Category: January 10

• NATIONAL HOUSEPLANT APPRECIATION DAY – January 10

  NATIONAL HOUSEPLANT APPRECIATION DAY

  One of the best ways to enhance a space is by adding house plants. The busy holidays cause many of us to neglect some of our regular routines, including houseplant care. National Houseplant Appreciation Day on January 10th serves as a reminder to give your houseplants a little extra attention to keep them thriving.

  #HouseplantAppreciationDay

  Those with green thumbs know that having houseplants come with several benefits, some of them are even backed by science.

  Houseplant Benefits

  • Boost productivity – Some studies have shown that indoor plants may improve productivity and performance in the workplace and in school.
  • Reduce anxiety – Caring for plants provides therapeutic benefits. Similar to outdoor gardening, indoor gardening may help to ease the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and dementia.
  • Reduce air pollutants – In 1989, NASA published a study that showed plants may improve the air quality for indoor spaces. Since we all know from elementary science that plants consume carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, this study makes sense. The more plants you have the more effective they are at improving air quality. Specific plant species are more effective than others, too. For example, Boston ferns, spider plants, ficus, rubber trees, and bamboo palms clean the air more effectively than other plants.
  • Improved humidity – Especially in dryer climates and in the winter months, when plants release moisture into the air they improve the humidity in a room. Humidity enhances a home’s comfort level, and we also breathe easier when the humidity in our homes is balanced. Also, plants are prettier than humidifiers.

  Houseplants offer much to be appreciated, as you can see. Beyond these benefits, houseplants bring the outdoors inside where it can be enjoyed all year long. They fill our homes with color.

  You don’t have to have a green thumb to care for houseplants, either. Start with forgiving plants such as pathos, philodendron, sansevieria, or spider plant. These plants will bounce back if you forget to water them and won’t whine if you accidentally overwater them.

  HOW TO OBSERVE HOUSEPLANT APPRECIATION DAY

  During National Houseplant Appreciation Day, give your plants some love. Check their soil, make sure their roots are happy, and maybe talk to them. We also suggest:

  • Adding to your plant collection.
  • Pruning overgrown plants and offering the cuttings for trade.
  • Joining a plant group. These groups help plant lovers to troubleshoot plant problems. They also offer plant swaps for cuttings and full-sized plants.
  • Buying a plant for the first time. Be sure to select plants that are not harmful to pets and children.
  • Taking a class. You can learn how to care for plants, access resources, and improve your understanding of horticulture.
  • Sharing photos of your plant collection.

  Be sure to join the conversation by using #HouseplantAppreciationDay on social media.

  NATIONAL HOUSEPLANT APPRECIATION DAY HISTORY

  The Gardening Network founded National Houseplant Appreciation Day in 2012 to help keep houseplants thriving through the winter months. The day also honors all the benefits of growing houseplants.

  Houseplant FAQ

  Q. Do houseplants require a lot of care?
  A. Most houseplants do not require a lot of care. They primarily need water, light, and occasional fertilizer. As they grow, they may require pruning or repotting.

  Q. Are succulents easier to grow?
  A. Many succulents are easy to grow. Overwatering is usually an issue for succulents. The key is to let the soil dry out between waterings and then give them a good drink of water. The soil shouldn’t always be wet. Light requirements vary but succulents flourish when they are warm and receive consistent light. So place your succulent near a well-lit window or under a lamp that is on at least 6 hours per day.

  Q. I have a lot of plants. Is there a good way to organize them?
  A. Plant lovers know that organizing plants can be tricky. It’s important to make sure all the plants receive the right amount of light and are easy to access for care. One way to do this is by placing the plants on a tired rack. A baker’s rack is ideally suited to this purpose.

  January 10, 2022

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  National Day Calendar

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  January 10, National Day, Pop Culture & Lifestyle

• NATIONAL SHOP FOR TRAVEL DAY – Second Tuesday in January

  NATIONAL SHOP FOR TRAVEL DAY

  As the holiday season fades away, our minds turn to our next opportunity for a vacation. While that may seem far off, National Shop for Travel Day on the second Tuesday in January reminds us to start planning now!

  #ShopForTravelDay

  Today, there are more tools and resources than ever before to help us shop for that perfect trip. How we choose to travel, our accommodations, and where we relax and have fun has become mobile and virtual. Whether we’re planning a weekend getaway or our dream vacation, we can shop, compare, plan, and book all in just a few clicks.

  Advancements made by travel technology innovators and intermediaries have not only provided us with the tools to expertly guide us through the booking experience, but they get us there, too. They connect us to the people who put us in the beautiful places we want to stay. Today, more than ever before, we can find just the accommodation we’ve been seeking and even tour it before we go, view ratings and firsthand accounts from other travelers, and catch a glimpse of what our trip will be like long before it begins.

  Traveling for pleasure – or for work – can be a tremendous expense in both dollars and time, and you want the reassurance that you’re making the right choices whether you’re going home to visit old friends or visiting a city for the very first time. These apps and tools provide that confidence and actually make it fun to explore the limitless possibilities for travel.

  Wherever and whenever you have your heart set to go, start shopping now. Whatever the trip may be, National Shop for Travel Day is the perfect time to visit an online travel company and book it.

  Make that dream vacation come true.

  HOW TO OBSERVE SHOP FOR TRAVEL DAY

  Technology has made shopping for travel easier. Not only can we comparison shop, but it also makes planning a lot easier. Celebrate the day by making a list of the places you dream of going, need to go, and would like to see again.

  • Compare hotels, rentals, and other lodgings available. Secluded cabins, RV rentals, and camping gear are available, too.
  • Check flights, trains, or even routes for taking a road trip. Don’t forget to plan stops along some of the country’s most scenic byways and historic routes.
  • Ask friends and family for the best travel agents to help you make the most of your travel plans.
  • Also, ask those friends about their favorite trips – business and vacations. They can help you find the best places to explore.
  • Find the ideal times of the year to travel for business and pleasure. If you’re trying to avoid crowds, the offseason may be the best time of year to travel.
  • Discover unique vacations that are worth writing home about.
  • Look for adventures that take you away from the crowd and give you a unique view of the world.

  Make a list of places you would like to go and check the dates. Start shopping on your favorite sites or contact your travel agent. Use #ShopForTravelDay to share on social media.

  NATIONAL SHOP FOR TRAVEL DAY HISTORY
  

  The Travel Technology Association founded National Shop for Travel Day in 2018 to celebrate the joy of travel and the technology innovators who have transformed the way we all shop, compare, plan, and book our vacations. It’s a perfect time! Follow Travel Tech @traveltech on Twitter.

  The Registrar at National Day Calendar® proclaimed National Shop for Travel Day to be observed annually beginning in 2018.

  About the Travel Technology Association

  The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) is the premier trade association for the travel technology industry. Founded in 1998, Travel Tech represents the leading innovators in travel technology. Travel Tech includes global distribution systems, online travel agencies, metasearch companies, and short-term rental platforms.

  These technology innovators, directly and indirectly, create the infrastructure and the marketplace that travelers, suppliers, and intermediaries benefit from today. Travel Tech members transform the way we travel, providing suppliers and consumers with invaluable access to options while purchasing and managing their travel.

  December 4, 2017

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  National Day Calendar

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  January 10, National Day, Pop Culture & Lifestyle

• NATIONAL OYSTERS ROCKEFELLER DAY – January 10

  NATIONAL OYSTERS ROCKEFELLER DAY

  National Oysters Rockefeller Day on January 10th recognizes a dish so rich there was only one man’s name this dish could bear at the time. At least, that’s the story according to the chef who so masterfully created famous recipes in the French Quarter.

  #NationalOystersRockefellerDay

  In 1889 in the renowned kitchen of Antoine’s, Jules Alciatore developed a recipe for baked oysters on the half shell with sauce and bread crumbs that would earn the name Oysters Rockefeller.  A dish so rich Alciatore himself admitted, “…I know of no other name rich enough for their richness.”

  While other restaurants serve similar dishes, only historic Antoine’s (founded by Antoine Alciatore, Jules Alciatore’s father in 1840) serves the original Oysters Rockefeller. Food Network’s Alton Brown even told us on Good Eats that Alciatore took the recipe to his grave. Others have tried to determine the finer ingredients without success. Only Antoine’s and the Alciatore family have the authentic recipe.

  Having served over 3.5 million orders of Oysters Rockefeller, and counting, Antoine’s recipe has withstood the test of time and garnered the praises of culinary critics. Since 1889, the restaurant has numbered each order. Even today’s customers receive their privileged number identifying their place in the history of Oysters Rockefeller.

  HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL OYSTERS ROCKEFELLER DAY

  Have you tasted the flavor of authentic Oysters Rockefeller? Tell us what you think. If you are near Antoine’s, stop in to savor a taste of history and share using #NationalOystersRockefellerDay on social media.

  NATIONAL OYSTERS ROCKEFELLER DAY HISTORY

  In 2017, Antoine’s founded National Oyster Rockefeller Day to celebrate the dish’s history and longevity.

  The Register at National Day Calendar approved the day in 2016 and proclaim the first observance to be celebrated in 2017.

  Oysters FAQ

  Q. Do oysters live in fresh or saltwater?
  A. Oysters live in salt or brackish water.

  Q. Are Oysters Rockefeller the same as oysters on the half shell?
  A. No. Oysters Rockefeller are cooked oysters while oysters on the half shell are raw. Note: Raw oysters are served alive.

  August 2, 2016

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  National Day Calendar

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  January 10, National Day

• SAVE THE EAGLES DAY – January 10

  SAVE THE EAGLES DAY

  Each year on January 10th, Save the Eagles Day reminds us of the majestic raptors that soar above the Earth – whether they are well populated or endangered. Due to the work of scientists and the public, the bald eagle was removed from this list in June 2007. Poaching, pesticides, and other dangers continue to threaten eagle populations.

  #SaveTheEaglesDay

  While the day started as a way to save a specific pair of bald eagles and to raise awareness about the species, the observance has grown to encompass all species of eagles. Approximately 60 species of eagles populate the world. Most of the species are found in Eurasia and Africa. North, Central, and South America and Australia only account for about 14 species. However, no eagles are found in Hawaii. The most common species in North America are the bald and golden eagles. 

  Eagles are powerful birds of prey. An eagle’s sharp sense of sight paired with powerful muscles, piercing talons, and beak, make them primed for the hunt. They are also monogamous, mating for life. 

  HOW TO OBSERVE SAVE THE EAGLES DAY

  Learn more about eagles. Watch documentaries or read about them. Visit an aviary or a bird sanctuary. We have provided a couple of books to review, too. Participate in preservation and conservation in your area, too.

  • The Eagle Watchers: Observing and Conserving Raptors Around the World  by Todd E. Katzner
  • Eagles by Melissa Gish

  Use #SaveTheEaglesDay to post on social media.

  SAVE THE EAGLES DAY HISTORY

  In 2015, Save the Eagles Day originated in the Village of Ridgefield Park, New Jersey. The day is the result of an effort to save a pair of nesting bald eagles near the community. Late in 2014, Skymark Development Corp of Paramus brought a study forth arguing that a landfill near where the eagles nested posed health risks. The nesting pair, fondly named Alice and Al, had nested along Overpeck Creek since at least 2011. When the developer proposed a solution that included removing the tree the eagles nested in, the community and the Bergen County Audubon Society organized Save the Eagles Day on January 10, 2015. 

  Eventually, an agreement was formed to preserve an area of the land as an eagle park. Alice and Al continued to live out their days in Ridgefield Park and fly over the residents there. Read more about the environmental success of the area and about Alice and Al.

  June 11, 2014

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  National Day Calendar

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  January 10, National Day, Nature

• NATIONAL CUT YOUR ENERGY COSTS DAY – January 10

  NATIONAL CUT YOUR ENERGY COSTS DAY

  National Cut Your Energy Costs Day encourages consumers to explore their options and keep up with scheduled maintenance. Each year, on January 10th, the observance provides information designed to help homeowners and businesses to reduce energy costs and improve efficiency. Did you know that tuning up your heating system can save you up to three to ten percent?

  #CutYourEnergyCostsDay

  It is often in the little things that you do that can save you big money on your energy bill, such as:

  • Weatherproof your home
  • Replace old windows with new energy-efficient windows
  • Replace old furnace with new energy-efficient furnace
  • Properly maintain furnace
  • Use solar heat if possible
  • Turn down thermostats
  • Turning off lights when leaving a room
  • Use energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs
  • Run dishwasher and washing machine only when fully loaded
  • Lower water heater temperature
  • Take shorter showers
  • Unplug unused appliances
  • Carpool whenever possible

  The above list is just a few of the many ways to conserve energy. Use these tips, along with others you may already have in practice, many available online and you will be able to create energy and financial savings the entire year. 

  HOW TO OBSERVE CUT YOUR ENERGY COSTS DAY

  Taking part in National Cut Your Energy Costs Day starts with a plan. Make a list of the things you can change right away. Then working on making improvements to your home to help lower your energy costs. With each improvement, you’ll be one step closer to an energy-efficient home all year long. Where will you start making changes?

  As you start, share your favorite energy-saving tips and practices. Keep track of your changes as you go and involve the whole family, too. Show them how the improvements reduced expenses and improved efficiency. By involving your family, they will take that knowledge with them into the future.

  Use #CutYourEnergyCostsDay on social media. 

  NATIONAL CUT YOUR ENERGY COSTS DAY HISTORY

  National Day Calendar continues to research the origins of this efficient holiday.

  June 11, 2014

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  National Day Calendar

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  Education & History, January 10, National Day, Pop Culture & Lifestyle, Science

• NATIONAL BITTERSWEET CHOCOLATE DAY – January 10

  NATIONAL BITTERSWEET CHOCOLATE DAY

  Chocolate lovers, rejoice! National Bittersweet Chocolate Day on January 10th gives you the excuse to indulge in some chocolate satisfaction. (National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day is celebrated on November 7th.)

  #BittersweetChocolateDay

  Chocolate comes from the seed of the tropical Theobroma cacao tree. Cacao, which has been cultivated for at least three millennia, is grown in Mexico, Central America, and Northern South America. The earliest known documentation of the use of cacao seeds is around 1100 BC. The cacao tree seed has an intensely bitter taste and must be fermented to develop the flavor.

  Once the seeds have been fermented, the beans are then dried, cleaned, and roasted. After roasting, the shell is removed to produce cacao nibs. The cacao nibs are then ground into a cocoa mass which is pure chocolate in rough form.  Usually, the cocoa mass is liquefied then molded with or without other ingredients. This is called chocolate liquor. The chocolate liquor may then be processed into two components: cocoa solids and cocoa butter.

  Bittersweet chocolate is chocolate liquor to which sugar, cocoa butter, and vanilla have been added. It does have less sugar and more liquor than semisweet chocolate. However, the two of them may be interchangeable when baking.

  Studies have revealed that there are certain health benefits from eating bittersweet chocolate in moderation, such as lowering blood pressure and helping to protect the heart.

  HOW TO OBSERVE BITTERSWEET CHOCOLATE DAY

  Bittersweet chocolate offers many ways to celebrate. We can go in so many directions with bittersweet chocolate. Add a little to your baking or sprinkle a little in your morning coffee. Do you like pudding or chocolate chip cookies? This is the chocolate for you. The choice is up to you which delicious chocolate creation you make. However, once you decide, be sure to share your creations, too.

  Use #BittersweetChocolateDay to post on social media.

  NATIONAL BITTERSWEET CHOCOLATE DAY HISTORY

  National Day Calendar continues to research the origins of this delectable day while baking up some terrific treats. 

  Chocolate FAQ

  Q. Are bittersweet chocolate and dark chocolate the same thing?
  A. Yes, though the amount of cacao may vary from product to product. Bittersweet chocolate must have a minimum of 35 percent cacao. It is also called semisweet chocolate.

  Q. Is the amount of cacao important to a recipe?
  A. Yes. More or less cacao can impact the texture so some desserts.

  Q. Are there other days that celebrate bittersweet chocolate?
  A. Yes. National Dark Chocolate Day is on February 1st. 

  January 10th Celebrated (and Not So Celebrated) History

  1776

  Publisher Robert Bell makes the first copies of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense available for sale to the public. The 47-page pamphlet set in writing the reasons the Thirteen Colonies should become independent from the British Crown. Within days Bell issued a second printing with more than 100,000 sold that year. On July 4th, delegates ratified the Declaration of Independence.

  1878

  Senator A.A. Sargent (R-CA) introduces a resolution to the U.S. Senate to amend the Constitution providing women suffrage.

  1947

  After three years of research, Drs. Hubert Loring and Carlton Schwerdt from Stanford University announce the first successful isolation of the poliovirus. The National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis funded the breakthrough research that eventually led to the first successful polio vaccine developed by Jonas Salk.

  1999

  HBO aired the first episode of the television drama The Sopranos. Created by David Chase, the show ran for six seasons and starred James Gandolfini, Lorraine Bracco, and Edie Falco.

  January 10th Celebrated (and Not So Celebrated) Birthdays

  Katharine Burr Blodgett – 1898

  After becoming the first woman to earn her Ph.D. in physics from Cambridge University, Blodgett also became the first female scientist hired by General Electric. During her successful career, Blodgett developed an antireflective coating or “invisible” glass used for optical equipment.

  Max Roach – 1924

  The legendary jazz drummer and one of the pioneers of bebop continues to have an immense impact on musicians of the modern era. Roach’s contributions extended beyond jazz into the world of theater, activism, and culture.

  George Foreman – 1949

  The professional heavyweight boxer won two world championships and the 1968 Olympic gold medal in Mexico City.

  June 11, 2014

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  National Day Calendar

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  January 10, National Day