What's Special About This Week--Sept.29-Oct. 3

September 29--National Chimney Sweep Day

While most folks probably think of Mary Poppins and the rooftops of London when they think of Chimney Sweeps, there are still many chimney sweeps around today. Professional chimney sweeps encourage you to get your chimney cleaned regularly. Chimney sweeps are also considered lucky in some parts of the world. Read this to learn about how seeing a chimney sweep on New Year's Day is supposed to bring good luck.



September 29, 1829--Scotland Yard established

By going to this site from Scotland Yard I not only learned about the history of the Metropolitan Police (the official name for Scotland Yard), I also learned about some of the famous investigation carried out by what may be the most famous police agency in the world.

At the Smithsonian site I learned why London's policemen are called "bobbies".

September 30--Chewing Gum Day

"Does your chewing gum lose its flavor on the bedpost overnight?" asked a silly song my parents used to sing. I don't know the answer to that one, but you can find lots of information about chewing gum at the official website of the National Association of Chewing Gum Manufacturers.

September 30, 1868--Louisa Mae Alcott's Little Women published

I already told you that I have never read this book, but clearly lots of people have if it is now 140 years old and still popular.

October is National Dessert Month

I just thought you would want to know that.

Why is dessert spelled with a double 's'? Because with dessert you always want more. With a desert--especially if you have no dessert--you don't want more very often.

October 1--Tuvalu Independence Day

Tuvalu is an island in the South Pacific, so you know it has to be beautiful. It was granted independence from Kiribati on October 1, 1975. Read all about this island paradise at their official website.

October 1--World Smile Day

Isn't the Internet wonderful? I even found a site that tells you how to smile.
SMILE. :-)

October 2--National Custodial Workers Day

Emerson has the some of the best custodians in the world. Today, take a minute to thank Lisa, Ron, Brad, and Seth for all they do to make the school a better place for all of us. Take time every day to pick up after yourself.

October 2, 1967--Thurgood Marshall sworn in as U. S. Supreme Court Justice

Thurgood Marshall made history for many reasons, not the least being the first African American to serve on the United States Supreme Court. There are many good biographies of him such as Up Close: Thurgood Marshall by Chris Crowe that you can check out from the library. You can see pictures of Thurgood Marshall and then surf around the site for much more information.

October 3, 1955--Captain Kangaroo premieres on TV

You may have grown up without ever watching Captain Kangaroo, but his TV show was the favored show of young people for many, many years. It ran from 1955 to 1984, making it the longest running children's show in history. My generation could tell you all about Mr. Greenjeans and all the other Captain Kangaroo characters. Click here to learn about all the folks on the show. There are even videos of clips that may have kept your parents--or even your grandparents--entertained.

October 3, 1955--Mickey Mouse Club premiered on TV

The Mickey Mouse Club has changed a lot since the first version of it premiered in 1955. Now there are games and activities on the Internet if you go to the official Mickey Mouse Club site.