Today is Wednesday March 31, 2010

Today is:

Bunsen Burner Day

The Bunsen burner is a common piece of equipment used in laboratories for scientific and testing purposes. It produces a single open gas flame, which is used for heating, sterilization, and combustion. The hose barb of the Bunsen burner is connected to a gas nozzle. The gas flows up the base through a small hole at the bottom of the barrel and is then directed upward. Different types of flames can emerge from the Bunsen burner depending on the flow of the gas through the throat holes.

Robert Bunsen was hired by the University of Heidelberg in 1852. The university had just began to install coal-gas street lighting, so Bunsen's laboratory was dimly lit using illuminating gas. Bunsen made some suggestions to Heidelberg's mechanic and asked him to construct a prototype for a new type of burner that he could more easily use in his laboratory. Bunsen's design was a success and many of his colleagues soon adopted the design as well. Today, the Bunsen burner can be found in schools and universities around the world. Happy Bunsen Burner Day!

March is National Peanut Month & International Ideas Month & National Craft Month

On this day in History:

1880 - Wabash, Indiana, became the first town to be completely illuminated with electric light.

1889 - In Paris, the Eiffel Tower officially opened.

1917 - The U.S. purchased and took possession of the Virgin Islands from Denmark for $25 million.

1932 - The Ford Motor Co. debuted its V-8 engine.

1940 - La Guardia airport in New York officially opened to the public.

1958 - Chuck Berry's "Johnny B. Goode" was released.


Quote of the Day:
"So divinely is the world organized that every one of us, in our place and time, is in balance with everything else."

--Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Today is Tuesday March 230, 2010

Today is:

Pencil Day

Today we celebrate the issuance the first patent on the modern pencil. On this day in 1858, Hymen Lipman was issued a patent for a pencil with an eraser to be used for writing and drawing. Pencils are usually made out of wood with a graphite or charcoal center, though modern day inventions have also create plastic mechanical pencils for usage.

Did you know that one single wooden pencil can write 45,000 words or draw a line that is 35 miles long. It can also write in zero gravity, upside down, or under water. Pencils have been mass produced in Europe since 1622, but they weren't in production in the United States until 1812. Pencils began being painted yellow because yellow is a color often associated with royalty and respect. During that time, a yellow pencil became known as the best type of pencil you could buy.

On this Pencil Day commemorate the history and usefulness of pencils by putting your laptop aside and instead use a pencil and paper to write!

March is National Peanut Month & International Ideas Month & National Craft Month

On this day in History:

1822 - Florida became a U.S. territory.

1858 - Hyman L. Lipman of Philadelphia patented the pencil.

1867 - The U.S. purchased Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million dollars.

1870 - The 15th amendment, guaranteeing the right to vote regardless of race, was passed by the U.S. Congress.

1964 - "Jeopardy" debuted on NBC-TV.

1967 - The cover of the Beatles' "Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" was staged and photographed.

1987 - Vincent Van Gogh's "Sunflowers" was bought for $39.85 million.


Quote of the Day:
"Life is like a ten-speed bike. Most of us have gears we never use."

--Charles Schultz

Today is Monday March 29, 2010

Today is:

Passover

Passover, which begins today, is an eight-day festival in the Jewish religion that commemorates the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. During the first two days and the last two days of Passover, the splitting of the Red Sea is celebrated. On these days, candles are lit at night and Kiddush holiday meals are enjoyed by Jewish families. The middle four days of Passover are called Chol Hamoed, which stands for the semi-festive "intermediate days."

To honor the matzo, or unleavened bread, that the Israelites ate when they left Egypt, Jews are not allowed to eat any "chametz" from midday of the day before Passover until the conclusion of the holiday. Chametz is leavened grain, or any food or drink that contains a trace of wheat, barley, rye, or oats.

Typically during the weeks prior to passover, Jewish families spend a lot of time cleaning their homes in order to get rid of all traces of chametz. For example, any kitchen utensil that has handled chametz during the year must be fully cleansed to remove all traces of it.

Children also play a very important role in the Sedar, the festive meal eaten at Passover. The youngest child is prompted to ask four questions to the adults about the significance of the symbols in the meals. Readings, prayers, and stories are also used during the meal to recount the story of the Exodus.

March is National Peanut Month & International Ideas Month & National Craft Month

On this day in History:

1848 - Niagara Falls stopped flowing for one day due to an ice jam.

1932 - Jack Benny made his radio debut.

1943 - U.S. rationing of meat, butter and cheese began during World War II.

1962 - Jack Paar made his final appearance on the "Tonight" show.

1967 - France launched its first nuclear submarine.

1976 - In Memphis, Bruce Springsteen jumped a fence at Graceland in an attempt to see his idol, Elvis Presley.



Quote of the Day:
"I just never let anything bother me, man. I know myself really well. Nobody's opinion of me can shake my opinion of myself."
Ruben Studdard

Today is Saturday March 27, 2010

Today is:

Quirky Country Music Song Titles Day

From Johnny Cash's "Every Time I Itch I Wind Up Scratching You" to Kenny Chesney's "She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy," country music song titles have never ceased to surprise people with their quirkiness. Quirky Country Music Song Titles Day recognizes the uniqueness of these titles and their ability to put a smile on our faces.

Though musicians have been recording their fiddle tunes for quite some time, true country music didn't get its start until the 1920's. Around this time, folk music became slightly more sophisticated and the Grand Ole Opry radio station opened in Nashville, Tennessee.

The sounds and style of country music have changed drastically over the years and today there are many different variations of country music including blue grass, honky tonk, western-country, rockabilly, and many more. Country music is popular in the United States, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

So go ahead and put on your cowboy hat, get out your banjo, and celebrate with the rest of the world for Quirky Country Music Titles Day!

March is National Peanut Month & International Ideas Month & National Craft Month

On this day in History:

1836 - The first Mormon temple was dedicated in Kirtland, OH.

1860 - The corkscrew was patented by M.L. Byrn.

1986 - Sammy Hagar played his first show as lead singer of Van Halen.

1987 - U2 filmed their video "Where the Streets Have No Name" on a rooftop in L.A.


Quote of the Day:
Everybody lies, but it doesn't matter because nobody listens.
- Nick Diamos

Today is Friday March 26, 2010

Today is:

Make Up Your Own Holiday Day

f you've been following our daily Reasons to Celebrate, then this is a day you've been waiting for - Make Up Your Own Holiday Day! It's finally your chance to make up your own holiday. The objective of today is to be creative and make up a special holiday that means something important to you. You have the authority, so you can make it is as silly or serious as you want!

Creating a national holiday can certainly be a lengthy process. Just look at Sarah Josepha Hale's story, the editor of the Ladies' Magazine in Boston. She began writing editorials that a uniform day of thanks should be observed throughout the United States and she wrote letters to the President and governors about her idea. Finally in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln agreed with Hale's proposal, but Thanksgiving was not officially passed by Congress until 1941!

So today, simply declare your own holiday and host a huge celebration for it. Everyone will be wishing their holiday was as fun and creative as yours!

March is National Peanut Month & International Ideas Month & National Craft Month

On this day in History:

1827	Composer Ludwig van Beethoven died in Vienna, Austria, at age 56.
1874	Poet Robert Frost was born in San Francisco.
1885	The Eastman Dry Plate and Film Co. of Rochester, N.Y., manufactured the first commercial motion picture film.
1892	Poet Walt Whitman died at age 72.
1911	Playwright Tennessee Williams was born in Columbus, Miss.
1917	The Seattle Metropolitans became the first U.S. team to win the Stanley Cup as they defeated the Montreal Canadiens.
1964	The musical "Funny Girl," starring Barbra Streisand, opened on Broadway.
1971	East Pakistan proclaimed its independence, taking the name Bangladesh.
1992	A judge in Indianapolis sentenced former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson to six years in prison for raping a Miss Black America contestant.
1997	The bodies of 39 members of the Heaven's Gate techno-religious cult who had committed suicide were found inside a mansion in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.
1999	Dr. Jack Kevorkian was convicted of second-degree murder for giving a lethal injection to an ailing man whose death was shown on "60 Minutes."
2000	Vladimir Putin was elected president of Russia.
2002	Arthur Andersen chief executive Joseph Berardino resigned, bowing to mounting pressure as a result of the accounting firm's role in the Enron scandal.
2003	Former Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan, D-N.Y., died at age 76.

Quote of the Day:
"God doesn't require us to succeed; he only requires that you try."
- Mother Teresa

Today is Thursday March 25, 2010

Today is:

Old New Year's Day

Old New Year's Day celebrates the old New Year traditions according to the Julian calendar. The Romans began numbering the days of the year Anno Domino in 57 A.D. Previously they had been using the the Julian calendar, introduced by Julius Caesar. Most countries around the world adopted the new Gregorian calendar after it was introduced, all except for Russia.

Though Soviet Russia finally adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1918, the Russian Orthodox Church continues to use the Julian calendar. The tradition of celebrating two New Years is widely enjoyed in Russia, as two Christmases are also informally celebrated according to both calendars.

For the Old New Year celebrations, Russian traditions usually consist of large family feasts and gatherings. The tradition of the Old New Year is also observed in Ukraine, Georgia, Belarus, and Serbia. Happy Old New Year!

March is National Peanut Month & International Ideas Month & National Craft Month

On this day in History:

1609 - Henry Hudson left on an exploration for Dutch East India Co.

1776 - The Continental Congress authorized a medal for General George Washington.

1947 - A coalmine explosion in Centralia, IL, killed 111 people.

1966 - The U.S. Supreme court ruled that the "poll tax" was unconstitutional.

1968 - The 58th and final episode of "The Monkees" TV show was aired.

1982 - Wayne Gretzky became the first player in the NHL to score 200 points in a season.


Quote of the Day:
Love can be sordid only if you work at it.
- Brooke McEldowney

Today is Wednesday March 24, 2010

Today is:

National Chocolate-Covered Raisin Day

Chocolate covered raisins are not only delicious but also a relatively nutritious snack, especially if made with dark chocolate! Raisins were discovered by ancient Phoenicians who found them dried up on their vineyard vines between 190 and 900 B.C.

On average, it takes four pounds of grapes to make one pound of raisins. Raisins are a good source of fiber, potassium, iron, calcium, and certain B vitamins. They are also naturally fat and cholesterol free and contain many antioxidants.

Did you know that during the early 1900's, the raisin festival was created as a means to gain national recognition for the industry? People came from all over the country to California to participate in the events and attend the parade. Though the annual festival ended in 1932, its original goal was certainly accomplished.

Today, raisins are a popular type of fruit that people love to eat plain or use in cooking side dishes, entrees, and desserts. Raisins are also popularly eaten covered in chocolate, a divine combination that will be difficult to say no to! Enjoy National Chocolate-Covered Raisins Day!

March is National Peanut Month & International Ideas Month & National Craft Month

On this day in History:

1664 - A charter to colonize Rhode Island was granted to Roger Williams in London.

1882 - German professor Robert Koch announced the discovery of the tuberculosis germ (bacillus).

1924 - Greece became a republic.

1941 - Glenn Miller began work on his first motion picture for 20th Century Fox. The film was "Sun Valley Serenade."

1955 - "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" by Tennessee Williams debuted on Broadway.

1958 - Elvis Presley was sworn into the U.S. Army.


Quote of the Day:
I just need enough to tide me over until I need more.
- Bill Hoest

Today is Tuesday March 23, 2010

Today is:

National Chip and Dip Day

Chips and dip are the perfect snack duo for any occasion. Tortilla chips, potato chips, pretzels, whatever kind of chips you prefer, chances are that there is a delicious dip to compliment it.

This appetizer may be prepared in advance for easy party planning, and the recipes can be easily expanded or shrunk depending on the number of people attending the party.

Hummus and other types of dipping sauces have been part of world cuisine in the Middle East and Mediterranean for centuries. Though these chip and dip recipes appeared in other parts of the world, they did not appear in the United States until after World War II.

To celebrate National Chip and Dip Day invite some friends over today for a potluck style chip and dip party. The possibilities are endless for the various combination's of chips and dip you can enjoy, so use your imagination!

Today is also World Meteorological Day & National Puppy Day

March is National Peanut Month & International Ideas Month & National Craft Month

On this day in History:

1775 - American revolutionary Patrick Henry declared, "give me liberty, or give me death!"

1794 - Josiah G. Pierson patented a rivet machine.

1806 - Explorers Lewis and Clark, reached the Pacific coast, and began their return journey to the east.

1839 - The first recorded use of "OK" [oll korrect] was used in Boston's Morning Post.

1912 - The Dixie Cup was invented.

1963 - The Beach Boys released "Surfin U.S.A."

Quote of the Day:
The man of knowledge must be able not only to love his enemies but also to hate his friends.
- Friedrich Nietzsche

Today is Monday March 22, 2010

Today is:

World Water Day

World Water Day began in 1992 at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro. Since then, its efforts have grown significantly and every year, thousands of participants attend the World Water Forum to learn about the issues associated with access to safe water.

The United Nations dedicates this day to implement recommendations and promote concrete activities regarding the world's water resources. The theme for World Water Day this year is "Communicating Water Quality Challenges and Opportunities." The overall goal for this campaign is to raise political awareness about the quality of water so that water quality decisions are made at the same level of importance as water quantity decisions are made.

Learn more World Water Day and events going on in your area!

March is National Peanut Month & International Ideas Month & National Craft Month

On this day in History:

1733 - Joseph Priestly invented carbonated water (seltzer).

1765 - The Stamp Act was passed. It was the first direct British tax on the American colonists. It was repealed on March 17, 1766.

1873 - Slavery was abolished in Puerto Rico.

1934 - The first Masters golf championship began in Augusta, GA.

1963 - The Beatles' first album, "Please Please Me," was released in the U.K.

1995 - Russian cosmonaut Valeri Polyakov returned to Earth after setting a record for 438 days in space.


Quote of the Day:
"It is unwise to be too sure of one's own wisdom. It is healthy to be reminded that the strongest might weaken and the wisest might err."

Mahatma Gandhi

Today is Sunday March 21, 2010

Today is:

National French Bread Day

Between the crisp, crunchy crust and the soft, chewy center, it is no wonder that French bread is the most frequently eaten food in all of France. The shape the French bread, or baguette, allows the maximum amount of dough to be exposed directly to heat during the baking process, producing a thick, golden crust.

French bread has a nutty, buttery taste that is both sweet and savory. Baguettes were first created in Vienna, Austria during the mid-19th century, following the invention of steam ovens. Steam ovens are a combination of a gas-fired traditional oven and a brick oven. Austrian officer August Zang brought steam ovens with him to Paris during this time, and for this reason he is often credited with originating the baguette.

Today, baguettes often serve as a symbol of French culture and cuisine. To celebrate National French Bread Day buy or bake a delicious loaf of fresh French bread to share with your family!

March is National Peanut Month & International Ideas Month & National Craft Month

This week is National Spring Fever Week & American Chocolate Week

On this day in History:

1859 - In Philadelphia, the first Zoological Society was incorporated.

1961 - The Beatles played at Liverpool's Cavern Club for the first time.

1970 - "ABC" by the Jackson Five was released.

1994 - Wayne Gretzky tied Gordie Howe's NHL record of 801 goals.


Quote of the Day:
"Some things you do because you want to. Some things you do because of the needs of others in your family."

--Real Live Preacher

Today is Friday March 19, 2010
"TGIF"

Today is:

National Chocolate Caramel Day

Caramel is a divine treat that can be made by slowly boiling sugar to approximately 340 degrees Fahrenheit. As the sugar liquefies and draws near this temperature, it breaks down into composites with the caramel characteristics and flavor. Caramel can have a variety of textures ranging from soft and chewy to hard. It can also range in a variety of flavors as well.

The union of chocolate and caramel is probably one of the greatest food combinations ever created. The gooey caramel combined with rich chocolate results in a melt-in-your-mouth unforgettable experience. To celebrate National Chocolate Caramel Day, enjoy some of your favorite types of chocolate caramel treats!

March is National Peanut Month & International Ideas Month & National Craft Month

On this day in History:

On this day in1918 - The U.S. Congress approved Daylight-Saving Time.


Quote of the Day:
"Put all your eggs in one basket and WATCH THAT BASKET!"

--Mark Twain

Today is Thursday March 18, 2010

Today is:

Oatmeal Cookie Day

There is nothing better than eating a warm oatmeal cookie right out of the oven! Hearty and crispy, oatmeal cookies have been popular for centuries. The first oatmeal cookies were created during the late 1800's in England. These cookies, however, were not the same consistency as we know of them today; they were more oatcakes than actual cookies. During the Middle Ages, spices, nuts, and raisins began being added to the recipes and oatmeal cookies as we know them today were born.

Today, there are many different variations of the original oatmeal cookie recipe. Some people add chocolate chips, nuts, nutmeg, cinnamon, or even avocado! To celebrate Oatmeal Cookie Day, bake a batch (or two) of oatmeal cookies using your favorite recipe!

On this day in History:

1911 - Theodore Roosevelt opened the Roosevelt Dam in Phoenix, AZ. It was the largest dam in the U.S. at the time.


Quote of the Day:
Procrastination isn't the problem, it's the solution. So procrastinate now, don't put it off.
- Ellen DeGeneres

Today is Wednesday March 17, 2010

Today is:

St. Patrick's Day

Today is the national holiday of Ireland, which celebrates the patron saint Patrick. At the age of sixteen, Saint Patrick was captured and sold into slavery to a sheep farmer. When he was 22, he escaped and spent the next twelve years of his life in a monastery. Saint Patrick later returned to Ireland where he spent the rest of his life preaching as a Christian missionary.

Today, St. Patrick's Day has turned into a worldwide celebration of Irish culture and history. In Ireland, people traditionally wear shamrocks on their jackets and caps and women and girls wear green ribbons in their hair. In the United States, cities like Chicago and Indianapolis celebrate St. Patrick's Day by dyeing their rivers and canals green.

Did you know that for every 10,000 regular three-leafed clovers, there is only one lucky four-leafed clover? Whether you are of Irish decent or not, wear something green, attend a parade, and celebrate the luck o' the Irish today!

On this day in History:

On this day in 1756 - St. Patrick's Day was celebrated in New York City for the
first time. The event took place at the Crown and Thistle Tavern.


Quote of the Day:
Nothing is really work unless you would rather be doing something else.
- James M. Barrie

Today is Tuesday March 16, 2010

Today is: National Artichoke Hearts Day

Though it is not certain, it is believed that artichokes originated in the northern region of Africa called Maghreb, where they are still found today in their wild state. The Dutch introduced artichokes to England during the 16th century. They became extremely popular and King Henry VIII was known for growing them in his garden at Newhall. It was not until the 19th century though that artichokes first arrived in America, brought over by French immigrants to Louisiana.

Artichokes can be prepared in a wide variety of ways for consumption including being boiled, steamed, or deep fried. Artichokes can also be used to make many different types of herbal teas and they are the primary flavor of the Italian liqueur Cynar.

Celebrate National Artichoke Hearts Day by trying a new recipe for your artichoke hearts!

On this day in History:

On this day in 1850 - The novel "The Scarlet Letter," by Nathaniel Hawthorne, was published for the first time.


Quote of the Day:
Women need a reason to have sex. Men just need a place.
- Billy Crystal

Today is Monday March 15, 2010

Today is National Pears Helene Day, This week is National Wildlife Week & National Spring Fever Week & American Chocolate Week.

Between the delectable aroma and juicy taste, the only thing better than eating a pear is eating pears helene. Pears helene is a delicious type of French dessert made with sliced pairs and various toppings such as cinnamon sugar, chocolate sauce, vanilla syrup, and ice cream.

There are various other recipes for pears helene depending on the region in which it's made. Pears are the third most important fruit crop after apples and peaches in the United States. They are also the least allergenic of all fruits and they are very rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, E1, copper, fiber, and potassium. To celebrate National Pears Helene Day, enjoy some homemade, delicious and nutritious pears helene!

On this day in 1956 - The musical "My Fair Lady" opened on Broadway. "If we’d only stop trying to be happy we’d have a pretty good time." --Edith Wharton