Category: May 31

  • WORLD PARROT DAY – May 31

    WORLD PARROT DAY

    Every year on May 31st, World Parrot Day highlights the threat to wild and captive parrots throughout the world. It’s also a day to learn more about this intelligent and magnificent bird.

    #WorldParrotDay

    When you picture a parrot, you probably think of a colorful bird that talks or mimics sounds. Both of these things are true of most parrots, but not all of them. Even the parrots that can’t talk are still considered intelligent. The most intelligent parrot is the African grey parrot. A particular bird of this species, named Alex, was believed to have the intelligence of a 5-year old. Alex knew colors, shapes, and over 100 English words. Besides the African grey parrot, other popular types of parrots include the cockatiels, Fischer’s lovebirds, monk parakeets, cockatoos, Amazon parrots, and macaws.

    Currently, there are about 350 species of parrots around the world. Nearly half of these species are endangered. About a quarter of all parrot species are critically endangered. The destruction of habitats, hunting, and the illegal trade of wild parrots are all reasons certain species have become endangered.

    Here are some more interesting facts about parrots:

    • Some parrots live for over 60 years.
    • Parrots in the wild usually mate for life.
    • A parrot’s beak is so strong, it can break open a metal cage.
    • The largest parrot, the kakapo, weighs up to 9 pounds and can’t fly.
    • In India, it’s against the law to put parrots and other birds in a cage.

    One more wild and crazy fact is that a group of parrots is called a pandemonium. This is quite fitting, considering the word pandemonium means wild and noisy.

    HOW TO OBSERVE WORLD PARROT DAY

    The World Parrot Trust (WPT), located in London, organizes a variety of events on this day. Many of these events take place at zoos across the UK. Zoos in other countries, such as the United States and New Zealand also encourage the public to visit their parrot exhibitions.
    To participate:

    • Check out the parrots at your local zoo or bird sanctuary.
    • Learn more about the different kinds of parrots.
    • Donate to a parrot conservation organization or parrot rescue group.
    • Watch a nature documentary on parrots, such as “Parrot Confidential.”
    • Read about these famous parrots: Snowball the dancing parrot and Poll, President Andrew Jackson’s bilingual pet parrot.

    Share your favorite photo, video, or story of a parrot on social media with #WorldParrotDay

    WORLD PARROT DAY HISTORY

    The World Parrot Trust organized the first World Parrot Day in 2004. On May 31st, the WPT held a parrot rally in Trafalgar Square in London. From there, organizers and supporters marched toward Downing Street. They then handed a petition that contained 33,000 signatures to the Prime Minister of the UK. The petition asked for a complete ban on importing wild parrots into the European Union. In 2007, the EU Commission announced a permanent ban on wild bird imports, including parrots.

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  • WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY – May 31

    WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY

    World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) is observed around the world every year on May 31. It is intended to encourage 24 hours of abstinence from all forms of tobacco consumption around the globe. The day is further expected to draw attention to the widespread prevalence of tobacco use and to adverse health effects, which currently lead to more than 7 million deaths each year worldwide, including 890,000 of which are the result of non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke.

    #WorldNoTobaccoDay

    The World Health Organization estimates worldwide, there are 1.1 billion tobacco smokers and nearly 350 million smokeless tobacco users.

    “Health is like money. You never know the value of it until you lost it.”

    HOW TO OBSERVE WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY

    Visit the No-Tobacco website. Support the creation of smoke-free public places, workplaces, and public transportation. Publicize toll-free quit-smoking phone numbers. Use #WorldNoTobaccoDay or #NoTobacco to share on social media.

    WORLD NO TOCACCO DAY HISTORY

    The member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) created World No Tobacco Day in 1987.

    In 1987, the WHO set aside April 7, 1988, to be “a world no-smoking day.” The objective of the day was to urge tobacco users worldwide to abstain from using tobacco products for 24 hours, an action they hoped would assist those trying to quit.

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  • NATIONAL UTAH DAY – May 31

    In 2017, National Day Calendar® began celebrating each state in the order they entered the union starting the week of Independence Day and ending with Hawaii. We highlight a small part of each states’ history, foods and the people who make up the state. Many states have their own state celebrations, and National Day Calendar’s observances in no way replace them. There’s so much more to explore, we can’t help but celebrate our beautiful country even more!

    NATIONAL UTAH DAY | MAY 31

    On May 31st, we celebrate The Beehive State on National Utah Day!

    #NationalUtahDay

    Utah became the 45th state on January 4, 1896, and is home to The Great Salt Lake, a deeply rooted Native American heritage, and a far-reaching desert history.

    Travel in the footsteps of Utah’s namesake, the Utes, or the Shoshone, Navajo or Goshute. Follow the trails of early explorers or Mormon settlers. They all lived among the natural arches and bridges formed long ago. These architectural wonders of nature are a cornerstone of Utah.

    Find treasure everywhere you look. From the sunrise to the spiraling cliffs and the bejeweled night sky. Catch an unobstructed view of the Milky Way for miles or schedule a trip just in time for a meteor shower. Since Utah has significantly less light pollution, night star viewing is spectacular!

    Discover why some still believe the world flat by visiting Bonneville Salt Flats. Home of land speed records and a barren environment, the salt flats were once part of a much larger lake. The Great Salt Lake is one of its remnants.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL UTAH DAY

    Join National Day Calendar as we celebrate the 45th state to join the union. Explore the history and people of Utah. Follow the trails of the pioneers and discover a wealth of heritage in one place. Use #NationalUtahDay to share on social media.

    Chief Pocatello led the Northwestern Shoshones during Mormon and western settlement. During that time, food sources became scarce due to the increased activity and population. Pocatello’s band would raid settlers for food, though the Mormons would peacefully provide relief. Other settlers would call in troops, which eventually led to violence, a treaty, and removal to Fort Hall Reservation.
    Chief Hoskininni became a legend for avoiding capture during a scorched earth campaign led by Kit Carson. He led his family into the remote wilderness of Monument Valley near Navajo Mountain. When the military released the Navajo from prison several years later, Hoskinnini and his family came out of hiding.
    On November 2, 1920, Florence Ellinwood Allen became the first woman in the United States elected to a judicial office. She was elected to the judgeship of the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas. But she wouldn’t stop there. In 1934, President Franklin D. Roosevelt nominated her for the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals for which the U.S. Senate unanimously approved. Allen became the first woman appointed and confirmed to a federal appeals court judgeship.
    Credited with inventing the hearing aid, Harvey Fletcher was a physicist known for his research and development of electronics. His innovations advanced the telephone, radio and television industries.
    Traffic Sergeant Lester Wire invented the first electric traffic signal to resolve the congestion in the streets of Salt Lake City. His birdhouse-shaped signal light called a semaphore, had red and green lights directing traffic which were manually operated during peak times. Wire never patented his invention, but he was the Traffic Sergeant of the Salt Lake City Police Department, so there’s plenty of documentation. Wire enlisted in the ambulance corps during World War I and went on to become a detective with the Salt Lake Police Department.
    High jumper, Alma Richards, earned Utah’s first Olympic gold medal during the 1912 Stockholm Olympic Games. Richards would go on to become a decathlete and compete in the 1915 AAU championships.
    Costume and set designer, Natacha Rambova, was born Winifred Kimball Shaughnessy. Rambova’s vision and quality were under-credited. A woman before her time, she fell into the shadows of her husbands, Theodore Kosloff and Rudolph Valentino.
    Frank Zamboni was the type of person who didn’t give up. The inventor of the ice-resurfacing machine, called the Zamboni, went through four different prototypes before submitting his first design for a patent. But he didn’t stop there. He continued perfecting the design to create the smoothest ice for skaters. The modern-day Zambonis make glass-like surfaces for rinks around the world.
    Credited with producing the first electronic image via television, Philo Farnsworth would spend years in legal battles defending his accomplishment. The talented scientist went on to make advancements in radio, television and telephone systems.
    Biographer, Fawn M. Brodie, first broached the founder of her former religion in No Man Knows My History: The Life of Joseph Smith. Brodie would continue to tackle notable subjects throughout her career such as Thomas Jefferson: An Intimate History and Richard Nixon: The Shaping of HIs Character.
    Nolan Bushnell kickstarted an industry with a simple array of pixels bouncing a digital ball between paddles. Bushnell’s first computerized video game led to the founding of Atari and a home video gaming obsession that creates graphic novels, films and much more in the realm of science fiction.
    Marie Osmond gained success in the 1970s and 1980s as a solo country music artist. Alongside her brother, Donny Osmond, she hosted the television show, Donny & Marie.

    Hidden Treasures

    Homestead Crater – Midway
    Hole n” the Rock – Moab
    The Spiral Jetty – Corinne
    Sun Tunnels – Wendover

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  • NECROTIZING FASCIITIS AWARENESS DAY – May 31

    NECROTIZING FASCIITIS AWARENESS DAY | MAY 31

    On May 31st, Necrotizing Fasciitis Awareness Day shines a light on this rare disease, which affects the soft tissues of the skin, and if not appropriately treated, can spread quickly.

    #NecrotizingFasciitisAwarenessDay

    The observance offers more than information to help prevent the infection. It encourages support and provides resources to those who have been affected by the disease.

    It’s important to note that necrotizing fasciitis is rare and rare still in healthy people. However, even a small cut can become infected with this bacteria. It is most commonly believed to be caused by group A Streptococcus, and recognizing the symptoms and quickly getting treatment can mean the difference between life and death.

    The bacteria can enter the body through other wounds, too. Burns, bites, punctures, and even surgical incisions may be areas of entry for the bacteria.

    Like many skin infections, necrotizing fasciitis may start off seeming minor. The skin might be warm to the touch near the injury. It might even be tender. The rest of your body may ache with symptoms similar to the flu, including a fever.

    However, minor symptoms can develop and change quickly. Fatigue, changes in the color of your skin, dizziness, and oozing from the infected area are just a few of the symptoms to watch for.

    It’s important to contact your physician any time you have a concerning injury. Follow your doctor’s instructions after surgery, too. They provide contact information for follow up care, including any risk of infection.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NECROTIZING FASCITIS AWARENESS DAY

    Visit necfasc.org for valuable information, donate and help save lives from this devastating condition. Use #NecrotizingFasciitisAwarenessDay to share on social media.

    NECROTIZING FASCIITIS AWARENESS DAY HISTORY

    Necrotizing Fasciitis Awareness Day has been observed on May 31st since 2017.

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  • NATIONAL SMILE DAY – May 31

    NATIONAL SMILE DAY | MAY 31

    On May 31st, National Smile Day encourages everyone to wear their best smile!

    #NationalSmileDay

    The first recorded smile on record took place on 126 B.C. Okay, we made that up. But did you smile? Joking aside, we generate a smile when funny things happen or find pleasure in the things we do. Someone we love or enjoy spending time with may be the cause of a grin or beaming look of joy.

    Smiles are powerful! They not only create engagement between two people but the more a person smiles, the healthier their brain can be. Smiling has a direct link to our brain and can help to reduce stress.

    There is so much a smile can do. Just one smile can brighten someone’s day. It can also improve your day. Smiles are infectious. A healthy smile can develop confidence and generate a new outlook on the world.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL SMILE DAY

    Share your smile and how a smile improves your day.  Use #NationalSmileDay to share on social media.

    NATIONAL SMILE DAY HISTORY

    Dr. Tim Stirneman and Jim Wojdyla from Compassionate Dentalcare founded National Smile Day in 2018 to share with the world what the power of a healthy smile can do.  Confidence, health, and quality of life are just for the person smiling.

    The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed National Smile Day in  to be observed on May 31st, annually.

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  • NATIONAL AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE DAY – May 31

    NATIONAL AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE DAY

    Observe the future on May 31st with National Autonomous Vehicle Day and experience the realization of science and technology merging like never before.

    #AutonomousVehicleDay

    An autonomous vehicle, including self-driving cars (both manned and unmanned) and unmanned aerial vehicles, may seem like something out of a science fiction movie. Still, these cutting-edge technologies have placed a variety of industries at a precipice of change. Cars that take us from point A to point B without having to touch the wheel are already a reality in some states. Autonomous Friendly Corridors, like one proposed in North Dakota, could boost commerce and become centers of more innovation. Pilot programs around the country test a variety of formats.

    The year 2017 proved to be a big year for the Autonomous Vehicle. The first ten testing sites dedicated to developing autonomous vehicles were announced by the US Department of Transportation. While some states grapple with how this new technology affects current laws and what changes may need to be made, others addressed those questions paving the way (or the skies) for autonomous vehicles to make their debut in their own states.

    Driverless cars in test areas continue to expand. Not only do these small samplings provide an opportunity for communities to see and how they perform, but they also give the industry a chance to show how their safety technology works, one community at a time.

    Additionally, advancements in technology are propelling industry and infrastructure to keep pace. Proposals range far and wide, influencing agriculture, commerce, medicine, and transportation.

    According to the Brookings Institution, one-quarter of all cars will be autonomous by 2040. National Autonomous Vehicle Day recognizes that the future is here. And that future is in the form of a self-driving car that gets us safely from here to there.

    HOW TO OBSERVE AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE DAY

    It’s not just a question of how will we travel. But it is how will the autonomous vehicles change the world? Find out more about the changing world of autonomous transportation and vehicles. If you’ve ridden in an autonomous vehicle, share your experience. What are your thoughts on autonomous vehicles? Let us know using #AutonomousVehicleDay on social media.

    Are you curious about this emerging industry? Read 7 Things About Autonomous Vehicles You Might Not Know.

    NATIONAL AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE DAY HISTORY

    Emerging Prairie and Marlo Anderson founded National Autonomous Vehicle Day to celebrate the advances in the Autonomous Vehicle industry and the potential opportunities for business and technology growth related to this phenomenal concept. The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed the day in 2017 to be observed annually.

    May 31st Celebrated (and Not So Celebrated) History

    1907

    The first New York Taxicab Company cabs arrive in New York City. Owner Harry N. Allen imported 65 of the red and green cars from France. However, they weren’t the first taxicabs to operate in the United States. In 1897, Samuel’s Electric Carriage and Wagon Company launched in New York City. The company’s electric vehicles grew to 100 by 1889 with a new name – Electric Vehicle Company. By the turn of the century, they operated 1,000 cabs. After fire destroyed almost a third of its cabs and financial crisis struck the country in 1907, Electric Vehicle Company shuttered its doors.

    1911

    The Titanic launches from Belfast, Northern Ireland.

    1962

    The State of Israel hangs World War II official Adolf Eichmann for his role in the Holocaust.

    1971

    Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday in May for the first time. In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act giving the country five federal three-day weekends a year. The other four holidays include Washington’s Birthday (Presidents’ Day), Labor Day, Columbus Day and Veterans Day.

    2005

    In a Vanity Fair article, John D. O’Connor reveals the name of Deep Throat. FBI official Mark Felt confided in O’Connor, family friend and attorney, in 2002.

    May 31st Celebrated (and Not So Celebrated) Birthdays

    Walt Whitman – 1819

    The transcendentalist and prolific poet, Walt Whitman began his career as a printer and journalist. Author of Leaves of Grass, he published the volume of poems himself.

    Chien-Shiung Wu – 1912

    In 1936, the Chinese physicist emigrated to the United States. She would become instrumental to the Manhattan Project through her pioneering contributions to particle physics.

    Clint Eastwood – 1930

    “Go ahead, make my day.” Harry Callahan (AKA Dirty Harry) in Sudden Impact

    Clint Eastwood is equally recognized for his acting, directing, and producing abilities. His credits include a long list of award nominations and wins, including Unforgiven, Million Dollar Baby, and American Sniper.

    Joe Namath – 1943

    The American quarterback played professional football for 13 seasons. In 1969, Namath helped secure a Super Bowl win for the New York Jets.

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  • NATIONAL FLIP FLOP DAY | Wednesday After Memorial Day

    NATIONAL FLIP FLOP DAY 

    Each year on the Wednesday after Memorial Day, National Flip Flop Day encourages us to wear our favorite flip flops and show them off!

    #NationalFlipFlopDay

    Thong style sandals are by no means new to footwear. They’ve been around for thousands of years. However, the term “flip flop” has applied to flat-soled sandals with straps between the first and second toes and across the top of the foot since the 1960s. The term also describes someone who changes their mind or an electronic component.

    This day strictly recognizes the footwear that makes a flip-flopping sound as we walk, slapping the back of our feet as we head to the beach or make way for the pool. They come in all shades and colors, beaded, bejeweled, and bedazzled. Some are made of leather and cork.

    The lightweight footwear is designed to protect our tender feet from the hot ground and sand. They’re also easy to remove and put on quickly. Many flip flops go from the beach to semi-formal dining in an instant, too!

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL FLIP FLOP DAY

    Flip Flop Day is the perfect time to go shopping for a new pair of flip flops. While you’re out and about, get a manicure, so you can show off your toes in your flip flops. Wear your favorite flip flops and use #NationalFlipFlopDay to share on social media.

    NATIONAL FLIP FLOP DAY HISTORY HISTORY

    In 2007, Tropical Smoothie Cafe created National Flip Flop Day to celebrate its 10th anniversary. Every year on this date, customers who come into participating Cafes across the nation wearing flip-flops receive a free Jetty Punch Smoothie. Tropical Smoothie then gives proceeds of a $1 paper flip flop from customers to send ill children and their families to Camp Sunshine.

    Camp Sunshine is based in Casco, Maine, whose mission focuses solely on addressing the effects of a life-threatening illness on every member of the immediate family — the child, the parents, and the siblings. This year-round program is free of charge to families.

    In 2015, $1 million was raised by Tropical Smoothie Cafe for Camp Sunshine. The total amount raised since the beginning in 2007 is over $3.7 million, making National Flip Flop Day a successful fundraiser for Camp Sunshine.

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  • NATIONAL SENIOR HEALTH & FITNESS DAY – Last Wednesday in May

    NATIONAL SENIOR HEALTH & FITNESS DAY

    Put on your sneakers for National Senior Health & Fitness Day.  On the last Wednesday in May each year, approximately 100,000 senior adults will participate in activities across the United States for this national observance.

    #SeniorHealthFitnessDay

    Many organizations offer special events especially for seniors:

    • Banks
    • Health Clubs
    • Area Agencies on Aging
    • Houses of Worship
    • Hospitals
    • Malls/Shopping Centers
    • Park & Recreation Departments
    • Retirement Committees
    • Senior Centers
    • State/Local/Aging Departments

    Seniors benefit in numerous ways from physical activity. Exercises can be done at home, a community pool or a local center. And seniors aren’t limited to just one type of exercise either. There are many to choose from. And many activities can be modified to fit any limitations. Yoga, walking and swimming are all low impact routines that offer a range of benefits late in life and for all abilities. Some of the benefits include:

    • reduce fall risk and increase the ability to live independently
    • maintain strength, healthy joints and muscles
    • helps reduce or control blood pressure
    • reduce the risk of colon cancer and diabetes
    • ease symptoms of anxiety
    • offer community and companionship when done in groups
    • reduces and prevents arthritis joint swelling and pain

    HOW TO OBSERVE SENIOR HEALTH & FITNESS DAY

    Find an event near you. You can even explore options online and start a fitness routine at home. Pick one that fits your needs. Do you currently have a fitness routine that keeps you going strong? Share it using #SeniorHealthFitnessDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL SENIOR HEALTH & FITNESS DAY HISTORY

    The Mature Market Resource Center, a national information clearinghouse for the older adult market, organizes National Senior Health & Fitness Day as a public-private partnership.

     

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  • NATIONAL MACAROON DAY – May 31

    NATIONAL MACAROON DAY | MAY 31

    Each year on May 31st, National Macaroon Day celebrates the small coconut cookie that is full of flavor and variety, too. Do not mistake these with the delicate sandwich cookies called macarons. No, these small, but substantial cookies hold their own despite the sometimes mistaken identity. For coconut lovers, this day summons up a little bit of bliss.

    #NationalMacaroonDay

    The Italians receive credit for creating these sweet morsels sometime around the 8th or 9th century. The recipes later traveled to France. However, in other parts of the world, the once flourless cookie served its purpose during religious observances.

    Coconut is one of those love-hate ingredients. ~Chef Marcus Samuelsson

    Eventually, the cookie made its way to the United States, where the coconut macaroon takes only a few ingredients to make. Shredded coconut serves as the main ingredient. Usually sweetened, the coconut may also be toasted. Other ingredients include flour, sugar or sweetened condensed milk, and egg whites and flavoring. Once the ingredients are combined, the mixture is dropped by spoonfuls onto baking sheets and baked. Most varieties of coconut macaroons are dipped in milk chocolate, dark chocolate or white chocolate. Almonds, pecans, cashews, or other nuts are sometimes added to the cookie.

    This cookie is easy to make, even a beginner can succeed with the simple recipe.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL MACAROON DAY

    While you celebrate the day, jump into baking with a macaroon recipe! Make a variety, too. Add nuts or chocolate or both. You can also visit your favorite bakery and pick up a dozen to share. Give them a shout-out, too! The following are two macaroon recipes for you to try and enjoy!

    Coconut Macaroons
    Chocolate Dipped Macaroons

    Use #NationalMacaroonDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL MACAROON DAY HISTORY

    National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this cookie holiday. As we do, take some time to explore these other cookie celebrations:

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  • NATIONAL SPEAK IN COMPLETE SENTENCES DAY – May 31

    NATIONAL SPEAK IN COMPLETE SENTENCES DAY | MAY 31

    National Speak in Complete Sentences Day is observed annually on May 31st.  This day is dedicated to using proper sentence structure while speaking.

    #SpeakInCompleteSentencesDay

    It’s entirely possible to celebrate the day while texting as well. So no LOL or ASAP on May 31st. So if you must Laugh Out Loud As Soon As Possible, you will need to say or type it completely and be sure to include a subject and verb that agree. Oh, and you will also want to be sure to punctuate those sentences correctly. At the very minimum, your sentence will need a tiny little period at the end. Though, do you think it will require any other kind of punctuation? It just might!

    HOW TO OBSERVE SPEAK IN COMPLETE SENTENCES DAY

    National Speak in Complete Sentences Day encourages us to complete our thoughts with a subject and a verb. If the idea confuses you, we offer these suggestions to take part in the day successfully:

    • You can visit your English teacher from high school. Maybe the teacher will remember which parts of the class you slept through.
    • Grammar blogs and videos offer short tutorials. Reading or viewing one will help clear up any questions you might have.
    • Some schools offer refresher courses. Consider taking one to improve your grammar and understanding of language.
    • If English is your second language, congratulate yourself on this accomplishment. Mastering one language can be complex but communicating in two languages is a beautiful thing!

    How will you celebrate? Use #SpeakInCompleteSentencesDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL SPEAK IN COMPLETE SENTENCES DAY HISTORY

    National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this grammar-focused holiday. While we do, check out these other grammar and reading days:

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