Today is...

[Jvancouver]

It's the first day of Fall today.

[IceWizard]

Friday 23 Sep 2016

Checkers Day



Checkers Day doesn’t have anything to do with the popular board game; rather, it commemorates the famous ‘checkers‘ speech made by Richard M. Nixon in 1952 after he received an adorable Cocker Spaniel as he sought election in 1952.

Politicians are banned from taking donations for their own use so, when he was accused of this by rivals, like many others seeking election, Nixon faced allegations that he had misused donations for election expenses and syphoned these off for his personal use.

Rather than shy away from these allegations, Nixon decided to address these head-on during a 30-minute TV debate. However it was not his use of financial details that led to this speech becoming one of the most celebrated in US history, rather it was the introduction of Checkers, the Cocker Spaniel, to the public which made it memorable.

Voters were won over when Nixon told them about his children’s love for Checkers. “Our little girl named it Checkers and, you know, the kids, like all kids, love the dog and I just want to say this right now, that regardless of what they say about it, we’re gonna keep it.”

Still, that’s no reason not to have a game or two of checkers – and you’ll probably have more fun anyway.



And



Restless Legs Awareness Day



Restless Legs Awareness Day aims to promote awareness of this medical condition or syndrome.

It is held on the same day each year to coincide with the birth date of Professor Karl- Axel Ekborn (born 23rd September 1907, died 1977). This eminent Swedish neurologist first wrote and described the disease in 1945.

Since then, a lot has been learned about its symptoms although (to date) there is no known primary cause. It may be associated with dopamine or blood iron levels.

Characterised by urges to move the legs even when at rest, it can also sometimes occur in the arms.

Secondary causes include some medication or other pre-disposing medical conditions. International Awareness Day aims to increase understanding of RLS and the jerky movements and in some cases distress caused.

A cure is still being sought. In 2013, the North Carolina (USA) proclaimed that this day should be observed by all citizens.

[IceWizard]

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September 23 Birthdays


Bruce Springsteen - 67



Ray Charles - (1930-2004)



Mickey Rooney - (1920-2014)



Karl Pilkington - 44



Julio Iglesias - 73



Jason Alexander - 57



Caesar Augustus - (63-14)

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September 23rd

2010: Heart guitarist and singer Nancy Wilson filed for divorce from her husband of 22 years, film director Cameron Crowe. Wilson cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for the divorce and listed June 15th, 2008 as the separation date.

2006: Neil Young received the Artist of the Year award at the fifth annual Americana Honors and Awards in Nashville. Young was honored for his album Living With War which criticized the policies of George W. Bush’s presidential administration.

1997: The Rolling Stones kicked off their tour in support of Bridges to Babylon at Soldier Field in Chicago.

1991: Guns N’ Roses announced that guitarist Izzy Stadlin was leaving the band. Gilby Clarke would shortly replace him.

1989: Skid Row peaked at number six on the Billboard 200 Album Chart with their self-titled debut album which went on to sell five million copies in the U.S. On the same day they peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart with “18 and Life” which was their first top ten single in the U.S.

1980: David Bowie opened a three month run on Broadway taking over the title role in The Elephant Man.

1980: Bob Marley performed his final concert at the Stanley Theater in Pittsburgh. Marley collapsed onstage during the concert. Two days before this, Marley collapsed while jogging in New York City’s Central Park and was told to immediately cancel his tour.

1970: After a Rolling Stones concert at the Paris Olympia, Mick Jagger met his future wife Bianca Perez-More Macias for the first time. They would get married the following year and divorce in 1979.

1969: In Illinois’ The Northern Star newspaper, a story ran claiming that Paul McCartney died on November 9, 1966 in a car crash and had been replaced by a British look-alike named William Campbell. McCartney later came out of seclusion to deny it.



Birthdays:

Neal Smith - Drummer for Alice Cooper born in 1947

Bruce Springsteen born in 1949

[Tbaronfl]

Looking at these birthdays, its clear...I'm gettin' old. ;0)

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It's the first day of Fall today.

Maybe in Vancouver my friend, but not down here in the sunshine state, Ha!

[IceWizard]

Saturday 24 Sep 2016

Cherries Jubilee Day



There are many special days that celebrate different types of food but it is quite rare to find a day that is devoted to just one particular dish.

Cherries Jubilee Day is set aside to celebrate a dessert that takes cherries and turns them into something spectacular. Fresh cherries are cooked in a sweet sauce into which warmed liqueur, usually kirsch or fruit brandy, is mixed and set alight before being spooned over a chilled bowl of vanilla ice-cream while still burning with a blue flame.

This show-stopping flambéed dish is credited to the famous chef, Auguste Escoffie, who created it for the 1897 Diamond Jubilee celebrations of Queen Victoria.

Cherries Jubilee became a big hit across the Atlantic and was a favourite in American restaurants of the 1950s and 60s. Today it has come back into fashion and Cherries Jubilee Day is the ideal time to discover this dramatic and delicious dish.



And



International Rabbit Day



Poachers and cosmetic manufacturers beware: International Rabbit Day is definitely not for you!

Held on the fourth Saturday or Sunday of September, this annual celebration of the long- eared, short-tailed mammal is not just in the name of the millions of bunnies kept as pets across the Western world, but aims to promote a serious message about animal welfare.

On International Rabbit Day we are encouraged to consider, not only the companionship offered by our favourite hutch-dwellers, but the various ways in which rabbits are harmed by medical and cosmetic testing, hunting, fur farming and, of course, casseroling.

Yes, there is a serious side to International Rabbit Day but you may not be surprised to learn that events are somewhat sporadic – so let your bunny out of its hutch and give it an extra carrot or two (and be sure to plan chicken for the family roast).

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September 24 Birthdays


Jim Henson - (1936-1990)



Joe Greene - 70



F Scott Fitzgerald - (1896-1940)



Kevin Sorbo - 58






September 24th

1998: Steven Tyler threw out the first pitch at the Montreal Expos-St. Louis Cardinals baseball game at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.

1998: Former Guns N’ Roses drummer Steven Adler was sentenced to 150 days in jail for two counts of battery and probation violation from a conviction the previous year.

1994: Eric Clapton was the musical guest on the season premiere of Saturday Night Live where he performed “I’m Tore Down” and “Five Long Years”.

1993: Former Guns N’ Roses drummer Steven Adler collected $2.5 million from his former band after suing them for wrongful dismissal. He claimed that he was thrown out due to his heroin habit after they encouraged him to start using it.

1991: Nirvana released Nevermind a record many say was responsible for bringing alternative rock to a large mainstream audience. It would enter the Billboard 200 Album Chart at 144, peaking at number one in January 1992.

1989: The group Chopped Liver performed on the L’Chai-To Life telethon in Los Angeles, which featured Bob Dylan on the recorder alongside actor Harry Dean Stanton.

1979: The Eagles released their sixth studio album The Long Run which would go to reach number one on the Billboard 200 album chart and sell seven million copies in the U.S.

1977: Styx released “Come Sail Away” which went on to peak at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart making it their second top ten single in the U.S.

1966: Jimi Hendrix arrived in London along with his manager Chas Chandler, formerly of The Animals. On the flight from New York City, Hendrix changed the spelling of his name from Jimmy to Jimi.





Birthdays:

Linda McCartney born in 1941

Jerry Donahue - Guitarist for Fairport Convention born in 1946

[IceWizard]

Sunday 25 Sep 2016

World Pharmacists Day



World Pharmacists Day was the brainchild of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), with the council of this organization voting to establish the event in the late 2000s during a conference they staged in Istanbul, Turkey.

The aim of the day is to bring attention to pharmacies and the positive benefits they offer when it comes to health and FIP encourages all its members to get involved to make the event a success.

Each year the organization announces a different theme so that associations and individuals in the pharmaceutical industry can put together national campaigns or local projects to showcase the good work they do in helping to improve the health of people around the world. This can include giving lectures, holding exhibitions, or organizing an activity day for adults and kids to demonstrate the many ways that a pharmacy can help them.



And



One-Hit Wonder Day



It’s what we’ve all been waiting for, a day to celebrate every artist who has conspired to give us one massively successful song….and the grand total of nothing since.

One-Hit Wonder Day was established by music journalist Steve Rosen back in 1990 to pay tribute to those who have had their five minutes (or less) of fame and subsequently vanished, leaving us only a catchy (hopefully!) tune to remember them by.

From bizarre, middle-aged Spaniards Los Del Rio doing the ‘Macarena’, to beanie-hatted Daniel Powter singing about his ‘Bad Day’, via Lou Bega’s Mambo #5, the list of one-hit wonders is a long and varied one, so dig out your old record collection and see how many of these unfortunate souls are lurking there.

Then join us in sitting back, listening to their tunes and wondering what the heck these artists are doing now (apart from spending their massive royalty cheque).

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September 25 Birthdays


Will Smith - 48



Scottie Pippen - 51



Catherine Zeta-Jones - 47



Michael Douglas - 72



Christopher Reeve - (1952-2004)



Barbara Walters - 87



Heather Locklear - 55



Jamie Hyneman - 60

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September 25th

2006: Steven Tyler made a cameo appearance on Two and a Half Men playing himself as a noisy, obnoxious neighbor.

1993: Nirvana were the musical guest on the season premiere on Saturday Night Live where they performed “Heart-Shaped Box” and “Rape Me”.

1992: During an Ozzy Osbourne concert at the State Fair Grandstand in Oklahoma City, two fans were stabbed and twenty were arrested. Sharon Osbourne would blame this on the availability of alcohol at the concert.

1990: Dave Grohl, former drummer for Washington DC based band Scream auditioned to be Nirvana’s new drummer and was offered the job immediately.

1981: The Rolling Stones kicked off their world tour in support of Tattoo You in Philadelphia, PA. This was the first rock and roll tour to have a sponsor, which would later become the norm in the touring industry.

1980: Led Zeppelin drummer John Bohnam was found dead as a result of asphyxiation from vomit after excessive vodka consumption the previous night. He was 32 years old.

1972: Black Sabbath released their fourth album Black Sabbath Vol. 4 which went on to reach number thirteen on the Billboard 200 Album Chart and sell one million copies in the U.S. The album was originally titled Snowblind which was changed by their record label Warner Bros. at the last minute.

1971: Deep Purple reached number one on the U.K. Album Chart for the first time with Fireball which spent one week on top of the chart.

1967: The Doors released their second album Strange Days which went on to reach number three on the Billboard 200 album chart and sell one million copies in the U.S.

1965: The Yardbirds peaked at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart with “Heart Full of Soul” which was their second and final top ten single in the U.S.

[IceWizard]

Monday 26 Sep 2016

Love Note Day



Love Note Day is a day to tell someone you love them, by writing a message of love in the form of a note.

Though the traditional way of doing this is in handwritten form, eCards are another way of sending out a love message on this particular day.

This day can be at its most effective when the recipient of the message isn’t aware that Love Note Day even exists!

Consequently, a loving message will come as a pleasant surprise. For couples that plan exchanging Love Notes, then doing so in unpredictable ways can make the whole day a fun experience. Leaving a note in a fridge, or on the inside of the bathroom door are just two examples.

Love Note Day can be for any family members or for long time friends, too. It’s the perfect day to make someone feel appreciated through just a few heartfelt words.



And



Batman Day



If you are of the opinion that there are not enough days set aside to celebrate fictional vigilantes, who dress up as flying creatures in order to tackle crime, then we agree with you.

Fortunately, there is one such date set aside every year – Batman Day. The purpose of Batman Day is to celebrate the anniversary of the character’s first ever appearance, which was in Detective Comics #27 way back in May 1939.

Since those early comic book appearances, Batman has grown into one of the world’s best-loved and most recognisable fictional characters, and is the focal point of television shows, animated cartoons, video games and Hollywood blockbusters.

Do you possess some Batman-related comic books, video games or DVDs? Are you the proud owner of a Batman fancy dress costume that rarely gets used? Whatever the case, why not find a way to celebrate Gotham City’s greatest detective?





And



Johnny Appleseed Day



There’s a story from the early days of America, discussing this near mythical figure that travelled the wilds of America spreading apple seeds everywhere he went. He was known and lauded for his kind, generous ways, and the importance he placed on the apples.

To this day he is depicted in stories and song as the man who made apples an American institution, and is one of the most beloved characters in its mythology and history.

History of Johnny Appleseed Day

What many people don’t know is that Johnny Appleseed was no mere legend, but was in fact a missionary known by the name of John Chapman. Born in Leominster, Massachussets in 1774.

While the most common display of the man who would be known as Johnny Appleseed is of him randomly spreading apple seeds everywhere, the truth of his methods were a bit more pragmatic.

He travelled throughout Pennsylvania, Ontario, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, and the lands that would become West Virginia planting nurseries.

He would fence them in and leave them in the care of a neighbor who would then sell shares in the trees, and then come back every year or two to tend them.

His very first nursery was built on the bank of Brokenstraw Creek, south of Warren Pennsylvania, but dozens more were to follow.

His work wasn’t focused just on apples, however. He had a deep and abiding love for animals of all kinds, including insects. He may have been one of the first ethical vegetarians, and spent much of his life taking pains not to harm animals.

One popular story about him recounts his attitudes towards animals:

“One cool autumnal night, while lying by his camp-fire in the woods, he observed that the mosquitoes flew in the blaze and were burned. Johnny, who wore on his head a tin utensil which answered both as a cap and a mush pot, filled it with water and quenched the fire, and afterwards remarked, “God forbid that I should build a fire for my comfort, that should be the means of destroying any of His creatures.””

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September 26 Birthdays


Serena Williams - 35



Olivia Newton-John - 68



John Chapman - (1774-1845)



Donna Douglas - (1932-2015)



George Gershwin - (1898-1937)






September 26th

1999: Deep Purple played at London’s Royal Albert Hall accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

1997: Bryan Adams taped his appearance on MTV Unplugged at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. The concert featured students from the Juilliard School being conducted by Michael Kamen.

1995: AC/DC released their twelfth international studio album Ballbreaker which was their first album with drummer Phil Rudd since 1983’s Flick of the Switch. The album went on to peak at number four on the Billboard 200 Album Chart and sell two million copies in the U.S.

1991: The original lineup of Jane’s Addiction performed their farewell concert at the Aloha Tower in Honolulu, HI. There would go on to be multiple Jane’s Addiction reunions in 1997, 2001 and 2003, but the original lineup didn’t reunite until April of 2008.

1991: Southside Johnny filmed his music video for “It’s been a Long Time” with 500 fans and friends in attendance at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ. The video featured appearances by Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi and Steven Van Zandt, who ended up jamming together onstage for over an hour.

1989: Paul McCartney kicked off his first world tour in ten years at the Drammenshallen in Drammen, Norway. Throughout this tour, McCartney performed several Lennon/ McCartney songs live for the first time

1987: The Grateful Dead peaked at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart with “Touch of Grey” which was their first and only top ten single in the U.S.

1981: Bruce Dickinson replaced Paul Di’Anno as the singer for Iron Maiden. Dickinson would leave the band in 1993 and rejoin in 1999.

1970: Free’s third studio album Fire and Water entered the Billboard 200 Album Chart where it eventually peaked at number seventeen.



Birthdays:

Bryan Ferry - Singer for Roxy Music born in 1945

Craig Chaquico - Guitarist for Jefferson Starship born in 1954

[Charon]

John Chapman, aka Johnny Appleseed, sounds amazing. The first ethical vegetarian--I like that. Well done, Ice.

[IceWizard]

Tuesday 27 Sep 2016

Ancestor Appreciation Day





Many of us are completely unaware of our ancestors and the lives they lived, yet they almost certainly went a long way towards shaping our habits, traditions and values today.

Fortunately, the annually-celebrated Ancestor Appreciation Day gives people a reminder to learn more about those who came before us. The internet can be a wonderful tool when it comes to researching genealogy and various online resources will help you to find records of your family’s history, learn about your ancestors and their way of life and even create a detailed family tree.

Building a more complete picture of your relatives and their history can help to promote a greater appreciation for life and form a better understanding of the individual journey your family has been on.

If nothing else, why not spend the day with your living relatives?

Ask a few questions, let them tell stories and find out about previous generations that way.



And



World Tourism Day



Travel has been said to broaden the mind, exploring the world and seeing the broad vistas and cultures that the people of the world offer.

Tourism can describe travel for pleasure both foreign and domestic, and has been happening as long as long as mankind. Tourism Day is your opportunity to broad your own world a little, find a location you’ve always wanted to make time to visit, and finally get around to making time to do it.

So find your inner traveler and get out there and experience the places you’ve always wanted to see.

History of Tourism Day

Tourism has been a part of the human experience as long as there have been distant places to go and experience. It was originally the province of the wealthy, with travel being difficult and expensive, but it afforded opportunities to learn new languages, experience different cuisines, and generally see what there was to see.

Tourism can be argued to be traced back to the Shulgi period in Ancient China, when Kings took great pains to protect the roads and build waystations for travelers.

In the Middle Ages travel became even more important for religious reasons, Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity all had pilgrimage traditions that required travelling great distances in the interest of health and spiritual improvement.

Tourism Day was established by The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to promote sustainable, responsible, and universally accessible tourism. Tourism benefits both the tourist and the locations that they visit, and is one of the major drivers of economic growth.

To this end they’ve put together the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, to help increase the benefits of tourism while minimizing its impact and protected the people, cultures, and environments of the locations people go to visit and experience.

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September 27 Birthdays


Gwyneth Paltrow - 44



Meat Loaf - 69



Samuel Adams - (1722-1803)






September 27th

2007: Van Halen kicked off their reunion tour with David Lee Roth at the Charlotte Bobcats Arena. It was their first tour with Roth in 23 years.

2004: Legendary “Wall of Sound” producer Phil Spector was indicted on murder charges for allegedly killing actress Lana Clarkson on February 3, 2003. Spector would later be found guilty of second degree murder in 2009.

1994: The Jim Henson Company released the album Kermit Unpigged which featured appearances by Don Henley, Ozzy Osbourne and Jimmy Buffett on duets with the Muppets.

1994: Metallica filed a lawsuit against their record label Elektra Records asking to be released from their ten year contract with the label based on California’s Labor Code 2855. The suit would be settled that December and they remained with Elektra.

1990: Ramones bassist Dee Dee Ramone was arrested on charges of marijuana possession during a drug bust at Greenwich Village in New York City.

1986: Metallica bassist Cliff Burton was killed in Sweden when their tour bus skidded off the highway and flipped onto the ground, he was thrown through the window of the bus, which later fell on top of Burton, crushing him to death. He was 24 years old.

1986: Run-D.M.C.’s cover of Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way” which featured Steven Tyler and Joe Perry peaked at number four on Billboard’s Hot 100 Singles Chart. This cover is credited for the beginning of Aerosmith’s comeback and introducing them to a new generation of music fans.

1980: David Bowie reached the top of the U.K. Album Chart for the fourth time with Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps) which spent two weeks on top.

1969: Creedence Clearwater Revival peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart with “Green River” which was their third single to reach number two in the U.S.



Birthdays:

Randy Bachman - Guitarist for The Guess Who and Bachman -Turner Overdrive born in 1943

Meat Loaf born in 1947

[Linville]

Ice the, Cherries Jubilee Day looked so so delish. Yummy Good.