Friday, April 30, 2010







Today is Friday April 30, 2010


Arbor Day

Arbor Day is a day to show your respect for forests and plant life by volunteering your time to plant trees in your neighborhood or donating money to the cause. Rain Forests around the world are being destroyed. Although they only cover 2% of the Earth's surface, they provide habitat and nutritional support for almost half of the known living species on Earth.

The first Arbor Day took place in 1872 when a Nebraska journalist suggested that a special day be set aside for planting trees and increasing awareness of the importance of trees. His impact was felt immediately - on the first Arbor Day, an estimated one million trees were planted! His idea quickly spread to other states and today Arbor Day is celebrated around the world. Celebrate Arbor Day by planting a tree in your yard or community!


Today is also National Raisin Day

April is National Grilled Cheese Month

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

On this day in History:
1889 - George Washington's inauguration became the first U.S. national holiday.

1939 - Lou Gehrig played his last game with the New York Yankees.

1947 - The name of Boulder Dam, in Nevada, was changed back to Hoover Dam.

1957 - Elvis recorded "Jailhouse Rock."

1964 - The FCC ruled that all TV receivers should be equipped to receive both VHF and UHF channels.

Quote of the Day:
Reflections on Life
Michael J. Fox
"One's dignity may be assaulted, vandalized and cruelly mocked, but cannot be taken away unless it is surrendered."



QUICK TIP:

Hone Scissors With Sandpaper

Original purpose: Smoothing splinters.
Aha! use: Sharpening shears. To hone dull blades in a pinch, just snip a piece of sandpaper a few times.
Reward: Scissors cut paper.


Thursday, April 29, 2010






Today is Thursday April 29, 2010


International Dance Day

Dancing has been a part of human culture since the beginning of time with dances of prayer, celebration, and as a means of communication. International Dance Day has been celebrated since 1982, a date suggested by Pyotr Gusev in order to commemorate the birthday of dance legend, Jean-Georges Noverre. International Dance Day is a day to honor the art of dancing and to encourage the education of dance throughout the world.

In 2003, President of the International Dance Council (CID) said that "in more than half of the 200 countries in the world, dance does not appear in legal texts. There are no funds allocated in the state budget to support this art form." In order to provide a dance education to anyone who is interested in learning, CID has been urging dance establishments to celebrate this day at all schools with writing essays about dance, drawing dance pictures, and dancing in the streets. Learn more about the events going on today to celebrate.


Today is also National Shimp Scampi Day

April is National Grilled Cheese Month

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

On this day in History:
1960 - Dick Clark told the U.S. House of Representatives that he had never taken payola for the records he featured on his show "American Bandstand."

1961 - ABC’s "Wide World of Sports" premiered.

1967 - Aretha Franklin's "Respect" was released.

1981 - Steve Carlton, of the Philadelphia Phillies, became the first left-handed pitcher in the major leagues to get 3,000 career strikeouts.

1990 - The destruction of the Berlin Wall began.

Quote of the Day:
Reflections on Life
Hans Hoffman
"The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak."




QUICK TIP:

Be more productive...

One of my #1 suggestions for being more productive is: make your bed.

Now, there's the obvious organizing result - that your bedroom looks neater with a made bed. But that's really beside the point here.

Instead, consider how making your bed helps you be more productive, not necessarily organized. (I'll give you a hint. It's not about doing the task and getting to check it off your to do list!)

Making your bed sets the TONE for your day. It says I'm up, I'm focused, I'm ready to work and get things done!

Special thanks to http://getorganizedtips.blogspot.com/2010/04/get-organized-1-productivity-tip-and-it.html

Not making your bed, well...it says the exact opposite. It makes you want to just crawl right back under the covers and be lazy.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010





Today is Wednesday April 28, 2010


National Blueberry Pie Day

With so many delicious and creative flavors of pie, how can you decide which one to eat? Today the decision is easy because it's National Blueberry Pie Day!

Blueberry pie is a sweet pie that can be filled with fresh or frozen blueberries, blueberry filling, or even blueberry custard. It's one of the more popular pie flavors and is common at summer picnics and July 4th celebrations when blueberries are in season.

Do you know which state produces the most blueberries? Maine! Maine actually produces 25% of all lowbush blueberries in North America. That makes this New England state the largest producer of blueberries in the world!

Head to your favorite bakery or make your own tasty blueberry pie to enjoy on National Blueberry Pie Day!


April is National Grilled Cheese Month

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

On this day in History:
1686 - The first volume of Isaac Newton's "Principia Mathamatic" was published.

1910 - First night air flight was performed by Claude Grahame-White in England.

1930 - The first organized night baseball game was played in Independence, Kansas.

1957 - Mike Wallace was seen on TV for the first time. He was the host of "Mike Wallace Interviews."

Quote of the Day:
Reflections on Life "The majority prove their worth by keeping busy. A busy life is the nearest thing to a purposeful life."

--Eric Hoffer


QUICK TIP:

Make Tea For Tools

To scour rusty garden tools, brew a few pots of strong black tea. When cool, pour into a bucket. Soak the tools for a few hours. Wipe each one with a cloth. (Wear rubber gloves or your hands will be stained.)

Tuesday, April 27, 2010







Today is Tuesday April 27, 2010


National Prime Rib Day

Prime rib is a delicious meal to be enjoyed for any occasion! Just thinking about prime rib gets your mouth watering. And of course, the only way to correctly celebrate National Prime Rib Day is to enjoy a big, juicy cut of it cooked your favorite way!

It all starts with the grade of the meat. Real prime rib is graded USDA Prime, and can be quite difficult to obtain. Other grades of meat in the United States are Choice, Select, Cutter, and Canner. Choice meat is okay to use to cook prime rib, but you should really try to get Prime. Once you get the meat, now you just

have to trim the fat, add whatever types of seasoning or sauces you like, and cook it! The heat should be applied slowly, steadily, and evenly until the internal temperature of the meat reaches a specific degree. After it's cooked, just carve and enjoy!

April is National Grilled Cheese Month

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

On this day in History:
1773 - British Parliament passed the Tea Act.

1897 - Grant's Tomb was dedicated.

1961 - The United Kingdom granted Sierra Leone independence.


1965 - "Pampers" were patented by R.C. Duncan.

1983 - Nolan Ryan (Houston Astros) broke a 55-year-old major league baseball record when he struck out his 3,509th batter of his career.


Quote of the Day:
Reflections on Life "To be without some of the things you want is an indispensable part of happiness."

--Bertrand Russell


QUICK TIP:

Microwave Garlic

It takes 45 minutes to roast garlic in the oven but less than 8 in the microwave. Slice off the top of the head to reveal all the cloves. Place the head in a small, deep dish, season with salt and pepper, and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of good olive oil. Spoon 2 tablespoons of water into the bottom of the dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and cook at medium power for 7 to 7½ minutes. Let stand for a few minutes before unwrapping.

Monday, April 26, 2010






Today is Monday April 26, 2010


National Pretzel Day

Did you know that pretzels were invented by monks? They used to use the inter-connected sections of pretzels to help children understand the Christian Trinity of "Father, Son, and Holy Ghost." It wasn't long before pretzels were used to represent the marriage knot and were found at many weddings. Despite their royal statuses, pretzels were also a convenient way to feed the poor. People used to line up not for soup, but for their daily pretzel.

While soft pretzels have gained enormous popularity at sporting events, carnivals, and festivals all over the world, the crunchy hard pretzel evolved overtime. Hard pretzels came about when a baker put some pretzels in the oven and forgot about them. Because these pretzels were baked too long and had not risen, they turned dark, hard, and crunchy. They were instantly a wild success!

To celebrate National Pretzel Day, try making some delicious homemade pretzels with your favorite toppings. Some suggestions: cinnamon and sugar, salt, or chocolate glazed.. mmm! Enjoy!

April is National Grilled Cheese Month

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

On this day in History:
1514 - Copernicus made his first observations of Saturn.

1929 - The first non-stop flight from England to India was completed.

1964 - The Boston Celtics won their sixth consecutive NBA title. They won two more before the streak came to an end.

1975 - B.J. Thomas had the longest title of a number one song at the top of the "Billboard" popular music chart. The song was "(Hey Won't You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song."

1983 - Dow Jones Industrial Average broke 1,200 for first time.


Quote of the Day:
Reflections on Life "There is only one success -- to be able to spend your life in your own way." --Christopher Morley



QUICK TIP:

Create a Recipe Catalog

Keep a file of your favorite recipes by recording each recipe title, the book or issue it’s in, and the page number on index cards. When you’re done, separate them into sections like Desserts and sort them alphabetically in a recipe box.
Read more

Friday, April 23, 2010





Today is Friday April 23, 2010


National DNA Day

Today is a day to expand your knowledge and understanding of genetics and genomics! National DNA Day also commemorates the completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003 and the discovery of DNA's double helix. In 1953, scientists James Watson and Francis Crick discovered the structure of DNA and Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins produced x-ray crystallography data that contributed to this accomplishment. Fifty years later, the completion of the thirteen-year, international research effort to map the human genome in its entirety, the Human Genome Project, was completed. These significant discoveries certainly deserve a day of celebration!

This day is sponsored by the Human Genome Research Institute and is a celebration of science and nature. There are various genetic-themed activities planned for today, including presentations, a moderated online chat, and a DNA model competition. The American Society of Human Genetics will also be announcing the winner of their DNA Day Essay Contest today. Take part in the many activities going on today to celebrate genetics and DNA, after all they make you who you are!

Today is also National Picnic Day & National Cherry Cheesecake Day

April is National Grilled Cheese Month

This week is Administrative Professionals Week

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

On this day in History:
1789 - U.S. President George Washington moved into Franklin House, New York. It was the first executive mansion.

1872 - Charlotte E. Ray became the first black woman lawyer.

1985 - The Coca-Cola Company announced that it was changing its 99-year-old secret formula. New Coke was not successful, which resulted in the resumption of selling the original version.

1989 - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar played his last regular season game in the NBA.

1997 - The Four Tops received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.



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

--Arthur Schopenhauer



QUICK TIP:

Prepare a “Kid Center” For Your Car

Maintain a container with extra toys and necessities to help prevent extra trips to the house if you forget something. The new Sienna minivan has the style and space needed to keep everyone happy. Find out more at toyota.com/sienna.

Read more



Thursday, April 22, 2010











Today is Thursday April 22, 2010


Earth Day

day is the 40th anniversary of Earth Day! Earth Day is designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's environment. It was founded in 1970 by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson and today it is celebrated in many countries around the world. Senator Nelson chose the date of April 22 in order to maximize participation on college campuses as an environmental teach-in.

The Earth Day Network was founded by the organizers of the first Earth Day in 1970 to promote environmental citizenship and year-round progressive action around the world. Ron Cobb created the Earth Day symbol, which is a combination of the letters "E" and "O" standing for the words "Environment" and "Organism." Celebrate the earth's environment by planting a tree, cleaning up beaches or shorelines, or volunteering to do an activity that will help preserve the environment. We only have one planet, we have to protect it!

Today is also National Jelly Bean Day

April is National Grilled Cheese Month

This week is Administrative Professionals Week

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

On this day in History:
1500 - Portuguese navigator Pedro Alvares Cabral discovered Brazil.

1876 - Eight baseball teams began the inaugural season of the National League.

1914 - Babe Ruth made his pitching debut with the Baltimore Orioles.

1944 - During World War II, the Allies launched a major attack against the Japanese in Hollandia, New Guinea.

1955 - The U.S. Congress ordered all U.S. coins to bear the motto "In God We Trust."

1956 - Elvis Presley made his Las Vegas debut at the Frontier Hotel.

1978 - John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd made their first appearance as The Blues Brothers on NBC's "Saturday Night Live."


Quote of the Day:
Reflections on Life "There are two things to aim at in life: first, to get what you want; and, after that, to enjoy it. Only the wisest of mankind achieve the second."

--Logan Pearsall Smith



QUICK TIP:

No Cost Fixes

Set yours to enter sleep mode after 30 to 60 minutes of inactivity and your monitor after 10 to 20 minutes, suggests Bruce Nordman of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Most computers less than five years old use about 95 percent less power in sleep mode than when they are on, he says. Should you shut down at night? The savings versus using sleep mode is minuscule, says Nordman.




Wednesday, April 21, 2010










Today is Wednesday April 21, 2010
" I dedicate this to Shannon as she is the best Admin in the World"

Administrative Professionals Day

They take notes, answer the phones, and keep everyone in the office organized. Where would we be without our administrative professionals?

Today, there are more than 1.4 million people that hold the position of administrative assistant working in the United States and another 8.9 million people working in various administrative support roles.

Since 1952, the International Association of Administrative Professionals has honored office workers by having a day dedicated to them. Administrative Professional Day is one of the largest workplace observances outside of employee birthdays and major holidays. This event is celebrated worldwide, bringing together millions of people for community events, educational seminars, and corporate activities.

Show your appreciation by sending your secretary and administrative assistants flowers, candy, or even just a thoughtful eCard. They certainly deserve it!

Today is also World Creativity and Innovation Day

April is National Grilled Cheese Month



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

On this day in History:
1789 - John Adams was sworn in as the first U.S. Vice President.

1836 - General Sam Houston defeated Santa Anna at the Battle of San Jacinto. This battle decided the independence of Texas.

1961 - The Beatles debuted at the Cavern Club in Liverpool, England.

1977 - "Annie" opened on Broadway.

1986 - Geraldo Rivera opened a vault that belonged to Al Capone at the Lexington Hotel in Chicago. Nothing of interest was found inside.

1987 - Special occasion stamps were offered for the first time by the U.S. Postal Service. "Happy Birthday" and "Get Well" were among the first to be offered.

2000 - North Carolina researchers announced that the heart of a 66 million-year-old dinosaur was more like a mammal or bird than that of a reptile.


Quote of the Day:
Humor is the only test of gravity, and gravity of humor; for a subject which will not bear raillery is suspicious, and a jest which will not bear serious examination is false wit.
- Aristotle



QUICK TIP:

Take Breakfast to Go

Grab a cereal bar, but read the label before you buy. A bar should have around five grams of fiber and protein and less than 200 calories.




Tuesday, April 20, 2010









Today is Tuesday April 20, 2010

Lima Bean Respect Day

Today is a day to have some respect for lima beans. After all, what have they ever done to you? Lima beans are extremely healthy vegetables. They are rich in fiber, potassium, iron, copper, and manganese. They are also low in fat and they contain protease inhibitors that stall the development of cancerous cells. Did you know that lima beans are named after Lima, Peru where they are grown? They have been cultivated there since 6000 B.C.

Large lima beans are flat and greenish-white in color. They also have have a buttery flavor and a creamy texture. Green baby lima beans are popularly used in Japan for making desserts from bean paste known as "an." Fresh lima beans are difficult to find in the United States; they are usually dried, canned, or frozen. They can however be occasionally found in farmers markets. To celebrate Lima Bean Respect Day, enjoy some tasty lima beans cooked your favorite way!

Today is also National Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Day

April is National Grilled Cheese Month



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

On this day in History:
1912 - Fenway Park opened as the home of the Boston Red Sox.

1935 - "Your Hit Parade" was first broadcast on radio. It aired for 24 years.

1961 - In the U.S., FM stereo broadcasting was approved by the FCC.

1964 - The Elvis Presley movie "Viva Las Vegas" premiered.

1972 - The manned lunar module from Apollo 16 landed on the moon.

1985 - Wham's "Make It Big" LP was released in China. It was the first Western album to be released there.


Quote of the Day:
Everything you can imagine is real.
- Pablo Picasso



QUICK TIP:

Don’t Overpay at the Pump

To get the most out of your face cream, simply use less. If your method is to begin with a big dollop and then smear it between your hands, that's where most of the cream will stay. Instead, dab a dot on your forehead, cheeks, and nose, then spread it and rub it in.




Monday, April 19, 2010












Today is Monday April 19, 2010

National Amaretto Day

Amaretto is a sweet, almond-flavored Italian liqueur used in many dishes, drinks, and cocktails. The flavoring comes from apricot kernal oil, burnt sugar, and a variety of spices. Did you know that the word "amaretto" means slightly bitter? This refers to the occasional bitter aftertaste of amaretto. This liqueur can be served by itself, on the rocks, added to other beverages in the form of a mixed drink or it is popularly added to coffee. Amaretto is also used in cooking meat, fish, and vegetables for its almond flavoring and can be added to desserts such as ice cream to compliment chocolate.

Though amaretto did not arrive in the United States until the 1960's, it was created during the 16th century in Italy by the Disaronno family. According to family legend, artist Bernadino Luini traveled to Saronno in northern Italy to do a painting. While he was there, he met a beautiful widow who he asked to be the model for his painting. She expressed her gratification towards him by presenting him with the first amaretto drink ever. Celebrate this historical liqueur tonight by enjoying a divine glass of amaretto or try adding it to one of your recipes for some delicious almond flavoring!

April is National Grilled Cheese Month


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

On this day in History:
1764 - The English Parliament banned the American colonies from printing paper money.

1852 - The California Historical Society was founded.

1897 - The first annual Boston Marathon was held. It was the first of its type in the U.S.

1933 - The U.S. went off of the gold standard.

1982 - NASA named Sally Ride to be first woman astronaut.

1986 - Prince became only the 5th songwriter to have two top ten hits at the same time. The songs were "Kiss" (Prince and the Revolution) and "Manic Monday" (Bangles).


Quote of the Day:
I have the worst memory ever so no matter who comes up to me - they're just, like, 'I can't believe you don't remember me!" I'm like, 'Oh Dad I'm sorry!'
- Ellen DeGeneres



QUICK TIP:


Iron it Out

To clean an iron, make a paste of 1 tablespoon water and 2 tablespoons baking soda. Using a spatula, spread the paste on the iron’s plate, coating the areas that have mineral deposits.



Sunday, April 18, 2010











Today is Sunday April 18, 2010

National Animal Crackers Day

Who doesn't love the crunch and sweetness of an animal cracker? These fun little crackers are usually in the shape of an animal from the circus such as lions, tigers, bears, and elephants.

During the late 1800's, crackers in the shape of animals were imported from England to the United States. The demand for these treats skyrocketed, so bakers began to produce them domestically. The first batch of animal crackers was produced by Stauffer's Biscuit Company in 1871 in York, Pennsylvania. Other local bakeries soon came together under the National Biscuit Company, or "Nabisco Brands." In 1902, the animal cracker's box officially became "Barnum's Animals" with the circus themed box.

Did you know that since their start in 1903, there have been 37 different animals featured in Barnum's Animal Crackers? Today more than 40 million packages of animal crackers are sold each year in 17 different countries. To celebrate National Animal Crackers Day, enjoy a box (or two) of some delicious Barnum's Animal Crackers!

April is National Grilled Cheese Month

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

On this day in History:
775 - American revolutionaries Paul Revere, William Dawes and Samuel Prescott rode though the towns of Massachusetts giving the warning that "the British are coming."

1853 - The first train in Asia began running from Bombay to Tanna.

1934 - The first Laundromat opened. It was in Fort Worth, TX.

1939 - Gene Autry recorded "Back in the Saddle Again."

1949 - The Republic of Ireland was established.

1979 - The TV show "Real People" premiered.


Quote of the Day:
"For me, it's that I contributed, ... That I'm on this planet doing some good and making people happy. That's to me the most important thing, that my hour of television is positive and upbeat and an antidote for all the negative stuff going on in life."

Ellen DeGeneres



QUICK TIP:


Eat Antioxidants

Reduce free radicals in your body by consuming a few servings of vibrantly colored foods and drinks, like pomegranates, dried plums, and strawberries each day. Taking a multivitamin is a smart way to boost antioxidants internally, too.



Saturday, April 17, 2010










Today is Saturday April 17, 2010

National Cheeseball Day

A cheeseball is a type of soft cheese, often served with raw vegetables and crackers. Typically they are made with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, nuts, and spices such as salt, pepper, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. Fancier cheeseballs can be made with bleu cheese, olives, pineapple, sherry, or smoked salmon. Cheeseballs are quite versatile and are a great hit with guests at any type of party or gathering.

Did you know that on July 20, 1801, Elisha Brown Jr. pressed a 1235-pound cheese ball at his farm?

He presented it to President Thomas Jefferson at the White House because it was so impressive. To celebrate National Cheeseball Day, pick up your favorite type of cheeseball at your local grocery store or try your hand at making your own! You will be able to experiment with the ingredients and make it just the way you like it.

April is National Grilled Cheese Month

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

On this day in History:
1875 - The game "snooker" was invented by Sir Neville Chamberlain.


1964 - The Ford Motor Company unveiled its new Mustang model.

1965 - The Beach Boys' "Help Me Rhonda" was released.

1985 - The U.S. Postal Service unveiled its new 22-cent, "LOVE" stamp.


Quote of the Day:
"Some luck lies in not getting what you thought you wanted but getting what you have, which once you have got it you may be smart enough to see is what you would have wanted had you known."

--Garrison Keillor



QUICK TIP:

Go For the Gold

You can skip the expensive cleansers and reach for a common household product to get your gold shining again. Add a few drops of mild dish washing liquid to a bowl filled with two cups of warm water. Drop your gold pieces into the solution and let them soak for about 15 minutes.



Thursday, April 15, 2010









Today is Thursday April 15, 2010

Tax Day

As Ben Franklin once said, "nothing is certain but death and taxes." Today is the last day in the U.S. that tax returns can be postmarked to the federal and state governments. Tax Day has been April 15 since 1955, but it has been in existence since the Revenue Act of 1861.

Federal income tax was introduced in order to help fund the Civil War. There have been various cases heard in the Supreme Court that have challenged income taxes and the rates that people were faced with. In 19

13, the Sixteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution gave Congress the legal authority to tax all incomes without regard to the apportionment requirement.

In 2009, more than a million American taxpayers protested high taxes at rallies in all 50 states, calling them "Tax Day Tea Parties." This movement started with bloggers in Seattle, Washington and quickly spread throughout the U.S. in a "rant heard round the world" as CNBC talker Rick Santelli called it. Whether or not these protests influence government spending and tax rates in the United States, you still have to pay your taxes today so don't forget to put it in the mail!

Today is also National Glazed Spiral Ham Day

April is National Grilled Cheese Month

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

On this day in History:
1817 - The first American school for the deaf was opened in Hartford, CT.


1850 - The city of San Francisco was incorporated.

1892 - The General Electric Company was organized.

1947 - Jackie Robinson played his first major league baseball game for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Previously he had only appeared in exhibition games.

1952 - The first B-52 prototype was flight-tested.

1955 - Ray Kroc started the McDonald's restaurant chain.

Quote of the Day:
"We are each responsible for our own life - no other person is or even can be."
- Oprah Winfrey

Quick Tip:

Quick Tip

Take Vitamins

Eat foods rich in biotin—many whole grains, liver, rice, milk, and egg yolks— which makes your hair stronger. Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins E and A, found in fish and vegetables, can also have an impact on the overall health of the scalp.



Wednesday, April 14, 2010








Today is Wednesday April 14, 2010

International Moment of Laughter Day

International Moment of Laughter Day is certainly a day to put a smile on your face! Today is a day to laugh loudly and laugh often. Watch a funny movie, read an amusing book, or just be silly with your friends. It is not the cause of the laughter that matters, but the effect.

Researchers have begun examining positive feelings and how they impact your health and aging. Results from a scientific study from the University of Maryland Medical Center show that laughter may give a jolt to circulation and have positive effects on the heart. In addition, laughter may increase the body's production of nitric oxide, a chemical that helps dilate blood vessels. All of these positive impacts on your health are reason enough to laugh not just today, but everyday! So go ahead and be silly and laugh at your own jokes. And don't forget that laughter is contagious!

Today is also National Pecan Day

April is National Grilled Cheese Month

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

On this day in History:
1828 - The first edition of Noah Webster's dictionary was published under the name "American Dictionary of the English Language."

1902 - James Cash (J.C.) Penney opened his first retail store in Kemmerer, WY. It was called the Golden Rule Store.

1939 - The John Steinbeck novel "The Grapes of Wrath" was first published.

1960 - The musical "Bye Bye Birdie" opened in New York City.

1981 - America's first space shuttle, Columbia, returned to Earth after its first flight. The shuttle orbited the Earth 36 times during the mission.

Quote of the Day:
The love of truth lies at the root of much humor.
- Robertson Davies

Quick Tip:

Quick Tip

An umbrella made of PVC or Teflon-coated fabric will dry quickly.
Compliments to http://www.realsimple.com/