Today is...

National Mousse Day

Celebrate National Mousse Day! Mousse is a divine dessert made from egg whites and cream. Did you know that “mousse” is the French word for “foam”? It’s a fitting name for this light, fluffy, and decadent confection!

Chocolate mousse was a specialty in French restaurants during the 1800s, but now it can be found in restaurants and households worldwide. Popular variations include different kinds of chocolate, nut, and fruit flavors.

To celebrate National Mousse Day, make your favorite type of mousse for you and your friends!

Today is also Sinkie Day

November is Family Literacy Month & National Pomegranate Month & Peanut Butter Lover's Month & National Pet Adoption Month

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History for November 30   1782 - The United States and Britain signed preliminary peace articles in Paris, ending the Revolutionary War. 1897 - Thomas Edison's own motion picture projector had its first commercial exhibition. 1940 - Lucille Ball and Cuban musician Desi Arnaz were married. 1949 - Chinese Communists captured Chungking. 1971 - ABC-TV aired "Brian's Song." The movie was about Chicago Bears' Brian Picolo and his friendship with Gale Sayers. 1982 - The motion picture "Ghandi" had its world premiere in New Delhi. 1993 - U.S. President Clinton signed into law the Brady Bill. The bill required a five-day waiting period for handgun purchases and background checks of prospective buyers. _________________________________________________________ "We don’t receive wisdom; we must discover it for ourselves after a journey that no one can take for us or spare us." --Marcel Proust

Today is...

National Lemon Cream Pie Day

It’s National Lemon Cream Pie Day! According to culinary historians, people have been enjoying lemon flavored custards and desserts since the Middle Ages. Chefs during this time period also used lemons to "perfume" the water they used for cooking. This was supposed to give their dishes a refreshing flavor.

The classic lemon cream pie we know and love today emerged in the 1920s. Bake your own or pick one up at your local bakery in honor of National Lemon Cream Pie Day!

November is Family Literacy Month & National Pomegranate Month & Peanut Butter Lover's Month & National Pet Adoption Month

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History for November 29   1890 - Navy defeated Army by a score of 24-0 in the first Army-Navy football game. The game was played at West Point, NY. 1929 - The first airplane flight over the South Pole was made by U.S. Navy Lt. Comdr. Richard E. Byrd. 1961 - The Mercury-Atlas 5 spacecraft was launched by the U.S. with Enos the chimp on board. The craft orbited the earth twice before landing off Puerto Rico. 1975 - Bill Gates adopted the name Microsoft for the company he and Paul Allen had formed to write the BASIC computer language for the Altair. 1979 - The original four members of KISS performed their last show together until 1996 when they reunited for a makeup tour. _________________________________________________________ "Amusement is the happiness of those who cannot think." --Alexander Pope

Today is...

National French Toast Day

It’s National French Toast Day! French toast is the perfect way to start your day. Although it is typically made with bread, milk, and eggs, and then topped with delicious maple syrup, many variations of this classic breakfast can be found around the world.

The origin of French toast is unknown, but recipes date back to the sixteenth century in Europe. Prior to the Hundred Years War, French toast was known in England as "poor knight's pudding" because it was a simple and inexpensive dish that a knight with no money could afford. In France, it was called "pan perdu" or lost bread, because it was a way of using lost or stale bread.

Celebrate French Toast Day by surprising your friends and family with breakfast for dinner!

November is Family Literacy Month & National Pomegranate Month & Peanut Butter Lover's Month & National Pet Adoption Month

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History for November 28   1943 - U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Soviet Leader Joseph Stalin met in Tehran to map out strategy concerning World War II. 1944 - The MGM movie musical "Meet Me in St. Louis," starring Judy Garland opened in New York. 1964 - Willie Nelson made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry. 1974 - Elton John and John Lennon sang a duet of "I Saw Her Standing There" at Madison Square Garden in New York. The show was John Lennon's last stage appearance. 1977 - Larry Bird was introduced as "College Basketball's Secret Weapon" with a cover story in Sports Illustrated. (NBA) 1990 - Margaret Thatcher resigned as prime minister of Britain. _________________________________________________________ "There is no security on this earth, there is only opportunity." --General Douglas MacArthur

Giving Tuesday

Today is Giving Tuesday! This day is an opportunity to step back from the chaos of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and embrace the best part of the holidays—the season of giving. Find a way to give back to your community or support the causes that mean the most to you!

The tradition of charitable giving during the holidays began thousands of years ago. Today, it continues to be an important part of many cultures and religions around the world. During the Hindu festival of Diwali, for example, “dana” (charitable giving) and “seva” (selfless service) are two key components of the holiday.

To celebrate Giving Tuesday, donate to your favorite nonprofit, drop off some canned goods at your local food pantry, or organize a neighborhood coat drive. For more ideas about how to get involved in the national day of giving, visit www.givingtuesday.org.

Today is also National Bavarian Cream Pie Day

November is Family Literacy Month & National Pomegranate Month & Peanut Butter Lover's Month & National Pet Adoption Month

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History for November 27   1779 - The College of Pennsylvania became the University of Pennsylvania. It was the first legally recognized university in America. 1901 - The Army War College was established in Washington, DC. 1910 - New York's Pennsylvania Station opened. 1967 - Capitol Records released the Beatles' "Magical Mystery Tour" album in the U.S. 1980 - Dave Williams (Chicago Bears) became the first player in NFL history to return a kick for touchdown in overtime. _________________________________________________________ "The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness, it's indifference.         The opposite of faith is not heresy,                  it's indifference.                          And the opposite of life is not death,                  it's indifference."                 --Elie Wiesel

Today is...

National Cake Day

It’s National Cake Day! On this day, we celebrate one of the world’s favorite desserts—the cake. The cake we know and love today evolved from early leavened breads, which were sweetened with honey, fruit, and nuts. Did you know that the word “cake” comes from the Old Norse word, “kaka,” meaning a baked flour confection?

Whether you prefer vanilla, chocolate, red velvet, or even the pineapple-upside-down variety, grab a slice of your favorite cake to celebrate this delicious day! Happy National Cake Day!

November is Family Literacy Month & National Pomegranate Month & Peanut Butter Lover's Month & National Pet Adoption Month

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History for November 26   1861 - West Virginia was created (out of Virginia) over a dispute of slavery. West Virginia was against slavery. 1867 - J.B. Sutherland patented the refrigerated railroad car. 1922 - In Egypt, the entrance to King Tutankhamen's tomb was discovered by archeologist Howard Carter. The Egyptian child-king became pharaoh at age nine and died when he was 19. 1941 - U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a bill establishing the fourth Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day. 1942 - The motion picture "Casablanca" had its world premiere at the Hollywood Theater in New York City. 1958 - Maurice Richard (Montreal Canadiens) scored his 600th NHL career goal. 1979 - The International Olympic Committee voted to re-admit China after a 21-year absence. _________________________________________________________ "Nothing seems so tragic to one who is old as the death of one who is young, and this alone proves that life is a good thing." --Zoe Atkins

Today is...

Black Friday

Today is Black Friday—the official kickoff to the holiday shopping season! If you want to avoid the crowds, begin your holiday shopping from your couch and send thoughtful, holiday gift cards to your friends and family. The name “Black Friday” comes from the accounting terms, “in the red” and “in the black.” Retailers hail the day after Thanksgiving as the turning point in the year, when they transition from the red (losing money) to the black (making a profit).

On this day, many retailers typically open their stores early to accommodate all of the people that camp out in the parking lot the night before to take advantage of the holiday sales. Although Black Friday is the biggest day for shopping traffic, it is not always the day with the most sales. That distinction typically belongs to the last Saturday before Christmas. Fun fact: 66% of shoppers say that they shop for themselves on Black Friday! Happy shopping!

Today is also National Espresso Day & Eat a Cranberry Day

November is Family Literacy Month & National Pomegranate Month & Peanut Butter Lover's Month & National Pet Adoption Month

This week is National Game & Puzzle Week

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History for November 23   1835 - Henry Burden patented the horseshoe manufacturing machine. 1889 - The first jukebox made its debut in San Francisco, at the Palais Royale Saloon. 1936 - The first edition of "Life" magazine was published. 1943 - During World War II, U.S. forces seized control of Tarawa and Makin from the Japanese during the Central Pacific offensive in the Gilbert Islands. 1988 - Wayne Gretzky scored his 600th National Hockey League (NHL) goal. _________________________________________________________ "Crowding a life does not always enrich it." --Rose Kennedy

Today is...

World Television Day

Today is World Television Day! The United Nations General Assembly created this holiday in 1996. The inaugural celebration included the first World Television Forum, where leading media figures from the global community gathered to discuss the significance of television in today’s international issues. World Television Day highlights how communications can facilitate social and cultural development, and encourages cooperation and partnerships in international media.

Since its invention in the early 1900s, television has served as a medium for communication, entertainment, and household culture. To celebrate World Television Day, spread the word about this holiday and encourage your local government officials to continue to support the development of television media.

November is Family Literacy Month & National Pomegranate Month & Peanut Butter Lover's Month & National Pet Adoption Month

This week is National Game & Puzzle Week

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History for November 21   1871 - M.F. Galethe patented the cigar lighter. 1877 - Thomas A. Edison announced the invention of his phonograph. 1963 - The Elvis Presley film "Fun in Acapulco" premiered. 1980 - An estimated 83 million viewers tuned in to find out "who shot J.R." on the CBS prime-time soap opera Dallas. Kristin was the character that fired the gun. 1982 - The National Football League (NFL) resumed its season following a 57-day player's strike. 1983 - In Los Angeles, movie theaters premiered Michael Jackson's "Thriller" video. 1989 - The proceedings of Britain's House of Commons were televised live for the first time. 1993 - The U.S. House of Representatives voted against making the District of Columbia the 51st state. 1995 - The "Beatles Anthology I" set a first-day sales record, selling 450,000 units. 1995 - The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed above the 5,000-mark for the first time. _________________________________________________________ "Enthusiasm is the greatest asset in the world. It beats money and power and influence." --Henry Chester

Today is...

National Peanut Butter Fudge Day

It’s National Peanut Butter Fudge Day! Peanut butter has been a staple in American kitchens for more than a century. It can be served in a sandwich, mixed with ice cream, combined with chocolate, or whipped into fudge! Peanut butter fudge is the perfect treat for anyone with a sweet tooth and a love for rich, decadent desserts.

According to legend, the origin of fudge can be traced back to the 1800s when people used the word "fudge" to mean "cheat" or "mess up." One day, a chef accidentally "fudged" a batch of caramel he was trying to make, inventing the delicious confection we know and love it today. 

Fudge is now made in many heavenly flavors, including the rich peanut butter variety. Try your hand at making a homemade batch in honor of National Peanut Butter Fudge Day!

November is Family Literacy Month & National Pomegranate Month & Peanut Butter Lover's Month & National Pet Adoption Month

This week is National Game & Puzzle Week

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History for November 20   1789 - New Jersey became the first state to ratify the Bill of Rights. 1873 - Budapest was formed when the rival cities of Buda and Pest were united to form the capital of Hungary. 1969 - The Nixon administration announced a halt to residential use of the pesticide DDT as part of a total phase out of the substance. 1983 - An estimated 100 million people watched the controversial ABC-TV movie "The Day After." The movie depicted the outbreak of nuclear war. 1987 - "Sign 'O' The Times," Prince's third movie, opened. _________________________________________________________ "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...

International Men's Day

Today is International Men's Day! This holiday focuses on improving men's health, promoting gender equality, and highlighting positive male role models.

The origin of International Men’s Day can be traced back to the 1960s, but the first official celebration did not occur until 1999. Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh conceived and coordinated the event in Port of Spain, the capital of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. He promoted the importance of male role models and eventually received written support from the United Nations. Today, over 60 countries recognize this event.

Celebrations of International Men's Day include marches, debates, panel discussions, public seminars, art displays, and much more. To learn more about this holiday and the events going on in your area, check out the official website.

November is Family Literacy Month & National Pomegranate Month & Peanut Butter Lover's Month & National Pet Adoption Month

This week is National Game & Puzzle Week & American Education Week

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History for November 19   1794 - The U.S. and Britain signed the Jay Treaty. The treaty resolved the issues left over from the Revolutionary War. 1895 - The "paper pencil" was patented by Frederick E. Blaisdell. 1954 - Two automatic toll collectors were placed in service on the Garden State Parkway in New Jersey. 1977 - Egyptian President Anwar Sadat became the first Arab leader to set foot in Israel on an official visit. 1985 - U.S. President Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail S. Gorbachev met for the first time as they began their summit in Geneva. 1990 - Milli Vanilli was stripped of their Grammy Award because other singers had lent their voices to the "Girl You Know It's True" album. 1998 - Vincent van Gogh's "Portrait of the Artist Without Beard" sold at auction for more than $71 million. _________________________________________________________ "There is no security on this earth, there is only opportunity." --General Douglas MacArthur

Today is...

National Fast Food Day

It’s National Fast Food Day! The concept of ready-cooked food for sale can be attributed to the Ancient Romans. In many cities, street stands or "thermopoliums" (small pub-like shops) offered hot sausages, bread, and wine to patrons on-the-go. Thousands of years later, in 1867, the first American fast food restaurant opened in New York. It was a hotdog stand on Coney Island!

Today, fast food is an American staple. There are over 300,000 fast food restaurants in the United States alone, making it nearly impossible to drive down the road without going by at least one fast food chain restaurant.

Need more proof of the popularity of fast food? In 1970, U.S. consumers spent $6 billion on fast food. Thirty years later in 2000, U.S. consumers spent $110 billion! Take part in this American tradition and enjoy National Fast Food Day!

November is Family Literacy Month & National Pomegranate Month & Peanut Butter Lover's Month & National Pet Adoption Month

This week is American Education Week

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History for November 16   1776 - British troops captured Fort Washington during the American Revolution. 1933 - The United States and the Soviet Union established diplomatic relations for the first time. 1973 - U.S. President Nixon signed the Alaska Pipeline measure into law. 1978 - The movie version of "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" opened. The Bee Gees, Peter Frampton and Billy Preston made their acting debuts in the movie. 1982 - An agreement was announced on the 57th day of a strike by National Football League (NFL) players. _________________________________________________________ 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...

Great American Smokeout

The Great American Smokeout is a social engineering experiment that encourages people to quit smoking. Lynn Smith, the publisher of a Minnesota newspaper, introduced the concept in 1974 when she announced a “Don’t Smoke Day” or “D-Day.”

Today, the Great American Smokeout is sponsored by the American Cancer Society. On the third Thursday of November, smokers across the country try to give up their cigarettes for 24 hours. The idea is that many will quit smoking altogether. Learn more about the harmful effects of tobacco and how to participate in this year's festivities.

Today is also America Recycles Day & National Raisin Bran Cereal Day

November is Family Literacy Month & National Pomegranate Month & Peanut Butter Lover's Month & National Pet Adoption Month

This week is American Education Week

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History for November 15   1777 - The Continental Congress approved the Articles of Confederation, precursor to the U.S. Constitution. 1889 - Brazil's monarchy was overthrown. 1901 - Miller Reese patented an electrical hearing aid. 1920 - The League of Nations met for the first time in Geneva, Switzerland. 1939 - U.S. President Roosevelt laid the cornerstone of the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, DC. 1990 - David Bowie opened on Broadway in the title role of "The Elephant Man." _________________________________________________________ "The two foes of human happiness are pain and boredom." --Arthur Schopenhauer