October 17, 2021 - NATIONAL EDGE DAY – NATIONAL MULLIGAN DAY - NATIONAL PASTA DAY – BLACK POETRY DAY
OCTOBER 17, 2021 | NATIONAL EDGE DAY | NATIONAL MULLIGAN DAY | NATIONAL PASTA DAY | BLACK POETRY DAY
NATIONAL EDGE DAY
National Edge Day on October 17th promotes a movement of youth refraining from using alcohol, tobacco, and other recreational drugs.
As part of the Straight Edge movement, teens and young adults pledge to live a clean lifestyle. Many who follow the movement also abstain from recreational sex and unhealthy food choices.
The day also encourages the support of those who chose to live the Straight Edge lifestyle. Abstaining from tobacco, alcohol and recreational drugs is not an indication someone is dull. Many who live on the edge, do so without these chemical enhancements. Some may travel and explore the world. They may be thrill-seekers or collectors of knowledge. Perhaps they absorb languages and music instead.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalEdgeDay
Learn more about the Straight Edge movement and what it means. While most events occur on the East Coast, the movement is growing. Join an event near you or organize one. Share your events on social media using #NationalEdgeDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL EDGE DAY HISTORY
In 1999, the Straight Edge movement launch this national day with an event held in Boston, Massachusetts under the name of “Edge Fest.” Straight Edge is a subculture and subgenre of hardcore punk whose adherents refrain from using alcohol, tobacco, and other recreational drugs. The movement adopted the term from the song “Straight Edge” by the 1980s hardcore punk band, Minor Threat.
NATIONAL MULLIGAN DAY
National Mulligan Day is observed annually on October 17th.
In golf, a mulligan happens when a player gets a second chance to perform a specific move or action. The day offers an opportunity for giving yourself a second chance or, as some people call it, a “do-over.”
According to the United States Golf Association (USGA), three different stories explain the origin of the term. The first derives from the name of a Canadian golfer, David Mulligan, a one-time manager of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, who played golf in the 1920s. A different, later, etymology gives credit to John A. “Buddy” Mulligan, a locker room attendant at Essex Fells C.C., New Jersey, in the 1930s. Another story, according to author Henry Beard, states that the term comes from Thomas Mulligan, a minor Anglo-Irish aristocrat and a passionate golfer who was born in 1793.
According to the United States Golf Association (USGA), the term first achieved widespread use in the 1940s.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMulliganDay
We can all think of something that at one point in time, we have said, “I wish I could do that over.” Celebrate the day by taking your do-over. Also, be considerate and offer a Mulligan to a few friends and neighbors out there. Some days we all deserve it. Use #NationalMulliganDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL MULLIGAN DAY HISTORY
C. Daniel Rhodes of Hoover, AL, National Mulligan Day as a way to give everyone a day to have a fresh start. Along with Mulligan Day, Rhodes created Brother’s Day (May 24) and National Garage Sale Day (Second Saturday in August).
NATIONAL PASTA DAY
Types of Pasta
- Dried and fresh pasta come in several shapes and varieties.
- There are so many kinds of pasta! According to the Encyclopedia of Pasta by Oretta Zanini De Vita, 310 specific kinds of pasta identified by over 1300 names have been documented.
- In Italy, names of specific pasta shapes or types vary with locale.
- Example: Cavatelli is known by 28 different names depending on the region and town.
The size and shape of pasta may determine the best sauce to pair with it, too. For example, serve linguine with lighter, thinner sauces to avoid breaking the noodles. A similarly shaped noodle, fettuccine, is less delicate. That’s why it carries heavier sauces like alfredo.
Learn more about pasta from the National Pasta Association.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalPastaDay
Explore the world of pasta. Whether you’re cooking up a salad, main dish, or dessert, recipes abound. We offer several on our recipe page, too! If you don’t feel like cooking, take the family out to an Italian restaurant. No matter what you are planning, invite friends to join you. It’s the best way to Celebrate Every Day®! #NationalPastaDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL PASTA DAY HISTORY
National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this delicious food holiday.
BLACK POETRY DAY
Black Poetry Day on October 17th honors past and present black poets. The day also commemorates the birth of the first published black poet in the United States. Jupiter Hammon was born in Long Island, New York, on October 17th, 1711.
The day celebrates the importance of black heritage and literacy. It also recognizes the contributions made by black poets and shows appreciation to black authors.
Take up a quiet spot at the library to read many of the talented black poets from around the world. Or find a poetry reading at a nearby bookstore, cultural or arts center like the Furious Flower Poetry Center at James Madison University. The first center of its kind in the United States, The Furious Flower’s name is inspired by a poem written by former U.S. Poet Laureate Gwendolyn Brooks. They also have a growing collection of resources, offer workshops and so much more.
HOW TO OBSERVE #BlackPoetryDay
Host a poetry slam in your living room, front step, or in the break room. Encourage a black poet you know. Attend a poetry reading or share your own poetry. Pick up some poetry written by black poets. Explore the poetry of Jessie Redmon Fauset, Robert Hayden, Wanda Phips or Arna Bontemps. As you celebrate, be sure to use #BlackPoetryDay to post on social media.
BLACK POETRY DAY HISTORY
Black Poetry Day was established in 1985 honoring the birth of the first Black poet published in the United States, Jupiter Hammon. The poet is considered the father of African American Literature. Born into slavery, Hammon received an education, learned to read, and was allowed the use of the manor library.
National Days
- National Exascale Day
- International Legging Day
- National Chocolate Cupcake Day
- National No Beard Day
- National Clean Your Virtual Desktop Day – Third Monday in October
International Days
1814
When an iron ring holding together a fermentation tank snapped at the Horse Shoe Brewery in St. Giles, London, the ensuing flood collapsed one of the brewery walls sending a tidal wave of beer into the streets of Tottenham Court Road. The exploding vat also damaged other vats in the brewery causing more than 320,000 gallons of beer to fill basements and damage to surrounding houses. In the aftermath, 8 people died as a result of the fermented fury.
1855
Sir Henry Bessemer patented his steelmaking process that would later become known as the Bessemer Process. By blowing air into molten pig iron, Bessemer used oxidation to remove impurities from the iron.
1907
Guglielmo Marconi begins the first commercial transatlantic wireless telegraph service.
1919
Twelve years later, General Electric incorporates the Radio Corporation of America. With assistance from the United States Navy Department, RCA acquired the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company.
1937
Donald Duck’s nephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie appear in a comic strip for the first time.
1979
Congress passes the Department of Education Organization Act creating the U.S. Department of Education.
1997
At the United States National Skydiving Championship in Perris Valley, CA, an international team of jumpers sets a world record for the largest canopy formation by women using 25 parachutes.
Recipe of the Day
Chocolate Pots de Creme
Prep: 10
Cook: 55
Total Prep: 65
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
1 3/4 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup whole milk
1/8 teaspoon salt
6 large egg yolks
2 1/2 tablespoons sugar
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 325°F.
Place chocolate in a medium bowl.
In a small saucepan, bring cream, milk, and salt to simmer.
Remove from heat and pour over the chocolate. Whisk until smooth.
Whisk egg yolks in a separate medium bowl.
Add sugar.
Slowly add the melted chocolate and whisk until blended.
Strain mixture into another container.
Divide custard into six ramekins.
Place ramekins in a roasting pan or baking dish.
Add hot water to the pan until it comes halfway up the sides of the cups.
Cover with foil and place carefully in the oven.
Bake the custards until they are set around the edges, but the centers slightly move when shaken, approximately 55 minutes.
Shinichi Suzuki – 1898
The self-taught musician was also a philosopher and educator. His love of music and education led Suzuki to developed the Suzuki method of teaching music.
Arthur Miller – 1915
The Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright is best known for the plays The Crucible, Death of a Salesman and All My Sons.
Violet Milstead – 1919
The Canadian pilot joined the Air Transport Auxiliary during World War II, delivering planes to the military squadrons. She’s also Canada’s first woman bush pilot and earned numerous awards for her service.
Priscilla Buckley – 1921
For 27 years, the journalist and author was the managing editor for the National Review.
Evel Knievel – 1938
Known for his dramatic jumps, Knievel was the Harry Houdini of daredevils. Throughout his career he made more than 75 jumps on his motorcycles wowing spectators around the world.
Mae C Jemison – 1956
The chemical engineer and physician became the first African American woman in space. On September 12, 1992, Jemison along with six other astronauts flew into space aboard the space shuttle Endeavor.
Mike Judge – 1962
The animator created the television series Beavis and Butt-Head. He is also co-creator of the animated series King of the Hill and Mike Judge Presents: Tales from the Tour Bus.
National Day Calendar® is the authoritative source for fun, unusual and unique National Days! Since our humble beginnings on National Popcorn Day in 2013, we now track nearly 1,500 National Days, National Weeks and National Months. In addition, our research team continues to uncover the origins of existing National Days as well as discover new, exciting days for everyone to celebrate.
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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