Dec 19 2023 National Emo Day ❗

[ZandraJoi]

"A favorite of young and old alike, National Hard Candy Day on December 19th, recognizes the sweet tooth in all of us.
Most hard candies are 100% sugar with flavoring and colors added. To achieve a hard candy, confectioners boil a sugar syrup to 320 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the temperature is reached, the hot, pliable sugar is poured into molds or rolled and folded into shapes and left to cool. Once cool, solid sugar becomes hardened and brittle.
The first hard candies, such as lemon drops and peppermints, were likely prescribed as a remedy for stomach ailments.
Hard candy became popular in the seventeenth century as sugar prices fell. Previously, hard candy was something that only the well-to-do could afford. By the mid-1800s, over 400 companies were manufacturing this popular treat.
In 2015, Jolly Rancher surpassed Werther’s Original was the best selling hard candy. Other popular hard candies include Dum Dum Pops, Life Savers, Tootsie Roll Pops, and Charms Blow Pop."

My notes: Which ones were your favorite? I remember the Dum Dums (weird name lol), & Charms.

[Deleted]

I like Jolly Ranchers.

[lisa]

ZandraJoi, @shaliza, i love Jolly Ranchers.

[Deleted]

I have to eat sugar free, and most of them cause side effects, so I don't eat it.

[ZandraJoi]

"Enjoy a delicious breakfast or snack on National Oatmeal Muffin Day. It’s an excellent way to celebrate on December 19th annually.
Known for its health benefits, millions of people start each day with an oatmeal muffin. Oatmeal includes health benefits for our hearts. Finding ways to incorporate it into our diets increases the opportunities to reap those benefits. Oatmeal muffins are another way to enjoy oatmeal.
The American muffin is similar in size and shape to a cupcake. Recipes for oatmeal muffins began to appear in American cookbooks in the mid-1800s. Raisins, bananas, blueberries and other healthy fruits often compliment oatmeal muffins. Add nuts for even more health benefits and texture, too."

My notes: I've tried oatmeal muffins & they are quite good actually. Do you like them?

[ZandraJoi]

"If you still haven’t hunted down your Christmas tree, then you’re in luck with Look for an Evergreen Day on December 19. You can always go for an artificial tree but, let’s be honest, there is nothing like the sight and scent of a freshly cut tree to get you into the spirit of Christmas. Holiday trees are generally spruces, pines, and firs, but the varieties have evolved over time for more personalized preferences. With all the Christmas shopping to complete, and the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, this is your last opportunity to buy a tree if you haven’t already."

My notes: I would think people would have them up by now. You go through all the time of decorating, want to enjoy it for awhile!

[ZandraJoi]

"Did you rock skinny jeans, tight T-shirts, and studded belts? How about jet-black hair and long bangs? For many people, the word “emo” describes a sad teenager who dresses in a very deliberate way. But the emo subculture has a long, storied history that reaches back to the 1980s and continues to resonate today. On National Emo Day, we recognize the rich complexities of the emo movement and gain a greater appreciation of its place in popular music. Weezer anyone?"

My notes: Anybody into the Emo subculture? Were you before?
To me, it was the opposite. If one was sad, they wouldn't draw attention to themselves. But I guess it was to make a point?