Category: March 13

  • NATIONAL JEWEL DAY – March 13

    NATIONAL JEWEL DAY

    National Jewel Day on March 13th recognizes the makers and the jewelers who create the special pieces that take our breath away. The day also recognizes the precious and semi-precious stones that go into beautiful pieces of jewelry. Each year, the day reminds us to wear those pieces and to appreciate the artisans who make them shine! 

    #NationalJewelDay

    Jewelers offer a wide variety of gemstones. They provide their customers with custom designs and often help craft one-of-a-kind pieces. Selecting from precious and semi-precious stones takes time. Most jewelers collaborate with artisans who work with clients to bring their vision to life. They also repair and clean heirloom pieces, too.

    Birthstones by Month

    • January – Garnet
    • February – Amethyst
    • March – Aquamarine
    • April – Diamond
    • May – Emerald
    • June – Pearl
    • July – Ruby
    • August – Peridot
    • September – Sapphire
    • October – Opal
    • November – Yellow Topaz, Citrine
    • December – Tanzanite, Zircon, Blue Topaz

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL JEWEL DAY

    • Wear those special pieces for this celebration! It needs to see the light of day.
    • Give a shout-out to a jeweler who created that unique piece for you. Let others know about their talent, too.
    • Pick out a new piece with your birthstone or the stone of someone important to you.
    • Jewelry isn’t just for special occasions. Take it out for a spin and let it sparkle!
    • Buy some jewelry, make some yourself, or sign up for a class to learn the art of jewelry making.
    • Freshen up your everyday attire with a little bling and use #NationalJewelDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL JEWEL DAY HISTORY

    National Day Calendar continues to research the origins of this sparkling day.

    Jewel FAQ
    Watch Jewels

    Q. What does a jewel mean in watchmaking?
    A. A jewel in watchmaking is one of several pieces of gemstone or synthetic gemstone that are used in the watch movement. Watchmakers once used tiny rubies for this purpose but today the stones are synthetic. (See picture.)

    Q. What are precious gemstones?
    A. Most gemstone specialists and jewelers consider four gemstones to be precious. They are:

    • Diamond
    • Ruby
    • Blue Sapphire
    • Emerald

    Even though these stones are deemed “precious” many semi-precious gemstones are rarer than these four.

     

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  • NATIONAL K9 VETERANS DAY – March 13

    NATIONAL K9 VETERANS DAY

    March 13th recognizes National K9 Veterans Day and the dedicated K9 units who’ve served since World War II. 

    #NationalK9VeteransDay

    A lot of things changed after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941. We rationed oil, leather, and rubber. The military draft men into service. Women rolled up their sleeves and built war supplies.

    And dogs were called to duty. During the first world war, the United States took notice of the European use of canines as sentries, message carriers, and several other functions.

    A private citizen, Mrs. Alene Erlanger initiated a program called Dogs for Defense. Along with the American Kennel Club and a handful of breeders, the group aimed to train the dogs for military use.

    By November of 1942, the military prepared the first Dogs for Defense for duty in North Africa. While they were gun shy at first, they proved to be well trained.

    As the war progressed, Dogs for Defense was unable to keep up with the demand, and the Remount Branch, Service Installations Divisions took over the training of the dogs.

    Over the years, the military, police, and rescue have developed a variety of training methods for K9 units. Their training is tailored to meet the demands of the job, and each animal and handler carries out his or her duties to the fullest.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL K9 VETERANS DAY

    • Recognize a K9 veteran.
    • Learn more about their service, history, and training.
    • Attend a ceremony honoring the working dogs in military units and working dogs across the country. 
    • Use #NationalK9VeteransDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL K9 VETERANS DAY HISTORY

    National K9 Veterans Day is celebrated on March 13th on the official birthday of the US Army K9 Corps, which was formed in 1942. Joseph White, a retired military working dog trainer, originated the idea for the day.

    K9 FAQ

    Q. Does a K9 live with its human partner?
    A. Yes. In most cases, the K9 officer is responsible for the dog they are assigned to.

    Q. Do K9 officers receive special training?
    A. Yes, K9 officers receive specialized training for this unique unit of a police department.

    March 13th Celebrated History

    1877

    Fifteen-year-old Chester Greenwood of Farmington, Maine received the first patent for earmuffs.

    1944

    The comedy duo Abbot and Costello copyright their baseball comedy routine “Who’s on First.”

    1956

    RCA Victor releases Elvis Presley’s self-titled first album. The album included songs Blue Suede Shoes, Blue Moon, and I Got a Woman.

    1969

    Walt Disney releases The Love Bug nationwide. Starring Dean Jones, Michele Lee, David Tomlinson, and Buddy Hackett, the movie features a lovable and single-minded Volkswagen Beetle.

    1978

    CBS premiers The Incredible Hulk. Bill Bixby stars as David Banner.

    March 13th Celebrated Birthdays

    Abigail Fillmore – 1798

    The fourteenth First Lady of the United States was the first of many teachers in the White House. When her husband Millard Fillmore took office after the death of President Zachary Taylor, First Lady Fillmore turned her attention to creating the first White House library.

    Albert William Stevens – 1886

    In the 1920s and 30s, the adventurous Army officer developed skills as a high-altitude pilot, balloonist, and photographer. Among his many accomplishments, he took the first photographs that showed the Earth’s curvature and the Moon’s shadow on the Earth’s surface during an eclipse.

    Janet Flanner – 1921

    “I act as a sponge. I soak it up and squeeze it out in ink every two weeks.” ~ Janet Flanner
    For 50 years, the American journalist served as one of The New Yorker magazine’s first writers. She began writing for the magazine under the pen name Genet as the magazine’s Paris correspondent.

    William H. Macy – 1950

    The award-winning actor began his career in theatre. Today, Macy’s performances on both the small and big screens fill quite an array of characters. While his most memorable may be Frank Gallagher in Shameless and Jerry Lundegaard in Fargo, his Boogie Nights, Magnolia, and State and Main roles are also worth noting.

    Notable Mentions

    Percival Lowell – 1855
    L. Ron Hubbard – 1911
    Charo – 1951
    Mikaela Shiffrin – 1995

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  • NATIONAL COCONUT TORTE DAY – March 13

    NATIONAL COCONUT TORTE DAY

    National Coconut Torte Day on March 13th recognizes a rich dessert featuring the decadent flavor of coconut and decorated with it, too! Coconut lovers may enjoy this holiday savoring the delicious taste of this rich dessert.

    #NationalCoconutTorteDay

    The word torte is German and literally means cake. Torte refers to both a multi-layered cake filled with buttercream, jam, or cream and to a rich, moist and dense single-layered cake. A torte may be made with little to no flour, but instead with ground nuts or breadcrumbs, as well as sugar, eggs, and flavorings.

    Did you know that a coconut tree can grow to be as tall as ninety feet?

    Coconuts were available in the United States in the early 1700s even though the palm was not indigenous to the continental United States.  There are many recipes using coconut, including cakes, cookies, and tortes from that era, so it was certainly as popular an ingredient as it is today.

    Coconut is rich in fiber, Vitamin B6, iron, and minerals like magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, and zinc. The oil from coconut moisturizes our skin and also helps keep our skin clear and hair silky, too.

    Of course, in the kitchen, we love coconut! Beyond baked goods, coconut infuses sweet flavor to our cooking, and because the MCTs in coconut oil don’t absorb in the body as fat, it is an ideal alternative to other oils and fats.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL COCONUT TORTE DAY

    • Bake up your favorite coconut torte recipes.
    • Stop by the bakery and pick up the best they have to offer.
    • Share with friends and family. That’s also part of the fun when you Celebrate Every Day!
    • Try this delicious Ghiradelli Coconut Almond Torte with Chocolate Chips recipe.
    • If you visit your local bakery, be sure to give them a shout-out, too! We know they will appreciate the business.
    • Use #NationalCoconutTorteDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL COCONUT TORTE DAY HISTORY

    National Day Calendar continues to research the origins of this dessert holiday. 

    Torte FAQ

    Q. Is a torte a cake?
    A. Yes. Literally, the German word torte means cake.

    Q. Can coconut tortes be served with ice cream?
    A. Yes! This type of cake goes well with ice cream.

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  • NATIONAL GOOD SAMARITAN DAY – March 13

    NATIONAL GOOD SAMARITAN DAY

    National Good Samaritan Day on March 13th recognizes the unselfish actions of those who provide help when needed. The day is also known as Good Samaritan Involvement Day and celebrates kindness in all its forms.

    #GoodSamaritanDay

    The term “good Samaritan” comes from the Bible parable where a Samaritan helped a stranger who had been robbed and beaten and left to die by the side of the road. The Samaritan not only cleaned the man’s wounds and clothed him but took him to an inn where he paid for the man’s care.

    The term is used today to describe those who perform acts of kindness for those in need, especially those who are strangers.

    HOW TO OBSERVE GOOD SAMARITAN DAY

    • Make an effort to help someone who is struggling or having a problem. 
    • Share a story about someone who was a Good Samaritan in your life.
    • The act of a Good Samaritan can be large or small. Something as simple as a phone call to as inconvenient as stopping to help change a tire are all acts of a good Samaritan. 
    • Make a commitment to developing a habit of kindness and awareness of others. 
    • Volunteer. Offer your valuable skills to others in times of need. Do you enjoy sports or have mad math skills? Your ability to mentor youth may change someone’s life for the better.
    • Use #GoodSamaritanDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL GOOD SAMARITAN DAY HISTORY

    Our research found this day honors the death of Catherine “Kitty” Genovese, who was murdered near her home on March 13, 1964, in New York City. That night, if one Good Samaritan had stepped forward, Miss Genovese would have lived. Something interrupted her killer twice that night, each interruption witnessed by neighbors or passersby. Still, no one called the police. One person called after his third and successful attempt, but too late for Miss Genovese. We have been unable to identify the creator of this national day.

    Good Samaritan FAQ

    Q. What is a good Samaritan law?
    A. A good Samaritan law protects someone who provides aid in an emergency from being sued for injuries or damages. The laws vary from state to state but generally have the expectation that the good Samaritan asks permission if possible from the ill, injured, or in danger and that they do not act in a reckless or negligent manner.

    Q. Does every state have good Samaritan laws?
    A. Yes. Additionally, Federal laws protect good Samaritans, too.

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  • NATIONAL OPEN AN UMBRELLA INDOORS DAY – March 13

    NATIONAL OPEN AN UMBRELLA INDOORS DAY                        

    National Open an Umbrella Indoors Day on March 13th annually is a national science experiment of sorts. Open an umbrella indoors and pay attention to whether or not you suffer any bad luck. 

    #OpenAnUmbrellaIndoorsDay

    One often wonders how superstitions pass from one generation to the next. One such old superstition says that opening your umbrella indoors will bring you bad luck. The day encourages you to test the superstition and note if any bad luck comes your way. While you’re at it, document the kinds of bad luck. Perhaps it isn’t bad luck. It may just be happenstance – things that would have happened whether you had opened an umbrella or not. 

    While umbrellas have been around for over 3000 years, the origin of the superstition is strangely obscure. There is some suggestion that ancient Egyptians thought it offended the gods to open an umbrella where there was already shade. However, the more modern version of the superstition would suggest bad things happening as a result of poor timing or inconvenience.

    HOW TO OBSERVE OPEN AN UMBRELLA INDOORS DAY

    Test the theory that opening an umbrella inside brings bad luck by doing so and noting any bad luck that comes your way. You might reduce your risk of bad luck by opening the umbrella in a wide space versus a tight hallway to avoid knocking pictures off the wall. And may we suggest giving those around you a sign of warning as well. We wouldn’t want any eyes being poked out.

    An alternative to opening a full-sized umbrella indoors is ordering a drink with a paper umbrella. They usually come pre-opened.

    Our final opportunity to celebrate the day is making a paper umbrella. Once more, your safety is our primary concern. We even found a video with instructions.

    Use #OpenAnUmbrellaIndoorsDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL OPEN AN UMBRELLA INDOORS DAY HISTORY  

    Thomas Edward Knibb of Frederick, MD, created this National Open An Umbrella Indoors Day to encourage people to find out if they had any bad luck when they opened the umbrella indoors.  

    Umbrella FAQ

    Q. Is it bad luck to open an umbrella indoors?
    A. There is a superstition surrounding the act of opening an umbrella indoors. Whether it’s true or not may depend on many variables. However, opening an umbrella indoors can be awkward, especially if it’s a tight space or crowded.

    Q. What materials are umbrellas made from?
    A. Umbrellas are made from a variety of materials including:

    • Paper
    • Wood
    • Nylon
    • Canvas
    • Plastic
    • Aluminum

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  • NATIONAL EARMUFF DAY – March 13

    NATIONAL EARMUFF DAY

    National Earmuff Day on March 13th recognizes the creation of the protection that keeps our ears warm. The annual celebration highlights the history of the fun and innovative invention each year.

    #NationalEarmuffDay

    If you live in a cold climate like Chester Greenwood did, and had large, protruding ears, like Chester Greenwood did, you might be thankful for his invention. National Earmuff Day honors the man who found a better way to keep our ears warm all winter long.

    After a day of ice skating in the cold, 15-year-old Chester came up with an idea to keep his big ears warm. Partnering with his grandmother who sewed tufts of fur between loops of wire, Chester soon had a working model.

    Farmington, Maine is now the “Earmuff Capital of the World”

    On March 13, 1877, he was awarded a patent for his new creation. It was one of many would earn. Greenwood was a prolific inventor, but the invention he is most known for is the earmuff.

    For almost 60 years, Greenwood manufactured these ear protectors, which provided jobs for the people in the Farmington, Maine area.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL EARMUFF DAY

    Wear your favorite earmuffs and pick up a new pair. Give a pair to a friend or family member as a gift. Or, donate several to a shelter near you. Even with spring approaching, earmuffs will still come in handy. Be sure to use #NationalEarmuffDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL EARMUFF DAY HISTORY

    The origin of this day honors Chester Greenwood. However, our research remains somewhat muffled on the creator of the day. 

    Earmuff FAQ

    Q. Are earmuffs just to keep ears warm?
    A. No. Earmuffs are also designed to protect the ears from loud sounds. They muffle the noise so we don’t damage our ears and protect our hearing.

    Q. Are there different styles of earmuffs?
    A. Yes. Earmuffs come in a variety of colors, fabrics, and materials. Some earmuffs are designed to be worn over the top of the head and others wrap around the back of the neck up to the ears.

    Q. Can anyone wear earmuffs?
    A. Yes. They are made in different and adjustable sizes so anyone can wear earmuffs.

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  • NATIONAL NAPPING DAY – Day After Return of Daylight Saving Time

    NATIONAL NAPPING DAY

    Each year, National Napping Day recognizes our need the day following the return of daylight saving time. Not only does the observance encourage a nap, it reminds us that there’s no shame in taking one either. While preparing for the time change can offset the shock to our internal clock, many other things in our life may not handle the change so well causing us to still lose sleep. Young children and pets do not adjust as easily and certain work schedules do not permit early adjustment, either.

    #NationalNappingDay

    Mid-afternoon naps are an integral part of most cultures, and scientifically proven to be good for you.

    A needed rest can make you feel better and also improve your mood. After having the extra amount of sleep, a person will notice that they will be more productive and energetic. Numerous studies have shown that short 10-20 minute naps are the most effective when midday fatigue hits. Improvements in alertness, productivity, and mood have all been shown to improve with this type of snooze.  

    Though there are some of us who are just not the napping kind, if you can reap those benefits, find a cozy spot for 10 minutes or so on National Napping Day.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL NAPPING DAY

    • Catch some zees!
    • Be sure to nap early enough in the day so as to not interrupt your regular sleep cycle. 
    • Create a perfect napping environment. 
    • Share your favorite type of nap or why you enjoy a good snooze.
    • Take a relaxing nap and use #NationalNappingDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL NAPPING DAY HISTORY

    William Anthony, Ph.D., a Boston University Professor, and his wife, Camille Anthony, created National Napping Day in 1999 as an effort to spotlight the health benefits to catching up on quality sleep.  “We chose this particular Monday because Americans are more ‘nap-ready’ than usual after losing an hour of sleep to daylight saving time,” Anthony said in B.U.’s press release.

    Napping FAQ

    Q. Are there any benefits to taking a nap?
    A. Yes. Several studies point to the benefits of short naps. Some of those benefits include:

    • Improved alertness
    • Decrease stress
    • Improve mood

    Q. Does everyone nap?
    A. No. Some people are not nappers.

    Q. Can a nap be too long?
    A. Yes. Long naps and naps taken late in the day can negatively impact our nighttime sleep habits. According to the Mayo Clinic, an optimal nap time is between 10 and 20 minutes.

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