When the inaugural Thomas Day was celebrated in the mid-1990's my family and friends (mostly my family) was skeptical about my motives. Some thought I had gone off my rocker and others looked up the phone number for the nearest psychologist. I assured them that my intent was not to accumulate more gifts or to prop up the falling stock price of Hallmark corporation. In fact, I wanted Thomas Day to be outward instead of inward facing. Rather than looking for the gifts we, as Thomases, could expect to receive, the celebration was about the gifts that we, as Thomases, could give. Neither was this orientation and attitude to last for one day of the year but this one day became a moment for us to contemplate what we had done for the past year and resolve to do more in the coming year. It was, and is, a day for us to close ranks, to rally the troops and to gear up to do our part with all the other Tom, Dick and Harry's with whom we share this old world. It is also a time to gather and recognize the great diversity that is/are Thomas. We are old, young, white, black, furry, rich, poor, alive, dead, yet to be born, from all nations of the world...
Many questions have come in over the years, this FAQ section is an attempt to answer the most common questions:
Question: Are you nuts?
No. This, however, has been a common accusation made toward great Thomas inventors, thinkers and visionaries of their day. We might be a bit odd, but we are not crazy. To prove the point -particularly in relation to establishing a day to celebrate our common name- we offer the following website which illustrates that Thomases are not alone in our desire to celebrate: www.mynameday.com
Question: Should friends of Thomas give gifts to their favorite or known Thomases?
Only if you feel inclined. Gifts are certainly not expected but they will be graciously accepted if given. A hug, a kind word, a handshake or a warm chocolate chip cookie are the best gifts.
Question: Why is Thomas Day only celebrated on odd numbered years?
To show deference to the annual holidays (Christmas, Independence Day, Memorial Day, Mother's Day, individual's birthdays and anniversaries), Thomas day celebrations take place every other year. We recognize that there are some who consider this celebration an odd thing (some have used stronger pejoratives like silly, self-aggrandizing, narcissistic, ridiculous, etc.) so it was decided to embrace the epithet and hold it on odd numbered years rather than even numbers.
Question: How can I (as a fellow Thomas) get involved in planning or marketing a future Thomas day?
All such volunteers are welcome. You can begin now by spreading the word to fellow Thomases. Simply direct them to this website and invite them to put future Thomas Day celebrations on their calendar. If you have a desire to become more involved, please register as a follower or send the current committee chairman an email: thomaswicke@hotmail.com
Question: What type of activities take place on Thomas Day
Due to the geographic diversity of Thomases, the day is celebrated largely on an individual level. In prior years, groups of Thomases have met together and enjoyed food, conversation and revelry. Thomases are encouraged to reach out to those in their local area and engaged in a shared celebration. Many Thomases enjoy playing games or other activities. Greetings are often sent electronically, by phone or by written card. In 2011 some participants introduced a tradition and invited all Thomases to engage in an act of service toward a non-Thomas during Thomas Day. This served to demonstrate to those known and loved by Thomases that this celebration was, at its core, focused on the impact of Thomases. While this tradition is definitely not mandatory (nothing is officially require on this day), many Thomases mark this day with gestures toward those who have contributed to their lives but they should also feel free to engage in much deserved recreation. Massages, fine dining, cruises, a hike or walk on the beach, movies and even a well deserved siesta are appropriate activities for this day.
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Saturday, September 12, 2015
Thomas Day 2015 approaches
Thomas Day is rapidly approaching! 2015 is a Thomas Day celebration year -for those of you not yet familiar with the celebration of Thomas Day, it is celebrated every other year. This demonstrates the lower position of our celebration and in deference to other more universal events like Christmas, Independence Day, Easter, Memorial day, individual's birthdays, anniversaries, etc. While we think it important to celebrate the common condition and contribution of Thomases, we are quick to acknowledge our relative position in a world filled with other magnificently named and titled individuals.
Sorry for the tangent. The purpose of this post is to announce the celebratory date of Thomas Day in 2015. This year Thomas Day falls on Thursday, September 17th! Spread the word to every Thomas you know! Visit this blog frequently for further information, background and events taking place on Thomas Day!
Sorry for the tangent. The purpose of this post is to announce the celebratory date of Thomas Day in 2015. This year Thomas Day falls on Thursday, September 17th! Spread the word to every Thomas you know! Visit this blog frequently for further information, background and events taking place on Thomas Day!
Friday, January 7, 2011
Date for Thomas Day 2011
Thomas and friends of Thomas,
2011 is a celebratory year (for those of you not familiar with Thomas Day, it is celebrated every other year -on odd numbered years)! The date is Oct. 6th. Please make your plans accordingly. The Committee will provide details on group celebration activities as the year progresses. Until then, go out and make a difference in the world. The good influence of Thomases are needed now more than ever.
-The Committee
2011 is a celebratory year (for those of you not familiar with Thomas Day, it is celebrated every other year -on odd numbered years)! The date is Oct. 6th. Please make your plans accordingly. The Committee will provide details on group celebration activities as the year progresses. Until then, go out and make a difference in the world. The good influence of Thomases are needed now more than ever.
-The Committee
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Happy Thomas Day 2009!!!
Thomas Day 2009 had finally arrived! We welcome all Thomases (Toms, Tommys, Thomasitas, etc.) and hope your day will be meaningful. If you are a newcomer to Thomas Day and Thomas Day celebrations, please take a moment to acquaint yourself with the history of Thomas Day (see description on the left).
Since this is the first year of our world wide virtual gathering we invite you to leave a comment here as a sort of "sign in". Be sure to share with us the town, state, country, etc. where you live and provide us with a brief description on your greatest accomplishment of the past year. Thomas Day is, at its core, a celebration of your impact in the world. Great job Thomas, make us all proud!
-Thomas Day Committee, 2009
Since this is the first year of our world wide virtual gathering we invite you to leave a comment here as a sort of "sign in". Be sure to share with us the town, state, country, etc. where you live and provide us with a brief description on your greatest accomplishment of the past year. Thomas Day is, at its core, a celebration of your impact in the world. Great job Thomas, make us all proud!
-Thomas Day Committee, 2009
Hall of Thomas
As a tribute to past Thomases, we've established a "Hall of Thomas". Be sure to check out those who have come before us and the tremendous contribution they've made:
Hall of Thomas
The history of the world is literally the history of Thomases. Great are the contributions made by these men and women. Their influence reaches from the sciences to politics and from the arts to athletics. The legacy of Thomas is deeply rooted in the soils of the past. The Hall of Thomas highlights some of our most noteworthy icons and illustrate the great good that can be accomplished by Thomas.
Thomas Jefferson
In the thick of party conflict in 1800, Thomas Jefferson wrote in a private letter, "I have sworn upon the altar of God eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man."
This powerful advocate of liberty was born in 1743. Freckled and sandy-haired, rather tall and awkward, Jefferson was eloquent as a correspondent, but he was no public speaker. In the Virginia House of Burgesses and the Continental Congress, he contributed his pen rather than his voice to the patriot cause. As the "silent member" of the Congress, Jefferson, at 33, drafted the Declaration of Independence.
Jonathan Taylor Thomas
One of the longest reigning and most popular teeny bopper idols of the 1990s, Jonathan Taylor Thomas first found favor playing the son of Tim Allen on ABC's long-running, phenomenally popular sitcom Home Improvement. With a mop of dull-blonde hair and a dimpled, impish grin, it is small wonder that he captured the hearts of young girls across the country.
Sir Thomas More
Thomas More rose from humble origins to achieve the highest political and judicial office of England, second only to that of the king. He was recognized throughout early sixteenth-century Europe as one of the great lawyers, Christian humanists, and classical scholars of his day.
Heather Thomas
Heather Thomas established herself as an actress as well as an author and political activist. She has had several guest appearances and acting roles in various movies and TV series. Her most notable acting role was in The Fall Guy in the mid 1980s.
Thomas Hobbes
Thomas Hobbes was born in London in 1588. Hobbes was intensely interested in why people allowed themselves to be ruled and what would be the best form of government for England. In 1651, Hobbes wrote his most famous work, entitled Leviathan. In it, he argued that people were naturally wicked and could not be trusted to govern.
Thomas A. Edison
Thomas Edison was born February 11, 1847 in Milan, Ohio. Thomas Alva Edison is one of America's most famous inventors. Edison saw huge change take place in his lifetime. He was responsible for making many of those changes occur. His inventions created and contributed to modern night lights, movies, telephones, records and CDs. Edison was truly a genius. Edison is most famous for his development of the first electric light bulb. When Edison was born, electricity had not been developed. By the time he died, entire cities were lit by electricity. Much of the credit for electricity goes to Edison.
Saint Thomas Aquinas
Saint Thomas Aquinas was a 13th century Dominican Friar, philosopher and theologian. Named a Doctor of the Church and given the title "Angelic Doctor," he is the patron of Catholic universities, colleges and schools. Renowned for his proofs for the existence of God, Aquinas believed that both faith and reason discover truth.
Thurman Thomas
In his 12-year career, has rushed for 11,938 yards... It is a figure which is first on the Bills' all-time chart and ninth in NFL annals... Surpassed O.J. Simpson (10,183) into first on the Bills' career rushing list. Thurman Was named the Buffalo Bills/Edge 1993 "Man of the Year". Thurman awards a Thurman Thomas Scholarship annually at both his high school and college alma maters.
Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson
Thomas Jonathan Jackson was born in West Virginia, on January 21, 1824. He died a tragic death on May 10, 1863. Jackson was a very famous man, and a Confederate general in the Civil War. This man was one of the best and most able southerners, second only to Robert E. Lee.
Thomas Kuhn
Thomas Samuel Kuhn was born on July 18, 1922, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He received a Ph. D. in physics from Harvard University in 1949. Of the five books and countless articles he published, Kuhn's most renown work is The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, which he wrote while a graduate student in theoretical physics at Harvard. It has sold some one million copies in 16 languages and is required reading in courses dealing with education, history, psychology, research, and, of course, history and philosophy of science. Kuhn argued that science is not a steady, cumulative acquisition of knowledge.
Thomas S. Monson
Thomas Spencer Monson (born August 21, 1927) is the 16th and current President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). As president of the church, Monson is considered by adherents to be a prophet, seer, and revelator of God's will on earth. A printer by trade, Monson has spent most of his life engaged in various church leadership positions and in public service. Appointed by Ronald Reagan to the President's Task Force for Private Sector Initiatives, Monson is also a recipient of the Boy Scouts of America's Silver Buffalo and the World Organization of the Scout Movement's Bronze Wolf—both awards the highest given in each organization.
Clarence Thomas
Clarence Thomas (born June 23, 1948) is an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, having served since 1991. Justice Thomas is the second African American to serve on the nation's highest court, after Justice Thurgood Marshall, whom he succeeded.
Hall of Thomas
The history of the world is literally the history of Thomases. Great are the contributions made by these men and women. Their influence reaches from the sciences to politics and from the arts to athletics. The legacy of Thomas is deeply rooted in the soils of the past. The Hall of Thomas highlights some of our most noteworthy icons and illustrate the great good that can be accomplished by Thomas.
Thomas JeffersonIn the thick of party conflict in 1800, Thomas Jefferson wrote in a private letter, "I have sworn upon the altar of God eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man."
This powerful advocate of liberty was born in 1743. Freckled and sandy-haired, rather tall and awkward, Jefferson was eloquent as a correspondent, but he was no public speaker. In the Virginia House of Burgesses and the Continental Congress, he contributed his pen rather than his voice to the patriot cause. As the "silent member" of the Congress, Jefferson, at 33, drafted the Declaration of Independence.
Jonathan Taylor ThomasOne of the longest reigning and most popular teeny bopper idols of the 1990s, Jonathan Taylor Thomas first found favor playing the son of Tim Allen on ABC's long-running, phenomenally popular sitcom Home Improvement. With a mop of dull-blonde hair and a dimpled, impish grin, it is small wonder that he captured the hearts of young girls across the country.
Sir Thomas MoreThomas More rose from humble origins to achieve the highest political and judicial office of England, second only to that of the king. He was recognized throughout early sixteenth-century Europe as one of the great lawyers, Christian humanists, and classical scholars of his day.
Heather ThomasHeather Thomas established herself as an actress as well as an author and political activist. She has had several guest appearances and acting roles in various movies and TV series. Her most notable acting role was in The Fall Guy in the mid 1980s.
Thomas HobbesThomas Hobbes was born in London in 1588. Hobbes was intensely interested in why people allowed themselves to be ruled and what would be the best form of government for England. In 1651, Hobbes wrote his most famous work, entitled Leviathan. In it, he argued that people were naturally wicked and could not be trusted to govern.
Thomas A. EdisonThomas Edison was born February 11, 1847 in Milan, Ohio. Thomas Alva Edison is one of America's most famous inventors. Edison saw huge change take place in his lifetime. He was responsible for making many of those changes occur. His inventions created and contributed to modern night lights, movies, telephones, records and CDs. Edison was truly a genius. Edison is most famous for his development of the first electric light bulb. When Edison was born, electricity had not been developed. By the time he died, entire cities were lit by electricity. Much of the credit for electricity goes to Edison.
Saint Thomas AquinasSaint Thomas Aquinas was a 13th century Dominican Friar, philosopher and theologian. Named a Doctor of the Church and given the title "Angelic Doctor," he is the patron of Catholic universities, colleges and schools. Renowned for his proofs for the existence of God, Aquinas believed that both faith and reason discover truth.
Thurman ThomasIn his 12-year career, has rushed for 11,938 yards... It is a figure which is first on the Bills' all-time chart and ninth in NFL annals... Surpassed O.J. Simpson (10,183) into first on the Bills' career rushing list. Thurman Was named the Buffalo Bills/Edge 1993 "Man of the Year". Thurman awards a Thurman Thomas Scholarship annually at both his high school and college alma maters.
Thomas "Stonewall" JacksonThomas Jonathan Jackson was born in West Virginia, on January 21, 1824. He died a tragic death on May 10, 1863. Jackson was a very famous man, and a Confederate general in the Civil War. This man was one of the best and most able southerners, second only to Robert E. Lee.
Thomas KuhnThomas Samuel Kuhn was born on July 18, 1922, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He received a Ph. D. in physics from Harvard University in 1949. Of the five books and countless articles he published, Kuhn's most renown work is The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, which he wrote while a graduate student in theoretical physics at Harvard. It has sold some one million copies in 16 languages and is required reading in courses dealing with education, history, psychology, research, and, of course, history and philosophy of science. Kuhn argued that science is not a steady, cumulative acquisition of knowledge.
Thomas S. MonsonThomas Spencer Monson (born August 21, 1927) is the 16th and current President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). As president of the church, Monson is considered by adherents to be a prophet, seer, and revelator of God's will on earth. A printer by trade, Monson has spent most of his life engaged in various church leadership positions and in public service. Appointed by Ronald Reagan to the President's Task Force for Private Sector Initiatives, Monson is also a recipient of the Boy Scouts of America's Silver Buffalo and the World Organization of the Scout Movement's Bronze Wolf—both awards the highest given in each organization.
Clarence ThomasClarence Thomas (born June 23, 1948) is an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, having served since 1991. Justice Thomas is the second African American to serve on the nation's highest court, after Justice Thurgood Marshall, whom he succeeded.
Keep up with Thomas: Collecting all blogs and websites of Thomases around the world
As part of our celebration this year and with the technology of the Internet we are using this blog to link as many Thomas run blogs and websites as possible. This blog will be your Thomas Directory. Please leave us your blog URL or website (enter it as a "Comment" here and we will establish it as a link on this blog). Stay in touch with the wide world of Thomases!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)