Open That Bottle Night is one of the few special events, that is proclaimed as an evening event. This means that you can begin to celebrate at 5:00 pm. Now, as I recall, “It’s five o’clock somewhere!!”Importantly, don’t drink alone. Enjoy a glass or two with friends, or that special someone. It’s certain to be a fun night. It will be a fun night.

Open That Bottle Night has a very special purpose. Dorothy Gaither and John Becher created this day to encourage people to reconnect with each other over a good bottle of wine or champagne. Short of that, a bottle of Scotch or Bourbon will certainly suffice. But importantly, it is not a day to drink alone or to binge drink. Rather, you should open a bottle with your spouse, lover, family members, or good friends, especially those whom you may have lost touch with over the years. Having a spat with someone? Share a bottle of wine with them and iron out those differences. After all, life is too short to argue or fight.

Tonight’s Slogan: Live Simply, Laugh Often, and Wine a lot!

Important: Please drink responsibly. And, if you do drink, don’t drive.

No Brainer Day -Now this day February 27 holiday is for me! Someone certainly was using her brain, when she created this special day. It’s a day for easy and logical decisions. We all know the old saying “never put off until tomorrow what you can do today.” Well, follow this saying for the no-brainers you encounter today.  s for the difficult issues, you make the call.

By definition, a “No brainer” is doing something that is simple, easy, obvious, and/or totally logical. Therefore, today is the day for you to do all those “no-brainer” tasks and activities. If a project requires thinking, study, or analysis of any kind, then it’s not a chore to do today.

Some people think that Christmas should be every day of the year. They even sing that theme in popular holiday songs. But, we think that No Brainer Day should be every day of the year.  

If you simply use your brain, you’ll quickly get the hang of the concept of the day. And, we’re certain you will excel at No Brainer Day!

Thought for Today: A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.

Isn’t it about time somebody said …. “Give it a rest!!” After all the angst, bitterness, and negativity of recent elections, and the protests over the installation of newly elected officials at just about all levels, normal Americans have had it with both politicians, and the political rancor. Isn’t it time to take a break from politics? I think one thing we all can agree upon, is that a break from politics would be refreshing, if only for a day. So, therefore, No Politics Day, a February 1 holiday, is just what the politicians called for. 

No Politics Day means no political activities and no political statements of any kind whatsoever…. no Facebook or Twitter posts, no discussions or debates, and no sharing or spreading political articles, comics, or other materials. And, certainly, no fake news today. The news media should also participate in this special day. We have little faith that the media will comply, as all the negativity sells TV, radio, and print ads. 

It was quickly decided not to make this a national day, as that would require an act of congress or a presidential proclamation. There is no way politicians would do this, without a whole lot of political lobbying. And, could you imagine any politician voting for no politics, even if only for a day?

So, let’s all celebrate this refreshing and relaxing day. You can enjoy one day without the stress, fake news, and endless rhetoric. There will be plenty of time for politics tomorrow.

Deep Thought for Today: It is rather ironic to realize that a successful No Politics Day would be a political victory!

Have you ever been a Wingman for a lonely, single buddy as he went out in search of his true love? Many of us have been in this role at some point. It is very fitting that National Wingman Day exists to give recognition to that invaluable buddy, as true a friend as there will ever be, who plays a very important and diverse role in helping other guys to find and keep the woman of their dream. This is a day of recognition and thanks. And, it’s a day off from regular wingman duties, freeing him to seek love himself.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a Wingman as “a male friend who helps, accompanies, and supports a man in some activity”. This support doesn’t have to be for romantic endeavors, but it often is.  A Wingman can assist in any of several ways. He is a cheerleader, a coach, a counselor, and much more. He is the unsung hero, who helps to navigate the ways of love. The wingman “has your back” and is an advisor on how and what to do or not do in a romantic relationship. Importantly, he is always talking you up when the girls are around as if you are the most incredible guy on the planet. He’s always watching out for your best interest.  

Did You Know? A wingman can also be a dog. As my son experienced the dating scene, he found that the ladies were attracted to his cute pug dog. He described his dog as the “greatest wingman ever”, as he met many ladies this way. Ladies fell in love with the dog on sight.

Note: The term “Wingman” originated in the military. In the air force, a wingman is a pilot in the plane behind you that has your back.

Why, this is a great day, as it is National Pizza Day, a February 22 holiday. Today is just one of several pizza holidays. That’s because the vast majority of people, in America and around the world, love pizza and eat it regularly. So, we need more than one pizza-related holiday.

Pizza pies are very versatile, with a huge assortment of things you can put on them, including meats, vegetables, and fruits. And, don’t forget the fish. Anchovies! With all this variety, there is a pizza for just about everybody. Pizza is eaten for breakfast (often cold), lunch, dinner, and as a late-night snack. It is a very popular food for parties and events.  On the go? Pizza is a great selection and it’s perfect for moving day.  

It is very easy to enjoy National Pizza Day. Have some pizza today. To enjoy this day to the fullest, you need to make homemade pizza and have pizza for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and as a snack.

National Margarita Day is today, a February 22 holiday. This very special day falls smack dab in the middle of winter. Many people think of Margaritas as a summer cooler. You can enjoy them any time of the year. So, selecting a date in February for this holiday is appropriate. They are made frozen or unfrozen. Although most people say frozen Margaritas are the best. There are all kinds of flavors, from strawberry and peach to mango and berry, and much more. Almost any fruit you can imagine can be used to make the perfect Mexican Margarita.

Margaritas are comprised of tequila, citrus or other fruits, and sugar. It is the most popular alcoholic beverage that uses Tequila. Margaritas are poured over ice or can be put through a blender to make frozen margaritas.

Historically, Margaritas have been around since the 1930s and 1940s. The actual origin and creator are unknown. Frozen Margaritas came onto the scene in the 1970s.

Todd McCalla, the creator of this day, started it to “celebrate Margaritas, plain and simple”. I don’t know about you. But that’s certainly good enough for me.

So, lift your glass and celebrate National Margarita Day.

Saying of the Day: One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor.

Did You Know? Tequila is made from Agave plants, a succulent. Learn more

National Inventors Day is today, a February 11 holiday. It honors Thomas Edison and all inventors, recognizing the enormous impact inventions have on technology, industry, and society worldwide. Just think about all the inventions and the resulting new products, processes, and procedures that you have seen in your lifetime. It readily gives us an appreciation for the inventors, that allowed these things to come into being.

Imagine life without some of the inventions and discoveries that provide us with warmth, comfort, food, and safety. Our modern electronic world either would not exist or would be far less advanced. Imagine no internet or cell phone. We’d ride a horse to work instead of taking our car or the subway. We might still heat our homes with a wood stove and redig by candlelight. Yes, beyond a doubt, inventors have made a much better world. 

On National Inventors Day, spend a few minutes to appreciate inventors, whatever their field. If you are lucky enough to know one, let them know just how much you appreciate them.

Now here’s a day we all can enjoy, assuming you are 21 or older, of course. Today is National Drink Wine Day, a February 18 holiday. Go down to the wine cellar, or the nearest liquor store, and select a very fine wine. Or, go rent a limo and go on a winery tour.

We all know that apples were the first fruit, in the garden of Eden. Grapes were most likely there, too. It was probably soon after, that wine was discovered.  This author envisions an early Cave Man, finding some grapes that he had stored in his cave. His kids had accidentally stomped on them sometime before while playing in the cave. Food was scarce back then. Our Cave Man drank the juice lying in a puddle on the shelf, and the rest is history! 

Did You Know? Novinophobia is the fear of running out of wine. I don’t know about you. But, this is my greatest fear in life!

Pour a glass of wine and let’s toast to National Drink Wine Day!

Important: Please drink responsibly. And, if you do drink, don’t drive.

Put away the forks and spoons, for today is National Chopsticks Day, a February 6 holiday. They may or may not be new to you. But, for about 1/4 of the world’s population, chopsticks are the eating utensils of choice for every meal. Like western children, Asian children, quickly learn to use chopsticks, and quickly become adept at using them. To them, forks are an odd utensil.

Chopsticks can be made of wood, bamboo, plastic, bone, fine china, or metal.

In China, they are called “Kuaizi”, which means “quick little bamboo fellows”.

Chopsticks have been in use for over 5,000 years. For comparison, forks were not used in England until 1611. Chopsticks originated in China and are used in virtually all Asian cultures. How their use spread to other countries is not known.

To participate in National Chopsticks Day, use chopsticks for all of your meals. Chances are, you will eat Chinese or other Asian food with your chopsticks. But, you can eat any food with chopsticks today.

To make this day really special, use your chopsticks on a homemade made Chinese recipe

Thought for the Day: I think it’s pretty cool how Chinese people made a language entirely out of tattoos.

There’s nothing better to eat on a cold winter’s day than a bowl of hot, spicy Chili Con Carne. It’s one of America’s favorite wintertime meals. So, it’s only fitting that cold winter’s day is National Chili Day! Chili was believed to be first created in San Antonio, TX. Contrary to popular belief, chili is not common on menus in Mexico.

By definition, the basic chili recipe includes tomatoes, beans, chili pepper, meat (usually hamburger), garlic, onions, and cumin. Then, comes a whole bunch of other possibilities, ingredients that personalize the recipe as our very own. Favorite chili toppings are important, too. They often include cheddar cheese, crackers, cornbread, sour cream, and tortilla chips.

Thankfully, there is no shortage of chili recipes. Everyone has their own personal or family recipe with our very secret ingredients to make it blazingly hot. It’s the chili pepper and other hot peppers that puts the fire in the recipe.

The Chili pepper adds both flavor and heat. How much heat, depends upon what hot peppers you add and the amount you use.  Chili peppers can be of many colors, progressing from green to yellow, then orange, and finally red.

Just for the record: Chili Con Carne is defined as a stew with meat. Meatless recipes should be called vegetarian chili or simply “chili”.