Jan 13 2024 Korean American Day 💗

[ZandraJoi]

"According to a 1973 Sesame Street calendar, Rubber Duckie’s Birthday is January 13th so around the country it’s National Rubber Ducky Day! A friend of Ernie and Big Bird, Duckie made his debut in a February 1970 episode.
The rubber ducky (also spelled duckie) has come a long way from his first concept as a chew toy for children. While the origin of the first rubber ducky is uncertain, many rubber molded toys came about when rubber manufacturing developed in the late 1800s. They produced a variety of toys from dolls and various animal shapes, including the rubber duck.
In 1928, Landon Smart Lawrence received the earliest patent fora rubber duck toy. His clever design weighted the toy so that when it tipped it returned to an upright position. The sketch included with the patent was that of a duck.
During World Wars I and II, rubber was a valuable commodity. Rationing became mandatory and by the 1940s with the advent of plastic, the rubber ducky began being produced in vinyl and plastic.
Russian Sculptor Peter Ganine sculpted many animal figures. One, a duck, he later designed and patented into a floating toy which closely resembles the rubber ducky we have become familiar with today.
Sales of the iconic yellow rubber ducky we’ve come to know today soared in Britain in 2001. Why? A British Tabloid, The Sun, reported Queen Elizabeth II had a rubber duck in her bathroom that wore an inflatable crown.
The rubber ducky became a Toy Hall of Fame inductee in 2013. Founded in 1998, the Hall of Fame has only inducted 52 other toys."

My notes: I don't recall having one or what toys I played with in the tub as a kid. What about you?

[Deleted]

I remember having several, rubber ducks as a child and filling the bathtub so that I could watch them float.

[ZandraJoi]

"Another dessert brought to us by an internationally famous chef, National Peach Melba Day offers a refreshing celebration on January 13th each year.
French chef Auguste Escoffier invented the elegant dessert back in 1892 or 1893, depending on the source. He created the dessert with peaches, vanilla ice cream, and raspberry sauce while employed at the Savoy Hotel, London. The dessert honored Australian soprano, Nellie Melba. The chef was known for naming his creations after famous people. Three such recipes are celebrated on the calendar including National Melba Toast Day on March 23rd.

Nellie Melba was born Hellen Porter Mitchell. She took the stage name Melba in honor of her hometown of Melbourne. Her achievements as an opera singer took her on tour worldwide. Later, she earned the title of Dame Grand Cross of the British Empire in 1927.
Chef Escoffier originally called the dessert “Pecheau Cygne” or “Peach Swan” and presented it in a swan-shaped ice sculpture and topped with spun sugar."

My notes: While I don't care for peaches, I do like the smell of them. Odd! Who likes this dessert?

[lainee]

I've had peach cobbler before but not Peach Melba. They are quite different desserts.
Some day I'll have to try this...sounds tasty:-)

[Bob]

Yeah. I tried it. Was okay.

[ZandraJoi]

"Stephen Foster Memorial Day on January 13th commemorates the music of the man who composed hundreds of America’s first popular songs.
Born in Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania, on July 4, 1826, Stephen Foster became known as America’s First Composer. His catchy tunes based on minstrel songs are still known today.
Despite Foster’s exclusive music contract with Firth, Pond, and Company, he was penniless when he died at the age of 37. While his songs were wildly popular, the lack of copyright protection and alcoholism left him with nothing of value to show for his work."

My notes: It's sad some of the history we don't know or forget. Many men & women made tremendous contributions to our lives.

[ZandraJoi]

"Korean American Day on January 13th commemorates the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the United States in 1903. The day also honors the Korean American's immense contributions to every aspect of society.
In 1882, the United States and Korea signed a treaty establishing a peaceful relationship, friendship, and commerce. While this led to Korean diplomats, students, politicians, and businessmen visiting the United States, few felt compelled to stay."

My notes: Have you been there? Do you know of any Koreans? Be it online or even a neighbor?
Only Korean I know that I follow in his e-newsletters is Dr. Ben Kim, a chiro from Canada. He talks of his heritage & it's always intriguing to learn about different cultures.

[Steve]

I've been to Korea. Interesting place. I don't think I know any Koreans personally.

Also on this day, a few celebrity birthdays:

• Actor Julia Louis-Dreyfus is 63.

• Actor Patrick Dempsey is 58.

• Actor Liam Hemsworth is 34.

[ZandraJoi]

Jan 13, 2024 14:54:09 GMT -5 Steve said:

I've been to Korea. Interesting place. I don't think I know any Koreans personally.

Also on this day, a few celebrity birthdays:

• Actor Julia Louis-Dreyfus is 63.

• Actor Patrick Dempsey is 58.

• Actor Liam Hemsworth is 34.

Have you watched any K-dramas or listened to any K-pop? I've watched & listened to both. They're pretty good!
Thank you for sharing some birthdays

[Steve]

Jan 16, 2024 20:17:56 GMT -5 ZandraJoi said:

Have you watched any K-dramas or listened to any K-pop? I've watched & listened to both. They're pretty good!

I haven't watched any because subtitles or dubbing really distracts me from becoming part of the show. I've listened to a little K-pop and it was pretty good. Now I just have to find time to listen to more.