National Catfish Day

Here’s to a day I never thought I’d be celebrating – National Catfish Day! 

A catfish is “a diverse group of ray-finned fish. Named for their prominent barbels, which resemble a cat's whiskers…” There are several species of catfish, some of which can live inland, while others live in coastal waters. They can be found pretty much everywhere except for Antarctica. While they are found in greatest abundance in tropical areas, “more than half of all catfish species live in the Americas.” Most are bottom feeders, meaning “a fish or other animal that feeds on the bottom of a body of water.” Catfish is enjoyed in many areas of the world, particularly the Southern United States and in parts of Europe and Asia.

So what’s with National Catfish Day you ask? Well (SURPRISE!), we have an American connection. In fact, it was Ronald Regan who declared this Day on June 25, 1987 as a means of “celebrating the value farm-raised catfish.” While I’m not sure this was a good use of taxpayer’s time and money, it does provide us with a reason to celebrate today! Thanks (?) Ronald Regan!

Now that you’re up-to-date on the latest catfish know-how, why not chick here to fill out today’s poll! 

National Swim a Lap Day

Its National Swim a Lap Day! The purpose of today is to encourage folks to spend some time swimming. And, since it is now officially summer, the weather should be getting nice enough to take a trip to the beach or a local swimming pond/pool/hole/lake/etc. Swimming is “the self-propulsion of a person through water or other liquid, for survival, recreation, sport, exercise or other reason.” There are several benefits to swimming, but it is “primarily a cardiovascular/aerobic exercise due to the long exercise time, requiring a constant oxygen supply to the muscles, except for short sprints where the muscles work anaerobically.”

 

Have I sold you on taking a dip, but you are now unsure of how far, exactly, a lap actually is? Well, in reality, the lap would depend on the size of the pool. However, traditionally (in a competitive sense), a lap can be anywhere from 25 to 50 meters in length.

So get out there and swim a lap in honour of today! …unless of course you can’t swim, in which case we advise you not to participate in today’s festivities! But before you do, take a minute to fill out the daily poll by clicking here!

*Daily Tasty Nugget will not be responsible for any (near) drownings due to today’s National Holiday.

United Nations Public Service Day

Today is United Nations Public Service Day. The purpose of today’s Day is to “celebrate the value and virtue of public service to the community; highlight the contribution of public service in the development process; recognize the work of public servants, and encourage young people to pursue careers in the public sector.” This has been ‘celebrated’ since 2003, with the commencement of the UN’s Public Service Award ceremony. Not sure there's much I can add to that, so click here to vote on today’s poll!

National Onion Rings Day

Wooo! It’s National Onion Rings Day! Who doesn’t love a little deep-fried, battered onion action?? If you’re one of the few who don’t, well then, this day is not for you! 

The origins of onion rings are unknown. It is believed that a recipe was found, which dates back to 1933. However, an American food chain by the name of Pig Stand appears to have claimed their creation in the 1920s, but there isn’t any great evidence to confirm or deny this claim. Today it is chain A & W that seems to own the onion ring market, although there are certainly other fast food restaurants that sell them. If you ask me, A & W’s are not the money-maker – it’s Harvey’s that take them home! 

Have your say, vote on today’s poll by clicking here!

World Music Day

Well, if it isn’t a little dose of happiness after a few heavy Days! It’s World Music Day!! 

Music is thought to be the universal language, or maybe that’s love…I’m not sure. To be honest, I’m not so great at either! Regardless, music is pretty awesome! There are many styles and genres, levels of volume and talent…something for everyone. I don’t have a preferred type of music that I listen to, I pretty much like all styles. For me, it really depends on the mood I am in on a particular day.

World Music Day, or Fête de la Musique, is a celebration of music. The worldwide celebration began in France in 1982, with the idea of having a musical celebration for the summer Solstice. World Music Day is celebrated in 504 cities from 104 countries. Pretty cool, eh?

May you all enjoy a day of music regardless of your favourite genre! And to help you prepare for this wonderful celebration, why not fill out today’s poll by clicking here! 

World Refugee Day

Today is World Refugee Day! 

A refugee is “a person who is outside his or her country of origin or habitual residence because they have suffered (or fear) persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or because they are a member of a persecuted 'social group' or because they are fleeing a war or natural disaster. Such a person may be called to as an 'asylum seeker' until recognized by the state where they make a claim.” While refugees have been present throughout most of human existence, as of 2005, the largest sources of refugees were from Afghanistan, Iran, Sierra Leone, Myanmar, South Sudan and Palestine.

The purpose of World Refugee Day is to hopefully get individuals to reflect on what it means to be a refugee. To think about what it would mean to hold such status; the impact on the families impacted by war torn areas. It also provides an opportunity to take action, or at the very least spark a little interest into what one can do. So, do this today. Reflect. Take action.

To vote on today’s poll, click here.