Category: November 06

  • INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR PREVENTING THE EXPLOITATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT IN WAR AND ARMED CONFLICT – November 6

    INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR PREVENTING THE EXPLOITATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT IN WAR AND ARMED CONFLICT

    On November 6th every year, the UN observes the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict. The day seeks to make people aware of the consequences that war and conflict have on the environment.

    Loss of life and the destruction of property are obvious consequences of war and armed conflict. There is another consequence as well. This is the negative effect that war and conflict has on the environment. Some of these negative effects include:

    • Water pollution
    • Torched crops
    • Poisoned soil
    • Dead animals
    • Destruction of forests

    Sometimes these things are even done on purpose in order to gain a military advantage. There are also conflicts that involve natural resources, such as oil, gold, diamonds, and timber. According to the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), 40 percent of internal conflicts have been linked to the exploitation of natural resources in the last 60 years.

    HOW TO OBSERVE

    Government officials, scientists, and educators around the world observe this day. Group discussions are held to better understand the negative effects of war on the environment. Solutions are proposed to protect the earth’s ecosystem in light of conflict. Radio talks, lectures, seminars, and classroom activities also focus on how war affects the environment.

    If you would like to participate:

    • Think about how past wars and current conflicts are affecting the environment
    • Educate yourself on how nuclear threats and advanced warfare technology affect the environment
    • Learn about the many internal conflicts over natural resources, such as oil and diamonds
    • Watch films such as Scarred Lands and Wounded Lives: The Environmental Footprint of War and The Age of Consequences
    • Discuss with others how world peace cannot be attained if the ecosystem is destroyed

    HISTORY

    In November 2001, the UN General Assembly declared November 6th as the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict. The day is also referred to as World Day to Protect the Environment in War.

  • NATIONAL NACHOS DAY – November 6

    NATIONAL NACHOS DAY

    On November 6th, National Nachos Day recognizes the snack favored at sporting events across the country. In their purest form, nachos are tortilla chips covered in nacho cheese, queso or other melted cheese and served with salsa.

    #NationalNachosDay

    Where Nachos Began

    First created sometime around 1943, the popular and loved nachos are of Mexican origin.  

    History tells us that Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya created the original nachos in 1943. According to his son, Nacho was the maître d’ at the El Moderno Restaurant in Piedras Negras. One evening after the kitchen staff had left, a group of U.S. Army wives stationed at Fort Duncan in Eagle Pass came into the restaurant. After a long day of shopping, they were hungry and asked for a snack.

    Anaya prepared some tostadas cut into triangles. After topping them with shredded cheese and sliced jalapenos, he heated the dish in the oven. They were such a hit with the Army wives that they named the snack “Nacho’s Special” before he could make another batch.

    Word of the new creation quickly traveled. People from all over tried them, loved them, and over time, the name changed. Eventually, Nacho’s special became special nachos.

    The original recipe is printed in the 1954 St. Anne’s Cookbook. 

    The popularity of the new dish spread swiftly throughout Texas and the Southwest. And since then, it has gained millions of fans across America.

    Nachos Today

    We love nachos so much, we top them with all sorts of things. Sometimes we even go overboard. We call nachos with an abundance of toppings loaded nachos, super nachos, or nachos supreme. Serve them as a snack, an appetizer, or even prepared with extra ingredients as a full meal.

    Since the time of the original nachos, the toppings have expanded. Today we add beef, chicken, and seafood along with a variety of seasonings. This snack even satisfies the pickiest eater. Whether you’re a vegan, full-on carnivore or somewhere between, there’s a nachos recipe for you.

    When is National Tortilla Chip Day?

    In restaurants across the country, nachos find their way onto the menus of other cuisines, too. Some restaurants substitute the chip with a potato base. Another option is to replace the toppings with ingredients from the culture. For example, to make Italian nachos top the chips with mozzarella cheese and Alfredo sauce. Asian nachos may include wasabi or curry. Each version of nachos brings its own unique flavor to the table.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL NACHOS DAY

    Quench that nacho craving. Celebrate with the best toppings and don’t hesitate to overdo it. You can always share! Invite friends and family to enjoy nachos with you tonight. Try making a variety of nacho dishes to share. Make it a celebration by including games and share with others. Share your favorite recipes and flavors, too. Need a recipe? Try this Baked Chicken Recipe.  Use #NationalNachosDay to post on social media.

    If you’re still looking for inspiration, we’ve got you covered. Check out this amazing video from Binging with Babish.

    NATIONAL NACHOS DAY HISTORY

    National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this delicious food holiday.

    Nachos FAQ

    Q. Can I use store-bought chips to make nachos?
    A. Yes! While fresh chips make amazing nachos, saving time by using store-bought is perfectly fine.

    Q. Should I heat the nachos before or after adding the toppings?
    A. Top the layer of chips with cheese and then bake until melted. Add the remaining toppings and a little more cheese before serving.

     

  • NATIONAL SAXOPHONE DAY – November 6

     

    NATIONAL SAXOPHONE DAY

    National Saxophone Day commemorates the birth of the woodwind’s inventor, Adolphe Sax, on November 6th. The saxophone is one of the main instruments in jazz music.

    #SaxophoneDay

    Born on November 6, 1814, Adolphe Sax invented many musical instruments including the saxophone. Sax constructed saxophones in several sizes in the early 1840s. On June 28, 1846, he received a 15-year patent for the instrument. The patent encompassed 14 different versions of the fundamental design, split into two categories of seven instruments each and ranging from sopranino to contrabass.

    When is National Jazz Appreciation Month?

    After Sax’s patent expired in 1866, several saxophonists and instrument manufacturers implemented their own improvements to the original design and key work.

    Over the years, many great saxophone masters have graced the world with their music.

    • Stan Getz
    • Sidney Bechet
    • Mindi Abair
    • Sonny Rollins
    • Yolanda Brown
    • Lester Young
    • Eric Dolphy
    • Coleman Hawkins “Hawk”
    • John Coltrane
    • Elisa Hall
    • Charlie Parker “Bird”
    • Kenny G.
    • Steve Cole
    • Jimmy Dorsey
    • Julian Adderley “Cannonball”
    • Candy Dulfer
    • Grover Washington Jr.
    • Wesley Magoogan
    • Dick Parry
    • Herbie Flowers
    • Claire Daily
    • Ronnie Ross

    HOW TO OBSERVE SAXOPHONE DAY

    Listen to some saxophone music. Go to a Jazz concert. Even play the saxophone if you have one. Read about your favorite jazz musician. Teach someone to play the saxophone. Donate to your school’s music program. Use #SaxophoneDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL SAXOPHONE DAY HISTORY

    November 6th commemorates the birth of Adolphe Sax. However, National Day Calendar® continues researching the founder of this musical day.

    Saxophone FAQ

    Q. Why are saxophones considered woodwind instruments?
    A. A saxophone uses a reed to produce sound making it a woodwind instrument.

    Q. What is the smallest saxophone?
    A. The smallest instrument in the saxophone family is the sopranissimo saxophone.

    Q. What is the largest saxophone?
    A. The largest instrument in the saxophone family is the baritone saxophone.

     

    November 6th Celebrated History

    1894 

    The Illinois inventor, William C. Hooker, receives patent No. 528,671 for the spring-loaded mousetrap. Boardgames have never been the same.

    1923 

    U.S. Army colonel Jacob Schick was granted patent No. 1,690,133 for an electric razor. While others had invented electric razors before, Schick was the first to achieve commercial success.

    1947 

    The news program, Meet the Press, debuts on NBC TV. Still airing today, it is the longest-running television program on network television.

    1981 

    Two years after the black-footed ferret was thought to be extinct, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service report the discovery of black-footed ferrets in Wyoming. A conservation effort is immediately set in motion.

    2005 

    The film Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire premieres in London. In the fourth installment of the books by J.K. Rowling, the students of Hogwarts are challenged to a wizarding competition.

    2018 

    New York elects Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to the House of Representatives. At 29 years old, she’s the youngest person to ever serve in the House.

    November 6th Celebrated Birthdays

    Antoine-Joseph Sax – 1814

    In the 1840s, Sax received a patent for his invention of the woodwind instrument, the saxophone.

    Charles Henry Dow – 1851

    Along with Edward Jones and Charles Bergstresser, Dow founded Dow Jones & Company in 1882. He would also establish the Wall Street Journal.

    John Philip Sousa – 1932

    Known as the March King, the U.S. Marine Band leader composed 136 marches and recorded more than 400.

    James Naismith – 1861

    In 1891, the physical education teacher developed a game for his students using two peach baskets and a soccer ball. Today, basketball is played around the world.

    Yoshisuke Aikawa – 1880

    In 1933, the business leader founded Nissan, paving the way for the Japanese auto industry.

    Ida Barney – 1886

    The professor of mathematics and Yale University Observatory astronomer recorded the measurements of 150,000 stars during her career.

    Opal Kunz – 1894

    As an aviation pioneer, Kunz became the first woman to compete against men. She also organized the Betsy Ross Air Corps, providing humanitarian service during World War II.

    Wilma Briggs – 1930

    Over her seven-year career in the All American Girls Professional Baseball League, the outfield earned a reputation for bringing in the runs. Not only was she fast, but her career batting average was .256 with 301 RBIs.