Category: March 10

• INTERNATIONAL BAGPIPE DAY – March 10

  INTERNATIONAL BAGPIPE DAY

  Every year on March 10th, International Bagpipe Day celebrates this unique instrument. The day also promotes the diversity of bagpipes to the general public.

  #InternationalBagpipeDay

  Bagpipes are woodwind instruments. Most people associate this instrument with Scotland, Ireland, and other Celtic countries. However, the origins of the bagpipe stem from ancient Egypt. Many believe Ancient Egyptians played some version of the bagpipes around 400 BC. The men who played the instrument were called the pipers of Thebes. Historians also believe the Roman emperor, Nero, played the pipes.

  Historians aren’t sure how the bagpipes found their way to Scotland and Ireland. One theory suggests that invading Roman legions brought the bagpipes to Scotland. Through the years, pipers from Scotland and Ireland have played the bagpipes at weddings, feasts, fares, and even during war. In the Scottish Highlands during the 16th and 17th centuries, the bagpipes replaced the harp as the instrument of battle.

  There are different kinds of bagpipes. In Scotland, the two different types are called the Highland bagpipe and the Lowland bagpipe. People are most familiar with the Highland bagpipe, and pipers usually perform during Highland dancing, weddings, and funerals. The Irish normally play the uilleann bagpipes. With a softer sound than Scottish bagpipes, the instrument is more equipped for indoor performances.

  HOW TO OBSERVE INTERNATIONAL BAGPIPE DAY

  Pipers around the world are encouraged to play their bagpipes. In past years, pipers, instrument makers, and scholars from the United States, Greece, Sweden, Nigeria, the UK, Scotland, and Ireland have held musical events to celebrate International Bagpipe Day.

  To participate:

  • Listen to popular songs featuring bagpipes, such as “Come Talk to Me” by Peter Gabriel, “Celtic Ray” by Van Morrison, and “It’s a Long Way to the Top” by AC/DC.
  • Read about famous pipers like Bruce Gandy, Peter Bain, and Ross Ainslie.
  • Watch videos online of people playing the bagpipes.
  • Learn more about the different kinds of bagpipes, their heritage, and history.
  • Share your love of the bagpipe. Give a performance or lesson. Pass along the heritage of playing the bagpipes.

  Spread awareness for this musical day on social media with #InternationalBagpipeDay

  INTERNATIONAL BAGPIPE DAY HISTORY

  Andy Letcher, the publicity officer for the Bagpipe Society, created International Bagpipe Day. The International Bagpipe Organisation also helps facilitate the day. They celebrated the first event on March 10, 2012. In addition to this day, there is an International Bagpipe Conference held every two years in March.

  March 8, 2021

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  National Day Calendar

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  March 10, Music

• NATIONAL WOMEN AND GIRLS HIV/AIDS AWARENESS DAY – March 10

  NATIONAL WOMEN AND GIRLS HIV/AIDS AWARENESS DAY

  Observed annually on March 10th, National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day empowers people everywhere with knowledge and information regarding HIV/AIDS. It also focuses on the often-overlooked impact it has on women and girls.

  #WomenGirlsHIVAIDSAwarenessDay

  According to the CDC, HIV diagnoses in women are down 21%. However, in 2017, over 7,000 new cases were reported. When it comes to HIV, abstinence is the only way to prevent HIV. Other important facts to know:

  • Condom use reduces the risk of infection. Use a new condom every time you have sex.
  • Testing is the only way to know for sure if you have HIV.
  • Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) offers hope for couples in relationships where one partner has HIV and the other doesn’t. Speak to your doctor about taking daily PrEP.
  • Don’t put off medical care. Even if you already know your HIV status, putting off needed care may compromise your health in unnecessary ways. If you or someone you know isn’t seeking help out of fear of violence or rejection please call the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
  • Medicine has come a long way baby. If you’re pregnant with HIV, the risk of passing it to your baby is less than .1% but it’s important that you work with a healthcare professional. Don’t wait. 
  • HIV is spread through sharing needles, syringes, or other equipment. Never share needles. It increases your risk of infections.
  • Do you live with HIV? Take your medication as prescribed daily. It reduces your viral load and lowers the chance of transmitting HIV during sex to an HIV-negative partner.

  HOW TO OBSERVE WOMEN AND GIRLS HIV/AIDS AWARENESS DAY

  • Change your social media profile to reflect your support for friends and family members with HIV/AIDS.
  • Clinics will host testing sights, encouraging women to test. Others will be inviting pregnant women to come in for exams.
  • Visit womenshealth.gov to learn more about preventing HIV/AIDS.
  • Encourage more women and girls to get tested.
  • Provide services to those living with the disease.
  • Talk to our daughters about the disease and how to protect themselves.
  • Learn about how the disease has spread and help eliminate the stigma.
  • Take a friend with HIV out to lunch and show your support.
  • Use #WomenGirlsHIVAIDSAwarenessDay to post on social media.

  NATIONAL WOMEN AND GIRLS HIV/AIDS AWARENESS DAY HISTORY

  The Office on Women’s Health (OWH) within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services coordinates National Woman and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day each year to increase awareness about the importance of being tested for HIV/AIDS.  

  HIV/AIDS FAQ

  Q. Where can I be tested for HIV?
  A. Several facilities offer HIV testing. Look for these facilities where you live:

  • Physician’s office
  • STD or sexual health clinics
  • Medical centers
  • Health department
  • Family planning clinics
  • Treatment programs

  You can also visit cdc.gov for listings.

  Q. Is there a cure for HIV/AIDS?
  A. No. Research continues and several treatment options are available for those diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.

  June 12, 2014

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  National Day Calendar

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  Health & Awareness, March 10, National Day, Pop Culture & Lifestyle

• NATIONAL PACK YOUR LUNCH DAY – March 10

  NATIONAL  PACK YOUR LUNCH DAY

  National Pack Your Lunch Day on March 10th encourages everyone across the country to take their lunch to work, school, or wherever they’re spending the day. It’s an opportunity to revitalize lunchtime with fresh and healthful meal choices.

  #PackYourLunchDay

  Packing your lunch has benefits you may not expect. One of the immediate benefits is savings. Many home-prepared lunches cost less than ordering off the take-out menu or eating out. Another benefit of making your own lunch is controlling portion sizes and ingredients. By adding fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to your lunches, they will be healthier, too. 

  • Mickey Mouse was the first licensed character to appear on a lunchbox in 1935.
  • The 1950 Hopalong Cassidy lunchbox was the first lunchbox based on a television show.

  While some foods pack well for lunch, others don’t fare so well. If you’re new to packing lunches, check out this starter list:

  • Hardboiled egg – provides a serving of protein
    • peeled and placed in a separate container
  • Fresh vegetables – choose a dipping sauce like ranch or balsamic vinegar
    • carrots sticks, celery sticks, sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes
  • Whole fruit – apple, orange, banana, grapes, berries
  • Yogurt – provides a serving of dairy
  • Salad – prepared with deli meats of your choosing
    • place dressing in a separate container
  • Cheese
  • Crackers
  • Nuts

  You will want to include a gel pack to keep your food chilled until lunchtime, even if you’re reheating leftovers. 

  HOW TO OBSERVE PACK YOUR LUNCH DAY

  • Make a plan and a shopping list to begin taking more lunches.
  • Bring a packed lunch to work, school or a friend’s house.
  • Share your lunch-packing tips.
  • Create a lunch menu to help with your shopping week to week.
  • Try something new in your lunchbox. 
  • Use #PackYourLunchDay to post on social media.

  NATIONAL PACK YOUR LUNCH DAY HISTORY

  Our research was unable to find the creator or origin of National Pack Your Lunch Day. We did find that this day is also celebrated by some on other days throughout the year.  

  Pack Your Lunch FAQ

  Q. How far in advance can I prepare cold lunches?
  A. It will depend on what you’re preparing. Leafy lettuce salads will stay fresh for up to a week if properly layered.

  Q. How far in advance can I prepare soup lunches?
  A. Soups have great potential for advanced preparation. Prepare soup lunches in individually sealed and freezer-safe containers. Then freeze and add to your lunch rotation.

  March 10th Celebrated History

  1876

  The ringtone has changed tremendously since Alexander Graham Bell made the first successful telephone call. The greetings have, too. Bell connected to Thomas Watson, his assistant, and said, “Mr. Watson, come here; I want you.” It’s a good thing Watson didn’t ignore his call.

  1913 

  The civil rights activist, Harriet Tubman, dies of pneumonia. She had earned the nickname “Moses” for her role as a conductor on the Underground Railroad. During the American Civil War, Tubman volunteered as a cook and nurse but quickly became a scout and spy for the Union. In this role, she freed hundreds of more slaves. Upon her death was buried with military honors at Fort Hill Cemetery in Auburn.

  1918

  Warner Brothers enters the film industry with its first film Four Years in Germany.

  1982

  All nine planets aligned on the same side of the sun within 98 degrees. When celestial bodies align on the same path it’s called a syzygy.

  March 10th Celebrated Birthdays

  Lillian Wald – 1867

  Recognizing the need for improved living conditions and better health care in the Lower East Side neighborhood of New York, Lillian Wald founded the Henry Street Settlement in 1893. As a nurse, she dedicated her career to improving public health and providing social services.

  Alfred Peet – 1920

  Before there were gourmet coffee shops on every corner, there was Alfred Peet. He opened his first coffee store in 1966 in Berkeley, California. He thought Americans drank lousy coffee and set out to change that.

  Chuck Norris – 1940

  Chuck Norris doesn’t #Celebrate Every Day. Every day celebrates Chuck Norris.

  Laurel Blair Salton Clark – 1961

  Space Shuttle Columbia mission specialist and NASA astronaut, medical Dr. Laurel Blair Clark was one of seven who died aboard the flight on February 1, 2003.

  Shannon Miller – 1977

  Gymnast Shannon Miller is a 7-time Olympic medal winner. She competed at the 1992 Barcelona Games and the 1996 Atlanta Games bringing home a total of two gold, two silver, and three bronze medals.

  Notable Mentions

  Hallie Quinn Brown – 1850
  Judith Jones – 1924
  James Earl Ray – 1928
  Barbara Corcoran – 1949
  Sharon Stone – 1958
  Jasmine Guy – 1964

  June 12, 2014

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  National Day Calendar

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  March 10, National Day, Pop Culture & Lifestyle

• NATIONAL BLUEBERRY POPOVER DAY – March 10

  NATIONAL BLUEBERRY POPOVER DAY

  What better way to start March 10th than with National Blueberry Popover Day? Popovers are airy rolls that puff up when baked, popping over the edge of the tin. They are light and crispy on the outside while the insides are warm and often hollow. They can be filled with custards, creams, and fruits for a sweet treat, especially blueberries.  

  #BlueberryPopoverDay

   

  Popovers are similar to Yorkshire pudding and can also be served with savory combinations.

  Most popover recipes are made using mostly eggs, milk, flour and salt.  When making popovers, using eggs and milk that are at room temperature produces the best result. The resulting batter is thin but has enough air it that when it bakes the steam expands the batter, causing it to puff up and pop over the tin.  The egg proteins help the pastry hold its shape and eventually the crust turns flaky and golden.

  ** 1850 – The oldest known reference to popovers in a letter of E.E. Stuart.

  ** 1876 – The first cookbook with a popover recipe was Practical Cooking by M.N. Henderson.

  HOW TO OBSERVE BLUEBERRY POPOVER DAY

  Make your home smell amazing with these homemade blueberry popovers.  Another option is to visit your favorite bakery and surprise a friend or neighbor. Don’t forget to let them know what day it is and give your baker a shout out, too! Those are two great ways to celebrate. Let us know any other ways you discover by using #BlueberryPopoverDay to post on social media.

  NATIONAL BLUEBERRY POPOVER DAY HISTORY

  While National Day Calendar hasn’t identified the founder this tasty holiday, if we do, we’ll just pop on over and update the page so you’ll know. 

  Popover FAQ

  Q. Can popovers be prepared ahead of time?
  A. Yes. Just before you’re ready to serve, pop them in a preheated oven for a few minutes to warm them up.

  Q. Can popovers be frozen?
  A. Yes. As with most foods, seal them in an airtight, freezer-safe container before freezing.

  Q. What do I serve over a sweet popover?
  A. Popovers are delicious on their own. However, try these tasty toppings to make them spectacular!

  • melted butter
  • honey
  • cinnamon sugar glaze
  • fruit sauce
  • maple syrup
  • jam, jelly, marmalade
  • fresh fruit
  • whipped cream
  • chocolate or caramel sauce
  • powdered sugar

  June 12, 2014

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  National Day Calendar

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  March 10, National Day, Pop Culture & Lifestyle

• NATIONAL MARIO DAY – March 10

  NATIONAL MARIO DAY

  National Mario Day on Mar 10 recognizes an iconic character from a popular video game. The character, known today as Mario, first appeared in 1981 in a game called Donkey Kong made by Nintendo. 

  #NationalMarioDay

  Dedicated fans knew Mario before his time as a plumber. At his creation, Donkey Kong portrays Mario as a carpenter named Jumpman. Then in 1983, Nintendo launched a new game in which bad guy Jumpman reinvents himself into an Italian plumber who rescues princesses.

  Italian plumbers, Mario and his brother Luigi face numerous obstacles in the games produced by Nintendo. Over the years, gammers help Mario cross several different landscapes all to rescue Princess Toadstool or Princess Peach, depending on which game they play. No matter the kingdom or galaxy, video game fans find the games entertaining and challenging. Many will admit, they find the characters endearing. The storylines provide hours of fun and continue to be a part of the pop culture landscape. 

  Mario Fun Facts

  • Similar to Michael Michaels or Adam Adams, Mario’s last name is his first name. Luigi and Mario are known as the Mario Brothers making Mario’s last name Mario. 
  • Maybe there’s a reason National Blueberry Popover Day shares the same date. Mario pops up in all sorts of other video games.
  • With over 210 million copies of the Mario game series sold, Mario ranks as one of the most popular video games of all time.

  HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL MARIO DAY

  • Celebrate by inviting friends and family to play.
  • Host a video game tournament.
  • Invite everyone to a video game character murder mystery night.
  • Play video game trivia.
  • Have a retro night and play everyone’s old favorites.
  • Make snacks representing favorite power-ups.
  • Try these ideas and share more by using #NationalMarioDay on social media.

  NATIONAL MARIO DAY HISTORY

  Video gamers fond of the Nintendo game and its characters created the game. The date was cleverly selected for the way it spells the character’s name when abbreviated. Despite this limited information, we’ve not been able to identify specific founding members of the day. Perhaps they’re hidden in power-up or an incomplete level of the game. 

  Mario FAQ

  Q. What is the primary setting of the Mario games?
  A. Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Daisy, Yoshi, Toad, Bowser, and all the characters live, battle and play in a world called the Mushroom Kingdom.

  Q. Who is Donkey Kong’s sidekick?
  A. Diddy Kong.

  Q. What color is Mario’s shirt?
  A. Mario wears a red shirt. His matching red cap has the letter M on it.

  Q. What color is Luigi’s shirt?
  A. Luigi wears a green shirt. His matching green cap has the letter L on it.

  June 12, 2014

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  National Day Calendar

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  Art & Entertainment, March 10, National Day, Pop Culture & Lifestyle