MAY 14, 2026 | NATIONAL DANCE LIKE A CHICKEN DAY | NATIONAL DECENCY DAY | NATIONAL UNDERGROUND AMERICA DAY | NATIONAL BUTTERMILK BISCUIT DAY
Hi Everyone,
Today is a delightful mix of the sophisticated and the slightly ridiculous. Whether you are looking for a deep architectural dive or just an excuse to flap your wings, May 14th has you covered.
The May 14th "Four-Course" Menu:
- The "Flap Your Wings" Moment: Happy National Dance Like a Chicken Day! It is officially time to embrace the ultimate polka-party classic. Whether you do it ironically or with total passion, today is about not taking yourself too seriously.
The Moral Compass: It is National Decency Day. In an era of "hot takes" and internet arguments, today is a simple reminder to lead with basic respect and kindness. It’s about being a "decent" human being—something we think never goes out of style.
The Architectural Wonder: It is National Underground America Day. We’re celebrating the thousands of people who live in earth-sheltered homes. These "hidden" dwellings are sustainable, quiet, and a fascinating part of the American landscape.
The Southern Staple: Finally, it’s National Buttermilk Biscuit Day. Flaky, buttery, and perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. If a biscuit is involved, it’s a good day.
The May 14th Challenge: Perform one "Decent" act of kindness for a stranger, and then treat yourself to a buttermilk biscuit. If you do the Chicken Dance while waiting for the oven to preheat, you get bonus points.
Coming on May 15, 2026
National Days
NATIONAL PIZZA PARTY DAY
PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY
NATIONAL CHOCOLATE CHIP DAY
NASCAR DAY
BIKE TO WORK DAY
BRING FLOWERS TO SOMEONE DAY
NATIONAL NYLON STOCKING DAY
NATIONAL ENDANGERED SPECIES DAY
DEFENSE TRANSPORTATION DAY
MALCOLM X DAY
Notable Birthdays for May 14
Ed Ricketts (1897-1948) - Marine biologist who conducted pioneering studies of intertidal ecology (organisms found in high/low tides).
Zutty Singleton (1898-1975) - Jazz drummer for Louis Armstrong's Hot Five.
Herbert Morrison (1905-1989) - Radio journalist radio who recorded a dramatic report of the Hindenburg disaster.
John Hope (1919-2002) - Meteorologist who was a hurricane expert.
Brad Anderson (1924-2015) - Cartoonist who created the loveable dog Marmaduke.
Sophie Kurys (1925-2013) - Second basewoman in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.
Ethel Johnson (1935-2018) - The first black female champion of professional wrestling.
George Lucas (1944-Still Living) - Creator of Star Wars.
Mark Zuckerberg (1984-Still Living) - Co-founder of Facebook.
Memorable Events for May 14
1787 - Delegates gather to draw up the Constitution of the United States.
1800 - The Federal government moves from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C.
1853 - Gail Borden patents his process for condensed milk.
1897 - The State Theatre opens in Washington, Iowa (oldest continuously operating movie theater in the world.
1913 - The Rockefeller Foundation begins operation.
1942 - The U.S.
Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) forms.
1973 - The Supreme Court approves equal rights to females in the military.
A Note on "Underground": We know our new email style might have felt like it came out of nowhere (or from "underground"), but we’re focused on building something solid, sustainable, and—above all—decently entertaining for you every day.
Best,
Team NDC
