Category: January 28

• NATIONAL GIFT OF THE LADYBUG DAY – January 28

  NATIONAL GIFT OF THE LADYBUG DAY

  National Gift of the Ladybug Day on January 28th honors all children with critical illnesses. The day is also an opportunity to raise awareness of childhood illnesses and support the children and the families facing medical differences.

  #GiftOfTheLadybugDay

  The book The Gift of the Ladybug by Carole Mac follows the story of a family of horses who discover their child is a ladybug and will not live very long. The ladybug reassures the horses by saying, “I am a ladybug! I don’t know how to be a horse. I only know how to be a ladybug.” Every day, hundreds of families receive a diagnosis that puts their child’s life in danger. The ladybug serves as the perfect symbol of a child faced with a critical illness. Her life may be short, but she’s perfect just the way she is. The beautiful ladybug captures our imaginations and gives us a reason to celebrate.

  National Gift of the Ladybug Day is part of a movement that offers a way for parents to embrace their children exactly as they are. Join the movement and embrace being exactly as you are.

  HOW TO OBSERVE GIFT OF THE LADY BUG DAY

  Give the gift of the ladybug. Embrace your loved ones exactly as they are.

  Another way to celebrate is by purchasing The Gift of the Ladybug or an adorable stuffed ladybug “Polkadot” (the main character of the book) for a child who is suffering from a critical illness. A percentage of proceeds from every sale is donated to help children with critical illnesses. Support Author Carole Mac’s goal of donating $100,000 to help these kids over the next three years. The Gift of the Ladybug is available in hardback, softback, and Ebook on Amazon.com. 

  Join the movement and celebrate the day using #GiftOfTheLadybugDay on social media.

  Follow on Facebook @giftoftheladybug, Instagram @Carole.Mac, CaroleMac.com, and GiftoftheLadybug.com.

  NATIONAL GIFT OF THE LADYBUG DAY HISTORY

  Author Carole Mac founded National Gift of the Ladybug Day on January 28 (the birthday of her dearly departed son) 2022 to share the growing impact of The Gift of the Lady Bug and its ability to bring people together to honor children with critical illnesses. Mac’s inspiration for the book The Gift of the Ladybug came after receiving devastating news about her son. She found a way to heal her grief through sharing the children’s book The Gift of the Ladybug to help others. It has since become a tool for families of children with critical illnesses as a way to accept the news with peace and love.

  In 2022, the Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed National Gift of the Ladybug Day to be observed annually on January 28th.

  January 20, 2022

  •

  National Day Calendar

  •

  Art & Entertainment, January 28, National Day

• GLOBAL COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT DAY – January 28

  GLOBAL COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT DAY

  Every year on January 28th, Global Community Engagement Day seeks to encourage organizations, individuals, and businesses to better engage with their community.

  Communities become better when professionals and organizations engage with different groups of people in their community. Community engagement helps to build and strengthen relationships. This includes relationships with local residents, faith-based groups, cultural groups, voluntary groups, and even virtual groups.

  Other reasons businesses should engage with their community include:

  • It will help business leaders make better decisions.
  • It will help business leaders to address specific issues better.
  • The community will be more satisfied with the performance of the business.
  • The community will be more likely to accept specific recommendations.
  • Business leaders will gain more perspectives, so decisions aren’t so one-sided.

  One more great reason for businesses and organizations to become engaged in their communities is that the result is often a win-win for everyone. When a particular project is realized, it is a good feeling knowing that the community will benefit from it.

  HOW TO OBSERVE #GlobalCommunityEngagementDay

  Individuals, businesses, and organizations observe the day by broadcasting what they do for their communities. To participate:

  • Learn how you can become more involved in your community.
  • Connect with others who think community engagement is essential.
  • Give your employer ideas about how the company can be more involved in the community.
  • Donate toward a cause in your community.
  • Come up with a list of things that will better your community, such as improving accessibility for those with disabilities.

  Spread awareness for this day on social media with #GlobalCommunityEngagementDay

  GLOBAL COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT DAY HISTORY

  The first Global Community Engagement Day was held on January 28th, 2018. Engage 2 Act, a nonprofit organization based in Australia, created the day. They came up with the date by asking their social media followers what pioneer of community engagement stands out to them. The person who answered the question the best was born on January 28th. They used the winner’s birthday as the date for Global Community Engagement Day. The mission of Engage 2 Act is to create, nurture, and support a dynamic professional network for those interested in community engagement.

   

  January 28, 2020

  •

  National Day Calendar

  •

  January 28

• DATA PRIVACY DAY – January 28

  DATA PRIVACY DAY

  Data Privacy Day on January 28th reminds us each year to review how our data is used. It’s an excellent opportunity to take stock and evaluate our personal cybersecurity.

  #DataPrivacyDay

  Our personal data is collected and used through a variety of media and for numerous reasons. Part of the problem is most of the time, the people who have access to our data, don’t need it. Additionally, it gets redistributed legally and illegally. Thanks to the internet, massive amounts of personal data can be easily distributed. While the information may be out there due to our own carelessness or privacy violations, there are steps you can take to protect yourself.

  • On any new device, set your privacy settings immediately. This includes new applications, social media, and programs.
  • Never use unsecured WiFi – especially for banking or shopping.
  • Check your bank and credit card statements regularly. When you spot anything questionable, contact the organization to stop payment on the purchase and cancel your card. In the same vein, check your credit report at least annually.
  • Keep your software up to date. Out-of-date software is vulnerable to hackers.
  • Never give personal information over the phone, email, or text.
  • Stop taking online quizzes that ask random questions about your childhood, children, tattoos, marriages, pets, and favorite foods. Each time you take one of these, people trying to access your data gather a little bit more information about you that allows them to steal your data or identity.
  • Use strong password phrases. The longer the password, the harder it is to break.
  • Do not save your passwords on your device.
  • Change passwords when your accounts may have been compromised or when you visit the dentist.
  • Use virus protection and a firewall.

  HOW TO OBSERVE DATA PRIVACY DAY

  • Take steps to secure your digital devices.
  • Commit to learning how to protect yourself.
  • Maintain tech-savvy practices that protect you.
  • Share your tips, tricks, and experiences with others.
  • Attend an informational seminar to learn more about protecting yourself.

  For more tips, visit staysafeonline.org for tips on keeping your data safe. Use #DataPrivacyDay to post on social media.

  DATA PRIVACY DAY HISTORY

  The Council in Europe first initiated Data Privacy Day in 2007. Their mission grew to a global platform. In 2009, the United States House of Representatives recognized National Data Privacy Day. The United States Senate later recognized Data Privacy Day in 2010 and 2011. Since then, various groups and organizations continue supporting the observance annually.

  Data Privacy Day

  Q. Who needs to protect their data privacy?
  A. Everyone. Even if you don’t use smartphones and computers, the companies and organizations you frequent do. And while they follow their own practices to protect client information, it’s important to also protect yourself.

  January 25, 2016

  •

  National Day Calendar

  •

  January 28, National Day, Technology & Communication

• NATIONAL SEED SWAP DAY – Last Saturday in January

  NATIONAL SEED SWAP DAY

  National Seed Swap Day on the last Saturday in January serves as a reminder to gardeners that spring is on its way. It is also an ideal time for gardeners to gather and swap seeds in preparation for starting seeds indoors.

  #SeedSwapDay

  Click play and enjoy a story about National Seed Swap Day featuring our founder, Marlo Anderson. If you enjoy the 2-minute show, subscribe with your favorite podcast player.
  
  The seed swap is a fundamental part of human history. Seeds were one of the first commodities valued and traded. Today, modern gardeners collect and exchange seeds for many reasons ranging from cultivating rare, heirloom varieties to basic thrift. The exchange of seeds perpetuates biodiversity, too. It is an act of giving and the ultimate form of recycling.

  HOW TO OBSERVE SEED SWAP DAY

  • Exchange seeds with friends, attend a local seed swap, or help organize one.
  • Post your events online so they are easily found using #SeedSwapDay
  • Experienced gardeners offer seed collection, labeling, and preservation tips. 
  • Generate interest in your seed swaps. Plan urban gardens or community gardens. Not only do they improve the look of your community but they also provide nutritious food, too.
  • Offer classes for starting seeds indoors and successful transplanting. 
  • Be sure to include children. They love to garden!
  • Attend local events and show your support by volunteering.
  • Share your seed swap events and use #SeedSwapDay to post on social media.

  NATIONAL SEED SWAP DAY HISTORY

  The first annual Washington Gardener Magazine Seed Exchange was held in Washington, DC, on January 26, 2006. Kathy Jentz, the editor/publisher of the magazine had the last Saturday of January named an official holiday and National Seed Swap Day was born. After that event’s success, seed swaps in other cities across the nation have joined in celebrating the day each year on (or around) the last Saturday in January.

  Submitted by guest columnist Kathy Jentz

  Seed Swap FAQ

  Q. How do I harvest seeds for a seed swap?
  A. Collect fully ripe seeds of an individual plant lay them out to dry on a plate and expose them to the air for several days. The length of time will vary depending on the seed, but 2-3 days should be sufficient for most seeds. Place them in a labeled jar or envelope so you can easily identify the seeds. When you’re ready to swap, place seeds in individually labeled envelopes.

  Q. Should I provide planting and growing information with the seeds?
  A. Information such as when to plant, types of soil that worked best for you, sun vs. shade plant, and germination info are helpful to others. If you can provide these details, please do. However, not every gardener keeps track of this information.

  Q. Are seed swaps a good way to start gardening?
  A. Yes. While most people swap seeds to add variety to their gardens, gardeners also enjoy spreading their love of flowers and vegetables to new gardeners.

   

  April 8, 2015

  •

  National Day Calendar

  •

  January 28, National Day, Nature

• NATIONAL BLUEBERRY PANCAKE DAY – January 28

  NATIONAL BLUEBERRY PANCAKE DAY

  On January 28th, National Blueberry Pancake Day brings the sweetness of blueberries to your pancake, flapjack, or hotcake.

  #BlueberryPancakeDay

  The early pancakes consisted mostly of flour and milk and were more like biscuits. Later, eggs, milk, a leavening agent (such as baking powder), and fat were added creating the fluffier, lighter pancake we know today.

  Adding blueberries to the pancake batter when mixing up the ingredients may result in a bluish hue. To avoid this, add them right after dropping dollops of batter to the hot griddle.

  Blueberries add a freshness to pancakes and nutrients like vitamin K, vitamin C, manganese, and copper.

  HOW TO OBSERVE BLUEBERRY PANCAKE RECIPE

  • Make blueberry pancakes with this recipe.
  • Share your favorite recipes.
  • Invite others to join you for a pancake breakfast.
  • Use #BlueberryPancakeDay to post on social media.

  NATIONAL BLUEBERRY PANCAKE DAY HISTORY

  As we continue our search for the origins of this breakfast food holiday, another stack or two will hold you over. Add some real maple syrup and fresh blueberries, too. While you’re having seconds, be sure to include a dollop of real whipped cream. None of the fake stuff. Origin stories take time. Pancakes are forever.

  Blueberry Pancake FAQ

  Q. Should the blueberries be added to the batter or topping the pancake?
  A. You can choose to add to the batter or top or BOTH.

  Q. Should the blueberries be fresh or frozen?
  A. Again, your personal preference will decide. Thaw the frozen blueberries slightly before adding them to the pancake. Because frozen blueberries have a slightly sweeter flavor, you might need less syrup.

  Q. Who can celebrate this day?
  A. Anyone can celebrate National Pancake Day!

  June 17, 2014

  •

  National Day Calendar

  •

  January 28, National Day

• NATIONAL KAZOO DAY – January 28

  NATIONAL KAZOO DAY

  National Kazoo Day on January 28th recognizes nearly 200 years of kazoo music in the United States. The day also encourages playing and learning about the kazoo. 

  #NationalKazooDay

  The instrument requires little effort to create a sound. However, some skill is necessary to make intelligible music. This simple instrument also adds comedic punctuations to just about any childhood song. The great thing about the kazoo is, if you can hum, you can play!

  Click play and enjoy a story about National Kazoo Day featuring our founder, Marlo Anderson. If you enjoy the 2-minute show, subscribe with your favorite podcast player.
  

  Warren H. Frost first proposed the name “kazoo” when he submitted his U.S. patent application for a musical toy instrument.
  The U.S. Patent Office granted Frost’s application with patent no. 270,543 on January 9, 1883. 

  In 1915, Michael McIntyre partnered with Harry Richardson, and they established The Original American Kazoo Company which began producing metal kazoos. They are still in production today in Eden, NY.

  During World War I, another instrument made the scene. Larger and a little more cumbersome for a child to manage, makers touted the bazooka as an instrument anyone could play (and build).

  HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL KAZOO DAY

  • Play a song on the kazoo.
  • Start a kazoo band.
  • Make your own kazoo.
  • Learn about how a kazoo works.
  • Teach someone to play the kazoo.
  • Create a video of you playing a kazoo.
  • Visit the National Day Calendar Classroom for kazoo projects.

  Use #NationalKazooDay to post on social media.

  NATIONAL KAZOO DAY HISTORY

  Founded in 1983 by Chaplin Willard Rahn of the Joyful Noise Kazoo Band, National Kazoo Day celebrates the humble kazoo and all the infectious joy it brings to people of all ages.

  Kazoo FAQ

  Q. Can anyone play a kazoo?
  A. Anyone who can hum can play the kazoo.

  Q. Are kazoos expensive?
  A. Kazoos are relatively inexpensive musical instruments. More expensive kazoos still cost less than ten dollars.

  Q. What materials are used to make kazoos?
  A. Kazoos can be made from metal, wood, plastic, glass, or even cardboard.

  January 28th Celebrated (and Not So Celebrated) History

  1868

  The first female detective in the United States dies of pneumonia. Kate Warne served as a Pinkerton detective for 12 years. During her career, Warne proved integral to thwarting an 1861 assassination plot against President-elect Abraham Lincoln.

  1873

  U.S. Patent Office issues patent no. 135,245 to Louis Pasteur for an “Improvement in Brewing Beer and Ale.”

  1958

  The Danish toy building block company, Lego, filed an application to patent the interlocking plastic toy building blocks. Originally invented and designed out of wood by the company’s founder Ole Kirk Christiansen, the company produced its first plastic blocks in 1949.

  1985

  Singer-songwriters from across the United States including Lionel Richie, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Cyndi Lauper, Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, Willie Nelson, Daryl Hall, John Oats, and Paul Simon came together as USA for Africa. They record the hit single We Are the World, raising over $63 million for Ethiopian famine relief.

  1986

  Seven NASA astronauts tragically die when the space shuttle Challenger breaks apart 73 seconds after launch. Crew members included Payload Gregory Jarvis, Judy Resnick, Christa McAuliffe, Dick Scobee, Ronald McNair, Michael Smith, and Ellison Onizuka.

  January 28th Celebrated (and Not So Celebrated) Birthdays

  Auguste Piccard & Jean Piccard  – 1884

  The twin brothers attended the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology. Auguste studied physics, and Jean studied chemistry. Their mutual interests in ballooning led to several scientific achievements.

  Jackson Pollock – 1912

  The abstract expressionist painter achieved critical success during his lifetime. Some of his most iconic works include Mural (1943), She-Wolf (1943), and Convergence (1952).

  Anna Gordy Gay – 1922

  In 1959, the record executive formed A.N.N.A. Records in Detroit, Michigan, with her sisters Gwen Gordy and Roquel Billy Davis.

  Vera Williams – 1928

  The award-winning children’s author was best known for her novel A Chair for My Mother.

  Henry Morton Stanley – 1841

  Popularly known as the explorer who found missing explorer Dr. David Livingstone who disappeared in Zanzibar, Africa. Upon reaching the weakened and ill doctor on Lake Tanganyika, Stanley said, “Dr. Livingstone, I presume?” Stanley was also a journalist, soldier, politician, and author.

  Charles William Nash – 1864

  Nash made enormous contributions to the automotive industry. He first served the industry at General Motors as Buick’s VP and as GM’s fifth president. In 1916, Nash established Nash Motors when he purchased Jeffery Motor Company.

  June 11, 2014

  •

  National Day Calendar

  •

  January 28, Music, National Day, Pop Culture & Lifestyle