February 22 is Teddy Bear Day, a celebration of that cuddly, stuffed animal, named for the 26th president of the United States, Theodore (Teddy) Roosevelt Jr.

How did the bear get to be named “Teddy”? The name stems from an incident on a presidential hunting trip to Mississippi in 1902, where Roosevelt refused to shoot a tethered bear, citing it was unsportsmanlike. A subsequent political cartoon gave the incident racial overtones, but that was forgotten when Brooklyn store owner, Morris Michtom displayed a stuffed bear in his shop window, calling it “Teddy’s Bear.”

At the same time German toymaker, Steiff imported more than 3000 bears to the United States. The bears were a huge hit and Michtom went on to found the Ideal Novelty and Toy Company, which still exists today.

Post from: Blisstree

Teddy Bear Day

The Valkyries are perhaps best know for their appearance in Richard Wagner’s “Flight of the Valkyries,” a part of his “Ring of the Nieblung” cycle. I happen to love this piece. Listen below as the Berlin Philharmonic performs “Flight of the Valkyries”:

Post from: Blisstree

Valkyries Day

This might be my favorite day of December so far. Look what’s up for celebration today, Sunday, December 16th:

• National Chocolate-Covered Anything Day! – I just don’t even think I need to say anything other than “Hallelujah!” A nationally-mandated excuse to eat chocolate? Man, I love America.

Oh yeah, there are a few other things going on today, too, none of which are nearly as important as the you-know-what-day listed above.

• Anniversary of the Boston Tea Party (1773) - Does tea go well with chocolate? Ah hell. Sure, why not?
• Beethoven’s Birthday - The old geezer would’ve been 237 – he was born in 1770 (and I be he liked chocolate!)
• And finally, it’s also Barbie and Barney Backlash Day, which isn’t even cool, so I just can’t bring myself to go there. Poor Barney.

Well, I don’t think I need to tell you which “holiday” I plan on observing, do I? You too, eh?

Photo Credit

Post from: Blisstree

December 16th Holidays & Observances

Some zany things to celebrate today, Saturday December 15. Check them out:

• Bill of Rights Day – On this day in 1791, our Bill of Rights was ratified. Cool.
• Cat Herders Day – I wonder who actually pitched this to the approval party? Ah, to have that much time on my hands.
• National Firefighters Day – Can’t thank the men and women who do this job enough. Remember, the holidays are a very susceptible time of year for fires. Watch open flames and hot lights, clean your fireplace before using it, check and recheck your cords, etc. Let’s give these heroes a break this season.
• And…my absolute favorite: National Lemon Cupcake Day – Nothing further needs to be said here, does it? Didn’t think so.

Lots to choose from today. My suggestion? Make a fire truck cake out of lemon cupcake mix and read your cat its Bill of Rights while herding it to its litter box. Now that would be a great celebration!

Photo Credit

Post from: Blisstree

December 15th Holidays & Observances

A fun day all-around today! Lots of crazy stuff to celebrate. Take a look:

• Bathtub Party Day – Whee! Rub-a-dub-dub!
• National Communicate with Your Baby Day – Ga ga, goo goo? Have a chat with your babe or use signs. Or maybe just a hug.
• Special Kids Day – Isn’t every day Special Kids Day? Should be.
• International Volunteer Day – No need to designate this as your only volunteer day. Head out and volunteer at a Senior Home, your local library, your child’s school, church, a soup kitchen, etc. Giving of yourself always comes back ten-fold, so make many days Volunteer Day.

Have a great day! Don’t forget to celebrate something!

Post from: Blisstree

December 5th Holidays & Observances