Another blissfully quiet day yesterday, which allowed for plenty of time to reflect on the pivotal role these few items play in our lives. Actually it just meant we could get some real work done, but here we are:
National Tug Of War Day
I could find no resource that indicated who came up with the notion of National Tug of War Day, so I can only assume it was (a) the big rope corporations, looking to scrape up some extra business in February – a notably slow month in rope sales, or (b) Paul McCartney, doing his best to drum up sales of his 1982 album, Tug of War. If it’s the latter, I approve. “The Pound Is Sinking”, “What’s That You’re Doing?”, “Ballroom Dancing”, “Take It Away” – just a heap of great music on that album. I’m listening to it presently, as these words spew from my fingerprints.
I can play the McCartney album, but orchestrating an actual tug of war in our lives has not proven possible. I was advised there may be some occupational health & safety issues if we tried a competition betwixt our cubicles. Jodie didn’t want her school to be liable for any injured children (though we both agreed the physical comedy would be hiLARious. Fortunately two of our research assistants – Rosa and Liberty – were willing to demonstrate their skills for us.
For five glorious Olympics between 1900 and 1920, tug of war was a team event. For its potential as a popular TV spectacle I’m hopeful they’ll bring it back. It’s played as an organized team sport in 53 countries after all. A form of tug of war was featured on American Gladiators too, and I still think a lot of those games should be ported over to the Olympics.
That said, one should not take tug of war lightly. I mean, the word ‘war’ is right there in the title. Just look at the events of June 13, 1978 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Around 2,300 people were going for the middle school tug of war Guinness Record. The rope snapped, resulting in 200 injuries and six fingers and thumbs amputated. When 650 German Scouts tried to break a tug of war record in 1995, two people died.
Respect the sport, but maybe tug for love instead. (Tug For Love would be a unique memoir title, if anyone wants it)
National Chocolate Mint Day
With National Peppermint Patty Day still visible in our rear-view mirror this felt a little like a rerun. That’s okay – a great rerun is still quality entertainment, just ask everyone who still tunes into old Simpsons and Seinfeld episodes. We went with the York miniature Peppermint Patties yesterday for a change, and we finally finished off those After Eights we’ve had since Christmas. Astute readers will recall the After Eights were used for Read To Your Child Day. We’re very economical here at Celebrate366, and we love a good dose of cocoa mass.
If you’re looking to invest in some Yorks for the betterment of your own existence (and anyone should agree this is a sound way to improve your ride through this crazy teacup ride we call life), I’d recommend the 25-pound bulk option on Amazon – only $215.93 (Canadian) for approximately 1,500 patties. That will last you all week! That’s less than 15 cents per pattie! This is the future we are living in, people. Don’t deny its awesomeness.
Another great day of eats!:
- National Cherry Pie Day. My mother has volunteered to steer the ship for this one. Also…
- National Muffin Day. Hooray for February 20. My mom has also baked some of her classic lemon-blueberry muffins, so tonight promises to be just awesome.
- Hoodie Hoo Day. This involves stepping outside at noon and yelling, “HOODIE HOOOOOO!!!!!!” to the heavens. So that will be fun.
- Fat Thursday. One tradition of this pre-lent party is the women cutting the ties off the men. I’m inherently against wearing ties, so I’ll be happy to desecrate one.
- Love Your Pets Day. Or as we call it, “day”.
celebrate366.com 