Category: January 30

• NATIONAL BUBBLE WRAP DAY – Last Monday of January

  NATIONAL BUBBLE WRAP DAY

  National Bubble Wrap Day (also known as National Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day) on the last Monday in January recognizes a fascinating piece of invention. Today, bubble wrap’s primary purpose is to protect fragile items either in shipping or storage. Of course, people also take enjoyment from popping the bubbles in bubble wrap, too.

  #BubbleWrapDay

  However, when two engineers created bubble wrap, the use as packaging didn’t pop into their minds right away. Marc Chavannes and Alfred Fielding first sealed two shower curtains together in 1956 in the town of Hawthorne, New Jersey. This technique created a smattering of air bubbles. The two engineers initially thought their creation would make a great wallpaper! However, sales for the wallpaper never materialized. So,  Chavannes and Fielding moved to sell the product as greenhouse insulation.

  The product was originally named Air Cap and produced by the Sealed Air Corporation which was founded in 1960. In 1961, the product evolved into the Bubble Wrap we know today when it protected IBM’s 1401 computer when it started shipping. Sealed Air Corporation trademarked Bubble Wrap and has been filling shipping needs ever since.

  HOW TO OBSERVE BUBBLE WRAP DAY

  • Use some bubble wrap.
  • Create an art project with bubble wrap.
  • Recycle some bubble wrap by donating to a local organization.
  • Read a Poke-A-Dot book.
  • Visit the National Day Calendar Classroom for projects ideas.
  • Learn more about innovative ways to use bubble wrap.
  • Use #BubbleWrapDay when posting on Social Media.

  NATIONAL BUBBLE WRAP DAY HISTORY

  In 2001, Jim Webster of Spirit 95 WVNI radio in Bloomington, Indiana created National Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day.

  Bubble Wrap FAQ

  Q. Are there different sizes of bubble wrap?
  A. Yes. Bubble wrap comes in a variety of thicknesses and bubble sizes. Bubble sizes range from 3/8-inch in diameter to 1/14-inch in diameter.

  Q. Are there other inventions like bubble wrap created for one purpose and now have another purpose?
  A. Yes. Play-Doh was originally created to clean wallpaper and did a pretty good job, too.

  Q. Is bubble wrap reusable?
  A. Yes! If you don’t have a use for the bubble wrap you receive in packages, donate it to a local business. Many businesses use bubble wrap when shipping products to their customers. Donating your bubble wrap and other packaging materials to small businesses is a great way to make sure it gets reused and doesn’t end up in the landfill.

  January 25, 2016

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  National Day Calendar

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  Invention, January 30, National Day

• NATIONAL CROISSANT DAY – January 30

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  NATIONAL CROISSANT DAY

  In the United States, National Croissant Day recognizes a flaky pastry enjoyed at every meal. Croissants are buttery, crescent-shaped rolls that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.  

  #NationalCroissantDay

  The key to a perfect croissant is laminating the dough. You laminate the dough by folding butter into the mixture creating multiple thin layers of butter and dough. The result is a mouth-watering flaky crust and airy body.

  Legend surrounds this pastry, as is often the case with a popular, worldly treat. What is known, is that crescent-shaped breads have been found around the world for ages. One of these was the Kipferl which originated in Austria as far back as the 13th century. This nonlaminated bread is more like a roll.

  Credit for the croissant we know today is given to an Austrian military officer, August Zang. In 1839 he opened a Viennese bakery in Paris introducing France to Viennese baking techniques.

  HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL CROISSANT DAY

  • Give your favorite baker a shout-out.
  • Treat your friends and coworkers to fresh-baked, warm croissants.
  • Bake your own croissants.
  • Take a baking class to learn to make these delicious, flaky pastries yourself!
  • Offer a class. That’s right! Pass on the skill to others who want to learn.
  • Offer a special in your bakery, restaurant, or store. 
  • Try a new recipe. Make a soup or salad that goes well with croissants.
  • Use #NationalCroissantDay to post on social media.

  NATIONAL CROISSANT DAY HISTORY

  The earliest we’ve found the observance being celebrated is in 2006. National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this buttery food holiday.

  Croissant FAQ

  Q. What tastes good on a croissant?
  A. Croissants can be both savory and sweet so there are many toppings and spreads that can be added to them. On the savory side of things, consider a chicken or crab salad and make a sandwich. Add some bean sprouts, a little parmesan cheese and you’ll have the perfect lunch sandwich. Croissants also taste delicious with a little honey, jam or clotted cream. Of course, another good go-to for your croissant is smear of butter. 

  Q. Are croissants a type of yeast bread?
  A. Yes. Croissant recipes include yeast. 

  Q. How many calories are in a croissant?
  A. Croissants range in size but a medium croissant contains about 230 calories.

  January 30th Celebrated (and Not So Celebrated) History

  1873

  Publisher Pierre Jules-Hetzel publishes the Jules Verne novel Around the World in 80 Days.

  1946

  The U.S. Mint released the first Roosevelt dimes into circulation. Franklin D. Roosevelt was born on January 30, 1882.

  1958

  Love Field Air Terminal in Dallas, TX installed the first two-way moving sidewalk.

  1993

  Monica Seles Defeats Steffi Graf to win her third straight Australian Open.

  January 30th Celebrated (and Not So Celebrated) Birthdays

  Franklin D. Roosevelt – 1882

  The 32nd President of the United States led the country out of the Great Depression and the American people elected him to four terms. In his twelve years in office, Roosevelt also saw the country through World War II following the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He died a few months into his fourth term.

  Barbara Tuchman – 1912

  The American historian and best-selling author won Pulitzer Prizes for her historical account of the first 30 days of World War I in Guns of August and for Stilwell and the American Experience in China, a biography of World War II Army General Joseph Stilwell.

  Douglas Engelbart – 1925

  In 1970, the American engineer and inventor received patent no. 3,541,541 for the computer mouse.

  Gene Hackman – 1930

  The award-winning actor has played a multitude of roles across his six decades in film. From villains such as Lex Luther in Superman and Little Bill Daggett in Unforgiven to a hard-to-love-hard-to-hate coach in Hoosiers, Hackman also checked the comedy box. Get Shorty, The Birdcage, Young Frankenstein are just a few.

  Phil Collins – 1951

  The award-winning British musician is best known as the drummer and lead singer of the band Genesis. He joined the band in 1970 becoming its lead singer in 1975. In 1980, he pursued a successful solo career.

  June 11, 2014

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  National Day Calendar

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  January 30, National Day