Category: December 30

• NATIONAL BICARBONATE OF SODA DAY – December 30

  NATIONAL BICARBONATE OF SODA DAY

  National Bicarbonate of Soda Day or Baking Soda day recognizes a staple of the home kitchen on December 30th. 

  #BicarbonateOfSodaDay

  “Just a spoonful of sodium bicarbonate” doesn’t have the same ring to it. But this extraordinary, naturally occurring substance provides health benefits while cleaning the house.

  We add baking soda to recipes as a leavening agent to make our baked goods rise. Baking soda reacts with other acidic ingredients to make that happen. Many of us have combined baking soda and vinegar and seen the chemical reaction. When carbon dioxide is released, our baked goods rise.

  It’s the exciting chemical makeup and physical characteristics of baking soda that enable it to be so effective. Since it is mildly acidic when it is mixed with water, dirt and grease dissolve more efficiently.

  As a gentle abrasive, baking soda makes an ideal cleaning product for kitchen appliances, pots, and pans. It’s even recommended for chrome and the exterior of our automobiles.

  The ability to neutralize odors is one of baking soda’s most powerful properties. By bringing the pH of the more acidic molecules into a more neutral balance, baking soda makes our homes…and us fresh again. Use it as a mouthwash, toothpaste, and deodorant for the mouth, feet, and underarms. Beyond personal hygiene, baking soda takes care of smells from pets and food, too.

  It may even help prevent some powdery mildew or other fungal diseases on plants. While not always be effective, it doesn’t harm plants when appropriately mixed.

  Visit Tips Bulletin for more than 50 tips and recipes on how to use bicarbonate of soda 

  HOW TO OBSERVE BICARBONATE OF SODA DAY

  Share your favorite uses for baking soda. Other ways to celebrate the day include conducting some of your favorite classroom experiments. Learn something new about bicarbonate of soda or better yet, teach someone about it. Use #BicarbonateOfSodaDay to post on social media.

  NATIONAL BICARBONATE OF SODA DAY HISTORY

  Armed with tips, National Day Calendar periodically researches the origins of this chemically volcanic day. 

  Bicarbonate of Soda FAQ

  Q. What is the difference between baking soda and baking powder?
  A. Both substances are sodium bicarbonate. However, baking powder includes acid and only needs liquid to activate it. Baking soda does not include an acid and requires both acid and liquid to activate it.

  Q. Can I substitute baking soda for baking powder?
  A. As long as the recipe includes a sufficient amount of acidic ingredient, baking soda can be substituted for baking powder. Though, for best results, it’s important to follow the recipe instructions.

  Q. Can I substitute baking powder for baking soda?
  A. You can, but because baking powder already has an acid in it, your finished product may taste bitter or have a container flavor.

   

  June 17, 2014

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  National Day Calendar

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  December 30, Invention, National Day, Nature, Pop Culture & Lifestyle

• FALLING NEEDLES FAMILY FEST DAY – December 30

  FALLING NEEDLES FAMILY FEST DAY

  Falling Needles Family Fest Day on December 30th serves as a reminder to clean up and recycle the live Christmas tree.

  #FallingNeedlesFamilyFestDay

  • Every state offers recycling options, many with pick up.
  • Mulch the tree for bedding around your home or donate to mulching programs.
  • Before recycling, you can provide shelter to birds and use the tree as a place to hang treats to feed them. The tree will need some anchoring – See this article from Purdue University for more details. When winter is over, you can still use the tree for other recycling needs.
  • After your tree provided shelter to the birds, it can also offer shelter to the fish, too. In ponds and lakes, trees are used to create protection for spawning and feeding.
  • While your tree should never be burned in a wood stove or fireplace indoors due to the type of oils in fir and evergreen trees, the tree may be chopped and used in the firepit outdoors.
  • Depending on where you live, Christmas trees may be used as soil erosion barriers for lakes, rivers, and dunes.

  HOW TO OBSERVE FALLING NEEDLES FAMILY FUN FEST DAY

  Get the family together and clean up after the Christmas Tree. Plan to recycle your tree and learn more about your options. Use #FallingNeedlesFamilyFestDay to post on social media.

  FALLING NEEDLES FAMILY FEST DAY HISTORY

  Thomas and Ruth Roy at Wellcat.com created this awareness holiday.  

  December 30th Celebrated (and Not So Celebrated) History

  1896

  Playing for the Montreal Victorias, Canadian forward Ernie McLea made Stanley Cup history when he scores the first-ever hat trick in tournament history. He also scored the Cup-winning goal leading Montreal over Winnipeg 6-5.

  1936

  At the General Motors Fisher Body Plant Number One in Flint, Michigan, 136,000 union workers stage the first United Auto Workers union sit-down strike.

  1980

  According to a United Press International report a letter arrived at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA addressed to Michael M. Mouse from “The Office of the Director, Selective Service System.” The letter reminded Mickey Mouse that he was in danger of becoming a draft dodger if he didn’t comply with the Military Selective Service Act and provided the requested information. According to the article, a Disney spokesperson said, “We’ll notify them that at 52 he’s well over the draft age. And Besides, he’s a World War II veteran. I suppose we’ll also have to point out he’s only a cartoon character.”

  December 30th Celebrated (and Not So Celebrated) Birthdays 

  Asa Griggs Candler – 1851

  In 1877, Chandler purchased the formula for Coca-Cola from John S. Pemberton. Under Chandler’s stewardship, the soft drink became a household name with a trademarked bottle.

  John N. Bahcall – 1934

  The Princeton astrophysicist and astronomer made several contributions to science including award-winning work developing the Hubble Space Telescope.

  Tiger Woods – 1975

  The professional American golfer is tied with Sam Snead as the winningest PGA golfer at 82 wins. In 2001, Woods became the first player to consecutively win all four major golf tournaments. They include the Masters, the U.S. Open, the British Open, and the PGA Championship.

  Kevin Systrom – 1983

  In 2010, Systrom and Mike Krieger created the photo-sharing app Instagram.

  June 11, 2014

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  National Day Calendar

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  Art & Entertainment, December 30, National Day, Pop Culture & Lifestyle

• BACON DAY – December 30

  BACON DAY

  On December 30th each year, bacon lovers celebrate one of nature’s favored gifts on Bacon Day! The day reminds us that bacon is not just for breakfast and encourages us to test out various ways to enjoy this culinary marvel. 

  #BaconDay

  Everything is better with bacon, so someone said once. And our research shows very little to dispute this assertion.

  The United States and Canada make bacon from the pork belly. Other countries around the world use the side and back cuts of pork. The meat is cured in either a salt brine or a salt pack. It is then either dried, boiled, or smoked.

  Bacon is a very popular food in the USA. In 2020, over half of the U.S. population said they used a pound or more bacon that year. You can also find many items flavored or scented with bacon, including popcorn, soap, candles, air fresheners, and much more. While these uses fit right into the day, we suggest cooking with bacon.

  It’s not just for breakfast anymore, either. Bacon improves everything from beverages to dessert. Some cocktails such as the Bloody Mary and Caesar add bacon to the olives, pickles, and other assorted ingredients. Bacon improves the flavor of many appetizers, sandwiches, and soups. Incorporate bacon into salads as a topping or mix it into the dressing. For dessert, bacon pairs well with maple frosting or maple ice cream. Thanks to bacon’s salty, smoky flavor, it compliments sweet quite well. The possibilities are endless. 

  HOW TO OBSERVE BACON DAY

  The founders of Bacon Day encourage us to eat a variety of bacon while watching Kevin Bacon movies or movies with bacon in the title. Other suggested traditions such as bacon toasts and kissing under pork fat mistletoe are mentioned as well. We make these recommendations for celebrating the day:

  • Try a new recipe.
  • Test the best way to cook bacon.
  • Top your salad, soup, or eggs with this delicious ingredient.
  • Give the gift of bacon.
  • Sample different varieties and determine your favorite.
  • Host of cookoff and post your favorite recipes.
  • Write a song about bacon.
  • Make a smiley face using bacon.
  • Visit your favorite butcher and give them a shout-out!

  While celebrating, be sure to use #BaconDay to post on social media.

  BACON DAY HISTORY

  Danya “D” Goodman and Meff “Human Cannonball” Leonard founded Bacon Day in 1997 as the one great day to bond everyone together.   

  Bacon FAQ

  Q. Is bacon a dessert?
  A. Bacon can be eaten at every meal of the day. For dessert, try Bacon Apple Pie or Bacon Maple Ice Cream.

  Q. Can I cook bacon in the microwave?
  A. Yes. Bacon can be cooked in the microwave, a conventional oven, on the stove or griddle, or in a convection oven.

  Q. How many calories are in one slice of bacon?
  A. One slice of bacon contains approximately 43 calories. It also has 9 mg of cholesterol and 1.1 gram of saturated fat (that’s the not-so-good fat). If you’re trying to watch what you eat, limit your portion size or substitute pork bacon for turkey or chicken bacon.

  June 11, 2014

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  National Day Calendar

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  December 30, National Day, Pop Culture & Lifestyle