Hi Everyone,
Today’s calendar is short, sleek, and aerodynamic. We are ditching the heavy lists today to focus on two things that bring out the kid in all of us: a folded piece of paper and a glorious slice of dessert.
Your May 26th "Two-Course" Special:
The Desk-Side Launch: It is National Paper Airplane Day! Today is your formal invitation to rip a page out of a notebook, fold it into a classic dart, and see how far it can glide down the hallway. It’s a celebration of simple engineering, imagination, and aerodynamics.
The Decadent Finish: Once your flight lands, reward yourself with National Blueberry Cheesecake Day. Rich, creamy, graham-cracker-crusted perfection topped with a sweet blueberry glaze—it is arguably the king of the dessert cart.
The May 26th Challenge: Fold at least one paper airplane today and launch it (bonus points if you can hit a target). Then, tracking down a slice of blueberry cheesecake is highly encouraged to ensure a successful landing.
May 26th Celebrated History
1865
The American Civil War officially ended when General Simon Bolivar Buckner of the Army of Trans-Mississippi entered the terms of surrender.
1897
Author Bram Stoker publishes Dracula. The book launches Gothic Fiction as a genre and stirred the world's fascination with vampires.
1938
Congressman Martin Dies Jr. establishes the House Un-American Activities Committee to investigate Americans' communist activities.
2021
A full supermoon and lunar eclipse display during the early morning hours across the western United States.
May 26th Celebrated Birthdays
Dorothea Lange - 1895
The American photographer and photojournalist documented the Great Depression in the United States with photography. One of her most iconic images is Migrant Mother, a photo of Florence Owens Thompson, a young mother facing a stark reality that defined the era.
Aaron Douglas - 1899
A prominent artist during the Harlem Renaissance, Aaron Douglas illustrated several novels for Harper’s and Vanity Fair. He also created several murals around the country, including Fisk University in Nashville and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in New York. Visit www.nga.gov to view Into Bondage (1936).
Marion Mitchell Morrison - 1907
Marion Mitchell Morrison, otherwise known as John Wayne, began his acting career under the guidance of director John Ford. Noted for his Westerns, John Wayne also took on war and political dramas. Nominated for three Academy Awards, The Duke would earn Best Actor for the Western True Grit in 1969.
Peggy Lee - 1920
Jazz singer, Peggy Lee, shared her Fever for music and got her big break when she began to sing for Benny Goodman. Nominated for 12 Grammys, Lee won for Best Contemporary Vocal Performance for “Is That All There Is?” in 1969. In 1999, Lee was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Miles Davis - 1926
The award-winning American jazz musician gained recognition in the 1970s for his performances and recordings. His innovative style gained him respect, and his music still influences artists today.
Stevie Nicks - 1948
Solo artist Stevie Nicks is best known for her vocals with the band Fleetwood Mac.
Sally Ride - 1951
In June 1983, Sally Ride became the first American woman in space. Aboard the space shuttle Challenger, Ride completed a week-long mission launching communication satellites. She later would become a champion of science education.
A Quick Thought on Flight: In honor of National Paper Airplane Day, we like to think we’re testing out some new wing designs with this newsletter format. We know that changing the folds might make the flight pattern look a little different than it did for the last ten years, but we're thrilled with how much extra distance and lift we're getting!
Best,
Team NDC
