Today is Tuesday May 31, 2011

National Macaroon Day

Macaroons are delectable cookies made from ground nuts, sugar, and leavened egg whites. Coconut, chocolate, and potato starch are also common ingredients in a macaroon cookie recipe.

One interesting fact about macaroons is that they contain no flour! These cookies are popular among Jewish families especially during Passover when they cannot cook with flour.

It is believed that macaroons originated in Italy. In fact, the word “macaroon” comes from the Italian word for paste, “maccarone.” In 1533, macaroon cookies were brought to France by Italian monks and nuns. Two Benedictine nuns, Sister Marguerite and Sister Marie-Elisabeth, baked and sold the cookies in order to pay for their housing. They became known as the “Macaroon Sisters” and their cookies became famous throughout Europe.

To celebrate National Macaroon Day, buy some delicious macaroon cookies to enjoy with friends and family!

May is National Bike Month & National Strawberry Month & National Hamburger Month

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

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History for May 31 1870 - E.J. DeSemdt patented asphalt. 1909 - The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) held its first conference. 1955 - The U.S. Supreme Court ordered that all states must end racial segregation "with all deliberate speed." 1969 - John Lennon and Yoko Ono recorded "Give Peace a Chance." 1977 - The trans-Alaska oil pipeline was finished after 3 years of construction. 1999 - VH1's "Behind the Music" began airing nightly. The premiere show was "The Red Hot Chili Peppers

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"We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies."

--Martin Luther King, Jr.

Today is Monday May 30, 2011

Memorial Day

Today we commemorate and honor all of the men and women who died while serving our country. Memorial Day was originally founded to honor the soldiers who gave their lives in the Civil War, but it has since been expanded to include all wars involving the United States military. It has been recognized as a federal holiday since 1971.

Traditional Memorial Day observances include visits to cemeteries and memorials as well as attending parades and dedications. A National Moment of Remembrance also occurs at 3 p.m. local time across the nation. Check out your local newspaper for events going on in your neighborhood to honor our nation's fallen soldiers.

Memorial Day is also commonly referred to as the unofficial kickoff to summer and is celebrated with picnics, family gatherings, barbeques, weekend getaways, and sporting events. Happy Memorial Day!

Today is also National Mint Julep Day

May is National Bike Month & National Strawberry Month & National Hamburger Month

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

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1539 - Hernando de Soto, the Spanish explorer, landed in Florida with 600 soldiers to search for gold.

1868 - Memorial Day was observed for the first time in the U.S.

1879 - William Vanderbilt renamed New York City's Gilmore’s Garden to Madison Square Garden.

1922 - The Lincoln Memorial was dedicated in Washington, DC.

1967 - Daredevil Evel Knievel jumped 16 automobiles in a row in a motorcycle stunt at Ascot Speedway in Gardena, CA.

1968 - The Beatles began recording "The White Album." -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   
Quote of the Day:

"Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others, cannot keep it from themselves."

--James M. Barrie

Today is Sunday May 29, 2011

Indianapolis 500

The Indy 500 draws thousands of spectators each year to its speedway in Indianapolis to watch the five hundred mile, two hundred lap race. Once called "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing," this automobile race has become an American tradition.

The first Indianapolis 500 race drew 80,200 spectators who each paid a $1 admission fee. Since then, capacity at the speedway has increased to 250,000 permanent seats, making the Indianapolis Motor Speedway the world's largest spectator sporting facility!

The Indy 500 is an event rich in traditions. From the multi-colored balloons released at the start of the race to the winners kneeling to kiss the bricks, it's the race's history and traditions that make this one of the most popular single-day sporting events in the world.

To celebrate, host an Indy 500 party and tune in to find out who will win this year!

Today is also International Coq Au Vin Day

May is National Bike Month & National Strawberry Month & National Hamburger Month

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

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1790 - Rhode Island became the last of the original thirteen colonies to ratify the U.S. Constitution.

1849 - A patent for lifting vessels was granted to Abraham Lincoln.

1911 - The first running of the Indianapolis 500 took place.

1942 - Bing Crosby, the Ken Darby Singers and John Scott Trotter Orchestra recorded Irving Berlin's "White Christmas."

1951 - C.F. Blair became the first man to fly over the North Pole in single engine plane.

1953 - Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay became first men to reach the top of Mount Everest.
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Quote of the Day:

"Modern man thinks he loses something -- time -- when he does not do things quickly, yet he does not know what to do with the time he gains except kill it."

--B. Eugene Griessman

Today is Friday May 27, 2011

Sun Screen Day

Today is Sun Screen Day! With summer on the horizon, you are probably starting to spend more time outdoors. It is essential to wear sunscreen to protect your body from the harmful effects of the sun.

Sunlight consists of ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays, both of which are harmful to humans. UVA rays cause suppression of the immune system, which has a negative impact on the body's ability to protect against the development and spread of skin cancer. UVB rays cause a sunburn to occur, which can also lead to the development of skin cancer.

There are more than 1 million cases of skin cancer diagnosed in the United States each year. To minimize your risk, wear sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun — even on non-sunny days. Sunscreen should be applied 15 to 30 minutes before going outside and should be reapplied every two hours or after swimming. Even if you do not typically burn from the sun, your skin is still at risk from the harmful UV rays.

Sun Screen Day is a good reminder to make sure you apply and reapply your sun screen whenever you go outside!

Today is also National Wig Out Day & National Grape Popsicle Day

May is National Bike Month & National Strawberry Month & National Hamburger Month

This week is National Frozen Yogurt Week

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

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1937 - The Golden Gate Bridge was opened to the public.

1950 - Frank Sinatra made his TV debut on NBC's "Star-Spangled Review."

1986 - Mel Fisher recovered a jar that contained 2,300 emeralds from the Spanish ship Atocha. The ship sank in the 17th century. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   
Quote of the Day:

"Every man has the right to risk his own life in order to save it."

--Jean-Jacques Rosseau

Today is Thursday May 26, 2011

National Blueberry Cheesecake Day

Blueberry cheesecake is a divine dessert perfect for any occasion! It is believed that cheesecake originated in Ancient Greece where it was served to athletes during the Olympic Games in 776 B.C. Since these ancient times, recipes for cheesecake have grown and development into many different delicious variations. Cheesecake flavors are unlimited--from plain to chocolate to blueberry, there are many different flavors! 

The types of cheese used in the cheesecake also varies depending on where it is made. American cheesecakes are made with cream cheese and Italian cheesecakes are made with ricotta. Furthermore, German and Polish cheesecake recipes call for quark cheese. The filling for blueberry cheesecake can be made using fresh blueberries or a store-bought blueberry filling. This National Blueberry Cheesecake Day, enjoy a heavenly slice (or two) of blueberry cheesecake, you deserve it!

May is National Bike Month & National Strawberry Month & National Hamburger Month

This week is National Frozen Yogurt Week

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

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1805 - Napoleon Bonaparte was crowned king of Italy.

1836 - The U.S. House of Representatives adopted what has been called the Gag Rule.

1969 - The Apollo 10 astronauts returned to Earth after a successful eight-day dress rehearsal for the first manned moon landing.

1977 - George H. Willig was arrested after he scaled the South Tower of New York's World Trade Center. It took him 3 1/2 hours.

1994 - Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley were married in the Dominican Republic. They were divorced in January of 1996.

1998 - The Grand Princess cruise ship made its inaugural cruise. The ship measures 109,000 tons and cost approximately $450 million making it the largest and most expensive cruise ship ever built. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Quote of the Day:

"A man is only as good as what he loves."

--Saul Bellow

Today is Wednesday May 25, 2011

National Wine Day

A whole day dedicated to wine? Sounds like a pretty good idea. Wine has been enjoyed for centuries in various cultures around the world.

The oldest bottle of wine was discovered in 1867 at a dig site in Speyer, Germany inside of two Roman stone sarcophaguses. It's estimated that the bottle dates back to 325 AD! This astounding discovery can be seen today on display at the History Museum of the Pfalz in Germany.

Red, white, pinot, or cabernet, what's your favorite type of wine? There are over 20 million acres of wine grapes planted around the world ready to make the various types of wine used for cooking and consuming.

Wine is also guilt free as it contains no fat and nearly no cholesterol. There are even some health benefits to drinking wine—all in moderation, of course. All the more reason to enjoy it!

To celebrate National Wine Day, check out events going on at local wineries or host your own wine tasting party for you and your friends to enjoy!

Today is also National Tap Dance Day & International Geek Pride Day

May is National Bike Month & National Strawberry Month & National Hamburger Month

This week is National Frozen Yogurt Week

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

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1787 - The Constitutional convention opened at Philadelphia with George Washington presiding.

1927 - Ford Motor Company announced that the Model A would replace the Model T.

1935 - Babe Ruth hit his final homerun, his 714th, and set a record that would stand for 39 years.

1961 - America was asked by U.S. President Kennedy to work toward putting a man on the moon before the end of the decade.

1968 - The Gateway Arch, part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial in St. Louis, MO, was dedicated.

1968 - The Rolling Stones released "Jumpin' Jack Flash."

1977 - "Star Wars Episode IV- A New Hope" opened and became the largest grossing film to date. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Quote of the Day:

"A happiness that is sought for ourselves alone can never be found; for a happiness that is diminished by being shared is not big enough to make us happy."

--Thomas Merton

Today is Tuesday May 24, 2011

National Escargot Day

Escargot is a tasty appetizer made from cooked snails that has been consumed by humans for centuries.

Escargot can be considered a healthy food because snails are high in protein and very low in fat. However, not all species of snails are edible and the taste of the snails vary among species. 

To cook escargot, the snails are removed from their shells, gutted, and cooked with garlic butter. Once cooked, they are then poured back into the shells to be served. Did you know that the French consume 40,000 metric tons of snails annually? If you've never tried escargot, National Escargot Day is a great reason to give them a try!

May is National Bike Month & National Strawberry Month & National Hamburger Month

This week is National Frozen Yogurt Week

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

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1830 - The first passenger railroad service in the U.S. began service.

1844 - Samuel F.B. Morse formally opened America's first telegraph line. The first message was sent from Washington, DC to Baltimore, MD.

1962 - The officials of the National Football League ruled that halftime of regular season games would be cut to 15 minutes.

1980 - Iran rejected a call by the World Court in The Hague to release American hostages.

1986 - Montreal won its 23rd National Hockey League Stanley Cup championship. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Quote of the Day:

"We act as though comfort and luxury were the chief requirements of life, when all that we need to make us happy is something to be enthusiastic about."

--Charles Kingsley

Today is Monday May 23, 2011

World Turtle Day

Turtles and tortoises come in all shapes and sizes. They range in size from the 4-inch Bog Turtle to the 1500-pound Leathery Turtle. Various species of turtles can be found around the world on every continent except Antarctica.

Did you know that turtles have been on the earth for more than 200 million years? They evolved before mammals, birds, snakes, and lizards. One reason that they have outlived many other types of species is because of their unique shells. The shell of a turtle is made up of 60 different bones all connected together.

Despite that hard exterior, they're really big softies on the inside and need your protection. This World Turtle Day, be kind to the turtle. I mean, what's he ever done to you?

Today is also Victoria Day & National Taffy Day

May is National Bike Month & National Strawberry Month & National Hamburger Month

This week is National Frozen Yogurt Week

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

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1785 - Benjamin Franklin wrote in a letter that he had invented bifocals.

1949 - The Republic of West Germany was established. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote of the Day:

"It is not enough to be a hard-working person. Think: what do you work at?"

--Henry David Thoreau

Today is Monday May 23, 2011


World Turtle Day

Turtles and tortoises come in all shapes and sizes. They range in size from the 4-inch Bog Turtle to the 1500-pound Leathery Turtle. Various species of turtles can be found around the world on every continent except Antarctica. Did you know that turtles have been on the earth for more than 200 million years? They evolved before mammals, birds, snakes, and lizards. One reason that they have outlived many other types of species is because of their unique shells. The shell of a turtle is made up of 60 different bones all connected together. Despite that hard exterior, they're really big softies on the inside and need your protection. This World Turtle Day, be kind to the turtle. I mean, what's he ever done to you?

• Today is also Victoria Day & National Taffy Day
• May is National Bike Month & National Strawberry Month & National Hamburger Month
• This week is National Frozen Yogurt Week

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

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 On this day in History:




1785 - Benjamin Franklin wrote in a letter that he had invented bifocals.



1949 - The Republic of West Germany was established.

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Quote: "I began to have an idea of my life, not as the slow shaping of achievement to fit my preconceived purposes, but as the gradual discovery and growth of a purpose which I  

did not know."



--Joanna Field



Today is Thursday May 20, 2011

National Bike to Work Day

National Bike to Work Day was started by the League of American Bicyclists, who also promotes Bike Week and Bike Month during the month of May. Since its origin, this day has grown and developed into a nationwide event. Local, regional, and national bicycle advocacy groups participate to encourage people to commute to work using a bicycle. There are even pit stops along some bicycle routes that provide cyclists with snacks and drinks!

Join thousands of other Americans today for the Annual Bike to Work Day. Whether you are environmentally conscious or just love the exercise, biking to work is a great way to avoid the commuter traffic and stay in shape!

Today is also Be a Millionaire Day & National Quiche Lorraine Day

May is National Bike Month & National Strawberry Month & National Hamburger Month

This week is American Craft Beer Week

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

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1830 - The fountain pen was patented by H.D. Hyde.

1861 - During the American Civil War, the capital of the Confederacy was moved from Montgomery, AL, to Richmond, VA.

1874 - Levi Strauss began marketing blue jeans with copper rivets.

1927 - Charles Lindbergh took off from New York to cross the Atlantic for Paris aboard his airplane the "Spirit of St. Louis." The trip took 33 1/2 hours.

1978 - "The Buddy Holly Story" premiered in of Lubbock, TX.

1990 - The Hubble Space Telescope sent back its first photographs.

1993 - The final episode of "Cheers" was aired on NBC-TV.


daily quote

"We should be taught not to wait for inspiration to start a thing. Action always generates inspiration. Inspiration seldom generates action."

--Frank Tibolt

Today is Thursday May 19, 2011

National Devil's Food Cake Day

What is rich, chocolatey, airy, and moist? Devil's food cake of course! This tempting dessert is considered the counterpart to the white angel food cake. It is generally more moist and airy than other types of chocolate cake, due to its use of baking soda. Baking soda raises the pH level of the cake, making it deeper and a darker mahogany color. The use of hot or boiling water as the cake's main liquid rather than milk is also another common distinguisher of this type of cake.

Devil's food cake was introduced to the United States in the early 1900's. It is quite similar to the red velvet cake and the names are often interchangeable in some parts of the country. To celebrate National Devil's Food Cake Day, make some divine devil's food cake to enjoy. Yum!

Today is also National Boy's Club Day

May is National Bike Month & National Strawberry Month & National Hamburger Month

This week is American Craft Beer Week

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

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1857 - The electric fire alarm system was patented by William F. Channing and Moses G. Farmer.

1911 - The first American criminal conviction that was based on fingerprint evidence occurred in New York City.

1935 - The National Football League (NFL) adopted an annual college draft to begin in 1936.

1958 - Bobby Darin’s single, "Splish Splash," was released as the first eight-track master recording pressed to a plastic 45-RPM disc.

1999 - "Star Wars Episode I - The Phantom Menace" was released in the U.S. It set a new record for opening day sales at 28.5 million. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote of the Day:

"Anyone can revolt. It is more difficult silently to obey our own inner promptings, and to spend our lives finding sincere and fitting means of expression for our temperament and our gifts."

--Georges Rouault

Today is Tuesday May 17, 2011

National Cherry Cobbler Day

Cherry cobbler is a delightful dessert made with a thick crust and fruit filling. When early American settlers first arrived in the New World, many of the ingredients found in their old favorite recipes were pretty much unheard of in this new country. Settlers had to improvise and experiment using different ingredients, thus creating new dishes like cobblers. They became so fond of these new tasty treats that they were often served as the main course for a meal. It was not until the 19th century that cobbler became a dish primarily served for dessert.

Cherry cobbler can be made with either fresh or canned cherries, though fresh cherries are always ideal to use in the recipe if you can. This type of cobbler is not very sweet because of the tart cherries. Enjoy National Cherry Cobbler Day by baking your own to enjoy as your main meal as the early American settlers did!

Today is also Pack Rat Day

May is National Bike Month & National Strawberry Month & National Hamburger Month

This week is American Craft Beer Week

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

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1792 - The New York Stock Exchange was founded at 70 Wall Street by 24 brokers.

1875 - The first Kentucky Derby was run at Louisville, KY.

1975 - Elton John’s "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy" album was released. It was the first album to be certified a million-seller on its first day of release.

1975 - NBC TV bought the rights to show "Gone with the Wind." The one time rights cost NBC $5,000,000.

1985 - Bobby Ewing died on the season finale of "Dallas" on CBS-TV. He returned the following season.

1993 - Barry Manilow appeared on the CBS-TV's "Murphy Brown."

1998 - New York Yankees pitcher David Wells became the 13th player in modern major league baseball history to throw a perfect game.
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Quote of the Day:

"It is not enough to be a hard-working person. Think: what do you work at?"

--Henry David Thoreau

Today is Sunday May 15, 2011

National Chocolate Chip Day

Chocolate chip cookies, chocolate chip pancakes, chocolate chip muffins, the possibilities are endless for what to make with chocolate chips!

The original chocolate chip cookie was invented by Ruth Graves Wakefield in the 1930's at her Toll House Inn in Whitman, Massachusetts. Ruth was going to cook chocolate cookies for her guests, but she ran out of baker's chocolate. By substituting chopped up semi-sweet chocolate bits for the baker's chocolate in the recipe, Ruth discovered that the bits did not melt into the dough as baker's chocolate does.

These cookies became an immediate hit with her guests and have since become a favorite cookie throughout America and the rest of the world. Approximately 25 percent of the cookies baked in the United States today are chocolate chip cookies. Happy National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day!

To celebrate National Chocolate Chip Day, bake or cook something that calls for chocolate chips in the recipe or add them to your own recipe to create something chocolatey-chip delicious!

May is National Bike Month & National Strawberry Month & National Hamburger Month

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

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On this day in History:

1862 - The U.S. Congress created the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 1926 - The New York Rangers were awarded a franchise by the National Hockey League (NHL). 1930 - Ellen Church became the first airline stewardess. 1941 - Joe DiMaggio began his historic major league baseball hitting streak of 56 games. 1964 - The Smothers Brothers, Dick and Tom, gave their first concert in Carnegie Hall in New York City. 1990 - Vincent Van Gogh's "Portrait of Doctor Gachet" was sold for $82.5 million. The sale set a new world record.

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Quote of the Day:
"If you don’t get satisfaction from doing it on a small scale, you won’t get satisfaction doing it on a global scale. Nothing, multiplied by six billion, is still nothing."

--Peter McWilliams