

The origin of this tasty snack is credited to the entrepreneur Alec Barnum, however the first recorded version of the recipe can be found in the 1927 publication of Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts.   Even though the Girl Scouts were not the first ones to make s’mores, Girl Scout groups describe them in their reports as early as 1925.  Earlier recipes used the name “Some Mores” and it is unclear when the name was shortened to “S’mores”.

Today there are many variations to the original s’more such as:  spread peanut butter on the graham crackers before adding the other ingredients, use peanut butter cup candy bars in place of the chocolate bar or use other candy bars, use marshmallow cream instead of roasted marshmallows and etc.

Where is the event?
Nationwide USA

Historical Events on 10th August:

612 BC – Killing of Sinsharishkun, King of Assyrian Empire. Destruction of Nineveh

610 – In Islam, the traditional date of the Laylat al-Qadr, when Muhammad began to receive the Qur’an

1500 – Portuguese sea captain Diego Diaz is first European to sight Madagascar

1519 – Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan’s Spanish expedition of 5 ships set sail to circumnavigate the Earth (returned 5 Sept 1522)

1675 – King Charles II and John Flamsteed lay the foundation stone of the Royal Observatory, Greenwich

1774 – 1st Surinam newspaper (1st Wednesday Suriname) begins publishing

1793 – Louvre palace officially opens in Paris as The Museum Central des Arts

1809 – Ecuador declares independence from Spain (National Day)

1822 – Antioch Syria, hit by Earthquake; about 20,000 die

1827 – Race riots in Cincinnati (1,000 blacks leave for Canada)

1877 – Big Hole River: Col John Gibbon murders Nez-Perce indians

1920 – Turkish government renounces its claim to Israel, recognizes British mandate

1945 – Japan announces willingness to surrender to Allies provided status of Emperor Hirohito remained unchanged

1966 – Daylight meteor seen from Utah to Canada. Only known case of a meteor entering Earth’s atmosphere & leaving it again

1972 – 1 million kg meteorite grazes atmosphere above Canada

1979 – Ecuador adopts its constitution

1981 – Coca-Cola Bottling Co agrees to pump $34 million into black business

1990 – The Massacre of more than 127 Muslims in North East Sri Lanka by paramilitaries

1994 – Last British troops leave Hong Kong (been there since Sept 1841)

2006 – Scotland Yard disrupts major terrorist plot to destroy aircraft travelling from the United Kingdom to the United States. All toiletries are banned from commercial airplanes

Calendar day; April 23, 2015

Thursday, the 23rd of April, 2015y is the 113th day in 2015 and in the 17th calendar week.

General Events:

World Book and Copyright Day
April 23, 2015 in the World

World Book and Copyright Day (also known as International Day of the Book or World Book Day) is observed on April 23, 2015. The annually celebrated day is organized by UNESCO to promote reading, publishing and copyright. It was first celebrated in 1995.

The connection between 23 April and books was first made in 1923 by booksellers in Spain as a way to honor the author Miguel de Cervantes who died on that day. Nowadays the World Book and Copyright Day is observed in over 100 countries, where schools, private businesses, voluntary organizations and lots of more people and groups come together to pay a tribute to authors and books.

In 1995, UNESCO decided that on this date the World Book and Copyright Day should be celebrated because of the Catalonian festival and because the date is also the anniversary of the birth and death of William Shakespeare and some other authors.

Copyright is a legal concept, enacted by most governments, giving the creator of an original work exclusive rights to it, usually for a limited time. It is “the right to copy”, but also gives the copyright holder the right to be credited for the work and other, related rights. It is an intellectual property form.

https://en.unesco.org/events/world-book-and-copyright-day-2015   http://www.unesco.org/new/en/wbcd

Where is World Book and Copyright Day?
Worldwide

Canada Book Day
April 23, 2015 in Canada

On April 23, Canada celebrates Canada Book Day, an annual event aimed at promoting books and reading. It is celebrated on the dame date as UNESCO’s World Book and Copyright Day.Canada Book Day was first organized by the Writer’s Trust of Canada, a national charitable organization aimed at providing financial support to Canadian authors and supporting Canadian anglophone literature.

Unfortunately, Canada Book Day does not receive promotion and recognition it deserves. Most Canadians are unaware that April 23 is the day for celebrating Canadian literature and reading in general.

As no special events are held on Canada Book Day, you can celebrate it by picking a new book to read or re-reading one of your favorite books. It is also a good occasion to find a new book series to immerse yourself in or to learn more about Canadian authors. Dedicate April 23 to reading and encourage your friend to do so, too.

Where is the event?
Nationwide Canada

World Laboratory Day
April 23, 2015 in the World

World Laboratory Day takes place on April 23, 2015. It celebrates the place where great inventions emerge which helps to make the world better. A laboratory is a facility that provides controlled conditions in which scientific research, experiments, and measurement may be performed.

Labs used for scientific research take many forms because of the differing requirements of specialists in the various fields of science. A physics lab might contain a particle accelerator or vacuum chamber, while a metallurgy lab could have apparatus for casting or refining metals or for testing their strength. A chemist or biologist might use a wet laboratory, while a psychologist’s lab might be a room with one-way mirrors and hidden cameras in which to observe behavior.

Scientific laboratories can be found in schools and universities, in industry, in government or military facilities, and even aboard ships and spacecraft. A laboratory might offer work space for just one to more than thirty researchers depending on its size and purpose.

Where is the event?
Worldwide

International Pixel-Stained Technopeasant Day
April 23, 2015 in the World

International Pixel-Stained Technopeasant Day is a commemoration declared by author Jo Walton, held on April 23 and first celebrated in 2007, in response to remarks made by Howard V. Hendrix stating that he was opposed “to the increasing presence in our organization the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America of webscabs, who post their creations on the net for free”. The purpose of the day, according to Walton was to encourage writers to post “professional quality” works for free on the internet.

The name of the day originates from the assertion by Hendrix that the “webscabs” are “converting the noble calling of Writer into the life of Pixel-stained Technopeasant Wretch.”

Many notable authors contributed to International Pixel-Stained Technopeasant Day 2007.

Where is the event?
Worldwide

UN English Language Day
April 23, 2015 in the World

UN English Language Day takes place on April 23, 2015. The event was established by the UNESCO in 2010 to seeking “to celebrate multilingualism and cultural diversity as well as to promote equal use of all six of its official working languages throughout the organization”. April 23 was chosen as the date for the English language because it is the anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death.

English is a West Germanic language that was first spoken in early medieval England and is now a global lingua franca. It is spoken as a first language by the majority populations of several sovereign states, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand and a number of Caribbean nations; and it is an official language of almost 60 sovereign states.

English is the third-most-common native language in the world, after Mandarin Chinese and Spanish. It is widely learned as a second language and is an official language of the European Union, many Commonwealth countries and the United Nations, as well as in many world organisations.

Where is UN English Language Day?
Worldwide

Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day
April 23, 2015 in Canada

Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day takes place on April 23, 2015. Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work Day is an educational program in the USA and Canada that revolves around parents taking their children to work for one day. It is the successor to Take Our Daughters To Work Day, which was expanded to include boys in 2003. It occurs on the fourth Thursday of April every year.

Where is the event?
Nationwide Canada

Take a Chance Day
April 23, 2015 in the USA

Take a Chance Day is celebrated on April 23, 2015. This day is your chance to … take a chance! What you’ve always wanted to do but had too afraid to do it? Today is the day to take the risk and try new things.

Where is the event?
Nationwide USA

National Zucchini Bread Day
April 23, 2015 in the USA

Zucchini bread is a delicious type of quick bread that is sweet and moist. The primary ingredient in zucchini bread is of course zucchinis, but you can also add various other ingredients. Many people like to add dried cranberries, orange zest, or cinnamon to make the bread spicy. Many chefs agree that zucchini bread is a great recipe for beginner cooks because it is so easy to make.

Did you know that zucchini is actually just a small summer squash? They’re usually yellow or light green in color and are shaped like a cucumber.

In addition to being used to make zucchini bread, zucchini is great when grilled or incorporated into stir-fry dishes. You can steam it, fry it, bread it, or grill it. Any way you cook zucchini, it’s healthy and delicious!

Where is the event?
Nationwide USA

Historical Events on 23rd April:

215 BC – A temple is built on the Capitoline Hill dedicated to Venus Erycina to commemorate the Roman defeat at Lake Trasimene.

1014 – King Brian Boru of Ireland defeats Viking forces at Battle of Clontarf freeing Ireland from foreign control

1348 – 1st English order of knighthood founded (Order of Garter)

1500 – Pedro Cabral lands & annexes Brazil (Terra da Vera Cruz)

1516 – Duke Wilhelm IV of Bavaria endorses “The German Beer Purity Law” (Reinheitsgebot) and adds to it standards for the sale of beer

1660 – Treaty of Oliwa is established between Sweden and Poland

1798 – Dutch emperor accepts new Constitution

1827 – William Rowan Hamilton presents his Theory of systems of rays

1867 – Queen Victoria & Napoleon III turn down plans for a channel tunnel

1900 – 1st know occurrence of word “hillbillie” (NY Journal)

1908 – Denmark, Germany, Britain, France, Netherlands & Sweden sign North Sea accord

1925 – Having badly defeated Spain and driven her out of Spanish Morocco, the native Riffi, led by Abd-el-Krim, turn on the French in French Morocco

1932 – The 153-year old De Adriaan Windmill in Haarlem, the Netherlands burns down

1962 – 1st US satellite to reach the moon launched

1967 – Soyuz 1 launched; Vladimir Komarov becomes 1st in-flight casualty

1969 – Over 1000 square miles flooded in Shantung Province China

1977 – Dr Allen Bussey completes 20,302 yo-yo loops

1982 – Conch Republic is established – secession of the Florida Keys from the United States of America

1984 – AIDS-virus identified as HTLV-III (acquired immune deficiency syndrome)

1991 – USSR grants republics right to secede under certain conditions

1993 – Eritrea votes to secede from Ethiopia

1995 – President Clinton declares a national day of mourning for Oklahoma City

2009 – The gamma ray burst GRB 090423 it’s observed for 10 seconds as the most distant object of any kind and also the oldest known object in the universe

 

Calendar day; February 16, 2015

Monday, the 16th of February, 2015. The day is the 47th day in 2015 and in the 8th calendar week.

General Events:

Family Day 2015
February 16, 2015 in Canada

Family Day is observed in the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan on the third Monday of February. In British Columbia, Family Day falls on the second Monday of February. This holiday celebrates the importance of families and family life to people and their communities.

Family Day was first held in Canada in the province of Alberta in 1990. It is supposed to reflect the values of family and home that were important to the pioneers who founded Alberta, and give workers the opportunity to spend more time with their families. Family Day was introduced in Saskatchewan in 2007 and in Ontario in 2008. British Columbia observes Family Day as a statutory holiday for the first time in 2013. One of the reasons for introducing Family Day was that there was a long period when there were no holidays from New Year’s Day until Good Friday.

In the other provinces and territories of Canada, Family Day is not observed, and neither the third nor the second Monday in February are holidays there.

Where is Family Day?
Nationwide Canada

Rose Monday 2015
February 16, 2015 in Germany

Rose Monday – also known as Rosenmontag – takes place on February 16, 2015. It is the highlight of the German “Karneval” (carnival), and is on the Shrove Monday before Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. The “Mardi Gras,” though celebrated on Tuesday, is a similar event. Rosenmontag is celebrated in German-speaking countries, including Germany, East Belgium, Austria, and Switzerland, but most heavily in the “Hochburgen” (carnival strongholds), which include the Rhineland, especially in Cologne, Bonn, Düsseldorf, Aachen and Mainz.

Celebrations usually include dressing up in fancy costumes, dancing, parades, heavy drinking and general public displays with floats. Every town in the Karneval areas boasts at least one parade with floats making fun of the themes of the day. Usually sweets (“Kamelle”) are thrown into the crowds lining the streets among cries of “Helau” or “Alaaf”, whereby the cry “Kölle Alaaf” is only applied in the Cologne area, meaning “Cologne over all”. The celebrations become quieter the next day, known as Veilchendienstag (“Violet Tuesday“, Shrove Tuesday), and end with “Aschermittwoch” (AshWednesday).

Carnival is not a national holiday in Germany, but schools are closed on Rosenmontag and the following Tuesday in the strongholds and many other areas. Many schools as well as companies tend to give teachers, pupils and employees the Thursday before Rosenmontag off as well and have celebrations in school or in the working place on Weiberfastnacht, although every now and then there are efforts to cut these free holidays in some companies.

Where is Rose Monday?
Nationwide Germany

Do a Grouch a Favor Day
February 16, 2015 in the World

Do a Grouch a Favor today. Do it and make the world a better place.

Everyone has been a grouch at one time or another. Some people are seemingly grouches all of the time. It’s in their nature. Others are occasional grouches, influenced by events in their lives, lack of sleep, the weather, etc. A few people are good at disguising their grouchy mood. But, they still need cheering up.

 Look around for someone who is in a grouchy mood today. Then, do him or her a favor that will cheer up their day. There’s plenty of grouches out there to practice on. Try it on all of the grouches that you see today, and watch the results!

Where is the event?
Worldwide

National Almond Day
February 16, 2015 in the USA

Did you know that almonds are one of the most heart-healthy foods on the market? These delicious and wholesome nuts are full of vitamin E, magnesium, and fiber, and can help lower cholesterol.

The almond tree is native to the Middle East and South Asia. It produces a fleshy green fruit similar to a peach or apricot. At the center of this fruit is a stone-like seed, which is the almond nut. Today, the state of California produces 80% of the world’s supply of almonds. It takes more then 1.2 million beehives to pollinate all of the crops!

Whether you prefer to enjoy them plain, roasted, or paired with chocolate, celebrate National Almond Day with a handful of delicious almonds!

Where is the event?
Nationwide USA

Historical Events on 16th February:

600 – Pope Gregory the Great decree saying “God bless You” is the correct response to a sneeze

1659 – 1st known cheque (£400) (on display at Westminster Abbey)

1760 – Native American hostages killed in Fort Prince George, SC

1838 – Kentucky passes law permitting women to attend school under conditions

1852 – Studebaker Brothers wagon company, precursor of the automobile manufacturer, is established.

1859 – The French Government passes a law to set the A-note above middle C to a frequency of 435 Hz, in an attempt to standardize the pitch

1868 – Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks forms (NY)

1909 – Serbia mobilizes against Austria-Hungary

1916 – The German ambassador in Washington announces that Germany will pay an indemnity for American lives lost on the Lusitania

1918 – Lithuania declares independence from Russia & Germany (National Day)

1923 – Howard Carter opens the inner burial chamber of the Pharaoh Tutankhamen’s tomb and finds the sarcophagus

1932 – 1st patent issued for a tree, to James Markham for a peach tree

1934 – Austrian Civil War ends with the defeat of the Social Democrats and the Republican Schutzbund.

1937 – DuPont Corp patents nylon, developed by employee Wallace H Carothers

1943 – Sign on Munich facade: “Out with Hitler! Long live freedom!” done by “White Rose” student group, caught on 2/18, beheaded on 2/22

1948 – Miranda, famous moon of Uranus, photographed for 1st time

1957 – The “Toddlers’ Truce”, a controversial television closedown between 6.00pm and 7.00pm was abolished in the United Kingdom.

1959 – Fidel Castro names himself Cuba’s premier after overthrowing Batista

1983 – The Ash Wednesday bushfires in Victoria and South Australia claim the lives of 75 people in Australia’s worst ever fires.

1985 – The founding of Hezbollah

1988 – 1st documented combat action by US military advisors in El Salvador

1999 – Across Europe, Kurdish rebels take over embassies and hold hostages after Turkey arrested one of their rebel leaders, Abdullah Öcalan.

2005 – The Kyoto Protocol comes into force, following its ratification by Russia

 

Calendar day; July 1, 2014

Tuesday, the 1st of July, 2014 is the 182th day in 2014 and in the 27th calendar week.

July is National Grilling Month (USA) & National Ice Cream Month (USA)

General Events:

Canada Day 2014
July 1, 2014 in Canada

O Canada! Today is Canada Day—the birthday of America’s “Neighbor to the North.” On this day in 1867, the British North America Act, 1867 (today called the Constitution Act, 1867) united Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Canada Province (modern-day Quebec and Ontario) into a single country. The Constitution Act of 1867 also granted Canada quite a bit of independence from England.

Did you know that some of the greatest inventions of our time have come from Canada? Canadians are responsible for light bulbs, telephones, zippers, egg cartons, snowmobiles, instant mashed potatoes, peanut butter, walkie-talkies, IMAX, Trivial Pursuit, basketball, and ice hockey!

Most communities across the country will host organized celebrations for Canada Day, usually outdoor public events, such as parades, carnivals, festivals, barbecues, air and maritime shows, fireworks, and free musical concerts, as well as citizenship ceremonies for new citizens. There is no standard mode of celebration for Canada Day.

Where is Canada Day?
Nationwide Canada

July Morning 2014
July 1, 2014 in Bulgaria

July Morning is observed on July 01, 2014. In Bulgaria, there is a tradition called July Morning which is believed to be an echo from the hippie era of the 1960-1980s. Although not universally observed in the country, it is unique as it is not observed anywhere else in the world.

Usually, in the days before 1st of July, people from across Bulgaria travel – often hitchhiking – to the Black Sea coast to meet the first sun rays on the first day of July. People gather around fires, share drinks, play music and wait for the sunrise. There is no mandatory ritual, ceremony or rite for this tradition and it is up to participants’ discretion how will they spend the night before July 1. On many locations, there are concerts with professional and amateur bands. Camping at the locations of choice for the July Morning celebration is also very popular.

The name of the tradition comes from the British rock band’s Uriah Heep’s 1971 hit July Morning which became widely popular in Bulgaria in the 1980s and somehow named and remained central to this unique Bulgarian tradition.

There are many versions of the meaning of the tradition. Most people consider July Morning a celebration of a new beginning and freedom in the spirit of the hippie movement. For others, it is a good reason for a late night/early morning party as July 1 is the first day of summer break for most high schools in Bulgaria and the unofficial start of the summer vacationing season, traditionally culminating with a trip to the Black Sea coast in July or August.

Where is July Morning?
Nationwide Bulgaria

Memorial Day in Newfoundland and Labrador
July 1, 2014 in Newfoundland and Labrador

Memorial Day in Newfoundland and Labrador takes place on July 01, 2014. Memorial Day is a day to commemorate the sacrifices of members of the armed forces of the Canadian province Newfoundland and Labrador in times of war, specifically since the First World War. It is observed concurrently with Canada’s national holiday, Canada Day. Memorial Day is observed on 1 July to recall the losses of Dominion of Newfoundland at Beaumont-Hamel during the Battle of the Somme of the First World War and has been observed annually since 1917.

Where is Memorial Day in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Nationwide Newfoundland and Labrador

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day
July 1, 2014 in Hong Kong

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day is celebrated on July 01, 2014. Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day is celebrated every year in Hong Kong since 1997. The holiday commemorates the transfer of the sovereignty of Hong Kong from the United Kingdom to the People’s Republic of China and the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The day is customarily marked by an officially organised extravagant fireworks display in the evening, and is also the platform for political rallies demanding universal suffrage.

Where is Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day?
Nationwide Hong Kong

International Tartan Day
July 1, 2014 in Australasia

International Tartan Day is observed on July 01, 2014. Three million Australians are either Scottish or of Scottish descent. International Tartan Day in Australia and New Zealand is celebrated on a local basis in most states on July 1 (or by some community organizations on the nearest Sunday), the anniversary of the Repeal Proclamation of 1782 annulling the Act of Proscription of 1747, which had made wearing tartan an offense punishable with up to seven years’ transportation. According to Scottish House secretary Moyna Scotland, the tendency to disguise Scottish associations was mirrored in Australia: ‘Scots did what they were told to do when they came to Australia assimilate and integrate and they almost disappeared’, and consequently one aim of Tartan Day is to help Australians reconnect with their Scottish ancestry. A tartan revival started in 1822, and Queensland and Australia have their own tartans.

Where is Tartan Day?
Nationwide Australasia

International Joke Day
July 1, 2014 in the World

The world can always use a little more laughter, especially on July 1 … It’s “International Joke Day!”

If you’ve ever wondered why it makes you feel good to laugh, take a look at what the Mayo Clinic says about the health benefits of laughter:

* Laughter increases your oxygen intake, which stimulates your organs.

* Laughter can break the pain-spasm cycle common to some muscle disorders.

* Positive thoughts release neuropeptides that help fight stress. This strengthens your immune system.

By the way, did you hear about the hyena who drank a pint of gravy? He was the laughing stock!

Where is Joke Day?
Worldwide

Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day
July 1, 2014 in the World

Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day is celebrated on July 01, 2014. It’s a day to create a new flavor of ice cream. Perhaps it will be a hit and become very popular! Ice cream is a frozen dessert usually made from dairy products, such as milk and cream and often combined with fruits or other ingredients and flavours.

Most varieties contain sugar, although some are made with other sweeteners. In some cases, artificial flavourings and colourings are used in addition to, or instead of, the natural ingredients. The most popular flavours of ice cream are vanilla and chocolate.

Ice cream is an extremely popular dessert in the United States. Americans consume about 13 liters of ice cream per person per year – the most in the world. As a foodstuff it is deeply ingrained into the American psyche and has been available in America since its founding in 1776: there are records of Thomas Jefferson serving it as a then-expensive treat to guests at his home in Monticello.

Although chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry are the traditional favorite flavors of ice cream in the U.S., and once enjoyed roughly equal popularity, vanilla has grown to be far and away the most popular, most likely because of its use as a topping for fruit based pies and its use as the key ingredient for milkshakes.

Where is Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day?
Worldwide

Historical Events:

251 – The Battle of Abrittus is won by the Goths against the Romans. Roman Emperors Decius and Herennius Etruscus are killed.

1097 – 1st Crusaders defeat Sultan Kilidj Arslan of Nicea

1200 – In China, sunglasses are invented

1517 – 1st burning of Protestants at stake in Netherlands

1569 – Latvia Parliament accept Union of Lublin, incorporate into Poland

1690 – Army of Protestant King William III defeats deposed Roman Catholic King James II in Battle of Boyne in Ireland

1782 – American privateers attack Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.

1823 – United Provinces of Central America gain independence from Mexico

1858 – The joint reading of Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace’s papers on evolution to the Linnean Society.

1863 – Slavery abolished in Suriname & Netherlands Antilles

1867 – Dominion of Canada forms (New Bruns, Nova Scotia, Ontario & Quebec)

1878 – Treaty of Berlin divide Africa up for colonization

1898 – Teddy Roosevelt & his Rough Riders charge up San Juan Hill

1899 – Gideon Society established to place bibles in hotels

1902 – US Congress passes the Philippines Government Act, providing that the Philippines be governed by a commission appointed by the President, with consent from the senate; Filipinos are to be treated as citizens of their land, not the USA.

1916 – Coca-Cola brings current coke formula to the market

1916 – First day of the Battle of the Somme: the British Army suffers its worst day, losing 19,240 men.

1921 – The Communist Party of China is founded.

1929 – US cartoonist Elzie Segar creates “Popeye”

1930 – Great-Britain signs accord for Independence of Iraq

1933 – The Canadian Parliament suspends all Chinese immigration.

1934 – 1st x-ray photo of entire body, Rochester, NY

1941 – Bulova Watch Co pays $9 for 1st ever network TV commercial

1944 – Bretton Woods Conference starts, establishing IMF & World Bank

1960 – Fidel Castro nationalizes Esso, Shell & Texaco in Cuba

1967 – Canada celebrates the 100th anniversary of the British North America Act, 1867.

1968 – US, Britain, USSR & 58 nations sign Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty

1979 – Sony introduces the Walkman.

1993 – 1 second is added to the clock

1997 – Britain hands Hong Kong and the New Territories – ceded in 1841 – to the People’s Republic of China.

2002 – The International Criminal Court is established to prosecute individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression.

Calendar day; April 24, 2014

Thursday, the 24th of April, 2014 is the 114th day in 2014 and in the 17th calendar week.

Genocide Remembrance Day
April 24, 2014 in Armenia

Genocide Remembrance Day is celebrated on April 24, 2014. Genocide Remembrance Day or Genocide Memorial day, is a national holiday in Armenia and is observed by Armenians in dispersed communities around the worl. It is held annually to commemorate the victims of the Armenian Genocide from 1915 to 1923. In Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, hundreds of thousands of people walk to the Tsitsernakaberd Genocide Memorial to lay flowers at the eternal flame. The date 24 April commemorates the Armenian notables deported from the Ottoman capital in 1915, of hundreds of Armenian intellectuals and community leaders, most of whom would be executed, which was a precursor to the ensuing events.

Where is Genocide Remembrance Day?
Nationwide Armenia

Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day
April 24, 2014 in Canada

Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day takes place on April 24, 2014. Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work Day is an educational program in the USA and Canada that revolves around parents taking their children to work for one day. It is the successor to Take Our Daughters To Work Day, which was expanded to include boys in 2003. It occurs on the fourthThursday of April every year.

Where is Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day?
Nationwide Canada

St. Mark’s Eve
April 24, 2014 in the World

St. Mark’s Eve is observed on April 24, 2014. St. Mark’s Eve is the day before the feast day of St. Mark the Evangelist. In liturgical Christian churches, this feast of St. Mark is observed on April 25 of each year; thus St. Mark’s Eve is April 24.

Where is St. Mark’s Eve?
Worldwide

Pig in a Blanket Day
April 24, 2014 in the World

Pig in a Blanket Day is observed on April 24, 2014. Pigs in blankets refers to a variety of different sausage-based foods. They are typically small in size and can be eaten in one or two bites. For this reason, they are usually served as an appetizer or hors d’oeuvre or are accompanied by other dishes in the ‘main course’ section of a meal.

This delicious finger food is popular with kids and cocktail party guests all across the world. In fact, there are many different cultures that have their own unique twist on this comfort food classic.

In the United Kingdom, pigs-in-a-blanket are small sausages wrapped in bacon. People traditionally serve them as Christmas dinner appetizers. In Israel, kids enjoy Moshe Ba’Teiva (Moses in the Ark), which are miniature hot dogs rolled in a ketchup-covered puff pastry and baked in the oven

In the West, especially in the United States and Canada, the bite sized variety of pigs in a blanket is a common hors d’oeuvre served at cocktail parties and is often accompanied by a mustard or aioli dipping sauce. Pigs in a blanket are usually different from sausage rolls, which are a larger, more filling item served for breakfast and lunch in parts of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and, more rarely, the United States and Canada.

Where is Pig in a Blanket Day?
Worldwide

Historical Events:

1479 BC – Thutmose III ascends to the throne of Egypt, although power effectively shifts to Hatshepsut (according to the Low Chronology of the 18th Dynasty).

1184 BC – The Greeks enter Troy using the Trojan Horse (traditional date).

1066 – Halley’s Comet sparks English monk to predict country will be destroyed

1596 – Pacificatie of Ireland drawn

1833 – Jacob Evert & George Dulty patent 1st soda fountain

1888 – Eastman Kodak forms

1898 – Spanish-American War: Spain delares war after rejecting US ultimatum to withdraw from Cuba

1915 – Massacre of Armenians by Turks starts (Armenian Martyrs Day)

1916 – Easter rebellion of Irish against British occupation begins

1920 – British Mandate over Palestine goes into effect (lasts 28 years)

1950 – Jordan formally annexes the West Bank

1967 – Vietnam War: American General William Westmoreland says in a news conference that the enemy had “gained support in the United States that gives him hope that he can win politically that which he cannot win militarily.”

1981 – IBM-PC computer introduced

1990 – Gruinard Island, Scotland, is officially declared free of the anthrax disease after 48 years of quarantine.

Calendar day; April 23, 2014

Wednesday, the 23rd of April, 2014 is the 113th day in 2014 and in the 17th calendar week.

Administrative Professionals’ Day
April 23, 2014 in North America

It’s Administrative Professionals Day! Send a free eCard to your office admin to express your appreciation! Where would we be without our administrative professionals? These are the dedicated individuals who take notes, answer phones, remember all the little details, and keep everyone in the office organized.

In 1952, the International Association of Administrative Professionals organized the first Administrative Professionals Day. This holiday is a worldwide celebration that brings millions of people together to honor secretaries, receptionists, and administrative assistants. It is one of the largest workplace observances of the year, and with good reason. There are over 4.1 million Americans that have the job title “administrative assistant,” and another 8.9 million Americans that work in administrative support roles.

To celebrate Administrative Professionals Day, show your appreciation for the admins at your office today. Surprise them with a bouquet of flowers or a thoughtful gift card. They certainly deserve it!

International Association of Administrative Professionals:
http://www.iaap-hq.org/events/apw

Where is Administrative Professionals’ Day?
Nationwide North America

World Book and Copyright Day
April 23, 2014 in the World

World Book and Copyright Day (also known as International Day of the Book or World Book Day) is observed on April 23, 2014. The annually celebrated day is organized by UNESCO to promote reading, publishing and copyright. It was first celebrated in 1995.

The connection between 23 April and books was first made in 1923 by booksellers in Spain as a way to honor the author Miguel de Cervantes who died on that day. Nowadays the World Book and Copyright Day is observed in over 100 countries, where schools, private businesses, voluntary organizations and lots of more people and groups come together to pay a tribute to authors and books.

In 1995, UNESCO decided that on this date the World Book and Copyright Day should be celebrated because of the Catalonian festival and because the date is also the anniversary of the birth and death of William Shakespeare and some other authors.

Copyright is a legal concept, enacted by most governments, giving the creator of an original work exclusive rights to it, usually for a limited time. It is “the right to copy”, but also gives the copyright holder the right to be credited for the work and other, related rights. It is an intellectual property form.

Where is World Book and Copyright Day?
Worldwide

Canada Book Day
April 23, 2014 in Canada

Canada Book Day is observed on April 23, 2014. Canada Book Day is a yearly event celebrated in Canada to promote reading and books. The week surrounding April 23 is celebrated as Canada Book Week.

Canada Book Day is celebrated on the same day as World Book and Copyright Day, a yearly event organized by UNESCO to promote reading, publishing and the protection of intellectual property through copyright.

Where is Canada Book Day?
Nationwide Canada

International Pixel-Stained Technopeasant Day
April 23, 2014 in the World

International Pixel-Stained Technopeasant Day is observed on April 23, 2014. International Pixel-Stained Technopeasant Day is a commemoration declared by author Jo Walton, held on April 23 and first celebrated in 2007, in response to remarks made by Howard V. Hendrix stating that he was opposed “to the increasing presence in our organization [the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America] of webscabs, who post their creations on the net for free”. The purpose of the day, according to Walton was to encourage writers to post “professional quality” works for free on the internet. The name of the day originates from the assertion by Hendrix that the “webscabs” are “converting the noble calling of Writer into the life of Pixel-stained Technopeasant Wretch.”

Where is Pixel-Stained Technopeasant Day?
Worldwide

UN English Language Day
April 23, 2014 in the World

UN English Language Day takes place on April 23, 2014. The event was established by the UNESCO in 2010 to seeking “to celebrate multilingualism and cultural diversity as well as to promote equal use of all six of its official working languages throughout the organization”. April 23 was chosen as the date for the English language because it is the anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death.

Where is UN English Language Day?
Worldwide

Lover’s Day 2014
April 23, 2014 in the World

Lover’s Day takes place on April 23, 2014. Lover’s Day is celebrated in Barcelona and Spain. The day is the death anniversary of writer Miguel de Cervantes. Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra was a Spanish novelist, poet, and playwright. His magnum opus, Don Quixote, considered to be the first modern European novel.

Where is Lover’s Day?
Worldwide

World Laboratory Day
April 23, 2014 in the World

World Laboratory Day takes place on April 23, 2014. It celebrates the place where great inventions emerge which helps to make the world better. A laboratory is a facility that provides controlled conditions in which scientific research, experiments, and measurement may be performed.

Labs used for scientific research take many forms because of the differing requirements of specialists in the various fields of science. A physics lab might contain a particle accelerator or vacuum chamber, while a metallurgy lab could have apparatus for casting or refining metals or for testing their strength. A chemist or biologist might use a wet laboratory, while a psychologist’s lab might be a room with one-way mirrors and hidden cameras in which to observe behavior.

Scientific laboratories can be found in schools and universities, in industry, in government or military facilities, and even aboard ships and spacecraft. A laboratory might offer work space for just one to more than thirty researchers depending on its size and purpose.

Where is World Laboratory Day?
Worldwide

Saint George’s Day
April 23, 2014 in the World

Saint George’s Day takes place on April 23, 2014. Saint George’s Day is the feast day of Saint George. It is celebrated by various Christian churches and by the several nations, kingdoms, countries, and cities of which Saint George is the patron saint. Saint George’s Day is celebrated on 23 April, the traditionally accepted date of Saint George’s death in AD 303. For Eastern Orthodox Churches which use the Julian calendar, 23 April corresponds to 6 May on the Gregorian calendar.

Where is Saint George’s Day?
Worldwide

Take a Chance Day
April 23, 2014 in the USA

Take a Chance Day is celebrated on April 23, 2014. This day is your chance to … take a chance! What you’ve always wanted to do but had too afraid to do it? Today is the day to take the risk and try new things.

Where is Take a Chance Day?
Nationwide USA

National Zucchini Bread Day
April 23, 2014 in the USA

National Zucchini Bread Day is observed on April 23, 2014. It’s a day to enjoy Zucchini bread. Zucchini can be baked into bread similar to banana bread or incorporated into a cake mix.

Where is National Zucchini Bread Day?
Nationwide USA

National Picnic Day
April 23, 2014 in the USA

It’s National Picnic Day! People have been eating their meals outside in the beauty of nature for centuries. In fact, our modern-day idea of a picnic evolved from Medieval hunting feasts and Victorian garden parties. These were usually quite sophisticated affairs, which involved multiple courses and elaborate preparations.

During the early 19th century a group of wealthy London citizens formed “The Picnic Society” to promote picnics as social gatherings. These picnics were potlucks, and each participant also had to provide a share of the entertainment. The society members drank from crystal goblets and listened to a live string quartet while eating their meal! Today, picnics are usually casual meals enjoyed on a comfortable picnic blanket.

To celebrate National Picnic Day, take your meal outdoors and enjoy a picnic with your friends and family!

Where is National Picnic Day?
Nationwide USA

Historical Events:

215 BC – A temple is built on the Capitoline Hill dedicated to Venus Erycina to commemorate the Roman defeat at Lake Trasimene.

1014 – King Brian Boru of Ireland beats Danes at Battle of Clontarf

1343 – St. George’s Night Uprising in Estonia

1597 – William Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor is first performed, with Queen Elizabeth I of England in attendance.

1616 – Netherlands buys De Briel/Vlissingen/Fort Rammekens from England

1798 – Dutch emperor accepts new Constitution

1867 – Queen Victoria & Napoleon III turn down plans for a channel tunnel

1900 – 1st know occurrence of word “hillbillie” (NY Journal)

1908 – Denmark, Germany, Britain, France, Netherlands & Sweden sign North Sea accord

1935 – Polish Constitution of 1935 is adopted.

1968 – 1st decimal coins issued in Britain (5 & 10 new pence, replacing shilling and two-shilling pieces)

1969 – Over 1000 square miles flooded in Shantung Province China

1984 – AIDS-virus identified (acquired immune deficiency syndrome)

1985 – New Coke debuts; Coca-Cola announced it is changing its secret flavor formula

1989 – Students in Beijing China announce class boycotts

1991 – USSR grants republics right to secede under certain conditions

2003 – Beijing closes all schools for two weeks because of the SARS virus.

2009 – The gamma ray burst GRB 090423 it’s observed for 10 seconds as the most distant object of any kind and also the oldest known object in the universe.

Calendar Day; 18 October, 2013

Persons Day 2013
October 18, 2013 in Canada

Persons Day is celebrated on October 18, 2013. Persons Day is an annual celebration in Canada. The day commemorates the case of Edwards v. Canada (Attorney General), more commonly known as The Persons Case – a famous Canadian constitutional case decided on October 18, 1929 by the Judicial Committee of the Imperial Privy Council, at that time the court of last resort for Canada, which held that women were eligible to sit in the Canadian Senate. While not a civic holiday, several women’s groups across Canada make significant note of the day, including The Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund and The Canadian Voters Congress.

Where is Persons Day?
Nationwide Canada

Alaska Day 2013
October 18, 2013 in Alaska

Alaska Day is observed on October 18, 2013. Alaska Day is a legal holiday in the U.S. state of Alaska. It is the anniversary of the formal transfer of the Territory of Alaska from Russia to the United States which occurred on Friday, October 18, 1867. On March 30, 1867 the United States purchased Alaska from Russia for the sum of $7.2 million.

It was not until October of that year that the Commissioners arrived in Sitka and the formal transfer was arranged. The formal flag-raising took place at Fort Sitka on October 18, 1867. The original ceremony included 250 uniformed U.S. soldiers, who marched to the Governor’s house at “Castle Hill”. Here the Russian troops lowered the Russian flag and the U.S. flag was raised.

Alaska Day was declared a state holiday in 1917 and is a paid holiday for state employees. The official celebration is held in Sitka, where schools release students early, many businesses close for the day, and events such as a parade and reenactment of the flag raising are held. It should not be confused with Seward’s Day, the last Monday in March, which commemorates the signing of the treaty for the Alaska Purchase in which the U.S. purchased Alaska from Russia on March 30, 1867.

Where is Alaska Day?
Nationwide Alaska

No Beard Day 2013
October 18, 2013 in the World

No Beard Day is celebrated on October 18, 2013. As the name suggests, one should separate on this day from old “pigtails” and go through life with a smooth skin. It is made as an opportunity especially for those who can not imagine to live without a beard. And for those whose partner has ever asked for a shave. The great thing is that if the result of shaving seems unbearable, you can let yourself grow the beard again!

A beard is the collection of hair that grows on the chin, upper lip, cheeks and neck of human beings and some non-human animals. In humans, usually only pubescent or adult males are able to grow beards. However, women with hirsutism may develop a beard. When differentiating between upper and lower facial hair, a beard specifically excludes the mustache.

Over the course of history, men with facial hair have been ascribed various attributes such as wisdom, sexual virility, masculinity, or a higher status; however, beards may also be perceived to be associated with a lack of general cleanliness and a loss of refinement, particularly in modern times.

Where is No Beard Day?
Worldwide

Natural Events:

October Full Moon
October 18, 2013 in Eastcoast North America

On October 18, 2013 the moon reaches its maximum brightness. Therefore it is called full moon. Full moon is a lunar phase that occurs when the Moon is on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun. More precisely, a full moon occurs when the geocentric apparent longitudes of the Sun and Moon differ by 180 degrees; the Moon is then in opposition with the Sun. As seen from Earth, the hemisphere of the Moon that is facing the earth is almost fully illuminated by the Sun and appears round. Only during a full moon is the opposite hemisphere of the Moon, which is not visible from Earth, completely unilluminated.

The time interval between similar lunar phases is on average about 29.53 days. Therefore, in those lunar calendars in which each month begins on the new moon, the full moon falls on either the 14th or 15th of the lunar month. Because lunar months have a whole number of days, lunar months may be either 29 or 30 days long.

Full Moons are traditionally associated with temporal insomnia, insanity and various “magical phenomena” such as lycanthropy. Psychologists, however, have found that there is no strong evidence for effects on human behavior around the time of a full moon. They find that studies are generally not consistent, with some showing a positive effect and others showing a negative effect. In one instance, the British Medical Journal published two studies on dog bite admission to hospitals in England and Australia. The study of the Bradford Royal Infirmary found that dog bites were twice as common during a full moon, whereas the study conducted by the public hospitals in Australia found that they were less likely. Full moons trigger deer movement in North America. Hunters and fisherman rely heavily on moonphases.

Where is October Full Moon?
EST Eastern Standard Time / UTC-05
Eastcoast North America

Historical Events:

1356 – Basel earthquake, the most significant historic seismological event north of the Alps, destroyed the town of Basel, Switzerland.

1648 – 1st US labor organization forms (Boston Shoemakers)

1767 – Boundary between MD & PA, Mason Dixon line, agreed upon

1776 – In a NY bar decorated with bird tail, customer orders “cock tail”

1867 – US takes formal possession of Alaska from Russia ($7.2 million)

1922 – British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) forms

1929 – Women are considered “Persons” under Canadian law.

1948 – Operation 10 Plagues – Israeli offensive against Egyptian army

1953 – Willie Thrower becomes 1st black NFL quarterback in modern times

1954 – Texas Instruments announces the first Transistor radio.

1961 – Emergency crisis proclaimed in South Vietnam due to communist attack

Calendar day; 14 October, 2013

Columbus Day 2013
October 14, 2013 in the USA

Many countries in the New World and elsewhere celebrate the anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas, which occurred on October 12, 1492 in the Julian calendar and October 21, 1492 in the modern Gregorian calendar, as an official holiday. The day is celebrated as Columbus Day in the United States, as Día de la Raza in many countries in the Americas, as Día de las Culturas (Day of the Cultures) in Costa Rica, as Discovery Day in the Bahamas, as Día de la Hispanidad and Fiesta Nacional in Spain and as Día de las Américas (Day of the Americas) in Uruguay. These holidays have been celebrated unofficially since the late 18th century, and officially in various countries since the early 20th century.

In the US, Columbus Day first became an official state holiday in Colorado in 1906, and became a federal holiday in 1934. However, people have celebrated Columbus’ voyage since the colonial period. In 1792, New York City and other U.S. cities celebrated the 300th anniversary of his landing in the New World. In 1892, President Benjamin Harrison called upon the people of the United States to celebrate Columbus Day on the 400th anniversary of the event. During the 400-year anniversary in 1892, teachers, preachers, poets and politicians used Columbus Day rituals to teach ideals of patriotism. These patriotic rituals were framed around themes such as support for war, citizenship boundaries, the importance of loyalty to the nation, and celebrating social progress.

Since 1971, the holiday has been fixed in the US to the second Monday in October, coincidentally the same day as Thanksgiving in neighboring Canada (which was fixed to that date in 1959). It is generally observed today by banks, the bond market, the U.S. Postal Service and other federal agencies, most state government offices, and some school districts. Most businesses and some stock exchanges remain open, however, and there is a trend among some states and municipalities away from observing the holiday.

Where is Columbus Day?
Nationwide USA

Thanksgiving in Canada
October 14, 2013 in Canada

Thanksgiving in Canada takes place on October 14, 2013. Thanksgiving, or Thanksgiving Day (Canadian French: Jour de l’Action de grâce), occurring on the second Monday in October, is an annual Canadian holiday which celebrates the harvest and other blessings of the past year. In 1957 the Parliament of Canada proclaimed: “A Day of General Thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed – to be observed on the 2nd Monday in October.” Thanksgiving is a statutory holiday in most jurisdictions of Canada. As a liturgical festival, Thanksgiving corresponds to the English and continental European Harvest festival, with churches decorated with cornucopias, pumpkins, corn, wheat sheaves, and other harvest bounty, English and European harvest hymns sung on the Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend, and scriptural selections drawn from biblical stories relating to the Jewish harvest festival of Sukkot. While the actual Thanksgiving holiday is on a Monday, Canadians may gather for their Thanksgiving feast on any day during the long weekend. Thanksgiving in Canada is also often a time for weekend getaways. Similar to the United States, traditions such as parades and football can be a part of Canadian Thanksgiving.

Where is Thanksgiving in Canada?
Nationwide
Canada

Dessert Day
October 14, 2013 in the USA

National Dessert Day is celebrated on October 14, 2013. Dessert is a typically sweet course that concludes a meal. The course usually consists of sweet foods, but may include other items. There is a wide variety of desserts in western cultures including cakes, cookies, biscuits, gelatins, pastries, ice creams, pies, puddings, and candies. Fruit is also commonly found in dessert courses because of its natural sweetness.

Many different cultures have their own variations of similar desserts around the world, such as in Russia, where many breakfast foods such as blint, oladi, and syrniki can be served with honey and jam to make them popular as desserts. The loosely defined course called dessert can apply to many foods.

Desserts are by definition a sweet course. This usually means high content of sugar or fats. Desserts have historically been known as a smaller course to end a meal but in modern times they have become a more major part of people’s diets. Although desserts are sweet a small amount of sugar is recommended in a daily diet.

Where is National Dessert Day?
Nationwide
USA

Fraternal Day 2013
October 14, 2013 in Alabama

Fraternal Day takes place on October 14, 2013. Fraternal Day is a legal holiday in the state of Alabama in the United States. It is celebrated annually on the second Monday in October on the same day as Columbus Day and American Indian Heritage Day. Fraternal Day was originally celebrated on the second Thursday of October beginning in 1915.

Where is Fraternal Day?
Nationwide Alabama

Health and Sports Day
October 14, 2013 in Japan

Health and Sports Day is celebrated on October 14, 2013. Health and Sports Day, also known as Health-Sports Day or Sports Day, is a national holiday in Japan held annually on the second Monday in October. It commemorates the opening of the 1964 Summer Olympics being held in Tokyo, and exists to promote sports and an active lifestyle. The first Health and Sports Day was held on October 10, 1966, two years after the 1964 Summer Olympics. October was chosen for the unusually late Summer Olympics to avoid the Japanese rainy season, and Health and Sports Day continues to be one of the fairest days of the year.

Where is Health and Sports Day?
Nationwide
Japan

Historical Events:

1066 – Battle of Hastings, William the Conqueror and Nornan-French army defeat English forces of Harold II

1492 – Columbus leaves San Salvador; arrives in Santa Maria of Concepcion (Bahamas)

1773 – American Revolutionary War: The United Kingdom’s East India Company tea ships’ cargo are burned at Annapolis, Maryland.

1884 – George Eastman patents paper-strip photographic film

1922 – 1st automated telephones-Pennsylvania exchange in NYC

1958 – US performs nuclear test at Nevada Test Site

1964 – Martin Luther King Jr wins Nobel Peace Prize