International Internet Day is marked annually on 29 October. The day commemorates the anniversary of the first message that was sent between two computers on 29 October 1969 through ARPANET, the predecessor of the Internet. Since then, the technology has become an indispensable part of our lives.
The first message exchange through the network was to programmer Bill Duvall at Stanford Research Institute by UCLA professor Leonard Kleinrock and his student and programmer Charley Cline. The duo attempted to send the word âloginâ as the first message. However, the system crashed after they wrote the letters l and o, resulting in the first-ever message sent on the network being the word âloâ. The word âloginâ was sent an hour later by the programmers.
Weâve been resetting our routers just to keep our online lifeline running ever since.
The Internet has transformed our lives in a monumental way, making it unthinkable to imagine a world without it. From smartphones and social media to cyber security, the network is present everywhere.
The Internet is everywhere these days, being accessed on phones and tablets, tied into our cameras and our TVâs. Wi-Fi is accessible from everywhere from city buses to your neighbourhood McDonaldâs, and the world grows smaller every day as a result. Internet Day is a celebration of this culmination of computing and communication technology, and they way it has brought all our lives together.
Why donât you start your celebration of Internet Day by visiting the original website, which just so happens to still be online! Take a moment to gander at its high-quality graphics, itâs utterly sleek and streamlined design, and the sheer high-tech embodied by the first website ever. Absolutely stunning? No?
Spend a moment today being grateful for that L and O, and consider our modern world without the internet! Happy Friday!
There isnât a huge amount of things you can do with certain leftovers, and sometimes you forget about them in the face of a fresher meal! When you forget about those leftovers, you can rest assured they certainly havenât forgotten about you. Instead, they sit lurking in the back of the refrigerator waiting for you to delve into its darkest corners and unleash the disgusting rotten mess that lurks within those Tupperware sarcophagi.
Haunted Refrigerator Night is time for you to don your protective gear, grab your proton pack, and bust the ghosts of dinners past that still lurk in your refrigerator.
This holiday is one of the grand march of holidays created by Thomas & Ruth Roy of Wellcat Holidays & Herbs. Tom and his wife decided that the best time to tackle the frightening depths of their refrigerator was the night before Halloween, and there they started a long history of tradition where they would face these dangers each year.
We know that digging into your refrigerator can be overwhelming, even frightening, but thatâs no reason to let those items continue to fester.
While it would be best for people to make a habit of using the contents of their refrigerator throughout the year, or at least clean it out a little more often, we all know that isnât going to happen. Every day we indulge in delicious meals and stash their remains with fond hopes of lunch tomorrow, dinner tomorrow night, or even a leftovers night on Friday, and yet they continue to sit and fester for months on end in the back of the refrigerator.
Until Haunted Refrigerator Night, when itâs time to finally set those lost souls free.
Haunted Refrigerator Night is best celebrated by cleaning out the horrors that live deep within your icebox. Be sure to bring a medical mask, copious garbage bags, and if youâre brave a container of cleaners to try to restore the Tupperware to a usable state.
Honestly, though youâll probably be safer by just tossing the whole thing into the garbage, who wants to chance that smell sticking around? You can finish off Haunted Refrigerator Night with a vow (we both know you wonât keep) to start using your leftovers more in the year to come.
Face up to the frightening spectre that is the back of your fridge, and get to clearing out the horrors that have taken up residence in it! Time to get all Marie Kondo on your fridge!
Halloween is a holiday that originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts.
In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honour all saints. Soon, All Saints Day incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before was known as All Hallowsâ Eve, and later Halloween. Over time, Halloween evolved into a day of activities like trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, festive gatherings, donning costumes and eating treats.
Halloweenâs origins date back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in). The Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago, mostly in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom and northern France, celebrated their new year on November 1.
This day marked the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the dark, cold winter, a time of year that was often associated with human death. Celts believed that on the night before the new year, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred. On the night of October 31 they celebrated Samhain, when it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth.
In addition to causing trouble and damaging crops, Celts thought that the presence of the otherworldly spirits made it easier for the Druids, or Celtic priests, to make predictions about the future. For a people entirely dependent on the volatile natural world, these prophecies were an important source of comfort during the long, dark winter.
To commemorate the event, Druids built huge sacred bonfires, where the people gathered to burn crops and animals as sacrifices to the Celtic deities. During the celebration, the Celts wore costumes, typically consisting of animal heads and skins, and attempted to tell each otherâs fortunes.
When the celebration was over, they re-lit their hearth fires, which they had extinguished earlier that evening, from the sacred bonfire to help protect them during the coming winter.
By 43 A.D., the Roman Empire had conquered the majority of Celtic territory. In the course of the 400 years that they ruled the Celtic lands, two festivals of Roman origin were combined with the traditional Celtic celebration of Samhain.
The first was Feralia, a day in late October when the Romans traditionally commemorated the passing of the dead. The second was a day to honour Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit and trees. The symbol of Pomona is the apple, and the incorporation of this celebration into Samhain probably explains the tradition of bobbing for apples that is practiced today on Halloween.
On May 13, 609 A.D., Pope Boniface IV dedicated the Pantheon in Rome in honour of all Christian martyrs, and the Catholic feast of All Martyrs Day was established in the Western church. Pope Gregory III later expanded the festival to include all saints as well as all martyrs, and moved the observance from May 13 to November 1.
By the 9th century, the influence of Christianity had spread into Celtic lands, where it gradually blended with and supplanted older Celtic rites. In 1000 A.D., the church made November 2 All Soulsâ Day, a day to honour the dead. Itâs widely believed today that the church was attempting to replace the Celtic festival of the dead with a related, church-sanctioned holiday.
All Soulsâ Day was celebrated similarly to Samhain, with big bonfires, parades and dressing up in costumes as saints, angels and devils. The All Saintsâ Day celebration was also called All-hallows or All-hallowmas (from Middle English Alholowmesse meaning All Saintsâ Day) and the night before it, the traditional night of Samhain in the Celtic religion, began to be called All-Hallows Eve and, eventually, Halloween.
Hereâs a really good list of movies old and new, scary and not so scary, to get your Halloween juices flowing:
And it wouldnât be a proper Gamer Halloween without some games to play too:
Do you and yours do the âTrick or Treatâ thing? Whatâs the ratio of tricks to treats? In my experience, itâs 100% âTreatsâ!
World Vegan Day is an annual event celebrated by vegans around the world every 1 November.
The benefits of veganism for humans and the natural environment are celebrated through activities such as setting up stalls, hosting potlucks, and planting memorial trees.
The event was established in 1994 by Louis Wallis, then Chair of The Vegan Society in the United Kingdom, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the organisation and the coining of the terms âveganâ and âveganismâ.
Speaking in 2011, Wallis said: âWe knew the Society had been founded in November 1944 but didnât know the exact date, so I decided to go for 1 November, partly because I liked the idea of this date coinciding with Samhain/Halloween and the Day of Dead â traditional times for feasting and celebration, both apt and auspicious.â
Even though the term âveganâ and the Vegan Society were established at this point, obviously the idea of eating only foods that avoid the use of animal products has been around much longer.
In fact, it is estimated that veganism has probably been around for at least 2000 years, and the idea of vegetarianism (not eating meat) was perhaps around for even 500 years prior to that! That was when Greek philosopher and mathematician, Pythagoras of Samos, made it part of his lifeâs work to promote acting with benevolence and care for all species. Many followers of Buddhism are also promoters of vegetarianism and they do not believe in inflicting harm on other animals.
It wasnât until 1806, however, that the concept of veganism as a lifestyle was really beginning to take shape. It was around this time that the objection to eating dairy and eggs for ethical reasons was first promoted to Europeans by Dr. William Lambe and Percy Bysshe Shelley.
It took more than 100 years or so, but finally, the vegan folks bonded together and created the UK Vegan Society. It was that same year that the term âveganâ was coined by Donald Watson, obviously derived from the word Vegetarian. At that time, the differentiation was that Vegans did not consume dairy products.
Later this definition extended to eggs and by 1951 veganism had become a movement of people who did not partake in the exploitation of animals of any sort. This included wearing furs, leather, or other animal products. The American Vegan Society followed along with its formation just a few years later, in 1960.
Then, in 1994, the President of the UK Vegan Society decided to elect the date of the 1st of November as World Vegan Day, which is now recognized as the date on which the Vegan Society was founded and on which Vegan Day would be observed. And itâs a great kickoff day as a start to World Vegan Month, which happens to be November.
Being kind to animals is one reason to celebrate World Vegan Day. Fewer animal products mean fewer greenhouse gasses, which means better earth for everyone. And itâs also better for the human body. Itâs a win-win-win!
Along with celebrating the start of the Vegan Society, Vegan Day is an opportunity to promote the benefits of a vegan diet and veganism in general. Although this might sound complicated, it really doesnât have to be! Getting started can be easy, by just having a green veggie salad for lunch instead of that burger. Use coconut oil instead of butter for cooking, and substitute soy, oat, or almond milk for dairy milk. Itâs easier than most people think!
Do you think you could go vegan for the day? For longer? Are you already following a vegan diet? Are you doing it for ethical or medical reasons?
Technically it really should be The Days of the Dead as the traditional Mexican festival of DĂa de los Muertos cover the three day period from All Saints Eve (31 October), through All Saints Day (1 November), and ends today on All Souls Day.
The Day of the Dead (el DĂa de los Muertos), is a Mexican holiday where families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives for a brief reunion that includes food, drink and celebration. A blend of Mesoamerican ritual, European religion and Spanish culture, the holiday is celebrated each year from 31 October - 2 November. While 31 October is Halloween, 1 November is âel Dia de los Inocentes,â or âel Dia de los Angelitosâ or the Day of the Children, and All Saints Day. 2 November is âel DĂa de los Difuntosâ - All Souls Day or the Day of the Dead.
According to tradition, the gates of heaven are opened at midnight on 1 November and the spirits of children can rejoin their families for 24 hours. The spirits of adults can do the same from midnight on 2 November.
The roots of the Day of the Dead, celebrated in contemporary Mexico and among those of Mexican heritage in the United States and around the world, go back some 3,000 years, to the rituals honoring the dead in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica. The Aztecs and other Nahua people living in what is now central Mexico held a cyclical view of the universe, and saw death as an integral, ever-present part of life.
Upon dying, a person was believed to travel to ChicunamictlĂĄn, the Land of the Dead. Only after getting through nine challenging levels, a journey of several years, could the personâs soul finally reach MictlĂĄn, the final resting place. In Nahua rituals honoring the dead, traditionally held in August, family members provided food, water and tools to aid the deceased in this difficult journey.
This inspired the contemporary Day of the Dead practice in which people leave food or other offerings on their loved onesâ graves, or set them out on makeshift altars called ofrendas in their homes.
El DĂa de los Muertos is not, as is commonly thought, a Mexican version of Halloween, though the two holidays do share some traditions, including costumes and parades.
On the Day of the Dead, itâs believed that the border between the spirit world and the real world dissolve. During this brief period, the souls of the dead awaken and return to the living world to feast, drink, dance and play music with their loved ones. In turn, the living family members treat the deceased as honored guests in their celebrations, and leave the deceasedâs favorite foods and other offerings at gravesites or on the ofrendas built in their homes. Ofrendas can be decorated with candles, bright marigolds called cempasuchil and red cockâs combs alongside food like stacks of tortillas and fruit.
The most prominent symbols related to the Day of the Dead are calacas (skeletons) and calaveras (skulls). In the early 20th century, the printer and cartoonist JosĂŠ Guadalupe Posada incorporated skeletal figures in his art mocking politicians and commenting on revolutionary politics. His most well-known work, La Calavera Catrina, or Elegant Skull, features a female skeleton adorned with makeup and dressed in fancy clothes. The 1910 etching was intended as a statement about Mexicans adopting European fashions over their own heritage and traditions. La Calavera Catrina was then adopted as one of the most recognizable Day of the Dead icons.
During contemporary Day of the Dead festivities, people commonly wear skull masks and eat sugar candy molded into the shape of skulls. The pan de ĂĄnimas of All Souls Day rituals in Spain is reflected in pan de muerto, the traditional sweet baked good of Day of the Dead celebrations today. Other food and drink associated with the holiday, but consumed year-round as well, include spicy dark chocolate and the corn-based drink called atole. You can wish someone a happy Day of the Dead by saying, âFeliz dĂa de los Muertos.â
So, Feliz dia de los Muertos, and happy Tuesday too!
A good day to play Guacamelee and itâs sequel - both fantastically incorporate the Mexican culture and mythology and are brilliant games in and of themselves.
The day of the dead parade was never a thing, until some that one Bond film, which many people think, thatâs how the mexican culture was. But itâs only recently been celebrated that way.
Although Jellyfish Day may sound a bit odd to some, it only makes sense to celebrate an invertebrate that has been on this earth for millions of years longer than humans. So, this event is meant to honor our slightly slimy counterparts that can sometimes cause a bit of consternation at the beach.
Most people feel that the informal origins of Jellyfish Day likely stem from a group of enthusiastic marine biologistsâor simply through those who merely respect the simplicity of these strange and yet beautiful creatures.
The largest populations of jellyfish are prevalent in the southern hemisphere, in places like Australia and South Africa where the beaches are teeming with these interesting (and sometimes dangerous) creatures.
Jellyfish Day has been slated to fall in the springtime in the southern hemisphere, as this is the season when jellyfish will begin their migration to the shores of the northern hemisphere.
Obviously, commemorating this event can be a bit difficult. Clearly, itâs not possible to take a jellyfish out to dinner nor would it enjoy a day at the spa. However, simply traveling to the beach in hopes of catching a glimpse of one is one fun idea that could be implemented.
Get on board with this day by paying heed to the Jellyfish and learning more about its life. Try out these fun facts to share with friends when reminding them that itâs Jellyfish Day:
A group of jellyfish is called âbloomâ, a âswarmâ or a âsmackâ. Thatâs such a fun way to refer to a collection of these unique and interesting creatures.
Jellyfish not only do not have bones or a heart, but they also do not actually have a brainâonly a central nervous system. This, however, does not keep them from being smart and able to adapt to their environments.
Some jellyfish can glow in the dark! The ones who have this feature have bioluminescent organs that emit either green or blue light, which is activated by touch. This functions as protection as it aims to startle a predator.
One giant species of jellyfish is called Hair Jelly. The largest ever recorded was found washed up in Massachusetts, USA, in 1870. It had tentacles that were more than 120 feet longâeven longer than a blue whale!
A jellyfish with 120 feet long tentacles can have all day, every day. It certainly can have today.
Every day we see complete fails of Common Sense, stupid and fantastic examples of the horror that can occur when someone just⌠refuses⌠to think. Sometimes itâs a matter of hubris, people thinking that their over-inflated sense of self-importance can overcome the laws of physics. Other times itâs just a complete failure to take a moment to really think a thing through, and thus do something monumentally stupid.
Letâs take for example the local government service letter that indicates in English, that if you canât speak English, or fail to understand the letter, to take it to the local post office. How precisely would they know to do that?
Use Your Common Sense Day was established by Bud Bilanich, a career mentor with a reputation for focusing of being âThe Common Sense Guy.â Heâs been featured on some of the most prominent TV stations and magazines, and has written 19 books that emphasize how to succeed at your life, and how the application of common sense is absolutely vital to that success.
Common Sense as a concept is ancient, first being codified by Aristotle in describing the raw analysis of the animal mind of the five specialized sense perceptions. This was then carried forward in the Roman interpretation, which presents the concept as ideas and perceptions held by the common man. A sense of the common. Through a long and twisty development, and through many future interpretations, common sense has come to be the knowledge of simple, sensible things⌠Like not putting your iPhone in the microwave to recharge it.
The simplest way of celebrating Use Your Common Sense Day is to simply do whatâs on the tin. Namely, use your common sense! Take a little more time to stop and consider your options before acting on impulse. Before you decide that something is a good idea, be sure to stop, take a breath, and look it over and make sure you arenât about to become an object lesson.
Further, to hone your use of common sense, take the day to identify monumental failures of common sense. There are plenty of sites out there that will give you ample resources for determining what true failures of common sense look like. Perhaps by observing their examples youâll be able to prevent yourself from making them yourself.
Common sense. It might not be common, but it does make sense!
Remember, remember! The fifth of November, the Gunpowder Treason and PlotâŚ
Known as Guy Fawkes Night or Fireworks Night, Gunpowder Day focuses on the plot by Guy Fawkes and other conspirators to blow up Britainâs parliament in 1605. Rebelling against the persecution of Catholics by King James I, they planned to kill the monarch during his visit to parliament. But the scheme was foiled and the traitors executed.
On Gunpowder Day, families construct an effigy of Guy Fawkes to be burned on a bonfire that evening. Fireworks are also set off to add to the celebrations. Public displays are also held and the biggest celebration of Gunpowder Day is in Lewes in East Sussex, England.
Six bonfire societies host their own fireworks displays and gargantuan bonfires. After sunset, a large procession of all of the societies moves through Lewes. Many members carry flame torches and a river of fire can be seen flowing through the town during the evening.
Yesterday was use your common sense day. Hopefully thereâs a lot of it being used tonight!
Sometimes theyâre hot and spicy. Sometimes theyâre cheesy. Sometimes they make a mess everywhere. But one thing is certain: theyâre delicious, and a favorite in many parts of the world!
Yes, weâre talking about nachos. What food deserves its own holiday more than nachos? Itâs Nachos Day!
The story goes that the origin of Nachos can be traced back to Piedras Negras, Mexico, just across the border from the state of Texas in the USA. In fact, the situation was sort of a fluke, which is how a lot of delicious things get discovered.
One day in 1943, when the wives of some American soldiers stationed nearby came into his restaurant, the man running the place, whose name was Ignacio âNachoâ Anaya, had to make them something to eat. The problem was that it was late in the evening, and already a few minutes past closing time, so there wasnât much left in the kitchen! Since Ignacio really didnât have enough ingredients left over to make any real, full dish, he put together a conglomeration of what he did have: a few tortillas, some shredded cheese, and some pickled jalapeno peppers.
Getting creative, âNachoâ cut up the tortillas into pieces, sprinkled what else he had over them, and baked them for a few minutes to melt the cheese before serving them. The women greatly enjoyed this little snack, and when they asked Ignacio what it was called, he answered âNachoâs Especialesâ.
Word of this hot new snack traveled fast from the army wives and back through Texas and the Southwestern parts of North America! Ignacio Anaya went on to work at the Moderno Restaurant in Piedras Negras, which still uses the original recipe to this day.
The man even opened his own restaurant later on, called âNachoâs Restaurantâ, which was in Piedras Negras as well. Not only that, but Anayaâs original Nachos recipe was printed in the 1954 St. Anneâs Cookbook. This was a fairly important discoveryâeven if it was a bit of an accident.
A few years later, a modified version of the original dish, with cheese sauce and prepared tortilla chips was marketed in 1976 by businessman Frank Liberto during various sporting events taking place in Arlington, Texas. This version became known as âballpark nachosâ.
Nachos can be baked or not. Simple or loaded. Served hot or cold. Piled with beans and peppers and meat. But, no matter how they are served and eaten, Nachos are certainly worthy of celebration and adoration on this day!
Nachos are good on any day. But theyâre special on a Saturday!
Good morning! 
International Internet Day
