Category: February 16

  • NATIONAL DO A GROUCH A FAVOR DAY – February 16

    NATIONAL DO A GROUCH A FAVOR DAY

    National Do A Grouch A Favor Day is a call to kindness on February 16th. Everyone knows a grouch, and some of us may even be guilty of being one. On February 16th, maybe you can be the one to find the sweeter side of a grouch.

    #DoAGrouchAFavorDay

    For some, it’s in their nature to be grouches all of the time; while others may just be having a rough day or two. On National Do a Grouch a Favor Day, we have an opportunity to turn the grouches frown upside down!

    A grouch can be called by a number of names, some of which won’t be described here. However, a few that might come in handy are curmudgeon, crank, grump, sourpuss, bellyacher, grouse, crosspatch, malcontent, crab, and grumbler. If you manage to turn their mood around they might become known as the neighborhood idealist. 

    The grouch that you know might be a friend, relative, co-worker, boss, neighbor or someone who lives in your house. The favor you do on National Do a Grouch a Favor Day can be simple or elaborate.  Either way, doing them a favor is going to feel right for you!!

    A grouch is a habitually irritable or complaining person, a grumbler. ~ Merriam-Webster Dictionary

    Maybe February 16th would be a fun day to watch the movies Grumpy Old Men and Grumpier Old Men.

    Let’s make it a better day for your favorite grouch!

    HOW TO OBSERVE DO A GROUCH A FAVOR DAY

    • Find out their favorite baked good and surprise your favorite grouch with it.
    • Listen to their grumblings and grumble along with them, just for the day. You might find out some of the reasons why they’re such a grump.
    • Just visit with them.
    • Offer to help with a difficult project.
    • Do something to make a grouch’s day better and Use #DoAGrouchAFavorDay to post on social media.

    DO A GROUCH A FAVOR DAY HISTORY

    National Day Calendar, while using the sweetest of honey, has yet to find the origins of this fun holiday. No grouches have been harmed in our search and few may have been cheered in the process.

    Grouch FAQ

    Q. I’m not a grouch. Can I celebrate this day?
    A. Yes! Please do. Give a shout-out to your favorite grouch or try one of the suggestions above.

    Q. Are grouches always grouchy?
    A. No. Even the grouchiest grouch has their non-grouchy moments. Pay attention. You might discover what brings a smile to their faces.

    Q. Is there a positive word for “grouch”?
    A. Not really. Grouch embodies a negative connotation. However, if you pair grouch-like words with a positive word, it can soften the descriptions of the grouch in question. For example:

    • Sweetest sourpuss
    • Friendly fusser
    • Capable curmudgeon
    • Gentle grouser
    • Quaint quibbler
    • Pleasant party pooper
  • NATIONAL ALMOND DAY – February 16

    NATIONAL ALMOND DAY

    On February 16th each year, National Almond Day recognizes the versatile and healthful almond. This delicious nut is native to the Middle East and thrives in warm, dry climates with mild winters. The day celebrates the benefits and uses of almonds. 

    #NationalAlmondDay

    Whether you are eating them by themselves, using almond milk, pasta, flour, butter, oil, or meal, almonds offer a delicious flavor along with many health benefits. Almonds are one of the most heart-healthy foods on the market, packed with vitamin E, magnesium, and fiber.

    • According to a survey of 500 health professionals, almonds may be beneficial to a healthy lifestyle.
    • According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, “Scientific evidence suggests, but does not prove that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts, such as almonds, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease.”
    • Recent research from Purdue University suggests that eating almonds can help people feel satisfied for several hours, which can support weight management and counter weight gain.
    • Eighty percent of the world’s almonds are grown in California.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL ALMOND DAY

    • Snack on almonds.
    • Share almonds with others.
    • Collect a variety of seasoned, roasted almonds and enjoy a taste test. Which is your favorite? Toasted, smoked, spicy, or sweet?
    • Step into the kitchen and add almonds to your savory cooking. They add flavor to your meats, sauces, and salads.
    • Try almond butter for an alternative spread or mixed into dips.
    • Create a sweet dessert or healthy substitute using almonds.
    • Use #NationalAlmondDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL ALMOND DAY HISTORY

    Within our research, we were unable to identify the creator of National Almond Day.

    Almond FAQ

    Q. How many calories are in almonds?
    A. A 1-ounce serving of almonds contains 165 calories.

    Q. What country produces the most almonds?
    A. The United States leads in the production of almonds. California alone produces 100% of the almonds in the United States.

    Q. Who brought almonds to North America?
    A. Franciscan padres brought almond trees to California from Spain in the 18th century. However, production didn’t take off until the 20th century.

    February 16th Celebrated History

    1923

    The English archaeologist Howard Carter opens King Tutankhamen’s ancient Egyptian burial chamber.

    1937

    U.S. Patent Office issues patent no. 2,071,250 for nylon to E.I. du Pont De Nemours & Company.

    1968

    Senator Rankin Fite of Alabama demonstrates the first 911 emergency telephone system in Haleyville.

    1994

    Dr. Ruben Quintero performed the first endoscopic fetal surgery.

    February 16th Celebrated Birthdays

    Edgar Bergen – 1903

    The American comedian is best known for creating the puppet characters Charlie McCarthy and Mortimer Snerd through his ventriloquist comedy acts.

    Vera Menchik – 1906

    The world champion chess player became the first woman to compete against men during international tournament play.

    LaVar Burton – 1957

    The American actor and director is best known for hosting Reading Rainbow on PBS and starring as Geordi La Forge in the Star Trek: The Next Generation television series and films.

    John McEnroe – 1959

    During the 1980s, McEnroe stormed the courts against Björn Borg while building a dominating tennis career.

    Notable Mentions

    Elizabeth Craig – 1883
    Richard M. McDonald – 1909
    Sonny Bono – 1935
    Margaux Hemingway- 1955
    James Ingram – 1956
    Ice-T – 1957
    The Weekend – 1990