Today is...

Halloween

Today is Halloween! Halloween, or All Hallow’s Eve, can be traced back to an ancient Celtic pagan festival called “Samhain,” which was celebrated over 2,000 years ago. The Celtic calendar began on November 1, and the Celts believed that as the old year faded and the new year emerged, the boundaries between the living and the dead became unstable. On the night of October 31, the spirits of the deceased could walk the earth and provoke sickness or damage crops. To combat these evil spirits and ward off wandering ghosts, the Celts built huge bonfires, left bowls of food outside their homes, and wore costumes and masks.

Although there are still plenty of ghosts and ghouls, Halloween has evolved into a secular, family-friendly event. One quarter of all the candy sold in the United States is purchased for Halloween, and over 40 million children trick-or-treat in their neighborhood each year. Want a quick and easy way to celebrate? Send free eCards for Halloween to all your family and friends! Happy Halloween!

Today is also National Caramel Apple Day

October is Adopt-a-Dog Month & National Breast Cancer Awareness Month & National Chili Month & National Dessert Month & National Pasta Month & National Roller Skating Month


This week is International Magic Week

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History for October 31   1868 - Postmaster General Alexander Williams Randall approved a standard uniform for postal carriers. 1922 - Benito Mussolini became prime minister of Italy. 1940 - The British air victory in the Battle of Britain prevented Germany from invading Britain. 1941 - 14 years of work was completed on Mount Rushmore. At the time the 60-foot busts of U.S. Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln were finished. 1952 - The U.S. detonated its first hydrogen bomb. 1968 - U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson ordered a halt to all U.S. bombing of North Vietnam. _________________________________________________________ "If only we’d stop trying to be happy we could have a pretty good time." --Edith Wharton

Today is...

National Candy Corn Day

It’s National Candy Corn Day! Did you know that candy corn has been around for more than 100 years and has never changed its look, taste, or design?

George Renninger of the Wunderle Candy Company created candy corn in the 1880s. It was made to mimic a kernel of corn and became instantly popular because of its innovative design. It was one of the first candies to feature three different colors!

Today, candy corn is a favorite American treat to enjoy during the Halloween season. The National Confectioners Association estimates that 20 million pounds of candy corn are sold annually. Grab a handful to celebrate National Candy Corn Day!

October is Adopt-a-Dog Month & National Breast Cancer Awareness Month & National Chili Month & National Dessert Month & National Pasta Month & National Roller Skating Month


This week is International Magic Week

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History for October 30   1893 - The U.S. Senate gave final approval to repeal the Sherman Silver Purchase Act of 1890. 1894 - The time clock was patented by Daniel M. Cooper of Rochester, NY. 1945 - The U.S. government announced the end of shoe rationing. 1961 - The Soviet Union tested a hydrogen bomb with a force of approximately 58 megatons. 1978 - The movie "KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park" aired on NBC-TV. _________________________________________________________ "Pleasure is, and must remain, a side-effect or by-product, and is destroyed or spoiled to the degree to which it is made an end in itself." --Victor Frankl

Today is...

National Cat Day

Today is National Cat Day! Send a free cat eCard to spread the word about this unique holiday! “What greater gift than the love of a cat?” Charles Dickens once mused. Cats are one of the most beloved human companions of all time. They were first domesticated in the Middle East’s Fertile Crescent as early as 12,000 years ago. When humans relied on hunting as their main source of food, dogs were most useful, but when the first agricultural societies emerged, cats became invaluable. Domesticated cats became responsible for keeping grain stores free of mice and other rodents. Today, cats can be found in 34% of American households, making them the most popular house pet in the United States.

Pet lifestyle expert and animal welfare advocate Colleen Paige established National Cat Day in 2005. In honor of the occasion, celebrate cats and the unconditional love and companionship they give to their owners. If you don't own a cat, volunteer at your local animal shelter or make a donation. It’s the purrrrfect way to show you care!

Today is also National Oatmeal Day

October is Adopt-a-Dog Month & National Breast Cancer Awareness Month & National Chili Month & National Dessert Month & National Pasta Month & National Roller Skating Month


This week is International Magic Week

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History for October 29   1682 - William Penn landed at what is now Chester, PA. He was the founder of Pennsylvania. 1863 - The International Committee of the Red Cross was founded. 1956 - "The Huntley-Brinkley Report" premiered on NBC. 1960 - Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay) won his first professional fight. 1995 - Jerry Rice (San Francisco 49ers) became the NFL's career leader in receiving yards with 14,040 yards. 1998 - The space shuttle Discovery blasted off with John Glenn on board. Glenn was 77 years old. In 1962 he became the first American to orbit the Earth. _________________________________________________________ "The test of pleasure is the memory it leaves behind." --Jean Paul Richter

Today is...

National Pumpkin Day

It’s National Pumpkin Day! Pumpkins are the harbinger of the harvest season, appearing every year as the first sign of autumn. Did you know that the word “pumpkin” comes from the Greek word “pepon,” meaning "large melon"?

Pumpkins can be grown on every continent except Antarctica, and the United States produces about 1.5 billion pounds of them each year. A Wisconsin farmer grew the largest pumpkin ever recorded. He used seaweed, cow manure, and fish emulsion to grow his pumpkin, which weighed a total of 1,810 pounds and was the size of a dumpster!

Celebrate National Pumpkin Day by carving a pumpkin in time for Halloween. Don't forget to bake the tasty seeds for a healthy, autumn snack!

Today is also Frankenstein Friday

October is Adopt-a-Dog Month & National Breast Cancer Awareness Month & National Chili Month & National Dessert Month & National Pasta Month & National Roller Skating Month


This week is International Magic Week

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History for October 26   1774 - The First Continental Congress of the U.S. adjourned in Philadelphia. 1825 - The Erie Canal opened in upstate New York. The 363-mile canal connected Lake Erie and the Hudson River at a cost of $7,602,000. 1905 - Norway gained independence from Sweden. 1949 - U.S. President Harry Truman raised the minimum wage from 40 to 75 cents an hour. 1951 - Winston Churchill became the prime minister of Great Britain. 1975 - Anwar Sadat became the first Egyptian president to officially visit to the United States. 1990 - Wayne Gretzky became the first NHL player to reach 2,000 points. 1994 - Roseanne Barr appeared on her TV show "Roseanne" dressed as Prince. _________________________________________________________ "Make it thy business to know thyself, which is the most difficult lesson in the world." --Cervantes

Today is...

National Greasy Foods Day

It’s National Greasy Foods Day! Although it might not be the healthiest choice out there, everyone loves the taste of greasy food. From pizza and nachos to burgers and French fries, it's nearly impossible to ignore this guilty pleasure.

Did you know that fried chicken is the most ordered meal in sit-down restaurants in the U.S.? Even if it’s just for today, allow yourself to indulge in a little greasy good to celebrate National Greasy Food Day!

Today is also Good and Plenty Day & Dussehra

October is Adopt-a-Dog Month & National Breast Cancer Awareness Month & National Chili Month & National Dessert Month & National Pasta Month & National Roller Skating Month


This week is International Magic Week

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History for October 25   1415 - England won the Battle of Agincourt over France during the Hundred Years' War. Almost 6000 Frenchmen were killed while fewer than 400 were lost by the English. 1812 - During the War of 1812, the U.S. frigate United States captured the British vessel Macedonian. 1955 - The microwave oven, for home use, was introduced by The Tappan Company. 1962 - American author John Steinbeck was awarded the Nobel Prize in literature. 2000 - AT&T Corp. announced that it would restructure into a family of four separately traded companies (consumer, business, broadband and wireless). _________________________________________________________ "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...

National Bologna Day

Today is National Bologna Day! Bologna is a lunchtime favorite for sandwich lovers across the country. Although this American sausage is spelled bologna, it is commonly pronounced "baloney." In some parts of the country it is also referred to as “jumbo.”

Bologna can be made with beef, pork, chicken, or turkey. It is cooked and smoked with a wonderful bouquet of spices that add to its delicious flavor. There are many different variations including German bologna and Kosher bologna.

Did you know that Americans eat 800 million pounds of bologna annually? Add a slice or two to your sandwich today to celebrate National Bologna Day!

Today is also Good and Plenty Day & Dussehra

October is Adopt-a-Dog Month & National Breast Cancer Awareness Month & National Chili Month & National Dessert Month & National Pasta Month & National Roller Skating Month

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History for October 24   1901 - Daredevil Anna Edson Taylor became the first person to go over Niagara Falls in a wooden barrel. She was 63 years old. 1929 - In The U.S., investors dumped more than 13 million shares on the stock market. The day is known as "Black Thursday." 1939 - Nylon stockings were sold to the public for the first time in Wilmington, DE. 1945 - The United Nations (UN) was formally established less than a month after the end of World War II. 1963 - The Beatles left Great Britain for their first tour outside of their homeland. 1992 - The Toronto Blue Jays became the first non-U.S. team to win the World Series. _________________________________________________________ "We crucify ourselves between two thieves: regret for yesterday and fear of tomorrow." --Fulton Ousler

Today is...

National Boston Cream Pie Day

Celebrate National Boston Cream Pie Day! A French chef named Sanzian invented Boston cream pie in 1856. He worked at the Parker House Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts, which is also where the Parker House roll originated.

In 1996, Boston cream pie became the official dessert of Massachusetts in a bill sponsored by Norton High School. This bill defeated both Indian Pudding and Toll House cookies as the state's official dessert. Boston cream pie is now also a popular doughnut, coffee, and ice cream flavor.

Although it is called a pie, Boston cream pie is actually a cake. It consists of two round layers of sponge cake with a thick vanilla custard filling. It is usually frosted with a chocolate glaze but it can also be topped with confectionary sugar. The dessert is served in wedges just like a pie. Enjoy a big slice today to celebrate National Boston Cream Pie Day!

October is Adopt-a-Dog Month & National Breast Cancer Awareness Month & National Chili Month & National Dessert Month & National Pasta Month & National Roller Skating Month

This week is National Bake Week

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History for October 23   1910 - Blanche S. Scott became the first woman to make a public solo airplane flight. 1946 - The United Nations General Assembly convened in New York for the first time. 1958 - Russian poet and novelist Boris Pasternak was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature. He was forced to refuse the honor due to negative Soviet reaction. Pasternak won the award for writing "Dr. Zhivago". 1998 - Japan nationalized its first bank since World War II. _________________________________________________________ "If we’d only stop trying to be happy we’d have a pretty good time." --Edith Wharton

Today is...

International Caps Lock Day

TODAY IS INTERNATIONAL CAPS LOCK DAY! It's a whole day dedicated to something that drives most people crazy—text that is written in ALL CAPITALIZED LETTERS.

International Caps Lock Day was created in 2000 by Derek Arnold of Iowa. This holiday began as a parody. It was intended to poke fun at those individuals who unnecessarily capitalize letters, words, and phrases.The day became so popular with internet users that it is now celebrated twice a year—on June 28 and on October 22.

Hit your caps lock button and celebrate INTERNATIONAL CAPS LOCK DAY!

Today is also National Nut Day

October is Adopt-a-Dog Month & National Breast Cancer Awareness Month & National Chili Month & National Dessert Month & National Pasta Month & National Roller Skating Month

This week is National Bake Week

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History for October 22   1746 - The College of New Jersey was officially chartered. It later became known as Princeton University. 1883 - The New York Horse show opened. The first national horse show was formed by the newly organized National Horse Show Association of America. 1954 - The Federal Republic of Germany was invited to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). 1961 - Chubby Checker appeared on the "Ed Sullivan Show" and performed "The Twist." 1962 - U.S. President Kennedy went on radio and television to inform his nation about his order to send U.S. forces to blockade Cuba. The blockade was in response to the discovery of Soviet missile bases on the island. 1995 - The 50th anniversary of the United Nations was marked by a record number of world leaders gathering. _________________________________________________________ "Money may be the husk of many things, but not the kernel. It brings you food, but not appetite; medicine, but not health; acquaintances, but not friends; servants, but not loyalty; days of joy, but not peace or happiness." --Henrick Ibsen

Today is...

National Seafood Bisque Day

It’s National Seafood Bisque Day! Seafood bisque is a delightfully rich and creamy soup made with lobster, crab, shrimp, or crayfish. It is often seasoned with wine or cognac and a savory bouquet of spices. In a traditional bisque recipe, the soup is thickened with a fine purée of crustacean shells! Early recipes also occasionally called for pigeon instead of shellfish.

Some culinary historians believe that the word “bisque” comes from the French “bis cuites,” meaning “twice cooked.” Bisque is heated twice—first in the stock and again in the cream. Others believe that the origin of this word is related to the Bay of Biscay. Dishes from Biscay traditionally include spices similar to those in bisque.

To celebrate National Seafood Bisque Day, try making your own seafood bisque! Serve it with a freshly baked baguette for a decadent treat.

October is Adopt-a-Dog Month & National Breast Cancer Awareness Month & National Chili Month & National Dessert Month & National Pasta Month & National Roller Skating Month

This week is National Bake Week

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History for October 19   1765 - In the U.S., The Stamp Act Congress met and drew up a declaration of rights and liberties. 1812 - Napoleon's French forces began their retreat out of Russia after a month of chasing the retreating Russian army. 1951 - U.S. President Truman singed an act officially ending the state of war with Germany. 1977 - The Concorde made its first landing in New York City. 1997 - On stage at the Grand Ole Opry, Vince Gill honored John Denver. Gill played "Take Me Home, Country Roads." _________________________________________________________ "Fear is the main source of superstition, and one of the main sources of cruelty. To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom." --Bertrand Russell

Today is...

National Chocolate Cupcake Day

It’s National Chocolate Cupcake Day! Chocolate cupcakes are a delightful treat served at gourmet bakeries and kitchen tables across the country.

Cupcakes first emerged during the 19th century in the United States. There are two theories about how they got their name. One claims that the miniature cakes were originally baked in cups. The other suggests that the name comes from the recipe, which was measured out by the cup—one cup butter, two cups sugar, three cups flour, four eggs, one cup milk, one spoonful baking soda.

Cupcakes are now made with a variety of flavors, ingredients, and decorations, but simple chocolate cupcakes remain a perennial favorite. Bake, frost, and decorate a batch today to celebrate National Chocolate Cupcake Day!

October is Adopt-a-Dog Month & National Breast Cancer Awareness Month & National Chili Month & National Dessert Month & National Pasta Month & National Roller Skating Month

This week is World Rainforest Week

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History for October 18   1867 - The U.S. took formal possession of Alaska from Russia. The land was purchased for $7 million dollars (2 cents per acre). 1943 - The first broadcast of "Perry Mason" was presented on CBS Radio. The show went to TV in 1957. 1950 - Connie Mack announced that he was going to retire after 50 seasons as the manager of the Philadelphia Athletics. 1967 - "How I Won the War," starring John Lennon, premiered in London. 1971 - After 34 years the final issue of "Look" magazine was published. 1977 - Reggie Jackson tied Babe Ruth's record for hitting three homeruns in a single World Series game. Jackson was only the second player to achieve this. _________________________________________________________ "Imagination is more important than knowledge." --Albert Einstein

Today is...

National Pasta Day

It’s National Pasta Day! Linguine, fettuccine, spaghetti, tortellini, ziti—the list of pastas is endless! Pasta is typically thought of as an Italian dish, but there is evidence that people living in Asia in 2000 BC made noodles with millet!

Pasta can be made dry (pasta secca) or fresh (pasta fresca). There are over 350 varieties of dried pasta in Italy. The highest quality of dried pasta is made with pure durum semolina flour and water. Did you know that a typical Italian person eats over sixty pounds of pasta per year? In comparison, Americans only eat around twenty pounds of pasta per person per year!

To celebrate National Pasta Day, enjoy a delightful dish of your favorite type of pasta topped with a scrumptious sauce!

October is Adopt-a-Dog Month & National Breast Cancer Awareness Month & National Chili Month & National Dessert Month & National Pasta Month & National Roller Skating Month

This week is World Rainforest Week

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History for October 17   1777 - American troops defeated British forces in Saratoga, NY. It was the turning point in the American Revolutionary War. 1888 - The first issue of "National Geographic Magazine" was released at newsstands. 1917 - The Radio Corporation of America (RCA) was formed. 1967 - The musical "Hair" premiered at New York's Public Theatre. The show ran for 1,758 performances. 1994 - Israel and Jordan initialed a draft peace treaty. 2000 - Patrick Roy (Colorado Avalanche) achieved his 448th victory as a goalie in the NHL. Roy passed Terry Sawchuck to become the record holder for career victories. _________________________________________________________ "We tire of those pleasures we take, but never those we give." --J. Petit-Senn