Category: February 09

  • NATIONAL CUT THE CORD DAY – February 9

    NATIONAL CUT THE CORD DAY

    Break free from expensive cable bills on February 9th by celebrating National Cut the Cord Day! The streaming movement has rapidly grown over the past five years, and it doesn’t show any signs of stopping. As the digital world supplies more choices, it also provides the flexibility, selection, and reliability we’ve been looking for. So it’s no surprise that industry analysts estimate that up to six million people will cut the cord on traditional TV subscriptions in 2020.

    #NationalCutTheCordDay

    As the devices for streaming continue to grow, more people look to cut the cord from cable. Whether binge-watching old favorites or catching the evening news, cord-cutters can customize a channel lineup for half the price of cable.

    Cutting the Cord

    Once you’ve decided cutting the cord is right for you, make sure to have the following items before getting started:

    • High-speed internet access
    • Supported device
    • Valid credit/debit card
    • Valid email address
    • An idea of content needs – those must-have channels or shows for you and your family

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL CUT THE CORD DAY

    • With apps and online tools, learn more about the benefits and opportunities of cutting the cord.
    • Weigh the pros, cons, and potential savings.
    • When you’re ready to lean into the freedom of streaming on-demand content plus live TV, cut the cord!
    • Experienced cord-cutters, share your favorite ways to watch, your experiences cutting the cord and more.
    • Use #NationalCutTheCordDay to join the celebration.

    NATIONAL CUT THE CORD DAY HISTORY

    Sling TVSLING BRA0934 National_CutTheCord_Day_Badge_RGB_FINAL-01 founded National Cut the Cord Day on February 9, 2020, to commemorate the day the service launched in 2015. On the fifth anniversary, Sling TV encourages people across the nation to make the leap from cable to live TV streaming by participating in National Cut the Cord Day. Sling TV will kick off the celebration with six days of exclusive deals.

    Additionally, Sling TV created a Cord Cutters Hotline to support people who are thinking about cutting the cord but need help determining the next steps. To reach Sling TV’s Cord Cutters Hotline, dial 855-553-2862 toll-free. For more information, visit sling.com and follow @sling on Twitter and Instagram.

    In 2020, the Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed National Cut the Cord Day to be observed on February 9th, annually.

    About Sling TV

    Sling TV L.L.C. is an Emmy® Award-winning live streaming TV service that provides more than 700 channels from today’s most popular networks across its general market, Latino and international services. It is available on all major streaming devices, smart televisions, tablets, game consoles, computers and smartphones.

    Sling TV offers two general market streaming services, Sling Orange and Sling Blue, that collectively feature content from Disney/ESPN, Fox, NBC, NFL Network, AMC, A&E, AXS, Discovery, Scripps, Turner, Viacom, NBA TV, NHL Network, Pac-12 Networks, GSN, Hallmark, SHOWTIME, STARZ and EPIX. On select devices, Sling TV offers customers access to free content, à la carte channels and services, plus Pay-Per-View events and movies-on-demand. Additionally, Sling TV offers a suite of stand-alone and add-on Spanish-language services and packages tailored to English-dominant, bilingual and Spanish-dominant U.S. households. Sling TV is the leading U.S. provider of foreign-language programming, with more than 400 channels in 27 languages. Visit sling.com.

    Cut the Cord FAQ

    Q. What does “cut the cord” mean?
    A. The phrase comes from the way the umbilical cord is cut at birth and refers to being independent of another person. More recently, the phrase has been used to describe ending relationships with different kinds of companies in order to have more choices, cut expenses, or allow more creativity.

  • NATIONAL GIVING HEARTS DAY – Second Thursday in February

    NATIONAL GIVING HEARTS DAY

    Big hearts give big on National Giving Hearts Day! On the second Thursday in February each year, the celebration offers one of the best opportunities to donate to your favorite charity. Not only that, this is the longest-running giving day in the United States. So many hearts and so much to give!

    #GivingHeartsDay

    In a single 24 hour period, more funds are raised for charities throughout the upper Midwest. Organizations like soup kitchens, medical foundations, STEM programs, arts programs, and so many more raise money to advance their missions. And the money goes directly to the charities YOU love the most. Plus, you can give to as many charities as you want. Give to one, or give to several.

    • In 2021, Giving Hearts Day celebrates its 14th year.
    • More than 34,700 people donated in 2020.
    • Since 2008, tens of thousands of generous donors have given more than $90 million.
    • In 2020, more than $19 million was donated.
    • The average donor gave to 2.2 charities in 2020.

    Whether you’re a donor or a charity, get involved. Rally your organization and provide support to your favorite charity. And it doesn’t matter where you are on the planet. You can still give.

    HOW TO OBSERVE ON GIVING HEARTS DAY

    • Visit the GivingHeartsDay.org website to find your charity.
    • Spread the word.
    • And on the big day, donate to your favorite charity. It’s the best way to show your support and how giving your heart is. The minimum donation is $10, but how much is that really? Two cups of coffee?
    • Use #GivingHeartsDay to share the day on social media, too.

    NATIONAL GIVING HEARTS DAY HISTORY

    Giving Hearts Day LOGOS-BLACK

    Fargo, North Dakota-based Impact Foundation submitted National Giving Hearts Day in 2019 to celebrate the 24-hour giving event for charities across North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota. Giving Hearts Day was formed in 2008 by Dakota Medical Foundation (DMF) and Impact Foundation as a way for people to support the charities and causes they love. From just under $500,000 raised in its first year to more than $19 million raised in 2020, it has become a day of exceptional impact.

    The Registrar at National Day Calendar® proclaimed National Giving Hearts Day to be observed annually on the second Thursday in February.

    Giving Hearts FAQ

    Q. Can I give to any charity on Giving Hearts Day?
    A. Yes! And you can give to as MANY as you want, too.

    Q. Who can participate in Giving Hearts Day?
    A. Anyone can participate in the day.

    Q. Is there a minimum amount to give?
    A. No. Give what you can.

  • NATIONAL PIZZA DAY – February 9

    NATIONAL PIZZA DAY

    National Pizza Day on February 9th celebrates one of America’s all-time favorite foods. Whether it is thin crust, Chicago-style, deep dish, or anything in between, pizza is an American favorite.

    #NationalPizzaDay

    We love our pizzas, and they come in so many varieties, too. As we nosh on our favorite, explore a few pizza facts:

    • Pepperoni is the most popular pizza at 36% of all pies ordered.
    • Over 3 billion pizzas are sold in the USA each year.  Add another 1 billion on frozen pizzas
    • In the United States, 17% of all restaurants are pizzerias.
    •  Antica Pizzeria, the first Pizzeria, opened in Naples, Italy, in 1738.
    •  Gennaro Lombardi, the first Pizzeria in the United States, opened in 1895 in New York City.
    • Americans consume on average 23 pounds of pizza per person each year.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL PIZZA DAY

    • Eat your favorite pizza.
    • Visit a local pizzeria and give them a shout-out for their fantastic pies!
    • Make your own pizza at home.
    • Post on social media your favorite recipes.
    • Experiment with toppings, crusts and sauces.
    • And don’t forget to check out the Celebration Deals for all the best offers and discounts.
    • Send us a message with any other great deals you come across that celebrate National Pizza Day.
    • Watch movies like Mystic Pizza or Little Italy.
    • Throw a pizza party and give this recipe a try:
    • Use #NationalPizzaDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL PIZZA DAY HISTORY

    National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this ever-popular food holiday. However, the mystery remains. One thing we do know is how to eat pizza. Do you?

    Pizza FAQ

    Q. Are all pizzas round?
    A. No. Pizzas are also made into rectangles and squares.

    Q. Do thing crusts have leavening agents in them?
    A. Most thin crust pizza recipes call for some sort of leaving agent such as yeast or baking soda. There are recipes, however, that call for no leavening agent.

    Q. Which is better, thin or thick crust?
    A. It depends on a variety of factors and personal choice. Different toppings fair better on one type of crust versus another. Some sauces require a thicker, more durable crust.

  • NATIONAL BAGEL AND LOX DAY – February 9

    NATIONAL BAGEL AND LOX DAY DAY

    National Bagel and Lox Day recognizes one of America’s favorite bagel combinations on February 9th.

    #BagelAndLoxDay

    Bagels are one of the few breads that are boiled then baked. This creates a soft inside while keeping a crisp outside. Bagels originated in Poland in the early 17th century and now sell over a billion dollars worth each year in the United States.

    Scandinavians perfected the technique for preparing lox by curing salmon in a salt brine for several months. Using the fatty belly of the salmon results in a buttery, silky texture that pairs well with cream cheese and bagels.

    Over the years, many flavors and varieties of bagels have sprung up across the USA. Cream cheese is a favorite topping on bagels. 

    HOW TO OBSERVE BAGEL AND LOX DAY

    • Enjoy a Bagel and Lox!
    • Mix it up and add other toppings.
    • Visit your favorite bagel shop and be sure to give them a shout-out!
    • Invite friends to join you for bagels and lox.
    • Use #NationalBagelLoxDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL BAGEL AND LOX DAY HISTORY

    National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this tasty food holiday. 

    Bagel and Lox FAQ

    Q. Are there other bagel days on the calendar?
    A. Yes. National Bagel Day is on January 16th and National Bagelfest Day is on July 26th.

    Q. Can anyone celebrate National Bagel and Lox Day?
    A. Yes. Anyone can celebrate the day. However, if you’re not a fan of bagels or lox, you can celebrate any of the other celebrations on February 9th.

    Q. Can I make bagels at home?
    A. Yes. With enough patience and practice, anyone can make bagels at home. Additionally, they don’t require any special tools to make them.

    February 9th Celebrated (and Not So Celebrated) History

    1825

    When the 1825 election came to the Electoral College, no candidate held a majority vote. The House of Representatives elected John Quincy Adams who came in second in the popular vote after Andrew Jackson.

    1870

    President Ulysses S. Grant signs a joint resolution of Congress establishing the U.S. Weather Bureau under the Secretary of War.

    1895

    William George Morgan of Lockport, New York, invents a game called Mintonette based on the game of badminton. The name would later be changed to volleyball.

    1971

    National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York elects Satchel Paige as the first Negro League player to be honored.

    February 9th Celebrated (and Not So Celebrated) History

    Thomas Paine – 1737

    The American Founding Father authored influential essays including Common Sense and The American Crisis which helped sway Colonial support for independence. However, by the end of his life, Paine had lost much of the respect of his peers.

    William Henry Harrison – 1773

    In 1841, the 9th President of the United States became the oldest person to be elected to the highest office in the country. Thirty-two days later, he died of pneumonia, serving the shortest term in presidential history.

    Amy Lowell – 1874

    The award-winning American poet published several collections of poems. Her collections include A Dome of Many-Coloured Glass and Sword Blades and Poppy Seed.

    Carole King – 1942

    Since the 1960s, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter has produced a number of hit songs for artists such as Bobby Vee, The Drifters, and Aretha Franklin.

    Mia Farrow – 1945

    For nearly 6 decades, the award-winning American actress has wowed audiences on stage and screen with her performances. Her most notable films include Rosemary’s Baby, The Great Gatsby, and Hannah and Her Sisters.

    Honorable Mentions

    Gypsy Rose Lee – 1914
    Judith Light – 1949
    Terry McAuliffe – 1957

  • NATIONAL TOOTHACHE DAY – February 9

    NATIONAL TOOTHACHE DAY

    National Toothache Day on February 9th is a not so subtle reminder of the importance of dental care. Also known as odontalgia, a toothache is pain generating from a tooth or multiple teeth. 

    #NationalToothacheDay

    A toothache can make us miserable, making it difficult to eat, sleep, or sometimes even talk. It’s safe to say, toothaches are never pleasant and not really something to celebrate.

    We can, however, be aware of how to prevent toothaches.

    Routine dental care is an essential first step. Avoiding sugary foods and acidic drinks and daily brushing and flossing are important, too. Even so, we can still develop cavities, have accidents that break or chip at a tooth, or find ourselves with an infection. Teeth can also become sensitive to heat or cold.

    Treating a toothache in the short term may be simply handled by over-the-counter treatments, but seeing a dentist may still be required to resolve the issue. Some toothaches are so severe as to require emergency intervention, thus treating the early signs of a mild toothache is important.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL TOOTHACHE DAY

    • Be proactive. Take care of your dental hygiene every day by brushing, flossing and avoiding too many sweets.
    • Eat lots of fresh, crunchy vegetables.
    • Schedule a dentist appointment.
    • Discover home remedies until you can see the dentist.
    • Smile!
    • Use #NationalToothacheDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL TOOTHACHE DAY HISTORY

    National Day Calendar has gnawed over the research but still finds no origin story to go with this achingly interesting holiday. However, we do believe it’s been celebrated longer than the dance move called the floss.

    Toothache FAQ

    Q. What causes toothaches?
    A. A variety of factors may cause a tooth or multiple teeth to ache.

    • A broken or cracked tooth
    • Cavities caused by bacteria
    • Tooth sensitivity
    • Sinus infections and congestion
    • Gum disease
    • Grinding teeth
    • Abscess
    • Ear infection

    Q. How do dentists treat tooth pain?
    A. Depending on the cause of the tooth pain, a dentist may repair the tooth or cavity. They may also need to remove the tooth. If they are able to save the affected tooth, a root canal may be an option, too. For thinning enamel, a toothpaste that reduces sensitivity may be helpful.

    Q. How often should I brush my teeth?
    A. The American Dental Association recommends that we brush our teeth twice a day.