Today is Friday July 30, 2010

National Cheesecake Day

Calling all dessert fanatics, it's National Cheesecake Day! This worldwide favorite can be eaten plain or topped with your favorite fruits. Its crispy pastry crust combined with a creamy, rich center will leave you asking for seconds.

Cheesecake is a wonderful dessert because it can be made in so many different flavors. Some fan favorites are peanut butter cup, key lime, raspberry white chocolate and rocky road.

To celebrate National Cheesecake Day, many pastry shops will give away cheesecake at a discount (or even for free!) Buy or make your favorite flavor of cheesecake today to celebrate this glorious occasion!

July is National Ice Cream Month & National Grilling Month

Today is also National Father-in-law Day 

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

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On this day in History:

1619 - The first representative assembly in America convened in Jamestown, VA.

1942 - Frank Sinatra recorded the last of 90 recordings with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra.

1942 - The WAVES were created by legislation signed by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The members of the Women's Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service were a part of the U.S. Navy.

1965 - U.S. President Johnson signed into law the Medicare bill. It went into effect the following year.

1998 - A group of Ohio machine-shop workers (who call themselves the Lucky 13) won the $295.7 million Powerball jackpot. It was the largest-ever American lottery. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote of the Day:
"In the concentration camps, we witnessed some of our comrades behave like swine while others behaved like saints. Man has both potentialities within himself; which one is actualized depends on decisions but not on conditions. The way in which a man accepts his fate and all the suffering it entails, the way in which he takes up his cross, gives him ample opportunity--even under the most difficult circumstances--to add a deeper meaning to his life. His unique opportunity lies in the way he bears his burden."
--Viktor E. Frankl

Today is Wednesday  July 28, 2010

National Lasagna Day

We have a lot to thank our Italian friends for--fine art, sports cars, leather goods, handsome men, and pizza. We also have the Italians to thank for today's reason to celebrate: National Lasagna Day.

Favorite food to beloved cartoon character Garfield as well as many others, lasagna alternates layers of pasta, cheese, and sauce (and sometimes meat and/or veggies). It's utterly delicious and extremely filling. Celebrate National Lasagna Day by finding a new recipe to try and pairing it with an Italian wine!

July is National Ice Cream Month & National Grilling Month

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

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On this day in History:

1950 - Disney's adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island" was released.

1957 - The International Atomic Energy Agency was established.

1958 - The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was authorized by the U.S. Congress.

1961 - Dick Clark premiered his summer stage show, the Dick Clark Caravan of Stars, at the Steel Pier in Atlantic City.

1965 - The Beatles film "Help!" premiered in London. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote of the Day:
"All things good come to those for whom the Good is all things."

– Guy Finley

Today is Wednesday  July 28, 2010

National Milk Chocolate Day

Chocoholics unite! And unite we will. According to the National Confectioners Association, 65% of American chocolate eaters prefer milk chocolate.

So today, National Milk Chocolate Day, head to the store (or dip into your secret candy drawer) and eat some milk chocolate. You'd better hurry though, there might not be any left for you!

Many of our favorite treats are made with milk chocolate, including "s'mores", chocolate chips and candy bars. However you prefer your milk chocolate, indulge your taste buds on this special holiday!

July is National Ice Cream Month & National Grilling Month

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

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On this day in History:

1821 - Peru declared its independence from Spain.

1939 - Judy Garland recorded "Over the Rainbow."

1951 - The Walt Disney film "Alice in Wonderland" was released.

1957 - Jerry Lee Lewis made his television debut on "The Steve Allen Show."

1973 - Lee Majors and Farrah Fawcett were married.

1994 - Kenny Rogers (Texas Rangers) pitched the 14th perfect game in major league baseball history.

2000 - Kathie Lee Gifford made her final appearance as co-host of the ABC talk show "Live with Regis and Kathie Lee." -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote of the Day:
"As I approve of a Youth that has something of the Old Man in him, so I am no less pleased with an Old Man that has something of the Youth."

--Cicero

Today is Tuesday  July 27, 2010

Walk on Stilts Day

Stilt-walking isn't something you see every day. Most often seen in parades and at the circus, stilt-walking is an ancient art that only requires a pair of stilts and lots of practice (and maybe some extra padding in case you take a tumble). 

 

It is believed that stilt-walking originated in Landes, France by shepherds who took up stilt-walking as a way to navigate treacherous terrain and unpaved roads.  These shepherds were so proficient on stilts that it was not only safer for them to walk on stilts, but it also saved them precious time.

If you've been waiting for an excuse to give it a try, today is the day you've been waiting for! Order a pair of stilts online and give it a whirl on Walk on Stilts Day!

 Today is also National Scotch Day

July is National Ice Cream Month & National Grilling Month

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

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On this day in History:

1663 - The British Parliament passed a second Navigation Act, which required all goods bound for the colonies be sent in British ships from British ports.

1866 - Cyrus Field successfully completed the Atlantic Cable. It was an underwater telegraph from North America to Europe.

1909 - Orville Wright set a record for the longest airplane flight. He was testing the first Army airplane and kept it in the air for 1 hour 12 minutes and 40 seconds.

1940 - Bugs Bunny made his official debut in the Warner Bros. animated cartoon "A Wild Hare."

1944 - U.S. troops completed the liberation of Guam.
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Quote of the Day:
"In spite of illness, even of the archenemy, sorrow, one can remain alive long past the usual date of disintegration if one is unafraid of change, insatiable in intellectual curiosity, interested in big things, and happy in small ways."

--Edith Wharton

Today is Monday  July 26, 2010

All or Nothing Day

How does one observe All or Nothing Day? The answer is different for everyone, but rest assured this is not a holiday to be taken lightly.  

All or Nothing Day is a day to take risks and live on the edge. It's a day to live like it's your last, so be sure to make peace with your enemies, spend time with your loved ones, and to do something you've always wanted to do.  

Spend today trying new foods, seeking thrills and adventures, and giving all you've got, because All or Nothing Day only happens once a year!

 Today is also National Coffee Milkshake Day

July is National Ice Cream Month & National Grilling Month

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

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On this day in History:

1775 - A postal system was established by the 2nd Continental Congress of the United States. The first Postmaster General was Benjamin Franklin.

1945 - Winston Churchill resigned as Britain's prime minister.

1947 - U.S. President Truman signed The National Security Act. The act created The National Security Council, the Department of Defense, the Central Intelligence Agency and the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

1948 - Babe Ruth was seen by the public for the last time, when he attended the New York City premiere of the motion picture, "The Babe Ruth Story".

1968 - John Lennon and Paul McCartney completed the song "Hey Jude."

1984 - The Prince movie "Purple Rain" premiered in Hollywood, CA.

1999 - 1,500 pieces of Marilyn Monroe's personal items went on display at Christie's in New York, NY. The items went on sale later in 1999. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote of the Day:
"The three things most difficult are: to keep a secret, to forget an injury, and to make good use of leisure."

--Chilo 

Today is Wednesday July 21, 2010

National Junk Food Day

Got a sweet tooth? Crave salty snacks? Today's the day for you—it's National Junk Food Day!

Today is a not a day for calorie-counting or weight watching. It's a day to indulge in all of your favorite snacks. Take advantage of this reason to celebrate by guiltlessly enjoying your favorite treats. When else do you have an excuse to eat all of the unhealthy snacks that you know you shouldn't eat, but really want!

Grab a bag of buttery popcorn at the movies, have some french fries at the ball game, or get an ice cream sundae for dessert. Whatever you do, enjoy National Junk Food Day with at least one of your guilty pleasures! You can start back on your diet tomorrow, right?

July is National Ice Cream Month & National Grilling Month

This week is National Zoo Keeper Week

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

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On this day in History:

1861 - The first major battle of the U.S. Civil War began. It was the Battle of Bull Run at Manassas Junction, VA. The Confederates won the battle.

1930 - The Veterans’ Administration of the United States was established.

1949 - The U.S. Senate ratified the North Atlantic Treaty.

1957 - Althea Gibson became the first black woman to win a major U.S. tennis title when she won the Women’s National clay-court singles competition.

2000 - NBC announced that they had found nearly all of Milton Berle's kinescopes. The filmed recordings of Berle's early TV shows had been the subject of a $30 million lawsuit filed by Berle the previous May. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote of the Day:  "Life is a tragedy for those who feel, and a comedy for those who think."

--La Bruyere
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Today is Tuesday July 20, 2010

National Lollipop Day

Lollipops come in many shapes, sizes, and flavors. It's no wonder why they are a favorite treat for people of all ages! Whether they are filled with gum, chocolate, or solid candy, no one can deny the lure of the lollipop. Do you like to bite right in or lick it until the end? Everyone has a preference for how they like to enjoy their lollipops.

Fun fact: today's machines can produce 5,900 lolllipops per minute. That's plenty of lollipops for you and your friends to enjoy on National Lollipop Day!

If you are feeling particularly ambitious today, think about breaking the world record for the world's largest lollipop. It weighed 4,031 pounds and was more than fifteen feel tall! 

July is National Ice Cream Month & National Grilling Month

This week is National Ventriloquism Week

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

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On this day in History:

1810 - Colombia declared independence from Spain.

1917 - The draft lottery in World War I went into operation.

1940 - "Billboard" magazine published its first listing of best-selling singles. 10 songs were on the list.

1969 - Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin E. Aldrin, Jr. became the first men to walk on the moon.

1976 - America's Viking I robot spacecraft made a successful, first-ever landing on Mars.

1985 - Treasure hunters began raising $400 million in coins and silver from the Spanish galleon "Nuestra Senora de Atocha." The ship sank in 1622 40 miles of the coast of Key West, FL.
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Quote of the Day: "Life is the childhood of our immortality."

-- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
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Today is Monday July 19, 2010

National Daquiri Day

Daiquiris are delectable cocktails that have been around since the 1800's. The daiquiri was invented by a group of American mining engineers in Venus Bar in Santiago.

According to the legend, Jennings Cox ran out of gin while he was entertaining his American guests and so he began mixing together other ingredients, creating the first daiquiri. This cocktail remained fairly local until 1909, when Admiral Lucius W. Johnson tried Cox's drink. He loved it so much that he introduced it to the Army and Navy Club in Washington D.C., and its popularity soon flourished into the rest of the country.

The original daiquiri recipe contained white rum, sugar, lime juice, and gomme syrup. But today, daiquiris can be found in a variety of fruit flavors and can be enjoyed on the rocks or frozen. To celebrate today, enjoy your favorite type of daiquiri to cool you off from this summer heat!

July is National Ice Cream Month & National Grilling Month

This week is National Ventriloquism Week

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

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On this day in History:
1799 - The Rosetta Stone, a tablet with hieroglyphic translations into Greek, was found in Egypt.

1939 - Dr. Roy P. Scholz became the first surgeon to use fiberglass sutures.

1946 - Marilyn Monroe acted in her first screen test.

1980 - Billy Joel earned his first gold record with "It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me."

1985 - Christa McAuliffe of New Hampshire was chosen to be the first schoolteacher to ride aboard the space shuttle. She died with six others when the Challenger exploded the following year. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote of the Day: "We are never so happy, nor so unhappy, as we suppose ourselves to be."

--La Rouchefoucauld
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Today is Friday July 15, 2010

National Corn Fritters Day

It seems hard to believe, but many people have never even heard of corn fritters! Today behind National Corn Fritter Day, it's the perfect time to educate the world about these tasty southern treats that can be summarized in three words: fried yellow goodness. 

Corn fritters are made by frying up small amounts of corn batter and are nicknamed "southern bread" because of their popularity in the south. They're often served with syrup of powdered sugar and can be served as a side dish or as a snack. The American South is definitely known as the birthplace of corn fritters, but the good word has spread all over the world. In Asia, it's not uncommon prepare corn fritters with vegetables and a spicy sauce.

Cook up some corn fritters for your friends today but don't be surprised if you end up wanting more! 

Today is also National Personal Chef Day

July is National Ice Cream Month & National Grilling Month

This week is National Ventriloquism Week

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

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On this day in History:

1790 - The District of Columbia, or Washington, DC, was established as the permanent seat of the United States Government.

1912 - Bradley A. Fiske patented the airplane torpedo.

1940 - Adolf Hitler ordered the preparations to begin on the invasion of England, known as Operation Sea Lion.

1945 - The United States detonated the first atomic bomb in a test at Alamogordo, NM.

1951 - J.D. Salinger's novel, "The Catcher in the Rye," was first published.

1981 - After 23 years with the name Datsun, executives of Nissan changed the name of their cars to Nissan. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote of the Day:"Surely the shortest commencement address in history; and for me one of the most memorable; was that of Dr. Harold E. Hyde, President of New Hampshire’s Plymouth State College. He reduced his message to the graduating class to these three ideals: 'Know yourself; Socrates. Control yourself; Cicero. Give yourself; Christ.'"

--Walter T. Tatara
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Today is Thursday July 15, 2010

National Gummi Worm Day

Gummi worms were first created by the German company Trolli in 1981, nearly 60 years after the invention of the gummi bear. Believe it or not, gummy worms were originally intended as a way for kids to shock their parents. 

Today, gummi worms come in a variety of sugary and sour flavors and have become the most popular gummi candy ever made. Customers buy gummi worms because they love the taste just as much as the texture. In fact, the word gummi comes from the German word for "rubber". Still looking for proof that this candy is a worldwide favorite? A Facebook page for these multi-colored, gummi delights has nearly 1 million fans! They even have a popular candy-tasting drink named after them that combines strawberry vodka, sprite and grenadine. Now that's a following!

Sticky and sweet, yet creepy and crawly, these four-inch long candies brighten anyone's day. Pick up a bag today to celebrate National Gummi Worm Day!

July is National Grilling Month & National Ice Cream Month

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

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On this day in History:
1904 - The first Buddhist temple in the U.S. was established in Los Angeles, CA.

1916 - The Boeing Co., originally known as Pacific Aero Products, was founded in Seattle by William Boeing.

1968 - Commercial air travel began between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R., when the first plane, a Soviet Aeroflot jet, landed at Kennedy International Airport in New York.

1971 - U.S. President Nixon announced he would visit the People's Republic of China to seek a "normalization of relations."

1973 - Nolan Ryan of the California Angels became the first pitcher in two decades to win two no-hitters in a season. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote of the Day:
"Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage."

--Anais Nin
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Today is Wednesday July 14, 2010

Bastille Day

Bastille Day is a French national holiday that is celebrated annually on July 14th. Bastille Day commemorates the beginning of the French Revolution, which began when the Bastille was stormed by the people of Paris. The Bastille was a prison and a symbol of the absolute power of Louis the 16th's Ancient Regime. While the Bastille only contained seven prisoners at the time of its capture, the storming of the prison was a symbol of liberty and the fight against oppression for all French citizens.

Because the Constitution of France allows the president to pardon criminals, past French presidents used Bastille Day to pardon petty offenders (usually those guilty of minor traffic violations). In 2007, President Nicolas Sarkozy ended this tradition.

Parisians celebrate this national holiday with a grand military parade up the Champs Elysees, arts festivals, and raucous parties. So uncork a bottle of French wine, or better yet French champagne, and toast our French friends on this day.

July is National Grilling Month & National Ice Cream Month

Today is also Macaroni Day

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

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On this day in History:

1536 - France and Portugal signed the naval treaty of Lyons, which aligned them against Spain. 1868 - Alvin J. Fellows patented the tape measure. 1933 - All German political parties except the Nazi Party were outlawed. 1946 - Dr. Benjamin Spock’s "The Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care" was first published. 1968 - Hank Aaron, while with the Atlanta Braves, hit his 500th career home run.

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Quote of the Day:
"'What would you call the highest happiness?' Wratislaw was asked. 'The sense of competence,' was the answer, without hesitation."

--John Buchan
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Today is Tuesday July 13, 2010
Sorry for the delay in getting your daily updates as I just returned from our family vacation to Mammoth & Lake Tahoe.

National French Fries Day

Oh how we love those deep-fried strips of potato we know more commonly as french fries (or "chips" in England). The Belgians claim to have invented french fries, but no one knows for sure.

According to a Belgian historian, french fries date back to the 1600s when the inhabitants of a region formerly known as the Spanish Netherlands (currently Belgium) had the custom of accompanying their meals with small fried fish. When the river froze and they could not fish they turned to potatoes which they cut lengthwise and fried in oil. The term "French" was introduced during World War I when soldiers arrived and tasted the fries. They called them "French" as it was the official language of the Belgian Army at the time.

Today, we have many variations of french fries. Waffle fries, curly fries, sweet potato fries, shoestring fries -- what's your favorite? Whatever variation you prefer, chances are you'll be eating them away from home like most Americans. In fact, one fast-food chain's famous fries are so popular, they have their own Facebook page with more than half a million fans!

So hit up the drive-thru and super size your order to celebrate National French Fries Day!

July is National Grilling Month & National Ice Cream Month

Today is also Barbershop Music Appreciation Day

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

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On this day in History:

1585 - A group of 108 English colonists, led by Sir Richard Grenville, reached Roanoke Island, NC. 1832 - Henry Schoolcraft discovered the source of the Mississippi River in Minnesota. 1835 - John Ruggles received patent #1 from the U.S. Patent Office for a traction wheel used in locomotive steam engines. All 9,957 previous patents were not numbered. 1896 - Philadelphia’s Ed Delahanty became the second major league player to hit four home runs in a single game. 1941 - Britain and the Soviet Union signed a mutual aid pact, which provided the means for Britain to send war material to the Soviet Union. 1968 - Steppenwolf's "Born To Be Wild" was released.

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Quote of the Day:
"Uncertainty and expectation are the joys of life. Security is an insipid thing, and the overtaking and possessing of a wish, discovers the folly of the chase."

--William Congreve
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Today is Thursday July 8, 2010

Video Game Day

Video games have reached an all-time high in popularity with their wide variety and special effects. A long way from a joystick plugged into the television, today's video games span all kinds of themes and appeal to almost everyone. 

Not just for kids anymore, video games have become a popular activity at parties. On college campuses all over the world, students crowd around televisions in dorm rooms and frat houses, battling their friends in adventure, sports and music themed games. While the most popular consoles of today are XBox, Playstation and Nintendo Wii, experienced gamers remember the glory days of N64, Gameboys and Sega Genesis.

Celebrate Video Game Day by inviting some friends over to have a video game competition of your own on this special holiday!

July is National Grilling Month & National Ice Cream Month

Today is also Chocolate with Almonds Day

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

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On this day in History:

1795 - Martin Academy in Washington, TN, changed its name to Washington College. It was the first college to be named after U.S. President George Washington. 1865 - C.E. Barnes patented the machine gun. 1889 - The Wall Street Journal was first published. 1947 - Demolition work began in New York City for the new permanent headquarters of the United Nations. 1953 - Notre Dame announced that the next five years of its football games would be shown in theatres over closed circuit TV.

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Quote of the Day:
"Stop pacing the aisles and counting the miles. Instead, climb more mountains, eat more ice cream, go barefoot oftener, swim more rivers, laugh more, and cry less. Life must be lived as we go along."

--Robert J. Hastings

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Today is Wednesday July 7, 2010

National Strawberry Sundae Day

Strawberries, ice cream, whip cream, and a cherry on top? Sounds like the perfect ingredients for a delicious way to cool down this summer. The sweet taste of fresh strawberries matched with the creamy texture of ice cream is a combination that no one will be able to refuse.

Strawberries are better with some ice cream flavors than others. On National Strawberry Sundae Day, avoid peanut butter cup and coffee ice creams, but don't be afraid to throw some strawberries on top of a few scoops of chocolate chip and rocky road! If you're feeling particularly adventurous, mix some nuts and sprinkles in, too.

Some desserts just taste better when you are outside on a hot, summer day. Strawberry sundaes are definitely one of these desserts. Bring your sundaes outside and eat them before they melt!

This favorite American dessert is certainly a reason to celebrate!

July is National Grilling Month & National Ice Cream Month

Today is also Chocolate Day

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

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On this day in History:

1865 - Four people were hanged in Washington, DC, after being convicted of conspiring with John Wilkes Booth to assassinate U.S. President Lincoln. 1920 - A device known as the radio compass was used for the first time on a U.S. Navy airplane near Norfolk, VA. 1950 - The UN Security Council authorized military aid for South Korea. 1981 - U.S. President Reagan announced he was nominating Arizona Judge Sandra Day O'Connor to become the first female justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. 1984 - "Relax" by Frankie Goes To Hollywood became the biggest selling single of all time in Britain. 2000 - Amazon.com announced that they had sold almost 400,000 copies of "Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire," making it the biggest selling book in e-tailing history.

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Quote of the Day:
"Men for the sake of getting a living forget to live."

--Margaret Fuller

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Today is Saturday July 3, 2010

National Chocolate Wafer Day

These crispy, sweet snacks are an American favorite. With their waffle surface pattern and thin layers, they can often be found accompanied with ice cream or cooked into other baked goods.

Variations of chocolate wafers can also be found around the world.  Did you know that in Egypt, there are special kinds of wafers called freska that are only sold on the beach in the summertime?

Elsewhere in the world, chocolate wafers are enjoyed as a key ingredient in Oreos, in ice cream sandwiches and countless other recipes.  National Chocolate Wafer Day is truly a global affair!

No matter where or how you are eating your wafers, these delicious treats are truly worth celebrating!

July is National Grilling Month & National Ice Cream Month

Today is also Eat Beans Day

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

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On this day in History:

1775 - U.S. Gen. George Washington took command of the Continental Army at Cambridge, MA. 1863 - The U.S. Civil War Battle of Gettysburg, PA, ended after three days. It was a major victory for the North as Confederate troops retreated. 1901 - The Wild Bunch, led by Butch Cassidy, committed its last American robbery near Wagner, MT. They took $65,000 from a Great Northern train. 1912 - Rube Marquand of the New York Giants set a baseball pitching record when earned his 19th consecutive win. 1940 - Bud Abbott and Lou Costello debuted on NBC radio. 1971 - Jim Morrison (Doors) died in Paris at age 27.

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Quote of the Day:
"Eighty percent of success is showing up."

--Woody Allen

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Today is Thursday July 1, 2010

Canada Day

Canada, Oh Canada! Today is the birthday of America's neighbor, eh! The first Canada Day was celebrated in 1867 with the British North America Act, which united Canada as a single country with four provinces.

Famous Canadians that are sure to partake in today's festivities are actor Jim Carrey, NHL star Sidney Crosby and singer Celine Dion.  Nearly 35 million Canadian citizens will join them on this day of national pride.

These “canucks” celebrate Canada Day with many of the same traditions that Americans practice on July 4th: barbecues, parades, fireworks and air-shows. It's not hard to understand why July 1st is such a popular day in Canada, from Ottawa to Toronto to Montreal to Vancouver! If you're not Canadian, today is a great day to tip your hat to the creators of ice hockey and snowmobiles.

So spend some loonies and toonies, have some poutine, and celebrate with your neighboring Canadians!

July is National Grilling Month & National Ice Cream Month

Today is also International Joke Day & National Ginger Snap Day

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

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On this day in History:

1847 - The U.S. Post Office issued its first adhesive stamps. 1863 - During the U.S. Civil War, the first day's fighting at Gettysburg began. 1867 - Canada became an independent dominion. 1916 - The massive Allied offensive known as the Battle of the Somme began in France. The battle was the first to use tanks. 1943 - The U.S. Government began automatically withholding federal income tax from paychecks. 1946 - The U.S. exploded a 20-kiloton atomic bomb near Bikini Atoll in the Pacific Ocean. 1968 - The Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty was signed by 60 countries. It limited the spreading of nuclear material for military purposes. On May 11, 1995 the treaty was extended indefinitely. 1997 - The sovereignty over Hong Kong was transferred from Great Britain to China. Britain had controlled Hong Kong as a colony for 156 years.

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Quote of the Day:
"Change is an easy panacea. It takes character to stay in one place and be happy there."

--Elizabeth Clarke Dunn

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Today's Tip:

Missed your connecting flight? Don’t stand in line to rebook with a gate agent. Instead, call the airline’s customer-service number: You may have a better shot at a seat on the next flight.