Today is Wednesday December 29, 2010
3 Days til 2011

Pepper Pot Day

Today we celebrate National Pepper Pot Day in honor of pepper pot, a thick spicy soup first created on December 29, 1777.

During the Revolutionary War, the Continental Army was experiencing an exceptionally harsh winter in Valley Forge. The soldiers were running very low on food because the farmers in the area sold all their food to the British Army for cash rather than the weak currency that the Continental soldiers could offer. Christopher Ludwick, the baker general of the Continental Army, conjured up whatever food he could find to inorder to feed the frail soldiers. 

The chef was able to find scaps of tripe, meat, and some peppercorn. He mixed the ingredients together with some other seasonings and thus created the hot spicy soup. It was called by some as "the soup that won the war."

To celebrate this historic dish, try making your own pepper pot soup today! It will be perfect to warm you up on a cold December day.

December is National Fruit Cake Month & National Egg Nog Month

"Images and text courtesy of MyPunchbowl.com" -- http://www.mypunchbowl.com/

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On this day in History:

1848 - U.S. President James Polk turned on the first gas light at the White House. 1851 - The first American Young Men's Christian Association was organized in Boston, MA. 1888 - The first performance of Macbeth took place at the Lyceum Theatre. 1940 - During World War II, Germany began dropping incendiary bombs on London. 1952 - Sonotone Corporation offered the first transistorized hearing aid for sale.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote of the Day:
"True happiness is of a retired nature, and an enemy to pomp and noise; it arises, in the first place, from the enjoyment of one’s self; and, in the next, from the friendship and conversation of a few select companions."

--Joseph Addison

Today is Tuesday December 28, 2010
4 Days til 2011

National Chocolate Candy Day

Chocolate candy is the perfect treat to enjoy at any occasion or time of the day! Chocolate has the ability to absorb the aroma of food it is stored near, which is why chocolate candy bars all smell distinctly different depending on the ingredients inside the candy bar.

Did you know that during the Second World War, the U.S. Government commissioned Milton Hershey to create a candy bar that would be included in the soldier's rations? The candy bar chosen was the famous Hershey Milk Chocolate Bar.

Today, chocolate is still clearly an American favorite treat as 2.8 billion pounds are consumed annually. That is equivalent to over 11 pounds per person! To celebrate National Chocolate Candy Day, enjoy some of your favorite types of chocolate candy. You can start your diet tomorrow, right?

December is National Fruit Cake Month & National Egg Nog Month

"Images and text courtesy of MyPunchbowl.com" -- http://www.mypunchbowl.com/

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On this day in History:

1836 - Mexico's independence was recognized by Spain. 1902 - The first professional indoor football game was played at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Syracuse defeated the Philadelphia Nationals 6-0. 1945 - The U.S. Congress officially recognized the "Pledge of Allegiance." 1964 - Initial filming of the movie "Dr. Zhivago" began on location near Madrid, Spain. The movies total running time is 197 minutes. 1981 - Elizabeth Jordan Carr, the first American test-tube baby, was born in Norfolk, VA.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote of the Day:
"We do not have the right to be unhappy with our life. If it seems to us that we are not satisfied with life, we should see this as a reason to be unsatisfied with ourselves."

--Leo Tolstoy

Today is Wednesday December 27, 2010
5 Days til 2011

National Fruit Cake Day

Though fruit cakes are certainly a delicious treat to enjoy around the holidays, they are quite possibly the most popular re-gifted item. A whopping 38 percent of people said they give fruit cakes away when they receive them!

Nevertheless, fruit cakes have remained popular for thousands of years. Originating in Ancient Egypt, they were often placed the cakes inside tombs because they believed that they were essential for the journey to the afterlife.

The Crusaders were also known to eat fruit cakes because they were full of nutritious items like dried fruits and nuts and they could also withstand the Crusaders' long journeys.

To celebrate National Fruit Cake Day, don't regift it for a change and instead share a slice with friends!

December is National Fruit Cake Month & National Egg Nog Month

"Images and text courtesy of MyPunchbowl.com" -- http://www.mypunchbowl.com/

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On this day in History:

1831 - Charles Darwin set out on a voyage to the Pacific aboard the HMS Beagle. Darwin's discoveries during the voyage helped him form the basis of his theories on evolution. 1932 - Radio City Music Hall opened its doors to the public for the first time. 1945 - The World Bank was created with an agreement signed by 28 nations. 1947 - The children's television program "Howdy Doody," hosted by Bob Smith, made its debut on NBC. 1971 - Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy and Woodstock of Charles Schulz’ "Peanuts" comic strip were on the cover of "Newsweek" magazine. 1978 - Spain adopted a new constitution and became a democracy after 40 years of dictatorship. 2000 - Mario Lemeiux (Pittsburgh Penguins) returned to the National Hockey League (NHL) as a player after over 3 years of retirement. He was the first owner-player in the modern era of pro sports. Lemieux had purchased the Pittsburgh Penguins during his retirement from playing. 2001 - U.S. President George W. Bush granted China permanent normal trade status with the United States.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote of the Day:
"You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you’ll discover will be wonderful. What you’ll discover will be yourself."

--Alan Alda

Today is Wednesday December 22, 2010
3 Days till Christmas
10 Days til 2011

National Date Nut Bread Day

Date nut bread is the perfect bread for the holiday season. It is delicious, healthy, and really easy to make!

Though the first date nut bread recipe traces back to only 1939, dates are one of the world's oldest fruits. Date seeds have been found in ancient digs of sub-tropical areas around the world. It is believed that the ancient Moors brought the date to Spain who later introduced them to America.

Dates are a notoriously known for having a high sugar content, so it is no surprise that most date nut bread recipes have no sugar ingredients to be added. To celebrate National Date Nut Bread Day, try your hand in the kitchen at making some yourself. Don't forget to top it off with cream cheese frosting!

December is National Fruit Cake Month & National Egg Nog Month

"Images and text courtesy of MyPunchbowl.com" -- http://www.mypunchbowl.com/

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On this day in History:

1864 - During the American Civil War, Union General William T. Sherman sent a message to U.S. President Lincoln from Georgia. The message read, "I beg to present you as a Christmas gift the city of Savannah." 1895 - German physicist Wilhelm Röntgen made the first X-ray. It was of his wife's hand. 1944 - British Prime Minister Winston Churchill arrived in Washington for a wartime conference with U.S. President Roosevelt.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote of the Day:
"It is not how much you do but how much love you put into what you are doing."

--Mother Teresa

Today is Tuesday December 21, 2010
4 Days till Christmas
11 Days til 2011

Winter Solstice

Can you believe it? It is officially winter. As the earth rotates the sun, winter solstice occurs when the sun's position in the sky is at its greatest angular distance from the northern hemisphere resulting in the shortest day and longest night of the year. This event also signifies the reversal of gradually lengthening nights and shortening days.

Though it was recognized on a different date, the winter solstice was first observed in 45 B.C. on the Julian Calendar. Pope Gregory XIII changed the calendar in 1582, bringing the northern winter solstice to the date that we celebrate it today, around December 21st.

The interpretation of the winter solstice differs from culture to culture. Most countries however, recognize it as a symbol of rebirth. Various festivals, gatherings, and rituals take place today worldwide. To celebrate Winter Solstice, attend a local festival or just sit cozy by a fire with your friends and family.

Today is also Kiwi Day & Forefathers Day

December is National Fruit Cake Month & National Egg Nog Month

"Images and text courtesy of MyPunchbowl.com" -- http://www.mypunchbowl.com/

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On this day in History:

1620 - The "Mayflower," and its passengers, pilgrims from England, landed at Plymouth Rock, MA. 1879 - Ibsen's A Doll's House was first performed in Copenhagen, Denmark, with a revised happy ending. 1913 - The "New York World" Sunday edition included a crossword puzzle as an added feature of the "Fun" supplement. It was the first crossword puzzle to be published. 1937 - Walt Disney debuted the first, full-length, animated feature in Hollywood, CA. The movie was Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. 1968 - Apollo 8 was launched on a mission to orbit the moon. 1995 - The city of Bethlehem passed from Israeli to Palestinian control.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote of the Day:
"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded."

--Ralph Waldo Emerson

Today is Monday December 20, 2010
5 Days till Christmas
12 Days til 2011

National Sangria Day

This refreshingly fruity drink is the perfect cure for your winter blues: the sweet taste of summer. There are thousands of different variations of sangria combining such ingredients as sliced fruit, honey, sugar, juice, carbonated soda, red or white wine, and other alcohols to change the flavor, alcohol content, and carbonation of the sangria. 

Sangria is a popular drink at bars, pubs, and restaurants in Portugal, Spain, and Mexico, and throughout the United States. But at one point it was illegal to serve sangria in the state of Virginia! It violated an obscure 75 year-old law that forbid the mixing of wine or beer with spirits. Violators of this law could be charged with a misdemeanor, a hefty fine, and up to a year in jail. It was not until 2008 that the Virginia General Assembly finally legalized the serving of sangria due to public outcries about the law.

To celebrate National Sangria Day, conjure up your favorite sangria recipe and enjoy with friends and family!

Today is also Go Caroling Day & National Fried Shrimp Day

December is National Fruit Cake Month & National Egg Nog Month

"Images and text courtesy of MyPunchbowl.com" -- http://www.mypunchbowl.com/

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On this day in History:

1606 - The "Susan Constant," "Godspeed" and "Discovery" set sail from London. Their landing at Jamestown, VA, was the start of the first permanent English settlement in America. 1803 - The United States purchased the Louisiana Territories from France for $15 million. 1880 - New York's Broadway became known as the "Great White Way" when it was lighted by electricity. 1928 - Mail delivery by dog sled began in Lewiston, ME. 1946 - The Frank Capra film "It's A Wonderful" Life had a preview showing for charity at New York City's Globe Theatre, a day before its "official" world premiere. 1963 - The Berlin Wall was opened for the first time. It was only for the holiday season. It closed again on January 6, 1964.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote of the Day:
"There is more to life than increasing its speed."

--Mahatma Gandhi

Today is Friday December 17, 2010
8 Days till Christmas
15 Days til 2011

National Maple Syrup Day

Maple syrup is a distinctly North American product. Canada, the largest supplier of maple syrup, produced 5.1 million gallons of it in 2007!

Native Americans were the first to harvest and boil the sap of the maple tree into a thick syrup during the 1600s. Tapping a maple tree does no permanent damage to the tree and only 10 percent of the sap that is produced in a year is actually collected. Many maple trees have been tapped for 150 years or more!

Did you know that it takes 30-50 gallons of sap to make one gallon of maple syrup? Maple syrup can also be further boiled down to produce maple cream, maple sugar, and maple sugar candy.

Whether you like your maple syrup topped on pancakes, waffles, or vanilla ice cream, enjoy some today in honor of National Maple Syrup Day!

December is National Fruit Cake Month & National Egg Nog Month

"Images and text courtesy of MyPunchbowl.com" -- http://www.mypunchbowl.com/

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On this day in History:

1843 - "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens was published. 1903 - The first successful powered-airplane flight took place near Kitty Hawk, NC. Orville and Wilbur Wright made the flight. 1959 - The film On the Beach premiered in New York City and in 17 other cities. It was the first motion picture to debut simultaneously in major cities around the world. 1969 - Television history was made when Tiny Tim and Miss Vicki Budinger were married on "The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson. 1986 - Davina Thompson became the world's first recipient of a heart, lungs and liver transplant. 1992 - U.S. President Bush, Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and Mexican President Carlos Salinas de Gortari signed the North American Free Trade Agreement.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote of the Day:
"There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved."

--George Sand

Today is Wednesday December 15, 2010
9 Days till Christmas
16 Days til 2011

Chocolate Covered Anything Day

Chocoloholics, rejoice! Chocolate Covered Anything Day is the official day to top everything that you eat with chocolate. Chocolate covered waffles, pretzels, raisins, nuts, ice cream, strawberries, you name it!

There are many different types of chocolate that you can use to top your food: sweetened, unsweetened, bittersweet, semisweet, milk chocolate, white chocolate, dark chocolate, cocoa, and many more. 

Fun fact: Cacao beans, the main ingredient in chocolate, were so valuable in the ancient Mayan and Aztec civilizations in Mexico that they were used as a means of currancy to pay for commodities and taxes.

So go ahead, cover all of your favorite foods today with chocolate. And in spirit of the holiday season, share some of your chocolate covered treats with your friends and family. Enjoy!

Today is also Boston Tea Party

December is National Fruit Cake Month & National Egg Nog Month

"Images and text courtesy of MyPunchbowl.com" -- http://www.mypunchbowl.com/

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On this day in History:

1901 - The Tale of Peter Rabbit, by Beatrix Potter, was printed for the first time. 1903 - Women ushers were employed for the first time at the Majestic Theatre in New York City. 1944 - During World War II, the Battle of the Bulge began. It was the final major German counteroffensive in the war. 1972 - The Miami Dolphins became the first NFL team to go unbeaten and untied in a 14-game regular season. 1990 - Jean-Bertrand Aristide, a leftist priest, was elected president in Haiti's first democratic elections. 1999 - Sigourney Weaver received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote of the Day:
"Ultimately, man should not ask what the meaning of his life is, but rather he must recognize that it is he who is asked."

--Viktor E. Frankl

Today is Wednesday December 15, 2010
10 Days till Christmas
17 Days til 2011

National Cupcake Day

Cupcakes have been an edible American icon since the 19th century. Prior to cupcakes, ingredients used in baking were primarily weighed rather than measured. These delightful little treats shifted the art of baking from weighing to measuring ingredients.

For a while cupcakes were known as one-two-three-four cakes because of their recipe: one cup of butter, two cups of sugar, three cups of flour, four eggs, plus one cup of milk and one spoon full of baking soda. This formula is still the traditional cupcake recipe that many people use today.

Fun fact: the world's largest cupcake was on display in July 2009 at the Covent Garden Real Food Market in London. This cupcake was about 4 feet in diameter and weighed over 330 pounds! It also contained 200 eggs and took over 50 hours to make. Yikes!

Celebrate National Cupcake Day with your favorite cupcake recipe or head to a local cupcake shop to find one that fits your fancy!

December is National Fruit Cake Month & National Egg Nog Month

"Images and text courtesy of MyPunchbowl.com" -- http://www.mypunchbowl.com/

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On this day in History:

1815 - Jane Austen's "Emma" was published. 1938 - President Franklin D. Roosevelt presided over the groundbreaking ceremonies for the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, DC. 1939 - "Gone With the Wind", produced by David O. Selznick and based on the novel by Margaret Mitchell, premiered at Loew's Grand Theater in Atlanta. The movie starred Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable. 1966 - Walter Elias "Walt" Disney died in Los Angeles at the age of 65.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote of the Day:
"Happiness is like coke -- something you get as a by-product in the process of making something else."

--Aldous Huxley

Today is Tuesday December 14, 2010
11 Days till Christmas
18 Days til 2011

National Bouillabaisse Day

Bouillabaisse is a tasty fish stew that originated in Marseilles, France around 600 B.C. The Phoceans actually founded Marseilles so the stew was referred to back then in Greek as "kakavia." Bouillabaisse also appears in Roman mythology as a soup that Venus feeds to Vulcan. Today, bouillabaisse is an extremely popular dish across the Mediterranean.

When bouillabaisse is made, it is rarely made for fewer than ten people. The more people that share the meal, the more different varieties of fish that are included in the stew and thus, the more tasty the bouillabaisse.

Marseille fishermen typically make the dish when they return to port. Rather than using the more expensive fish that they catch, they use common fish like rockfish and shellfish. Different herbs and spices are also added to the soup for flavor such as garlic, orange peel, basil, saffron, and bay leaf. Vegetables like tomatoes, onions, celery, and potatoes also began to be added during the 17th century.

To celebrate today, try your hand at conjuring up your own bouillabaisse stew for your family to enjoy!

December is National Fruit Cake Month & National Egg Nog Month

December is National Fruit Cake Month & National Egg Nog Month

"Images and text courtesy of MyPunchbowl.com" -- http://www.mypunchbowl.com/

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On this day in History:

1503 - Physician, astrologer and clairvoyant, Nostradamus, was born at St. Remy, Provence, France. 1799 - The first President of the United States, George Washington, died at the age 67. 1946 - The U.N. General Assembly voted to establish the United Nation's headquarters in New York. 1985 - Wilma Mankiller became the first woman to lead a major American Indian tribe as she formally took office as principal chief of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. 1995 - The presidents of Bosnia, Herzegovina, Serbia and Croatia signed the Dayton Accords to end fighting in Bosnia.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote of the Day:
"The greatest danger, that of losing one's own self, may pass off as quietly as if it were nothing; every other loss, that of an arm, a leg, five dollars, a wife, etc., is sure to be noticed."

--Soren Kierkegaard

Today is Monday December 13, 2010
12 Days till Christmas
19 Days til 2011

National Cocoa Day

Nothing warms you up better on a cold winter day than a nice cup of hot cocoa! Cocoa, the dried, fully fermented seeds of the cacao tree, is the basis for cocoa powder which is used to make the hot cocoa beverage we all know and love.

Did you know that monkeys were the first creatures to discover that the cacao plant was edible and quite tasty? Over 1500 years ago, monkeys began to consume the pulp of the plant and spit out the beans. Humans soon began to follow the monkey's lead and the rest is history.

Cacao trees are grown all over the world, but it is believed that the first cacao trees grew in South America. Cocoa is is similar to wine in that its flavor differs depending on the location where it is grown. It's a good thing that cacao trees are plentiful because approximately 300 to 600 cocoa beans are needed to make just two pounds of chocolate!

To celebrate National Cocoa Day, conjure up your favorite type of cocoa to enjoy. For a holiday twist on a traditional cup of cocoa, try adding a candy cane!

 Here is a link for some yummy ways to add to your Cocoa

http://startcooking.com/blog/268/12-Twists-on-Instant-Hot-Chocolate

December is National Fruit Cake Month & National Egg Nog Month

"Images and text courtesy of MyPunchbowl.com" -- http://www.mypunchbowl.com/

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On this day in History:

1913 - Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa" was found. It had been stolen on August 22, 1911. 1961 - Anna Mary Robertson Moses, "Grandma Moses," passed away at the age of 101. 1978 - The Philadelphia Mint began stamping the Susan B. Anthony U.S. dollar. The coin began circulation the following July. 1987 - U.S. Secretary of State George Shultz told reporters in Copenhagen, Denmark, that the Reagan administration would begin making funding requests for the proposed Star Wars defense system. 1991 - Five Central Asian republics of the Soviet Union agreed to join the new Commonwealth of Independent States.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote of the Day:
"The great thing in this world is not so much where we are, but in what direction we are moving in."

--Oliver Wendell Holmes

Today is Friday December 10, 2010
15 Days till Christmas
22 Days til 2011

National Lager Day

Lager is a type of German beer that is bottom fermented and lightly hopped. It is usually stored for at least three weeks after brewing it before it is served.

Lager beer is the dominant beer style throughout the world, except in England where ale is the favorite style. The only real difference between ale and lager is that ales ferment and age quickly at warm temperatures, while lagers ferment and age slowly at cool temperatures. These different types of fermentation allow for a vast difference in flavor and aroma of the different styles of beer.

Lager yeast first emerged in the Holy Roman Empire due to a spontaneous mutation or hybridization effect. As a new variety of beer, it often had to be produced outside city walls because it faced opposition from the Catholic Church.

To celebrate National Lager Day, head to your favorite pub and enjoy a refreshing brew of your favorite lager or try brewing your own!

Today is also The Nobel Day

December is National Fruit Cake Month & National Egg Nog Month

"Images and text courtesy of MyPunchbowl.com" -- http://www.mypunchbowl.com/

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On this day in History:

1520 - Martin Luther publicly burned the papal edict. The papacy demanded that he recant or face excommunication. Luther refused and was formally expelled from the church in January 1521. 1851 - American librarian, Melvil Dewey, was born. He created the "Dewey Decimal Classification" system. 1901 - The first Nobel prizes were awarded. 1906 - President Theodore Roosevelt became the first American to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. 1964 - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. received the Nobel Peace Prize. He was the youngest person to receive the award. 1993 - The crew of the space shuttle Endeavor deployed the repaired Hubble Space Telescope into Earth's orbit. 1996 - South Africa's President Mandela signed into law a new democratic constitution, completing the country's transition from white-minority rule to a non-racial democracy.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote of the Day:
"The two foes of human happiness are pain and boredom."

--Arthur Schopenhauer

Today is Thursday December 9, 2010
16 Days till Christmas
23 Days til 2011

National Pastry Day

National Pastry Day is a day of celebration for these divine baked goods! There are many different types of pastries including shortcrust, flaky, puff, choux, and phyllo. Pastry chefs must use a varity of culinary creativity and flavorings to create these amazing treats.

Pastries were originally created by the Egyptians around 2600 B.C. They would make doughnut-like pastries out of crude flour and honey and then dip them in wine.

In the 7th century in the Middle East, pastries further developed into a culinary art form. After the Crusaders brought these tasty recipes back with them to Europe during the Medieval Ages, Roman and Italian chefs were able to perfect the recipes and create many new ones.

Celebrate this rich history with a trip to your favorite pastry shop! 

December is National Fruit Cake Month & National Egg Nog Month

December is National Fruit Cake Month & National Egg Nog Month

This week is National Cookie Cutter Week

"Images and text courtesy of MyPunchbowl.com" -- http://www.mypunchbowl.com/

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On this day in History:

1793 - "The America Minerva" was published for the first time. It was the first daily newspaper in New York City and was founded by Noah Webster. 1884 - Levant M. Richardson received a patent for the ball-bearing roller skate. 1940 - During World War II, British troops opened their first major offensive in North Africa. 1941 - China declared war on Japan, Germany and Italy. 1962 - "Lawrence of Arabia," by David Lean had its world premiere in London. 1984 - The Jacksons played their last show together in Los Angeles, CA.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote of the Day:
""One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon--instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today."

--Dale Carnegie

Today is Friday December 3, 2010
22 Days till Christmas
29 Days til 2011

National Roof Over Your Head Day

The single largest investment that a person has is often their home. People spend thousands on their houses, pouring their paychecks and savings into its purchase and upkeep. National Roof Over Your Head Day is a day of appreciation for the roofs that we have over our heads.

Homelessness and poverty are growing problems in America and around the world. Millions of people spend their nights sleeping on the streets and feel helpless that they have nowhere to turn. There is much to be done to help with these rising issues. Learn more about projects going on in your community to combat homelessness.

So whether you own, lease, or rent your home, appreciate the roof you have over your head today!

December is National Fruit Cake Month & National Egg Nog Month

This week is National Cookie Cutter Week

"Images and text courtesy of MyPunchbowl.com" -- http://www.mypunchbowl.com/

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On this day in History:

1835 - In Rhode Island, the Manufacturer Mutual Fire Insurance Company issued the first fire insurance policy. 1931 - Alka Seltzer was sold for the first time. 1966 - The first Monkees concert was held, in Honolulu, HI. 1967 - In Cape Town, South Africa, a team of surgeons headed by Dr. Christian Barnard, performed the first human heart transplant on Louis Washkansky. Washkansky only lived 18 days. 1968 - Elvis Presley's NBC-TV special "Elvis" was aired.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote of the Day:
"The life of every man is a diary in which he means to write one story, and writes another; and his humblest hour is when he compares the volume as it is with what he hoped to make it."

--James M. Barrie

Today is Thursday December 2, 2010
23 Days till Christmas
30 Days til 2011

National Fritters Day

Fritters are delicious fried cakes or dough that can be filled with fruit or meat. They can be served as a snack, side dish, dessert, or even the main course!

There's not much difference between a pancake and a fritter as they are both made with the same ingredients in the batter. It is only once fruit or meat is dipped into the raw batter and then fried that it actually becomes a fritter.

The first recorded mention of fritters dates back to 1665 in Samuel Pepys' diary on Shrove Tuesday, the last day before the start of Lent. Pepys mentioned that he would be enjoying some fritters before the 40 days of no meat eating.

To celebrate National Fritter Day, try making your own tasty fritters to enjoy!

Today is also National Mutt Day

December is National Fruit Cake Month & National Egg Nog Month

This week is National Cookie Cutter Week

"Images and text courtesy of MyPunchbowl.com" -- http://www.mypunchbowl.com/

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On this day in History:

1901 - Gillette patented the KC Gillette Razor. It was first razor to feature a permanent handle and disposable double-edge razor blades. 1954 - The U.S. Senate voted to condemn Sen. Joseph R. McCarthy for what it called "conduct that tends to bring the Senate into dishonor and disrepute." The censure was related to McCarthy's controversial investigation of suspected communists in the U.S. government, military and civilian society. 1969 - The Boeing 747 jumbo jet got its first public preview as 191 people flew from Seattle, WA, to New York City, NY. Most of the passengers were reporters and photographers. 1983 - MTV aired Michael Jackson's "Thriller" video for the first time. 1998 - Shania Twain's video "That Don't Impress Me Much" debuted on CMT - Country Music Television. 1998 - Microsoft Corp. chairman Bill Gates donated $100 million to help immunize children in developing countries.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote of the Day:
"The secret of happiness? Enjoy small pleasures."

--Samuel Smiles

Today is Wednesday December 1, 2010
24 Days till Christmas
31 Days til 2011

Eat a Red Apple Day

You know the saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away?" It's true! Apples have a high nutritional value to keep you healthy. The peel alone contains antioxidants that help reduce damaged cells and fight some diseases. Apples are also fat, sodium, and cholesterol free!

Did you know that there are 7,500 varieties of apples grown throughout the world? They can come in a variety of shapes, flavors, and colors including all shades of red, green, and yellow.

This delicious fruit can be eaten raw, cooked, baked, or juiced. Apples are one of the few fruits that you can find fresh any time of the year. Enjoy Eat a Red Apple Day with a bite of your favorite red apple, a red delicious or macintosh, perhaps?

December is National Fruit Cake Month & National Egg Nog Month

This week is National Cookie Cutter Week

"Images and text courtesy of MyPunchbowl.com" -- http://www.mypunchbowl.com/

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On this day in History:

1835 - Hans Christian Andersen published his first book of fairy tales. 1913 - The first drive-in automobile service station opened, in Pittsburgh, PA. 1942 - In the U.S. nationwide gasoline rationing went into effect. 1969 - The U.S. government held its first draft lottery since World War II. 1982 - Epic Records released the album "Thriller" by Michael Jackson. 1990 - British and French workers digging the Channel Tunnel finally met under the English Channel. 1991 - Ukrainians voted overwhelmingly for independence from the Soviet Union.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote of the Day:
"Real joy comes not from ease or riches or from the praise of men, but from doing something worthwhile."

--W. T. Grenfell

Today is Tuesday 23, 2010
2 Days till Thanksgiving
32 Days till Christmas
39 Days til 2011

National Espresso Day

The espresso coffee machine was invented in Italy in 1901 by Luigi Bezzera in order to decrease his employees' coffee break time and increase their productivity. Bezzera's machine used steam pressure to force hot water through the ground coffee filters. This allowed coffee to be prepared quickly by the cup on demand and the resulting brew of coffee was also stronger in flavor and body. Bezzera's patent was sold in 1903 to Desidero Pavoni who began commercially producing and distributing the espresso machines throughout Europe. 

Espresso has since become a worldwide, beloved drink of coffee enthusiasts. Between the frothy, smooth texture and pleasant aroma, a cup of espresso is certainly a divine experience.

Celebrate National Espresso Day by purchasing a cup of espresso at your favorite coffee shop or make your own using an espresso coffee machine like the one Luigi Bezzera invented!

Today is also Eat a Cranberry Day

November is National Pomegranate Month & Peanut Butter Lover's Month & Family Literacy Month

This week is National Game & Puzzle Week

"Images and text courtesy of MyPunchbowl.com" -- http://www.mypunchbowl.com/

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On this day in History:

1835 - Henry Burden patented the horseshoe manufacturing machine. 1889 - The first jukebox made its debut in San Francisco, at the Palais Royale Saloon. 1936 - The first edition of "Life" magazine was published. 1943 - During World War II, U.S. forces seized control of Tarawa and Makin from the Japanese during the Central Pacific offensive in the Gilbert Islands. 1988 - Wayne Gretzky scored his 600th National Hockey League (NHL) goal.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote of the Day:
"You can have anything you want if you want it desperately enough. You must want it with an inner exuberance that erupts through the skin and joins the energy that created the world."

--Sheila Graham