Ahoy, Matey! Did you know that today is International Talk Like a Pirate Day? On this September 19 holiday, we only talk “Pirate Speak”, a language readily identified with these ocean-faring robbers. The language is easy to learn. In general, the words are common English words. However, the pronunciation is different. If you learn to roll your “R’s”, you are well along to using pirate speak. Use “ye” instead of you and your. Mumble and growl a little, too. Then, sprinkle in a few “me lads and me laddies”, and everyone will think you are a certified, card-carrying pirate. This day is just for fun, a day to let out the pirate in each of us. We like “just for fun” days and we know you do, too.

Practice up your “pirate-speak” in anticipation of this day. The conversation will be lively, and you don’t want to be left behind. Today, everyone will be talking the talk, if not walking the walk. It is not a requirement to dress like a buccaneer today. Just talk like one. 

Swap Ideas Day is today. This September 10 holiday is a day that encourages us to share and trade ideas and concepts. According to the creator of this day, one key goal for today is to encourage people to think about ways their ideas can be used to benefit humanity. Consequently, as you fully participate in this day, we think you will get plenty of good ideas to put to use in your everyday life. Some of your ideas are so good, that you will want to pass them along to others. Better still, trade ideas with them.

There’s a problem and you’ve been working on it for quite some time. All of a sudden, a light turns on in your head. You get a brainstorm, and the solution comes to you. If it’s a common problem, share it with others. Finally, post the solution on social media to help others who have the same problem.

Sharing is good. Ideas are a good thing, too. Putting the two together should produce a real winner of a day, eh!?

Hey, I’ve got an idea of how to celebrate this special day. Let’s trade ideas with each other!!

Have a happy Swap Ideas Day!

Today is Ask a Stupid Question Day, a September 28 holiday. This is your chance to speak up, and to ask all those questions you were afraid to ask. All those questions that you thought were too stupid or dumb to ask, have been piling up all year long. Today is the day to unload them. In school, your teacher asks if you have a question. Don’t hesitate… raise your hand. Outside of school, nobody will prompt you. So, speak up when a question comes in your mind.  C’mon, give it a try. Nobody will laugh……we hope.

This may be a stupid question, but I will ask it anyway…… Teachers say there is no such thing as a stupid question. Or, that no question is too stupid to ask. If this is true, then why do your classmates laugh when you ask a question?  Yes, kids can be cruel. But, if you have a question, there’s no better place to ask, than in the classroom.

Movie of the  Day: “Dumb and Dumber”

Other “Stupid” stuff:

• Ask a stupid question, get a stupid answer.
• This might sound stupid, but……
• Do you think I’m stupid enough to fall for that (duh!)
• Seen on a T-shirt “I’m with Stupid”. Well, if that’s true, how smart are you?

Skyscraper Day is a day to appreciate and admire the world’s tallest skyscrapers. Thus, on this September 3 holiday, we marvel at the world’s tallest buildings. Skyscrapers are truly engineering and architectural marvels. In many crowded cities, space is in short supply, and real estate prices are ever-increasing. Building “up” becomes more and more logical. As technical capabilities in construction improved, buildings have become taller and taller. In addition, there is a certain prestige to having one of the tallest buildings in the world in your city and country.

The 10-story Home Insurance Company building in Chicago, IL was the first skyscraper. Construction began on May 1, 1884, and was completed in 1885. It was also the first building to use a steel frame. The building was demolished in 1931.

A Tall Debate: There is some disagreement over how to measure the height of skyscrapers. At issue is whether to measure the height of flagpoles and antennas atop most tall buildings. 

Did You Know? The Empire State Building in New York City was the world’s tallest skyscraper when it was built in 1931. Now, it ranks #55.

Have a very happy Skyscraper Day.

Today is 911 Remembrance Day; I doubt anyone will ever forget where they were on the morning of September 11, 2001, when they heard of the attacks on the twin World Trade Towers in NYC and the Pentagon in Washington. And let us not forget the brave passengers on United Airlines Flight 93, who fought the terrorist. Ultimately, the plane crashed in a field in Shanksville, PA rather than hitting the White House or the Capitol Building, likely destinations. This horrible and tragic day when the Twin Towers fell is etched forever in our memories. So, we will forever mark 911 Remembrance Day on September 11.

Like the attack on Pearl Harbor that brought us into World War II, the 911 attacks led us into a new war… the war on terrorism. It also touched and changed forever, the lives of each and every American.

On the anniversary of 911, we encourage you to spend a few minutes reflecting upon this event, and praying for the victims who died, and their families and friends.

Read a Book Day is today. Take time out during your busy day and relax with a good book. Cozy up on a chair, indoors or out. It doesn’t matter where you read that book, as long as you can do so in a comfortable manner. On this September 6 holiday, if you doze off while reading a book, we won’t tell anyone.

Reading is invaluable. We need to be able to read for countless things in our daily life. This hobby is a relaxing, fun-filled activity. And it is enjoyed practically anywhere. Reading is a great lifetime hobby. It offers so many positive attributes. Books are relaxing and therapeutic. It’s educational. It’s entertaining. And, a whole lot of other good things, too.

Books take us on fantastic voyages. They teach us history, offer facts, provide instruction and guidance, and “Who done it” suspense.  Books take us into outer space, and into the world of fantasy. And, some books are written to scare the daylights out of us. Of course, our choice of books is personal. If we want to be scared out of our wits, it’s our choice. 

If you have young children or elderly people in your home, take the time to read a book to them today. It is a wonderful time to bond with them and it creates pleasant, lasting memories.

Rabbits are found all over the world. International Rabbit Day seeks to protect rabbits as both pets and in the wild. Yet, not everyone loves them. While kids and even adults love their little bunny pets, farmers, gardeners, and even many homeowners see them as pests that eat their hard-earned crops and flowers. And, in many countries, they are a source of food to some people, too.

Animal rights groups and humane societies are active promoters of this special day. Their objectives are to promote healthy, caring environments for rabbits that are raised as pets, and those living in the wild. They also seek to stop the use of rabbit furs and the use of rabbits on restaurant menus. While the main objective of this holiday began with compassion for bunnies in the wild, we also use this holiday to celebrate allow of the famous rabbits, bunnies, and hares in movies, advertising, children’s stories, and other venues.  For example, how could you possibly celebrate this holiday without at least thinking about Bugs Bunny and Peter Cottontail!? Surely, International Rabbit Day would not be the same without them.

Did you know? Worldwide, rabbits are the third most popular pet, behind dogs and cats.

National Punch Day, a September 20 holiday, just might celebrate one of three things.  Can you guess all three? 

What does National Punch Day celebrate?  It can represent more than one thing. Actually, we can think of three possibilities.

• First, the punch drink that comes from a bowl
• Second, the kind of punch that you dole out with your fists.
• Third, it is the name of a tool used to punch a hole in paper, a paper punch.

We don’t know the answer for certain, as we found no factual information at all on this special day. Nor did we find the creator of this day, so we can’t ask him or her. That leaves everyone guessing as to the creator’s intent.The vast majority of references to this special day suggest we are celebrating the drink called punch. And, it sounds like a whole lot more fun celebrating with fruit or spiked punch.

Happy National Punch Day!

POW/MIA Recognition Day is a day of remembrance and hope for the speedy and safe return of American Prisoners of War, and those still Missing in Action. This applies to service members from all wars and military operations. It also seeks the return of the remains of fallen soldiers.

The first official commemoration of POW/MIAs was on July 18, 1979. It was the result of resolutions passed in Congress. The first national ceremony was held on this date. Over the next several years, it was held at varying dates of the year. Finally, in 1986, The National League of Families proposed the third Friday in September as a day to recognize and remember POW/MIAs. This date was selected, as it is not associated with any wars. Each year, the president of the United States issues a proclamation on this day.

Did you know? Federal law requires facilities to fly the POW/MIA flag on the following days:

• Armed Forces Day, May 16
• Memorial Day, May 25
• Flag Day, June 14
• Independence Day, July 4
• National POW/MIA Recognition Day, 3rd Friday of September
• Veterans Day, Nov. 11

You will also notice the POW/MIA flag flown at all US Post office buildings, Veterans Administration, military memorial facilities, and many U.S. government buildings. Likewise, you can and should fly it on your flagpole, too.

Positive Thinking Day is today. It is a September 13 holiday. Today is all about attitude…. a positive attitude. It’s a lot like the ant when faced with moving a rubber tree plant thought “I think I can”. With that in mind, I just know that everything will go fine from this day forward. And, once you get accustomed to having uplifting thoughts, your whole life improves immensely.

The power of positive thinking is absolutely astounding. Medical research confirms that a positive attitude works wonders at fighting disease and ailments, from the common cold to cancer. In fact, people with an “I think I can” attitude, are far more likely to succeed at work, and in accomplishing every goal they set in life.

Today’s Quote: 

Above all, have a happy Positive Thinking Day! We just know you’re going to have a spectacular day.