How to Celebrate Self-Care Awareness Month7 Easy Ways for Self-CareEp 30 Weird and Wacky HolidaysHost Stephen Carter, CEO of Stress Solutions, LLC.Note: The info in this episode was also shared in episode 18 of the, “Mind Over Stress Show”. Given National Self-Care Awareness Month is a recognized holiday month and self-care is so important in dissolving stress, I’m sharing the content in both shows.A programming note: I reference the Energy Psychology website at www.FREA.support in suggestion 7. Just prior to his recording and after the original recording, that site developed an issue causing it to go offline. If you find it offline, check back in a few days. We expect the site to be back online soon.Details and previous episodes available at http://WeirdWackyandTraditionalHolidays.com.Opening Story You’ve boarded the plane and you’re settled in your seat. The plane begins to taxi toward the runway in preparation for takeoff.As the plane moves, a flight attendant stands at the front of the aircraft and tells you about the important safety procedures. During the demonstration, you hear:“if there is a change in cabin pressure, oxygen masks will drop down in front of you. Place your oxygen mask on first before helping others.”Why do airlines make a point of providing this guidance? Because in the confusion of midair emergencies you’re likely to try and put the oxygen mask on a child, someone who is infirm, or others who you may see struggling. You’ve had a lifetime of programming that says other peoples’ needs come first.With a moment’s thought, it’s clear how important it is for you to place the oxygen mask on first. If you can’t breathe, you can’t take care of anyone else. Why Taking Care of Yourself First MattersWhile your day-to-day life may not be a disaster at 30,000 feet, the wear and tear of daily stress exerts a huge emotional and often physical toll on health and wellbeing. It’s so easy to get submerged in an ocean of stress we stop noticing the warning signs. We’re so busy doing for others, we forget how important it is to take care of our own needs first.This doesn’t mean we ignore the needs of family members or professional responsibilities. Quite the opposite. When you take emotional care of yourself, you have far more emotional fuel in your energy tank. You can do a better job helping others when you help yourself first.Self-Care Awareness MonthWith September being Self-Care Awareness Month, it’s a perfect time to look at ways you can build in self-care activities into your daily life. It’s important for your own wellbeing and the wellbeing of those you care about.7 Suggestions for Self-CareHere are seven suggestions to begin your self-care program:First and most important, commit to incorporating daily activities for self-care. Commit to self-care for the longterm. It’s a gift to yourself and to your loved ones.Schedule on your calendar three to five minute breaks every hour. Your mental and physical capacity begins to wane after 45 to 55 minutes. A short break every hour recharges you physically and mentally. If you’ve been seated, stand up. Stretch, yawn, and sigh even if you don’t feel like doing so. Take several steps away from your work location and, if possible, look or step outside and connect with Mother Nature. Spend at least a minute breathing deeply as you allow your mind activity to slow down.Make time to do activities you enjoy. Walking in Nature is great, but if you prefer spending time in the hustle and bustle of city streets, go for it! If you love to sing, dance, do yoga, exercise, shop, read, play bridge, or whatever - commit to doing the activity at least weekly. Schedule the time on you calendar and do it.Take vacations to places you want to go rather than places you think you have to go. Visiting family is fine if that brings joy. If not, take trips to other locations you’re excited to visit. Take weekend trips in addition to longer vacations. Explore new ways to relax and release stress. If you’ve tried meditation with little success, try a form of moving meditation such as Tai Chi or labyrinth walking. Lean and apply Energy Psychology methods to release stress and recharge your emotional energy. You’ll find a rich array of calming and emotional first aid Energy Psychology methods on the FREA - short for Finding Recovery From Emotional Abuse - website at www.FREA.support. These methods can be used to calm and release stress anytime.To Recap:* Commit to incorporating activities for self-care;* Schedule three to five minute relaxation activities hourly throughout the day;* Stand up, look or step outside if possible, stretch, yawn, sigh, and move at least once an hour;* Make time for activities you enjoy;* Take vacations and weekend trips to places you WANT to go rather than places you think you have to go;* Explore news ways to relax and release stress; and,* Learn and apply Energy Psychology methods for self-care. Visit www.FREA.support to get started.Self-Care MattersHere’s the bottom line: Self-care matters. It matters for your wellbeing and the wellbeing of those you care for.Please begin today - this day - to show yourself self-love with self-care. You will feel emotionally renewed and you’ll show your loved ones how much you care about them whether you’re at 30,000 feet or right here on Mother Earth.Contact: Stephen Carter: CarterMethod@gmail.comWebsite: www.MindOverStress.us

Weird and Wacky Holidays

How to Celebrate Self-Care Awareness Month

National Girlfriends Day - Show Notes Episode 30August 1st is National Girlfriend’s Day! In this episode, we offer suggestions on why it’s a great idea to connect with girlfriends old and new.In this world of Facebook and other social media, it may seem like we have amble opportunity to connect with friends. But think about, say three girlfriends who have been or are important in your life. Do you have regular phone or in person conversations? Texts and emails don’t count. While they can serve a purpose, nothing replaces real, heart-to-heart conversations.This is especially true of longtime friends from school, cousins you grew up with, even siblings.It’s easy to loose track of friends as you grow up, as you move from place to place, as you change careers, or otherwise get wrapped up in your day-to-day hectic life.National Girlfriends Day is a great opportunity to re-connect with old friends. Why not give a call or schedule a time to meet one of more friends you haven’t spoken with for what seems like forever. With National Girlfriends Day, you have a great opening to easily start the conversation, even if you haven’t spoken in years.Tell your friend with National Girlfriends Day happening in August, you just HAD to connect and catch up. Your girlfriend will be sooo… happy to hear from you. She’ll feel great and so will you.By the way, for the gentlemen listening, you don’t have to be left out! Give an old friend - male or female - a call. It’s a feel good act of kindness that keeps on giving well beyond the end of your conversation.To learn about other special days, visit us at http://www.WeirdWackyandTraditionalHolidays.com. There are loads and loads of special and fun days, weeks, and months worth celebrating.Until our next visit, this is your host Steve Carter wishing you a warn and wonderful National Girlfriends Day and a great start to the month of August.

National Girlfriends Day

July 24 is National Cousins Day.Cousins are often the first people our own age we play and interact with. Cousins share genes of course, but equally important cousins often share experiences that can create memories lasting a lifetime.Unfortunately, as we mature we often lose touch with these special people. This day - indeed any day - is a wonderful time to reconnect, share memories, and strengthen family bonds.

National Cousins Day July 24

National Safety Month - 7 Ways to Stay Safe!Show NotesJune is National Safety Month! In this episode, I’ll share seven simple, easy ways to enhance your safety and the safety of your loved ones. With June being National Safety Month, I’m recording this episode for two of my podcasts. Those are, “Safe Living Today” and “Weird and Whacky Holidays”. Of course, Living Safely is neither weird nor whacky. As a former Chief of Police, Security Director and leader of the Life Safety and Business Recovery group for one of the largest Financial Services Companies in the world, keeping people safe is one of my passions.A mindset of safety is a wonderful way to enhance your physical and emotional wellbeing. It also can save you money and help you avoid accidents that bring on pain and suffering.Here are my seven safety suggestions:1. June 1 is the beginning of the hurricane season in the Northern hemisphere. Now is a great time to stock up on non-perishable food and water so you can ride out an extended power outage. Plan on at least one to two gallons of bottled water per person per day. If you’re using well water, you’ll need additional water for the toilet I suggest having enough food and water to sustain you and your family for at least a week and preferably longer. There is a “Use by” date on water containers, so check and make sure the water is fresh. Act now to stockpile adequate food, water, a working battery or hand cranked radio, fresh batteries, and at least two working flashlights. If you have pets, ensure you have adequate food for them as well. For a more expansive guide on stocking supplies and preparing for disasters, I’ll have a link to an earlier “Safe Living Today” episode entitled, “Hurricane Irma - Prepare and Stay Safe” plus the link to an excellent guide prepared by the Red Cross and FEMA linked in the show notes. YouTube version of podcast: https://youtu.be/jePlA_S5Xl8. Red Cross - FEMA Guide: https://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/f&web.pdf.2. Have a family meeting and go over fire safety procedures and escape routes. Remind everyone of the “drop and roll” method to snuff out clothes fires. Have a working fire extinguisher, working smoke detectors, and Carbon Monoxide detectors. If you’re using battery operated detectors, change the batteries. Even better, upgrade to the new long life detectors.3. Have a well stocked First Aid kit in your home and car. Ensure everyone in the family knows basic First Aid and CPR.4. Create a safety kit for your car. Flashlights, fresh batteries, a working battery or crank radio, blankets, water, and non-perishable snacks should all be part of your kit. Have cellphone charging cords in the car. If you have people with Android and iPhones, you need at least one correct cord for each type of cellphone.5. Ensure there is a working car jack, tire wrench, and spare tire in the car. Ensure all drivers know how to change a flat tire. Keep jumper cables in the car and ensure drivers know how to use them. I highly recommend having a portable battery charger capable of jumpstarting your car. You’ll find them on Amazon and other online retailers and they’re available at most auto parts stores as well. Remember to charge them every two to three months and then put them back in the car.6. Have a “Go Bag” ready that contains medications, copies important documents, and anything else you want to keep safe. Make sure you have copies of insurance policies, medical information, insurance ID cards, medical directives, drivers licenses, and Social Security cards.7. Look around your home or workspace and identify and eliminate any electrical, tripping, or other safety hazards.To summarize,* Stock up on water and non-perishable food.* Review fire safety procedures and ensure your detectors and fire extinguishers are working properly.* Ensure you have a well stocked First Aid kit in your home and car and everyone knows First Aid and CPR.* Have a safety kit in your car.* Ensure you have jumper cables, a spare tire, a wrench, and a jack in the car. Ensure drivers know what to do in an emergency.* Have a “Go Bag” ready with medications, prescriptions, and copies of all important documents.* Identify and fix all safety hazards in your home.With June being National Safety Month, this is the time to take action and safeguard yourself and your family.To listen to other “Safe Living Today” episodes and to subscribe so you never miss an episode, visit http://SafeLivingToday.com.Until our next episode, this is your host Stephen Carter asking you to, Stay Well, Stay Safe, and Stay Blessed.

National Safety Month - 7 Ways to Stay Safe!

In 1999 the U.S. Congress declared May as National Military Appreciation Month. One of the main reasons for choosing May is there are more military related holidays in May than in any other month. These include Loyalty Day, VE Day (the end of WWII in Europe on May 8, 1945), Armed Forces Day, Military Spouse Day, and - the most important - Memorial Day.We salute those who have - and are - serving this great nation. Thank you for your service!For more information visit, https://www.military.com/military-appreciation-month.

National Military Appreciation Month

Show Notes:April is Stress Awareness Month. This is a great time to look at the stress and the stressors in your life and create a path to eliminate or significantly lower the chronic stress response.In Summary - The 3 Stress Busting Ideas:- Take a Stress Inventory and identify two or three promising stress lowering strategies;- Create a video mind story for one or more of your chosen strategies and prepare a short affirmation using the words, “I Choose”; and,- Practice 1 to 2 minutes of deep, Diaphragmatic Breathing several times a day.Details for Each Idea and More in podcast and in show notes below.Good Stress Versus Bad StressA certain minimal level of stress can be good. It can help us focus attention and martial success resources. That kind of stress is eustress. Eustress can happen for example when we're thinking about a first date with someone, preparing for a presentation, or doing something for the very first time. You've practiced, you're ready to go, you've done all the things necessary. But there are still those butterflies in your stomach. That type of stress is short lived, it’s episodic, The problem stress is long term chronic stress. The sources of chronic stress can be many. They can be problematic situations at work, problems with significant others in a relationship, or ongoing financial based stress. These all (and many other situations) can create chronic stress. How can you successfully deal with stress? 3 Ideas to Dissolve Stress Idea Number 1: Conduct a Stress AssessmentThe first thing I suggest is take an inventory of the top two or three situations, people, or circumstances you believe are stressors. Write those stressors down. Naming the stress and naming the source of stress alone can often help reduce your stress response. Once written down, let your imagination wander and come up with three actions you can take to help reduce that number one stressor.Questions to consider: - Can you eliminate the trigger? - Can you better prepare for the problem situation? - Is this a situation that can helped or eliminated with an honest, open conversation? Let your subconscious mind have free rein to offer ideas that can eliminate or reduce the stress response.Repeat the same process for the second and third stressors on your list. Idea Number 2: Take Defense Action Ahead of Stress Creating SituationsWhat do I mean by that? As an example, If you know you're going to have a conversation with someone who is a problem, plan that conversation and the circumstances related to that conversation. Rehearse in mind how you are going to deal with that person or situation. Create a mind video story where you act out what you will do, say, and feel. Play that video in the theatre of mind. Make the video mind story big, bold, and in full Technicolor.Once you have the plan in place and you created and played your video mind story, write down an affirmation that supports that video mind story.For example, if a co-worker is a problem you've created a video story about how you will deal with that co-worker on a day to day basis or in a particular situation. The affirmation would be something like, “I choose to develop the strategies I created in that video mind story. I choose to apply those strategies in circumstances where I have contact with the individual I have a problem with.The magic two words are, “I choose”. Before going into an interaction with that person. revisit the video story. It only takes a couple of seconds to do that. Then, reread the affirmation you have written down. This will help ensure you are emotionally prepared and mentally ready to deal with whatever comes up. Idea Number 3: Take 1 to 2 Minute Breathing BreaksI recommend you apply deep breathing early and often. Breathe in for the count of five, hold briefly for a second or so, and breathe out for the count of five. That can be four seconds, five seconds, or six seconds. The important thing is to breathe diaphragmatically and rhythmically with a slow comfortable in breath, a brief hold for a second or so, and a slow out breath. As you breathe out, smile and say peace. Apply deep breathing for 30 seconds to two minutes as time and circumstances allow.Doing this simple breath exercise several times a day will help keep your stress level down. You will feel better, your stress level will be lower, and you will have a much, much better day.In Summary:- Take a Stress Inventory and identify two or three promising stress lowering strategies;- Create a mind video story for one or more of your chosen strategies and prepare a short affirmation using the words, “I Choose”; and,- Practice 1 to 2 minutes of deep, Diaphragmatic Breathing several times a day.Visit the “Mind Over Stress” Show WebsiteFor more Stress Mastery methods visit the “Mind Over Stress Show” website at http://MindOverStress.us. Stephen CarterStress Solutions, LLC | www.EFT-MD.com | Podcast: www.MindOverStress.us

3 Stress Busting Ideas for Stress Awareness Month!

International Day of Happiness - How to Be Happier!March 20 is International Happiness Day. In this episode, you'll learn how this special holiday came to be and how it literally unites the world in the goal of increasing happiness around the globe.Each year the United Nations publishes their survey of international happiness for each world nation.The United States ranks 16th in the world with an average of 6.88 out of 10. This year's U.S. score is the lowest since the United Nations began publishing their International Happiness Report in 2012. Each year, the U.S. score falls compared to the previous year.Who is responsible for ensuring people are as happy as possible, not only in the United States, but across the globe? While national governments can play an important role, the most important role has to be played by each of us individually. Each of us is responsible for our own happiness.In this episode of the, "Weird and Wacky Holidays Show" podcast, you'll learn what the research tells us about happiness. You'll learn the single, most powerful action you can take every day to increase your sense of happiness and why that single action is so effective in creating your personal, "Book of Joy".

International Day of Happiness - How to Be Happier!

Today’s featured holiday is,. National Compliment Day... Show NotesWhere did this special day get it’s start? National Compliment Day is celebrating it’s 20th birthday this year. We have two ladies from New Hampshire to thank for this holiday. In 1998 Kathy Chamberlin of Hopkinton, New Hampshire and Debby Hoffman of Concord, New Hampshire created National Compliment Day to promote kindness and civility. It’s been the subject of news stories, radio and TV reports, and acknowledgement by National Days Calendar, one of the main resource that chronicles these special holidays.A sincere compliment is music to the ear and love to the heart. How long has it been since you gave the gift of music to the ear and love to the heart of someone else? Do you actively look for reasons to share a kind word to recognize the performance, the appearance, or the character of a family member, friend, or even a stranger?Looking for reasons to give compliments is a worthy habit of mind. How much happier this world would be if we tuned our attention to noticing the positives of others - and voice compliments about those positives - rather than carp about some trivial perceived faults.When we give a compliment, we’re telling someone they’re worthy, they’re noticed, and their appreciated. Why not share true heartfelt compliments with family members, co-workers, and others today... And every day. If you enjoyed today’s episode, share it with friends, family, and social media. They will thank you for the gift.To ensure you never miss an episode, visit our website at http://WeirdWackyandTraditionalHolidays.com and select the “Subscribe” tab. You can subscribe using your Apple IOS device, your Android device, or through email.This is your host, Stephen Carter, reminding you, this day is special, and so are you. Have fun, smile, and enjoy your special day.

National Compliment Day

National Hobby Month - Ep22 - Show NotesToday’s featured holiday is,. National Hobby Month…In a 2015 post entitled, “Six Reasons to Get a Hobby”, published in “Psychology Today”, Jaime L. Kurtz, Ph.D., an Associate Professor of Psychology at James Madison University, points to these six reasons to spend time pursuing a hobby:* Hobbies help you structure your time.* Hobbies promote flow.* Hobbies can foster new social connections.* Hobbies can make you interesting.* Hobbies can help you cope with stress.For benefit #6, Dr. Kurtz added, “And the benefits can spill over into other aspects of your life. If you can designate an hour a day or even a few hours a week for something you feel truly inspired and enlivened by, don’t be surprised if some of that newfound zest carries over into your work and family life!”Dr. Kurtz in right on target. Here’s the paradox: typically, the more you look outside of your job and find activities you enjoy for no reason other than they create a sense of satisfaction and fun, the more professional success you’ll enjoy.In my role as a success and anti-stress coach for Stress Solutions, LLC, I see many clients who are focused only on professional pursuits. “If I can get that promotion”, they say, “then I can be happy.” “If I can make another $20,000 a year, then I can breathe more easily”. My first task is to teach clients stress and emotional first aid. NO ONE can achieve peak performance when when their stress engine is running at top speed. We’re simply not wired for long-tern chronic stress. Chronic stress sets us up for physical illness and unhappiness.After clients learn, apply, and benefit from those self-care stress mastery tools, it’s then time to let them discover that long-term happiness and success begins with looking at and dealing with their lives in a holistic way.Helping them identify and engage in hobbies that give them a sense of emotional satisfaction is an important part of my client coaching work.How You Can Discover the Perfect HobbySo how can you identify at least one pastime, one hobby, that you’ll enjoy?First, think about what you enjoyed in middle and high school. Did you play a musical instrument? Where you in chorus? Did you act in school plays? Did you enjoy camping, rock climbing, hiking, or other outdoor activities?How about building model cars or planes? Did you enjoy model railroading? This can be a wonderful pastime to share with your children or grandchildren.To often as we move into our adult lives, we get too busy to participate in activities we enjoyed when we were young. Recall how you felt when doing these activities so many years ago. Really get into the memories. How do you feel when thinking about those activities now? Is there a sense of excitement or anticipation about revisiting those activities?What magazines or online publications do you read? I’m not talking about professional publications. Are you drawn to outdoor magazines, boating, golf? Have you ever wanted to paint, but thought, “I don’t have any talent”. How do you know? Try it and see what happens.Are you keen to learn about your family’s genealogy? This can be a great pastime and a good way to engage with other extended family members beyond Thanksgiving dinner. Is there something you’ve wanted to learn, but never have? Martial arts training is physically and emotionally rewarding for many people. Adult or even regular community college courses can be a great way explore a topic to see if it fires your interest. Many years ago I took a six week TV and video production course at D.C. University. That lead to me taking additional training to become a volunteer TV producer for my County’s public access cable station. It was great fun, and I still use the skills I learned those many years ago in my audio, podcasting and video production work.This is a great time to explore hobby options. You’ll feel happier and you may even become healthier. Your sense of purpose, fun, and well-being will grow exponentially. How to Subscribe for Future EpisodesIf you enjoyed today’s episode, share it with friends, family, and social media. They will thank you for the gift.To ensure you never miss an episode, visit our website at http://WeirdWackyandTraditionalHolidays.com and select the “Subscribe” tab. You can subscribe using your Apple IOS device, your Android device, or through email.This is your host, Stephen Carter, reminding you, this day is special, and so are you. Have fun, smile, and enjoy your special day.

National Hobby Month

National Hugging Day - Ep21 - Show NotesToday’s featured holiday is,. National Hugging Day!Unlike many of the 1,500 national holidays where the source of the holiday isn’t known, National Hugging Day had a definitive start date and identifiable person who started it.On March 29, 1986 Rev. Kevin Zaborney of Caro, Michigan created National Hugging Day. The original purpose of the celebration was to encourage family and friends to hug one another frequently. Rev. Zaborney cautions everyone to ask permission before hugging someone, particularly if you don’t know how that person responds to physical contact.From a modest start in 1986, National Hugging Day has expanded to an array of countries including Canada, Germany, Sweden, Bulgaria, Australia, Georgia, United Kingdom, and Russia. Rev. Zaborney encourages people to celebrate National Hugging Day everyday. There are multiple scientific research studies confirming the emotional benefits of touch and hugging.I encourage you to experience those benefits and help others experience them as well by hugging loved ones, friends, and others who have affirmatively expressed their desire and permission for you to share hugs with them.Learn more about Rev. Zaborney and National Hugging Day, by visiting www.nationalhuggingday.com. To post on social media, use #NationalHuggingDay.In our next episode, we’ll explore one of the designated month of January holidays… National Hobby Month. My work helping clients move from stress to success through my Stress Solutions, LLC company, I know how important it is for everyone to have at least one hobby they enjoy. One of my hobbies is podcasting, and that is why this show exists. In the coming episode, we’ll talk about how you can find at least one hobby to enhance emotional well being and keep your brain in active fun and learning mode.If you enjoyed today’s episode, share it with friends, family, and social media. They will thank you for the gift.To ensure you never miss an episode, visit our website at http://WeirdWackyandTraditionalHolidays.com and select the “Subscribe” tab. You can subscribe using your Apple IOS device, your Android device, or through email.This is your host, Stephen Carter, reminding you, this day is special, and so are you. Have fun, smile, and enjoy your special day.

National Hugging Day

National Disc Jockey Day! - Ep20 - Show NotesToday’s featured holiday is,. National Disc Jockey Day..Having been a musician in a rock band and a Disc Jockey for a teen club when I was in high school, I’ve always loved music and the showmanship that goes with it. Like a delicious dinner, the total music experience is enriched by a well done presentation.The idea that someone could play records on radio goes back to 1909 when a 16-year old Stockton, California engineering student named Ray Newby assured his place in radio history. He was the first person to broadcast records on the air waves. His records of choice were mainly by opera singer Enrico Caruso. According to Ray, they were loud and those early transmitters needed plenty of sound to broadcast a listenable signal.Radio stations across the U.S. soon followed Ray’s lead by broadcasting records along with their standard live shows.In the early ‘50s, the pioneer Cleveland, Ohio D.J. Allan Freed discovered Rhythm and Blues and fell in love with that of music. As R&B became more diverse, he named the new genre “Rock ’n Roll”. Freed is considered the father of Rock ’N Roll. He was hugely popular until he was caught up in the Payola scandal that broke in early 1960. As an acknowledgement to Freed’s pioneering vision, National Disc Jockey Day is celebrated on January 20, the day of Freed’s death in 1965.A few DJs found their way to television. The legendary show American Bandstand debuted on October 7, 1952. The show originated in Philadelphia, but by the time Dick Clark took over hosting the show in 1956, it was syndicated to major TV markets across the U.S. The final show aired on October 7, 1989, an amazing 37-year run.The late 1950s and early ‘60s saw the rise of the rock and roll “boss jocks”. These hard charging boss jocks had outsized personalities and they ruled the local rock ‘n roll airwaves. As the era of the muscle cars and hard rock gave way to folk music and then the Beatles, radio stations sought out disc jockeys with a softer, gentler voices.The 1970s saw the rise of disco. Disc jockeys no longer had to command the stage and impress the audience. People came to clubs to dance. Disc jockeys with the technical skills to create dance music mixes started to shine. Late in the ‘70s and through the ‘80s and beyond, hip hop and rap became major musical and cultural influences. Groups like Run DMC included a DJ as part of the musical act.On August 1, 1981 MTV was born as music videos became the next “big thing”. MTV had what were in effect DJs as part of their programming, but the music videos such as Michael Jackson’s 1982 mega hit record and video, “Thriller”, were the main attractions.Today, many DJs have their entire musical collection on a computer. Personality still matters, but so too do the technical skills of modern DJs.Twenty-five years after Ray first broadcast those early Caruso records, famous newsman Walter Winchell coined the term, “Disc Jockey”, a name that lives on through this very day. That name now applies to entertainers who play recorded music over the air, in dance clubs, as part of weddings and countless other celebrations and events.DJs certainly deserve this special day. The next time you’re at an event where a DJ is setting the mood and entertaining the guests, show him or her some love by saying, “thank you”. They work hard and every DJ appreciates being recognized and thanked.Why not tune into a radio station that plays your favorite genre of music and pay special attention to the skill and personality of the DJ who makes your listening experience magic? To post about your favorite DJ and music genre on social media, use #NationalDiscJockeyDay. Tune in tomorrow to learn all about… National Hugging Day!If you enjoyed today’s episode, share it with friends, family, and social media. They will thank you for the gift.To ensure you never miss an episode, visit our website at http://WeirdWackyandTraditionalHolidays.com and select the “Subscribe” tab. You can subscribe using your Apple IOS device, your Android device, or through email.This is your host, Stephen Carter, reminding you, this day is special, and so are you. Why not celebrate Have fun, smile, and tune into a radio station that plays music you love.

National Disc Jockey Day! - Ep20

Show Notes for Ep19 -National Popcorn Day!Today’s featured holiday is,.. National Popcorn Day. Before reaching into the popcorn box to enjoy a tasty treat of popcorn, let’s have a look at the history of corn.According to a 2012 article in “National Geographic”, people in what is now Peru were producing various corn based foods to include what we now call popcorn 6,700 years ago.“Corn” in Old English refereed to the dominant grain grown in a specific region. The dominant grain grown in what is now known as the Americas was maize. Thus, early settlers referred to maize as “corn”.What we now call popcorn was used to adorn Aztec headdresses worn during ceremonies honoring their god of maize and fertility.Fast forward to the middle 1800s. Popcorn became popular in the U.S., especially after candy store owner Charles Cretors crafted a steam driven machine to more easily pop corn. By the turn of the century, Cretors had horse-drawn wagons plying Chicago streets selling popcorn.Cretors wasn’t the only purveyor of popcorn in Chicago. In 1872, German immigrant Frederick Rueckheim started selling popcorn from a street cart along Chicago’s Fourth Avenue. He was so successful that he arranged to have his brother Louis come from Germany to help out.The two brothers developed a product that combined popcorn, peanuts, and molasses together in what would be later called Cracker Jacks. Their product was well received during the 1983 Word’s Fair. With that success, they opened the F.W. Rueckheim & Brother company. In 1896, they registered the name Cracker Jack. The company has enjoyed a century of success that continues through today as part of the Frito-Lay family of products.In 1938, Glen W. Dickson, a theater owner in the Mid-west, installed popcorn machines in his theaters. They were highly profitable and other theater owners quickly followed Dickson’s lead. In 1984, microwave popcorn hit the market as microwave ovens spread into the consumer market.Popcorn continues to be a popular food item. The U.S. leads the world consuming 13 billion quarts of popcorn a year.While there’s no reliable information telling us the source of National Popcorn Day, that doesn’t stop us from firing up the microwave and cooking up a big bag of popcorn to celebrate the holiday.To post photos of your popcorn adventure or to share your thoughts about this yummy treat on social media, use #NationalPopcornDay.Join us tomorrow as we celebrate, “National Disc Jockey Day”If you enjoyed today’s episode, share it with friends, family, and social media. They will thank you for the gift.To ensure you never miss an episode, visit our website at http://WeirdWackyandTraditionalHolidays.com and select the “Subscribe” tab. You can subscribe using your Apple IOS device, your Android device, or through email.This is your host, Stephen Carter, reminding you, this day is special, and so are you. Have fun, smile, and enjoy a heaping helping of popcorn in honor of National Popcorn Day.

National Popcorn Day!

National Winnie the Pooh Day - Show Notes for January 18 - Ep18Today’s featured holiday is National Winnie the Pooh Day.In 1926, British author Alan Alexander Milne, known as A. A. Milne, authored the children’s story that would bring joy to millions of children and adults over the coming decades. Winnie-the-Pooh is as beloved today as it was nearly a century ago when it was first published.A. A. Milne was born on January 18, 1882 in Hampstead, United Kingdom. Thus, we celebrate Winnie the Pooh Day on Milne's birthday.Milne got the idea for the Winnie the Pooh stories during W.W.1 while watching his son, Christopher Robin, visit his favorite animal in the London Zoo. Winnie was a female Canadian Black Bear who captivated Christopher’s heart. Christopher changed his favorite Teddy Bear’s name from Edward to Winnie and added the name, Pooh, which was the name of a beloved Swan.The books were illustrated by E. H. Shepard who used the woods surrounding Milne’s home as the setting. Most of the characters in the Winnie the Pooh stories such as Tigger, Piglet, and Eeyore, were names Christopher Robin had given to various toys from his childhood.In later years Milne became disenchanted with the Winnie-the-Pooh stories, fearing they took attention away from his other writings. Christopher Robin also grew tired of the stories and came to resent his father for taking advantage of his childhood fascinations. Regardless of their disillusion with the Winnie-the-Pooh stories, the world continues to love Christopher Robin, the imaginary bear, and his many friends. Disney now owns the “Winnie the Pooh” rights (Disney changed the name from the original "Winnie-the-Pooh" to "Winnie the Pooh"), which guarantees Winnie the Pooh will continue to delight the young and the young at heart for generations to come.To celebrate Winnie the Pooh Day why not share your thoughts and feelings about the Winnie the Pooh stories on social media using the hashtag #WinnieThePoohDay.Tune into tomorrow’s show to learn about National Popcorn Day. You’ll be surprised to learn the unusual and fascinating story about corn, popcorn, and this special day.If you enjoyed today’s episode, share it with friends, family, and social media. They will thank you for the gift.To ensure you never miss an episode, visit our website at http://WeirdWackyandTraditionalHolidays.com and select the “Subscribe” tab. You can subscribe using your Apple IOS device, your Android device, or through email.This is your host, Stephen Carter, reminding you, this day is special, and so are you. Have fun, smile, and let your imagination wander the woods with Christopher Robin and Winnie the Pooh.

Winnie the Pooh Day

National Bootleggers Day - Ep17 - Show NotesToday’s featured holiday is,.National Bootlegger Day.We as a society have a love / hate relationship with alcohol. Descriptive terms range from “Nectar of the gods” to “Demon Rum”.So how did National Bootlegger’s Day come to be?January 17 is the birthday of famed criminal and bootlegger Al Capone, and Templeton Rye Whiskey.In the wake of Prohibition in the early 1920s, a number of residents of a small town in Iowa became outlaws. They produced a smooth tasting, high quality whiskey called Templeton Rye. Templeton, Iowa, a tiny town of 350 became a hotbed of whiskey distilling, producing a product known as, “The Good Stuff”.The term “bootlegger” was born in the 1880s, when midwestern traders would hide flasks of liquor in their boot top when they met with Native Americans to conduct business.After the passage of the 18th Constitutional amendment outlawing the brewing, transportation, and sale of alcohol in 1920, the term was used to describe people who transported alcohol into the U.S. from Canada and Mexico, or who brewed and sold alcohol within the Country.Millions of illicit dollars went into the pockets of organized crime figures such as Al Capone and local of distillers who supplied speakeasies and every day people across the U.S.The 1920s, known as the Roaring 20s, were years of excess. The stock market was on fire. Money flowed and so did the whiskey. People thought the party would go on forever.By the time Prohibition was repealed in 1933, the party was over. The Roaring 20s had become a whimpering whine barely audible. The stock market had imploded and the wild whiskey business was experiencing a longterm horrendous hangover. With the return of legally distilled spirits, the illicit rich profits evaporated. The only things remaining were the memories of a bygone time that would never be repeated during the lives of people caught up in the mania.What about that little Templeton, Iowa town and the rye whiskey produced by some of its residents?The tradition of brewing excellence continues to this very day. As a matter of fact, devotes of Templeton Rye, still known as, “The Good Stuff, have their own group called the Bootleggers Society. To learn more about those halcyon bygone days and the happenings of today, visit www.TempletonRye.com and click the “Bootleggers Society” tab.If you enjoyed today’s episode, share it with friends, family, and social media. They will thank you for the gift.To ensure you never miss an episode, visit our website at http://WeirdWackyandTraditionalHolidays.com and select the “Subscribe” tab. You can subscribe using your Apple IOS device, your Android device, or through email.This is your host, Stephen Carter, reminding you, this day is special, and so are you. Have fun, smile, and - if you’re over 21 and have a taste for, “The Good Stuff”, enjoy a taste of Templeton Rye Whiskey and let your imagination wander back in time to the bygone days of the Roaring 20s.

National Bootleggers Day

Ep16 - National Religious Freedom Day - Show NotesToday’s featured holiday is, National Religious Freedom Day.The roots of RelIgious Freedom Day extend back to January 16, 1786, when the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom was signed into law. The statute was introduced by Thomas Jefferson. This Virginia law was the model for the Establishment Clause of the first amendment of the U.S. Constitution, that clause reads,"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…"Beginning in 1993, January 16th is National Religious Freedom Day by presidential proclamation.How can we celebrate this day? I suggest talking with your children or grandchildren about the importance of religious freedom and why it’s vital that every religion be acceptedand the people who practice religions other than our own be allowed to do so in peace without criticism.If you choose to comment on social media, use the hash tag #ReligiousFreedomDay.If you have thoughts related to religious freedom and what we can do to create a more tolerant world, I would love to hear them Email them to me at StressSolutionsLLC@gmail.com and I’ll post them on our http://WeirdWackyandTraditionalHolidays.com web site or talk about them in a future podcast episode.If you enjoyed today's show, share this episode with friends and family and on your social media. They’ll thank you for the gift.Tune into tomorrow’s show to learn all about “National Bootleggers Day”. I will definitely drink to that!To ensure you never miss an episode, visit our website at http://WeirdWackyandTraditionalHolidays.com and select the “Subscribe” tab. You can subscribe using your Apple IOS device, your Android device, or through email.This is your host, Stephen Carter, reminding you, this day is special, and so are you. Have fun, smile, and enjoy your special day.

National Religious Freedom Day - Ep16

The show that gives you the names and history for the many weird, wacky, and traditional holidays. This show aims to entertain, inform, and create smiles and wonder.

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Weird and Wacky Holidays

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