On This Day: September 23rd … Strange Holidays

Innergize Day

National Snack Stick Day

Checkers Day/Dogs In Politics Day

Before I get started, do you notice anything oddly interesting about the first word of each strange holiday? Think of it as sort of a riddle … and here I go.

Checkers Day/Dogs In Politics Day

Get out the Checker Board. Today is Checkers Day. So, do you want the red checkers? Or the black ones?

It may surprise you to know that it is also Dogs in Politics Day.

In 1952, Richard M. Nixon was a candidate for Vice-President of the United States, running with Dwight D. Eisenhower. Media speculation centered around an $18,000 campaign contribution, and speculation that Nixon may have used some for his personal use. In a brilliant political maneuver, Nixon took his case to the American people.

On September 23, 1952, Richard Nixon gave a speech that directly addressed and explained the issue. He assured the public that he did not use any of the funds for personal use. Towards the end of the speech, he stated that his daughters had received a dog, which they named "Checkers", as a gift. He said they would keep the dog.

This speech quickly became known as the "Checkers" speech, and went on to be one of the better speeches in American political history.

With "Checkers" the dog included in the speech, this day was sometimes referred to as Dogs in Politics Day.

"Courage is knowing what not to fear."—Plato

Innergize Day

Innergize Day, which is the day after the Autumnal Equinox offers an opportunity to relax and rejuvenate.

Since fall has officially arrived, it’s time to shift gears. The fast pace of summer activities passes by now. Languid autumn days provide tranquil sunsets and peaceful moments. These are the times to focus on your personal well-being. Do things you enjoy that make you feel good about yourself. Let stress and worry fade away for the day.

The day is an excellent time to look inward. Whether you rejuvenate your spiritual connections or develop mindfulness, refocusing your energy can have huge benefits. After trying to cram every activity into a few short months, we sometimes lose focus. Fall allows us to take a deep breath and be more mindful of our bodies, spirits, and the world around us.

Knock, knock

Who’s there?

A little old lady.

A little old lady who?

Hey, you can yodel!

National Snack Stick Day

National Snack Stick Day encourages you to pack your pockets, backpacks, and desk drawers with snack sticks so you can celebrate.

Primarily made with beef or pork, snack sticks harken back to the days when families preserved quantities of beef, pork, and game. Full of family tradition, they made sausage through smoking and aging. Developed generation after generation, the recipes use premium ingredients and an abundance of love.

These little portions of smoked sausage are a convenient source of protein. Take several you with on a hike or throw in your gym bag. Snack sticks satisfy mid-morning hunger pangs and are easily shared after school, after work or anytime. With a variety of flavorful choices, snack sticks please the whole family. From sweet to spicy and everything in between, this savory snack fits a busy lifestyle to perfection.

A customer wennt to a person behind a register and asked,

"Where can I find Polish sausage?"

The clerk asks, "Are you Polish?"

The guy , clearly offended, says, "Yes I am. But let me ask you something. If I had asked for Italian sausage, would you ask me if I was Italian? Or if I had asked for German Bratwurst, would you ask me if I was German? Or if I asked for a kosher hot dog would you ask me if I was Jewish? Or if I had asked for a Taco, would you ask if I was Mexican?

Or if I asked for some Irish whiskey, would you ask if I was Irish?"

The clerk says, "No, I probably wouldn't."

The guy says, "Well then, because I asked for Polish sausage,

why did you ask me if I'm Polish?"

The clerk replied, "Because you're in Home Depot."

More Strange Holidays Coming!