Today is Friday, September 30, 2011 

National Hot Mulled Cider Day

Today is National Hot Mulled Cider Day! Hot mulled cider is a delicious drink perfectly suited for crisp September afternoons. Apple cider is produced using a cider press and is a time-honored favorite of the autumn season.

To make mulled cider, slowly add brown sugar to apple cider in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until all the sugar has dissolved. Add other ingredients such as nutmeg, allspice, orange juice, and lemon juice, and bring to a boil. Strain out the spices, pour into a mug, and add a cinnamon stick.

Enjoy National Hot Mulled Cider Day as you sip on your homemade brew!

September is National Piano Month & National Organic Harvest Month

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

"Eccentricity is not, as dull people would have us believe, a form of madness. It is often a kind of innocent pride, and the man of genius and the aristocrat are frequently regarded as eccentrics because genius and aristocrat are entirely unafraid of and uninfluenced by the opinions and vagaries of the crowd."
- Edith Sitwell
__________________________________________________________

History
for September 301630 - John Billington was hanged for murder. He was the first criminal to be executed in the American colonies.

1777 - The Congress of the United States moved to York, PA, due to the advancing British forces.

1935 - "The Adventures of Dick Tracey" debuted on Mutual Radio Network.

1938 - The Munich Conference ended with a decision to appease Adolf Hitler. Britain and France allowed Czechoslovakia's Sudetenland to be annexed by the Nazis.

1982 - "Cheers" began an 11-year run on NBC-TV. The show ended on August 19, 1993.

1992 - George Brett of the Kansas City Royals reached his 3,000th career hit during a game against the California Angels. ____________________________________________________

Today is Thursday, September 29, 2011 

National Coffee Day

Today is National Coffee Day! Are you one of the millions who will celebrate? Start by sending a free Coffee Day eCard and then find out where you can go to get a free cup of joe. Some local and national businesses will offer free or discounted cups of coffee in honor of the occasion. Participating Krispy Kreme locations, for example, are offering a free 12oz cup of House Blend coffee all day long. You can also pick up a free medium coffee from 7-11am at any 7-Eleven in the U.S.A. or Canada. Don't forget to pay attention to social media as some businesses plan to share coupons and specials with their loyal followers.

So, where did coffee come from and how did it become so popular? According to legend, a sixth-century Ethiopian goatherd named Kaldi discovered his goats frolicking from one coffee shrub to another. He recognized that the coffee berries they were eating had a stimulating effect, and he began to experiment with the seeds. A century later, brewed coffee emerged in Arabia and the popularity of coffee grew at an exponential rate.

Today, over 400 billion cups of coffee are consumed each year. It is a world commodity that is second only to oil. Don't forget to take a coffee break (or two) to celebrate this historical and important beverage!

Today is also Confucius Day

September is National Piano Month & National Organic Harvest Month

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

_____________________________________________________

"Action may not always bring happiness, but there is no happiness without action."

--Benjamin Disraeli 

__________________________________________________________

History
for September 291789 - A regular army was established by the U.S. War Department with several hundred men.

1960 - "My Three Sons" debuted on ABC-TV.

1967 - "I Heard it Through the Grapevine" was released by Gladys Knight & the Pips.

1992 - Magic Johnson announced that he was returning to professional basketball. The comeback was ended the following November.

1998 - Hasbro announced plans to introduce an action figure of retired U.S. General Colin Powell. 

____________________________________________________

Today is Wednesday, 

September 28, 2011

Strawberry Cream Pie Day

Today is Strawberry Cream Pie Day! Did you know that 70% of a strawberry cream pie’s weight comes from the strawberries themselves? That's a lot considering that the fruit isn't even in season in September!

When you set out to find the perfect strawberry cream pie there are many variations from which to choose. Some recipes use cream cheese in the filling while others call for whipped cream or custard. Crusts can be sweet or savory, strawberries can be whole or whipped into a mousse, and there are dozens of different toppings.

September is National Piano Month & National Organic Harvest Month

Find your favorite kind of strawberry cream pie or sample a selection to celebrate Strawberry Cream Pie Day!

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

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

History
for September 28

1850 - The U.S. Navy abolished flogging as a form of punishment. 

1924 - The first around-the-world flight was completed by two U.S. Army planes when they landed in Seattle, WA. The trip took 175 days. 

1955 - The World Series was televised in color for the first time. The game was between the New York Yankees and the Brooklyn Dodgers. 

1972 - Communist China and Japan agreed to re-establish diplomatic relations. 

1991 - In response to U.S. President Bush's reduction of U.S. nuclear arms Soviet President Mikhail S. Gorbachev promised to reciprocate. 

1991 - The Garth Brooks album "Ropin' the Wind" became the first country album to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard pop chart. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

"When people are bored, it is primarily with their own selves."

--Eric Hoffer

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Today is 

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

National Chocolate Milk Day

Celebrate National Chocolate Milk Day! Who doesn't crave a nice, tall glass of frothy chocolate milk? Until the 1820s, drinking chocolate was fairly uncommon and no one knew how to produce a smooth chocolate taste in liquid form. In 1828 the Van Houten company in Amsterdam invented the cocoa pressing method. This produced a light, fluffy chocolate powder that could be easily dissolved in water or milk. Today, chocolate milk is a popular beverage for people of all ages.

Chocolate milk has surprising restorative properties. In 2006, the dairy industry conducted a study and discovered that chocolate milk helps athletes with muscle recovery. It provides nine essential nutrients, making it both delicious and nutritious!

Pour yourself a nice tall glass of chocolate milk in honor of National Chocolate Milk Day!

Today is also National Corned Beef Hash Day & World Tourism Day

September is National Piano Month & National Organic Harvest Month

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

-------------------------------------------------------------------------


History
for September 271954 - The "Tonight!" show made its debut on NBC-TV with Steve Allen as host.

1959 - The Japanese island of Honshu was hit by Typhoon Vera. Nearly 5,000 people were killed.

1964 - The Beach Boys appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show for the first time. They performed "I Get Around."

1983 - Larry Bird signed a seven-year contract with the Boston Celtics worth $15 million. The contract made him the highest paid Celtic in history.

1998 - Mark McGwire of the St. Louis Cardinals set a major league baseball record when he hit his 70th home run of the season. 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Attitude to me, is more important than facts. It is more important that the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. We cannot change our past...we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the string we have, and that is our attitude."
--Charles Swindoll

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Today is 

Monday, September 26, 2011

Love Note Day

It’s Love Note Day! The practice of writing and sending love letters has a long and illustrious history. Famous romantics like Lord Byron and William Shakespeare penned sonnets and odes, and inspired generations of young lovers to do the same.

A love note is any written expression of emotion addressed to a loved one. It can be short or long, formal or casual, poetry or prose. In Germany, love notes are delicately painted by hand on high quality paper and are considered folk art.

Love Note Day is the perfect time to recognize the people that you love. Write a love note to your loved one to let them know just how much they mean to you!

Today is also Shamu the Whale Day

September is National Piano Month & National Organic Harvest Month

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

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

History
for September 26
1918 - During World War I, the Meuse-Argonne offensive against the Germans began. It was the final Allied offensive on the western front. 
1950 - U.N. troops recaptured the South Korean capital of Seoul from the North Koreans during the Korean Conflict. 
1960 - The first televised debate between presidential candidates Richard M. Nixon and John F. Kennedy took place in Chicago, IL. 
1962 - "The Beverly Hillbillies" premiered on CBS-TV. 1981 - The Boeing 767 made its maiden flight in Everett, WA. 
1986 - The episode of "Dallas" that had Bobby Ewing returning from the dead was aired. 
1998 - MTV Russia debuted at midnight. The first video shown on the network was Mummy Troll's "Vladivostock 2000." 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Do not seek pleasure everywhere, but always be ready to find it." 

--John Ruskin 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Today is 

Sunday September 25, 2011

Crab Meat Newburg Day

Today is Crab Meat Newburg Day! Crab meat newburg (often shortened to simply “crab newburg”) is a rich, creamy seafood dish made with lump crab meat, butter, cream, sherry, eggs, and spices.

Did you know that crabs are found in all of the world's oceans and on land? They are divided into three types—freshwater, terrestrial, and semi-terrestrial. Crabs are prepared and eaten in many popular dishes such as crab cakes, bisques, and, of course, crab newburg. Certain varieties like the soft-shell crab can be eaten whole.

Crab Meat Newburg Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in a delicious seafood delicacy. Pick up some fresh crab meat on your way home and try out a new recipe! Bon appétit!

Today is also National Comic Book Day

September is National Piano Month & National Organic Harvest Month

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

-------------------------------------------------------------------------


History
for September 25
1789 - The first U.S. Congress adopted 12 amendments to the Constitution. Ten of the amendments became the Bill of Rights. 
1890 - The Sequoia National Park was established as a U.S. National Park in Central California. 1953 - Liberace made his debut at Carnegie Hall for a sellout crowd. 
1954 - Elvis Presley appeared live on "Grand Ole Opry" and performed "Blue Moon of Kentucky." 
1965 - Willie Mays, at the age of 34, became the oldest man to hit 50 home runs in a single season. He had also set the record for the youngest to hit 50 ten years earlier. 
1981 - Sandra Day O'Connor became the first female justice of the U.S. Supreme Court when she was sworn in as the 102nd justice. 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

"If I have been of service, if I have glimpsed more of the nature and essence of ultimate good, if I am inspired to reach wider horizons of thought and action, if I am at peace with myself, it has been a successful day."

--Alex Noble 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Today is Saturday, September 24, 2011

National Cherries Jubilee Day

Celebrate National Cherries Jubilee Day! Cherries jubilee is a classic flambé dessert made with cherries and liqueur (typically kirsch or brandy), served over vanilla ice cream.

The original recipe is attributed to French chef Auguste Escoffie who prepared the dish for one of Queen Victoria's jubilee celebrations. It is unclear whether it first appeared at the Golden Jubilee in 1887 or the Diamond Jubilee in 1897, but it quickly became one of the most fashionable desserts of the era. For many years, cherries jubilee was a standard menu item at America’s finest restaurants, reaching the peak of its popularity in the 1950s and 1960s. 

If you're looking for a dessert for a dinner party (even if it's not on National Cherries Jubilee Day), try making this vintage dish to impress your guests!

Today is also Schwenkfelder Thanksgiving & National Punctuation Day

September is National Piano Month & National Organic Harvest Month

This week is National Singles Week

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

-------------------------------------------------------------------------


History
for September 24
1934 - Babe Ruth played his last game as a New York Yankee player. 
1938 - Don Budge became the first tennis player to win all four of the major titles when he won the U.S. Tennis Open. He had already won the Australian Open, the French Open and the British Open. 
1955 - Judy Garland made her TV debut on the "Ford Star Jubilee" on CBS. 
1961 - "The Bullwinkle Show" premiered in prime time on NBC-TV. The show was originally on ABC in the afternoon as "Rocky and His Friends." 
1977 - "The Love Boat" debuted on ABC-TV. 
1982 - Prince's "1999" single was released. 
1998 - The U.S. Federal Reserve released into circulation $2 billion in new harder-to-counterfeit $20 bills. 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

"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, September 23, 2011

 

Checkers Day

Celebrate Checkers Day! Surprisingly, Checkers Day (also known as Dogs in Politics Day) is not named for the classic game.

On September 23, 1952, vice presidential candidate Richard Nixon gave a speech to address growing public concern about his use of campaign funds. He assured the public that he had not misused the funds, but that he intended to keep one gift—a little dog that the Nixon children named Checkers. The “Checkers speech” was a political triumph and the public responded with overwhelming support.

In honor of this day, challenge a friend to a game of checkers!

Today is also Native American Day

September is National Piano Month & National Organic Harvest Month

This week is National Singles Week

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

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

History
for September 231779 - John Paul Jones, commander of the American warship Bon Homme, was quoted as saying "I have not yet begun to fight!"
1845 - The Knickerbocker Base Ball Club of New York was formed by Alexander Joy Cartwright. It was the first baseball team in America.

1952 - The first Pay Television sporting event took place. The Marciano-Walcott fight was seen in 49 theaters in 31 cities.

1962 - New York's Philharmonic Hall opened. It was the first unit of the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. The hall was later renamed the Avery Fisher Hall.

1962 - "The Jetsons" premiered on ABC-TV. It was the first program on the network to be carried in color.

1969 - It was reported by "The London Daily Mirror" that Paul McCartney was dead. It was the first time the rumor was printed.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote of the Day:

"One of the ironies of the human being is that when he has lost his way, he travels twice as fast." 

                --Rollo May 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Today is Thursday September 22, 2011

National White Chocolate Day

It’s National White Chocolate Day! White chocolate was invented by the Nestlé company in Switzerland. The first white chocolate bar debuted in 1930.

Despite its long history, for many years the confection we know as “white chocolate” was not officially chocolate at all. White chocolate does not contain cocoa solids—one of the main ingredients in traditional chocolate. In 2004, ten years after chocolate manufacturers filed the first petition, the FDA finally relaxed its definition of “chocolate” and accepted white chocolate into the family. According to the regulations, true white chocolate must contain at least 20% cocoa butter, 14% total milk solids, 3.5% milk fat, and less than 63% sugar.

Pick up a scrumptious white chocolate truffle or a package of white chocolate covered pretzels to celebrate!

Today is also Elephant Appreciation Day & Ice Cream Cone Day

September is National Piano Month & National Organic Harvest Month

This week is National Singles Week

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


History
for September 221862 - U.S. President Lincoln issued the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation. It stated that all slaves held within rebel states would be free as of January 1, 1863.

1903 - Italo Marchiony was granted a patent for the ice cream cone.

1966 - The U.S. lunar probe Surveyor 2 crashed into the moon.

1969 - Willie Mays hit his 600th career home run.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Quote of the Day:


"You are younger today than you ever will be again. Make use of it for the sake of tomorrow."
   --Anonymous


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Today is Wednesday September 21, 2011

National Pecan Cookie Day

Today is National Pecan Cookie Day! Bake a delicious batch of homemade pecan cookies to celebrate.

Pecans, a tree nut in the same family as the walnut, are an excellent source of protein, unsaturated fats, and healthy antioxidants that help reduce cholesterol. There are more than 1,000 varieties of pecan in the world.

Whether you prefer butter pecan, caramel pecan, orange pecan, or maple pecan cookies, enjoy a delicious treat in honor of National Pecan Cookie Day!

Today is also Miniature Golf Day

September is National Piano Month & National Organic Harvest Month

This week is National Singles Week

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

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

History for September 21  1937 - J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" was first published. 1957 - "Perry Mason," the television series, made its debut on CBS-TV. The show was on for 9 years. 1970 - "NFL Monday Night Football" made its debut on ABC-TV. The game was between the Cleveland Browns and the New York Jets. The Browns won 31-21. 1976 - The 20th album by the Bee Gees, "Children of the World," was released. 1981 - The U.S. Senate confirmed Sandra Day O'Connor to be the first female justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. 1982 - National Football League (NFL) players began a 57-day strike. It was their first regular-season walkout. 1985 - North and South Korea opened their borders for their family reunion program.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   
 Quote of the Day:


"I wanted a perfect ending...Now I’ve learned the hard way that some poems don’t rhyme, and some stories don’t have a clear beginning, middle and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what’s going to happen next. Delicious ambiguity."

--Gilda Radner

--Henry Miller

It’s Time to be There for Grandparents Who Need You

Grandparents are beyond special and it goes without saying that we are lucky to have them. While we all appreciate our grandparents and all they do for us, we might not always know how to show it. Thanks to President Jimmy Carter in 1978, National Grandparents Day was declared officially as the Sunday after Labor Day. It’s a chance for us to collectively show our love and appreciation for those who do so much.

Rather than just buy a card or send flowers, look into doing something that can really make a difference in your grandparent’s lives. If you look on the Red Cross website, there are plenty of interesting and unique ideas about things you can easily do to show them you care. For instance, many grandparents may not think too much about home safety issues. They may cling to a “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” attitude. However, your grandparents may be holding on to appliances that are unsafe, electrical issues they may ignore and other safety problems that someone should fix for them. Grandparents may not always be aware that something in their home is even dangerous at all. Updating anything that may help you and them sleep better at night is so much more important than a card.

Maybe you could even look into helping them fix up a spare room or helping them get a remodeling job done that may have been on their to-do list for quite some time. Just being there and helping in some small way will mean so much to grandparents who are all too often overlooked.