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Feb

Line the Litter Box with Your Ex: February 1-14

06:20 AM | -

"Line the Litter Box with Your Ex" fundraiser is a humorous and unique way for animal charities to raise funds around Valentine's Day. Participants can donate a small amount (usually $5-$10) to have their ex's name placed in a litter box, where rescue cats will literally cover the names with their business. This approach not only provides a cathartic outlet for those with "crappy exes" but also supports the ongoing care and rescue operations for animals in need. Multiple shelters and rescue missions nationwide (and likely worldwide soon) offer the "Line the Litter Box with Your Ex" campaign during February. We're featuring the Morris Animal Refuge's fundraiser simply because it was the first we heard of. Additional "Line the Litter Box with Your Ex" fundraisers are occurring with the Animal Friends Humane Society in Butler County, Animal Charity in Ohio, and several on the West Coast. Morris Animal Refuge is known for its innovative and engaging fundraising efforts, along with a wide array of programs aimed at supporting animals, including adoption services, a community cat program, and opportunities for the public to get involved through fostering, volunteering, and donations. If you're a dog fan with a nasty ex, check out Finding Shelter's "Crappiest Valentine Fundraiser Ever." They'll put your ex's name on a doo bag and happily fill it on a rescue dog's next walk. Creative fundraising efforts are popular among zoos, aquariums, and animal charities, leveraging a mix of humor and the universal experience of dealing with past relationships to generate funds for a good cause. It's a testament to the innovative ways in which non-profits seek to engage the community and support their missions.

Africa

Jan

Neuter Your Ex Month: January 15 - February 14

06:20 AM | -

The "Neuter Your Ex" fundraiser by Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center is a unique and humorous Valentine's Day campaign in which, for a $50 donation, a feral cat named after an ex-partner is neutered or spayed. The popular fundraiser is increasingly picked up by other animal charities in the United States and worldwide. This initiative supports efforts to control the feral cat population humanely through their trap-neuter-return (TNR) program while engaging the community in a fun way. The idea quickly gained popularity and received a positive response from the public. Like other inventive fundraisers like "Line the Litter Box with Your Ex" and "Cry me a Cockroach," this campaign creatively combines fundraising with community engagement, albeit it's not a widespread trend among animal rescue charities. If you're a dog fan with a nasty ex, check out Finding Shelter's "Crappiest Valentine Fundraiser Ever." They'll put your ex's name on a doo bag and happily fill it on a rescue dog's next walk. Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center's mission focuses on ending companion animal homelessness in Camden County through community awareness and responsible ownership. In collaboration with other animal welfare groups, they are working towards helping New Jersey become a "no-kill" state by 2025. In the United States, approximately 6.5 million companion animals are estimated to enter US animal shelters annually. This number includes dogs and cats, with a relatively even split. However, these numbers can vary from year to year and depend on various factors, including efforts in spaying/neutering, adoption campaigns, and public awareness programs to reduce the number of homeless pets. Creative fundraising efforts are popular among zoos, aquariums, and animal charities, leveraging a mix of humor and the universal experience of dealing with past relationships to generate funds for a good cause. It's a testament to the innovative ways in which non-profits seek to engage the community and support their missions.

Africa

Feb

Crappiest Valentine Fundraiser Ever: February 1-14

06:20 AM | -

Finding Shelter Animal Rescue created a unique Valentine's Day fundraiser called the "Crappiest Valentine Ever," where for a $10 donation, individuals could have their ex's name written on a dog poo bag. This whimsical and slightly vengeful act aimed to help participants metaphorically dispose of their past relationships while supporting the shelter. The donations collected from this fundraiser cover the costs of medical care, food, and supplies for the dogs under the care of Finding Shelter. Like other inventive fundraisers including "Line the Litter Box with Your Ex," and "Cry me a Cockroach," this campaign creatively combines fundraising with community engagement, albeit it's not a widespread trend among animal rescue charities. If you're a dog fan with a nasty ex, check out Homeward Bound's "Neuter your Ex" fundraising campaign. For a donation, they'll spay or neuter a feral cat in your ex's name. Finding Shelter Animal Rescue's mission is to raise public awareness about the plight of animals and the benefits of adopting homeless animals in need of forever, loving care. They emphasize responsible pet ownership and ensure that all animals in their care are spayed or neutered, fully vaccinated, and medically treated before adoption. Their goal is to make the best match possible between animals and adopters, carefully screening potential adopters to achieve this. In the United States, approximately 6.5 million companion animals are estimated to enter US animal shelters annually. This number includes dogs and cats, with a relatively even split. However, these numbers can vary from year to year and depend on various factors, including efforts in spaying/neutering, adoption campaigns, and public awareness programs to reduce the number of homeless pets. Creative fundraising efforts are popular among zoos, aquariums, and animal charities, leveraging a mix of humor and the universal experience of dealing with past relationships to generate funds for a good cause. It's a testament to the innovative ways in which non-profits seek to engage the community and support their missions.

Africa

Mar

Corn Dog Day: March 16

06:20 AM | -

The corn dog is an American snack with multiple claimants to its creation. This popular street food consists of a hot dog coated in a thick layer of cornmeal batter and deep-fried. It has become synonymous with state fairs, sporting events, and street festivals. The story of the corn dog begins in the early 20th century, with various inventors across the United States staking their claim. Some narratives point to the Fletcher brothers, Carl and Neil, who purportedly introduced the corn dog at the Texas State Fair between 1938 and 1942. However, this account is contested by others, including claims from Pronto Pup vendors in Oregon, who argue that they invented the corn dog in 1939. Despite these competing origin stories, the corn dog's popularity is linked to its appeal as an easy-to-eat, portable, and delicious snack, ideally suited for the casual dining experience of fairgrounds and outdoor events. Its novelty and the convenience of enjoying a hot meal on the go cemented the corn dog's place in American food culture. The corn dog's appeal lies in its taste and embodiment of innovation and the spirit of American entrepreneurship. It represents a moment of culinary creativity, where traditional ingredients were combined in a novel way to create a new eating experience. This ingenuity, coupled with the nostalgia many Americans feel for state fairs and childhood memories, has kept the corn dog popular for decades. National Corn Dog Day, celebrated annually on the first Saturday of the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship, adds a layer of cultural significance to this iconic snack. Established in the early 1990s by friends Henry Otley, Brady Sahnow, and Corbin Fries at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon, the day was born to celebrate their love for corn dogs, basketball, and American culture. The founders saw the corn dog as a symbol of unity and celebration, bringing people together over shared traditions and enjoyment. National Corn Dog Day has since evolved from a local event to a national celebration, reflecting not just a love for the snack itself but the communal joy and the spirit of festivity it represents. It's a day when fans across the country indulge in corn dogs, tater tots, and American beer, embracing the simplicity and pleasure of this deep-fried delicacy.

Africa

Mar

Corned Beef and Cabbage Day: March 17

06:20 AM | -

Celebrate Corned Beef and Cabbage Day on Saint Patrick's Day.

Corned beef and cabbage, a dish often associated with St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the United States, carries a complex history that intertwines with the socio-economic fabric of Ireland and the broader story of Irish immigration. Despite its strong association with Irish culture, the dish as it is popularly known today, particularly in the U.S., diverges from traditional Irish fare.

The History and Making of Corned Beef

Corned beef refers to brisket or another cut of meat cured or pickled in a seasoned brine. The term "corned" comes from the large grains or "corns" of salt historically used in curing. This method preserves meat and was common before the advent of refrigeration. The beef is soaked in a brine of water, salts, and spices and then slowly cooked until tender. This process preserves the meat and imparts a distinctively savory and slightly spicy flavor.

Association with Ireland

The association of corned beef with Ireland dates back to the 17th century when Ireland was a major producer of salted beef. However, the beef was mostly exported and too expensive for the average Irish family, which more commonly ate pork or bacon. The widespread consumption of corned beef and cabbage as an Irish dish is largely an American innovation developed by Irish immigrants in the 19th century.

Upon arriving in the United States, many Irish immigrants found beef more readily available and affordable than it had been in their homeland, thanks to the booming cattle industry. However, the corned beef they encountered in America was different; it was Jewish corned beef, cured with a brine similar to the one used for Irish bacon and cheaper than pork. Irish immigrants adopted corned beef as a substitute for traditional bacon, pairing it with cabbage, an affordable and abundant vegetable.

Global Variations

While corned beef and cabbage epitomize an Irish-American dish, variations of corned beef are found in other cuisines worldwide. For example, corned beef combines rice and spices in the Caribbean for a tropical twist. In the Philippines, it transforms into a breakfast dish served with rice and eggs. Americans create a potato dish known as corned beef hash (literally mashed potatoes and corned beef mixed together), and the British have their version of salt beef, which can be similar to Irish corned beef but is often served in sandwiches or with potatoes and mustard.

Cultural Significance

The association of corned beef and cabbage with St. Patrick's Day in the United States has more to do with Irish-American identity than Irish national tradition. The dish symbolizes the adaptability and resilience of the Irish people, reflecting how immigrants modified their culinary traditions to suit their new circumstances while maintaining a connection to their heritage.

Africa

Mar

End Israeli Apartheid Weeks, Intl.: March

06:20 AM | -

Advocate to End Apartheid

Created in 2004 as End Israeli Apartheid and Segregation Week, this awareness and advocacy campaign has become a worldwide phenomenon with events throughout the globe in most major cities. The event transitioned to Israeli Apartheid Week in 2017, with global events planned over two months. Each nation organizes according to its schedule.

The goal is to end the practice of apartheid worldwide, with the state of Israel as its most notable and brutal practitioner. The ultimate goal of the event is to ensure people living within the State of Israel and its Occupied Territories, regardless of race, origin, or faith, have equal rights as human beings, opportunity, equal access to resources, and respect as agreed by representatives of the state of Israel in 1947 at the United Nations. The state agreed to these standards as a condition of its creation, though it has yet to fulfill them. It has also agreed to international law and treaties as a signatory, many of which it continues to violate.

What is Apartheid?

Apartheid uses politics, the military, and law to create a system where one group is preferred over another based on ethnicity, faith, politics, or some other arbitrary segregator. The preferred people are endowed with privilege, above-equal, and have preferential access to resources and services. They often have segregated housing, schools, roads, courts, and employment opportunities. Segregation is based solely upon the identifying segregator. Apartheid is enforced via the military, political office, industry, and a two-tiered legal system. In Israel, the government and military work together to normalize segregation.

How Israel Practices Apartheid

In Israel, the primary selector is faith, and the second is race, as experienced by the non-white Jewish communities within the state. Those identified as Jewish are preferred and live in a republic based upon democratic principles. Those identified as not Jewish (Christian, Muslim, Druze, Buddhist, etc.) live in a fascist state, with nominal or no rights depending upon where they live in the region (occupied or within the Green Line). Israel has over 70 laws guaranteeing this unequal treatment by faith, including the Nation-State Law of 2018.

Though it claims democracy, Israel has no constitution. Jewish persons can argue their rights in civil courts. Non-Jewish persons are tried in military courts and can be held indefinitely without charges in indefinite detention, which is often renewed every six months. Israel's Jewish residents can only be held with charges and under the law. No Jewish person in Israel can be held without charges or indefinitely. Non-Jewish residents and those in lands controlled by the Israeli military can be arrested without charge and held indefinitely. This example is a textbook illustration of a two-tiered legal system, a key component of apartheid.

Israel is a nuclear superpower with one of the ten most powerful militaries in the world. It uses this military power to enforce apartheid on those it occupies and disenfranchise those who are not Jewish. The people it oppresses have no army, navy, or air force. They can be attacked, and are attacked, with impunity by the military and by the settler movement, often killed or permanently maimed at any time. Rarely (less than 2% according to Israeli public records) are any members of the settler movement or military held accountable for murder, executions, maiming, kidnappings, torture, vandalism, and other crimes against non-Jewish persons.

Israeli apartheid is more brutal than that experienced in South Africa. Using the military to bomb, raze homes, limit access to natural resources, conduct sieges, and blockades elevated Israeli apartheid to a new level far above apartheid-era South Africa. The construction of its wall, ten times the size of the Berlin Wall, Jewish-only roads, Jewish-only housing (enforced and protected by the military), hundreds of checkpoints, and the collective punishment of millions of people simply because they are not Jewish, further illustrates the aggressive nature of Israeli style apartheid.

What you can do:

There is so much you can do. Start by speaking to Palestinians. They're everywhere in the diaspora. Get to know the people in Jewish Voices for Peace, If Not Now, and other anti-apartheid Jewish groups. Then, question the narrative media feeds you. Get educated and extricate yourself from the echo chamber. Read publications including The Intercept, Mondoweiss, Ha'aretz, +972 Magazine, Palestine Monitor, The Electronic Intifada, and Foreign Policy Magazine. Watch independent news programs that don't go through Israeli censors, including Breaking Points, Judging Freedom, Democracy Now, and Al Jazeera. Follow excellent journalists and academics covering this, including Jonathan Cook, Jonathan M Katz, John Mearsheimer, and Caitlin Johnstone, to name a few.

Then, take part in actions that focus on non-violence, like End Israeli Apartheid Week, which raises awareness and educates and advocates for the exposure of this practice. A nation-state cannot be democratic and practice apartheid, period. Like South Africa, Israel's apartheid policies will only end when the international community says 'enough!' Nobody is looking to erase the state of Israel, despite the propaganda. Like South Africa, Israel will continue to exist as a better version of itself, with apartheid finally relegated to the dustbin of history where it belongs.

Check the Israeli Apartheid Week site for opportunities to help in your city and country or to register an event of your own.

Africa

Mar

Baked Ham with Pineapple Day: March 31

06:20 AM | -

Baked Ham with Pineapple Day, celebrated on Easter, taps into a long-standing culinary tradition that combines the savory flavor of ham with the sweet tang of pineapple. This unofficial event emerges from the widespread enjoyment of this particular dish, especially in Western culinary traditions. It epitomizes the fusion of flavors that appeal to a broad palate, blending baked ham's smoky, salty taste with the tropical sweetness of pineapple.

The origin of combining ham with pineapple is an extension of the culinary practice of pairing meat with fruit to enhance flavors. This cooking method has roots in various cultures and cuisines and has become a popular dish for special occasions and holidays, particularly Easter and Christmas. Baked Ham with Pineapple Day is a modern creation, likely promoted by Dole Fruit Company as one of its many recipes using the newly created pineapple rings in the early 20th century.

The celebration of Baked Ham with Pineapple Day is straightforward and revolves around the kitchen. Families and friends come together to prepare, cook, and share baked ham adorned with pineapple. This day allows culinary aficionados to showcase their cooking skills and for communities to bond over a shared meal. Social media platforms feature photos and recipes of this beloved dish, encouraging a broader participation and appreciation of this culinary tradition.

Preparing baked ham with pineapple involves scoring a ham, then glazing it with a mixture of brown sugar, mustard, and sometimes, cloves or ginger for added spice. Pineapple rings, often from a can for convenience, are then arranged on the ham's surface, sometimes secured with cherries in the center for a festive appearance. The popularity of this dish lies in its balance of flavors; the pineapple not only adds a sweet contrast to the savory ham but also tenderizes the meat with its natural enzymes, resulting in a succulent and flavorful dish.

Baked Ham with Pineapple Day celebrates more than just a meal; it's a nod to the creativity and cultural blending inherent in culinary practices. The day underscores the joy of cooking and sharing food, highlighting how traditional dishes can bring people together.

Africa

Mar

Baseball Season Opening Day: March 28

06:20 AM | -

Major League Baseball's (MLB) Opening Day is a cherished annual event that marks the official start of the baseball season in the United States. It symbolizes the beginning of spring and a fresh start for teams and fans alike. The tradition dates back to the late 19th century, with the first recognized major league baseball game played on April 22, 1876.

However, the concept of an "opening day" has evolved over time, gaining ceremonial significance and becoming imbued with traditions that reflect the cultural fabric of America.

Opening Day is significant not only for its sporting importance but also for its cultural and societal impact. It represents the end of winter and the anticipation of summer, serving as a collective symbol of renewal and hope. For many, it is more than just the start of the baseball season; it is a national pastime that brings families, communities, and the country together, celebrating the shared love for baseball.

06:20 AM | -

"Companies That Care Day" is an observance championed by the Center for Companies That Care, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the well-being of employees, families, and communities by encouraging and celebrating businesses that engage in socially responsible practices. This day, observed annually on the third Thursday in March, underscores the importance of corporate social responsibility and recognizes companies that demonstrate exceptional commitment to their employees and communities.

The significance of Companies That Care Day lies in its focus on promoting a culture of compassion and care within the business world. It highlights the value of corporate practices beyond profitability to include community involvement, respect for employees, and the promotion of a healthy work-life balance. The day serves as a reminder that businesses can positively impact society through ethical practices, charitable activities, and support for employee development.

Companies That Care Day includes various activities and initiatives. Participating companies might organize volunteer activities, community service projects, or events to recognize their employees' contributions. It is also an opportunity for businesses to reassess their corporate values and policies, ensuring they align with the principles of social responsibility and care for the well-being of their workforce and the community.

The observance encourages businesses of all sizes to adopt practices that support a positive work environment, contribute to the community's welfare, and foster a culture of respect, dignity, and fairness. By celebrating Companies That Care Day, organizations publicly affirm their commitment to creating a better society and inspire others to follow suit, driving a broader movement towards corporate responsibility and ethical business practices.

Africa

Mar

Baba Marta (BG): March 1

06:20 AM | -

Bulgaria's Baba Marta, a cherished and widely celebrated tradition, ushers in the arrival of spring with a unique blend of cultural heritage and seasonal renewal. This annual celebration on March 1st is steeped in folklore and symbolizes the anticipation of warmer days ahead, following the cold grip of winter. Baba Marta, translated as "Grandmother March," is personified as a capricious old woman whose mood swings bring about March's fluctuating weather patterns, embodying the season's transitional nature. Baba Marta's origins are deep-rooted in ancient pagan traditions, predating the arrival of Christianity in the Balkan region. It intertwines with the belief systems and customs of early agricultural societies, where the changing seasons had profound implications for survival and productivity. The day is a fusion of mythological tales and folk beliefs, illustrating the community's relationship with nature and life cycles. Celebration of Baba Marta includes the exchange of martenitsi—handmade adornments crafted from red and white yarn. These vibrant decorations, often fashioned into bracelets, brooches, or tiny dolls, Pizho and Penda, symbolize health, happiness, and longevity. The red thread embodies vitality and the sun's energy, signifying life and passion, while the white thread represents purity, happiness, and light. Bulgarians wear martenitsi from March 1st until they witness a budding tree or a stork, signs of spring's unequivocal return. At that moment, the martenitsi are typically tied to a tree, symbolizing the wearer's wishes for strength, growth, and prosperity. Baba Marta is celebrated as a harbinger of spring and a day of renewed hope and joy, bridging the cold, barren winter and the fecundity of spring. It reflects the human connection to the natural world, a tradition that encourages unity, goodwill, and a collective longing for warmer days and fertile lands. This celebration transcends its ancient pagan roots, evolving into a national cultural event that fosters community bonds and a shared identity among Bulgarians. Baba Marta is about rejuvenation, the cyclic nature of life, and the resilience of the enduring human spirit. It vividly expresses Bulgaria's rich cultural tapestry, weaving together historical narratives, folklore, and the universal anticipation of spring's renewal. By exchanging martenitsi, Bulgarians reaffirm their cultural heritage and participate in a timeless tradition that celebrates life, nature, and the enduring hope for a prosperous year ahead.

Africa

Mar

Backyard Day: March 19

06:20 AM | -

Zyrtec's Backyard Day encourages people, especially those with seasonal allergies, to enjoy the outdoors. Unlike ancient or traditional holidays with deep historical roots, Backyard Day was created as a marketing initiative but has since grown to promote awareness around managing allergies while still being able to enjoy outdoor activities. The event typically falls in the spring, when many people experience seasonal allergy symptoms due to the higher pollen count. Backyard Day originates from the brand's mission to help allergy sufferers find relief from their symptoms. Recognizing that spring can be a challenging season for those sensitive to pollen, Zyrtec aimed to create an event that highlights its product's effectiveness and encourages people to reclaim their outdoor spaces. By doing so, the product positions itself as a solution that enables people to enjoy the beauty of spring without the discomfort of allergy symptoms. Celebrations include individuals and families spending time in their backyards or local parks, engaging in various outdoor activities such as gardening, picnicking, playing sports, or simply relaxing in the fresh air. Through social media campaigns, Zyrtec often promotes Backyard Day, encouraging participants to share their outdoor experiences using specific hashtags. The brand may also partner with local organizations or influencers to host events or activities, encouraging community engagement and participation. The purpose of celebrating Backyard Day is twofold: to raise awareness about managing seasonal allergies effectively and to promote a healthy, active lifestyle by taking advantage of outdoor spaces. It's about encouraging people not to let allergies hold them back from enjoying the spring season to its fullest. The day is a reminder that everyone can enjoy the outdoors with suitable precautions and treatments, regardless of their allergy status. Backyard Day is primarily about those who suffer from seasonal allergies but includes anyone who wants to celebrate the outdoors and the onset of warmer weather. It's a day that transcends the commercial origins of its creation, fostering a sense of community and well-being through the shared experience of enjoying nature. In essence, Zyrtec's Backyard Day combines health awareness with the universal joy of springtime outdoor activities, creating a unique modern tradition that appeals to a broad audience.

Africa