The Golden Globe Awards honor excellence in film and television. The Golden Globe Awards are decided by the 93 Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) members and cover domestic and foreign film, television, and digital media. The annual ceremony and dinner of the Golden Globe are an anticipated event of the film industry's awards season, together with the Academy Awards.

Africa

Jan

Granola Bar Day, Ntl.: January 21

06:20 AM | -

Granula, as it was initially called, originated in an 1863 mental health institution, the Jackson Sanitarium, and was popularized by Dr. James Caleb Jackson of Dansville, New York, to improve digestion. The name was later changed to granola by the Kellogg company to avoid a legal dispute when Kellogg began creating a similar baked cereal. Granola is baked, and muesli, which is similar, is the raw form of granola. By the early 20th century, granola slipped from favor. But oats and muesli were already being used to create cereal bars called "flapjacks" in the United Kingdom and muesli bars in Oceania. These were considered desserts and very similar to today's mass-produced bars. The flower children of the 1960s would revive it, pimping it with dried fruits and nuts. The ancient food, now marketed as a health food and a popular alternative to fast food on the go, was set to explode onto the market. The addition of the granola bar (basically a cookie in bar form and marketed as healthy) soon entered the snack and breakfast market during the mid-1970s to early 1980s. Today they are one of the most popular adult "sweets" and are often used as meal replacements.

Africa

Jan

Green Juice Day, Intl.: January 26

06:20 AM | -

Created in 2016 as a promotional tool, International Green Juice Day was created to feature Evolution Fresh's line of green juice vegetable smoothies and encourage people to renew their commitment to healthy New Year's resolutions.

Africa

Jan

Handwriting Analysis Week, Intl. (1737): January 19-25

06:20 AM | -

You can tell a lot about a person from their handwriting. It lays bare insecurities, strengths, personalities, biases, and where they are. Graphology is the study of handwriting; graphologists or graphoanalyst are the people who study it. Writing is individual to the person, and it changes over time. Consider diary entries you made in your teens and checks you wrote in your early twenties. Go back and look at those and see how your writing has changed. Increasingly with texting and computers, handwriting, especially cursive, is becoming a lost art. Some schools don't even teach cursive writing, which is a shame. It disadvantages students, especially in higher education or a business atmosphere. One writes two to three times faster in cursive than in printing. International Handwriting Analysis Week is your opportunity to learn what your writing says about you, play with your signature and appreciate the written word. Annually the week of John Hancock's birthday, January 23, 1737.

Africa

Jan

Handwriting Day, Ntl. (1737): January 23

06:20 AM | -

National Handwriting Day celebrates the art of handwriting, be your script cute, elegant, beautiful, or doctor-like illegible. WIMA sponsors National Handwriting Day every year on the anniversary of John Hancock’s birthday, January 23, 1737. Hancock was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence and is famous for his large, bold signature.

Africa

Jan

Hangover Day: January 1

06:20 AM | -

INTERNATIONAL HANGOVER DAY

After drinking a lot of alcohol on New Year's Eve, New Year's Day is traditionally considered "Hangover Day." A hangover is experienced after excessive alcohol consumption and includes a range of symptoms:

1. Headache
2. Fatigue
3. Nausea
4. Dizziness
5. Sensitivity to light and sound
6. Mood disturbances
7, Depression
8. Anxiety

The severity and duration of a hangover can vary greatly depending on the individual and the amount and type of alcohol consumed.

WHY WE GET HANGOVERS

Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it promotes the production of urine, leading to dehydration, one of the primary causes of hangover symptoms. Additionally, the liver breaks down alcohol into acetaldehyde, a toxic compound that contributes to the feeling of nausea and headache. As the body works to metabolize and eliminate these substances, the individual experiences the unpleasant symptoms associated with a hangover. Finally, congeners, a chemical by-product found in dark liquors, including whiskey and red wine, can exacerbate hangover symptoms.

HOW TO GET RID OF A HANGOVER

To alleviate the symptoms of a hangover, experts recommend several strategies. Rehydration combats the diuretic effects of alcohol. Drinking water or electrolyte-rich beverages can help restore the body's fluid balance. Consuming food can also assist in stabilizing blood sugar levels disrupted by alcohol consumption.

Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen, treat headaches and muscle aches; acetaminophen should be avoided as it can cause liver damage when combined with alcohol.

Alcohol can disrupt sleep patterns, so allowing the body extra rest can aid in the healing process. Ginger tea for nausea or honey, with its fructose content, helps metabolize alcohol more quickly. Essentially, alleviating a hangover involves rehydration, eating, taking certain pain relievers, getting plenty of rest, and considering natural remedies.

Though January 1 is traditionally a hangover day since Julius Cesar declared the first New Year's Day in 45 BC, patrons of the Oven and Tap in Bentonville, Arkansas, Keegan Calligar and Marlo Anderson claimed the day and moniker in 2015.

Africa

Jan

Happy Mew Year (Cat): January 2

06:20 AM | -

One might say that counting time is a purely human and abstract invention, as we decide when a month or a year starts or ends. However, why shouldn't the animal world celebrate as well? Happy Mew Year is the day after the fireworks when felines can celebrate the beginning of a new year full of food, naps, cuddles, purrs, and a healthy dose of catnip.

Africa

Jan

Harlem Globetrotter Day (1927): January 7

06:20 AM | -

The Harlem Globetrotters originated in 1926 as the Savoy Big Five, an exhibition basketball team focused on athleticism and comedic theater. From 1926 until now, the Harlem Globetrotters have played over 26,000 exhibition games in 122 countries and territories. The Globetrotters won the World Professional Basketball Tournament in 1940 and enjoyed a revived success in the 1990s. The Globetrotters were eclipsed with the rise of the NBA (National Basketball Association) back in the 1950s. Since then, a lot of Globetrotters have become some of the NBA's legends, including Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton, Wilt "The Stilt" Chamberlain, Connie "The Hawk" Hawkins, and others. Today marks the anniversary of their first game on January 7, 1927.

Africa

Jan

Haru-No-Yabuiri (JP): January 16

06:20 AM | -

Haru-No-Yabuiri is similar to the English tradition of Boxing Day, where the gentry gave servants a day off to visit their families during the Christmas holiday. In Japan, all the workers who had to work through the holidays are given a day off in January, and that day is Haru-No-Yabuiri.

Africa

Jan

Hat Day, Ntl.: January 15

06:20 AM | -

National Hat Day is celebrated every year and is an opportunity to wear whatever you like on your head, the more outrageous, the better. National Hat Day is an unofficial event with no sponsor.

Africa

Jan

Healthy Weight Week: January 19-25

06:20 AM | -

Healthy Weight Week urges self-education on not dieting. Instead, opt for a healthy lifestyle of sensible eating and exercise.

The event is timed for the week when many people abandon resolutions by providing encouragement and support.

Africa

Jan

Herb of the Year, Chamomile Matricaria: 2025

06:20 AM | -

SWEET RELAXATION:

2025 IS THE YEAR OF CAMOMILE

Since 1991, the International Herb Association has chosen an herb or spice to represent that year. 2025 is the year of Matricaria Chamomilla.

Matricaria, commonly known as chamomile, is a genus of flowering plants in the Asteraceae family. The genus includes several species, with the most well-known and widely used species being Matricaria chamomilla, commonly referred to as German chamomile or chamomile. Chamomile is native to Europe and Western Asia and in various regions worldwide for its medicinal and aromatic properties.

Chamomile is a small, herbaceous plant that typically grows to a height of 8 to 24 inches (20 to 60 centimeters). It has finely divided, feathery leaves and produces daisy-like flowers with a characteristic yellow center and white petals. The flowers are known for their pleasant, apple-like fragrance.

Chamomile has a long history of traditional use as a medicinal herb due to its calming and soothing properties. Chamomile tea, made by steeping the dried flowers in hot water, is a popular herbal remedy known for its relaxing effects and potential benefits for sleep and digestion. The tea relieves anxiety, promotes relaxation, and treats mild gastrointestinal complaints.

The active compounds in chamomile, including chamazulene, bisabolol, and apigenin, are believed to contribute to its medicinal properties. These compounds possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and mild sedative properties, which may explain the herb's therapeutic effects.

In addition to its medicinal uses, chamomile is valued for its aromatic qualities and can be found in cosmetics, perfumes, and aromatherapy products. The essential oil extracted from chamomile flowers is used in various skincare formulations and has a soothing effect on the skin.

It's worth noting that chamomile resembles another popular herb known as Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), a different species in the same family. Roman chamomile is a perennial plant with properties similar to German chamomile, although it is primarily used in essential oil production and less commonly consumed as tea.

Chamomile is generally considered safe for most people when consumed in moderation. However, individuals with known allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family, such as ragweed, may experience allergic reactions to chamomile and should exercise caution.

Overall, chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is a widely recognized herb with a long history of traditional use for its calming and soothing properties. Whether enjoyed as a tea or used in other forms, chamomile remains popular for relaxation and natural wellness.

Africa

Jan

Heritage Treasures Day (UK): January 11

06:20 AM | -

Heritage Treasures Day, annually commemorated in the United Kingdom, is an initiative of the Heritage Fund UK. Its creation emerged from a deep-seated appreciation for the rich cultural and historical tapestry of the United Kingdom and has become a vital part of the nation's calendar. The awareness event preserves and accentuates the diverse historical assets of the country, whether in the arts, buildings, geography, or natural history. Heritage Fund, renowned for its stewardship in safeguarding heritage sites, recognized the necessity of a dedicated day to raise public awareness and encourage engagement with the nation's historical treasures. The purpose of Heritage Treasures Day is to serve as a poignant reminder of the United Kingdom's multifaceted heritage, ranging from historic buildings and monuments to natural landscapes and intangible cultural traditions. Heritage refers to more than buildings. It includes writers like William Shakespeare and Robert Burns, artists JMW Turner and Francis Bacon, and even entertainers like The Beatles. Seven of the United Kingdom's best-known heritage treasures include: 1. Stonehenge—Wiltshire, England. Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument famed for its ring of standing stones and a symbol of mystery and ancient history. 2. The Tower of London—River Thames in central London. Historically, it was a castle, prison, palace, or treasury; today, it houses the Crown Jewels and is a top tourist destination due to its rich, albeit sometimes gruesome, history. 3. Edinburgh Castle—Edinburgh, Scotland. This historic fortress witnessed many of the defining events of Scottish history. 4. The Roman Baths—Bath, England. The Roman Baths are a well-preserved ancient site and provide a unique insight into life during Roman-occupied Britain. 5. The British Museum—London. Created during the reign of Queen Victoria, this world-renowned museum houses a vast collection of world art and artifacts, including the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles. 6. Canterbury Cathedral—Canterbury, England. Established in 597 AD, the cathedral is renowned for its stunning architecture. It has been a pilgrimage site since the Middle Ages and is part of a World Heritage Site. 7. The Lake District—Northwest England. The Lake District is known for its picturesque lakes, forests, mountains, cultural landscape, and inclusion in the writings of William Wordsworth, Richard Adams, and Beatrix Potter. Heritage Treasures Day typically involves educational workshops, guided tours, and exhibitions showcasing the United Kingdom's heritage.

Africa

Jan

Heroes Day, Ntl. (GW)(1973): January 20

06:20 AM | -

National Heroes Day in Guinea-Bissau marks the anniversary of January 20, 1973, when Amilcar Cabral, a leader of the independence movement, was assassinated. Heroes Day is a national holiday.

Africa

Jan

Hobby Month, Ntl.: January

06:20 AM | -

National Hobby Month encourages people to put time into or develop a passion. Hobbies do much more than help us pass the time and engage our minds. Hobbies Help you have a more positive outlook. Enhance your creativity. Sharpen your focus. Boost confidence. Increase motivation. Each year in January, as you start the new year, add pursuing a hobby or interest to your resolutions. Not sure what to choose? Kithub includes thousands of ideas to match your interests with passions and find a hobby you’ll love.

Africa