December 29 is celebrated in Ukraine as the Day of the Information and Media Structures of the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and in the world – International Cello Day, Unfinished Business Day or “Still Needs to Be Done” Day, as well as “Tick-Tock” Day.
Day of information and media structures of the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces of Ukraine
This is an important event that emphasizes the importance of communications and information work in the defense sphere of the state. The holiday was started on December 27, 2010, to mark the contribution of information and media structures to ensuring information security, forming the image of the Armed Forces and popularizing service in the Ukrainian army.
In modern conditions, information has become one of the most important resources, and information warfare is part of global conflicts. Information and media units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine play a key role in countering propaganda, providing citizens with reliable information and increasing the level of trust in the army.
These structures cover the activities of the Armed Forces in the mass media; organization of press conferences and briefings; creating media content that informs the public about the Army’s successes and challenges and combating disinformation and fakes spread by the enemy. Their work is especially important during the war, when the Ukrainian army becomes the object of information attacks.
International Cello Day
It is a holiday dedicated to one of the most refined and moving musical instruments. Its unique sound penetrates deep into the soul and gives an incredible palette of emotions. The cello, with its warm, deep and at the same time powerful sound, has long been a symbol of elegance and expressiveness in music.
The cello originated in the 16th century in Italy. Its predecessor was the viola da gamba instrument, but the cello quickly gained popularity due to its ability to perform both solo parts and play as part of an orchestra. It became an integral part of classical music, and later found its place in jazz, pop music and even rock compositions.
The cello is often called the “human voice” among stringed instruments. Its range allows you to perform music of various genres — from dramatic and mournful melodies to cheerful and dynamic compositions. It is the central element of many orchestras and chamber ensembles.
International Cello Day is a great opportunity to celebrate the talent of musicians who have dedicated their lives to this instrument. Their skill allows us to enjoy the works of great composers such as Bach, Dvořák, Shostakovich and many others.
Interesting facts
The most expensive cello in the world, known as the “Dupor Stradivari”, was created in 1711 by the master Antonio Stradivari. Its value exceeds 20 million dollars.
The cello has four strings, but thanks to the skill of the performers, it can sound like a whole orchestra.
One of the most famous works for the cello is Johann Sebastian Bach’s Suite No. 1, the first notes of which are recognizable throughout the world.
The cello is used not only in classical music, but also in film soundtracks, including Amelie and Harry Potter.
Unfinished Business Day or Still To Do Day
This holiday is a kind of signal for everyone who puts off important things for later to stop, evaluate their tasks and complete what remains unfinished before the end of the year.
The “Still To Do” day serves not only as a reminder of unfulfilled goals, but also as a powerful motivation. It allows you to sum up the results of the year that is passing and to understand which tasks have been neglected, but can still be implemented. It is also a good reason to put things in order before the start of the new year, to create space for new opportunities and goals.
Completing things gives a sense of satisfaction and relief. Many people procrastinate because of lack of time, motivation, or fear of complexity. The day “Still needs to be done” allows you to overcome these obstacles, start taking action and complete at least some of the things that have been “burdened” during the year.
Interesting facts
Scientific studies show that about 20% of people regularly postpone important matters, waiting for the last moment.
Completing even small tasks increases the level of dopamine in the brain, which creates a feeling of satisfaction.
Planning and dividing large tasks into small steps helps overcome the fear of large-scale projects.
Keeping lists of tasks increases the probability of their completion by 30%.
Tic-Tac Day
It is a symbolic holiday that reminds us that the year is coming to an end, and time works against us if we put off important things until later. It is a day when every second counts, because there are only a few days left to complete the planned and enter the new year with a sense of accomplishment
The name “Tick-Tock” symbolizes the sound of a clock counting down the last moments of the year. This holiday motivates people to review their achievements, give thanks for the good moments and focus on what can still be done before the new year. Tic-Tac Day is not only a reminder of the fleetingness of time, but also of its value.
This holiday helps to avoid the common habit of putting things off for the future. It reminds of the importance of time and responsibility for one’s life. In the fast pace of the modern world, Tic-Tac Day is a great opportunity to stop, listen to yourself and do something that may have been neglected for a long time.
Interesting facts
The most common reason for procrastination is fear of the complexity of tasks.
People who set clear deadlines finish things faster 80% of the time.
Using timers or clock sounds helps you focus on tasks and increases productivity.
The most active period of getting things done falls on the last days of the year, when people feel the pressure of time.
Historical events on this day
1845 – The Republic of Texas, after nine years of independence from Mexico, became the 28th state of the United States. This decision led to the beginning of the war between the United States and Mexico, which lasted until 1848 and ended with significant territorial gains for the United States.
1891 – Thomas Edison patented the radio. Although research in the field of radio communication was continued by other scientists, this patent became one of the foundations for the development of modern radio technologies.
1911 – Ihor Sikorskyi, a Ukrainian aircraft designer, set a world record for flight speed. He reached a speed of 111 km/h with two passengers on board in a C-6 aircraft of his own design.
1937 – The new constitution of Ireland came into force. The Irish Free State received the official name “Eire”, which emphasized its independence and new status on the international stage.
1940 – London experienced the most powerful attack by German bombers during the entire time of the Second World War. This event caused significant damage to the capital of Great Britain, but did not break the spirit of the British people.
1958 – The concept of “enemy of the people” was excluded from the Criminal Code of the USSR. This step became a symbolic departure from the policy of mass repressions of the Stalin period.
1964 – Kyiv HPP put into operation its first turbine generator, which became an important stage in the development of the energy industry in Ukraine.
1989 – The Federal Assembly of Czechoslovakia unanimously elected the writer and dissident Vaclav Havel as the country’s president. His election became a symbol of the beginning of democratic changes after years of communist rule.
1991 – The People’s Republic of Bangladesh officially recognized the independence of Ukraine, which was another important step on the way to international recognition of the new state.
1992 – The Ministry of Justice of Ukraine registered the Ukrainian scouting organization “Plast”. This revival of the historical organization became an important moment for youth education and the patriotic movement in Ukraine.
1995 – A subway has been opened in Dnipro. This was an important step in the development of the city’s infrastructure and transport system.
1996 – The 36-year civil war has ended in Guatemala. The peace agreement put an end to the years-long conflict that claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people.
1999 – The Constitutional Court of Ukraine recognized the death penalty as contrary to the Constitution of Ukraine. This became an important stage in ensuring human rights and bringing Ukrainian legislation into line with international standards.
2008 Another “gas war” of Russia against Ukraine has begun. This event was a continuation of the energy conflicts between the two countries, which had serious consequences for the economy of Ukraine and the energy security of Europe.
