August 5 - National Oyster Day

     

Happy National Oyster Day! Get to slurping on August 5. Oysters are enjoyed as a seafood in many parts of the world. 

Did you know there are over one hundred different species of oysters?  Interestingly, oysters tend to take on the characteristics of the water in which they live. 

Because of this, they’re typically named after the body of water in which they grow. 

While many people enjoy fresh oysters raw, the shellfish can also be savored in multiple other ways. As a side dish, oysters add immense flavor to Thanksgiving dressing.  

They also make delicious stews, soups, and chowders. Other recipes will bake, grill or broil the oysters with or without the shell. 

These mollusks provide valuable nutrients whether eaten cooked or raw. Since oysters supply a high amount of vitamins B12 and A, they may benefit heart, skin, and brain health. 

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  • The Chesapeake Bay produces more oysters in the world than any other body of water.  

• • The world loves oysters! We consume almost two billion pounds of oysters each year around the world! 

• • Illustrating how the body of water influences the flavor of the oysters, the east and west coast U.S. oysters taste very different from each other. 

  On the east coast, oysters tend to be smaller, milder and saltier. However, west coast oysters take on a creamy texture and a sweet flavor.   

• • Only one out of every ten thousand oysters will produce a pearl. 

HOW TO OBSERVE 

Make or order a dish that uses oyster as one of its main ingredients. 

Try this Grilled Oyster recipe by visiting the website below or share a recipe with us. You can celebrate in other ways as well.

 

https://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/grilled-oysters-0 

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  • Watch the documentary The Oyster Divers of Long Island Sound (2014) dir. by Peter Crosby. 

• • Read up on oysters. National Day Calendar® suggests The Essential Oyster: A Salty Appreciation of Taste and Texture (2016) by Rowan Jacobsen or Appreciating Oysters: An Eater’s Guide to Craft Oysters from Tide to Table (2018) by Dana Deskiewicz. 

• • Explore the world of cooking with oysters. 

Use #NationalOysterDay to post on social media. 

HISTORY 

The origins of National Oyster Day have not been determined. 

How do you like your oysters? 

#NationalOysterDay

@myrecipes

@Foodimentary 

@Rappahannock 

@nichecinema

August 5 - National Work Like A Dog Day

     

Happy National Work Like A Dog Day! On August 5, today urges us to charge forth and meet every challenge we face during these dog days of summer.

However, if you look to your dog for direction, confusion may set in. 

The English language is confusing. Take, for instance, two common idioms we use in our everyday lives: “It’s a dog’s life” and “Work like a dog.” 

“It’s a dog’s life” refers to dogs being able to laze around and sleep all day. Most dogs are companions. As members of our family, their biggest worry is when the next vet visit is.  

On the other hand, “work like a dog,” suggests just the opposite. It means working to your maximum ability for an extended length of time. How can these two phrases apply to our canine companions when they mean contradictory things? 

When considering the training working dogs received and the value they provided to farms and businesses, the phrase “work like a dog” becomes clear. 

With their obedience and loyalty rooting out rodents or securing cattle, they performed tasks with purpose.  

Today, military and rescue dogs receive rigorous training and work hard alongside their human counterparts as well. 

Either way, work like a dog for the rewards of a dog’s life. At then you can be dog-tired. 

HOW TO OBSERVE 

You can celebrate by either working very hard or – if you’d rather – simply by sharing on Social Media just how hard you work. There are other ways to celebrate, too: 

• • Watch videos of working dogs doing what they’re trained to do. 

• • Learn about the training of working dogs. 

• • Make a video about your average workday. 

Use #WorkLikeADogDay to follow on social media and to 

#CelebrateEveryDay. 

HISTORY 

Although the origins of “work like a dog” are not known, it most likely refers to actual working dogs.  

Sheepdogs and sled dogs are good examples. Since breeds like these have the instincts for certain types of work, they derive a kind of pleasure from the work they do. 

#WorkLikeADogDay 

#Cineriz 

@thebeatles 

@nichecinema