Jace Shoemaker-Galloway
World Toilet Day: Crappy holiday shines spotlight on serious issue
While this may be a “crappy” subject, it’s time to talk toilets. Nov. 19 is World Toilet Day (WTD)! Launched in 2001, World Toilet Day raises awareness about serious global sanitation issues. Today, most of us are able to do our business in private. But did you know one in three people around the world do not have access to a clean, safe and private toilet? It wasn’t all that long ago when the backyard outhouse served as the family toilet. Can you imagine having to get bundle
Jace Shoemaker-Galloway
International Men’s Day: Controversial event celebrates men around the world
It's time to give those male friends, co-workers, fathers, brothers and sons a resounding shout-out and high-five, folks! Nov. 19 is International Men’s Day (IMD), an annual event that shines the spotlight on men’s and boy’s health and well being, male suicide, the positive role male role models play, improving relations between the sexes and the positive contributions men make to society. First held in 1999, IMD is observed in more than 60 nations today Each year, folks from
Jace Shoemaker-Galloway
Happy Have a Bad Day Day: (Un)special day for grumps, grouches & Debbie Downers
With the big holiday shopping season right around the corner, folks around the nation are in the mood for some Christmas cheer and are ready to get into the holiday ‘spirit.’ Well, most people, that is. A very (un)special day of the year is here. Nov. 19 is Have a Bad Day Day. Bah humbug! Created by Ruth and Thomas Roy at Wellcat, the annual “holiday” was created in an effort to provide a “brief respite” to folks who have to tell their customers to “have a nice day.” Whether
Jace Shoemaker-Galloway
International Games Day: Game on!
If you or someone you know is a gamer, go grab your joystick. One of the most highly-anticipated events in the entire year is finally here. Once again, people of all ages from all over the world are heading to their local library to get their game on! The third Saturday in November is International Games Day at your library. Formally known as National Games Day, the annual event encourages young and old alike to visit their local library while enjoying a game or two of choic
Jace Shoemaker-Galloway
National Unfriend Day: Buck the trend and press ‘unfriend’ on social media
A not your typical ordinary, run-of-the-mill "holiday" is here. While spring cleaning season has come and gone, Nov. 17 is all about cleaning up. It’s National Unfriend Day (NUD), an annual event that encourages people to narrow down that ever-growing list of “friends” on your social media accounts. Comedian and television host, Jimmy Kimmel, came up with the idea a few years ago in an effort to trim the “friend fat.” Let’s be frank, shall we? When is the last time you took a
Jace Shoemaker-Galloway
Take a hike: It’s National Take a Hike Day
If you’ve been holding off telling someone in your life to take a hike, this may be your lucky day! November 17 is (National) Take a Hike Day! Benefits of Hiking Whether it’s a solo walk in the park, a hike along your favorite trail or leisurely stroll with the family around the neighborhood, this annual “holiday” provides the perfect excuse to head for the great outdoors and get some fresh air. Not only will you see the sights and breathe fresh air, hiking is good for your b
Jace Shoemaker-Galloway
World Peace Day
November 17 is World Peace Day, an annual event launched by Don Morris in the 1990s. The special “holiday” was created by the “Peaceguy” in an effort to encourage people to be kind to one another. Although there is no rally, official logo or special event that takes place on November 17th, the grassroots movement promotes peace and reminds us that peace and kindness begins with you. Morris asks we all “pray, focus or meditate for peace.” On November 17th, Morris is encouragin
Jace Shoemaker-Galloway
Homemade Bread Day: The best thing since sliced bread
Let’s talk bread. No, not the slang for money or the famous rock group – but the most widely consumed food in the world. Nov. 17 is (National) Homemade Bread Day. Affordable, compact and easy to carry, baking bread has been common practice for centuries. In fact, some suggest humans have been baking bread for more than 30,000 years. Bread has come a long way over the centuries. Bread was originally sold in whole loaves to be sliced at home. In 1917, Otto Rohwedder invented th
Jace Shoemaker-Galloway
National Fast Food Day: In the Mood for Fast Food on the Run & On the Go
If you’re in the mood for food, you’re in luck. Nov. 16 is National Fast Food Day in the U.S.A! Fast food is not only tasty and convenient, it’s, well, fast! With over 300,000 fast food restaurants in America, chances are pretty good you’ll find exactly what you are looking for. Whether you prefer fried chicken, tacos, wings, pizza pie or a burger and fries, eight in 10 Americans eat at fast food restaurants at least once a month. A Gallop study found that young adults consum
Jace Shoemaker-Galloway
America Recycles Day: Let’s talk trash & keep America beautiful
Nov. 15 is America Recycles Day (ARD), an annual event that promotes the positive impact recycling has on the environment and the American economy. Launched in 1997, this annual initiative celebrates the benefits of recycling and purchasing recycled products. In 2010, Americans generated about 250 million tons of trash. Some of that trash could be composted or recycled. While the recycling rate is around 34 percent, we can do better. Recycling not only conserves overflowing l
Jace Shoemaker-Galloway
Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day: Let’s talk trash with handy dandy tips
When it comes to holidays, November 15 is all about getting trashy. Not only is it America Recycles Day, but it’s also Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day. While many of us take the time to clean out those over-crowded closets and drawers, tackling the refrigerator doesn’t rank high on the to-do list. When is the last time you took a good, long look at what is lurking in your fridge? Whether you start with the freezer or the refrigerator, now is the time to put on the hazmat suit
Jace Shoemaker-Galloway
Happy National Pickle Day
November 14 is National Pickle Day! Made from cucumbers, folks have been enjoying the crispy, crunchy cukes for centuries. In fact, it is believed pickles were first preserved and consumed back in 2030 B.C. Today, pickles are considered big business. Americans eat about 26 billion pickles each year. Pickles Pickles are cucumbers that have been preserved in a seasoned bring or vinegar mix. While many enjoy pickles on burgers and sandwiches, other people eat pickles as a low-fa
Jace Shoemaker-Galloway
World Diabetes Day
An annual event that raises awareness about the escalating cases of diabetes around the world is here. Nov. 14 is World Diabetes Day (WDD), a “holiday” that shines the spotlight on the complications of diabetes and the prevention of the disease. The International Diabetes Foundation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO), launched World Diabetes Day in 1991. The date was chosen because it commemorates the birthday of Frederick G. Banting, one of the people credited for
Jace Shoemaker-Galloway
World Kindness Day: Random Acts of Kindness Ideas for World Kindness Day
Ever since the World Kindness Movement (WKM) began decades ago, the world has been celebrating random acts of kindness on World Kindness Day. The annual holiday, observed each year on Nov.13, is a day that celebrates and promotes kindness and good will all around the globe. World Kindness Day is also a wonderful opportunity for teachers to encourage compassion and kindness in the classroom and school. Random Acts of Kindness Ideas for World Kindness Day Whip up a batch of coo
Jace Shoemaker-Galloway
Happy Happy Hour Day!
Have you heard the latest “buzz”? A very special day of the year is almost here and Americans are more than ready to celebrate. Get ready to raise your glass. It’s time to get happy, America! Nov. 12 is Happy Hour Day in the U.S.A (also referred to as National Happy Hour Day). While the origins of this annual "holiday" are unknown, Happy Hour Day is the perfect day to raise your glass and cheer a great tasting beer or refreshing beverage of choice! Happy Hour traditionally ta
