Category: January 06

  • NATIONAL CUDDLE UP DAY – January 6

    NATIONAL CUDDLE UP DAY

    Each year on January 6th, National Cuddle Up Day encourages us to snuggle up with someone for the health benefits and more!

    #NationalCuddleUpDay

    January typically has some of the coldest days of the year, so what better way to stay warm and reap the health benefits of cuddling on National Cuddle Up Day? Whether it’s a three-dog night (a night so cold it takes three dogs to cuddle up with to stay warm) or only slightly chilly, there are multiple benefits to cuddling with a human or canine, or other pet.

    Cuddling releases oxytocin. This hormone alone has tremendous health benefits. Besides giving us warm and fuzzy feelings, oxytocin reduces pain. So when the cold has made those muscles and joints ache, cuddling can help reduce those aches and pains.

    Oxytocin also helps reduce heart disease, lowers blood pressure, stress, and anxiety. Of course, insurance carriers would probably cover cuddling if it weren’t free since it’s such a huge health benefit!

    Communication is more than just e-mails, texts, or conversations. Physical touch also communicates trust, commitment, safety, and reassurance. This goes for human-to-human contact as well as human-to-pet contact; cuddling expresses all these things, which are vital to a healthy relationship.

    Cuddling also boosts sexual desire. Dopamine is released, stimulating the brain to seek pleasure. But dopamine also can improve memory and focus as well.

    Don’t have someone to cuddle up with? Make an appointment for a massage. Studies show massage provides similar benefits.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL CUDDLE UP DAY

    Schedule a cuddle-up session with someone you love. Invite your pet up on the sofa for a snuggle session or schedule a massage.

    Before you take part in a round of snuggling, take stock of your mood. What are your aches and pains? Rate them on a scale of 1-10. Do you feel a bit like an ogre? You know, slightly moody or overly cloudy.

    After you soak up the benefits of your cuddle up, re-evaluate your pain, your mood. Was there an improvement? Did you get a dose of oxytocin, a natural mood boost, and pain relief? If so, remember to use #NationalCuddleUpDay to share on social media. 

    NATIONAL CUDDLE UP DAY HISTORY

    We continue researching the origins of this snuggly holiday. 

    Cuddle Up FAQ

    Q. Can I just get a hug instead?
    A. Absolutely! Hugs are very beneficial, too.

    Q. Does it need to be cold to cuddle?
    A. No. Cuddling can happen any time of year, but it’s understandable to prefer cuddling during the cooler months.

  • NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY DAY – January 6

    NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY DAY

    National Technology Day on January 6th recognizes how technology changes the world and looks to the future of technology. Each year, from the wheel to smartphones, the day honors technological achievements that impact our daily lives.

    #TechnologyDay

    Imagine the world without technology. In our daily lives, we can’t take a step without coming into contact with a form of it. Yet, the world is abuzz with technology!

    Outside of the healthcare sector, tech jobs are among the strongest and fastest-growing divisions. And let’s face it, technology is at the center of most jobs these days. Some of the may places we encounter technology include:

    • Agriculture
    • Healthcare
    • Education
    • Entertainment
    • Foodservice
    • Security

    We use technology to keep us organized, connected, healthy, and safe. Technology improves productivity and gives us insights into how the world works.

    Apps

    One area of the tech world that continues to advance and affect our lives is apps (short for applications). With the advent of smartphones, apps are way more than just games or photo editing. So if you haven’t made any resolutions yet, resolve to check out these trending apps:

    • AXEL – Files move or stream from one device straight to another. No stops along the way and no uploading. It removes the middlemen.
    • Circle of 6 – When talking about personal safety, this is a tool you might consider having. It is designed to quickly and discreetly get help in dangerous situations. Pre-written messages are sent to designated recipients by simply tapping twice, GPS location included.
    • Zombies, Run! – Exercise as a game. And zombies. It’s a zombie exercise game. If nothing else motivates you, maybe this will.
    Communication

    Another area where technology thrives is in the area of communications. We use various tools to communicate with people, and we use these tools a lot! Consider all the ways we convey a message in today’s world.

    • Telephone – Since the first “hello” traveled across a wire, telephones have kept us connected. Wires? Who needs wires today?
    • Email –  Email is still relevant today. Beyond the spam, businesses rely on email to communicate with their employees and patrons. In addition, emails keep us connected to loved ones who don’t quite love the latest technologies.
    • Video – Video meetings have revolutionized how we stay connected. We keep in touch with family, attend school, speak to our doctors, and conduct business, all from a distance.
    • Text – Whether it’s a quick, short message, or a long conversation, text messages easily keep us connected.
    • Letter – Yes. People still write letters. Whether typed or written with old-fashioned technology like pen and paper, the letter still gets a message across.
    • Website – This technology produces a variety of messages. It’s a vehicle for ideas, news, and business.
    • Social media – Many different applications offer social media platforms to create, share and connect.

      HOW TO OBSERVE TECHNOLOGY DAY

      Explore the ways technology impacts your life. Every day, it continues to change the way we live and drive us further into the world of the future. Ways to celebrate include:

      • Exploring technologies of the past. Which ones would you bring back if you could?
      • Share your favorite technologies.
      • Discuss how technology improves your life.
      • Test out new technology.
      • Share your ideas for new technology.

      Use #TechnologyDay on social media. Talk to someone about your technology ideas or find a way to bring your vision forward.

      NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY DAY HISTORY

      AXEL, a technology-based company, headquartered out of Las Vegas, founded National Technology Day. The Registrar at National Day Calendar declared National Technology Day in 2016.

      Media Contacts

      AXEL:  Dmitry Kogosov | 702.948.9770

      Technology FAQ

      Q. How long has technology been around?
      A. Technology is older than the harnessing of fire. Anything that advances productivity is technology, including tools, medicines, techniques, and more.

      Q. Is technology for everyone?
      A. Yes. With so many different kinds of technology, everyone uses, accesses, and even relies upon technology. Even those who live “off the grid” access technology of some sort. While some of the technology may be thousands of years old, those tools have become a survival necessity. 

      Q. What technological age are we in?
      A. The digital age began in the 1980s and continues today. 

      January 6th Celebrated (and Not So Celebrated) History

      1838

      In the first public demonstration of the telegraph, Samuel Morse transmits an encoded message to a waiting receiver at the Speedwell Ironworks in Morristown, New Jersey. The message read, “A patient waiter is no loser.” However, it would be five more years before Congress includes funding in the budget to lay the first telegraph line from Washington, D.C. to Baltimore.


      1907

      The educator, advocate, and activist, Dr. Maria Montessori opens Casa Dei Bambini (Children’s House) in Rome, Italy. Her first school and daycare center for working-class children focused on student-led education. Her methods soon spread, opening Montessori schools around the world.

      1942

      The Pacific Clipper completes the first commercial around the world flight. Owned and operated by Pan American, the plane and its crew faced an unexpected obstacle on its return flight from Aukland, New Zealand to San Francisco, United States when on December 7, 1941, Japanese bombers attacked Pearl Harbor. Captain Robert Ford and his crew’s return were not only delayed, but their return route would take them around the world in the opposite direction in an unplanned circumnavigation of the world.

      January 6th Celebrated (and Not So Celebrated) Birthdays

      Jacques-Etienne Montgolfier – 1799

      Along with his brother Joseph-Michel, Jacques-Etienne launched the first hot-air balloon into the sky in 1783.

      John Hanks Alexander – 1864 

      John Alexander Hanks was best-known as the 1st African American officer to hold a regular command position and the 2nd to graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point.

      Carl Sandburg – 1878

      The Pulitzer Prize-winning author is one of America’s best-loved poets of the 20th century.

      John DeLorean – 1925

      The American engineer rose up through the ranks of General Motors. Then in 1975, he founded the DeLorean Motor Company. By 1982, the company filed for bankruptcy.

      Fred Turner – 1933

      The founder of McDonald’s Hamburger University began his career with the franchise making burgers. Before that, Turner served his country in the U.S. Army.

      Doris Troy – 1937

      The R&B singer-songwriter is best known for her hit song “Just One Look.”

      Nancy Lopez – 1957

      Early in her career, Nancy Lopez dominated the links. She turned professional at the age of 21 in 1977. In 1978, she became the only woman to win LPGA Rookie of the Year, Player of the Year, and the Vare Trophy in the same season. She won 48 LPGA Tour events during her career, though she never won the U.S. Open.

      Howie Long – 1960

      The defensive end played 13 seasons in the National Football League with the Raiders. He followed his athletic career as an analyst and actor.

      Eddie Redmayne – 1982

      The critically and popularly successful actor earned an Academy Award for his role as Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything.

    • NATIONAL SHORTBREAD DAY | January 6

      NATIONAL SHORTBREAD DAY

      National Shortbread Day on January 6 recognizes a classic Scottish treat enjoyed around the world known as shortbread.

      #NationalShortbreadDay

      Shortbread is a traditional Scottish dessert typically made with:

      • 1 part white sugar
      • 2 parts butter
      • 3 parts flour

      Modern recipes deviate from the 3 ingredient rule by splitting the sugar portion into equal parts of granulated sugar and powdered sugar and adding salt. Bakers commonly use plain white (wheat) flour to make shortbread. However, some bakers use ground rice or cornflour to alter the texture.

      Shortbread earns its name because of its crumbly texture. Its high-fat content provided by the butter results in a shortbread crumb. “Shortening” refers to any fat that may be added to produce a “short” (crumbly) texture.

      Prepared often during the 12th century, Mary, Queen of Scots receives credit for the innovation of the shortbread during the 16th century. As it was expensive to make, the sweet cookie was reserved as a luxury for special occasions.

      In Shetland (northeast of mainland Britain), they traditionally break a decorated shortbread cake over the head of a new bride upon the entrance of her new home.

      SHARING SHORTBREAD

      • Invite a friend over for tea and enjoy these delicately flavored treats while catching up.
      • Share shortbread with co-workers. Invite nieces and nephews to help you bake up a new shortbread recipe.
      • Use #NationalShortbreadDay to post on social media.

      NATIONAL SHORTBREAD DAY HISTORY

      National Day Calendar continues to research this indulgent cookie holiday. While we do, we’re going to dunk a few freshly baked Scottish shortbreads into our coffee. We suggest you do, too!

      Shortbread FAQ

      Q. Can I freeze shortbread?
      A. Yes. Shortbread freezes quite well. Avoid using freezer bags to prevent breakage. Instead, use a freezer container with a lid.

      Q. Should shortbread dough be chilled before baking?
      A. Yes. Chilling shortbread dough firms up the butter and allows the dough to keep its shape while baking.

      Q. Does shortbread make a good gift?
      A. Yes! Shortbread is not only a delicious treat to receive, but it also keeps well.

      Q. Should I sprinkle sugar on my shortbread?
      A. You can, but it’s not required.

    • NATIONAL BEAN DAY | January 6

      NATIONAL BEAN DAY

      Green, red, kidney, lima, or soy are just a few of the different kinds of beans recognized on National Bean Day on January 6th.

      #NationalBeanDay

      This day celebrates the bean in all sizes, shapes, and colors. We’ve been cultivating beans (legumes) since the early seventh millennium BC. And today, just as throughout the Old and New World history, beans provide a significant source of protein. Not only are beans an exceptionally healthy meal and snack choice, but they supply an excellent source of fiber. They are low in fat and are high in complex carbohydrates, folate, and iron, too.

      In one cup of cooked beans, supplies between 9 and 13 grams of fiber.  Soluble fiber can help in lowering blood cholesterol.

      • There are approximately 40,000 bean varieties in the world.
      • Only a fraction of these varieties is mass-produced for regular consumption.

      IT’S ALL ABOUT BEANS

      • Try a new bean recipe.
      • Try beans you’ve never tasted before.
      • Introduce a new variety of bean to your cooking regimen. When you do, be sure to share the recipe.
      • Since beans are so beneficial, you’ll want to keep friends and family informed of your bean discoveries.
      • Use #NationalBeanDay to post on social media.

      NATIONAL BEAN DAY HISTORY

      National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this food holiday while sampling the extensive variety of beans available. 

      Bean FAQ

      Q. Can I grow my own beans?
      A. Yes! Beans are a terrific crop to grow and there are enough varieties that one will certainly fit your climate. 

      Q. What is a pulse?
      A. A pulse is a flowering plant grown for food and the dry seed it produces. They are members of the legume family.

      Q. What are the benefits of eating beans?
      A. Beans are packed with nutrients our bodies need. They are also an excellent source of protein and fiber.