On September 13th National Peanut Day pays homage to mighty and tasty peanut.
Likely originating in South America around 3,500 years ago, this legume is not a nut. They grow underground, like potatoes. Since they are an edible seed that forms in a pod, they belong to the family Leguminosae with peas and beans. When it comes to plants packing protein power, peanuts provide a whopping 8 grams per ounce, more than any other nut according to The Peanut Institute. And remember, it’s not a nut! Nuts grow on trees.
The peanut is also high in antioxidants. Not only are peanuts high in vitamins E and B6, but they’re rich in minerals such as magnesium, iron, and zinc. Studies also show when paired with other nutrient-rich foods, this wonderful legume helps us absorb nutrients better, too.
For the longest time, livestock gained the most significant benefit from all these nutrients. Until modern methods came along, planting and harvesting peanuts were labor-intensive and risky endeavors for farmers. Gradually their popularity grew. Civil War soldiers found a fondness for them, and so did fans of PT Barnum’s traveling circus. But what made it possible for peanuts to be grown in abundance was an advancement in farm technology. Just like the cotton gin revolutionized the cotton industry, planters and harvesters transformed not only the peanut farm but farming the world over.
Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack ~ lyric from Take Me Out to the Ballgame (1908) by Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tilzer.
Dr. George Washington Carver
With the rise in peanut production, there also brought an increase of curious investigation into its possible uses. When the boll weevil wreaked havoc on the South’s cotton crop, Dr. George Washington Carver, made a suggestion. He had been researching this amazing groundnut and suggested farmers diversify into peanuts. It was an economic boon to Southern farmers. He published his research “How to Grow the Peanut and 105 Ways of Preparing it for Human Consumption” in 1916. His continued research resulted in more than delicious uses for this goober, groundnut or ground pea. From shaving cream to plastics and cosmetics and even coffee, Dr. Carver’s appetite for the peanut seemed to be unending.
Many of the peanut discoveries Dr. Carver made 100 years ago are still being used today.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalPeanutDay
Explore the world of the peanut and crack open some for a healthful snack. Use #NationalPeanutDay to post on social media.
National Chocolate Milkshake Day on September 12th brings chocolate and ice cream lovers together. Forget the calories for just this one day and enjoy a sweet tall, thick and delicious, chocolate milkshake!
The term milkshake first appeared in print in 1885. During this period, milkshake referred to an alcoholic beverage described as a “sturdy, healthful eggnog type of drink” blended with eggs, whiskey, and other ingredients. Pharmacies served the drink as a tonic and a treat to customers. By 1900, pharmacies offered this “wholesome drink” with either chocolate, strawberry, or vanilla syrup.
The early 1900s – People began asking for this “new treat” with a scoop of ice cream.
1911 – Hamilton Beach’s drink mixers began to be used at soda fountains.
1922 – Steven Poplawski invented the electric blender or drink mixer.
Due to the invention of the blender, the milkshake began to take a chipped, aerated, and frothy form as they are today.
By the 1920s & 1930s, milkshakes became a popular drink at malt shops everywhere.
Another addition to the milkshake was malted milk powder. Made from malted barley, wheat flour, and dehydrated whole milk, malted milk tastes a bit like toasted caramel. It made its debut around the 1870s as a shelf-stable dry milk product. Add the powder to a chocolate milkshake, and transform the creamy goodness into a malted chocolate milkshake. Along with milkshakes, malted milk milkshakes became popular drinks at soda fountains around the 1920s.
Enjoy a chocolate milkshake at your favorite restaurant or soda fountain. Or try a malted version, especially if you’ve never had a malted chocolate milkshake. It is definitely worth a try. You may want to top off your chocolate milkshake with a dollop of whipped cream! While you’re enjoying this sweet treat, don’t forget to introduce this delicious pasttime to someone else.
Do you have a favorite malt shop? Be sure to give them a shout out, too! Use #ChocolateMilkshakeDay to post on social media.
Patriot Day on September 11th honors the memory of the nearly 3,000 innocent victims who died in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Each year Americans dedicate this day to remembering those who died and to the first responders who risked their own lives to save others.
We Remember
For many, September 11, 2001, began like any other weekday. We made our way to work. Children attended school. We shopped, had coffee, waited in line at a drive-thru. Those of us who weren’t in New York City heard the first reports on the radio or television. A friend or neighbor alerted us to a plane flying into one of the Twin Towers. We felt disbelief. An accident, perhaps, a miscalculation. Then, a second plane flew into the second tower. Our disbelief turned into uncertainty and concern.
I can clearly remember everything from that morning. As most of us know some memories are more clear than others, this is often because events like 9 – 11, Kennedy Assassination, Princess Diana’s death, are tied to strong emotions.
I can remember hearing about the first plane on the radio alarm. I stumbled into the livingroom telling my fiance to turn on the news. We watched in stunned disbelief as the second and third planes crashed. With everything in disarray we still had to go into work at the mall even if it was very short lived.
Upon returning home we were glued to the news as events continued to unfold. In our lifetimes there had not been an attack of this magnitude on American soil. I cannot say how many emotions we went through that day. Ours could never compare to the families and first responders directly involved.
As we step into yet another remembrance of this tragedy, I reflect on missing September 12th. On September 12, this country was unified like I have not seen in years. Especially in light of today’s climate in our country. The senseless bickering, blaming and destruction, are what did not exist on September 12. We were proud to be Americans. While our country is not perfect, we do not live with those events as a daily occurrence.
Those on the ground faced terror and obstacles they had never known. As a set of coordinated suicide attacks organized by the militant group Al Qaeda targeted the World Trade Center, the rest of the nation witnessed the unbelievable. And then a third plane crashed into The Pentagon. And yet another crashed into a field in Shanksville, PA.
As the recent turmoil in regard to Afghanistan persists, I sincerely hope we remember this tragedy was the catalyst that got us there.
Memorial
Every year since that fateful day, the United States comes together to remember the fallen. We remember the first responders and those who made difficult decisions. Since that day, memorials have risen from the ashes.
PATRIOT DAY HISTORY
HOW TO OBSERVE #PatriotDay #NeverForget
Attend Patriot Day ceremonies.
Observe moments of silence:
8:46 AM EDT – American Airlines Flight #11 collides into the World Trade Center
9:03 AM EDT – United Airlines Flight #175 collides into the World Trade Center South Tower
9:37 AM EDT – American Airlines Flight #77 crashes into the Pentagon
9:59 AM EDT – World Trade Center South Tower Collapses
10:03 AM EDT – United Airlines Flight #93 crashes in Shanksville, PA
10:28 AM EDT – World Trade Center North Tower Collapses
Volunteer – While remembering the day, help an organization with meaning to you. Improve the lives of others and the world around you. Spread kindness. Offer them hope. Share your skills with those who need them most.
Remember – Remember those killed in the attacks. Remember to stand united as a Nation. Join others in prayer vigils or memorial events.
September 13, 2001 – In the immediate aftermath of the terrorist attacks, President George W. Bush proclaimed Friday, September 14, 2001, as a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for the Victims of the Terrorist Attacks on September 11, 2001.
August 31, 2002 – President George W. Bush proclaimed Friday, September 6, through Sunday, September 8, 2002, as National Days of Prayer and Remembrance.
September 4, 2002 – President Bush proclaimed September 11, 2002, as the first Patriot Day.
September 9, 2016 – President Barack Obama proclaimed September 11th as Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance.
In 2017 and 2018, President Donald Trump declared September 8–10 as National Days of Prayer and Remembrance and proclaimed September 11 as Patriot Day. “During the National Days of Prayer and Remembrance, we pause to honor the memory of the nearly 3,000 innocent people who were murdered by radical Islamist terrorists in the brutal attacks of September 11, 2001. We come together to pray for those whose lives were forever changed by the loss of a loved one. We strengthen our resolve to stand together as one Nation.”
One day I hope we will return to the ideals of September 12th. I come from a community who bands together to help each other in the wake of things like hurricanes. Soon I hope that spirit prevails to all situations.
This year while we morn the loss of September 11th, I implore those both in government and citizens to strive once again to return to a September 12th. For the good of our children, our nation and humanity.
The road there starts with each of us. We have to decide to strive for it. If not for the future of our country for our children and grandchildren. We must teach both our children and grandchildren what this future should be.
Use #PatriotDay or #NeverForget to post on social media and show your support.
It is believed Teddy Bears defend from monsters while we sleep.
On September 9th, National Teddy Bear Day honors the history of one of childhood’s favorite toys. We have all had a special cuddly teddy as a child. Some of us still have our teddy bear from our childhood. No matter what kind of teddy bear you had or have, this day is a perfect time to celebrate your childhood friend!
In 1902, American President Theodore Roosevelt refused to shoot a bear cub while hunting in Mississippi. The incident made national news. Clifford Berryman published a cartoon of the event in the Washington Post on November 16th, 1902, and the caricature became an instant classic.
The Berryman cartoon of Teddy Roosevelt and the cub inspired New York store owner Morris Michtom. He created a new toy and even had a name in mind. Michtom wrote President Roosevelt to ask permission to name the new toy a “Teddy Bear.”
A teddy bear does not depend on mechanics to give him the semblance of life. He is loved – and therefore, he lives. ~ Pam Brown
Since the advent of the Teddy Bear, a parade of famous characters followed.
Big Bird from Sesame Street named his Teddy Bear Radar. The lasagna loving cat celebrated on Garfield the Cat Day armed himself with Pooky, his lovable scapegoat. The British invasion of Teddy Bears includes Winnie-the-Pooh and Paddington. In 1981, the Care Bears first became greeting cards. Not long after, they launched into television and toy history.
And let’s not forget the Muppet character Fozzie Bear. The lovable and comedic bear endlessly perseveres with one-liners, slapstick and musical comedy.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalTeddyBearDay
Share some of your favorite Teddy Bear characters from a time gone by. Are they recent interpretations of the lovable creature? Or do you have an affinity for the classic Teddy Bear? Other ways to celebrate include:
Fans across the globe celebrate Star Trek Day on September 8 to remember the timeless legacy Star Trek has made on society and pop culture.
On September 8, 1966, a television series pilot known as Star Trek was introduced on American television. Aiming for an adult audience, this was the was the first time a scientific fiction series would explore morality through scientific narratives. Most movies or television shows would contain science but would often create conflict of suffering and injustice to solve problems. However, Star Trek was different. The series would put actors in the forefront making scientific arguments, while providing peaceful solutions to problems without using violence.
What was the first episode of Star Trek? In a galaxy far, far away “The Man Trap” aired as the pilot episode for Star Trek: The Original Series. Creator Gene Roddenberry’s vision to successfully deliver a storyline of intergalactic drama full of diversity, acceptance and hope became a reality on todays date. Though the series intention was to be a fictional story, Star Trek would become a futuristic franchise, showcasing humans living in harmony with space and Earth.
The original cast of the Star Trek series was one of the most diverse looking characters ever seen on television at the time. The main crew consisted of:
Ship Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner)
First Officer and Science Officer Spock (Leonard Nimoy)
Chief Medical Officer: Leonard H. “Bones” McCoy (DeForest Kelly)
For 57 years, Star Trek has been captivating audiences across the world. Now considered one of the most successful franchise, the legacy of the original series continues to greet millions of fans.
For more information visit the Star Trek Day website.
LIFT OFF
Watch the original Star Trek pilot series.
Host a Star Trek Marathon with your friends and family.
Dress up in your favorite Star Trek character and host a Treki party.
Learn Klingon (the official Star Trek language).
Find a Star Trek convention and attend.
Introduce Star Trek to a new generation.
Post your Star Trek moments on social media and tag #StarTrekDay.
