Tag folklore

NATIONAL CHICKEN MONTH

Jensperspectiveblog 3 Comments

For over two decades, the National Chicken Council has banded together with major chicken producers in the U.S. to promote chicken sales in September. As a result, September is known as National Chicken Month! This once slow month, as the summer grilling season waned, has turned into one of the year’s best performing sales periods. September might be the month we find out which came first, the chicken or the egg.

First domesticated for cockfighting, the chicken eventually made its way to the dinner table. Many families have their own homemade spice recipes. A major part of enjoying chicken is the spicing. Food experts have debated for years about the contents of KFC. White pepper, paprika, and even Thousand-Island dressing are among the eleven herbs and spices supposedly in the Colonel’s recipe.

Swanson White Premium Chunk Canned Chicken Breast in Water, Fully Cooked Chicken, 12.5 OZ Can
Swanson White Premium Chunk Canned Chicken Breast in Water, Fully Cooked Chicken, 12.5 OZ Can
Kirkland Signature Chicken Breast, 12.5 Ounce (6) (Pack of 6)
Kirkland Signature Chicken Breast, 12.5 Ounce (6) (Pack of 6)
StarKist Premium White Chicken - 2.6 oz Pouch (Pack of 12)
StarKist Premium White Chicken – 2.6 oz Pouch (Pack of 12)
Dr. Kellyann Bone Broth Packets, Original Homestyle Flavor - 7 Servings, Chicken Broth with 100% Grass-fed Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides Powder, 16g Protein, Keto and Paleo Diet Friendly
Dr. Kellyann Bone Broth Packets, Original Homestyle Flavor – 7 Servings, Chicken Broth with 100% Grass-fed Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides Powder, 16g Protein, Keto and Paleo Diet Friendly

There are 25 billion chickens in the world, making them the most abundant bird species. Did you know all vertebrate species lay eggs? And, all hard-shelled variety eggs originated with reptiles? Chickens, like many birds, are descendants of the dinosaurs. Chickens are relatively closely related to reptiles on the evolutionary chain. In recent decades, many researchers have started describing dinosaurs as more like flightless birds than reptiles. Even though chickens are not entirely flightless, they can get airborne enough to get over a fence or into a tree.

Winner! Winner! Chicken Dinner!

Ever wonder why so many different meats like rattlesnake and alligator apparently taste like chicken? Several explanations point to why mainstream Americans tend to have limited experience with judging flavor. Our taste buds, in other words, are not finely tuned. Our meat experiences are limited mostly to beef, pork, and chicken. A gourmet with a seasoned palette has a broader experience, which makes them more apt to identify exotic meats like rattlesnake and alligator.

Chicken is full of health benefits. When eaten without the skin, chicken is very lean. It is carb-free and rich in Vitamins B3 and B6, as well as two important minerals, phosphorus, and selenium. Various parts of the chicken are considered special treats in some countries. For instance, in China, chicken feet are considered a delicacy.

HISTORY

For over two decades, the National Chicken Council has banded together all of the major chicken producers in the U.S. to promote chicken sales in September, turning a once slow month, as the summer grilling season waned, into one of the year’s best-performing sales periods.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE

There are several ways to observe National Chicken Month. We recommend trying a new recipe. Whether you choose white meat, dark meat, fried, broiled, baked or warmed over, prepare your chicken the way you like it!

Try one of our family favorites…

Use #NationalChickenMonth in social media correspondence.

Emeril Lagasse Dual Zone 360 Air Fryer Oven Combo with French Door, 25 QT Extra Large Family Size Meals to Cook Two Foods in Two Different Ways at The Same Time, Up to 60% Faster from Frozen to Finish#NationalChickenMonth
Emeril Lagasse Dual Zone 360 Air Fryer Oven Combo with French Door, 25 QT Extra Large Family Size Meals to Cook Two Foods in Two Different Ways at The Same Time, Up to 60% Faster from Frozen to Finish

Celebrate World Lion Day: Protect the King of the Jungle

Jensperspectiveblog 4 Comments

August 10th is World Lion Day, a global event dedicated to raising awareness about the plight of lions and the urgent need for their conservation. Once roaming across Africa, Asia, and Europe, lion populations have drastically declined due to habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching. Today, fewer than 20,000 lions remain in the wild.

The lion species, also known as Panthera leo, is one of the largest species on earth. Typically weighing 300 to 550 pounds, the lion can vary from a light buff color to a deep reddish brown color.  Surprisingly, there is also the rare white lion found in the wild. Easily recognized by it’s thick mane, the lion is also muscular and has a loud, deafening roar.  Unfortunately, as majestic lions my seem, they are slowly disappearing.

As far back as 3 million years ago, lions roamed freely across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East .  Today, loins are live freely in their natural habitat in only two locations, Africa and Asia.  In addition, some lions are bred in captivity.

Lions are listed as a vulnerable species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Though they are not under the classification of an endangered species, they still face obstacles that endanger their survival.

Currently, there are about 30,000 to 100,000 lions left on earth.  In the past few decades, lion populations have decreased almost by half.  Trophy hunting and loss of natural habitat are the primary reasons for the diminishing lion population.

This World Lion Day, let’s honor these majestic creatures and take action to ensure their survival. Here’s how you can participate and make a difference.

Why Lions Matter

Lions are apex predators, crucial for maintaining ecosystem balance. Their decline signals broader environmental issues that affect us all. By protecting lions, we safeguard biodiversity and our planet’s future.

This World Lion Day, let’s roar for change!

Explore More…

Animal days

How to Observe #WorldLionDay

Learn about lions—their behavior, habitat, and the threats they face. Share fascinating facts with friends and family to spread awareness.

Did you know?

  • Lions are the only big cats that live in social groups called prides.
  • A lion’s roar can be heard up to 5 miles away!
  • They have disappeared from 94% of their historic range.

Support Conservation Organizations

Donate to or volunteer with organizations working to protect lions, such as:

Reduce Demand for Wildlife Products

Avoid products that contribute to habitat destruction or illegal wildlife trade, such as trophies or traditional medicines made from animal parts.

Visit a Sanctuary or Zoo (Responsibly)

Support ethical wildlife sanctuaries that prioritize conservation over entertainment. Avoid places that allow lion petting or exploitative activities.

Share on Social Media

Use your voice to amplify the message! Here’s how:

Share a Documentary Clip – Recommend films like The Lion King (for fun) or Blood Lions (for awareness).

Post a Lion Photo – Share an image with facts and the hashtag #WorldLionDay, #SaveTheKing,  #LionConservation,  and #ProtectWildlife

Aurora® Adorable Mini Flopsie™ Lionel™ Stuffed Animal - Playful Ease - Timeless Companions - Brown 8 Inches#Worldlionday
Aurora® Adorable Mini Flopsie™ Lionel™ Stuffed Animal – Playful Ease – Timeless Companions – Brown 8 Inches
Douglas Zeus Lion Plush Stuffed Animal#Worldlionday
Douglas Zeus Lion Plush Stuffed Animal
Lion Wood Piggy Bank For Boys and Girls - Personalized Animal Coin Box For Kids - Tiger Wooden Money Saver - Cute Children Gift Idea For Developing Money Saving Habit#Worldlionday
Lion Wood Piggy Bank For Boys and Girls – Personalized Animal Coin Box For Kids – Tiger Wooden Money Saver – Cute Children Gift Idea For Developing Money Saving Habit

NATIONAL ONION DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 4 Comments

Through all the years — and sometimes tears — National Onion Day on June 27 recognizes the flavor and aroma the bulb of the allium family brings to numerous recipes.

Whether we choose a sweet, white, red, or the ever-favorite yellow, we count on the onion to enhance the flavor of our savory recipes. They pair well with meats and salads, making the ever-versatile onion a cooking powerhouse. Added to eggs or pickled, it’s the required seasoning next to our salt and pepper.

While the onion packs in the flavor with very few calories, it’s also rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. Add onions to every meal to increase your dietary fiber and vitamin B6. As a bonus, you won’t be adding any cholesterol. With so many varieties to choose from, onions provide plenty of opportunities for us to relish the benefits.

As an industry, onions add $6 billion to U.S. markets. From farm to distribution to grocers and restaurants, onions generate economic growth throughout the year.

The Core of an Onion: Peeling the Rarest Common Food—Featuring More Than 100 Historical Recipes #NationalOnionDay
The Core of an Onion: Peeling the Rarest Common Food—Featuring More Than 100 Historical Recipes
The Onion Lover's Cookbook: With Over 100 Recipes: Knowing And Using Onions, Garlic, Leeks, Shallots, Spring Onions And Chives#NationalOnionDay
The Onion Lover’s Cookbook: With Over 100 Recipes: Knowing And Using Onions, Garlic, Leeks, Shallots, Spring Onions And Chives
HISTORY

The National Onion Association founded National Onion Day on June 27, 2019, to honor the anniversary of the association. They represent almost 500 onion growers, shippers, packers and associated members across the country and officially incorporated on June 27, 1913, in Ohio. The association celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2013.

Explore More….

HOW TO OBSERVE

Be sure to add fresh onion for a punch of flavor to your favorite dish. No matter how you slice it, the onion brings some of the best flavors together! Whether you like to caramelize it or pickle it, tell us how you love to cook with onions!

Try these mouth-watering recipes from the National Onion Association:
High Protein Quinoa, Onion and Kale Salad
Spicy Onion Panini with Basil and Roasted Red Pepper
Oniony Meatloaf
Pan Fried Onion Slices

Use #NationalOnionDay to share your best recipes and tips on social media.

McCormick Culinary Minced Onion, 17 oz - One 17 Ounce Container of Dried Minced Onion Flakes, Perfect for Soups, Sauces, Meatballs, Relishes and Casseroles#NationalOnionDay
McCormick Culinary Minced Onion, 17 oz – One 17 Ounce Container of Dried Minced Onion Flakes, Perfect for Soups, Sauces, Meatballs, Relishes and Casseroles
French's Original Crispy Fried Onions, 24 oz - One 24 Ounce Bag of Crunchy Fried Onions to Sprinkle on Salads, Potatoes, Chicken, Burgers and Green Bean Casseroles#NationalOnionDay
French’s Original Crispy Fried Onions, 24 oz – One 24 Ounce Bag of Crunchy Fried Onions to Sprinkle on Salads, Potatoes, Chicken, Burgers and Green Bean Casseroles
Ortarco Onion Keeper Onion Saver Onion Storage Containers Reusable Onion Holder Organizer#NationalOnionDay
Ortarco Onion Keeper Onion Saver Onion Storage Containers Reusable Onion Holder Organizer
Litehouse Freeze Dried Spring Onion - Fresh Spring Onion, 1 Bunch Inside, Fresh Taste, Gluten Free, Keto Friendly, No Refrigeration - 0.23 Ounce, 2-Pack#NationalOnionDay
Litehouse Freeze Dried Spring Onion – Fresh Spring Onion, 1 Bunch Inside, Fresh Taste, Gluten Free, Keto Friendly, No Refrigeration – 0.23 Ounce, 2-Pack

SUMMER BEGINS

Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

On the longest day of the year, Summer Begins in the Northern Hemisphere. It is also known as the Summer Solstice, which happens either on June 20th, 21st, or 22nd. It all depends on the time zone in which you live. This one is June 21, 2026.

With the Summer Solstice, the astronomical calendar marks the first day of summer as the Earth’s axis is pointed toward the sun. It’s rays more directly impact the Northern Hemisphere giving us more daylight and more warmth. It’s a time when plants grow rapidly and animals are more active. That includes humans.

Many schools are out of session during the summer which gives families the opportunity to take vacations. Even those without children take time to explore the outdoors through camping, hiking, and biking. Community pools open, inviting everyone to cool off on hot summer days. The beaches are open, too. Water adventures in the form of kayaking, canoeing, skiing, and fishing entice us to the rivers and lakes.

Gardners and farmers spend time cultivating their bounty and watching the skies for foul weather. And speaking of fouls – baseball, softball, and soccer teams take the field with cheering fans in every color of the rainbow.

There’s so much to do during the summer, we try to pack it all in over weekends and short breaks. But it never seems to be enough time. Before we know it, summer is over. Though, it’s only just begun.

SUMMER BEGINS HISTORY

Since ancient times, the summer solstice has been marked on calendars with celebrations honoring the sun and as a way to mark the seasons.

HOW TO OBSERVE SUMMER BEGINS

There are so many ways to enjoy the beginning of summer! Whether you spend the day hiking, reading a good book on the beach or grilling some burgers, the important thing is that you celebrate summer. Spend some time outside in the fresh air. Take a long walk and visit a local park.

How will you celebrate? Let us know by using #SummerBegins to share on social media.

NATIONAL TWILIGHT ZONE DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

Always observed on May 11th, National Twilight Zone Day features mysterious twists and turns highlighted with eerie background music and unexplainable occurrences.

Have you ever had one of Those days? You know if you can conceive of it, and sometimes not, it happens? You encounter weird stuff, requests, people, animals, or situations.

Adjusting your television doesn’t help. You really feel like you stepped into Rod Sterlings Twilight Zone? Now if these things only lasted as long as an episode…

The television show The Twilight Zone was created, written and narrated by Rod Serling. It premiered on October 1, 1959. The episodes were wildly popular, stretched the imagination, and captivated viewers. The show aired from 1959-1964.

The Twilight Zone: The Complete Series Blu-ray
The Twilight Zone: The Complete Series

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalTwilightZoneDay

What’s your favorite episode of The Twilight Zone? Use #NationalTwilightZoneDay to post on social media.

Prime Video