Today is Tuesday August 31, 2010

Eat Outside Day

It's official, it's the last day of August. With the warm weather days dwindling down, today is the perfect opportunity to take your breakfast, lunch, or dinner and eat outside!

Enjoy a popsicle on your porch, a barbecue in the backyard, or have a picnic in the park. Whatever you decide to do for your delicious meal, enjoy Eat Outside Day!

Today is also National Trail Mix Day

August is National Peach Month & National Goat Cheese Month & National Water Quality Month

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

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On this day in History:

	1950 - Gil Hodges of the Brooklyn Dodgers hit four home runs in a single game off of four different pitchers. 1964 - California officially became the most populated state in America. 1974 - "The Partridge Family" television show ended. 1995 - The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum opened in Cleveland OH.

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Quote of the Day:
"That is happiness: to be dissolved into something complete and great. When it comes to one, it comes as naturally as sleep."

--Willa Cather

Today is Friday August 27, 2010

Banana Lover's Day

Did you know that bananas were once considered a very exotic, hard to find fruit? Today, they are grown in 132 countries worldwide and the average person eats about 33 pounds of bananas a year!

Bananas are also extremely healthy fruits. Their high fiber and potassium content may help prevent high blood pressure and its complications, as well as help protect against renal calcium loss, peptic ulcers, vitamin A deficiency, and kidney cancer.

Banana lovers unite, today is your day to celebrate this delectable fruit. So pick, peel, and enjoy Banana Lover's Day!

Today is also Global Forgiveness Day

August is National Peach Month & National Goat Cheese Month & National Water Quality Month

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

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On this day in History:

1858 - The first cabled news dispatch was sent and was published by "The New York Sun" newspaper. The story was about the peace demands of England and France being met by China. 1859 - The first oil well was successfully drilled in the U.S. by Colonel Edwin L. Drake near Titusville, PA. 1912 - Edgar Rice Burroughs' "Tarzan of the Apes" was published for the first time. 1962 - Mariner 2 was launched by the United States. In December of the same year the spacecraft flew past Venus. 1984 - U.S. President Ronald Reagan announced that the first citizen to go into space would be a teacher. The teacher that was eventually chosen was Christa McAuliffe. She died in the Challenger disaster on January 28, 1986. 1986 - Nolan Ryan, while with the Houston Astros, earned his 250th career win against the Chicago Cubs.

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Quote of the Day:
"We tend not to choose the unknown, which might be a shock or disappointment or simply a little difficult to cope with. And yet it is the unknown with all its disappointments and surprises that is the most enriching."

--Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Today is Thursday August 26, 2010

National Cherry Popsicle Day

These refreshing, frozen treats are a fantastic way to cool off on a hot August day, and National Cherry Popsicle Day is the perfect excuse to have one!

Popsicles are made of 100% fruit and juice, so they are both healthy and delicious. Cherry, not surprising, is the most popular fruit flavored popsicle. Head over to your local grocery store or try making your own at home!

Today is also National Dog Day

August is National Peach Month & National Goat Cheese Month & National Water Quality Month

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

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On this day in History:

1498 - Michelangelo was commissioned to make the "Pieta." 1939 - The first televised major league baseball games were shown. The event was a double-header between the Cincinnati Reds and the Brooklyn Dodgers. 1945 - The Japanese were given surrender instructions on the U.S. battleship Missouri at the end of World War II. 1987 - Sonny Bono announced that he was running for mayor of Palm Springs, CA. He won the election. 1991 - Soviet President Mikhail S. Gorbachev promised that national elections would be held.

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Quote of the Day:
"It must be borne in mind that the tragedy of life does not lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach. It isn’t a calamity to die with dreams unfulfilled, but it is a calamity not to dream. It is not a disgrace not to reach the stars, but it is a disgrace to have no stars to reach for."

--Benjamin E. Mays

Today is Tuesday August 24, 2010

National Waffle Day

Did you know that the first waffles ever cooked were in Greece during the 1300's? The Greeks would cook flat cakes called obleios between two metal pans and top them with cheese and herbs. Today, waffles are commonly topped with maple syrup or fruit and whip cream. National Waffle Day is the anniversary of the first U.S. patent for the waffle iron in 1869. Though they are commonly eaten for breakfast, waffles can really be enjoyed anytime of the day. So go ahead and grab your waffle iron and make homemade waffles today to celebrate!

• August is National Peach Month & National Goat Cheese Month & National Water Quality Month 

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

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On this day in History:

1867 - Johns Hopkins died. The railroad millionaire left $7.5 million in his will for the founding of a new medical school in his name. 1869 - A patent for the waffle iron was received by Cornelius Swarthout. 1932 - Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly across the U.S. non-stop. The trip from Los Angeles, CA to Newark, NJ, took about 19 hours. 1968 - France became the 5th thermonuclear power when they exploded a hydrogen bomb in the South Pacific. 1975 - Davey Lopes of the Los Angeles Dodgers set a major league baseball record when he stole his 38th consecutive base.

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Quote of the Day:
"Uncertainty and mystery are energies of life. Don’t let them scare you unduly, for they keep boredom at bay and spark creativity."

--R.I. Fitzhenry

Today is Monday August 23, 2010

National Sponge Cake Day

Light and airy, sponge cake is the perfect dessert for a hot summer night. Though it typically only contains the basic ingredients of eggs, sugar, and flour, the key to making the perfect sponge cake is to beat the batter thoroughly to create volume. After it has been cooked in the oven but before it has cooled, sponge cake is very flexible. This allows the creation of rolled cakes such as the Swiss roll or other variations on the typical sponge cake. The Victoria Sponge Cake which contains jam between two sponge cakes, was named after Queen Victoria who enjoyed having a slice with her afternoon tea. Bake one today and enjoy National Sponge Cake Day!

• August is National Peach Month & National Goat Cheese Month & National Water Quality Month 

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

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On this day in History:

1839 - Hong Kong was taken by the British in a war with China. 1914 - Tsingtao, China, was bombarded as Japan declared war on Germany in World War I. 1939 - Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union signed a non-aggression treaty. 1966 - The Beatles' movie "Help!" premiered in the U.S. 2000 - Richard Hatch was revealed as the winning castaway on CBS' "Survivor." Hatch won $1,000,000 for his stay on the island of Pulau Tida in the South China Sea.

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Quote of the Day:
"Moderation is a fatal thing. Nothing succeeds like excess."

--Oscar Wilde

Today is Friday August 20, 2010

National Lemonade Day

This cool, refreshing drink is an old time favorite! The mixture of lemons, water, and sugar results in a pleasant contrast of sweet and sour in your mouth. Variations of lemonade can be made and found around the world including clear, cloudy, or fizzy lemonade, pink lemonade, and lemonade as a mixer in alcoholic beverages. However you decide to enjoy your lemonade, be sure to squeeze some fresh lemons to make it in honor of National Lemonade Day!

• August is National Peach Month & National Goat Cheese Month & National Water Quality Month 
• This week is National Aviation Week

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

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On this day in History:

1741 - Danish navigator Vitus Jonas Bering discovered Alaska. 1866 - It was formally declared by U.S. President Andrew Johnson that the American Civil War was over. The fighting had stopped months earlier. 1882 - Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture" debuted in Moscow. 1940 - France fell to the Germans during World War II. 1945 - Tommy Brown of the Brooklyn Dodgers became the youngest player to hit a home run in a major-league ball game. Brown was 17 years, 8 months and 14 days old. 1953 - It was announced by the Soviet Union that they had detonated a hydrogen bomb. 1985 - The original Xerox 914 copier was presented to the Smithsonian Institute's Museum of American History. Chester Carlson was the man who invented the machine.

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Quote of the Day:

"Amusement is the happiness of those who cannot think."

--Alexander Pope

Today is Thursday August 19, 2010

National Potato Day

Although they were first feared to be poisonous by Northern Europeans in the 16th century, potatoes have been a popular aspect of diets around the world for centuries and even contain vitamins and minerals vital to human nutrition.

Did you know that more than 45 billion pounds of potatoes are harvested in the U.S. each year? We use them to make baked potatoes, mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, au gratin potatoes, potato chips, potato soup, french fries...the possibilities for how to cook them are endless!

Hungry yet? Now you have some ideas for how celebrate National Potato Day!

Today is also National Aviation Day

August is National Peach Month & National Goat Cheese Month & National Water Quality Month

This week is National Aviation Week

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

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On this day in History:

1909 - The first car race to be run on brick occurred at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. 1934 - Adolf Hitler was approved for sole executive power in Germany as Fuehrer. 1964 - The first American tour by the Beatles began in San Francisco, CA. The tour would cover 26 cities. 1981 - The final episode of "Charlie's Angels" was aired on ABC-TV. 1993 - "Cheers" ended an 11-year run on NBC-TV. The show debuted on September 30, 1982. 1998 - The first piece of the 351 foot bronze statue of Christopher Columbus arrived in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

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Quote of the Day:

"Regret for the things we did can be tempered with time; it is regret for the things we did not do that is inconsolable."

--Sydney J. Harris

Today is Wednesday August 18, 2010

National Soft Ice Cream Day

Chocolate, vanilla or twist? Everyone has a preference when it comes to soft-serve ice cream!

Soft-serve ice cream has been around since 1938 when John F. McCullough, the founder of Dairy Queen, first created it. McCullough found that when ice cream is produced at a warmer temperature, it allows the taste buds to detect more flavor. What a yummy discovery!

Today, soft-serve ice cream can be found in a wide variety of flavors and combinations. Soft ice cream is also lower in milk-fat than hard ice cream, is better for you, and has more flavor. So what are you waiting for? Get a cone today to celebrate National Soft Ice Cream Day!

August is National Peach Month & National Goat Cheese Month & National Water Quality Month

This week is National Aviation Week

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

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On this day in History:

1587 - Virginia Dare became the first child to be born on American soil of English parents. The colony that is now Roanoke Island, NC, mysteriously vanished. 1840 - The American Society of Dental Surgeons was founded in New York City, NY. 1914 - The "Proclamation of Neutrality" was issued by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson. It was aimed at keeping the U.S. out of World War I. 1938 - The Thousand Islands Bridge was dedicated by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The bridge connects the U.S. and Canada. 1982 - The longest baseball game played at Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL went 22 innings before the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Cubs 2-1. 1982 - The volume on the New York Stock Exchange topped the 100-million level for the first time at 132.69 million shares traded. 1987 - Earl Campbell announced his retirement from the National Football League (NFL).

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Quote of the Day:

"The crown of life is neither happiness nor annihilation; it is understanding. These are the moments of revelation which compensate for the chaos, the discomfort, the toil of living....These are the moments in which all the disorder of life assumes a pattern. We see; we understand; and immediately the intolerable burden becomes tolerable; we stand for a moment on the slopes of a great mountain from the summit of which we can see the truth, and thus enjoy the greatest felicity of which we are capable."
--Winifred Holtby

Today is Tuesday August 17, 2010

National Vanilla Custard Day

National Vanilla Custard Day celebrates this heavenly dessert made from a combination of milk or cream, egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla.

Vanilla custard has been around as early as the fourteenth century. Today, custard is an important part of dessert recipes in many countries around the world. It can be cooked in the oven, in a saucepan on the stove, in a pressure cooker, double boiler, or even very simply in the microwave.

Celebrate the diversity and deliciousness of vanilla custard today by making your own!

August is National Peach Month & National Goat Cheese Month & National Water Quality Month

This week is National Aviation Week

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

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On this day in History:

	1815 - Napoleon began serving his exile when he arrived at the island of St. Helena. 1835 - Solyman Merrick patented the wrench. 1894 - John Wadsworth of Louisville set a major league record when he gave up 28 base hits in a single game. 1903 - Joseph Pulitzer donated a million dollars to Columbia University. This started the Pulitzer Prizes in his name.

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Quote of the Day:

"In the last analysis it is our conception of death which decides our answers to all the questions life puts to us."

--Dag Hammarskjold

Today is Monday August 16, 2010

Bratwurst Day

Bratwurst is a German type of sausage that has been a worldwide favorite for centuries! In fact, the first recorded mention of bratwurst occurred in 1404 in Thuringia. Who knew?

Bratwurst are usually grilled, but can also be smoked or cooked in broth or beer. In the United States, they are usually served on Sheboygan hard rolls with brown mustard, onions, and ketchup. What better day to learn more about bratwurst and the proper way to eat them than on Bratwurst Day!

Today is also National Rum Day

August is National Peach Month & National Goat Cheese Month & National Water Quality Month

This week is Elvis Week & National Aviation Week

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

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On this day in History:

1829 - The "Siamese twins," Chang and Eng Bunker, arrived in Boston, MA. They had come to the Western world to be exhibited. They were 18 years old and joined at the waist. 1954 - Sports Illustrated was published for the first time. It was claimed that 250,000 subscriptions had been sold before the first issue came off of the presses. 1960 - The free-fall world record was set by Joseph Kittinger. He fell more than 16 miles (about 84,000 feet) before opening his parachute over New Mexico. 1966 - The Monkees' first single, "Last Train to Clarksville," was released. 1975 - Peter Gabriel announced that he was leaving the group Genesis. Phil Collins would be the new lead singer after the group auditioned more than 400 potential musicians.

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Quote of the Day:

"I want to tell people approaching and perhaps fearing age that it is a time of discovery. If they say 'Of what?' I can only answer 'We must find out for ourselves, otherwise it wouldn’t be discovery.'”

--Florida Scott-Maxwell 

Today is Saturday August 14, 2010

National Creamsicle Day

Whoever thought to combine vanilla and orange ice cream is a pure genius! This enjoyable frozen treat is the perfect way to sit back, relax, and cool down on a hot August day.

Creamsicles were first made by the brand Popsicle but are really easy to make at home! Just mix together orange juice and vanilla ice cream in a large bowl and gradually add milk and continue to mix. Pour into small paper cups and place them into the freezer. Once they are partially frozen, insert wooden sticks and then place them back into the freezer. After they are solidly frozen, just peel off the paper and voilà! They are ready to serve and enjoy.

Another option: hope for an ice cream truck to make the rounds in your neighborhood. Happy National Creamsicle Day!

August is National Peach Month & National Goat Cheese Month & National Water Quality Month

This week is Elvis Week

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

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On this day in History:

History for August 14 1873 - "Field and Stream" magazine published its first issue. 1917 - China declared war on Germany and Austria during World War I. 1941 - U.S. President Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill issued the Atlantic Charter. The charter was a statement of principles that renounced aggression. 1941 - The U.S. Congress appropriated the funds to construct the Pentagon (approximately $83 million). The building was the new home of the U.S. War Department. 1945 - It was announced by U.S. President Truman that Japan had surrendered unconditionally. The surrender ended World War II. 1985 - Michael Jackson purchased the Beatle's copyrights of 251 songs written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. The purchase cost $47.5 million. Jackson outbid Yoko Ono and Paul McCartney. 1987 - Mark McGwire set the record for major league home runs by a rookie when he connected for his 39th home run of the season. 1989 - Bon Jovi's "New Jersey" album became the first U.S. album to be released legally in the Soviet Union. The Russian label Melodiya paid the group with a truckload of firewood since rubles can't leave Russia.

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Quote of the Day:
"One can have no happiness in this world or the next but by extreme and vehement love."

--Sir Kenelm Digby

Today is Friday August 13, 2010

Left-Handers Day

If you are left-handed, you know that living in a world designed for right-handed people can be quite difficult. Things like opening doors, writing in spiral notebooks, and using a computer mouse leaves you feeling awkward and frustrated.

Left-Handers Day is designed just for you in celebration of your uniqueness. If you haven't joined already, check out the Left-Handers' Club where you can join forces with thousands of other left-handed people. And who knows, maybe you'll be nominated for the Left-Hander of the Year Award!

Today is also National Filet Mignon Day

August is National Peach Month & National Goat Cheese Month & National Water Quality Month

This week is Elvis Week

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

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On this day in History:

1521 - Present day Mexico City was captured by Spanish conqueror Hernando Cortez from the Aztec Indians.

1889 - A patent for a coin-operated telephone was issued to William Gray.

1907 - The first taxicab started on the streets of New York City.

1932 - Adolf Hitler refused to take the post of vice-chancellor of Germany. He said he was going to hold out "for all or nothing."

1942 - Walt Disney's "Bambi" opened at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, NY.

1979 - Lou Brock of the St. Louis Cardinals got his 3,000th career hit.

1994 - It was reported that aspirin not only helps reduce the risk of heart disease, but also helps prevent colon cancer. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote of the Day:
"To compose our character is our duty, not to compose books, and to win, not battles and provinces, but order and tranquility in our conduct. Our great and glorious masterpiece is to live appropriately."

Today is Thursday August 12, 2010

International Youth Day

If there is one word to describe International Youth Day, it is sustainability. This day enforces the importance of maintaining an environmental balance and also encourages social responsibility. These are essential elements for sustaining the world's future.

Join the United Nations in spreading its message about the challenges associated with sustainability and what people can do to help.

Today is also Julienne Fries Day

August is National Peach Month & National Goat Cheese Month & National Water Quality Month

This week is Elvis Week

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

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On this day in History:

1851 - Isaac Singer was issued a patent on the double-headed sewing machine.

1898 - Hawaii was annexed by the U.S. Hawaii was later given territorial status and was given Statehood in 1959.

1953 - The Soviet Union secretly tested its first hydrogen bomb.

1964 - Mickey Mantle set a major league baseball record when he hit home runs from both the left and ride sides of the plate in the same game.

1973 - Jack Nicklaus won his 14th major golf title. The win broke the record that had been held by Bobby Jones for 50 years. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote of the Day:
"Youth is a gift of nature; aging is a work of art."

--Anonymous

Today is Wednesday August 11, 2010

National Raspberry Tart Day

These savory pastry dishes are an American favorite -- it's no wonder today is National Raspberry Tart Day! In case you're wondering, a tart is a type of pie with an open top. Sweetened fruits such as raspberries are often arranged on the pastry and then baked in the oven.

Tarts were first introduced during Medieval times and can be made either savory or sweet. Raspberry tarts are one of the more famous types of tarts, so try your hand at baking one today in celebration of this divine dessert!

Today is also Ramadan

August is National Peach Month & National Goat Cheese Month & National Water Quality Month

This week is Elvis Week

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

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On this day in History:

1966 - The Beatles arrived at Chicago's O'Hare Airport to start their last tour of the U.S.

1877 - The two moons of Mars were discovered by Asaph Hall, an American astronomer. He named them Phobos and Deimos.

1934 - Alcatraz, in San Francisco Bay, received federal prisoners for the first time.

1942 - During World War II, Pierre Laval publicly announced, "the hour of liberation for France is the hour when Germany wins the war."

1951 - The first major league baseball game to be televised in color was broadcast. The Brooklyn Dodgers defeated the Boston Braves 8-1.

1984 - Carl Lewis won his fourth gold medal in the 1984 Summer Olympics.

1992 - In Bloomington, MN, the Mall of America opened. It was the largest shopping mall in the United States.
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Quote of the Day:
"We must not forget that only a very few people are artists in life, that the art of life is the most distinguished and rarest of all the arts."

--Carl Jung

Today is Tuesday August 10, 2010

S'mores Day

Who says you need a campfire to enjoy a s'more? These delicious treats can also be baked in an oven or microwave!  S'mores were first developed by campers during the early twentieth century and the first s'more recipe was published in 1927 in the Girl Scout Handbook.

Want to know how to celebrate S'mores Day? Just grab the ingredients—graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate bars—and a few friends and enjoy this tasty, American tradition. It will definitely leave you wanting...s'more!

August is National Peach Month & National Goat Cheese Month & National Water Quality Month

This week is Elvis Week

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

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On this day in History:

1846 - The Smithsonian Institution was chartered by the U.S. Congress. The "Nation's Attic" was made possible by $500,000 given by scientist Joseph Smithson.

1947 - William Odom completed an around-the-world flight. He set the solo record by completing the flight in 73 hours and 5 minutes.

1948 - On ABC, "Candid Camera" made its TV debut. The original title was "Candid Microphone."

1954 - Elvis Presley made an appearance in Memphis where he debuted "That's All Right (Mama)."

1981 - Pete Rose hit a single and broke the National League all-time hit record with his 3,630 hit. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote of the Day:
"When I hear somebody sigh, 'Life is hard,' I am always tempted to ask, 'Compared to what?'”

--Sydney J. Harris

Today is Monday August 9, 2010

National Rice Pudding Day

Rice pudding was first made in Asia to aid the malnourished. It then appeared hundreds of years later in Europe during the 1500's, where it was considered a luxury for the rich. Rice pudding has since spread worldwide in thousands of variations.

Popular rice pudding recipes often include cinnamon and sugar or other sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. In the United States, most rice pudding recipes have descended from European immigrants. Enjoy some rice pudding today in honor of National Rice Pudding Day!

August is National Peach Month & National Goat Cheese Month & National Water Quality Month

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

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On this day in History:

1678 - American Indians sold the Bronx to Jonas Bronck for 400 beads.

1854 - "Walden" was published by Henry David Thoreau.

1859 - The escalator was patented by Nathan Ames.

1936 - Jesse Owens won his fourth gold medal at the Berlin Olympics. He was the first American to win four medals in one Olympics.

1965 - Singapore proclaimed its independence from the Malaysian Federation.

1981 - Major league baseball teams resumed play at the conclusion of the first mid-season players’ strike.
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Quote of the Day:
"The man who regards his own life and that of his fellow creatures as meaningless is not merely unhappy but hardly fit for life."

--Albert Einstein

Today is Friday August 6, 2010

National Root Beer Float Day

Between the smooth, creamy vanilla ice cream and the frothy, delicious root beer foam, it's difficult to imagine a person who doesn't love root beer floats. This amazing dessert beverage is the perfect way to cool off on a sultry summer night.

The first root beer was made and sold in 1880. Thirteen years later, Frank Wisner of Colorado felt inclined to add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to his glass of root beer, creating the first root beer float. It instantly became a popular treat, but was often referred to back then as a "black cow."

So go ahead, participate in this delectable American tradition and make your own for National Root Beer Float Day!

August is National Peach Month & National Goat Cheese Month & National Water Quality Month

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

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On this day in History:

1879 - The first Australian rules football game to be played at night took place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The game was to promote the introduction of electricity to the city of Melbourne.

1890 - The electric chair was used for the first time when Auburn State Prison in New York executed convicted murderer William Kemmler.

1914 - Austria-Hungary declared war against Russia. Serbia declared war against Germany.

1945 - The American B-29 bomber, known as the Enola Gay, dropped the first atomic bomb on an inhabited area. The bomb named "Little Boy" was dropped over the center of Hiroshima, Japan. An estimated 140,000 people were killed.

1960 - Chubby Checker performed "The Twist" on American TV for the first time on "American Bandstand."

1962 - Jamaica became an independent dominion within the British Commonwealth.

1996 - NASA announced the discovery of evidence of primitive life on Mars. The evidence came in the form of a meteorite that was found in Antarctica. The meteorite was believed to have come from Mars and contained a fossil. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote of the Day:
"As you enter positions of trust and power, dream a little before you think."

--Toni Morrison

Today is Thursday August 5, 2010

Sister's Day

Though you may argue, fight, tattle tail to mom, and pull each others hair, you know that deep down your sister truly is your best friend. You share your deepest secrets, earliest memories, and countless laughs with one another. 

Did you know that approximately 85% of the people living in the United States have at least one birth sibling? Children often learn lessons about socializing and interacting with others through their sibling relationships. Sisterhood is a strong bond between siblings that should always be cherished.

Take this day, Sister's Day, to show your gratification and love to your sister. Plan a trip to the beach, grab lunch together, or spend a day at the spa. You can exchange childhood memories and build a sister bond that will last a lifetime! 

Today is also National Oyster Day & National Walk on the Moon Day & International Beer Day

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

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On this day in History:
1884 - On Bedloe's Island in New York Harbor, the cornerstone for the Statue of Liberty was laid.

1923 - Henry Sullivan became the first American to swim across the English Channel.

1957 - American Bandstand made its network debut on ABC-TV. The show was hosted by Dick Clark.

1963 - The Limited Test Ban Treaty was signed by the United States, Britain, and the Soviet Union. The treaty banned nuclear tests in space, underwater, and in the atmosphere.

1969 - The Mariner 7, a U.S. space probe, passed by Mars. Photographs and scientific data were sent back to Earth.

1984 - Toronto’s Cliff Johnson set a major league baseball record by hitting the 19th pinch-hit home run in his career.

1990 - U.S. President Bush angrily denounced the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote of the Day:
"Life’s a pretty precious and wonderful thing. You can’t sit down and let it lap around you...you have to plunge into it; you have to dive through it! And you can’t save it, you can’t store it up; you can’t horde it in a vault. You’ve got to taste it; you’ve got to use it. The more you use the more you have...that’s the miracle of it!"

--Kyle Samuel Crichton

Today is Wednesday August 4, 2010

Coast Guard Day

Today, we honor the military branch that protects our waters and shorelines: the United States Coast Guard. Did you know that the term "Coast Guard" wasn't used until 1915? This military branch got its start on August 4, 1790 and was originally referred to as the Revenue Cutter Service. More than two hundred years later, we celebrate all that the Coast Guard has done to protect our great country!

To celebrate today, attend the Coast Guard Festival in America's own "Coast Guard City," Grand Haven, Michigan. The mission of the festival is to honor the men and women of the US Coast Guard. This fun-filled event includes a parade, downtown carnival, ship tours, fireworks, and much more. The Coast Guard Festival been around since 1924 and sees over 350,000 people annually.

Today is also National Night Out

August is National Peach Month & National Goat Cheese Month & National Water Quality Month

This week is Simplify Your Life Week

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

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On this day in History:

1790 - The Revenue Cutter Service was formed. This U.S. naval task force was the beginning of the U.S. Coast Guard.

1821 - "The Saturday Evening Post" was published for the first time as a weekly.

1934 - Mel Ott became the first major league baseball player to score six runs in a single game.

1944 - Nazi police raided a house in Amsterdam and arrested eight people. Anne Frank, a teenager at the time, was one of the people arrested. Her diary would be published after her death.

1956 - Elvis Presley's song "Hound Dog" was released.

1957 - Florence Chadwick set a world record by swimming the English Channel in 6 hours and 7 minutes.
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Quote of the Day:
"My code of conduct is simply this: work hard; play to the allowable limit; disregard equally the good and bad opinion of others...live the moment to the utmost of its possibilities...and be satisfied with life always, but never with oneself."

--George Jean Nathan

Today is Tuesday August 3, 2010

National Watermelon Day

Today, we celebrate the staple of many American picnics: the watermelon. Comprised of 90% water, it's no wonder why this fruit is such a refreshing, summer favorite. Eat it plain, grill it, or mix it into salsa, however you eat your watermelon it will leave you wanting more.

It is believed that the first watermelons were planted in Egypt during the Twelfth Dynasty after many watermelon seeds were recovered from the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamen. Did you know that watermelons can be found in a variety of colors including red, pink, white, or yellow and weigh an average of 10 to 45 pounds?

Watermelon lovers, celebrate National Watermelon Day by cutting yourself an extra large slice of this juicy, sweet fruit and checking out this site just for you!

Today is also Grab Some Nuts Day

August is National Peach Month & National Goat Cheese Month & National Water Quality Month

This week is Simplify Your Life Week

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

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On this day in History:

1900 - Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. was founded.

1914 - Germany declared war on France. The next day World War I began when Britain declared war on Germany.

1933 - The Mickey Mouse Watch was introduced for the price of $2.75.

1936 - Jesse Owens won the first of his four Olympic gold medals.

1949 - The National Basketball Association (NBA) was formed. The league was formed by the merger between the Basketball Association of America and the National Basketball League.

1984 - Mary Lou Retton won a gold medal at the Los Angeles Summer Olympics. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote of the Day:
"It is not length of life, but depth of life."

--Ralph Waldo Emerson