Today is Monday March 28, 2011

Eggsibit Day

People around the world have been decorating eggs using different materials for centuries. Though they are most commonly decorated around Easter, you can really decorate eggs any time of the year!

Many artists love the challenge of decorating eggs due to their unique shape and fragility. Goose, duck, and hens' eggs are usually "blown" for this process in which a small hole is made in one end and the contents inside the egg are blown out. The egg is then carved, dyed, appliquéd, or painted.

Egg decorating is very popular in Eastern European countries. The International Egg Art Guild is a non-profit organization that promotes egg artistry around the world.

From food coloring and egg dyes to paints and crayons, there are many different ways that you can decorate an egg. Some people attach sequins, lace, ribbon, or even pasta to the shell of the egg for decorations as well.

To celebrate Eggsibit Day, invite your friends over for some fun egg decorating, and then display them in an eggsibit for all to see!

Today is also National Black Forest Cake Day

March is National Peanut Month & International Ideas Month & National Craft Month

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

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On this day in History:

1797 - Nathaniel Briggs patented a washing machine. 1885 - The Salvation Army was officially organized in the U.S. 1921 - U.S. President Warren Harding named William Howard Taft as chief justice of the United States Supreme Court. 1962 - The U.S. Air Force announced research into the use of lasers to intercept missiles and satellites. 1967 - Raymond Burr starred in a TV movie titled "Ironside." The movie was later turned into a television series.

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Quote of the Day:
"Treat all things as if they were loaned to you without any ownership -- whether body or soul, sense or strength, external goods or honors, house or hall...everything."

--Meister Eckhart

Today is Thursday March 24, 2011

National Chocolate-Covered Raisin Day

Chocolate covered raisins are a delicious and nutritious snack -- especially if made with dark chocolate!

On average, it takes four pounds of grapes to make one pound of raisins. Raisins are a good source of fiber, potassium, iron, calcium, and certain B vitamins. They are also naturally fat and cholesterol free and contain many antioxidants.

Did you know that during the early 1900's, the Raisin Festival was created as a means to gain national recognition for the raisin industry? People came from all over the country to California to participate in the events and attend the parade. Though the annual festival ended in 1932, its original goal was certainly accomplished!

Today, raisins are a popular type of fruit that people love to eat plain or use in cooking side dishes, entrees, and desserts. Raisins are also popularly eaten covered in chocolate. Enjoy the divine combination of chocolate and raisins on National Chocolate-Covered Raisins Day!

March is National Peanut Month & International Ideas Month & National Craft Month

This week is National Spring Fever Week & American Chocolate Week

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

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On this day in History:

1664 - A charter to colonize Rhode Island was granted to Roger Williams in London. 1882 - German professor Robert Koch announced the discovery of the tuberculosis germ (bacillus). 1924 - Greece became a republic. 1941 - Glenn Miller began work on his first motion picture for 20th Century Fox. The film was "Sun Valley Serenade." 1955 - "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" by Tennessee Williams debuted on Broadway. 1958 - Elvis Presley was sworn into the U.S. Army.

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Quote of the Day:
"The three things most difficult are: to keep a secret, to forget an injury, and to make good use of leisure."

--Chilo

Today is Wednesday March 23, 2011

National Chip and Dip Day

Chips and dip are the perfect snack duo for any occasion. Whether you prefer tortilla chips, potato chips, or pretzels, chances are that there is a delicious dip to compliment it!

This appetizer may be prepared in advance for easy party planning. The recipes for chips and dip can also be easily expanded or shrunk depending on the number of people attending the party.

Hummus and other types of dipping sauces have been part of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines for centuries. Though these chip and dip recipes appeared in other parts of the world, they did not appear in the United States until after World War II.

To celebrate National Chip and Dip Day, invite some friends over today for a potluck style chip and dip party. The possibilities are endless for the various combinations of chips and dip you can enjoy, so use your imagination!

Today is also National Puppy Day & World Meteorological Day

March is National Peanut Month & International Ideas Month & National Craft Month

This week is National Spring Fever Week & American Chocolate Week

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

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On this day in History:

1775 - American revolutionary Patrick Henry declared, "give me liberty, or give me death!" 1794 - Josiah G. Pierson patented a rivet machine. 1806 - Explorers Lewis and Clark, reached the Pacific coast, and began their return journey to the east. 1839 - The first recorded use of "OK" [oll korrect] was used in Boston's Morning Post. 1912 - The Dixie Cup was invented. 1963 - The Beach Boys released "Surfin U.S.A."

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Quote of the Day:
Act as if the future of the Universe depends on what you do, while laughing at yourself for thinking that your actions make any difference.

--Buddhist Teaching

Today is Tuesday March 22, 2011

World Water Day

Water is a basic requirement for life and there are many people that don't have access to a healthy water supply. World Water Day is a day to raise political awareness about the quality of water around the world. Its overall goal is to have water quality decisions made at the same level of importance as other issues.

World Water Day began in 1992 at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro. Since then, efforts and awareness about the importance of clean water have greatly increased. Today, thousands of participants attend the World Water Forum to learn about the issues associated with access to safe water.

The theme for World Water Day changes every year and is decided upon by the UN Water Group. Learn more World Water Day, this year's theme, and events going on in your area!

March is National Peanut Month & International Ideas Month & National Craft Month

This week is National Spring Fever Week & American Chocolate Week

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

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On this day in History:

1733 - Joseph Priestly invented carbonated water (seltzer). 1765 - The Stamp Act was passed. It was the first direct British tax on the American colonists. It was repealed on March 17, 1766. 1873 - Slavery was abolished in Puerto Rico. 1934 - The first Masters golf championship began in Augusta, GA. 1963 - The Beatles' first album, "Please Please Me," was released in the U.K. 1995 - Russian cosmonaut Valeri Polyakov returned to Earth after setting a record for 438 days in space.

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Quote of the Day:
"I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no 'brief candle' to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment, and want to make burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations."

--George Bernard Shaw

Today is Monday March 21, 2011

National French Bread Day

Between the crisp, crunchy crust and the soft, chewy center, it is no wonder that French bread is the most frequently eaten food in all of France. The shape the French bread, or baguette, allows the maximum amount of dough to be exposed directly to heat during the baking process, producing a thick, golden crust.

French bread has a nutty, buttery taste that is both sweet and savory. Baguettes were first created in Vienna, Austria during the mid-19th century, following the invention of steam ovens. Steam ovens are a combination of a gas-fired traditional oven and a brick oven. Austrian officer August Zang brought steam ovens with him to Paris during this time, and for this reason he is often credited with originating the baguette.

Today, baguettes often serve as a symbol of French culture and cuisine. To celebrate National French Bread Day buy or bake a delicious loaf of fresh French bread to share with your family!

March is National Peanut Month & International Ideas Month & National Craft Month

This week is National Spring Fever Week & American Chocolate Week

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

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On this day in History:

1859 - In Philadelphia, the first Zoological Society was incorporated. 1961 - The Beatles played at Liverpool's Cavern Club for the first time. 1970 - "ABC" by the Jackson Five was released. 1994 - Wayne Gretzky tied Gordie Howe's NHL record of 801 goals.

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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 Monday March 14, 2011

National Potato Chip Day

Did you know that 1.2 billion pounds of potato chips are devoured each year in the United States? It is no surprise that they are America's favorite snack food. Potato chips are thin slices of potato that are deep fried or baked until crispy.

Potato chips were invented in Saratoga Springs in 1853 by an Irish chef named George Crum. One day, a customer continuously sent the fried potatoes that Crum made back to the kitchen, complaining that they were too thick and soggy. Fed up, Crum decided to slice the potatoes so thin so that they could not be eaten with a fork. The customer was so pleased with Crum's creation that they became a regular item on the restaurant's menu!

It was not until the 20th century that potato chips were first produced for home consumption. Today, the potato chip market generates billions of dollars of revenue around the world. To celebrate National Potato Chip Day, enjoy some of your favorite potato chips with your lunch or dinner!

Today is also Pi Day & Bake a Pie Day & International Fanny Pack Day

March is National Peanut Month & International Ideas Month & National Craft Month

This week is National Wildlife Week

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

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On this day in History:

1629 - A Royal charter was granted to the Massachusetts Bay Colony. 1794 - Eli Whitney received a patent for his cotton gin. 1900 - U.S. currency went on the gold standard with the ratification of the Gold Standard Act. 1956 - The movie "Rock Around the Clock" (with Bill Haley) made its premier in Washington, DC.

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Quote of the Day:
"It is not how much you do but how much love you put into what you are doing."

--Mother Teresa

Today is Tuesday March 8, 2011

Mardi Gras

Today is Mardi Gras! Also known as Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras is a day of parades, masks, music, and celebration!

Mardi Gras has been celebrated in America since 1699, however it has been an eminent holiday in Paris since the Middle Ages! Mardi Gras is always the day before Ash Wednesday and is meant to be a day of celebration prior to the fasting season of Lent. Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday in French) was the day when families would try to get rid of all of their fattening food—eggs, butter, milk—in order to keep the house free of temptation for Lent. The result? Often, a whole lot of pancakes!

Mardi Gras is celebrated around the world. Each region has its own colorful customs and traditions. In Denmark, for example, there is a festival called the Fastelavn in which children play games and dress in costumes. In Italy, people attend the Carnival of Venice and wear beautiful Venetian masks. Fat Tuesday in New Orleans is a decadent celebration—full of jazz music, Zulu parades, and colorful costumes. Joie de vivre!

Today is also International Women's Day & National Peanut Cluster Day & International Pancake Day

March is National Peanut Month & International Ideas Month & National Craft Month

This week is Celebrate Your Name Week & Teen Tech Week & Chocolate Chip Cookie Week

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

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On this day in History:

1618 - Johann Kepler discovered the third Law of Planetary Motion. 1910 - In France, Baroness de Laroche became the first woman to obtain a pilot's license. 1911 - In Europe, International Women's Day was celebrated for the first time. 1948 - The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that religious instruction in public schools was unconstitutional. 1970 - Diana Ross opened her first outing as a solo performer in Framingham, MA.

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Quote of the Day:
"Anything I've ever done that ultimately was worthwhile initially scared me to death."

--Betty Bender

Today is Tuesday March 1, 2011

National Peanut Butter Lover's Day

Whether you prefer smooth, chunky, or all natural peanut butter, it is the perfect addition to any snack! It is an extremely popular food because of its delicious taste and versatility. Peanut butter can be spread on a cracker, poured over ice cream, or scooped right out of the jar to be enjoyed.

Another popular way to eat peanut butter is with jelly between two slices of bread. Did you know that the average child will eat 1,500 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches before he or she graduates high school? Peanut butter is also extremely nutritious and healthy to eat because it is full of protein and vitamins. It may also protect against cardiovascular disease.

Today is certainly not a day for people with arachibutyrophobia (the fear of getting peanut butter stuck to the roof of your mouth). It is National Peanut Butter Lover's Day! To celebrate, enjoy some tasty peanut butter on top of your favorite snack!

Today is also National Horse Protection Day

March is National Peanut Month & International Ideas Month & National Craft Month

This week is National Cheerleading Week

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

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On this day in History:

1845 - U.S. President Tyler signed the congressional resolution to annex the Republic of Texas. 1947 - The International Monetary Fund began operations. 1961 - The Peace Corps was established by U.S. President Kennedy. 1969 - Mickey Mantle announced his retirement from baseball. 1981 - The TV movie "Elvis and the Beauty Queen" was aired on NBC. Don Johnson played the role of Elvis.

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Quote of the Day:
"The words 'I am...' are potent words; be careful what you hitch them to. The thing you’re claiming has a way of reaching back and claiming you."

--A.L. Kitselman