Category: March 19

  • NATIONAL BACKYARD DAY – March 19

    NATIONAL BACKYARD DAY

    Our backyards have become our home away from home, our playgrounds, and an extension of our homes. On March 19th, we celebrate National Backyard Day and all the ways we’ve transformed the spaces and places we call our oasis. We celebrate our backyards.

    #NationalBackyardDay

    They’re not just a little patch of land with some lawn chairs anymore. For some of us, they may barely be a porch or a postage stamp of concrete. But come to the end of the workweek, we transform them into Staycation Destination #1. We’ve mastered square foot gardens, vertical gardening, pallet furniture, the art of charcuterie, and giant lawn games. They’ve become our outdoor theaters with movies projected onto large screens under an open sky and Adirondack seating.

    In the evenings, we seek our backyards to explore nature. We wait for the bees to collect their nectar. Our bird feeders attract birds of every size and color and, with them, furry creatures, too. We look to the skies at night, tracking satellites and identifying constellations. With luck, we will see a meteor shower or two.

    Our backyards offer peaceful solitude, a restful escape for reading and napping, and a place for fellowship with friends and family. We’ve returned to our backyards to connect nature, to each other, and ourselves.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL BACKYARD DAY

    • On National Backyard Day, celebrate the way you’ve turned your backyard into a perfect escape space.
    • Share how you’ve been spending time in your backyard space, large or small.
    • And no matter how you celebrate, be sure to spend some time in your backyard!
    • Use #NationalBackyardDay to share photos and stories on social media.

    Spotlighting all of the simple, yet special backyard memories, ZYRTEC® created a video montage filled with the unexpected, creative ways families enjoyed their backyards this past year.

    NATIONAL BACKYARD DAY HISTORY

    ZYRTEC® has always believed in the power of the backyard – whether right behind your home or a neighborhood park– and in 2020, backyards truly became a place of safety and happiness. On the anniversary of backyards becoming the green space to escape to, ZYRTEC® officially designated March 19, 2021, as the first-ever National Backyard Day.

    Recognizing the importance of backyard spaces everywhere, in 2021 ZYRTEC® committed $50,000 to The Conservation Fund’s Parks with Purpose program. These funds will support the program’s partnership with neighborhood residents to transform neglected green spaces into vibrant parks, community gardens, and more, providing additional spaces for urban communities to enjoy what’s right in their own neighborhood.

    The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed the first National Backyard Day to be observed on March 19, annually.

    Backyard FAQ

    Q. Can anyone celebrate #NationalBackyardDay?
    A. Yes. Even if you don’t have a backyard, celebrate the outdoor spaces where you relax and enjoy nature and each other. It can be a porch, patio, balcony, park, community garden or another outdoor space.

    Q. Were backyards always popular?
    A. While many homeowners had back yards, they weren’t always the oasis today’s backyards have become. The end of World War II and migration to the suburbs transformed how we used that yard space behind the house. What once was a place to raise chickens and grow a garden became a place of social activity and leisure. These activities used to take place on the front porch, where passers-by would stop to visit and enjoy a hot or cool beverage. Today, we’ve moved from the front porch to the backyard and the social activities have expanded.

    About the ZYRTEC® Brand

    ZYRTEC is the #1 allergist recommended brand among OTC oral antihistamines and helps relieve allergy symptoms of sneezing, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes and itchy nose and throat. ZYRTEC starts working at hour one and stays consistently strong day after day, providing allergy sufferers with powerful, 24-hour relief from their allergy symptoms.

  • NATIONAL CERTIFIED NURSES DAY – March 19

    NATIONAL CERTIFIED NURSES DAY

    Every March 19th, National Certified Nurses Day celebrates the certified nurses who impact lives every day.

    #NationalCertifiedNursesDay

      

    Certified nurses dedicate their entire careers to helping others and often work long hard hours. The day honors and recognizes them and their significant achievements. Their advanced skills require continuing education, re-certification, and continued knowledge of ever-changing technology. Certified nurses balance clinical needs and patient care. Helping patients meet their healthcare goals in complex and challenging times makes a Certified Nurse’s commitment even more valuable.

    A nursing career is as varied as a doctor’s. They specialize and can earn certifications in specialties and sub-specialties. Certified nurses study and take certification exams to demonstrate their competency, skill, and knowledge in a field. Board certification is available in a variety of fields including:

    • Ambulatory Care Certification
    • Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification
    • Informatics Certification
    • Medical-Surgical Certification
    • Nurse Practitioner Specialty Certification
    • Pediatric Nursing Certification
    • Psychiatric Nursing Certification

    Nurses can also obtain sub-specialty certifications. Certified nurses provide skilled experience in the medical fields where they work. They also improve the quality of the health care provided. Now, more than ever, health care needs more qualified nurses providing the care that we need. 

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL CERTIFIED NURSES DAY

    • Thank a certified nurse for all they do.
    • If you know someone who is striving to become a certified nurse, encourage them in their endeavors.
    • Encourage certified nurses to attend job fairs to share their experiences and inspire others to become certified nurses.
    • Consider taking a certification you’ve had your eye on. 
    • Learn more about the certification process.
    • Speak to other certified nurses.
    • Use #CertifiedNursesDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL CERTIFIED NURSES DAY HISTORY

    National Certified Nurses Day was established on March 19th in honor of Margretta (Gretta) Madden Styles (March 19, 1930 – November 20, 2005), MSN, Ph.D. Her pioneering and distinguished career inspired nurses around the country. She was recognized worldwide for her leadership and contributions to the study and practice of nursing.

    Certified Nurses FAQ

    Q. What’s the difference between a Registered Nurse and a Certified Nurse?
    A. Both a Registered Nurse and Certified Nurse complete a four-year bachelor’s degree. Like many areas of medicine, specialization is growing. A Certified Nurse receives additional training and certifications which qualify the nurse as proficient in certain types of nursing.

    Q. How many nurses are in the United States?
    A. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, there are about 4.2 million Registered Nurses in the United States as of September 2022.

  • NATIONAL LET’S LAUGH DAY – March 19

    NATIONAL LET’S LAUGH DAY 

    Each year, National Let’s Laugh Day on March 19th reminds us to add a little humor to our day. It’s never good to be serious all the time and letting the laughter bubble up from time to time is good for all of us!

    #LetsLaughDay

    We have all heard the saying, “Laughter is the best medicine.” This is the day to take your medicine.

    Some studies have shown that laughter may boost your immune system, relieve tension and help you relax. Who does not need any of those things in our busy and hectic world?

    Laugh at yourself first, before anyone else can. ~ Elsa Maxwell

    We don’t laugh because we’re happy — we’re happy because we laugh. ~ William James

    As we all know, laughter can also be contagious. Even faking it seems to have some benefits. Classes called “laughter yoga” engage the abdominal muscles, lungs, arms, and facial muscles while using humor to get us laughing to cure what ails us.

    When you and a friend have those long bouts of uncontrolled laughter that end in tears and aching stomach muscles that last a good 10 minutes or longer, you burn between 10-40 calories per 10 minutes. So, keep giving each other those don’t-look-at-me-or-I’ll-start-laughing-again looks and you’ll keep right on burning more laugh-healthy calories and you’ll enjoy a good memory, too!

    HOW TO OBSERVE LET’S LAUGH DAY

    • Add a laughing baby ringtone to your phone.
    • Use humor to make someone’s day. 
    • Educators, visit the National Day Calendar Classroom for more fun ways to celebrate the day, too!
    • Take some time to laugh and use #LetsLaughDay to post on social media.
    • Try laughter yoga to get you started.

    NATIONAL LET’S LAUGH DAY HISTORY

    The origins of this funny holiday have slipped by us. However, we continue to find humor in everyday events and continue to #CelebrateEveryDay, too!

    Laughter FAQ

    Q. What kinds of laughs are there?
    A. Different people have different laughs and different situations make us laugh differently. We describe our laughs with a wide array of colorful terms and phrases. Some of them include:

    • Giggle – This laugh is often caused by nervousness.
    • Guffaw – When something is especially funny but perhaps catches us off guard. It’s a loud, almost explosive laugh.
    • Cackle – This laugh is similar to the clucking of chicken, but it is often associated with how a wicked witch might laugh.
    • Belly laugh – Laughter that reached into our belly and shakes our whole body is a belly laugh.
    • Chuckle – This laugh takes place in the throat and doesn’t go much further.

    Q. Is laughter contagious?
    A. A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience by researchers at University College London suggests that laughter is truly contagious. Dr. Sophie Scott said, “We’ve known for some time now that when we are talking to someone, we often mirror their behavior, copying the words they use and mimicking their gestures. Now we’ve shown that the same appears to apply to laughter too —at least at the brain level.”

  • NATIONAL CHOCOLATE CARAMEL DAY – March 19

    NATIONAL CHOCOLATE CARAMEL DAY

    A great combination is celebrated each year on National Chocolate Caramel Day. On March 19th, enjoy chocolate and caramel in your favorite candy bar, ice cream, or dessert.  It will put a smile on most people’s faces! The combination also invokes some cravings for chocolate caramel coffee, milkshakes, or just about any treat with this hard-to-resist combination. 

    #ChocolateCaramelDay

    While Milton Hershey receives a lot of credit for making chocolate caramel popular (he did make his living making caramel first), recipes for chocolate caramels existed as early as the 1880s. At about the same time, the first mass-produced chocolate bar became available.

    In 1893, the World’s Colombian Exposition came to Chicago. Hershey’s fascination with an exhibit featuring machinery for the production of German chocolate became apparent. So fascinated, in fact, he purchased the equipment. Soon he was producing chocolate bars, many of which included his company’s bedrock ingredient: caramel. 

    Chocolate and caramel make a sweet pair. It explains why we find them coupled together in so many recipes. Delicious cakes, bars, brownies, fudge, and cookies get the chocolate caramel treatment. Who wouldn’t want to celebrate this heavenly confection combination?

    HOW TO OBSERVE CHOCOLATE CARAMEL DAY

    • Enjoy some chocolate caramel!
    • Add caramel to chocolate ice cream.
    • Savor your favorite chocolate caramel candy bar.
    • Make a delicious chocolate caramel dessert or order one from your favorite bakery.
    • Want to add even more variety? Consider that chocolate and caramel also pair well with nuts and whole grains, too. Adding a little dark chocolate and caramel to your granola and yogurt routine in the morning might be a nice treat.
    • Also, drizzle this tasty combination over your popcorn.
    • Of course, the best way to celebrate is by sharing. Try making up a big batch of your favorite recipe for co-workers or the neighbors. Another option is to create recipe cards to give out to friends and family. We also have one recipe for you to try.
    • Enjoy this delicious Dark Chocolate Caramel Corn recipe.
    • Use #ChocolateCaramelDay to post on social media.
    • Show your love for everything chocolate with our Certified Chocoholic socks! Looking for more ways to celebrate? We have more socks here.

    Certified Chocoholic

    NATIONAL CHOCOLATE CARAMEL DAY HISTORY

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

    Chocolate Caramel FAQ

    Q. Is the chocolate in “chocolate caramel” dark, milk or white chocolate?
    A. Combine the chocolate you prefer with caramel. Or, enjoy one of each!

    Q. Does the day celebrate salted caramel or regular caramel?
    A. Combine any chocolate with the caramel you prefer.

    Q. Are there other caramel-related holidays on the calendar?
    A. Yes! Try these celebrations:

  • NATIONAL POULTRY DAY – March 19

    NATIONAL POULTRY DAY

    Poultry is the theme for March 19th as it is National Poultry Day. No fowl moods or ruffled feathers. However, there may be some quacking and gobbling going on. 

    #NationalPoultryDay

    Kick the day off with eggs and turkey bacon for breakfast. Around lunchtime, serve an open-faced turkey avocado sandwich. Then perhaps, finish off the day with a good, ol’ fashioned fried chicken dinner. 

    Poultry refers to domestic birds that are raised for meat and eggs. These birds include chicken, turkey, ducks, geese, quail, and pheasant. Poultry is farmed in large numbers with chickens being the most numerous.

    It is believed that chicken was introduced to American soil by European explorers in the 16th century. Most Americans raised small flocks, enough to feed their families. Over time, chicken consumption in the United States increased. And during World War II, due to a shortage of beef and pork, chicken stepped in to fill the protein need.

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture oversees poultry production in the United States. Estimates place production at around 9 billion chickens in the United States. Chicken and turkey are lower in fats and cholesterol than other meats.

    Poultry can be prepared in many different ways including roasting, baking, frying, grilling, sautéing, steaming, and broasting. The size of the chicken typically determines the best cooking style to use. 

    A Brooding and a Gaggling

    While a group of chickens is called either a brood or peep, if they are chicks we call them a clutch or chattering. When it comes to ducks and geese, their collective nouns depend on where they are in relation to the Earth. A group of ducks in flight is called a flock, but once they land on the ground their collective nouns change. We call them either a brace or a badling. If they take to water they could be called a raft, team, or paddling. Whether geese are in the air, ground, or on the water, we generally use the collective noun flock. However, in flight, they can be called a skein, too. Once they land, though, they can be a gaggle, herd or corps.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL POULTRY DAY

    NATIONAL POULTRY DAY HISTORY

    National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this food and ag holiday. However, it has been celebrated since at least 2004. Before that, different states and organizations celebrated a National Poultry Day throughout the year, recognizing farmers, the produce they raised, and the industry as a whole. 

    Poultry FAQ

    Q. Do chickens fly?
    A. They do, but you won’t find them flying as high or as far as their other poultry relatives.

    Q. How many eggs do chickens lay per day?
    A. Chickens usually lay only one egg per day.

    Q. How do ducks survive cold water and stay dry?
    A. Ducks have specialized feathers that are coated in a waxy oil produced by the preen gland that make them virtually waterproof.

    Q. What are male and female ducks called?
    A. A male duck is called a drake, and a female duck is called a hen.

    March 19th Celebrated History

    1931

    Nevada legalized gambling, setting the stage for “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.”

    1953

    NBC presents the first televised Academy Awards. Master of Ceremonies, Comedian Bob Hope opened the 25th Oscars at the RKO Pantages Theatre in Hollywood, California. The Greatest Show on Earth directed by Cecil B. DeMille took home Best Picture honors. Best Actor actor went to Gary Cooper for High Noon and Best Actress went to Shirly Booth in Come Back, Little Sheba.

    1964

    Geraldine Mock departs from Columbus, Ohio in her single-engine Cessna 180 christened the “Spirit of Columbus” in an ambitious adventure. She earned the nickname the “Flying Housewife” and became the first woman to fly around the world solo when she returned to Columbus on April 17, 1964.

    1979

    C-Span launches and begins broadcasting live from the U.S. House of Representatives.

    March 19th Celebrated Birthdays

    David Livingstone – 1813

    The Scottish missionary and explorer took an expedition deep into south-central Africa. He explored the upper Zambezi River and discovered Victoria Falls. During his third expedition, Livingstone began a search for the source of the Nile. When no word from Livingston was received for many months, journalist Henry Morton Stanley set out to find him. On November 10, 1871, his search party arrived in the village Ujiji in Tanzania after an eight-month-long search for the explorer and spoke the now-famous phrase. “Mr. Livingstone, I presume?”

    Wyatt Earp – 1848

    In a short six years, Wyatt Earp developed a legendary status when at the age of 26 he turned from outlaw to lawman in Wichita, Kansas. Just a few short years later, the gunfight at the OK Corral in Tombstone, Arizona, between Earp, his brothers, Doc Holliday, and the Clanton and McLaury created pulp western fodder.

    Josef Albers – 1888

    The American-German visual artist is best known for his color square paintings and in 1971, his work became the subject of a solo exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, the first by a living artist.

    Earl Warren – 1891

    Before being named Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court in 1953, Earl Warren served many roles as an attorney. He began as deputy district attorney before being elected Attorney General of California.

    Moms Mabley – 1894

    Born Loretta Mary Aiken, the African American comedian earned the stage name “Moms” for her motherly and mentoring spirit. With one of the most successful stand-up acts headlining on stages such as the Cotton Club and the Apollo Theater, her routines rarely avoided edgy or crude topics.

    Glenn Close – 1947

    The award-winning American actress best known for her role as Alex in the 1987 thriller Fatal Attraction began her acting career on stage. Close has been nominated for Best Actress or Best Supporting Actress eight times, the most recent for 2021’s Hillbilly Elegy. It remains to be seen if she will finally win.

    Bruce Willis – 1955

    One of the biggest debates in December on social media is whether or not Die Hard is a holiday movie. One thing we know for sure, it is a Bruce Willis movie. The American actor came to prominence in the 1980s on the television sitcom Moonlighting. Since then, he’s made numerous memorable films including The Sixth Sense, Pulp Fiction, 12 Monkeys, and Death Becomes Her.

    Clayton Kershaw – 1988

    The left-handed professional pitcher has played in 13 years in Major League Baseball for the Los Angeles Dodgers. In 2020, Kershaw and the Dodgers won the World Series Championship. It was Kershaw’s first and the Dodger’s first since 1988.

    Notable Mentions

    John Henry Taylor – 1871
    Nancy Elizabeth Prophet – 1890
    Jill Abramson – 1954