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