1/2/26 - Public Domain, Chocolate, and Pound Cake

Friday 1/2/26

Celebrate:

55 MPH Speed Limit Day

Happy Mew Year for Cats Day

National Buffet Day

National Cream Puff Day

National Motivation and Inspiration Day

National Personal Trainer Awareness Day

National Run it Up the flagpole and See if Anybody Salutes it Day

National Science Fiction Day - celebrated on this date to honor the birthday of the legendary Isaac Asimov.

Swiss Cheese Day

World Introvert Day

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A new consumer study found that 74% of people are refusing to start "New Year's Resolutions" today, opting instead to start healthy habits whenever they feel ready throughout the year. The "January 1st pressure" is officially out, and "starting when it makes sense" is officially in.

No..No..you can call it whatever you want, start it whenever you want, but you can't suck me into this!!! No Resolutions!!! And I am resolute on that! (Damnit!)

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An inmate in Milan managed a cinematic escape this week by convincing his fellow prisoners to form a literal human pyramid to boost him over the prison wall. It’s his fourth time escaping, and while the police aren't happy, you have to admit the guy has incredible "team-building" skills.

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As of Jan. 1, 2026, characters like early Betty Boop and Nancy Drew, and a variety of popular movies, books and songs, have entered the the public domain.

Protections have expired for published works from 1930 and sound recordings from 1925.

Here are some of the most notable works that are now available for free use by anyone:

"The Murder at the Vicarage" by Agatha Christie, the first novel featuring elderly amateur detective Miss Marple.

"The Secret of the Old Clock" by Carolyn Keene, the first appearance of teen detective Nancy Drew, and three follow-ups.

"The Little Engine That Could" by Watty Piper.

Fleischer Studios' "Dizzy Dishes," the first cartoon in which Betty Boop appears.

Disney's "The Chain Gang" and "The Picnic," both depicting the earliest versions of Mickey's dog Pluto.

The initial four months of "Blondie" comic strips by Chic Young, featuring the earliest iterations of the titular character and her then-boyfriend, Dagwood.

The film "All Quiet on the Western Front," directed by Lewis Milestone, Best Picture winner at the 3rd Academy Awards.

"King of Jazz," directed by John Murray Anderson, Bing Crosby's first appearance in a feature film.

"Animal Crackers," directed by Victor Heerman and starring the Marx Brothers.

"The Big Trail," directed by Raoul Walsh, John Wayne's first turn as leading man.

"But Not For Me," music by George Gershwin, lyrics by Ira Gershwin.

"Georgia on My Mind," music by Hoagy Carmichael, lyrics by Stuart Gorrell.

"Dream a Little Dream of Me," music by Fabian Andre and Wilbur Schwandt, lyrics by Gus Kahn.

Piet Mondrian's painting, "Composition with Red, Blue, and Yellow."

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In the best news of the year so far, scientists have identified a natural compound in chocolate that appears to slow down biological aging. While you can't just live on candy bars, it seems that high-quality dark chocolate might actually be a legitimate "superfood" for your cells.

(This is why I look so youthful!)

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It's the end of "Youth" Obsession.

Marketing is changing in 2026, as brands finally realize that "middle-aged" is the new "young." Companies are shifting their focus from Gen Z to the "extended middle," celebrating the wealth and activity of people in their 40s and 50s. It’s a refreshing change of pace that acknowledges life doesn't stop after 30!

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Sanrio just dropped their latest global popularity poll, and Pompompurin has officially beaten Hello Kitty for the top spot! Millions of fans voted in this year's "Character Ranking," proving that the beret-wearing golden retriever is the king of cute. It’s a major upset in the world of character branding!

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Today's Useless Fact of the Day - Desserts don’t have to be super complicated to be delicious. Take pound cake, for example. Not only is it made from some pretty common ingredients—butter, eggs, sugar, and flour—but its name comes from the fact that the original recipe called for a pound of each item, according to What’s Cooking America.

While that may seem like a lot, the simple recipe (which dates back to Britain in the 1700s) was easy to remember during a time when not everyone could read.

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