the kernel

celebrate!: Pi Day (March 14)

That's right, the mathematical constant pi.  If you're serious about Pi Day, you won't just celebrate on 3/14, you'll start at 1:59pm:  3.14159.....

Check out PiDay.org for the official holiday lowdown and then get into the spirit by finding a celebration near you.  In Los Angeles, head over to Machine Project for Pi + Pie.  And yes, really, there are events all over.  For example, the Exploratorium in San Francisco is on it's 21st annual celebration.

And what does one do on Pi Day?  Recite as many places as you can and then have a piece of pie! 

celebrate!: This American Life (March 3)

Ira Glass is 50 today!  Print out a pair of Ira Glass glasses and listen to your favorite segment online or on NPR.

Really want to get in the spirit?  Consider a retro This American Life t-shirt or a donation to your local station.

celebrate!: Dr. Seuss (March 2)

It's Dr. Seuss' birthday!  This is just the happy fact I needed for Monday.  Reread your favorite...if you can pick only one.  I have several but there's a special spot in my heart for the Sneetches.

Still a kid at heart? Play with a crochet Lorax from Reform School (sadly in-store only).  If you're feeling crafty, make your own.

Read more about his life, whether online or his biography.

Should you be a Florida girl, go ride the Seuss Carousel at Islands of Adventure in Orlando.  I love all carousels but this one is a definite highlight, not to mention photographer's dream.  Check out this great happy shot from Lessa Weaver's flickr.

His characters just can't help but make me smile.  Even Google is getting in the spirit of brightening up your computer:

celebrate!: forward thinkers (February 12)

It's both Abraham Lincoln and Charles Darwin's birthday today!  Take inspiration from reading some of their major works or simply put a little faith in your own big ideas.  Just don't sit on them--did you know Darwin came up with his theory in his 20s but didn't publish until he was in his 50s?

If you're in Los Angeles, the Natural History Museum has a series of events to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Darwin's birth.  Elsewhere? Check out the species at the zoo. 

And Lincoln? Don't wait for President's Day; make a log cabin...out of gingerbread!  Want to be a little more serious? Get political. Even though he served over 100 years ago, Lincoln's philosophies are still current: his legacy is already influencing Obama's presidency.

celebrate!: Super Bowl (February 1)

Kidding! I couldn't care less about the Super Bowl.  I've had a lovely anti-Superbowl Sunday getting coffee and going [window] shopping with a friend who is also not interested in pro-football.

For the Midwest girls though, I will share my absolute favorite chili recipe.  Whether you watch sports or not, this is a great recipe for winter weekends (what? it's February already?!)

celebrate!: National Kazoo Day (January 28)

fantastic photo above via Muempress' flickr.

Here is a musical holiday I can enjoy even if I can't carry a tune in a bucket (incidentally, one of my favorite phrases). You can buy a kazoo for the price of some parking meters and they don't require much training.

Still need help? Here's a tip from wikipedia:

While humming is the term typically used to describe the technique required to play a kazoo, a more accurate term would be singing into the kazoo. Humming with your lips closed around the mouthpiece of the kazoo will not change the sound - you must vocalize or "sing" in order for the kazoo to make any sound. Many people will struggle with getting any sound from a kazoo when instructed to hum. But when instructed to speak "do, do, do..." into the kazoo mouthpiece, the 'hard' vocalization makes a more effective sound.

How to Kazoo is also a great resource for more information.

celebrate!: Chinese New Year (January 26)

 

The Year of the Ox starts today! While you could certainly wear an ox, like the t-shirt above from Happy Family, here are a few other ways to get in the spirit:

Eat dim sum or other favorites at a local Chinese restaurant

Wear red: it's considered a lucky color

Light fireworks! Okay, maybe this isn't a do-it-yourself...if you live near Chinatown in a major city, check to see when they're scheduled.  If you can't get to a Chinatown in person, check out The Boston Globe's beautiful photoset of Beijing's 2009 Chinese New Year at The Big Picture.

Light lanterns. The Festival of Lanterns is on the 15th day of Chinese New Year, but consider decorating with these beautiful lights year round. See Ohdeedoh's blog (picture below) for a practical version of Chinese decorating--I love the pink!  You wouldn't believe the variety available online.  Also consider making your own.   

Go to a parade.  In Los Angeles, the Golden Dragon Paradewill be on January 31st.

Send greetings: let family and friends know you're wishing them health, good fortune and prosperity...particularly in these troubled times.  I love these Chinese zodiac cards by Mau Studio.

Study up: learn the history and meaning of Chinese New Year.

Keep celebrating: did you know that Chinese New Year celebrations actually starts before the first day of the new year and continues for 15 days?

celebrate!: Inauguration Day (January 20)

Listen to Vosotros' free compilation of patriotic songs

Watch it! Thankfully it's on network tv since I don't pay for cable.

Pick up a free donut at Krispy Kreme

Check out Legoland's Inauguration in LEGOs!  I think my favorite part is Malia's hair.

Wear something patriotic: whether it's off the rack or an American designer

Drink a red, white & blue cocktail--who said they were only for 4th of July?

Remember to HOPE: read Free Encouragement to get yourself in the mood

Laugh about what it's taken us to get here: Sarah Palin (and Tina Fey playing her!), Bushisms, and Obama cartoons will make you smile

Hold your own Inaugural Lencheon: the senate website has posted the recipes!

celebrate!: English Toffee Day (January 8)

 

This is one easy to celebrate holiday!

Beginner: Buy a bagfull of candy bars.  I am partial to Heath but it seems like Skor bars are easier to find these days.  To really get in the spirit, head to a real English Toffee-maker.  Littlejohn's, (pictured above) in the Los Angeles farmer's market, has been making the candy for 84 years and ships nationwide.

Intermediate: Mix broken candy bars into your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe. I normally use the one on the Toll House bag but the addition of toffee takes the classic to one of my all-time favorites.

Professional: Make your own toffee--be prepared to get a little sticky!