Conversation 24

NATIONAL CARTOONISTS DAY

Observed on May 5th each year, National Cartoonists day honors all those creative ink-stained artists, past and present, and the fascinating pieces they have created. Throughout the years, their talents bring humor, entertainment into our lives while provoking thought and debate, too.

American comic strip writer and artist, Richard Outcault (January 14, 1863 – September 25, 1928) is considered the inventor of the modern comic strip. At 15 years of age, he studied for three years at the McMicken University’s School of Design in Cincinnati. Outcault created the comic strips The Yellow Kid and Buster Brown.

Outcault was a 2008 Judges’ Choice inductee into the Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame.

On Sunday,May 5, 1895, the readers of the New York World discovered an exciting new addition in their morning paper. On the pages, they found Outcault’s full-color drawings featuring a big-eared, barefoot little boy with a mischievous grin. The first color installment of the cartoon called Hogan’s Alley would later become known as The Yellow Kidand was the first commercially successful cartoon icon.

NATIONAL TOTALLY CHIPOTLE DAY

Each year on May 5th, National Totally Chipotle Day celebrates right alongside Cinco de Mayo and is dedicated to the chipotle, a smoked, dried jalapeno pepper.

There are different varieties of jalapenos and they vary in size and heat. At one time, chipotles were primarily found in the markets of central and southern Mexico. As Mexican foods became more popular in the more northern areas of North America, the jalapeno production and processing expanded north into the United States.

Chipotles are often an essential ingredient and add a mild spiciness to many different dishes in Mexican cuisine. While you expect to find them in salsas and other sauces, don’t hesitate to use them in other ways, too. Add them to soups and marinades if you want to bring the heat to a dish. Bean or lentil dishes shine when you add chipotle to them. Do you like sweet and spicy flair? Add chipotle to your jellies. When pairing chipotle with a slice of smoky cheese, you won’t be disappointed. Top it on a grilled bbq chicken pizza to wow guests.

You can even add it to desserts for a surprising but delicious twist. For example, homemade dark chocolate ice cream with the hint of smoky chipotle in every bit is a real winner. You can turn down the heat by removing the seeds and membrane or leave them in for a more exciting experience.

NATIONAL SILENCE THE SHAME DAY

On May 5th, National Silence the Shame Day brings an opportunity to continue the conversation about mental health and wellness and erase the stigma associated with mental illness.

Mental illness, like any other health concern, is diagnosed at different stages. It may have fewer symptoms from time to time and/or impact on our daily functioning. It is also important to know that mental illness is treatable and recovery is possible.

Unlike other areas of our health care, many people don’t have an affordable or accessible routine plan of care for mental health challenges. Individuals who may have access often suffer in silence due to the stigma of being diagnosed.

National Silence the Shame Day offers education and awareness, opening up conversations about mental health, wellness, mental illness, and recovery.

CINCO DE MAYO

Cinco De Mayo’s deeply rooted history in the Franco-Mexican War influenced Mexican-Mexican American communities in the early years of the American Civil War. In the early 1860s, as the Civil War erupted, these communities took up the banner of the Cinco De Mayo celebration as a way to commemorate the cause of freedom and democracy. Today, in the United States, Americans celebrate Mexican-American heritage and pride annually on May 5th.

Cinco de Mayo is Spanish for “fifth of May.”

On June 7, 2005, the United States Congress issued a Concurrent Resolution. The resolution invited the President of the United States to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe Cinco de Mayo with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

According to José Alamillo, professor of ethnic studies at Washington State University in Pullman, a 2006 study found more than 150 official events celebrating the day.

Celebrations surrounding the observance in the United States take on a significance beyond that in Mexico. They include displaying of banners and events highlighting Mexican culture, music, and regional dancing. School districts also hold special events to educate students about its historical significance. In the U.S., commercial interests the day by celebrating Mexican products and services with an emphasis on beverages, food, and music.

NATIONAL ASTRONAUT DAY

National Astronaut Day on May 5th each year celebrates Astronauts as true heroes. The day’s mission is to inspire ALL to “reach for the stars” by sharing “out of this world” Astronaut stories and experiences.

On May 5th, 1961, Astronaut Alan Bartlett Shepard Jr. became the first American in space aboard the Freedom 7 Space capsule. The brief suborbital flight lasted 15 minutes and reached a height of 116 miles into the atmosphere. It was a milestone achievement and a trailblazing example of heroic bravery. This adventurous spirit is the essence of what National Astronaut Day is all about.

By sharing the incredible stories, experiences, and perspectives of actual Astronauts, the mission of National Astronaut Day inspires us ALL to follow our dreams. The day includes both future Astronauts and those who seek to keep their feet on the ground!

NATIONAL LEMONADE DAY

National Lemonade Day on the first Sunday in May encourages the entrepreneurial spirit in young people all across the country.

Not only is the celebration a time to enjoy a refreshing glass of lemonade, but more importantly, it is a day to give youth an opportunity to experience the taste of success.

Through LemonadeDay.org, millions of kids around the nation learn what it takes to run a business in a fun and constructive way.

The days leading up to Lemonade Day are full of preparation by small but budding entrepreneurs. They attend workshops, check their stock, and scout out their locations. On Lemonade Day, they will be ready to set up shop and sell the freshest, coolest lemonade their side of the block!

@sheba2011

Thanks for your post. I didn’t think anyone said anything, but who knows. What I do know is that there is an illness going around Brazil caused by the mosquitos. Because of the heat and rain these bugs multiplied and carry whatever. I hope and pray that xango’s family members are OK.

I didn’t bring any food for hubby. I will be making soup sometime this week no matter how hot the weather becomes. Funny, I enjoy a “slurp” all year long.

Tomorrow I will be bringing hubby’s Yamaha with me. It’s one of those portable pianos. Just not sure if I will include the piano stand. I’ll see if I can fit both on the D-Best Trolley with a bungee cord. I will let you know how everything goes.

I returned to the Farmer’s Market this afternoon. When I was there during the week, they had a plant that I liked . At first I thought it was a Petunia. It wasn’t. It’s called Dipladenia and was selling for $24.99. It came in four different colors. Red, Pink, Coral and White. They were already potted in huge planters. My only problem………I could not lift them.😣😣. I knew they had people to help, but when I get home, how do I get it out of the trunk of my car. So I left it. However, I found that Lowes carries it and they have to be preordered which means it’s delivered to you. I may do that. The butterflies as well as the hummingbirds would absolutely love the flowers. Me. I would enjoy watching.

See you have another opportunity for some “fun” weather this week. Please be safe.

@shoelady60,

Good evening and goodnight glad you enjoyed the Derby’s I will catch it on demand.
I had a lot going on between the rains. 😎😘