Today is...

National Raisin Day

It’s National Raisin Day! People have been dehydrating grapes to make raisins for thousands of years. The practice dates back to 2000 B.C. and originated in Persia and Egypt. Raisins were also highly prized by the Ancient Romans, who used this delicious snack food to barter. They also awarded raisins as prizes at sporting events!

Raisins are low in fat and contain important nutrients like iron, copper, calcium, and antioxidants. Raisins first became commercially popular in 1873 when a heat wave destroyed acres and acres of California grape vines. One grower decided to sell the dried grapes and marketed them as a “Peruvian delicacy.” Today, California produces half of the world’s raisin supply!

To celebrate National Raisin Day, snack on a box of raisins or bake a delicious batch of oatmeal raisin cookies!

 April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month & National Grilled Cheese Month

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

History for April 30  1889 - George Washington's inauguration became the first U.S. national holiday. 1939 - Lou Gehrig played his last game with the New York Yankees. 1947 - The name of Boulder Dam, in Nevada, was changed back to Hoover Dam. 1957 - Elvis recorded "Jailhouse Rock." 1964 - The FCC ruled that all TV receivers should be equipped to receive both VHF and UHF channels. _________________________________________________________ "There is no such thing as 'best' in the world of individuals." --Hosea Bellou

Today is...

Arbor Day

Today is Arbor Day! Arbor Day has been celebrated since 1872. A journalist named J. Sterling Morton created this holiday to encourage people to plant trees and to raise awareness about the importance of forests and plants. The first Arbor Day took place in the state of Nebraska, and local newspapers estimated that one million trees were planted that day!

Today, Arbor Day is a worldwide celebration. People celebrate this holiday by volunteering their time to plant trees or donating money to preserve forests. Many schools plan a variety of Arbor Day activities like essay contests, art projects, and fieldtrips to local parks to get kids engaged in this important campaign.

To celebrate Arbor Day, plant a tree in your yard or send a free Arbor Day eCard to friends and family. Happy Arbor Day!

Today is also National Prime Rib Day

 

 April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month & National Grilled Cheese Month

This week is Administrative Professionals Week

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

History for April 27  1773 - British Parliament passed the Tea Act. 1897 - Grant's Tomb was dedicated. 1961 - The United Kingdom granted Sierra Leone independence. 1965 - "Pampers" were patented by R.C. Duncan. 1983 - Nolan Ryan (Houston Astros) broke a 55-year-old major league baseball record when he struck out his 3,509th batter of his career. _________________________________________________________ "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...

National Pretzel Day

It’s National Pretzel Day! Centuries ago, Catholic monks created the first pretzels from scraps of leftover dough. The unique knot shape represented the Holy Trinity, but the significance of this symbol has evolved over the course of history. During the 17th century, pretzels symbolized the bond of marriage. This is where the phrase “tying the knot” originated! Today, traditional soft pretzels are popular at sporting events, carnivals, and festivals.

Hard pretzels are a fairly new invention compared to the original soft pretzels. According to legend, in the late 1600s a Pennsylvania baker forgot a batch of pretzels in the oven. The over-baked treats were dark and hard, but the baker sampled one anyway. He was pleasantly surprised by the crunchy deliciousness. Hard pretzels are now one of the most popular snack foods.

To celebrate National Pretzel Day, pick up a bag of your favorite type of pretzels to enjoy today!

Today is also National Kids and Pets Day

 

 April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month & National Grilled Cheese Month

This week is Administrative Professionals Week

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

History for April 26 1514 - Copernicus made his first observations of Saturn. 1929 - The first non-stop flight from England to India was completed. 1964 - The Boston Celtics won their sixth consecutive NBA title. They won two more before the streak came to an end. 1975 - B.J. Thomas had the longest title of a number one song at the top of the "Billboard" popular music chart. The song was "(Hey Won't You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song." 1983 - Dow Jones Industrial Average broke 1,200 for first time. _________________________________________________________ "It is your work in life that is the ultimate seduction." --Pablo Picasso