Category: August 09

  • INTERNATIONAL COWORKING DAY – August 9

    INTERNATIONAL COWORKING DAY

    Every year on August 9th, International Coworking Day celebrates the impact of the coworking movement. It’s also a day to realize we are all part of something greater than ourselves.

    You know what a co-worker is, right? It’s someone that works at the same company as you. Coworking, however, is a little bit different. Coworking occurs when workers from different companies share the same space. It could be defined as a shared but independent working environment. Some of the best coworking spaces around the world include Crew Collective Café in Montreal, The Work Project in Hong Kong, Patchwork in Paris, and Dojo in Bali.

    Oftentimes, coworkers bring together professionals that normally work from home. A coworking space might include independent writers, programmers, and graphic designers who gather together a couple of times a week. Besides just getting together for work purposes, they also bond in other ways. A day of coworking might start off with having breakfast together. Their workday might also include a short meditation and walk breaks.

    One of the greatest benefits of coworking is that it provides a wider range of networking opportunities. Other benefits of coworking include:

    • Increased productivity
    • Boosts creativity
    • Provides collaboration opportunities
    • Offers greater flexibility
    • Provides a sense of belonging and purpose

    Another advantage of coworking is that it is more cost-effective for business owners. Instead of having to pay all the expenses on their own, they get divided. Since its inception, more than one million people around the world work in coworking spaces each year.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #InternationalCoworkingDay

    On this day, coworking spaces join forces and celebrate the day together. Some of the coworking spaces offer free coworking for those who want to try it out.

    To participate, find a coworking space and check it out. You could also gather a group of people who normally work from home and invite everyone to share a local space together for the day. Post your coworking space or experience on social media with #InternationalCoworkingDay.

    INTERNATIONAL COWORKING DAY HISTORY

    The concept of coworking goes back to 1995 when hackers in Berlin wanted to find a space where they could share thoughts and information. The concept of coworking didn’t really take off, however, until 2005. This is when software engineer Brad Neuberg blogged about inviting creators to gather together as a community. On August 7th, 2010 Tony Bacigalupo, cofounder of New York City’s first dedicated coworking space, New Work City, posted his own blog. In the blog he stated, “Next Monday will be 5 years since Brad Neuberg talked about coworking for the first time. I think that date should be the official Coworking Day.” From that day on, August 9th has been celebrated as International Coworking Day.

     

  • INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE WORLD’S INDIGENOUS PEOPLE – August 9

    INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE WORLD’S INDIGENOUS PEOPLE

    Each year on August 9, people around the globe observe International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. Furthermore, people gather on this day to bring awareness to world issues concerning indigenous people, respectively. In addition, this day also recognizes the achievements and contributions of indigenous people in our society.

    International Day of the World’s Indigenous People first began by the introduction of a UN Resolution.  With intentions to raise awareness about indigenous groups, UN Resolution 49/214 became a reality on December 23, 1994.  As a result, August 9 will forever be a reminder of the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations.

    Indigenous people make up about 5 percent of the world’s population. Interestingly, there is an estimate of 370 million indigenous people living across 90 countries. Unfortunately, this group of people also make up at least 15 percent of the poorest people on earth.  Indigenous people fight for survival, partially due to maintaining the preservation of their cultural heritage.  Incidentally, it’s the unique cultural practices and language set indigenous people apart from mainstream nationalities.

    Of course, a few of the most famous indigenous cultures known are those found in the Amazon and Alaska.  However, there are over 5,000 indigenous groups located around the world, respectively.  Frequently, indigenous groups attract curious spectators to make contact.  Unfortunately, contact of many indigenous tribes leads to disease and death.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #InternationalDayOfTheWorldsIndigenousPeoples

    There are several things to do on International Day of the World’s Indigenous People.  Attending an indigenous community event in your area is a great way to celebrate. While you’re there, enjoy the many artists, musicians, and food available.  If you prefer the academic approach, study contributions made by indigenous people towards to medicine and science, along with arts and humanities.  Learning history and customs is always a great way to educate yourself. Above all, help raise awareness on the preservation of indigenous customs and languages.

    This year, the UN theme is Indigenous Languages. Join the discussion on how to help preserve languages of all indigenous people across the world.  Share your experiences and support for all indigenous groups on social media using #InternationalDayOftheWorldsIndigenousPeoples.

    INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE WORLD’S INDIGENOUS PEOPLE HISTORY

    Coupled with UN Resolution 49/214, #InternationaldayOfTheWorldsIndigenousPeoples became a reality on December 23, 1994.Though the theme of the day changes annually, the day is always celebrated on August 9.

     

  • NATIONAL VEEP DAY – August 9

    NATIONAL VEEP DAY | AUGUST 9

    National Veep Day on August 9th recognizes the succession plan of the President of the United States. The day also acknowledges the one president who was neither elected vice president nor president – Gerald Ford. 

    #NationalVeepDay

    In Case of the Removal of the President from Office, or of his Death, Resignation, or Inability to discharge the Powers and Duties of the said Office, the Same shall devolve on the Vice President, and the Congress may by Law provide for the Case of Removal, Death, Resignation or Inability, both of the President and Vice President, declaring what Officer shall then act as President, and such Officer shall act accordingly, until the Disability be removed, or a President shall be elected.

    ARTICLE II, SECTION 1, CLAUSE 6

    In the history of the United States, 14 vice presidents became President. The people elected only 5 of them at some point after completing their terms as vice president. The other eight ascended to the presidency due to the death of the president. And then there is one vice president who became president who was never elected at all.

    Vice President Facts

    1. John Tyler

      After one month of being sworn in, President William Henry Harrison died in office in 1841. His vice president, John Tyler, ascended to the presidency.

    2. Millard Fillmore

      Millard Fillmore filled the vacancy left by the death of President Zachary Taylor in 1850.

    3. Andrew Johnson

      Andrew Johnson was President Abraham Lincoln’s second term vice president. His term began when Lincoln died after John Wilkes Booth’s successful assassination of the president at Ford’s Theater.

    4. Chester Arthur

      When Charles J. Guiteau assassinated President James Garfield in 1881, Vice President Chester Arthur completed his term.

    5. Theodore Roosevelt

      President William McKinley’s first vice president died of a heart attack. During McKinley’s second term, Theodore Roosevelt served as his Veep. Then McKinley was assassinated six months into the term. Roosevelt became the third vice president to step up under these circumstances.

    6. Calvin Coolidge

      After the death of President Warren G. Harding in 1923, Vice President Calvin Coolidge ascended to the presidency. He also ran and won a second term.

    7. Harry S. Truman

      President Franklin D. Roosevelt was the only president to run for and win three terms. He also had three different vice presidents. His third Veep, Harry S. Truman, ascended to the presidency when FDR died in 1945 after just three months in office.

    8. Lyndon B. Johnson

      The fourth president to be assassinated in the United States was John F. Kennedy. Lyndon B. Johnson served as his vice president. An interesting note: Richard Nixon, whom this day is partially inspired by, ran unsuccessfully against JFK. Before running for president, Nixon served two terms as veep for President Dwight Eisenhower. After his losing presidential runs, Nixon would run again and win two consecutive terms.

    9. Gerald Ford

      Nixon’s first vice president was Spiro Agnew. However, Agnew resigned in 1973. Gerald Ford obtained the position of vice president by appointment. When Nixon later resigned in 1974, Ford ascended to the presidency. He’s the only president to service who was neither elected to the position of veep or president.

     

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL VEEP DAY

    Brush up on your vice-presidential history. While you’re at it, check into your government history, too. Have you ever heard of Levi Morton or William King? Well, they were vice presidents, too. You can also test your knowledge of the vice presidents or read up on them, too. 

    • Take this quiz to find out how many Veeps you can name: sporcle.com
    • How did you do on the quiz? Pick up these books to improve your knowledge: First in Line: Presidents, Vice Presidents, and the Pursuit of Power by Kate Andersen Brower or At the President’s Side: Vice Presidency in the Twentieth Century by Timothy Walch. 
    • Host a trivia night and challenge your friends on their vice presidential knowledge.

    Use #NationalVeepDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL VEEP DAY HISTORY

    On August 9, 1974, Vice President Gerald Ford became President of the United States upon the resignation of President Richard Nixon.

     

    August 9th Celebrated History

    1842 

    The Webster-Ashburton Treaty is signed. United States Secretary of State Daniel Webster and Britain’s Alexander Baring, Lord Ashburton, come to an agreement regarding the Canadian and U.S. border east of the Rocky Mountains. The border had been in dispute since the end of the Revolutionary War.

    1854 

    Author, philosopher and transcendentalist, Henry David Thoreau, publishes Walden.

    1898 

    The U.S. Patent Office issued patent No. 608,845 to Rudolf Diesel for the internal combustion engine.

    1910 

    Alva Fisher receives a patent for a drive motor for washing machines. Patent no. 966,677 led to the production of the Thor electric washing machine.

    1930 

    Betty Boop debuts as a French poodle in the cartoon short “Dizzy Dishes.”

    1936 

    Jesse Owens wins fourth Olympic medal becoming the first American to reach this achievement.

    1945

    The U.S. drops its second atomic bomb, this time on Nagasaki, Japan. The bomb was nicknamed Fat Man.

    1956

    In protest of laws requiring women to carry passes, 20,000 women march on Pretoria’s Union Buildings.

    1974 

    Once President Richard Nixon’s resignation went into effect at noon, Vice President Gerald Ford takes the oath of office as the new president of the United States.

    2007

    Major League Soccer debuts David Beckam in a game between the LA Galaxy and D.C. United.

    2012 

    After 56 consecutive days of high temperatures of at least 80 degrees, the city of Fort Wayne, Indiana breaks the streak with a 79 degree day.

    2012 

    Usain Bolt earns his 2nd 200-meter Olympic win, making him the only man in history to do so.

    August 9th Celebrated Birthdays

    Elizabeth Hamilton – 1757

    Born Elizabeth Schuyler, she would marry statesman and military commander Alexander Hamilton. Following the deaths of her son and husband, she would co-found the Orphan Asylum Society – the first private orphanage in New York City. She lived to the age of 97.

    George Hoyt – 1883

    Basketball referee and author of The Theory and Practice of Basketball Officiating, Hoyte also founded the New England Interscholastic Basketball Tournament. Hoyte was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1961.

    Lenard Sutton – 1925

    Racing for 10 years in the AAA and USAC Championship Car series, Sutton garnered 43 top ten finishes and 3 wins.

    Smokey Bear – 1944

    The U.S. Forest Service authorizes a forest fire prevention campaign with Smokey Bear as the mascot.

    Sam Elliott – 1944

    Leading man and the voice of the “Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner” campaign, Elliot is known for his numerous roles including in The Ranch, Ghost Rider, Tombstone, and Mask.

    Chris Haney – 1950

    The Canadian journalist joined forces with Scott Abbott to create the popular board game, Trivial Pursuit.

    Michael Kors – 1960

    A life long interest in design launched this fashion designer into the spotlight when he created the Michael Khor brand.

    Whitney Houston – 1963

    Houston released her first album at the age of 22 and went on to become one of the best-selling recording artists ever.

    Brett Hull – 1964

    With a 20 year career in the National Hockey League, Hall played with the Calgary Flames, St. Louis Blues, Dallas Stars, Detroit Wings, and Phoenix Coyotes. He was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2009.

    Hoda Kotb – 1964

    The Egyptian-American journalist joined the NBC TODAY show in 2007 as host of the fourth hour. She now shares the hosting duties with Kathie Lee Gifford.

    Deion Sanders – 1967

    First drafted in 1989 as a first-round pick, Sanders played 14 seasons with the NFL.

    Gillian Anderson – 1967

    Best known for her role as Dana Scully in the television series The X-Files, Anderson would also go on to star on stage and the big screen.

    Arion Salazar – 1970

    The Grammy-nominated bassist was an original member of the band Third Eye Blind.

    Ashley Johnson – 1983

    The actress launched her career at a young age in the role of Chrissy Seaver in the television sitcom Growing Pains. One of her most recent roles included NBC’s Blindspot.

    National VEEP Day FAQ
    • Q.How many people have served as vice president in The United States?
    • A. As of 2021, 49 people have served as vice president.
    • Q. Who was the first vice president of The United States?
    • A. John Adams served as the vice president for George Washington in 1789.
    • Q. Who was the first female vice president?
    • A. In 2021, Kamala Harris became the first woman to serve in the role of vice president.
    • Q. How many vice presidents became president?
    • A. Starting with John Adams in 1797, 15 vice presidents have also become president. Some ascended to the position due to the death of the president or resignation. Others have been elected.
     

     

  • NATIONAL RICE PUDDING DAY – August 9

    NATIONAL RICE PUDDING DAY | AUGUST 9

    On August 9th, many enjoy their favorite dish on National Rice Pudding Day.

    #NationalRicePuddingDay

    A variety of recipes exist for rice pudding. All of them include cooked rice as the base ingredient and combine a milk (such as cow’s, coconut, evaporated, or cream) with bread. Sugar, molasses, or honey gives the pudding a sweet taste along with other flavors such as vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Eggs hold the dish together, and butter gives it a rich, creamy consistency. 

    While many enjoy rice pudding as a dessert, it’s also ideal for breakfast or as a side dish. Add fruit, nuts, raisins, or enjoy it with whipped cream. Since there are so many recipes for rice pudding, the opportunity to sample more than one presents itself.

    Dating back to the Tudor period, the earliest rice pudding recipes were called white pot. One of the first-known methods was written down by Gervase Markham in 1615.

    After being baked, serve the pudding hot or cold. Add fresh fruit, nuts, or whipped topping. However, raisins are traditional. Other spices, such as nutmeg, cardamom, allspice, and even cayenne, add variety to rice pudding recipes. Citrus zests bring brightness to the dessert that can, at times, be rich and heavy to the palate. Although most recipes call for sugar, alternatives include monk fruit, agave syrup, or palm sugar. 

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL RICE PUDDING DAY

    Have fun in the kitchen by trying this Rice Pudding Recipe and then share it with your family and friends! Have a rice pudding bake-off and relish tasting the different recipes. Bake one large batch and offer a buffet of toppings. If there are any leftovers, server them up on Lazy Day! Use #NationalRicePuddingDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL RICE PUDDING DAY HISTORY

    We were unable to find the creator of National Rice Pudding Day.

    National Rice Pudding Day FAQ
    • Q. What kind of rice is best for making rice pudding?
    • A. It will depend on the recipe. If the recipe calls for cooked rice, any rice will develop a tasty rice pudding. One exception is brown rice. However, if the recipe calls for uncooked rice, long-grain rices are best. Examples include white long grain, Jasmine, and Arborio.
    • Q. What toppings are best on rice pudding?
    • A. Your only limit is your imagination. You can add traditional spices such as nutmeg and cinnamon. Nuts, granola, honey, and fresh fruit add flavor to rice pudding. Drizzle jam, chocolate, or a variety of syrups to add another layer of flavor.
    • Q. Is rice pudding a dessert?
    • A. Yes and no. It can be served as a delicious sweet dessert, but rice pudding also makes a yummy breakfast. Add sliced bananas and cinnamon for a warm breakfast pick-me-up!
    • Q. Can rice pudding be frozen?
    • A. Yes. In a sealed, freezer-safe container, rice pudding can be stored for up to three months in the freezer.
    • Q. Can you eat rice pudding cold?
    • A. Yes, cold rice pudding tastes as delicious as hot rice pudding.

     

  • NATIONAL BOOK LOVERS DAY – August 9

    NATIONAL BOOK LOVERS DAY | AUGUST 9

    National Book Lovers Day on August 9th harnesses all the excitement bibliophiles feel about books into one celebration. 

    #NationalBookLoversDay

    A day for all those who love to read, National Book Lovers Day encourages you to find your favorite reading place, a good book (whether it be fiction or non-fiction) and read the day away.

    Bibliophile – a person who has a great appreciation for or collects books.

    Step back in time
    • The very first books used parchment or vellum (calf-skin) for the book pages.
    • The book covers were made of wood and often covered with leather.
    • Clasps or straps kept the books closed.
    • Public libraries appeared in the Middle Ages.
    • Public libraries often chained the books to a shelf or a desk to prevent theft.
    Moving forward

    Along with several recent developments, book manufacturers use digital printing. Book pages are printed using toner rather than ink. As a result of digital printing, print-on-demand opens up a whole new realm of publishing. In this case, distributors don’t print the books until the customer places the order.

    More and more, people read E-books. E-book (electronic book) refers to a book-length publication in digital form. They are usually available through the internet. However, they can also be found on CD-ROM and other systems. Read an E-book on a computer or via a portable book display device known as an e-book reader, such as a Reader, Nook or Kindle.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL BOOK LOVERS DAY

    Sit back, relax and READ! Don’t forget to share the joy of reading with young people in your life. Inspire them with your favorite novel or find out about the last book they took off the shelf. Read to the littlest of the up-and-coming readers, too. And share what you’re reading with us, too! Need more ways to celebrate? We’ve got them!

    • Shop for a new title to read or explore the shelves for one you would like to give.
    • Explore the shelves of used book stores. You might find an out-of-print tome that might become the highlight of your collection.
    • Discover the world of online bookstores. Their stock includes a variety of subjects and collectible items, too. 
    • Record a video of you reading a story for a child in your life. 
    • Randomly give a book to someone. 
    • Visit your public library and check out a favorite tome. 

    Use #NationalBookLoversDay to post on social media and spread the word.

    NATIONAL BOOK LOVERS DAY HISTORY

    We were unable to find the creator or origin of National Book Lovers Day.

    National Book Lovers Day FAQ

    Children’s Book Week is in May and November.

    Read an E-Book Week is in March.

    Random Acts of Poetry Day is in October. Another one in October is National Friends of Libraries Week.

    Many authors are also celebrated on the calendar and others have founded their own National Day celebrations. Check out Sherita J. Herring, DeAnna Bookert and Lisa Wiehebrink or Robert Burns and J.R.R. Tolkien.

    • Q. Are printed book sales declining?
    • A. Yes and no. As on 2019 statistics, sales of print books are down in brick-and-mortar settings but as an industry, sales are up in nearly all categories.
    • Q. What do you call a collection of unread books?
    • A. In the Japanese language, the word is tsundoku. There is no word for this in the English language. Bibliophiles often have such a collection and they usually have more unread books than read ones.