Today is Thursday July 28, 2011

95 days until Halloween
120 days until Thanksgiving
150 days until Christmas
157 days until The New Year

National Milk Chocolate Day

Chocoholics unite—it’s National Milk Chocolate Day!

How is milk chocolate different from other chocolates? It's a mix of cocoa solid with either dry or condensed milk. While dark chocolate is usually a baking ingredient, this sweet treat is used to make many chocolate-coated candy bars. It’s also great on its own, tucked inside a s’more or melted into hot chocolate.

Did you know that chocolate actually has mood-enhancing benefits? That’s right—chocolate can make you happy! This is due to the fact that it contains a stimulant called theobromine and a compound called anandamide. Now that’s a reason to celebrate!

Today, enjoy milk chocolate your favorite way. Happy Milk Chocolate 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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History for July 28   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."

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 Quote of the Day:


"It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees."

--Dolores Ibarruri

Today is Wednesday July 27, 2011

96 days until Halloween
121 days until Thanksgiving
151 days until Christmas
158 days until The New Year

Walk on Stilts Day

It’s Walk on Stilts Day! Most often seen in parades and at the circus, stilt-walking is actually an ancient art. To learn how to do it, all you need is a pair of stilts and lots of practice (and maybe some extra padding, in case you take a tumble). 

Did you know that some people used to actually need stilts? It’s true—in the 19^th century, stilt-walking occurred in Landes, France. Residents of this marshy area took up stilt-walking as a way to navigate the wet terrain. It is said that they performed all of their daily outdoor tasks on stilts!

If you've been waiting for an excuse to give this fun activity a try, today’s your day! Keep on the lookout for stilt-walking festivals or events happening in your area to give it whirl. Happy 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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History for July 27   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:


"The life which like the sun grows larger at its setting is the ideal."

--Walter M. Bortz

Today is Tuesday July 26, 2011

97 days until Halloween
122 days until Thanksgiving
152 days until Christmas
159 days until The New Year

All or Nothing Day

How does one observe All or Nothing Day? The answer to this question is different for everyone. However, one thing is certain—this is not a holiday to be taken lightly.

All or Nothing Day is a time to take risks and live on the edge. Live like today is your last day alive and let your inner daredevil shine. Be sure to make peace with your enemies, spend time with your loved ones, and do something you've always wanted to do.

Try something new, seek an adventure, and give this day all you’ve got. All or Nothing Day only happens once a year, so don’t hold back!

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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History for July 26   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.

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 Quote of the Day:


"All men should try to learn before they die what they are running from, and to, and why."

--James Thurber

Today is Monday July 25, 2011

98 days until Halloween
123 days until Thanksgiving
153 days until Christmas
160 days until The New Year

National Hot Fudge Sundae Day

A sundae is the perfect treat to enjoy on a summer night. Good thing it’s National Hot Fudge Sundae Day! The cold ice cream paired with a warm, chocolate topping is a delectable combination. Whether you choose to cover yours with nuts, whipped cream, cherries, or all three, an ice cream sundae is always delightful.

Several record-setting sundaes have been documented by the Guinness Book of World Records. For example, the most expensive sundae can be ordered at Serendipity 3 in New York City for the hefty sum of $1000. Meanwhile, the longest sundae was created by The Kids Club in Brunswick, Georgia in 2009. It measured over 130 feet long!

To celebrate National Hot Fudge Sundae Day, you don’t have to go to such great lengths. Just treat yourself to a scrumptious hot fudge sundae with all of your favorite toppings!

July is National Ice Cream Month & National Grilling Month

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

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History for July 25   1564 - Maximillian II became emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. 1799 - Napoleon Bonaparte defeated the Ottomans at Aboukir, Egypt. 1850 - Gold was discovered in the Rogue River in Oregon. 1907 - Korea became a protectorate of Japan. 1946 - The U.S. detonated an atomic bomb at Bikini Atoll in the Pacific. It was the first underwater test of the device. 1946 - Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis staged their first show as a team at Club 500 in Atlantic City, NJ. 1978 - Louise Joy Brown, the first test-tube baby, was born in Oldham, England. She had been conceived through in-vitro fertilization.

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 Quote of the Day:


"The world will never starve for want of wonders, but for want of wonder."

--G.K.Chesterton

Today is Friday July 22, 2011

101 days until Halloween
126 days until Thanksgiving
156 days until Christmas
163 days until The New Year

Hammock Day

Picture this: it's mid-July, the sun shines and you rest on a hammock, completely relaxed. This is the essence of Hammock Day.

Today’s reason to celebrate reminds us to slow down, breathe easy and enjoy these beautiful summer months. Though its exact origins are unknown, it is said that hammocks originated hundreds of years ago in South America. Allegedly, the journals of Christopher Columbus provide the first documentation of the hammock. However, some sources attribute this invention to the Ancient Greeks. One thing is for sure—hammocks have always been symbols of leisure.

Today, take a few minutes to sit back and unwind on a hammock. Don’t have one? No problem! Just grab some sturdy fabric and rope—you can make yourself one in no time. Happy Hammock Day!

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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History for July 22   1926 - Babe Ruth caught a baseball at Mitchell Field in New York. The ball had been dropped from an airplane flying at 250 feet. 1963 - The Beatles' first U.S. album, "Introducing The Beatles," was released. 1975 - Confederate General Robert E. Lee had his U.S. citizenship restored by the U.S. Congress. 2000 - Astronomers at the University of Arizona announced that they had found a 17th moon orbiting Jupiter.

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 Quote of the Day:


"The grand essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love, and something to hope for."

--Allan K. Chalmers

Today is Thursday July 21, 2011

102 days until Halloween
127 days until Thanksgiving
157 days until Christmas
164 days until The New Year

National Junk Food Day

Have a sweet tooth? Crave salty snacks? Today is your day—it's National Junk Food Day!

Today’s the day to enjoy all of your favorite snacks. Candy bars, potato chips, soda—you name it! Take advantage of this delicious reason to celebrate and indulge your taste buds with some sugary and greasy treats.

Did you know that the average American eats about 25 pounds of candy per year? What’s more, each American will consume about 45 slices of pizza annually. Now that’s a lot of sweet and salty goodness!

Grab a bag of buttery popcorn at the movies, order some fries at the drive-through or make an ice cream sundae for dessert. Whatever you do, enjoy National Junk Food Day with at least one of your guilty pleasures! 

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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History for July 21   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.

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 Quote of the Day:


"Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt."

--William Shakespeare

Today is Wednesday July 20, 2011

103 days until Halloween
128 days until Thanksgiving
158 days until Christmas
165 days until The New Year

National Lollipop Day

It’s 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 just plain sugar, no one can deny the deliciousness of a lollipop.

Though an early form of the lollipop—honey on a stick—is said to have been around since the time that cavemen roamed the earth, the real deal wasn’t invented until centuries later. However, the story of the creation of the first lollipop is a heavily debated topic. Most people do agree upon the fact that George Smith, the owner of a small, American candy store, came up with the sweet's name. In the early 1900s, he called the candy a "lollipop" after his favorite racehorse—Lolly Pop.

Go to your local candy or convenience store and grab a lollipop to celebrate. Happy National Lollipop Day!

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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History for July 20   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:


"Wisdom is the supreme part of happiness."

--Sophocles

Today is Tuesday July 19, 2011

104 days until Halloween
129 days until Thanksgiving
159 days until Christmas
166 days until The New Year

National Daiquiri Day

It’s National Daiquiri Day! These rum-based cocktails were invented by American mining engineer Jennings Cox in Cuba. Legend has it that Cox created the first daiquiri in the early 1900s after he ran out of gin at a small bar in Santiago. 

The original drink was made with white rum, lime juice and sugar. Around 1940, Ernest Hemingway allegedly inspired the creation of the frozen variety at El Floridita in Havana. The bartender’s name was Constantino Ribalaigua and he is often considered the true originator of the daiquiri. Today, many variations of the original recipe exist. You can order a daiquiri with almost any fruit flavoring imaginable! 

Celebrate this day and mix a round of these delicious beverages. Grab a colorful cup and a drink umbrella and enjoy your daiquiri outside. Make sure to watch out for drink specials at local bars. Happy National Daiquiri Day!

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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History for July 19   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.

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 Quote of the Day:


"There is no truth more thoroughly established than that there exists in the course of nature an indissoluble union between virtue and happiness."

--George Washington

Today is Friday July 15, 2011

National Gummi Worm Day

It’s National Gummi Worm Day! These yummy candies were created by the German company Trolli in 1981.

Did you know that gummi worms were not the first “gummis” made? That’s right—another familiar candy, the gummi bear, was invented about 60 years before the worm. This first gummi was created by Hans Riegel, the founder of Haribo. It was named because of its rubber-like texture. In fact, "gummi" means “rubber” in German.

These creepy, crawly treats now exist in a variety of flavors. Sweet or sour, red or green, the choice is yours! Grab a bag of your favorite gummi worms and celebrate National Gummi Worm Day!

July is National Ice Cream Month & National Grilling Month

Today is also Barbershop Music Appreciation 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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History for July 15   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.

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 Quote of the Day:


"A person is not old until regrets take the place of hopes and plans. Work and interest in worthwhile things are the best remedy for aging."

--Scott Nearing

Today is Wednesday July 13, 2011

National French Fries Day

Sweet, curly, spicy or slathered with chili and cheese, French fries are always a hit. That’s why we’re glad today is National French Fries Day!

The first French fries are said to date back to the 17^th century in Belgium. The inhabitants of the region, which was then known as the Spanish Netherlands, often accompanied their meals with small fried fish. When weather conditions were too dangerous to fish, they “julienned” potatoes to resemble the fish. This meant that they cut strips of potato into long, thin slices. They then fried these potatoes, which served as excellent substitutes!

Jo Gerard was the French journalist who first reported this version of the origin of French fries, which is now widely accepted. However, the truth is unclear, as Gerard never came up with sufficient evidence to support his claims. No matter who invented them, we’re just glad someone did!

These savory delights have become a global phenomenon. Whether it’s “pommes frites” in France, “patatas fritas” in Spain or “chips” in the UK, French fries are a worldwide favorite. Grab an order of fries today and enjoy National French Fries Day!

Today is also Barbershop Music Appreciation 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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History for July 13   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:


"Most of the shadows of this life are caused by standing in our own sunshine."

--Ralph Waldo Emerson

Today is Monday July 11, 2011

World Population Day

Today is World Population Day! There are billions of people who live on this planet and this number grows at an increasing rate. The UN established this day to raise public awareness about the global population issues at hand. This way, we can all help form a better future for our fellow humans.

An educational and fun way to celebrate the day is to play a trivia game. Make question and answer cards based on population facts. Then challenge your friends to answer them! For example, how many people have ever lived on Earth? The Population Reference Bureau estimates that the number is near110 billion!

To celebrate World Population Day, visit this website. Learn what you can do to help build awareness!

Today is also National Blueberry Muffin 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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History for July 11   1798 - The U.S. Marine Corps was formally re-established by "An Act for Establishing a Marine Corps" passed by the U.S. Congress. The act also created the U.S. Marine Band. The Marines were first commissioned by the Continental Congress on November 10, 1775. 1914 - Babe Ruth debuted in the major leagues with the Boston Red Sox. 1918 - Enrico Caruso recorded "Over There" written by George M. Cohan. 1985 - Nolan Ryan of the Houston Astros became the first major league pitcher to earn 4,000 strikeouts in a career. 2000 - Lars Ulrich (Metallica) was the first witness to testify at a U.S. Senate hearing over copyright law issues concerning free sharing of music files on Web sites such as Napster and MP3.com.

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 Quote of the Day:


"Do not be interested in the quantity of people who respect and admire you, but in their quality. If bad people dislike you, so much the better."

--Lucius Annaeus Seneca

Today is Friday July 8, 2011

Video Game Day

Happy Video Game Day! Today, take some time to appreciate the technological achievements that video games show. A far cry from joysticks that you plug into the television, today's video games have advanced special effects and diversified themes that appeal to almost everyone. Not to mention, they’re fun!

Video games aren’t just for kids anymore. In fact, they have become common activities at parties. People crowd around televisions in homes, dorm rooms and arcades to battle their friends in adventure, sports and music-themed games.

While certain consoles are popular now, we should remember the glory days of former favorites like N64, Gameboys and Sega Genesis. Celebrate Video Game Day and invite your friends over for some gaming!

Today is also Chocolate with Almonds 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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History for July 8   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:


"One measure -- perhaps the best measure -- of a person's greatness is the capacity for suffering."

--M. Scott Peck

Today is Wednesday July 6, 2011

National Fried Chicken Day

It’s National Fried Chicken Day! Today we honor a finger-licking American favorite. To make this flavorful delight, smother a piece of chicken in batter and fry it. The result is a savory treat that’s crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Yum! 

American fried chicken has its roots in the Southern United States. However, Europeans have eaten fried chicken since the Middle Ages!

National Fried Chicken Day is a great time to try out a new recipe or to visit your local KFC. Better yet, get your friends in on the fun and plan a backyard picnic! Corn, mashed potatoes and biscuits are all great accompaniments for fried chicken. Dig in!

July is National Ice Cream Month & National Grilling Month

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

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History for July 5   1885 - Louis Pasteur successfully tested his anti-rabies vaccine. The child used in the test later became the director of the Pasteur Institute. 1923 - The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics was established. 1928 - "The Lights of New York" was previewed in New York's Strand Theatre. It was the first all-talking movie. 1933 - The first All-Star baseball game was held in Chicago. The American League beat the National League 4-2. 1945 - Nicaragua became the first nation to formally accept the United Nations Charter. 1964 - The Beatles' first film, "A Hard Day's Night," premiered in London. 1984 - The Jacksons began their Victory Tour in Kansas City, MO. 1985 - Martina Navratilova won her 4th consecutive Wimbledon singles title.

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 Quote of the Day:


"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."

Today is Tuesday July 5, 2011

Workaholics Day

Workaholics are pretty easy to spot. They are the first people to enter the office in the morning and the last to leave at the end of the day. On Workaholics Day, salute the workaholics in your office and help them relax.

If you are related to a workaholic, today is an especially important day for you. Pry this person away from his or her desk. Show them the benefits of a day off! Take an afternoon nap, read a book or procrastinate on the web. Tell them that they can finish their work tomorrow!

Workaholics Day is also a good opportunity to take a step back and evaluate your work ethic. Recognize the tremendous dedication that workaholics show but also think about the advantages of breaks. Today, try to work at a pace that achieves a happy medium. Find your balance!

July is National Ice Cream Month & National Grilling Month

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

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History for July 5   1811 - Venezuela became the first South American country to declare independence from Spain. 1865 - William Booth founded the Salvation Army in London. 1941 - German troops reached the Dnieper River in the Soviet Union. 1946 - The bikini bathing suit, created by Louis Reard, made its debut during a fashion show at the Molitor Pool in Paris. Micheline Bernardini wore the two-piece outfit. 1950 - U.S. forces engaged the North Koreans for the first time at Osan, South Korea. 1954 - Elvis Presley's first commercial recording session took place in Memphis, TN. He recorded "That's All Right (Mama)" and "Blue Moon of Kentucky." 1975 - Arthur Ashe became the first black man to win a Wimbledon singles title when he defeated Jimmy Connors.

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 Quote of the Day:


"You can have anything you want if you want it desperately enough. You must want it with an inner exuberance that erupts through the skin and joins the energy that created the world."

--Sheila Graham