GooG DooD: April 2022

Saturday, April 30, 2022

Teachers' Day 2022 (April 30)

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Celebrating Route 66

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Today’s video Doodle takes you on the ultimate American road trip, a journey along the historic Route 66. The iconic highway, known for its retro diners, quirky motels, eclectic art installations and extraordinary landscapes, connects Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California. On this day in 1926, the name “U.S. 66” was first proposed for the cross-country route.

Built during the start of mass car ownership in 1926, U.S. Highway 66 made cross-country travel affordable for the first time ever. It also served as an escape route for displaced families during the Dust Bowl. When severe dust storms ravaged the Great Plains in the 1930s, more than 200,000 refugees got on Route 66 to pursue a better life out West. Among these drivers was John Steinbeck, who traveled along Route 66 during this time to seek inspiration for The Grapes of Wrath.

When the American economy stabilized after World War II, Route 66’s popularity surged. Millions of travelers drove through the highway to witness awe-inspiring sites—like a 50,000-year-old meteor crater in northern Arizona, and graffiti-laden Cadillacs buried nose-down in Amarillo, Texas.

Although Route 66 was decommissioned in 1985, after five new interstate highways replaced it, many organizations campaigned to preserve the road to honor its historical significance. As a result, parts of Route 66 were preserved as State or National Scenic Byways. Travelers today can still find many original establishments from the heyday of the historic highway.

Today's video—set to the classic music track "Route 66" by Bobby Troup—celebrates the cultural significance of one of America’s first national highways, and how it became a symbol of a changing nation.

Honk if you love Route 66!

Toots Thielemans' 100th Birthday

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Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Krzysztof Komeda's 91st Birthday

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Today’s Doodle celebrates the 91st birthday of Krzysztof Komeda, an influential film composer, jazz pianist and medical doctor from Poland. He’s widely remembered as one of the immortals of Polish music and an influential artist in the history of Polish jazz, despite the fact he was never formally trained in composition, harmony or orchestration.

From an early age, Komeda was surrounded by music—he started piano lessons at age 7 and played in his first jam session at 19. While attending the Medical Academy in Poznań, he kept his passion for music a secret from his colleagues since it was frowned upon for medical professionals to play western music. It was then that he chose to use a childhood nickname as his artistic alter-ego, Komeda.

In 1956, the rising jazz star debuted his Komeda Sextet and found their first major success that year at the 1st Jazz Festival in Sopot. The following year, they won a silver medal at the 6th International Youth Festival in Moscow. He eventually set up his own trio, quartet, and quintet during this decade, rotating between the same few trusted musicians to play alongside him.

The 60’s saw Komeda’s influence and success as a composer flourish all throughout Europe and the world. He wrote over 40 scores for major films, was named Jazzman of the Year by “Jazz” magazine and released his critically acclaimed album, titled “Astigmatic”. The album is widely accepted as his best work, and cemented him as one of the founding fathers of European jazz.

Komeda’s signature aesthetic and groundbreaking style of jazz composition is still celebrated to this day, and his memory is honored by the annual Komeda Jazz Festival in Poland.

Happy Birthday Krzysztof Komeda!

South Africa Freedom Day 2022

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Today’s Doodle celebrates South Africa’s Freedom Day, a commemoration of the country’s first democratic elections held on this day in 1994.

The elections established a new democratic government and ended more than 300 years of segregation and colonial rule. Between 1948 and 1994, South Africans lived under apartheid, a system of institutionalized racial segregation that promoted political and economic discrimination against non-whites. Today’s Doodle artwork features a democratic ballot box surrounded by South Africa’s national flower, proteas—paying homage to the 1994 elections and the first time the majority of South Africans could vote.

Today we celebrate South Africa’s democracy and reflect on the hard decades it took to get there. Many families recognize the day by having a braai (barbecue) or visiting places that honor the fight for democracy. A landmark destination is Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was held as a political prisoner for many years. There are often local parades and street parties throughout the country.

Happy Freedom Day, South Africa.

King's Day 2022

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Today’s Doodle celebrates King’s Day, or Koningsdag. Every year on the 27th of April, Dutch communities gather to celebrate their heritage and honor the birthday of the Dutch king.

Previously known as Queensday, this national holiday’s name was changed when Queen Beatrix crowned her son Willem-Alexander as king in 2013. King’s Day festival goers can be seen wearing orange clothes and enjoying the national drink known as Oranjebitter, all to honor the royal House of Orange.

Street carnivals and flea markets—the day is filled with various lively events and activities. Got a sweet tooth? Stop by a bakery for a quick, sugary bite. Need to do some shopping? Explore the many open-air free markets set up along the streets. Kids are even encouraged to trade their old toys, games and books for new ones.

Show your Dutch pride and appreciation on Koningsdag this year by donning bright orange apparel.

Fijne Koningsdag! (Happy King’s Day!)