When the fourth Thursday in February blows in, perhaps with a late snow in tow, everyone craves a piping hot, spicy bowl of chili to chase the chills away and to celebrate Chili Day. Chili is popular cold weather fare and one of the many stars at Super Bowl parties everywhere. The great debates stem […]
February
It's impossible to feel short-changed by the shortest month of the year. February makes us leap with joy at so many opportunities to observe winter's end.
Take The Plunge
Looking like giant marshmallows with big black noses, they rank high on the cuteness scale and draw some of the largest crowds at the zoo. However, despite many adoring fans, their existence is in jeopardy. International Polar Bear Day, observed annually on February 27, is a day to not only celebrate these beautiful creatures, but […]
Culture In A Glass
Gather your friends on February 22 and head out to the nearest cantina to celebrate Margarita Day. Thanks in part to Jimmy Buffet’s “Margaritaville”, this drink is enjoyed by fans of Mexican fare and refreshing cocktails. Its balance of sweet and tart is a harmonious marriage for quesadillas, chimichangas and enchiladas. Ordering what to eat […]
It’s All About Me! Oh, You Too?
My Way Day, observed annually on February 17, is all about taking the reins and indulging your fancies. This could be psychologically turbulent for those around you: Irrational brides will impose on everyone to have things their way. Teenagers will steadfastly argue with parents to get their way. Toddlers will employ the temper-tantrum tactic to […]
Cupid’s Got It Covered
On Valentine Day, celebrated annually on February 14, Cupid loads his bow and couples toast their love across candlelit tables. It’s all in a day’s work for this busy cherub, but his spells trail targets throughout their lives. The arrow-toting icon is introduced to youngsters with the exchange of cards bearing hearts and cute critters. […]
Thank You, Mr. Ferris
Less than one minute after New Year’s Day, we are seeing red. And for the next 1,056 hours, Valentine Day is forced upon us. But there is an alternative for those who can’t face another arrow-wielding cherub, red heart, or sappy sentiment. Ferris Wheel Day, observed annually on February 14, celebrates the birth date of […]
Channel Your Nonna
When Italians immigrated to America during the late 1800s and early 1900s, they brought scrumptious delights from the cucina Italiana. Italian Food Day, observed annually on February 13, celebrates the culinary culture that diners have grown to savor. Head out to the local pork store, it’s a mecca of cold cuts, sausages, cheeses, pastas and […]
Lagging And Dragging
Imagine the sluggish feeling you get after having gained too much weight. Well, your computer’s hard drive is suffering from its own weight gain and it is time to throw out the fat. Clean Out Your Computer Day, celebrated annually on the second Monday in February, ask the question, “Is your computer lagging and dragging?” […]
In All Kinds of Weather
Question. What do a waddling Gotham City criminal, a yellow-coated salt shopper, and a famed Disney nanny have in common? Need some help? We celebrate this versatile accessory on February 10, Umbrella Day. It would behoove meteorologists to predict a nice, steady rain giving us the perfect excuse to sport our snazziest. No […]
Tasty Tubers, Savory Spuds
Worshipers of the spud rejoice – it’s Potato Lovers Day! Observed annually on February 8, this is the day to bow heads and pay homage to the humble, versatile tuber. White, red-skinned, fingerling, gold, russet and sweet take the tabletop spotlight in all their roasted, boiled, mashed, fried and grilled glory. They’ve earned […]
Today, We’ll Give Them a Break
Raise a glass to weather forecasters, the reporters we all know and love. When they predict picture-perfect weather, life is good. When foretold of foreboding predictions, they incur our verbal wrath. On Weatherperson’s Day, we take pause to acknowledge and appreciate their efforts. It is observed on February 5, the birthday of John Jeffries, our […]
Wear Something Red
If you’re seeing red and have visions of dragons in your head, it’s not a trip from ‘The Sixties’ coming back to haunt you. From Taiwan and Shanghai to Chinatowns across the States, folks are celebrating the Chinese New Year. In accordance with the lunisolar calendar, Chinese New Year is celebrated in January or February. […]
Breakout The Stockpot
Whether you’re coming in from the slopes or spending a chilly weekend huddled on the couch to watch a movie, nothing says welcome home or elicits comfort like the warming aromas wafting from a simmering pot of homemade soup. Celebrate Homemade Soup Day, observed annually on February 4, by breaking out your stockpot and cooking […]
Rousted From A Long Winter’s Nap
The Pennsylvania Dutch settlers believed that if the groundhog witnessed his shadow at midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, they were in for six additional weeks of winter hardship. On the other hand, if the groundhog saw no shadow, they all rejoiced in the prediction of an early spring. Of course, this […]
Unity, Reverence And Pride
More than 80 years had passed before the day received the recognition it deserved. National Freedom Day isn’t as familiar as other important calendar dates, but February 1 marks a profoundly significant event. On that day in 1865, President Abraham Lincoln finalized the resolution that later became our 13th Constitutional Amendment. America began to emerge […]
We Are All Stewards
We can’t learn from a past that we don’t understand. We need to know why and how individuals and events brought positive, lasting changes to our country. African American History Month serves as a portal connecting us to long-ago experiences that transcend simple explanations. It’s not enough to recall important names and make note of […]
