Category: January 17

• INTERNATIONAL MENTORING DAY – January 17

  INTERNATIONAL MENTORING DAY

  On January 17th, International Mentoring Day fosters a global understanding of the mentoring movement throughout the world. The day also raises awareness for the global contributions of mentoring.
  Mentoring usually involves a more knowledgeable person sharing wisdom with someone who has less experience. Mentors share their skills in the workplace, schools, places of worship, and professional organizations.

  Wherever one might need guidance, there are usually mentors. Those who are mentors usually find the position to be rewarding, too. Mentoring is also a great way to influence young people.

  Being a mentee comes with many benefits, including:

  • Increased chance of graduating from high school
  • Healthier relationships with others and make better lifestyle choices
  • Better attitude about school
  • Improved self-esteem, self-confidence, and behavior
  • Less likely to abuse alcohol or drugs

  It’s not just the mentees that will benefit, however. Mentors feel good about impacting another person’s life and future. Mentoring can also help them gain a new perspective about certain problems. Being a mentor even improves communication and leadership skills.

  As you can see, both the mentor and the mentee greatly benefit from this type of relationship, including some of the most famous mentoring relationships:

  • Maya Angelou mentored Oprah Winfrey.
  • Steve Jobs mentored Mark Zuckerberg.
  • Woodie Guthrie mentored Bob Dylan.

  Some of the most influential men and women attribute their success to having a mentor. Men and women like Mother Teresa, Ansel Adams, Walter Cronkite, Colin Powell, and Sally Ride.

  HOW TO OBSERVE #InternationalMentoringDay

  On this day, individuals and organizations are encouraged to share stories about the real-life power of mentoring. These stories are shared through social media, photos, and videos. Mentors and mentees can visit the Muhammed Ali Center at a discounted rate. The Muhammed Ali center also hosts events, such as film screenings and exhibits. To participate:

  • Find someone to mentor or get involved in a local mentoring organization.
  • If you can’t get involved, donate to a mentoring organization.
  • Learn more about the benefits of mentoring for both the mentor and mentee.
  • Watch a Muhammed Ali documentary, such as “When We Were Kings,” “The Trials of Muhammed Ali,” or “Muhammed Ali” by Ken Burns.

  Share this day on social media with #InternationalMentoringDay.

  INTERNATIONAL MENTORING DAY HISTORY

  In January of 2002 MENTOR National, along with the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health launched National Mentoring Month. Years later in 2016, MENTOR helped create the first International Mentoring Day. They chose January 17th in honor of Muhammed Ali’s birthday. Along with being a boxing legend and global humanitarian, Muhammed Ali was a mentor to family members, friends, and fans around the world.

  January 14, 2022

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  National Day Calendar

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  Education & History, International, January 17, National Day, Pop Culture & Lifestyle

• NATIONAL CLASSY DAY – January 17

  NATIONAL CLASSY DAY

  On National Classy Day, we celebrate those who are graced with the ability to live their lives with class, passion, and who are driven to share it with others. On January 17th, honor those class acts and commemorate the birth of one of the most legendary comedians ever to walk the Earth.

  #NationalClassyDay

  Classy people draw others to them. They have a grace and knack for bringing light into a room with humor, beauty, or inspiration. For example, American comedian, Betty White, was graced with a seemingly unlimited ability to make us laugh. Her humor transcended age, gender, and race, and her vibrant energy was contagious. Knowing her or someone like her is an unforgettable experience that lives far beyond a single moment.

  “Everybody needs a passion. That’s what keeps life interesting. If you live without passion, you can go through life without leaving any footprints.”
  Betty White in her book If You Ask Me (And Of Course You Won’t)

  Qualities of Class

  We are not all graced with the same qualities as Betty White’s immaculate timing or delightful humility. However, we are all given traits that make us unique. We can exercise those abilities to the benefit of everyone around us. Other iconic women who shared their finer qualities with the world include:

  • Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
  • Barbara Pierce Bush
  • Sacagawea
  • Diana Princess of Wales
  • Julia Child
  • Eleanor Roosevelt
  • Rosa Parks
  • Nelly Bly
  • Bessie Coleman

  Those endearing traits that leave an indelible mark on our memories fall within a narrow spectrum of terms. Words like kindness, generosity, humility, knowledge, and steadfastness come to mind. Being classy magnifies these qualities and makes the person even more unforgettable. While we can’t always name the specific trait that charms us, we often understand when we’ve been in its presence. That’s why National Classy Day encourages us to recognize those talents and abilities in others.

  HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL CLASSY DAY

  On National Classy Day, reflect on those who’ve graced the world with their best qualities and made it a better place. Who would you recognize on January 17th? There are other ways to celebrate the day, too!

  • Bring joy, laughter, or a smile to someone. Share a funny story, pun or joke.
  • Remind someone of their goodness by complimenting them on a talent, skill, or accomplishment.
  • Encourage someone to strive for their goals.
  • Look for the positive in your day.
  • Give someone a little grace. We all have bad days and a little kindness goes a long way.

  No matter what you do, be classy. Share stories of graceful inspiration with the world by using #NationalClassyDay on social media.

  NATIONAL CLASSY DAY HISTORY

  On December 31, 2021, actress, comedian, and producer Betty Marion White Ludden passed away at 99. Born on January 17, 1922, White’s enduring career was so legendary that in 2018, Guinness World Records named her the female entertainer with the longest career. White was first cast in a radio broadcast in 1939 at the age of 17, and her career spanned 82 years. And for her entire career, White displayed grace and charisma that touched the world. She starred in numerous television shows and movies, including The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Golden Girls, Hot in Cleveland, and many more, all of which showcased her quick wit and grace.

  The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed National Classy Day on January 1, 2022, in honor of Betty White and all the women who bring their grace and gifts to their communities and the larger world.

  January 4, 2022

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  National Day Calendar

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  January 17, National Day, Pop Culture & Lifestyle

• NATIONAL BOOTLEGGER’S DAY

  NATIONAL BOOTLEGGER’S DAY

  National Bootlegger’s Day on January 17th recognizes an era when bootleggers became legendary. 

  #BootleggersDay

  Templeton Rye Whiskey shares its January 17th birthday with bootlegger Al Capone and the son of another bootlegger, Meryl Kerkhoff.

  During the 1800s, the term bootlegger came into use in the Midwest. The word described the act of concealing flasks of liquor in a boot top when going to trade with Native Americans. The term found its permanent place in the American vocabulary when Congress passed the Eighteenth Amendment prohibiting the manufacture, transportation, and sale of alcohol in 1920.

  Despite now being illegal, thirsty Americans still had a demand for liquor. So while some distilleries switched their production to something legal, others started bootlegging.

  Bootleggers helped fill the demand by smuggling various brews from Canada and Mexico and later distilling their liquor in backwoods and secluded areas. Finally, they brought their loot back to sell to speakeasies, individuals, and other establishments.

  Other terms, such as rum-runner and moonshiner, became popular during this time as well.

  The legend of bootlegging grew to mythological qualities. The Mafia arose out of the illegal and coordinated activities of bootlegging. Glamour, danger, and mystery surround storied names like Al Capone, Lucky Luciano, Alphonse Kerkhoff, and Bugs Moran. 

  In 1933, Congress ratified the 21st Amendment repealing Prohibition and the “noble experiment.”

  HOW TO OBSERVE BOOTLEGGERS DAY

  Explore the history of the Prohibition Era. Listen to stories or watch old movies surrounding the time of the bootlegger. While you do, share a bottle of Templeton Rye with friends. Be sure to post photos on social media using #BootleggersDay or #TempletonRye.

  NATIONAL BOOTLEGGERS DAY HISTORY

  Infinium Spirits founded National Bootlegger’s Day in 2015 to celebrate the birth of Templeton Rye and explore the history of the bootlegger. 

  The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed by the day 2015 to be observed on January 17th, annually.

  ABOUT TEMPLETON RYE

  When Prohibition outlawed the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages on January 17, 1920, many enterprising residents of a small town in Iowa chose to become outlaws. They began producing a high caliber and much sought-after whiskey known as TEMPLETON RYE, It was also called “THE GOOD STUFF” to those in the know. Alphonse Kerkhoff was one of those Templeton outlaws.

  
  Over the course of its storied history, Templeton Rye became Al Capone’s whiskey of choice, quickly finding its way to the center of his bootlegging empire. Templeton Rye is based on the original Prohibition-era Kerkhoff recipe. It is aged in charred new oak barrels for a smooth finish…and a clean getaway.

  January 17th is not only the birthday of Templeton Rye, but it is also the birthday of Al Capone and the original Bootlegger’s son, Meryl Kerkhoff.

  Bootleggers FAQ

  Q. How old was Al Capone when he went to prison?
  A. Al Capone was 33 years old when he went to prison for tax evasion and prohibition charges. He was sentenced to 11 years and served his time at Alcatraz. He was released after seven years.

  Q. What is bathtub gin?
  A. During the Prohibition Era, people steeped grain alcohol in large tubs (sometimes a bathtub) to get around the 18th Amendment, which expressly prohibited the manufacture, distribution, and sale of distilled alcohol.

  Q. Does bootlegging apply only to alcohol?
  A. No. Bootlegging is the illegal manufacture, distribution, or sale of goods. It can apply to counterfeit products such as designer brands, electronics, cosmetics, and other products such as food, pharmaceuticals, movies, concerts, and music recordings.

  Q. What are other words for bootlegging?
  A. Counterfeiting and pirating are types of bootlegging.

  July 14, 2015

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  National Day Calendar

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  January 17, National Day

• NATIONAL HOT BUTTERED RUM DAY – January 17

  NATIONAL HOT BUTTERED RUM DAY

  On January 17th, National Hot Buttered Rum Day warms us up during mid-January. 

  #HotButteredRumDay

  Depending on where you are on this January day, it may be warm, chilly, cold, or frigid. Enjoying a hot buttered rum drink would sure be a good way to warm up if you are in one of the latter three.

  A mixed drink containing rum, butter, hot water or cider, sweetener, and spices (typically cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves), hot buttered rum is especially favored during the fall and winter months and is sometimes associated with the holiday season.

  In the United States, hot buttered rum’s history dates back to the colonial days. It was in the 1650s when Jamaica began importing molasses to Colonial America. New England started opening distilleries where the colonists then began adding distilled rum to hot beverages such as toddies and nogs, creating hot buttered rum, eggnog and others.

  Hot buttered rum is often made by blending a buttered rum batter with dark rum. Dark rum is a rum that has been barrel-aged for an extended length of time to retain a more intense molasses flavor. Those that prefer a milder or a spicier taste may choose the option of using light rum or spiced rum mixed with the batter.

  HOW TO OBSERVE HOT BUTTERED RUM DAY

  Warm up with a mug of hot buttered rum!

  Use #HotButteredRumDay to post on social media.

  NATIONAL HOT BUTTERED RUM DAY HISTORY

  National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this hot beverage celebration. We may even have one while we search.

  Hot Buttered Rum FAQ

  Q. Is there a difference between hot buttered rum and a Tom and Jerry?
  A. Yes. While both are hot, alcoholic beverages, their ingredients differ. Tom and Jerrys are also often made with rum, though they can also be made with whiskey or vodka. Both are also spiced. However, a batter instead of butter (see what we did there?) is used to make a Tom and Jerry rich and creamy.

  Q. Is honey a good addition to hot buttered rum?
  A. Yes. Honey adds a little sweetness and complements the butter and spice of the rum quite well.

  January 17th Celebrated (and Not So Celebrated) History

  1871

  Inventor Andrew S. Hallidie received the first U.S. patent for the cable car. His invention described in U.S. patent No.110,971 consisted of a series of pulleys and cables designed to transport a bucket or car along a track. In 1873, Hallidie oversaw the installation of the first cable car in San Francisco, California at Clay Street.

  1928

  The U.S. Patent Office issued patent No. 1656,522 for an automatic photo-developing machine to Anatol M. Josepho. He called it a Photomaton, and today it’s called a photo booth.

  1929

  Popeye the Sailor Man appears for the first time in the Thimble Theatre comic strip. The artist, E.C. Segar created the strip and the spinach-loving character.

  1955

  The USS Nautilus, the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine, departed on its first voyage under the leadership of Commander Eugene P. Wilkinson.

  January 17th Celebrated (and Not So Celebrated) Birthdays

  Benjamin Franklin – 1706

  One of America’s most recognized Founding Fathers, Franklin was instrumental in several facets of the American Revolution. He was also a prolific inventor and man of science.

  Al Capone – 1899

  The most notorious gangster of the Prohibition era, Capone led the Chicago Outfit.

  Betty White – 1922

  The American actress and comedian’s enduring career spans more than 80 years. Her performances began in the days of radio and soon landed her first sitcom, Life with Elizabeth. Through the years, White has thrilled audiences on shows like The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Golden Girls, and Hot in Cleveland.

  James Earl Jones – 1931

  Considered one of the most respected actors on stage and screen, Jones’ career spans more than six decades. His resonant voice and powerful stage presence leave an indelible performance on every role he plays.

  Michelle Obama – 1964

  The 46th First Lady of the United States graduated from Harvard Law in 1988. Married to Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United States, she was the first African American First Lady. During her time in the White House, she launched several initiatives aimed toward education and wellness.

  June 11, 2014

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  National Day Calendar

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  January 17, National Day