Tuesday, June 12, 2012

When was the first Father’s Day?


After the success of Mother’s Day in the early twentieth century, many wanted to create a similar holiday for other family members, and Father’s Day became the choice to succeed Mother’s Day. Founded in 1910 by Sonora Smart Dodd, its first celebration was in Spokane, Washington on June 19, 1910. Dodd wanted to celebrate her father who was a Civil War Veteran and a single parent who raised six children. Initially the holiday did not have much success and it faded into obscurity through the 1920s. In the 1930s, Dodd began promoting the holiday again, but most Americans resisted as they saw it as an attempt by merchants to repeat the commercial success of Mother’s Day. After many attempts by Congress, and several U.S. presidents to make Father’s Day a national holiday, in 966, President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first presidential proclamation honoring fathers, designating the third Sunday in June as Father's Day. It was made a permanent national holiday when President Richard Nixon signed it into law in 1972.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Father%27s_Day

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

How is the first day of summer determined?

 




In the United States and the rest of the Northern Hemisphere, the first day of summer is the day that the Sun is farthest north. This day is known as the Summer Solstice and occurs on June 20th or 21st which also happens to be the longest day of the year.

Source: http://www.calendar-updates.com/info/holidays/us/summer.aspx

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

What plants can help keep cats out of the garden?


Rue is one of the most common perennial shrubs that help keep cats away because they find the scent offensive. Lemon thyme, lavender, and the scaredy cat plant will also help repel cats from gardens.

Source:  http://www.homeandgardenideas.com/gardening/plants/planting/plants-keep-cats-out-your-garden

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

What is the longest escalator in the United States?


The longest continuous escalator in the United States and the Western Hemisphere is located in Washington D.C. It is at the Wheaton station of the Washington D.C. Metro system. It is 230 feet long with a vertical rise of 115 feet. It can take approximately 2 minutes 45 seconds to ascend or descend without walking.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheaton_%28Washington_Metro%29

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Why is Tax Day April 15?



Since 1955, Tax day has typically fallen on April 15. If April 15 falls on a Friday, Taxes are due the following Monday. If April 15 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, then taxes are due the following Tuesday due to the observance of Emancipation Day in Washington, DC. Which is why this year taxes are due on April 17.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tax_Day