Learn English

with American Holidays

2010

	February	March	April	May	June
July	August	September	October	November	December

2011

January	February	March	April	May	June
July	August	September

The ELE Membership Site is ready!!! Big discounts on discussions, dictation practice, quizzes, videos, games, writing correction, and more! Take a look at the ELE Membership Site!

---

August 31 is Alan Jay Lerner's Birthday Today is the birthday of Alan Jay Lerner. Do you know who he is? You might know his works better than his name. He wrote the lyrics to a wonderful stage play and movie called My Fair Lady. Although he attended school with Leonard Bernstein, it was Frederick Loewe who became his partner in creating memorable musicals. Lerner also wrote some music, such as the soundtrack for Forrest Gump. Why not search YouTube for some of his music? I'm sure you'll like it. We've selected a very special video to get you started. Celebrate musicals and Alan Jay Lerner today! Happy birthday, Alan!	Click on the picture and read all about Alan Jay Lerner Today's Video I could have danced all night
Click on the picture and read about the Holistic Pet Today's Video Pamper Your Pooch in a Luxury Hotel and Day Spa for Pets	August 30 is National Holistic Pet Day Today is National Holistic Pet Day. This is a day to focus on all of the various needs of our pets. Of course, nutrition and housing are basic needs. But some people believe their pets needs things like massage, acupuncture, chiropractic treatments, and fashion accessories. Whether or not your pet really needs these things, if you want them, they're available for a price. You'll be amazed at the treatment given the pets in today's video. Maybe you will apply to be someone's pet after learning about this holiday! Happy National Holistic Pet Day to all dogs, cats, and other pets!
August is National Panini Month There's something about that crunchy bread combined with the warmed meat and vegetables, held together with delicious melted cheese, that makes a panino very special. Did you know that panino is the singular version of the plural word, panini? There is an unlimited number of variations when making panini sandwiches. First, you select the most delicious bread you can find. Then finely sliced meat, and your favorite natural cheese. You can also add some thinly-layered veggies to make this sandwich a complete meal. August is National Panini Month, so it lasts for several days. This means you can try several different recipes, and you have plenty of time to decide which is your favorite! Have fun!	Click on the picture and read about The Panini: Grilled Sandwich Tips and Recipes Today's Video Food Wishes Recipes: Grilled Ham Cheese and Peach Panini Sandwich - IMUSA Panini Press Test
Click on the picture and read all about The History of Women's Equality Day Today's Video Happy Women's Equality Day! - Video Blog 7	August 26 is Women's Equality Day Are you allowed to vote in national elections? Not every woman is allowed to participate in this important process. Women in the United States have been allowed to vote for less than a hundred years. It's hard to imagine that in the modern world we live in today. Many women worked very hard to earn this right. They had to be very persistent, and there were many setbacks. Today's media choices, the website and the video, are very interesting as we learn from them how this privilege was earned. It's very important for women to have a say in the government that they live under. I hope you enjoy this same equality! Happy Women's Equality Day!
August 25 is in Be kind to humankind week Be Kind To Humankind Week is a celebration of kindness that takes place August 25-31 every year. Even though kindness should happen all year long, this week helps us to focus on it more specifically. There are many stories about times in people's lives when they needed kindness, but no one was there for them. I'm sure many of you can think of a time like that in your own life. I am also sure, however, that you can think of a time when someone did show you kindness. Those are the times to remember, and those are the kinds of things that should happen this week. Today's website is written by the originator of this holiday, and the website features a beautiful song about being kind. It has become one of my favorite songs of all time. I'm sure you'll enjoy it too. Let's all Be Kind to Humankind this week	Click on the picture and read all about Be Kind To Humankind Week Today's Video We Can Be Kind
Click on the picture and have a look at August 24: National Peach Pie Day Today's Video Virginia Farm Bureau - Chef Maxwell - Peach Pie	August 24 is National Peach Pie Day It makes sense that National Peach Pie Day is during National Peach Month. Sometimes, when something is really fine, we say it's "peachy". However, it's a little outdated. The term was also sometimes used sarcastically, when something was actually not "peachy" at all. But peach pie is definitely delicious. You see some great recipes for peach pie in today's website and video. In the website recipe, they add spices and other fruits, and it sounds wonderful! I wonder if anyone will try that recipe. If you do, please send a note letting us know if it was as good as it sounds! Have a "peachy" National Peach Pie Day!
August 23 is Buttered Corn Day I can't imagine only eating Corn on the Cob only one day a year! It's such a popular summertime treat. Let's talk a little bit about this food. When first picked, it is called an ear of corn. The green part on the outside is the corn husk, and the strands inside are called corn silk. Each little section of corn is called a kernel. The hard part that the kernels are attached to is called the cob. Now some people want to talk about more than one corn, but the only time corn can be used with an "s" at the end is if you're talking about a foot disorder called a "corn". You can say "ears of corn" or "kernels of corn" to show more than one. Do you want to know a little secret for buttering a hot, steaming ear of corn? Since it's too hot to hold, butter a piece of bread and then roll the ear of corn in the butter to coat it with delicious, melted butter. Today's video and website will give you more details on how to prepare this treat. I'm sure you'll love it! How could you be anything but happy on Buttered Corn Day?	Click on the picture and have a look At the Chef’s Table: Corn with a street-food touch Today's Video Betty's Sweet Corn on the Cob + Farmer's Market Trip
Click on the picture and read the current daily Peanuts strip Today's Video Peppermint Patty and Marcie Trying to Color Easter Eggs	August 22 is Peppermint Patty's Appearance Today is the birthday of Peppermint Patty's first appearance in the Charlie Brown comic strip. She is a freckle-faced little girl who lives across town from Charlie Brown and his friends. She is quite a tomboy, and was the first female Peanuts character to wear shorts and sandals rather than dresses. Peppermint Patty is also from a single-parent household. She does have some female characteristics, however, such as having a crush on Charlie Brown. Poor Patty consistently gets failing grades in school, and lacks nearly any common sense. For a long time, she considered Charlie Brown's dog, Snoopy, as the "kid with the funny-looking nose". She first appeared in the comic strip on August 22, 1966. The following year, she made her first appearance in a Charlie Brown animated TV special, and then began coaching a baseball team that played against Charlie Brown. Today's website is a place where you can read the current daily Peanuts comic strip, and the website will give you a chance to watch Peppermint Patty in action! Happy Peppermint Patty Day!
August is Home Business Month August is Home Business Month. I wonder why? Maybe it's because summer is winding down, and people don't look forward to leaving their homes on cold, snowy winter days, or because they don't like to think about their kids being home alone when they get home from school. I have been solely self-employed since 1983. Before that, I worked outside my home, as well as at home teaching piano lessons. I married in 1983, became pregnant about a month after that, and didn't like the thought of being away from the children I had waited so long to have. Being a work-at-home parent takes a lot of discipline, research and patience. But being able to spend time with my family instead of leaving them a note and being gone for 8 or more hours a day is worth every sacrifice. Today's website and video will give you much more information. You never know, maybe a home business is right for you!	Click on the picture and find: Home becoming the new business office Today's Video How to Start a Home Based Business
Click on the picture and find all about Potatoes Today's Video Food Wishes Recipes: "Special" Roasted Potatoes Recipe - Crunchy Roasted Potatoes	August 19 is Potato Day Today is Potato Day! Do you love potatoes? There are so many ways to prepare this root vegetable that I doubt we could ever run out of ideas. When I still did most of the cooking, I used to make vichyssoise. It's cold potato soup. At first, my family thought it would be awful to eat cold potato soup, but once they tried it, we all decided it was delicious! Potatoes can be very healthy. It depends on what you add to them whether they're low or high in calories. Potatoes themselves, however, are good for us, and they're an excellent source of fiber. Today's video is a way to make potatoes extra special without overloading them with fat. The website gives the history of potatoes, some trivia facts, and several recipes. So you have everything you need to have a delicious potato day! Enjoy it!
August 18 is National Ice Cream Pie Day Happy National Ice Cream Pie Day! How could a holiday based on ice cream pies be anything but happy? I remember one 4th of July, when my husband and I were at my brother's for a picnic. My sister-in-law had made a lemonade ice cream pie for dessert, and she asked one of the young girls to get it out of the freezer and bring it to us as we sat around the pool. The little girl, about 6 years old, came out balancing the pie on one palm above her head! It tipped and teetered as she ran, and we all held our breath, certain that the pie would end up on the ground. But it didn't! Somehow, it survived, and I think it tasted even better than usual after its dangerous journey from freezer to table! This hot weather is the perfect time to try an ice cream pie! You'll love it!	Click on the picture For a wonderful ice cream pie with caramel sauce! Today's Video Peanut Butter Ice Cream Pie
Click on the picture and find the Davy Crockett Biography Today's Video Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier - Part 1 (6 parts)	August 17 is Davy Crockett Day Because he was born on August 17, today is Davy Crockett Day! When I was growing up, my brothers and I were used to hearing, "Davy, Davy Crockett, king of the wild frontier!" It was a TV program that came on every week, and we tried to watch it every time. Davy Crockett is a folk hero, but a real person, not a fictional character. He became famous for wearing a coonskin cap, with a raccoon tail hanging from the back. If you look for a coonskin cap at Amazon.com, you can choose from several of them, but they're no longer made from real raccoons, of course. The website today is a very interesting biography of Davy Crockett. If you want to see some of the TV series that I used to watch, today's video presents part 1 of 6 parts of the story of Davy Crockett. I think you'll like learning more about this interesting man!
August 16 is Roller Coaster Day Happy Roller Coaster Day! Do you like to ride these thrilling machines? Personally, I'll give my ticket to you. But that doesn't mean millions of people love the thrill and excitement of riding a roller coaster. There seems to be something about defying gravity that makes people want to repeat these rides over and over. Today's website presents some very interesting facts about roller coasters. The video is narrated by the vice-president and general manager of Cedar Point, one of the most famous theme parks in the U.S. Watching the people on this ride will help you decide if you want to try a ride like these. If you do, I wish you a great ride! I'll be waiting with my two feet on the ground! Happy Roller Coaster Day	Click on the picture and find many Roller Coaster Facts Today's Video Cedar Point - Roller Coasters
Click on the picture and find the Aviation History Timeline - A timeline of events in the evolution of aviation. Today's Video Transatlantic Flight Retraced	August 15 begins National Aviation Week Today is the beginning of National Aviation Week. This week was chosen because it coincides with the birthday of Orville Wright, one of the Wright brothers. They are a "household name" in aviation history. But before they invented the airplane, there were kites, hot air balloons, and boomerangs. Although it was only a little over a century ago, there are now the jumbo jets and space shuttles we've all grown accustomed to seeing. Today's article shows a fascinating timeline of aviation history. I'm quite sure you'll be surprised at some of the details. One of the landmark trips in an airplane was the historic transatlantic flight. You can see a pilot who recreated that flight in today's video. Book a flight today in honor of National Aviation Week!
August is National Peach Month Happy National Peach Month! Peaches are one of my favorite fruits. They are so juicy and full of nutrition! I remember one year buying a bushel of peaches at the farmer's market, and then canning them. I never peeled so many peaches in all my life! Canning them was extremely easy, and it was great to have that wonderful flavor through the winter. But, honestly, I never did that again. I think I'll just enjoy what's in season and then wait until next year. This is the season in Michigan right now, and we are eating a lot of peaches. I'm looking forward to trying Betty's recipe in the video, but if I don't have the energy, I'm just as happy to eat my peaches fresh and raw. However you decide to serve them, have a delicious National Peach Month!	Click on the picture and read all about Peach facts and picking tips Today's Video Betty's "Just Peachy" Peaches and Cream Crunch Recipe
Click on the picture and read all about Truck Drivers and Driver/Sales Workers Today's Video Life of an American Truck Driver	August 12 is in Truck Driver Day Today is Truck Driver Day! Do you know any truck drivers? Are truck drivers in your country respected, or is it considered a lowly job? Almost everything that's manufactured in the United States is delivered at one point by truck. When we were on our way home from our son's in Kentucky, in December of 2009, we counted over 100 semi-trucks on the road in one hour. It's one of the most flexible ways to transport goods, because each truck can have a different schedule. My husband was a truck driver for a few years, but he grew tired of being gone for a week at a time, and we missed him a lot, so he retired from the profession. But he really enjoyed seeing more of the country, and being on the road. If you see a truck driver today, wish him a Happy Truck Drivers' Day!
August 11 is in Play in the Sand Day Did you have a sandbox when you were a kid? I guess almost everyone has either played in a sandbox, played in the sand at the beach, or had a little patch of sand or soil somewhere outside their house that they played in. The feel of the sand on your skin, the smell of the sand when it's dry, and then the difference when it's wet, all of these sensations are part of what makes sand play so inviting. Now, there are even sand sculpture contests, and it is no problem to get people to be involved. Some therapists have taken the sensation of sand play to a new level. It's called Sand Play Therapy. It's a very interesting topic, and today's video will show you more about it. The website will give you many ideas on how to play in the sand with your children, or even just by yourself. Don't be shy! Enjoy Play in the Sand Day!	Click on the picture and read about Making the Most of Sand Play Today's Video 0 to 5 in 30 Minutes! Sand Play Therapy
Click on the picture and read all about About International Assistance Dog Week Today's Video Paws With A Cause Assistance Dogs	August 10 is in International Assistance Dog Week Assistance dogs are so interesting to watch. They are specifically trained to meet the needs of a person that needs help. Some of the dogs are able to help people who have seizures. Some are able to turn lights on and off, answer the door, get things out of the fridge, and many other tasks. For a deaf person, when the dog hears the phone ring, he brings it to his owner. Of course, they can lead blind people, too. That was one of the first things that assistance dogs were trained to do. Quite often we see someone in a store with one of the "trainee" dogs. They are wearing a vest which asks us not to pet them. It says something like "Please don't pet me. I'm in training, and I'm working right now." It's really great to know that these dogs are provided at no cost to the recipient, and the entire program, Paws With a Cause, is a volunteer program. Take the time to look at the website and video for today. It will give you a good understanding of International Assistance Dog Week.
August 9 is National Hand-holding Day Today is National Hand-holding Day. This day does not include only couples holding hands. It is a day to unite with others, using the confirmation that holding hands provides. The act of holding hands is a part of survival - physical and emotional. Imagine that little baby, curling its fingers around its mother's finger as it learns all about who she is. Next, the little baby is learning to walk. She wants her daddy to hold her hand and help her toddle across the room. When a child is a little older, he is often shy when talking with someone he doesn't know. The stranger asks him a question, and he instinctively reaches for his parent's hand for security.	Today's Videos Otters holding hands
Now the child is a teenager, and finds that it's very pleasant to hold hands with his girlfriend or her boyfriend. Now the person is part of a family. A family often holds hand together as they pray, or as they walk through a crowded market. Families who hold hands are more unified families. Now this person that we have followed since she was an infant has become ill and won't live much longer. As we sit beside her bed, we reach for her hand to offer reassurance and love. The life cycle of holding that person's hand has come to an end. Offer someone reassurance, love and security today by holding their hand, even if just for a moment.
Click on the picture and read all about the Muskegon Farmers Market Today's Video Growing Interest in Farmers Market	August 8 is in National Farmers' Market Week This is the week to celebrate Farmers' Markets! Going to the farmers' market is such a treat! The colors of the fresh fruits and vegetables, the presentations of freshly-cut flowers, the potted herb plants, and the home-baked breads and cookies all create a country painting of homegrown beauty. Many people believe in supporting local growers instead of shopping at grocery stores. It is often less expensive, too. Food that has been picked recently still has most of the food value in it, as opposed to food which is picked before ripening, wrapped in plastic and shipped for sometimes hundreds of miles. Today's website tells about how a local middle school volunteered their time to clean up the farmers' market in my city to get it ready for the season. The video gives you some beautiful shots of a farmers' market. Just a little advice, though: you might not want to watch it when you're hungry! Happy National Farmers' Market Week!
August is Architecture Month August is Architecture Month. When I was young, I heard my mom talking about the famous Frank Lloyd Wright with great awe. I could tell that he was someone very important. As I grew older, I found out that he is consider by many people as the best architect in history. We're very proud of the fact that one of the houses in my city was designed by Mr. Wright. Today's website tells much more about his life, and includes photos of many of his buildings. The video gives you a chance to see him on television, on a game show that we used to watch a long, long time ago. I think you'll enjoy seeing how the game works, as well as seeing Frank Lloyd Wright in person. Happy Architecture Month!	Click on the picture and find all about Frank Lloyd Wright Today's Video Frank Lloyd Wright--What's My Line
Click on the picture and find 21 Easy Hacks to Simplify Your Life Today's Video Simple Living	August 5 is Simplify Your Life Week Have you thought about simplifying your life? Most people think about that at one time or another. This week has been named Simplify Your Life Week. Even if it's only once a year, it's good to take a look at our surroundings, our schedules, our priorities, our health, and to decide on even one improvement in each area. It doesn't have to be anything big. Just a small change can have a great effect on how we feel each day. Because I work on my computer all day, and have a lot to do there, I have certain programs and shortcuts that save me a lot of time and make my work much easier. If your days are spent differently, you'll be able to try other shortcuts that will save you some time. But be very careful! The goal of saving time is not so that you can do more work! It is so that you have time to take a walk, listen to some music, talk with your family, or play with your dog. Something that puts a sparkle into your day. Today's video is based on Henry David Thoreau. He lived a minimalist life, and wrote an interesting book about it called Walden. The website has 21 ideas for simplifying your life. You don't have to do all 21! Simplify right now, and only choose 2 or 3 that really make sense for your situation. Have a peaceful Simplify Your Life Week.
August 4 is Kentucky Fried Chicken Day Today is KFC Day! Of course, you know that KFC stands for Kentucky Fried Chicken. This meal, served with mashed potatoes, gravy, biscuits and cole slaw, is a traditional American meal. However, KFC is now in 109 countries and territories in the world, so I think it's traditional in more than just America! You probably know that the recipe is a closely guarded secret. Many people have tried to duplicate it, but no one has "cracked the code" so far. Many people try to make their own fried chicken, however, because they want to have more control over the ingredients. If you want to avoid some of the fat, you can make "Oven Fried Chicken", which means you still dredge the pieces in beaten egg and flour, with your choice of spices added to the flour, but then you arrange it in a pan, spray it with olive oil, and baked it at 350 degrees until completely cooked. Whether you go to KFC or make your own, enjoy some delicious fried chicken today!	Click on the picture and find all about KFC's History Today's Video Betty's Visit to Sanders Cafe--the First KFC!--NO RECIPE—
Click on the picture and find all about Happy Mohawk Canoe Livery Today's Video American Canoe	August 3 is American Canoe Association Day As you'll see in today's video, traveling in a canoe can be peaceful, interesting, exciting, and captivating. No, I didn't say capsizing, although that happens occasionally, too! Last summer, several English students visited our state and enjoyed canoeing. I think they even enjoyed recovering from being unceremoniously dumped into the river, but we'd have to ask them to know for sure. The picture today is of my oldest children, before they were old. They are about to embark on their first canoe trip. It was really a memorable time! Today is American Canoe Association Day. This organization is devoted to promoting canoe safety and training. In the video, you can go along on a virtual tour of the Missouri River during flood stage. Have fun, and don't rock the boat!
August 2 is National Ice Cream Sandwich Day Happy National Ice Cream Sandwich Day! Aren't you glad there are so many different ice cream holidays? It's always nice to have such a good excuse to eat ice cream! You can easily make an ice cream sandwich, using two of your favorite cookies and a scoop of your favorite ice cream. Just soften the ice cream slightly, put it between the two cookies, and gently press them together. Then eat it! Isn't that easy? Today's website, however, shows you some variations on this theme. Some people have gone to a lot of trouble to make a very special, unique ice cream sandwich. They all look delicious! Then you can watch Betty, one of our favorite YouTube chefs, make an ice cream sandwich cake. It's a slight variation on the ice cream sandwich theme, but that's one of the ingredients, so if you feel like having it on this holiday, go right ahead! It still counts! Have a delicious Ice Cream Sandwich Day!	Click on the picture to find NYC's Top 10 Ice Cream Sandwiches Today's Video Betty's Chocolate Ice Cream Sandwich Cake Recipe
Click on the picture and ... Play Ball! Today's Video Play Ball, Amelia Bedelia!	August 1 is Play Ball Day Baseball season is well underway by the 1st of August, so it's a bit of a mystery that "Play Ball Day" is so late in the season. But, no matter, let's play ball! At every baseball game, even the ones for little kids, each game is started with the National Anthem. Then, after the song, the announcer yells, "Play ball!" It's a tradition that at the first game of each season, the current President of the United States throws the first baseball to the team. In today's website, you'll see a picture of President Woodrow Wilson performing this honorary act in 1916. Not everybody knows a lot about baseball, however, so "Play Ball Day" is a good time for Amelia Bedelia to learn to play. She is a very willing housekeeper, but, unfortunately, she takes everything very literally. For example, when her teammates tell her to hit the ball, she gives it a slap with her hand. Eventually, she learns a little bit, but I don't think the boys will keep her on their team! Happy Play Ball Day!

2010

	February	March	April	May	June
July	August	September	October	November	December

2011

January	February	March	April	May	June
July	August	September

---

You know you want to practice writing in English, but it's just so hard to get motivated! Sign up below for the English Writers' Club to receive lots of ideas about what to write. You can write a sentence, a paragraph, or a complete essay! Write it, send it, and I will correct it!

↓

ELE Membership Site Learn much more, much faster! All levels include: Vocabulary * Pronunciation Grammar * Interactive quizzes Dictation * Games * Puzzles Videos * Much more!
Membership Levels and Benefits
GREEN LEVEL $9.99 USD per month *All Website lessons *Online Voice Recorder
BLUE LEVEL $14.99 USD per month Over $40 w/o subscription *Website lessons *500 words of writing correction *10% discussion discount *1 1-hour discussion *Online Voice Recorder
RED LEVEL $29.99 USD per month Over $80 w/o subscription *Website lessons *1,000 words of writing correction *15% discussion discount *2 1-hour discussions *Online Voice Recorder
PURPLE LEVEL $49.99 USD per month Over $180 w/o subscription *Website lessons *3,000 words of writing correction *20% discussion discount *3 1-hour discussions *Online Voice Recorder
GOLD LEVEL $89.99 USD per month Over $200 w/o subscription *Website lessons *Unlimited writing corrections *25% discussion discount *4 1-hour discussions *Online Voice Recorder

Aprender Inglés

Englisch lernen

Leer Engels

Apprendre l'anglais

Imparare l'inglese

英語を学ぶ

تعلمالانجليزي

学习英语