Isaac Singer's Birth Anniversary

 

Isaac Singer, born on 27 October 1811, in Pittstown, New York, U.S., was an American inventor who developed and brought into general use the first practical domestic sewing machine.

At the age of 19 Singer became an apprentice machinist, and in 1839 he patented a rock-drilling machine. Ten years later he patented a metal- and wood-carving machine. While working in a Boston machine shop in 1851, Singer was asked to repair a Lerow and Blodgett sewing machine; 11 days later he had designed and built an improved model, which he patented and sold through I.M. Singer & Company. The first to embody features allowing continuous and curved stitching, his machine employed an overhanging arm holding the needle bar over a horizontal table, thus making it possible to sew on any part of the work. His basic design features have been followed in almost all subsequent machines.

Because Singer had embodied in his machine the basic eye-pointed needle and the lock stitch developed by Elias Howe of the United States, Howe won a patent-infringement suit against him in 1854. The suit did not prevent Singer from manufacturing his machine, however, and in June 1851 he formed a partnership with Edward Clark. By 1860 their company had become the largest producer of sewing machines in the world. Singer secured 12 additional patents for improvements to his machine.

Singer pioneered the use of instalment credit plans, which have had a profound effect on consumer sales in modern society. In 1863 Singer and Clark formed the Singer Manufacturing Company, and Singer retired to England.

 

National Black Cat Day (USA)

 

Along with witches, pumpkins, and trick-or-treating, black cats are indelibly linked with Halloween.  So, it's only fitting in the lead-up to the big night that they get their own day.

National Black Cat Day on October 27 was created in 2011 to help dispel the myths surrounding these enigmatic animals. Black cats have been the subject of legend and superstition for centuries, associated with witchcraft, the supernatural, and bad luck. Because of that unjust reputation, some studies have found that black cats aren't adopted as quickly as cats of other colours. This is debated, but whatever the reality, there's a mystique around black cats that's undeniable.

National Black Cat Day invites people to cast aside any reservations by embracing black cats with treats, toys, and extra snuggles. Non-cat owners can also participate by considering adopting a black cat or donating to a feline charity.

The message is that black cats are like any other pets and deserve just as much care and attention.

Sant Namdev's Birth Anniversary

 

Namdev, transliterated as Nam Dayv, Namdeo, Namadeva, born on c. 26 October 1270, was a Marathi Vaishnava saint from Narsi, Hingoli, Maharashtra, Medieval India within the Varkari tradition of Hinduism. He was as a devotee of the deity Vithoba of Pandharpur.

Namdev was influenced by Vaishnavism and became widely known in India for his devotional songs set to music (bhajan-kirtans). His philosophy contains both nirguna brahman and saguna brahman elements, with Vedanta themes. Namdev's legacy is remembered in modern times in the Varkari tradition, along with those of other gurus, with masses of people walking together in biannual pilgrimages to Pandharpur in Maharashtra.  He is also recognised in the North Indian traditions of the Dadu Panthis, Kabir Panthis and Sikhs.

Some hymns of Namdev are included in the Guru Granth Sahib.

National Hug a Sheep Day 2024

National Hug a Sheep Day is celebrated annually on the last Saturday in October. This year, it falls on October 26. This unconventional holiday has been around since 2010. Sheep have been around forever and are out there offering you the coziest socks, the warmest sweaters, and some of the tastiest cheese outside of a cattle farm. It’s no wonder sheep get a day all to themselves. National Hug a Sheep Day encourages you to appreciate sheep for all the good things they bring into your life. You don’t need to own sheep to join the celebration. Visit a petting zoo or ask your farmer friend to invite you over for some quality hugging time.

Pablo Picasso's Birth Anniversary

 

Pablo Picasso, born on 25 October 1881, in Málaga, Spain, was a Spanish expatriate painter, sculptor, printmaker, ceramicist, and stage designer. He was one of the greatest and most-influential artists of the 20th century and the creator (with Georges Braque) of Cubism.

The enormous body of Picasso’s work remains, and the legend lives on—a tribute to the vitality of the “disquieting” Spaniard with the “sombre…piercing” eyes who superstitiously believed that work would keep him alive. For nearly 80 of his 91 years, Picasso devoted himself to an artistic production that contributed significantly to and paralleled the whole development of modern art in the 20th century.

World Lemur Day 2024

 

World Lemur Day is celebrated on the last Friday of October and this year, the holiday is scheduled to fall on October 25. The objective of this holiday is to raise awareness about the need to preserve this endangered species, and to celebrate its unique attributes. The holiday was first observed in 2014, when it was founded by Jonah Ratsimmbazafy in Antananarivo, Madagascar. Since then, zoos and animal rights organizations across the globe have been celebrating this particular event. World Lemur Day is celebrated in tandem with the World Lemur Festival.

Global Champagne Day 2024

 

Global Champagne Day is celebrated every year on the fourth Friday in October and this year, it falls on October 25. The beverage is a sparkling wine that originated and is produced in the Champagne wine region of France. Most champagne is produced with Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay grapes; although smaller amounts of Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris (called Fromenteau in Champagne), Arbane, and Petit Meslier are also used. Traditionally, it is served in a champagne flute, whose characteristics include a long stem with a tall, narrow bowl, thin sides, and an etched bottom. It’s usually reserved for celebrations, especially New Year’s Day, right as the year begins, and the winners of racing competitions tend to spray champagne at each other and the crowd.