NATIONAL ASTRONAUT DAY

National Astronaut Day on May 5th each year celebrates Astronauts as true heroes. The day’s mission is to inspire ALL to “reach for the stars” by sharing “out of this world” Astronaut stories and experiences.On May 5th, 1961, Astronaut Alan Bartlett Shepard Jr. became the first American in space aboard the Freedom 7 Space capsule. The brief suborbital flight lasted 15 minutes and reached a height of 116 miles into the atmosphere. It was a milestone achievement and a trailblazing example of heroic bravery. This adventurous spirit is the essence of what National Astronaut Day is all about.

By sharing the incredible stories, experiences, and perspectives of actual Astronauts, the mission of National Astronaut Day inspires us ALL to follow our dreams. The day includes both future Astronauts and those who seek to keep their feet on the ground!

NATIONAL ASTRONAUT DAY HISTORY

uniphi space agency, a division of uniphi good LLC founded National Astronaut Day in 2016 to inspire everyone to reach for the stars!

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalAstronautDay

Put on your space suit and practice your moonwalk. Are you ready for zero gravity? If not, just experience a little of the excitement of space. Learn about the history of space flight. Read about astronaut training or the biographies of astronauts. Some biographies to read include:

Also, watch a documentary or learn more about the International Space Station. While you are being inspired, be sure to invite someone to share the experience with you!

Visit the Official Website: www.NationalAstronautDay.comShare your favorite Astronaut stories. Use #WeBelieveInAstronauts & #NationalAstronautDay to post on social media.

Twitter/Facebook: @uniphispaceage, Instagram @nationalastronautday

NATIONAL BANANA DAY

On the third Wednesday in April, take a bite of the fruit that also makes an excellent prop for jokes on National Banana Day!

The day focuses on the nutrition of the fruit as well as the way comedy has used the banana in its acts. This low-fat, low-calorie snack offers a boost of fiber, potassium, and vitamins, with B6 and C leading the way. It also provides a healthy gram of protein, too. Add a banana to your morning cereal or grab one to go with your granola. They also add so much delicious flavor to baked goods. Many bakers know that when those bananas turn brown to toss them in the freezer for baking muffins and breads later.

As far as the humor goes, anyone goes a little bananas when they slip on a peel. Or is it the peel of laughter that makes them go bananas? Hold up the banana like a phone and get your comedy routine going.

More Bananas….

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalBananaDay

Write a little message on a banana and tuck it into your loved one’s lunch. Add bananas to your lunch routine. They’re inexpensive and delicious. Children and adults love them, so you just can’t go wrong. Use #NationalBananaDay to share on social media.

NATIONAL PLANT A FLOWER DAY

Spring is just around the corner, and March 12th is the day to participate in National Plant a Flower Day.  Each year this day is dedicated to the planting of flowers and looking forward to the spring season.  Flower gardening has become a hobby for many, young and old, and National Plant a Flower Day is a start to the new season each year.

Marigolds and Daffodils are the flowers of March.

It’s good to know the zone you live in to determine which flowers grow as perennials (those that grow back every year) in your area and which are considered annuals (those that require planting every year). To find out more, check out the USDA site for Hardiness Zones.  

Seeds can be started inside and set in a sunny window.  When the weather is nicer, move those plants outside. Keep the soil moist but not wet, and follow the seed package’s instructions for proper germination of the seedling. Those who can’t wait, get out those seed catalogs and start planning your next flower garden.  

Flowers always make people better, happier and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine to the soul.  ~Luther Burbank, botanist (1849-1926)

Are you in a warmer climate?  Then it’s time to get out the trowel and the garden gloves and start turning over some new soil.  Sow some new seeds, bulbs, or plants and nurture those blossoms into a brilliant blaze for the whole neighborhood to enjoy.

HOW TO OBSERVE #PlantAFlowerDay

Tips for Starting a Flower Garden

  • Start with a potted garden.  If you aren’t ready to tear up a patch of lawn, this is a good way to go. They do require more watering but less care overall.
  • Select plants that grow well in your spot. Some plants grow well in the shade, and others prefer the sun. Others love both!
  • Did you know gardeners who prefer perennial gardens have to thin their flower beds every couple of years?  They also like to share the extra bulbs and seeds with those who are new to gardening, so if you know someone with a green thumb, get to know them better. You might get some free plants, advice, and a budding friendship!
  • Local greenhouses stock plants that grow well in your area. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions and shop there frequently.

Let’s all work together by planting a flower and helping make the world a more beautiful place. Use #PlantAFlowerDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL CHERRY MONTH

Since the cherry trees come to life in February, it’s the perfect time for National Cherry Month! Throughout Washington D.C., the cherry blossoms burst to life just in time for the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

This annual event began in 1912. The people of Japan sent 3,000 cherry trees as a gift to the United States as a symbol of friendship between the two nations. A single cherry looks a bit like a little heart, and February is the month of love. Since Presidents Day is February and one particular president is paired with chopping down a cherry tree – folklore or not – February and cherries just go together.

In the United States, Washington, California, and Oregon produce the most cherries. This bright red fruit offers many benefits, too.

  • Drinking tart cherry juice reduces the risk and lessens the symptoms of gout.
  • A 1 cup serving of cherries contains 97 calories, 3 grams of fiber, and is packed with vitamin C, potassium, copper, and manganese.
  • Eating cherries may help reduce inflammation in conditions like arthritis.
  • They may also lower blood pressure and improve heart health thanks to the potassium they contain.

Besides all the health benefits, cherries just taste good. Eat them raw or add them to baked goods.

NATIONAL CHERRY MONTH HISTORY

Michigan Governor William G. Milliken first proclaimed February as National Cherry Month.

More Cherries….

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalCherryMonth

Celebrate National Cherry Month by adding some cherries to your shopping list. You can mix them into your breakfast or snacks. They’re good for you and packed full of antioxidants, too! Try these ideas to add cherries to your diet:

  • Blend cherries in a smoothie.
  • Mix cherries into oatmeal.
  • Add dried cherries to trail mix.
  • Add cherries to baked goods.
  • Eat them raw for the maximum benefit and flavor.

Use #NationalCherryMonth to share on social media.

NATIONAL SCIENCE FICTION DAY

National Science Fiction Day promotes the celebration of science fiction as a genre, its creators, history, and various media, too. On January 2nd annually, millions of science fiction fans across the United States read and watch their favorites in science fiction. 

The date of the celebration commemorates the birth of famed science fiction writer Isaac Asimov.  An American author and Boston University professor of biochemistry, Isaac Asimov was born Isaak Yudovich Ozimov on January 2, 1920. He is best known for his works of science fiction and his popular science books. Isaac Asimov, whose works are followed by many, died on April 6, 1992.

National Science Fiction Day is recognized by the Hallmark Channel and the Scholastic Corporation. 

Considered a master of hard science fiction, Asimov, along with Robert A. Heinlein and Arthur C. Clarke, was considered one of the “Big Three” science-fiction writers during his lifetime. Many regard the Foundation Series as Asimov’s most outstanding piece. His other major series are the Galactic Empire Series and the Robot Series.

Some of the successful television shows recognized by science fiction fans include Star Trek-The Next Generation, The X-Files, Battlestar Galactica, Doctor Who, and The Twilight Zone.

As we look back at some older science fiction in our current technology-infused world, how close do the writers come to imaging our futures? Long before Asimov created his first work, humans imagined machines that allowed them to soar like birds. Another man, Leonardo Di Vinci, looked to the future, too. He designed contraptions worthy of the science fiction in his time.

Science fiction impacts life in ways we may not even consider – even those who don’t enjoy reading or watching science fiction. 

NATIONAL SCIENCE FICTION DAY HISTORY

Since at least 2011, science fiction lovers have been honoring Isaac Asimov and other science fiction contributors. In 2013, asimovs.com published a guest editorial by Ed Finn. The writer talks about doomsday predictions while also looking toward the future – all moving toward the true meaning of National Science Fiction Day. Read the complete article, Celebrate National Science Fiction Day by Learning to Live in the Future.

HOW TO OBSERVE #ScienceFictionDay

The day encourages reading or watching science fiction. However, consider exploring science fiction in other ways. For example:

  • Introduce science fiction to an entirely new generation. Offer to read excerpts from your favorite science fiction author to a youth group at a library. 
  • Explore the authors of science fiction you’ve never read before.
  • Study the history of science fiction and how it has impacted modern culture.
  • Share your favorite science fiction story or character. 

Use #ScienceFictionDay to post on social media.