April 29 - National Zipper Day

Happy National Zipper Day! Today commemorates April 29, 1913, when the patent for the modern zipper was issued. 

The day celebrates something that we often do not think about and may automatically take for granted. 

The first attempt at creating the zipper came from the inventor of the sewing machine.  

In 1851, American inventor Elias Howe received a patent for the “Automatic, Continuous Clothing Closure.” However, Howe never marketed his invention and missed the recognition he may have received. 

Forty-two years later, American machine salesman, mechanical engineer and inventor Whitcomb L. Judson began selling the “Clasp Locker.”  

Very similar to Howe’s patent, this device served as a more complicated hook-and-eye shoe fastener.  

Judson started the Universal Fastener Company where he manufactured his new device and debuted it at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893. There he met with very little success. Because Judson put his invention before the public for sale, he earned credit as its creator. 

In 1906, the Universal Fastener Company also hired Swedish-American electrical engineer Gideon Sundback.. He was highly skilled and known for his devotion to the company.  

On April 29, 1913, he was granted a patent for the modern zipper, known then as the “Separable Fastener.” In 1917, he submitted modifications to his invention.  

Today we wear designs quite similar to the ones Sundback created in his patent. While he may have called them a separable fastener, we know them as zippers.  

By 1923, American industrialist in the rubber industry and founder of B.F. Goodrich Company B.F. Goodrich popularized the word zipper as it applied to use in the boots and pouches it made. The company even copyrighted the name for a time. 

HOW TO OBSERVE 

Wear something with a zipper. Try sewing a zipper into an article of clothing. It’s harder than it looks. Share photos using #NationalZipperDay to post on social media. 

HISTORY 

The day commemorates the date in 1913 when the zipper was patented by Gideon Sundback on April 29, 1913. 

#NationalZipperDay 

@YKK_USA 

@nichecinema 

April 29 - National Denim Day

Happy National Denim Day! Each year in April, this day raises awareness about any and all forms of sexual violence. 

Throughout the country and world, the day sets a standard of support for survivors and provides a foundation for solidarity through a simple message; there is no reason for sexual assault, not even the type of clothes a person wears. 

The statistics are staggering but the personal stories more haunting. 

According to RAINN statistics, one in every six American women has been a victim of an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime.  

There’s no reason for them to be victims – not their age, their clothes, or their status. 

The day calls for everyone to wear denim to show support for victims and survivors of sexual harassment, abuse, assault, and rape.  

College campuses, clinics, businesses, and organizations host educational events and fundraisers to increase awareness and change misconceptions. 

HOW TO OBSERVE 

Wear denim. Join a prevention and education campaign. Donate or volunteer to help the cause – domestic violence centers and hotlines require assistance. 

Learn to become an advocate for change. Start a conversation. During your discussion, share experiences. Learn more by visiting the website below. Use #DenimDay to share on social media. 

https://www.denimdayinfo.org 

HISTORY 

In 1999, an Italian Parliament overturned a 1992 rape conviction based on the victim’s clothing.  

According to the decision, the woman was wearing tight jeans, and therefore must have given consent. 

This decision led to protests in Italy, where women wore jeans showing support for the victim. 

Since then, Peace Over Violence has sponsored National Denim Day to raise awareness and eliminate sexual violence around the world. 

#denimday 

#SAAPM 

#TalktoMe
@PeaceOverViolence 

@RAINN01 

@nichecinema 

April 29 - Israel Independence Day 2020

Happy Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel! On the fifth day of the Hebrew month of Iyar, Israeli communities worldwide celebrate their Independence Day, known locally as Yom Ha’atzmaut.  

Today’s Google Doodle pays tribute to this annual holiday in recognition of the day in 1948 when the State of Israel declared its independence.  

Depicted in the Google Doodle artwork, the flag of Israel features two blue stripes running horizontally over the white background with the Star of David at its center.  

Officially adopted in 1948, the same year as independence, the flag will be waved proudly wherever Israeli’s call home.

#IsraelIndependenceDay2020

@GoogleDoodles

@nichecinema