Category: July 30

  • NATIONAL WHISTLEBLOWER DAY – July 30

    NATIONAL WHISTLEBLOWER DAY | JULY 30

    National Whistleblowers Day on July 30th commemorates the day our Founding Fathers recognized the need to protect those who report corruption when they see it. The day reminds us to honor and support the people who speak up about fraud, abuse, or waste.

    #NationalWhistleblowerDay

    A whistleblower is an individual who reports suspicious activity. These activities include violations, exploitation, misrepresentations, or other infractions. The activity may be within an organization, either public or private. Notably, the history of whistleblowers is long and often trying. While legislation now protects whistleblowers from retaliation by their employers (see Gravitt below), they still carry a heavy burden. Usually, once they have filed a report, legal battles follow.

    The day commemorates events put into motion by Lieutenant Richard Marven and midshipman Samuel Shaw in 1777. Considered the first whistleblowers in the United States, Marven and Shaw served in the Continental Navy. The two men, along with eight other sailors, reported abuses against British prisoners by Commodore Esek Hopkins. As a result of the sailors’ reports, the Continental Congress enacted the world’s first law protecting whistleblowers.

    One of the most notable whistleblowers in the United States government was Mark Felt. Known for years as Deep Throat, he was crucial to helping Washington Post reporters Bob Woodard and Carl Bernstein bring to light the Watergate scandal. From 1972 to 1974, they investigated wiretapping and theft connected to President Richard Nixon’s reelection campaign.

    Notable Whistleblowers

    However, the government is not the only place these crimes take place. From banking and big business to non-profits, whistleblowers report activity to help stop it. Some organizations promote the day with special events such as the National Whistleblower Center. Other noted whistleblowers include:

    • Peter Buxtun – 1932 – Public Health Service – The Public Health Service along with the Tuskegee Institute, launched a study that became known as the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment. In 1968, Buxtun, along with others, raised concerns about the study after it was revealed men in the study were not offered treatment when penicillin became widely available.
    • Frank Serpico – 1967 – New York Police Department – As a New York PD detective, Serpico blew the whistle on corruption in the New York PD. His report prompted an investigation by the Knapp Commission, shaking up the entire department.
    • John Michael Gravitt – 1970s – General Electric – The U.S. government contracted GE during the development of the B-1 Bomber. As a foreman for GE, Gravitt filed a complaint with the government explaining GE billed for work completed on the B-1 Bomber. Instead, GE had been working on other projects. GE fired Gravitt soon after he filed the report. His job loss led to a lawsuit and eventual legislation, making it easier for workers to file claims.

    Potentially, anyone working in the private sector, local or federal government can file a claim. If they see suspicious activity causing fraud, abuse, or waste, their report ultimately protects consumers, taxpayers, and the general public.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL WHISTELBLOWER DAY

    Learn more about those who report fraud, waste, and abuse. Discover the protections in place for them, too. Review your company or organization’s ethics policies. Read about or watch documentaries on the subject of whistleblowers. We found a few for you to review:

    • Silenced directed by James Spione
    • Crisis of Conscience by Tom Mueller
    • The Corporate Whistleblower’s Survival Guide: A Handbook for Committing the Truth by Tarek F. Maassarani and Tom Devine

    Use #NationalWhistleblowerDay to share on social media.

    NATIONAL WHISTLEBLOWER DAY HISTORY

    National Whistleblower Day commemorates July 30th, 1778, the day the Continental Congress passed a historic and unanimous resolution. The resolution honored ten sailors and marines who spoke out against their commander’s abuses of his office. In doing so, the Founding Fathers declared it was the duty of all Americans, “to give the earliest information to Congress or other proper authority of any misconduct, frauds, or misdemeanors.” In modern terms, it is an American necessity to report corruption when they suspect it. The United States Senate first recognized National Whistleblower Day in 2013.  

  • NATIONAL FATHER-IN-LAW-DAY – July 30

    NATIONAL FATHER-IN-LAW DAY | July 30

    National Father-In-Law Day on July 30th recognizes your spouse’s father annually. Dedicate some time to your father-in-law on this day. 

    #FatherInLawDay

    Fathers-in-law bring a new perspective to our lives. Whether we are a new addition to their families or made bonds a long time ago, they grow to have an honored place in our hearts. They are the patriarchs of our families. Whether they’ve built a reputation for being stubborn, softhearted or full of humor, these men stand as one cornerstone of a sheltering family tree.  

    During National Father-in-Law Day, celebrate the father-in-law in your life. 

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL FATHER-IN-LAW DAY

    You can enjoy spending some extra time bonding and strengthening your relationship with your father-in-law. Whether it’s a day of golfing, hiking, playing cards, or going to a movie be sure to focus on getting to know the man who raised your significant other. After all, you can learn a lot while drinking tea on the back deck. Other options for the day include:

    • fishing
    • having lunch
    • stopping at the pub for a beer
    • go to a ball game
    • cook together

    If your father-in-law is no longer living, remember him in a special way.

    Post on social media using #FatherinLawDay and encourage others to join in.

    NATIONAL FATHER-IN-LAW DAY HISTORY

    We were unable to find the creator of this family-loving holiday.

     

  • NATIONAL CHEESECAKE DAY – July 30

    NATIONAL CHEESECAKE DAY | JULY 30

    National Cheesecake Day on July 30th offers a slice of one of America’s favorite desserts. Order up a cheesecake with your favorite topping. Get it delivered or make it at home.

    #NationalCheesecakeDay

    This smooth dessert hits the spot when the end of the meal rolls around. While most cakes have a crumb, cheesecake’s texture is nothing like cake. Indeed, its creamy, thick pudding-like character comes from the soft cheese used as the main ingredient. Depending on the recipe, either cream cheese or cottage cheese is used. When the cheese is mixed with sugar, eggs, and other ingredients, the batter is added to a crust.

    When making cheesecake, one of the most common crusts used is a graham cracker crust. Other options include a cookie crust, pastry or sponge cake. However, some cheesecakes are crustless. Recipes vary and cheesecakes may be prepared baked or unbaked.

    When faced with choosing a cheesecake flavor, don’t panic. While the options may seem overwhelming, bakers solved this problem. They offer a variety of flavors in one cake. So, take one home and try each one. Since cheesecakes do come in a wide variety, consider your tastes. If you prefer summer fruits and berries, cheesecakes have you covered. Tropical options hit the spot, too. For coffee lovers, bakers provide a rich selection. And don’t forget delicious chocolate and nutty flavors. Each cheesecake may be served with fresh fruit, a sauce, whipped cream or plain. 

    History of the Cheesecake

    When it comes to searching for cheesecake’s history, we look to ancient Greece. A form of the dessert comes up as a recipe served to athletes. It has been found that the earliest attested mention of a cheesecake is by Greek physician Aegimus, who wrote a book on the art of making cheesecakes.

    While recipes for cheesecake served athletes in ancient Greece, cream cheese has been a part of American’s dessert making since about the 1820s. However, after the advent of pasteurization, mass production became possible. One dairy farmer from Chester, New York, decided to be the first. William A. Lawrence purchased a Neufchatel factory to begin his production and in 1873 the first mass-produced cream cheese became a reality.

    Styles of Cheesecakes:
    • New York-style cheesecake
    • Pennsylvania Dutch-style cheesecake
    • Philadelphia-style
    • Farmer cheese cheesecake
    • Country-style cheesecake
    • Lactose-free cheesecake
    • Cheesecake Kludys
    • Chicago Style cheesecake
    • Savory cheesecake

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL CHEESECAKE DAY

    Whether you make one at home or pick one up at a bakery, savor the creamy taste of cheesecake! We even have a New York Cheesecake recipe for you to try. And here’s another recipe, too! Post on social media using #NationalCheesecakeDay and share your favorite variety.

    Are you looking for the latest cheesecake deals? We’ve got ’em! Check out the Celebration Deals page for all you offer updates. If you have a deal, be sure to let us know and we’ll get it added. Use the Contact Us link found at the bottom of every page.

    NATIONAL CHEESECAKE DAY HISTORY

    We were unable to find the creator and the origin of National Cheesecake Day.

     

    July 30th Celebrated History

    1729 

    The Town of Baltimore is founded. The great port city along the Patapsco River was central to the Revolutionary War. Named after 1st Baron Baltimore, Baltimore’s first colonial governor was the baron’s second son, Leonard Calvert. Not only was the great city home to poet Edgar Allan Poe, but others like Thurgood Marshall and Babe Ruth also called it home. Baltimore served as the backdrop for the battle that inspired the Star-Spangled Banner, too.

    1932

    Premiering at Grauman’s Chinese Theater, Walt Disney’s first technicolor short film, Flowers and Trees, later earned a nod from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences.

    1956 

    “In God We Trust” replaces “E Pluribus Unum” as the motto of the United States. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the measure into law. While E Pluribus Unum still appears on many U.S. coins and paper bills today, it had been the country’s unofficial motto since 1776. The phrases began appearing together on coins as early as 1861. However, the phrases appeared off and on until 1908 when In God We Trust became a permanent fixture on coins. In 1955, Congress approved adding the phrase to paper money, too.

    1962 

    At 7821 kilometers (4860 miles), the longest national highway in the world opens. Called the Trans-Canada Highway, it begins at Douglas Street and Dallas Road in Victoria, British Columbia, and terminates at St. Johns in Newfoundland and Labrador.

    1971 

    Apollo 15 made history when the first lunar rover (also known as a moon buggy) landed on the moon. The next day, Astronauts David Scott and James Irwin became the first humans to drive on the lunar surface.

    2003 

    Marking the end of an era, the last original style Volkswagen Beetle rolls off the assembly line in Mexico.

    July 30th Celebrated Birthdays

    Emily Bronte – 1818

    Best known for her novel Wuthering Heights, this author’s sisters also published their writings.

    Joe Daley – 1918 

    A graduate of The High School of Music & Art and Manhattan School of music, Daley went on to both educate other musicians and also play with numerous Jazz ensembles.

    Henry Ford – 1863 

    Founder of the Ford Motor Company, Ford was also instrumental in changing the face of manufacturing with the assembly line.

    Bud Selig – 1934

    Serving as the 9th commission of Major League Baseball for 16 years, Selig saw the league through strikes and expansion.

    Paul Anka – 1941

    The singer-songwriter hails from Canada and is known for hit songs such as “Put Your Head on My Shoulder” and “She’s Having My Baby.”

    Arnold Schwarzenegger – 1947

    As an actor, Arnold Schwarzenegger is best known for his roles in the Terminator franchise. He was also a successful bodybuilder and the 38th Governor of California.

    Delta Burke – 1956

    Best known as Suzanne Sugarbaker in the television comedy I, Burke went on to become a director and author.

    Anita Hill – 1956

    An attorney turned educator, Hill is a professor at Brandeis University. During her career with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, she worked with Clarence Thomas. During Thomas’ confirmation hearing, a private interview with Hill concerning allegations of sexual harassment surfaced.

    Bill Cartwright – 1957

    As a center for the New York Knicks and the Chicago Bulls, Cartwright went on to lead the Bulls as their head coach.

    Laurence Fishburne – 1961

    Fishburne’s success can be found both on the big and silver screens. His versatile roles in hit dramas and the Matrix series also earned him awards on stage and screen.

    Alton Brown – 1962 

    Best known for his cooking series on the Food Network and the Cooking Channel, Brown challenges amateur and professional chefs alike.

    Diva Zappa – 1979

    The youngest daughter of guitarist and composer Frank Zappa and Gail Zappa, Diva went on to become an artist and actress.