Today is...

National Waffle Iron Day

It’s National Waffle Iron Day! Today is an important celebration for all the breakfast lovers of the world. Homemade waffles are one of the cornerstones of a delicious morning meal, and the waffle iron makes it all possible.

Waffle irons originated in Belgium during the 14th century. These early contraptions consistent of two metal plates hinged together. The plates were then attached to a long pole, which allowed the cook to hold the iron over an open fire. In 1869, a man named Cornelius Swarthout patented the first American waffle iron. This device was designed for cooking waffles over the burner of a wood or gas stove. Fifty years later, General Electric began producing the first electric waffle irons for everyday use.

To celebrate National Waffle Iron Day, whip up some waffle batter and have breakfast-for-dinner tonight! Top your homemade waffles with syrup, whipped cream, fruit, chocolate, or even fried chicken. Bon appétit!

 June is Gay Pride Month & Great Outdoors Month 

This week is Watermelon Seed Spitting Week

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

History for June 29  1652 - Massachusetts declared itself an independent commonwealth. 1897 - The Chicago Cubs scored 36 runs in a game against Louisville, setting a record for runs scored by a team in a single game. 1917 - The Ukraine proclaimed independence from Russia. 1941 - Joe DiMaggio got a base hit in his 42nd consecutive game. He broke George Sisler's record from 1922. 1987 - Vincent Van Gogh’s "Le Pont de Trinquetaille" was bought for $20.4 million at an auction in London, England. 1998 - With negotiations on a new labor agreement at a standstill, the National Basketball Association (NBA) announced that a lockout would be imposed at midnight. _________________________________________________________ "If man hasn't discovered something that he will die for, he isn't fit to live." --Dr. Martin Luther King

Today is...

Paul Bunyan Day

Today is Paul Bunyan Day! Paul Bunyan is one of the best-known heroes in American folklore. This legendary lumberjack (and his faithful companion Babe the Blue Ox) starred in many of the “tall tales” told in the Midwest during the 1800s. According to the stories, Bunyan was a giant man with incredibly physical strength. He single-handedly established the logging industry, cleared North Dakota of its forests, dug out Lake Superior, and even trained carpenter ants to help his fellow loggers!

A young woman named K. Bernice Stewart was the first person to write down the original Bunyan tales. Stewart collected the stories from local loggers while studying at the University of Wisconsin in 1914. Today, Paul Bunyan is mentioned in more than 1,000 books and has become one of the most widespread icons in American culture.

To celebrate Paul Bunyan Day, read one of the original Bunyan tales!

Today is also National Tapioca Day

 June is Gay Pride Month & Great Outdoors Month 

This week is Watermelon Seed Spitting Week

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

History for June 28  1894 - The U.S. Congress made Labor Day a U.S. national holiday. 1911 - Samuel J. Battle became the first African-American policeman in New York City. 1919 - The Treaty of Versailles was signed ending World War I exactly five years after it began. The treaty also established the League of Nations. 1938 - The U.S. Congress created the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to insure construction loans. 1945 - U.S. General Douglas MacArthur announced the end of Japanese resistance in the Philippines. _________________________________________________________ "Though there are exceptions, bigger is not always better, and louder is not always more true. There is much good to be found in ordinary days, even when they appear to be ho-hum and routine. So for inner health, seek deliverance from addictions to the spectacular. Cherish the ordinary. Woe to us who are so deafened by the whirlwind that we cannot hear the whisper." --Neil B. Weisman

Today is...

Sunglasses Day

It’s Sunglasses Day! Sunglasses are quite possibly the most important fashion accessory of the entire summer season. Humans have been wearing protective eyewear for centuries, but the stylish designs we’re accustomed to today are a much more recent invention.

During the prehistoric era, the Inuit people used walrus ivory to create sun goggles, which blocked out the powerful rays of sun that reflected off the snow and ice. By the 1700s, doctors were regularly prescribing tinted glasses for vision correction, and by the 1930s the Foster Grant company was selling modern-day sunglasses on the boardwalk of Atlantic City, New Jersey. On the eve of World War II, a little company called Ray Ban began producing anti-glare sunglasses for pilots. “Aviators” became the first commercially successful sunglasses.

To celebrate Sunglasses Day, sport your favorite shades all day long!

Today is also National Orange Blossom Day

 June is Gay Pride Month & Great Outdoors Month 

This week is Watermelon Seed Spitting Week

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

History for June 27  1871 - The yen became the new form of currency in Japan. 1940 - Robert Pershing Wadlow was measured by Dr. Cyril MacBryde and Dr. C. M. Charles. They recorded his height at 8' 11.1." He was only 22 at the time of his death on July 15, 1940. 1954 - The world's first atomic power station opened at Obninsk, near Moscow. 1967 - The world's first cash dispenser was installed at Barclays Bank in Enfield, England. The device was invented by John Sheppard-Barron. The machine operated on a voucher system and the maximum withdrawal was $28. 1972 - Bobby Hull signed a 10-year hockey contract for $2,500,000. He became a player and coach of the Winnipeg Jets of the World Hockey Association. 1991 - Associate Justice Thurgood Marshall resigned from the U.S. Supreme Court. He had been appointed in 1967 by President Lyndon Johnson. _________________________________________________________ "Hell begins on the day when God grants us a clear vision of all that we might have achieved, of all the gifts which we have wasted, of all that we might have done which we did not do. For me the conception of Hell lies in two words: 'too late.'” --Gian-Carlo Menotti

Today is...

National Chocolate Pudding Day

It’s National Chocolate Pudding Day! Did you know that dessert puddings can be traced all the way back to the 17th century? During that time, a “pudding” was actually a very moist cake (similar to a modern-day bread pudding or plum pudding).

The sweet and creamy confection we know and love today emerged in the mid-19th century when an English chemist named Alfred Bird developed an egg-free custard powder. This remarkable invention made it very easy to produce a delicious pudding with the perfect consistency. Today, pudding is a popular dessert all over the world.

To celebrate National Chocolate Pudding Day, make your own homemade chocolate pudding to share with family and friends!

 June is Gay Pride Month & Great Outdoors Month 

This week is Watermelon Seed Spitting Week

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

History for June 26   1804 - The Lewis and Clark Expedition reached the mouth of the Kansas River after completing a westward trek of nearly 400 river miles. 1819 - The bicycle was patented by W.K. Clarkson, Jr. 1945 - The U.N. Charter was signed by 50 nations in San Francisco, CA. 1961 - A Kuwaiti vote opposed Iraq's annexation plans. 1971 - The U.S. Justice Department issued a warrant for Daniel Ellsberg, accusing him of giving away the Pentagon Papers. 1977 - Elvis Presley's final concert took place at Market Square Arena, Indianapolis. 1979 - Muhammad Ali, at 37 years old, announced that he was retiring as world heavyweight boxing champion. 1987 - The movie "Dragnet" opened in the U.S. _________________________________________________________ "It is with our passions, as it is with fire and water, they are good servants but bad masters." --Sir Roger L’Estrange

Today is...

National Catfish Day

Today is National Catfish Day! Catfish is a versatile and delicious type of fish that is usually associated with Cajun-style cooking. In fact, about 95% of the nation’s catfish comes from Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama, and Louisiana. In traditional recipes, each catfish fillet is coated with a blend of spices and then fried or blackened in a cast-iron skillet.

Did you know that catfish is one of the most sustainable species of fish? Most of the catfish we eat is farm-raised, which is very eco-friendly. In 1987, President Reagan declared the first National Catfish Day to recognize the importance of the catfish farming industry.

To celebrate National Catfish Day, fry up some homemade catfish for dinner, or head to a local Cajun restaurant to sample a little taste of the South!

Today is also National Strawberry Parfait Day

 June is Gay Pride Month & Great Outdoors Month 

This week is Watermelon Seed Spitting Week

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

History for June 25  1868 - The U.S. Congress enacted legislation granting an eight-hour day to workers employed by the Federal government. 1876 - Lt. Col. Custer and 210 men of the U.S. 7th Cavalry were killed by Sioux and Cheyenne Indians at Little Big Horn in Montana. 1984 - The soundtrack "Purple Rain" was released five weeks ahead of the film. 1998 - The U.S. Supreme Court rejected the line-item veto thereby striking down presidential power to cancel specific items in tax and spending legislation. _________________________________________________________ "Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you will get neither." --C.S. Lewis

Today is...

Take Your Dog To Work Day

It’s Take Your Dog to Work Day! Do you feel remorse and heartache every time you leave your dog at home during the workweek? Well, today is your lucky day!

An organization called Pet Sitters International declared the first Take Your Dog to Work Day in 1999. The purpose of this unique holiday is to celebrate our canine companions, and to encourage dog adoption from humane societies, breed rescue clubs, and animal shelters. Each year on the Friday after Father’s Day, thousands of offices participate in this nationwide event.

To celebrate Take Your Dog to Work Day, take your pooch to the office! You can also visit the Take Your Dog to Work Day website to register as an official participant and enter a nationwide photo contest!

Today is also National Chocolate Eclair Day 

 
June is Gay Pride Month & Great Outdoors Month



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

History for June 22  1772 - Slavery was outlawed in England. 1933 - Germany became a one political party country when Hitler banned parties other than the Nazis. 1944 - U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt signed the "GI Bill of Rights" to provide broad benefits for veterans of the war. 1946 - Jet airplanes were used to transport mail for the first time. 1959 - Eddie Lubanski rolled 24 consecutive strikes in a bowling tournament in Miami, FL. 1981 - "Raiders of the Lost Ark" opened. _________________________________________________________ "The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature." --Anne Frank

Today is...

Go Skateboarding Day

Today is Go Skateboarding Day! Skateboarding originated in the 1940s. According to an urban legend, the idea came from surfers in California who wanted something to “surf” while the water was flat. Today, people all around that world enjoy this recreational action sport, but California remains the epicenter of the skateboard community.

Some of the most popular skateboarding tricks are aerials, ollies, grinds, kickflips, and spins. The annual X Games competition features some of the most accomplished skateboarders in the world. In 1999, Tony Hawk became the first skater to land a “900,” which requires two and a half revolutions with the skateboard.

To celebrate Go Skateboarding Day, head over to your local skate park. Check out the scene, learn how to skateboard, or try some new tricks!

June is Gay Pride Month & Great Outdoors Month






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

History for June 21 1788 - The U.S. Constitution went into effect when New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify it. 1939 - Lou Gehrig quit baseball due to illness. 1942 - Ben Hogan recorded the lowest score (to that time) in a major golf tournament. Hogan shot a 271 for 72 holes in Chicago, IL. 1945 - Allied forces captured Okinawa, Japan. 1981 - "Raiders of the Lost Ark" opened. _________________________________________________________ "You know of the disease in Central Africa called sleeping sickness...There also exists a sleeping sickness of the soul. Its most dangerous aspect is that one is unaware of its coming. That is why you have to be careful. As soon as you notice the slightest sign of indifference, the moment you become aware of the loss of a certain seriousness, of longing, of enthusiasm, and zest, take it as a warning. You should realize your soul suffers if you live superficially." --Albert Schweitzer

Today is...

Summer Solstice

Today is the Summer Solstice! For people who live in the Northern Hemisphere of the world, today is the longest day of the year and the first official day of summer. In the Arctic Circle, there will be 24 hours of daylight!

The summer solstice occurs when the Earth’s axial tilt is closest to the sun. This occurs in late June for the Northern Hemisphere and late December for the Southern Hemisphere. The summer solstice is a significant time for many religions and cultures. Today, people all over the world will mark this important milestone in the year with festivals, gatherings, and rituals.

To celebrate the summer solstice, grab your sunglasses and head outside to enjoy the extra hours of daylight! Happy summer!

Today is also  National Ice Cream Soda Day & National Vanilla Milkshake Day & International Lambrusco Day

June is Gay Pride Month & Great Outdoors Month

This week is National Flag Week

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

History for June 20  1793 - Eli Whitney applied for a cotton gin patent. 1950 - Willie Mays graduated from high school and immediately signed with the New York Giants. 1963 - The United States and Soviet Union signed an agreement to set up a hot line communication link between the two countries. 1966 - The U.S. Open golf tournament was broadcast in color for the first time. 1967 - Muhammad Ali was convicted in Houston of violating Selective Service laws by refusing to be drafted. The U.S. Supreme Court later overturned the conviction. 1973 - American Bandstand celebrated its 20th anniversary with a 90-minute television special. _________________________________________________________ "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 Martini Day

Today is National Martini Day! Although the exact origin of the martini is unknown, this iconic drink has earned a permanent place in the pantheon of classic cocktails. The first printed recipe for a “Martinez” cocktail appeared in a bartending manual published in San Francisco in 1887. However, historians disagree over whether the beverage actually originated on the West Coast. In 1911, a New York City bartender named Martini di Arma di Taggia began serving a cocktail made with gin, vermouth, orange bitters, and an olive garnish. The martini gained widespread popularity among Manhattan socialites, and has been associated with New York ever since.

Today, 50% of all cocktails are served in a martini glass. Some of the most famous (historical and fictional) martini lovers include: John D. Rockefeller, Humphrey Bogart, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Clark Gable, Ernest Hemingway, and James Bond.

To celebrate National Martini Day, enjoy a refreshing martini in the company of friends. Mix up the classic or try this lemon basil martini recipe. Cheers to that!

Today is also Juneteenth

June is Gay Pride Month & Great Outdoors Month

This week is National Flag Week

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

History for June 19  1586 - English colonists sailed away from Roanoke Island, NC, after failing to establish England's first permanent settlement in America. 1862 - U.S. President Abraham Lincoln outlined his Emancipation Proclamation, which outlawed slavery in U.S. territories. 1910 - Father's Day was celebrated for the first time, in Spokane, Washington. 1973 - Pete Rose (Cincinnati Reds) got his 2,000th career hit. 1976 - Wild Cherry released "Play That Funky Music." _________________________________________________________ "As long as habit and routine dictate the pattern of living, new dimensions of the soul will not emerge." --Henry Van Dyke

Today is...

International Picnic Day

It’s International Picnic Day! Today we celebrate one of the greatest ways to enjoy the summer season—an outdoor picnic with friends, family, games and activities, and delicious food.

During the Victorian era, picnics were very important social occasions. They offered the rare opportunity for young men and women to spend time together in the great outdoors. They were also quite elaborate. A picnic for twenty people might feature cold salmon, lamb, veal, chicken, ham, pigeon pie, sandwiches, fruit, a selection of cheeses, and a variety of baked goods! The modern-day picnic is much less complicated. In fact, the phrase “it’s a picnic” means “it’s easy.”

To celebrate International Picnic Day, invite your friends and family to a summer picnic. Find a suitable location at a local park or field, and sit back and enjoy an al fresco meal in the company of your loved ones. Happy International Picnic Day!

Today is also Go Fishing Day & National Cherry Tart Day

June is Gay Pride Month & Great Outdoors Month

This week is National Flag Week

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

History for June 18 1155 - Frederick I, Barbarossa, was crowned emperor of Rome. 1812 - The War of 1812 began as the U.S. declared war against Great Britain. 1873 - Susan B. Anthony was fined $100 for attempting to vote for a U.S. President. 1927 - The U.S. Post Office offered a special 10-cent postage stamp for sale. The stamp was of Charles Lindbergh’s "Spirit of St. Louis." 1959 - A Federal Court annulled the Arkansas law allowing school closings to prevent integration. 1967 - The Jimi Hendrix Experience made its debut performance at the Monterey Pop Festival in California. 1975 - Fred Lynn of the Boston Red Sox hit three home runs, a triple and a single in a game against the Detroit Tigers. _________________________________________________________ "Success is to be measured not so much by the position one has reached as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed." --Booker T. Washington