National Family Literacy Day – November 1
“Whatever the cost of our libraries, the price is cheap compared to that of an ignorant nation.”
– Walter Cronkite
“Acquiring literacy is an empowering process, enabling millions to enjoy access to knowledge and information which broadens horizons, increases opportunities and creates alternatives for building a better life.”
– Kofi Annan
Election Day – November 5
“Elections belong to the people. It’s their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters.”
– Abraham Lincoln
“We do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.”
– Thomas Jefferson
“A man without a vote is a man without protection.”
– Lyndon B. Johnson
James Naismith, inventor of basketball is born – November 6, 1861
“You can have fun playing by yourself or one-on-one with another person. Basketball is for everyone.”
– Red Auerbach
“The invention of basketball was not an accident. It was developed to meet a need. Those boys simply would not play ‘Drop the Handkerchief.’”
– James Naismith
American Education Week – 2nd week in November
“The purpose of education is to replace an empty mind with an open one.”
– Malcom Forbes
“The more you learn, the more you earn.”
– Warren Buffett
“Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.”
– Chinese Proverb
Sesame Street Debut – November 10, 1969
“Today me will live for the moment, unless it’s unpleasant in which case me will eat a cookie”
– Cookie Monster
United States Marine Corps Birthday – November 10
The Continental Congress established the Army, Navy and Marine Corps in 1775.
“Unless you’re dead, you’re not a former Marine”
– mcl1267.org
“Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world, but Marines don’t have that problem.”
– President Ronald Reagan
Veterans’ Day – November 11
“The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave.”
– Patrick Henry
“Americans should always honor our veterans. At this moment, we especially need the example of their character. And we need a new generation to set examples of its own, examples in service and sacrifice and courage. These veterans have shaped our history, and with their values, your generation will help guide our future.”
– George W. Bush
America Recycles Day – November 15
“We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.”
– Native American Proverb
“If it can’t be reduced, reused, repaired, rebuilt, refurbished, refinished, resold, recycled, or composted, then it should be restricted, designed or removed from production.”
– Pete Seeger
We are living on this planet as if we had another one to go to.”
– Terry Swearingen
Take a Hike Day – November 17
“Adopt the pace of nature. Her secret is patience.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Truly the schemes and wonders of nature are illimitable.”
– Charles Darwin
National Game and Puzzle Week – 4th week in November (see answers at the end)
Logic Puzzle: #1 – The day before two days after the day before tomorrow is Saturday. What day is it today?
Logic Puzzle: #2 There are two ducks in front of a duck, two ducks behind a duck and a duck in the middle. How many ducks are there?
Thanksgiving – November 28
“It is now common knowledge that the average American gains seven pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.”
– Marilu Henner
“Gratitude, help us to see what is there instead of what isn’t.”
– Annette Bridges
Mark Twain born – November 30, 1835
“Always obey your parents when they are present.”
“Man is the only animal that blushes. Or needs to.”
“Travel is fatal to prejudice.”
Native American Heritage month
“I do not think the measure of a civilization is how tall its buildings of concrete are, but rather how well its people have learned to relate to their environment and fellow man.”
– Sun Bear, Chippewa
“If the white man wants to live in peace with the Indian, he can live in peace… Treat all men alike. Give them all the same law. Give them all an even chance to live and grow. All men were made by the same Great Spirit Chief. They are all brothers. The Earth is the mother of all people, and all people should have equal rights upon it…”
– White Elk
Logic #1 Answer: Friday. The “day before tomorrow” is today; “the day before two days after” is really one day after. So, if “one day after today is Saturday,” then it must be Friday.
Logic #2 Answer: Three. Two ducks are in front of the last duck; the first duck has two ducks behind; one duck is between the other two.