July 10, 2021 - NATIONAL CLERIHEW DAY – NATIONAL KITTEN DAY – NATIONAL PINA COLADA DAY
NATIONAL CLERIHEW DAY
On July 10th of each year, National Clerihew Day in the United States celebrates a poem style created by Edmund Clerihew Bentley. His four-line biographical poem offers a brief, though whimsical, approach to poetry.
An English novelist and humorist, Edmund Clerihew Bentley (July 10, 1875 – March 30, 1956), created the first-ever Clerihew at the age of 16.
- Sir Humphry Davy
Abominated gravy.
He lived in the odium
Of having discovered sodium
As with most poetry, the Clerihew is defined by a set of rules. It must:
- Include four lines.
- Contain rhyming couplets of AA/BB.
- Include a person’s name in the first line.
- Say something about that person.
- Be humorous. It is meant to be a funny poem, of course.
The genre of poetry wasn’t limited to Bentley. Other poets wrote and published in this form as well, and still do.
- A Cluster of Clerihews by Gavin Ewart
- Excuse My Clerihews by William Hazell
- The Lost Clerihews of Paul Ingram by Paul Ingram (Though they don’t really seem lost, I guess they once were.)
Like limericks, poets poke fun at people real and imagined. As with any humor, the Clerihew draws a chuckle from the reader as well as the subject of the poem. If you can’t laugh at yourself and you’re the subject of a Clerihew, it’s probably better not to read it. If you’re writing a Clerihew about someone who can’t take a joke, maybe don’t write the Clerihew. Or, write it about not being able to take a joke.
Nelly Belly ha ha
Danced to Lady GaGa.
Fell on her bum.
Cried in her rum.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalClerihewDay
Write a Clerihew or of your own! Explore the world of Clerihews, too. You might find the entertainment worth celebrating! Post on social media using #NationalClerihewDay.
NATIONAL CLERIHEW DAY HISTORY
The day is observed annually on the anniversary of Edmund Clerihew Bentley’s birth, July 10th.
NATIONAL KITTEN DAY
National Kitten Day on July 10th purrfectly celebrates the cuddly warmth of a kitty. The miniature furballs of energy snuggle their way into our hearts with no effort at all. Within a flick of their tiny ears, we’re in love.
The day aims to remind us that while kittens are well equipped to find their way into our hearts, many don’t find homes. They’re abandoned at shelters, on the side of the road or wild and feral. Spaying and neutering our pets, including our cats, is vital to their health and keeping the stray population down.
Another goal of awareness campaigns like this one is to encourage adoptions. Instead of purchasing a kitten from a pet store, adopt from a shelter. Many kittens are born in shelters. While their ages may vary, all kittens do become cats.
Adoption Tips
Follow the shelter’s guidelines and keep these tips in mind when adopting:
- There’s an application process. Read through it and understand it. The guidelines are for the safety of the animals, the employees, and you.
- Ask questions. It’s important there’s an understanding between you and the shelter. Most shelters have volunteers and paid employees. However, they work on a very tight budget. Please don’t expect any special accommodations.
- A good shelter will place the interests of the animal first. They want the cat to have a successful placement. Some animals have anxiety while others get along with anyone and every type of animal.
- Consider the size of your home and where you live – an apartment or house.
- Who lives with you? That includes people and pets – does everyone get along and does anyone have allergies?
- How much time do you have for a pet?
- So you’ve spotted the kitten for you. Be sure to make several visits to the shelter. Play with the kitten. Spend time grooming them. See how the kitten reacts to other cats. Learn the kitten’s behavior.
Maybe Fuzzy Bear has health issues or doesn’t get along with children. Perhaps another kitten gets along better with dogs. All these factors will be considered on your application.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalKittenDay
Play with your kitten or bring her a new toy. Share a selfie with your kitten. Visit a shelter and volunteer your time. If you are considering getting a kitten, adopt instead of purchasing one. Use #NationalKittenDay to share your story.
NATIONAL KITTEN DAY HISTORY
Colleen Paige, Pet & Family Lifestyle Expert, Author, and Animal Advocate, founded National Kitten Day to encourage adoption and celebrate the joy kittens bring to our lives.
NATIONAL PINA COLADA DAY
July 10th recognizes a sweet, rum-based cocktail on National Pina Colada Day. Along with rum, a Pina Colada includes cream of coconut and pineapple juice and is usually served blended or shaken with ice.
Pina Colada means ‘strained pineapple,’ a reference to the freshly pressed and strained pineapple juice used in the drink.
While pineapple has been a part of the distillation history of rum, coconut didn’t show up until later. The first written reference to a pina colada was in 1922. However, two different claims to the invention of the pina colada in 1952 come from San Juan. Neither wavers from their story.
No matter who created the first creamy, sweet rum drink, it is forever infused with the ocean and beaches. The cocktail’s bright flavor suggests sunshine and vacation. Coconut alone makes us think of suntans while the pineapple’s freshness delivers a sparkling note of summer breezes.
The beverage isn’t the only way to celebrate either. The day is dedicated to all things pina colada. Whether we make a dessert or snack on pina colada jelly beans, everyone can join in the day.
Put on your sunglasses, kick back, and enjoy a sip or a taste. It’s the best way to celebrate.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalPinaColadaDay
Try a frozen popsicle treat or a pina colada cake. You do not have to be sitting on a beach or the deck of a cruise ship to celebrate this holiday. You can enjoy a nice tall, cool Pina Colada where ever you are! (Remember to drink responsibly and never drink and drive!) Use #NationalPinaColadaDay to share on social media.
NATIONAL PINA COLADA DAY HISTORY
National Day Calendar is researching the origins of this beverage holiday. However, many more beverage holidays offer us ways to celebrate. Won’t you check them out?
1925
William Jennings Bryan and Clarence Darrow begin arguments in the Scopes Trial. Darrow was part of the defense team for John Scopes, a science school teacher who continued to teach evolution despite a recent Tennessee law making it illegal.
1962
Swedish engineer Nils Bohlen receives U.S. Patent No. 3,043,625 for the three-point seat belt.
1965
The Rolling Stones’ single “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” becomes the rock band’s first chart-topper in the United States.
1991
Russia swears in its first elected president, Boris Yeltsin.
Recipe of the Day
Cherry Cheesecake Dip
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook:
Total Prep: 5 minutes
Servings:
Ingredients:
1 – 8 oz block cream cheese softened
1 – 7 oz jar marshmallow cream
1 – 8 oz tub whipped topping
1 – 21 oz can cherry pie filling
Graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or animal crackers
Instructions:
In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese and marshmallow cream together until well combined.
Add whipped topping and mix until just incorporated.
Pour the mixture into a 9-10 inch pie plate or a serving dish the same diameter.
Spread the cherry pie filling over the cheesecake mixture evenly.
Chill until served.
Dip with animal crackers, graham crackers or vanilla wafers.
Nikola Tesla – 1856
In 1890, the Serbian-American left a legacy of invention behind including patent No. 428,057 for an electric generator. Though he died poor, his interest in AC current launched a revolution in the world of electric motors.
Mary McLeod Bethune – 1875
The American educator, advocate and civil servant advised four U.S. presidents during her long career. She also served on numerous projects, committees, and boards including the National Council of Negro Women, Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps (WAACS) and Women Appointed for Voluntary Emergency Service (WAVES). Education being at the center of everything she did, Bethune also established the Mary McLeod Bethune Foundation.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver – 1921
In 1968, the American philanthropist founded the Special Olympics. Leading up to this pivotal moment, Eunice Shriver through the Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Foundation helps establish programs, studies and summer camps focused on those with intellectual disabilities.
Arthur Ashe – 1943
After becoming the first African American recruited to the U.S. Davis Cup team in 1963, Ashe would go on to become the first male African American to win the U.S. Open (1968)(1970) and Wimbledon (1975). Another first came five years after his 1980 retirement; he became the first male African American inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
There’s a celebration for everyone. While National Road Trip Day satisfies the itch to wander, many pet days let us share our love of animals. National 3-D Day and National Astronaut Day honor the advancement of technology, too. Every food day you can imagine (National Avocado Day, for example), will keep you celebrating, also!
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Our Ambassador Program is another way #CelebrateEveryDay®! Whether you become an ambassador or follow one of the savvy ambassadors, their fun videos and posts will keep you prepared for every holiday.
