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Holidays and Observances for May 2 2015
 Smiley, squishy, faces are perfect reasons to put Baby Day on the map. Although it’s difficult to pinpoint why, or where this day originated, we can easily speculate! Anyone who has ever yearned for, had, or known a baby, could list dozens of reasons why babies are special. Babies are not just cute, but they are innocent in a way that helps you to see goodness in the world. They give you hope, happiness, and make you strive to become a better person. What more could you ask for?

Mark Baby Day on your calendar, and use it to cherish the baby you have, or plan for the baby you want. If you aren’t planning on making babies any time soon, or your ‘baby’ is walking around in 6 inch heels, or sporting a 5 o’clock shadow, take this day to celebrate with a niece, nephew, or grandchild. Show them how blessed you feel to have them in your life, and have a fantastic day.

Alternatively, if there are no babies in your family, why not make a gift basket for a new mother in your neighborhood, or graciously donate to a baby related charity? Do something precious this Baby Day!
 

One of the goals of Free Comic Book Day is to reach out to those individuals unfamiliar with the comic book specialty market, not to mention a comic book shop. So, every year those behind Free Comic Book Day launch a massive promotional campaign that heralds the event and spreads the good word of comics to potential readers everywhere.

In 2001, retailer Joe Field was writing columns for an industry magazine, and saw how successful feature films based on comic book franchises were providing the comic book industry with a positive cultural and financial turnaround from the speculator bust of the late 1990s, Field proposed Free Comic Book Day in one of his columns, and received positive reaction to it. Then-Image Comics publisher Jim Valentino suggested having the first Free Comic Book Day on the same weekend as the opening of the 2002 Spider-Man feature film, in order to take advantage of the film's heavy promotion and related press about the comic book medium, and thus the first event was held May 4, 2002, one day after the film's opening. However, not all events have corresponded with the release of a film based on a comic book. In 2004 it was held in July, but it was moved back to the first Saturday in May the following year and has been held on that day ever since. On Free Comic Book Day, participating comic book store retailers give away specially printed copies of free comic books, and some offer cheaper back issues and other items to anyone who visits their establishments. However, retailers do not receive the issues for free; they pay 12–50 cents per copy for the comics they give away during the event. In addition to comic books, some stores also give away other merchandise, such as mini posters and other movie tie-in memorabilia.

Global Marijuana March The Global Marijuana March (GMM) is an annual rally held at different locations across the planet. It refers to cannabis-related events that occur on the first Saturday in May, or thereabouts, and may include marches, meetings, rallies, raves, concerts, festivals and information tables.

The Global Marijuana March also goes by the name of the Million Marijuana March (MMM). It began in 1999. Hundreds of thousands of people have participated in over 829 different cities in 72 countries worldwide since 1999. There are local names for the event too. Such as: World Cannabis Day, Cannabis Liberation Day, Global Space Odyssey, Ganja Day, J Day, Million Blunts March, etc..

As of 2011, the Moorish science temple of America has been doing the Los Angeles Million Marijuana March for 13 years at Leimert park in Los Angeles, California. The 2-day 2011 celebration marks the first time bands have filled the 2 days. Leimert Park is a famed free speech arena, which has also held Black Panther rallies and more since its inception. Acclaimed rap artist Ditch headlined both days, and was in charge of band booking and advertising. The event went off well with over 2,000 people attending over the 2 days. Ditch was honored for being able to bring unity to that area among so many different races and types of people. Ditch also honored jailed freedom fighter Eddy Lepp at the event. Eddy then called in live to the audience from Federal prison in which he is serving 10 years for cultivation of marijuana. Eddy's wife Linda Lepp was on hand to receive the award. This marks the third time so far that Eddy Lepp has spoken to a live concert audience from prison. Rapper RBX also performed at the Los Angeles march marking the first time in years he has performed in South Central Los Angeles.

In 1999, during the first worldwide Million Marijuana March New York City held another of its annual marijuana marches. The Village Voice reported on the police and organizer estimates of the crowd size: "the police claim it was 4000 people while organizers say 20,000".

In 2009, the event organizer, Dana Beal, along with Chris Ryan, and Jay Stetzer on their way back from the NORML Conference in San Francisco all three men were charged with possession with intent to distribute and possession with intent to deliver 150 lbs. of marijuana.

In 2010, the event began to be organized by a new group of activist's poised to take on new york city. It was after this that the NYC Event was renamed to, NYC Cannabis Parade. The NYC Cannabis Parade, organized by a steering committee of activists, have turned the event into a celebration of cannabis culture in NYC with a nearly 20 block parade and 4 hour rally proceeding it, there has not been a recorded arrest for possession or use for over 4 years now. "'We have zero arrests, and we don’t plan on having any,' one sergeant told a Post reporter. Advocates praised the cops’ mellow take on toking as the latest sign New York was inching toward decriminalization." HerbDay is a coordinated series of independently produced, public, educational events that celebrate the importance of herbs and herbalism. HerbDay was conceived of by the HerbDay Coalition, a group of five nonprofit organizations that have interest in these areas, to raise awareness of the significance of herbs and the many ways they can be used safely and creatively for health, beauty, and culinary enjoyment. Greater familiarity with herbs will increase informed use of herbal products and build public support for maintaining personal choice in the use of botanicals.

The HerbDay Coalition is comprised of the American Botanical Council, United Plant Savers, the American Herbal Products Association, the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia, and the American Herbalists Guild.

The first HerbDay was held on Saturday, October 14, 2006. HerbDay 2012 and all future HerbDay celebrations will be scheduled for the first Saturday in May. Participants in HerbDay include individuals, businesses, and organizations that share a love of and passion for herbs and herbal medicine. These include herbalists and health care providers who use herbs in their practices; authors, teachers, and lecturers with expertise in herbs; herbal product manufacturers and marketers; retailers and distributors of herbal goods; botanical gardens, parks, and schools; and, most importantly, individuals and families who love to use herbs.

Numerous harmonized, independent activities occur on HerbDay, as well as during the weeks leading up to and following the actual day. Events are held at retail stores, botanical gardens, and parks throughout North America and around the world. HerbDay is decentralized in that hosting venues have significant autonomy in developing activities and designing their own site-specific events. Events include lectures and workshops by locally and nationally known herbalists; book signings and talks by renowned herbalist-authors; herb walks guided by experienced botanists familiar with regional habitats; in-store cooking demonstrations featuring fresh and dried herbs and spices; displays of seasonal herbal handcrafts; and in-store beauty product demonstrations. Events hosted at retail venues include presentations by herb company representatives and herbal-themed children's activities.

HerbDay brings key industry members together with the entire herbal community to deliver a cohesive, honest, and positive message about herbs and herbalism to the entire nation.

The vision of HerbDay is realized each year when thousands of Americans gain access to this message.

Like any healthy plant, HerbDay will continue to grow and spread. Officially, HerbDay 2015 is Saturday, May 2, but we encourage every person who loves herbs to celebrate HerbDay any day of the year. Start planning now, and be sure to list your event.

International Scurvy Awareness Day International Scurvy Awareness Day is celebrated on 2 May. Scurvy, a condition typified by tiredness, muscle weakness, joint and muscle aches, rash on the legs and bleeding gums, is caused by a lack of Vitamin C. Interestingly, Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, got it’s name from ‘scorbutus’, the Latin name for scurvy.

Scurvy used to be a common ailment suffered by sailors, soldiers and others who did not have access to fresh fruit and vegetables for extended periods of time.

These days, with most people having ready access to fresh fruit and veges, or alternatively Vitamin C-enriched processed fruit, scurvy is usually only found among people on very restricted diets, people who are under extreme psychological stress, chronic alcoholics or heavy smokers. Babies weaned from breast milk and switched to cow’s milk without Vitamin C supplementation may also develop symptoms, including swelling of the legs, fever diarrhoea and vomiting. Once symptoms of scurvy manifests in a patient, it can be effectively treated with a daily dose of between 300 and 1000mg of ascorbic acid (or 50mg taken 4 times a day, in the case of infants). Left untreated, however, the condition can result in death.

The amazing thing is that, despite the cure for scurvy being so simple, and well-known, there are still hundreds of cases of scurvy reported each year.

So, on International Scurvy Awareness Day, the message is to treat yourself to regular helpings of fresh fruit and vegetables, and preferably to also take a daily Vitamin C supplement, especially if you are under stress, on medication, or regularly smoke or use alcohol.

Avoiding scurvy is as simple as anything. To quote Limestrong.com, home of International Scurvy Awareness Day,

“This goal is made even easier by the fact that Scurvy is one of only two diseases known to modern medicine that can be easily cured by drinking a wide variety of readily available cocktails. Just enjoying a Bloody Mary, Margarita, fruit tart, or even just a cool glass of lemonade twice a week will ensure that you stay fit and healthy.”

Join Hands Day While you might think that Join Hands Day is all about shaking the hands of strangers you meet in the street, it is fact a day dedicated to attempting a union in our communities between the older generation and the younger generation. In the world where youths are persecuted, and the elderly are presented as weak and frail, this day truly brings communities together to recognize the various ways in which we all aid each other.

Join Hands Day is a noted day of service that develops relationships between young people and adults through volunteer community service.

Join Hands Day is traditionally held on the first Saturday in May. Youth and adults work together to plan, organize and implement their community projects. Planning and implementing these projects builds relationships across generations that restore confidence, trust and respect for each other, and creates a sense of community.
 The Kentucky Derby is a horse race held annually in Louisville, Kentucky, United States, on the first Saturday in May, capping the two-week-long Kentucky Derby Festival. The race is a Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds with a length of one and a quarter miles (2 km) at Churchill Downs. Colts and geldings carry 126 pounds (57 kilograms) and fillies 121 pounds (55 kilograms).

The 141st running of the Kentucky Derby will be run Saturday, May 2, 2015 with a $2 million guarantee.

In 1872, Col. Meriwether Lewis Clark, Jr., grandson of William Clark of the Lewis and Clark expedition, traveled to England, visiting the Derby, a famous race that had been running annually since 1780. From there, Clark went on to Paris, France, where in 1863, a group of racing enthusiasts had formed the French Jockey Club and had organized the Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamps, which at the time was the greatest race in France.

Returning home to Kentucky, Clark organized the Louisville Jockey Club for the purpose of raising money to build quality racing facilities just outside of the city. The track would soon become known as Churchill Downs, named for John and Henry Churchill, who provided the land for the racetrack. Officially, the racetrack was incorporated as Churchill Downs in 1937.

The Kentucky Derby was first run at 1 1⁄2 miles (2.4 kilometers), the same distance as the Epsom Derby. The distance was changed in 1896 to its current 1 1⁄4 miles (2.0 kilometers). On May 17, 1875, in front of an estimated crowd of 10,000 people, a field of 15 three-year-old horses contested the first Derby. Under jockey Oliver Lewis, a colt named Aristides, who was trained by future Hall of Famer Ansel Williamson, won the inaugural Derby. Later that year, Lewis rode Aristides to a second-place finish in the Belmont Stakes.

On May 16, 1925, the first live radio broadcast of the Kentucky Derby was originated by WHAS and was also carried by WGN in Chicago. On May 7, 1949, the first television coverage of the Kentucky Derby took place, produced byWAVE TV, the NBC affiliate in Louisville. This coverage was aired live in the Louisville market and sent to NBC as a kinescope newsreel recording for national broadcast. This broadcast was the first time Zoomar lenses were used on a broadcast TV sports show. On May 3, 1952, the first national television coverage of the Kentucky Derby took place, aired from then-CBS affiliate WHAS-TV. In 1954, the purse exceeded $100,000 for the first time. In 1968 Dancer's Image became the first (and to this day the only) horse to win the race and then be disqualified after traces ofphenylbutazone, an analgesic and anti-inflammatory drug, were found in the horse's urinalysis; Forward Pass won after a protracted legal battle by the owners of Dancer's Image (which they lost). Forward Pass thus became the Eighth winner for Calumet Farm. Unexpectedly, the regulations at Kentucky thoroughbred race tracks were changed some years later, allowing horses to run on phenylbutazone. In 1970 Diane Crump became the first female jockey to ride in the Derby, finishing 15th aboard Fathom.

Norman Adams has been the designer of the Kentucky Derby Logo since 2002. On February 1, 2006, the Louisville-based fast-food company Yum! Brands, Inc.announced a corporate sponsorship deal to call the race "The Kentucky Derby presented by Yum! Brands."

National Homebrew Day National Homebrew Day is observed each year on the first Saturday in May, with the participation of thousands of home brewers around the world. Brewing is known as the process of making beer. Most of the world's famous beer brand owners used to make beers with their secret recipes at home.

We just can't deny the popularity of beer. Beer can be in any kind of meals. Some people in Germany even have beers for breakfast and say: "Beer is food". It is also one of the oldest prepared beverages. National Homebrew Day is a chance for people to show their love to this popular drink and attract more people to start homebrew.

National Homebrew Day was created on May 7th, 1988. In 1987, Charlie Papazian founded The American Homebrewers Association (AHA). Every year, AHA organizes a lot of different events, for example National Homebrew Competition, National Homebrewers Conference, Learn to Homebrew Day, Big Brew. Big Brew is particularly held to celebrate National Homebrew Day, which is a great excuse to drink more beers than usual.

National Play Your Ukulele Day he 2nd of May is National Ukulele Day dedicated to all things ukulele.  Also known as “National Play Your Ukulele Today” it is the time to reflect and learn about the history of this unique Portuguese four string guitar-like instrument which became a symbol for the people of Hawaii.

The story goes that the ukulele was introduced in Hawaii about 1879, by a group of Portuguese immigrants from Madeira.  João Fernandes, a native of Madeira, is credit with having played the “braguinha” – the original name in Portuguese — in Hawaii for the first time. The Hawaiians renamed the “braguinha” as “ukulele” in reference to “jumping flea” as suggested by the jumping motion of the hands playing the instrument.

The ukulele, was introduced in the mainland United States around 1915, after being featured at the Panama Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco. Later the ukulele gained acclaim in Japan and the United Kingdom and from there around the world.

It became a symbol of the jazz age and musicians such a Elvis Presley, George Harrison, Elvis Costelo, Bruce Springsteen and Tiny Tim were fond of the famous easy to play Portuguese string instrument in Hawaii.  Ukulele festivals are popular all over the United States and Canada as well as in many other parts of the world. February 2nd is the International Ukulele Day.

The first Portuguese immigrated to Hawaii around 1794. They were whalers who jumped ship. Many of those sailors were from Faial, Graciosa, and São Jorge.  Some were from Cape Verde.

Additional Portuguese settlers came from the Madeira Islands in 1879 to work on the sugar cane fields. Between 1878 and 1913, more than 20,000 Portuguese men, women, and children traveled from Madeira the Azores and Portugal the Hawaiian Islands. An estimated 4 percent (48,527) of the population of Hawaii today is of Portuguese descent.
 Since 1994, the first Saturday in May has been creatively celebrated as “National Scrapbook Day.” Also known as National Scrapbooking Day, on this day thousands of people get together all over the country to celebrate with scrapbooking parties and share their talents with others.  Scrapbooking dates back to the 15th century.

Scrapbooking is a method for preserving personal and family history in the form of a scrapbook. Typical memorabilia include photographs, printed media, and artwork. Scrapbook albums are often decorated and frequently contain extensive journaling. Scrapbooking is a widely practiced pastime in the United States.

Scrapbooking is a hobby of preserving memories and at the same time it provides a strong social network.  ”Scrappers”, as they are called, get together and scrapbook at each others homes, local scrapbook stores, scrapbooking conventions, retreat centers and have even gone on cruises.  Together they share tips and ideas and enjoy the social outlet.

National Truffle Day Do the truffle shuffle! May 2 is National Truffle Day.

A little more rare than your average pack of button mushrooms at the grocery store, these underground beauties that seem to magically surface at the foot of trees are definitely special enough to get their own day.

There are plenty of species of truffles, but only a few are prized as edible. White and black truffles are the favorites, with white being a little more dense and pungent. While they are difficult to cultivate, it is possible - and folks still use their specially trained truffle hogs, or even dogs, to help sniff them out among the acorns. If you've got a passion for it, you could turn it into quite a business like this Jack Czarnecki in Oregon.

Truffles are best used sparingly because the aroma itself can be intense. You can serve them shaved over a warm pasta dish or fried eggs. You can also slip thin slices of truffle into the holiday stuffing. Just be warned if you decide to reach for some truffle oil to splash over your fancy fries, there is a chance it has no truffle derivative in it whatsoever.

Now, for those of you who fancy chocolate over a rare mushroom, we hear you. Since there's no rule on which type of truffle today is devoted to, feel free to indulge in the round chocolate confection that bears the same name.

World Tuna Day A year ago marked the inaugural annual intern international World Tuna Day on 2nd May, a celebration long overdue, at least for us in this part of the world. Tuna, is the most common commodity that all Pacific Island Countries have rights to.
Industrial efforts have been growing in recent decedes however as overcapacity and overfishing in other ocean send fleets looking for new homes our waters grow increasingly susceptible to illegal, unregulated and unreported activities.
World Tuna Day, serves to remind us all, just how valuable tuna is! It is vital to our people as the source of much of our nutrition and continued food security. The welfare, culture and identity of our islands don’t have much else to depend on. Revenue our governments derive from this resource continues to support our small island developing economies and the number of jobs that the region’s marine resources generate.
What is also crucial to appreciate is that our Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) and the wider Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPO) is the last remaining healthy ocean in terms of stock status making it the most valuable in the world. The WCPO provisions more than half of the global tuna supply, more than half of the WCPO is encompassed within PIC EEZs.
Tuna fishing has grown from a marginal industry, to lucrative business to a billion dollar industry.
Despite the above well-understood facts and our legally guaranteed birth entitlement to these resources our sovereign rights continue to be challenged.
So whether you enjoy a meal of just rightly seared piece of tuna steak, the traditional Japanese-style sashimi or the good old fashioned island ‘ota ika’ make sure you think about your right to enjoy the delicious taste that leaves in your mouth. Also think about your right to pass that onto your children and their children.
PITIA calls on Pacific Island Communities in its entirety to place the same importance that we place on what this resource is worth, and extend the level of support that our fisheries managers and developers need to secure the sustainability of the tuna fishery.