Category: June 20

  • WORLD PRODUCTIVITY DAY – June 20

    WORLD PRODUCTIVITY DAY

    Every year on June 20th, World Productivity Day recognizes the importance of being productive. It’s also a day for people to learn how to increase their productivity.

    Productivity is defined as the efficiency of production of goods or services. The quality of producing something is also another definition for productivity. Many farmers associate productivity with the productivity of their land. Others associate productivity with the use of their minds or hands. Most employers want their workers to be productive. In order to succeed, self-employed people need to find ways to be as productive as possible.

    In the workplace, or wherever else, there are often barriers to productivity. These barriers might include:

    • Distractions and interruptions
    • Lack of information
    • Ineffective communication
    • Unclear priorities
    • Insufficient training
    • Inadequate tools and equipment
    • Lack of motivation
    • Stress
    • Too much to do

    Whether it’s at home or work, there are ways to overcome these barriers. To be as productive as possible, it’s important to keep up with good habits. These habits include doing most important tasks first and breaking tasks into smaller pieces. Taking short breaks every 55 minutes and spending less time on e-mail is also helpful.

    Another way to become more productive is to use the 80/20 rule. According to this rule, 80 percent of the results come from 20 percent of the efforts. To implement the 80/20 rule, identify the most important 20 percent of your work. Then cut down the other 80 percent of your schedule. This allows you to find more time for things that make the biggest impact.

    HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldProductivityDay

    Many businesses and entrepreneurs celebrate this day by holding workshops and seminars on finding ways to become more productive. Employers also discuss how their business can increase productivity. To participate:

    • Write down barriers that cause you to be less productive.
    • Find ways that you can be more productive at work and at home.
    • Commit to taking a class or attending a workshop on productivity.
    • Read a book, such as Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey, or The Power of Less by Leo Babuata.
    • Watch a movie that inspires increased productivity, such as Good Will Hunting, The Wolf of Wall Street, or The Social Network.

    Post your tip for increasing productivity on social media with #WorldProductivityDay.

    WORLD PRODUCTIVITY DAY HISTORY

    Our research team is still looking into the origins of this important day.

     

  • WORLD REFUGEE DAY – June 20

    WORLD REFUGEE DAY

    World Refugee Day is June 20. The day is dedicated to raising awareness of the situation of refugees throughout the world.

    The United Nations defines a refuge someone who fled his or her home and country owing to “a well-founded fear of persecution because of his/her race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.”

    It’s estimated by the World Economic Forum that one in every 113 people on the planet is now a refugee. Around the world, someone is displaced every three seconds, forced from their homes by violence, war, and persecution.

    40.3 million are people displaced within their own country
    22.5 million are people who have fled to another country.

    According to the UN Refugee Agency, the most significant sources of refugees are Syria, Afghanistan, and Sudan.
    https://www.unhcr.org/figures-at-a-glance.html

    “In my experience, going home is the deepest wish of most refugees.” — Angelina Jolie

    HOW TO OBSERVE

    Look for online and offline campaigns that are run across the country to support the refugees and to draw the attention of the world towards their conditions.

    Use #WorldRefugeeDay to raise awareness through social media and ask for help and support.

    HISTORY

    On December 4, 2000, the United Nations decided that June 20, 2001, would be celebrated as the first annual World Refugee Day.

     

  • INTERNATIONAL NYSTAGMUS AWARENESS DAY – June 20

    INTERNATIONAL NYSTAGMUS AWARENESS DAY | JUNE 20

    International Nystagmus Awareness Day on June 20th brings attention to a condition that can cause severe vision problems among other concerns. The day aims to bring tools, resources, and opportunities for education to the forefront.

    #NystagmusAwarenessDay

    Depending on the type of nystagmus, treatments, and symptoms vary. Approximately 1 in 1000 babies are born with nystagmus, but adults are affected by it, too.

    Nystagmus presents as drifting or wobbly eyes with two basic types of nystagmus:

    • Jerk nystagmus – As the name suggests, the eyes jerk quickly in one direction and are then followed by slow movements in the opposite direction.
    • Pendular nystagmus – The eyes move with equal speed in either direction.

    The condition also has 5 classifications of diagnoses. One of those is congenital nystagmus which physicians diagnose primarily in infancy or childhood. However, acquired nystagmus can be caused by illness or side effects of prescribed or misused medications. Of the two, congenital nystagmus is more prevalent.

    Those with nystagmus face a variety of challenges. The condition may cause severe vision problems causing them to be legally blind. Because the eye movements set them apart from others, they often face self-image and social issues. The day aims to alleviate some of these concerns by increasing awareness and erasing the stigma.

    While no cure exists, treatments include contact lenses, glasses, medication, and even surgical interventions. As with many conditions, early intervention is important. A physician will determine the type and cause of nystagmus and determine the best approach to treatment.

    HOW TO OBSERVE INTERNATIONAL NYSTAGMUS AWARENESS DAY

    Learn how to live with nystagmus, its treatments, and find support. You can also participate in a campaign to help raise awareness.

    Organizations like the Nystagmus Network offer many resources and tools, too. Use #NystagmusAwarenessDay to share your journey and find out more.

    INTERNATIONAL NYSTAGMUS AWARENESS DAY HISTORY

    The Nystagmus Network sponsors International Nystagmus Awareness Day to promote worldwide support, fund research, and raise awareness for the eye condition.

    Other vision focused observances on the calendar include:

     

    June 20th Celebrated History

    1893

    A jury of 12 acquits Lizzie Borden of murdering her father and step-mother in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

    1975

    “You’re gonna need a bigger boat.” The Steven Spielberg-directed shark-tacular film Jaws opened in U.S. theatres. Starring Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, and Richard Dreyfuss, the film follows their attempts to hunt a killer great white shark.

    1980

    Starring John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, The Blues Brothers opens in theatres. Inspired by Saturday Night Live characters by the same name, follows the brothers’ efforts to save the orphanage they grew up in.

    2003

    Jimmy Wales establishes the Wikipedia Foundation.

    June 20th Celebrated Birthdays

    Lloyd Hall – 1894

    The American chemist was a pioneer in the food industry. He developed a process for preserving foods and preventing molds and bacteria using Ethylene Oxide. Interestingly, some fruits and vegetables give off Ethylene gas when they are ripening and another process uses that gas to help ripen green fruits such as bananas.

    Pauline Kael – 1919

    A movie critic for The New Yorker, Pauline Kael wrote honest, energetic reviews.

    Minnie Spotted Wolf – 1924

    In 1943, Minnie Spotted Wolf became the first full-blooded Native American woman to join the Marine Corps Women’s Reserves. She served four years and later returned home to a teaching career.

    Lionel Richie – 1949

    The American singer-songwriter began his career with the Commodores. As a solo artist, Richie gained more recognition with songs like “Hello,” “Stuck on You” and “Dancing on the Ceiling.”

    John Goodman – 1952

    Best known for his role as Dan Conner in the American sitcom Roseanne, Goodman also built a reputation on the silver screen. The Big Lebowski, Monsters, Inc., and 10 Cloverfield Lane are just a few of his films.

  • NATIONAL HIKE WITH A GEEK DAY – June 20

    NATIONAL HIKE WITH A GEEK DAY | JUNE 20

    Going beyond desk exercise, National Hike with a Geek Day on June 20th summons the techies, geeks, IT gurus, and gamers to push away the keyboard and strike out across the inviting landscapes of nature.

    #HikeWithAGeekDay

    The day isn’t limited to the tech-savvy who speak in code. Nor is it just for emoticon-loving, web-surfing fact finders. If you have ever texted your significant other from another room or checked to see if Alexa has the skill to restart the dryer, you probably fit the criteria for this celebration. Both as a way to unplug from technology and to re-engage with the people around them, #HikeWithAGeekDay calls to all those who can pronounce osmium correctly the first time, the number crunchers, and every area of scientific study to refresh and stretch their horizons.

    June 20th is also the summer solstice. It’s the perfect time to grab your nearest, dearest geek and plunge into the neighboring wilderness for some adventure.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL HIKE WITH A GEEK DAY

    Geeks beware! You’ll be cajoled, coaxed, and perhaps prodded by friends and loved ones. But, this is your day. Go, take the lead. When asked, surprise them by whipping out your hiking boots, map, and compass. Friends and family, don’t be surprised if your geeks have been waiting for just this moment all along. Visit hikingwithgeeks.com for inspiration or motivation.

    Use #HikeWithAGeekDay to share your adventure on social media. You can also explore these 12 Family-Friendly Hikes in the United States.

    NATIONAL HIKE WITH A GEEK DAY HISTORY                                                                     

    Hiking with Geeks, now known as Geek Adventures, founded National Hike with a Geek Day to give friends with geeks an opportunity to entice them outdoors into the fresh air where journies, human interactions, and exploration take place outside the virtual world. Mendel Kurland founded Hiking with Geeks in 2016 when he realized he had been skipping out on Mother Nature.

    The Registrar at National Day Calendar declared National Hike with a Geek Day to be observed annually in 2017.

     

  • NATIONAL KOUIGN AMANN DAY – June 20

    NATIONAL KOUIGN AMANN DAY | JUNE 20

    National Kouign Amann Day on June 20th each year celebrates a round crusty cake, made with a yeast-raised dough. Bakers create the cake by folding layers of butter and sugar inward, similar in fashion to a puff pastry or croissants but with fewer layers. They then slowly bake the resulting cake until the butter puffs up the dough creating the layered aspect of it and the sugar caramelizes.

    #NationalKouignAmannDay

    Kouign amann is pronounced kween ah-mon.

    The name comes from the Breton words for cake, kouign, and butter, amann. In Brittany, Kouign amann is a popular and traditional pastry. There it originated in 1860 when flour was scarce, but butter was abundant.

    Now, if you like croissants and you like glazed donuts, you’ll love kouign amann. The flaky, buttery texture of the croissant meets the sweet sugary topping of a donut. But it’s not a cronut. It’s a kouign amann, and it’s been around much longer, too. Plus, it’s celebrated every June 20th.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL KOUIGN AMANN DAY

    Buy a kouign amann to share with your family and friends. While you’re at it, pick up two! If you are feeling adventurous, try your hand at making your own. Like most pastries, kouign amann goes well with coffee, tea, and a side of friendship. As you’re celebrating, be sure to give your favorite bakery a shout out using #NationalKouignAmannDay on social media.

    NATIONAL KOUIGN AMANN DAY HISTORYNational Kouing Amann Day - Logo

    In 2015, b.patisserie created National Kouign Amann Day to share the buttery, delicious cake known as Kouign Amann with the world.

    On June 18, 2015, the Registrar of National Day Calendar proclaimed the celebration to be observed officially on June 20th, annually.

     

  • INTERNATIONAL SURFING DAY – June 20

    INTERNATIONAL SURFING DAY

    International Surfing Day is held annually on June 20th.  This day celebrates surfing and it’s lifestyle.  With events scheduled on International Surfing Day in more than 30 countries, this certainly shows the impact of the sport.

    Surfing refers to the ability of riding a wave,  no matter if the surfer is using a board or not.  It also does not matter what the stance is, as long as the person is “riding a wave”.  In modern times, most surfers are found standing on a surfboard as they navigate a wave.

    Surfing was a significant part of the Polynesian culture for centuries. Europeans observed people surfing in Tahiti in 1767 and again in 1769.  In the journals of Captain James Hook, 1779, by Lieutenant James King, the art of surfing on Hawaii is mentioned.  Mark Twain even made mention of it when writing about a trip to Hawaii in 1866.

    This global event includes barbecues, film screenings, surf contests and other activities related to surfing.  Participants also work on projects to promote coastal protection including beach clean ups and habitat restoration.

    CELEBRATE

    Participate in any of the scheduled events or start your own.  Make a donation to support the Surfrider mission.  Use #SurfingDay when using social media.

    HISTORY

    International Surfing Day was started in 2004 by the Surfrider organization.

     

     

     

  • NATIONAL ICE CREAM SODA DAY – June 20

    NATIONAL ICE CREAM SODA DAY | JUNE 20

    On June 20th enjoy a cool, frothy ice cream soda to celebrate National Ice Cream Soda Day!

    #NationalIceCreamSodaDay

    There are many claims to the invention of this delicious treat. One such claim was made by a Mr. Robert McCay Green. According to Green, he created the beverage in 1874 in Philadelphia when he ran out of ice for his shaved ice treats. Once he began substituting ice cream, he had a hit on his hands. Green even included in his will that his gravestone read, “Here lies the originator of the ice cream soda.”

    Philip Mohr of Elizabeth, New Jersey would mix soda water with ice cream to make the drink colder. His practice took place as early as 1862 beating out Mr. Green’s claim.

    Advertisements in an 1862 Newport Daily News for Sheld’s celebrating Ice Cream Soda encourage customers to “Try It, Try It, Try It, It.”  By the looks of it, it was something new at the time.

    Whenever the ice cream soda was invented, it was certainly a winning combination. For generations, we have been enjoying these creamy carbonated desserts at pharmacies and soda fountains across the country.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL ICE CREAM SODA DAY

    One of the best ways to celebrate the day is by enjoying your favorite ice cream soda flavor with a friend. It all starts with these wonderful Ice Cream Soda Glasses as you experiment with sodas, ice cream, and have a taste-off. What kinds of flavors do you think go best together? Let us know by using #NationalIceCreamSodaDay to share on social media.

    NATIONAL ICE CREAM SODA DAY HISTORY

    National Day Calendar is researching the origins of this soda day. However, we do enjoy hearing from you!

  • NATIONAL VANILLA MILKSHAKE DAY – June 20

    NATIONAL VANILLA MILKSHAKE DAY | JUNE 20

    On June 20th each year, National Vanilla Milkshake Day celebrates the cold beverage made with vanilla ice cream, vanilla, and milk.

    #VanillaMilkshakeDay

    This frosty drink didn’t begin with those three ingredients, though. In 1885, the term “milkshake” showed up in print for the first time. The concoction of cream, eggs, and whiskey was often served with other alcoholic tonics such as lemonades and soda waters. 

    By 1900, a milkshake often referred to “wholesome drinks made with chocolate, strawberry or vanilla syrups.” In these frothy beverages, ice cream was nowhere to be found. However, a few years later in the early 1900s, people began asking for this new treat with a scoop of ice cream. By the 1930s, malt shops were serving milkshakes all over the United States.

    Maybe you want to top off your vanilla milkshake with a little bit of whipped cream and a cherry on top!!

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL VANILLA MILKSHAKE DAY

    Share a vanilla milkshake with someone. Whether you make one at home or go out to your favorite ice cream shop, a vanilla milkshake is a terrific pick-me-up. They’re also easy to make. With a few simple ingredients, you and the family can make your favorite milkshakes at home.  

    Give these delicious recipes a try:

    Vanilla Milkshake by Paula Deen – Food Network
    Creamy Vanilla Milkshake

    Use #VanillaMilkshakeDay to share on social media. 

    Another delicious milkshake day takes place on July 26th. Don’t miss National Coffee Milkshake Day.

    NATIONAL VANILLA MILKSHAKE DAY HISTORY

    National Day Calendar is researching the origins of this sweet holiday. In the meantime, visit the International Page to see what other celebrations are going on around the world on June 20th. 

     

  • NATIONAL AMERICAN EAGLE DAY – June 20

    NATIONAL AMERICAN EAGLE DAY | JUNE 20

    Each year on June 20th, National American Eagle Day honors our national symbol, raising awareness for protecting the Bald Eagle. The day also encourages the recovery of their natural environments while providing educational outreach.

    #NationalAmericanEagleDay

    The Bald Eagle is both the national bird and the national animal of The United States of America and appears on its Seal.

    In the latter 20th century, the Bald Eagle hovered on the brink of extinction in the continental United States. Eventually, populations recovered and on July 12, 1995, the species was removed from the U.S. Federal Government’s List of Endangered Species and transferred to the List of Threatened Species. In June of 2007, as the species continued to thrive, the American Eagle was withdrawn from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife in the Lower 48 States.

    Eagle Habitat and Facts

    The Bald Eagle’s range includes most of Canada, Alaska, all of the contiguous United States, and northern Mexico. They nest near large bodies of open water where abundant food supplies and old-growth trees abound.

    Opportunistic feeders, Bald Eagles survive mainly on fish, swooping down and snatching them from the water. Their nests are the largest nests of any North American bird and the largest tree nests ever recorded for any animal species. The largest recorded eagle’s nest was found in St. Petersburg, Florida. It measured 9.5 feet in diameter and 20 feet deep and weighed in at nearly 3 tons. 

    These majestic raptors tally up quite a list of facts. A fully grown female Bald Eagle has a wingspan of 2 meters (7 feet) and weighs 3 to 7 kilograms (7 to 15 pounds). Male eagles are slightly smaller. They also mate for life and live between 20-30 years. As a power bird of prey, an eagle’s sharp sense of sight joins powerful muscles, piercing talons, and beak, making them primed for the hunt. 

    Although the raptor is also known as the Bald Eagle, the name derives from an older meaning of “white-headed.” The bird isn’t bald at all. The adult eagle is mainly brown with a white head and tail.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL AMERICAN EAGLE DAY

    Join the celebration by learning more about the American Eagle. Whether you visit a nature preserve or learn about conservation, be sure to invite someone to join you. You can also learn about the American Eagle in other ways, too:

    While you’re exploring, share your experiences by using #NationalAmericanEagleDay and post on social media.  

    NATIONAL AMERICAN EAGLE DAY HISTORY

    The American Eagle Foundation sponsors National American Eagle Day to raise awareness about the American Eagle, its habitats, and conservation efforts. For more information, visit www.eagles.org