Today is...
Brandy Alexander Day

It’s Brandy Alexander Day! Brandy Alexander is a tasty chocolate cocktail that became popular in the 1920s. Its predecessor was the gin-based Alexander cocktail, which was all but abandoned once the “Alexander #2” arrived on the scene.
According to legend, the first Brandy Alexander cocktail appeared at the wedding of Princess Mary and Viscount Lascelles in London in 1922. It wasn’t long before the cocktail became a pop culture icon. You can find references to Brandy Alexander in countless movies, television shows, and songs. It was also John Lennon’s drink of choice, but he liked to refer to it as his “milkshake.”
To make a Brandy Alexander, combine 1½ oz brandy, 1½ oz crème de cacao, and 2 oz heavy cream or soy creamer. Shake vigorously in a shaker half-filled with ice, and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with some delicious nutmeg and enjoy! Happy Brandy Alexander Day!

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January is Get Organized Month & National Oatmeal Month

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History for January 31 1865 - In America, Gen. Robert E. Lee was named general-in-chief of the Confederate armies. 1930 - U.S. Navy Lt. Ralph S. Barnaby became the first glider pilot to have his craft released from a dirigible, a large blimp, at Lakehurst, NJ. 1940 - The first Social Security check was issued by the U.S. Government. 1949 - The first TV daytime soap opera was broadcast from NBC's station in Chicago, IL. It was titled, "These Are My Children." 1971 - Astronauts, Alan B. Shepard Jr., Edgar D. Mitchell and Stuart A. Roosa, blasted off aboard Apollo 14 on a mission to the moon. 1982 - Sandy Duncan gave her final performance as "Peter Pan" in Los Angeles, CA. She completed 956 performances without missing a show. 1990 - McDonald's Corp. opened its first fast-food restaurant in Moscow. ________________________________________________________ "If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unimagined in common hours." --Henry David Thoreau

Today is... 

National Croissant Day

It’s National Croissant Day! Although it is most likely just a myth, the history of the croissant is a colorful tale full of adventure. In 1683, the Turkish Empire laid siege on Vienna, Austria. The Turks made several attempts to enter the city by force, but were unsuccessful, so decided to dig an underground tunnel. The bakers of Vienna, who worked in the basement storerooms, heard the sound of digging and alerted the army.
The bakers received high honors and thanks for their assistance in outwitting the Turks. In celebration, they baked their bread in the shape of a crescent moon—the symbol of the Ottoman Empire. After the Turks were defeated, it became custom to serve morning coffee with the crescent-shaped pastry!
The legend goes on to say that over a hundred years later, Marie Antoinette (an Austrian Princess who married Louis XVI) introduced the pastry to the French who dubbed it a “croissant.” To celebrate National Croissant Day, warm up a delicious croissant and enjoy it with a generous helping of butter. Yum!

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January is Get Organized Month & National Oatmeal Month

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History for January 30 1798 - The first brawl in the U.S. House of Representatives took place. Congressmen Matthew Lyon and Roger Griswold fought on the House floor. 1862 - The U.S. Navy's first ironclad warship, the "Monitor", was launched. 1933 - "The Lone Ranger" was heard on radio for the first time. The program ran for 2,956 episodes and ended in 1955. 1958 - The first two-way moving sidewalk was put in service at Love Field in Dallas, TX. The length of the walkway through the airport was 1,435 feet. 1994 - Peter Leko became the world's youngest-ever grand master in chess. 1995 - Researchers from the U.S. National Institutes of Health announced that clinical trials had demonstrated the effectiveness of the first preventative treatment for sickle cell anemia. ________________________________________________________ "Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage." --Anais Nin

Today is... 
Freethinkers Day

It’s Freethinkers Day (also known as Thomas Paine Day)! Freethinkers Day celebrates the life and work of Thomas Paine, who was born on this day in 1737. Paine came to America in 1774 at the request of Benjamin Franklin. Throughout his life, he wrote many influential books and pamphlets including The Age of Reason, The Rights of Man, and Common Sense. Each of these works brought public attention to key issues and helped establish the philosophical foundation for the American Revolution.
Paine's writing inspired many people to strive for political, economic, and social advancement. He was also one of the first people to call for an end to slavery and universal human rights.
Freethinkers Day has been celebrated since the 1990s. Its purpose is to educate people about Paine's work and the importance of freethinking and freedom. To celebrate the occasion, pick up a copy of Common Sense and take a moment to appreciate your civil liberties!

Today is also National Corn Chip Day

January is Get Organized Month & National Oatmeal Month

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History for January 29 1728 - John Gay's "The Beggar's Opera" was first performed at Lincoln's Inn Fields Theatre, London. 1845 - Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven" was published for the first time in the "New York Evening Mirror". 1850 - Henry Clay introduced to the Senate a compromise bill on slavery that included the admission of California into the Union as a free state. 1936 - The first members of baseball's Hall of Fame were named in Cooperstown, NY. 1966 - "Sweet Charity" opened at the Palace Theatre in New York City. It ran for 608 performances. 1987 - "Physician’s Weekly" announced that the smile on the face of Leonardo DaVinci's Mona Lisa was caused by a "...facial paralysis resulting from a swollen nerve behind the ear." ________________________________________________________ "Be patient with all that is unresolved in your heart, and try to love the questions themselves. Do not seek for the answers that cannot be given, for you wouldn't be able to live with them, and the point is to live everything. Live the questions now, and perhaps without knowing it, you will live along someday into the answers." --Rainer Maria Rilke

Today is... 

Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day

Today is Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day! In the late 1950s, an American engineer named Al Fielding and a Swiss inventor named Marc Chavannes created Bubble Wrap. They were actually trying to come up with a textured, plastic wallpaper, but soon realized that their product had huge potential as a packaging material.

Fielding and Chavannes formed the Sealed Air Corporation and introduced Bubble Wrap to the public in January of 1960. Today, Sealed Air is a global Fortune 500 company and produces enough Bubble Wrap to stretch from the Earth to the Moon each year.

Did you know that Sealed Air sponsors an annual Bubble Wrap Competition for Young Inventors? Kids compete to create the most innovative product using Bubble Wrap as the primary material. Past winners include a floating garden, a cell phone cover, a swing for children with movement disorders, and a transformable kite kit.

To celebrate Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day, join a social media group for Bubble Wrap fans or enjoy popping an entire roll of Bubble Wrap bubbles!

Today is also National Blueberry Pancake Day & National Kazoo Day

January is Get Organized Month & National Oatmeal Month

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History for January 28 1788 - The first British penal settlement was founded at Botany Bay. 1878 - "The Yale News" was published for the first time. It was the first daily collegiate newspaper in the U.S. 1909 - The United States ended direct control over Cuba. 1927 - Jean Goldkette and his dancing orchestra recorded "I'm Looking Over a Four-Leaf Clover." 1956 - Elvis Presley made his first appearance on national television on "The Dorsey Brothers Stage Show" on CBS. 1985 - "We Are The World" was recorded. More than 40 artists were involved. The proceeds went toward worldwide hunger prevention. ________________________________________________________ "Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow; it only saps today of its strength." --A.J. Cronin

Today is... 

Tu B'Shevat

Today is Tu B’Shevat! Send a free eCard to friends and family to celebrate! Tu B’Shevat is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the New Year for Trees. According to an ancient tradition, people are not supposed to eat the fruit from any tree that is less than five years old. Tu B’Shevat is used as the universal day of measurement when each tree turns one year older.

To celebrate the New Year for Trees, people plant saplings and give thanks for spring, which is just around the corner. Another custom is to eat dishes made with the Seven Species (also known as the Shivat Haminim): wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates.

Cook up a delicious dinner with lots of fresh vegetables, start a container garden in your kitchen, and make plans for the spring season in honor of Tu B’Shevat!

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Today is also National Irish Coffee Day & Burns Night

January is Get Organized Month & National Oatmeal Month

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History for January 25 1799 - Eliakim Spooner patented the seeding machine. 1890 - The United Mine Workers of America was founded. 1949 - The first Emmys were presented at the Hollywood Athletic Club. 1958 - Elvis Presley's "Jailhouse Rock" became the first single to ever enter the U.K. pop chart at #1. 1962 - Sam Cooke's "Twistin' the Night Away" was released. 1981 - The 52 Americans held hostage by Iran for 444 days arrived in the United States. 1998 - The Denver Broncos beat the Green Bay Packers 31-24 in Super Bowl XXXII. The Broncos had lost 3 previous Super Bowl appearances with quarterback John Elway. ________________________________________________________ "We need time to dream, time to remember, and time to reach the infinite. Time to be." --Gladys Taber

Today is... 

National Peanut Butter Day

It’s National Peanut Butter Day! Peanut butter is a staple in over 90% of American households and the average person consumes more than six pounds of peanut products each year. Women and children prefer creamy peanut butter, while most men go for the chunky variety. 

A doctor in St. Louis created peanut butter in 1890 as a remedy for bad teeth. It became very popular with the doctor's patients, but the oil often separated from the grainy solids. In 1933, a California packer was able to homogenize the peanuts into a spreadable butter.

Did you know that it takes 550 peanuts to make a 12 ounce jar of peanut butter? Peanuts are cholesterol free and an excellent source of protein. In fact, it’s the high protein content that causes peanut butter to stick to the roof of your mouth.

To celebrate National Peanut Butter Day, bake some peanut butter cookies, spread some tasty peanut butter on toast, or enjoy a spoonful right out of the jar!

Today is also National Compliment Day & Belly Laugh Day

January is Get Organized Month & National Oatmeal Month

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History for January 24 1848 - James W. Marshall discovered a gold nugget at Sutter's Mill in northern California. The discovery led to the gold rush of '49. 1924 - The Russian city of St. Petersburg was renamed Leningrad. The name has since been changed back to St. Petersburg. 1935 - Krueger Brewing Company placed the first canned beer on sale in Richmond, VA. 1955 - The rules committee of major league baseball announced a plan to strictly enforce the rule that required a pitcher to release the ball within 20 seconds after taking his position on the mound. ________________________________________________________ "Don’t be afraid to take a big step if one is indicated. You can’t cross a chasm in two small jumps." --David Lloyd George

Today is... 

National Pie Day

It’s National Pie Day! Pies have a long and illustrious history, but the sweet filled treats we enjoy today are a relatively recent innovation. The Greeks and Romans made some of the first pies in history. People filled pastry shells with different kinds of meat or seafood, flavored them with a variety of spices, and served them as part of the sweet course of the meal.

When the Pilgrims made their voyage to the New World in the late 1600s they arrived with English pie recipes for beef, lamb, duck, or pigeon. It wasn’t until the late 1800s that the first sweet pies emerged. These featured the ingredients we’re accustomed to today, and by the 1940s, pie had become the iconic American dessert.

Whether you prefer apple, berry, pumpkin, or sweet potato, bake your favorite pie recipe tonight in honor of National Pie Day!

Today is also National Handwriting Day

January is Get Organized Month & National Oatmeal Month

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History for January 23 1789 - Georgetown College was established as the first Catholic college in the U.S. The school is in Washington, DC. 1849 - English-born Elizabeth Blackwell became the first woman in America to receive a medical degree. It was from the Medical Institution of Geneva, NY. 1973 - U.S. President Nixon announced that an accord had been reached to end the Vietnam War. 1983 - "The A-Team" debuted on TV. 1985 - O.J. Simpson became the first Heisman Trophy winner to be elected to pro football’s Hall of Fame in Canton, OH. 1986 - The first annual induction ceremony for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was held in New York City. ________________________________________________________ "No horse gets anywhere until he is harnessed. No steam or gas ever drives anything until it is confined. No Niagara is ever turned into light and power until it is tunneled. No life ever grows great until it is focused, dedicated, disciplined." --Harry Emerson Fosdick

Today is... 

National Answer Your Cat's Questions Day

It’s National Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day! Ever wondered why your feline companion acts a certain way or starts meowing at you for no apparent reason? Today is the day to unravel the mystery! Spread the word about this unique occasion with free eCards for cat lovers!

Cats and humans have a long and illustrious history of cohabitation. Historians believe that cats were domesticated as early as 12,000 years ago, but we still don’t fully understand each other.

To participate in National Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day, heighten your awareness of your cat’s needs and recognize when he or she trying to ask you something. Here’s a list of possible cat questions and answers compiled by the California Veterinary Medical Association. Enjoy!

Today is also National Blonde Brownie Day

January is Get Organized Month & National Oatmeal Month

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History for January 22 1879 - James Shields began a term as a U.S. Senator from Missouri. He had previously served Illinois and Minnesota. He was the first Senator to serve three states. 1901 - Queen Victoria of England died after reigning for nearly 64 years. Edward VII, her son, succeeded her. 1938 - "Our Town", by Thornton Wilder, was performed publicly for the first time, in Princeton, NJ. 1961 - Wilma Rudolph set a world indoor record in the women’s 60-yard dash. She ran the race in 6.9 seconds. 1970 - The first regularly scheduled commercial flight of the Boeing 747 began in New York City and ended in London about 6 1/2 hours later. 1973 - The U.S. Supreme Court struck down state laws that had been restricting abortions during the first six months of pregnancy. The case was Roe vs. Wade. 1997 - The U.S. Senate confirmed Madeleine Albright as the first female secretary of state. ________________________________________________________ "There is only one success -- to be able to spend your life in your own way." --Christopher Morley

Today is... 

Martin Luther King Day

Today is Martin Luther King Day! On this day we celebrate the life and legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who devoted his life to the pursuit of justice and equality for all.

President Ronald Reagan signed the King Holiday Bill into law on November 2, 1983—fifteen years after the assassination of the civil rights leader. A congressman from Michigan introduced the legislation just a few months after Dr. King’s death in 1968, but it took years of petitions, politics, and personal appeals from Coretta Scott King to get it passed.

Martin Luther King Day is celebrated every year on the third Monday in January. There are only two other federal holidays that honor individuals—Washington’s Birthday (also known as Presidents Day) and Columbus Day.

Today, take a moment to honor Dr. King’s work and reflect on his dream for America. Find out how you can participate in the national day of service and volunteer on Martin Luther King Day.

Today is also New England Clam Chowder Day & National Hugging Day & Inauguration Day

January is Get Organized Month & National Oatmeal Month

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History for January 21 1789 - W.H. Brown's "Power of Sympathy" was published. It was the first American novel to be published. 1853 - Dr. Russell L. Hawes patented the envelope folding machine. 1954 - The Nautilus was launched in Groton, CT. It was the first atomic-powered submarine. 1965 - The Byrds recorded "Mr. Tambourine Man." 1976 - The French Concorde SST aircraft began regular commercial service for Air France and British Airways. 1986 - Former major-league player, Randy Bass, became the highest-paid baseball player in Japanese history. Bass signed a three-year contract for $3.25 million. He played for the Hanshin Tigers. 1990 - MTV's "Unplugged" made its debut with Squeeze as the first performers. ________________________________________________________ "The great thing in this world is not so much where we are, but in what direction we are moving in." --Oliver Wendell Holmes

Today is... 

Thesaurus Day

Today is Thesaurus Day! Peter Mark Roget, the author of Roget’s Thesaurus, was born on this day in 1779. In 1840, Roget retired from a successful career in medicine and spent the rest of his life working on “Roget’s Thesaurus of English Words and Phrases.” He published his dictionary of synonyms in 1852. Since then, it has never been out of print!

Did you know that the word “thesaurus” is Latin for “treasure”? Roget’s original treasure trove of information included 15,000 words organized into six primary categories—existence, relation, quantity, number, and time. Today the book boasts over 230,000 words, but it is still organized by ideas and concepts as opposed to alphabetically.

Pull out your thesaurus, use some new words, and stretch your vocabulary in honor of Thesaurus Day!

Today is also Peking Duck Day

January is Get Organized Month & National Oatmeal Month

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History for January 18 1778 - English navigator Captain James Cook discovered the Hawaiian Islands, which he called the "Sandwich Islands." 1911 - For the first time an aircraft landed on a ship. Pilot Eugene B. Ely flew onto the deck of the USS Pennsylvania in San Francisco harbor. 1939 - Louis Armstrong and his orchestra recorded "Jeepers Creepers." 1958 - Willie O'Ree made his NHL debut with the Boston Bruins. He was the first black player to enter the league. 1973 - Pink Floyd began recording "Dark Side Of The Moon." 1996 - Lisa Marie Presley filed for divorce from Michael Jackson. ________________________________________________________ "The life of every man is a diary in which he means to write one story, and writes another; and his humblest hour is when he compares the volume as it is with what he hoped to make it." --James M. Barrie

Today is... 

Kid Inventors' Day

It’s Kid Inventors’ Day! Today we celebrate the creativity and ingenuity of young people all around the world. Kids have invented all sorts of things that we use in our everyday lives including earmuffs, popsicles, trampolines, Braille, and even the television! One of the earliest known kid inventors was Benjamin Franklin. He invented swim flippers at the age of twelve.

Many school systems hold an annual Invention Convention to encourage students to come up with creative solutions to the problems they find in their own environment. The prize winners sometimes go on to receive U.S. patents for their work!

To celebrate Kid Inventors’ Day, visit the official website to learn more about this special occasion. You can also help organize a local Invention Convention in your community, and encourage the kids in your life to be young inventors!

Today is also Hot-Buttered Rum Day

January is Get Organized Month & National Oatmeal Month

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History for January 17 1806 - James Madison Randolph, grandson of U.S. President Thomas Jefferson, was the first child born in the White House. 1912 - English explorer Robert Falcon Scott reached the South Pole. Norwegian Roald Amundsen had beaten him there by one month. 1945 - Soviet and Polish forces liberated Warsaw during World War II. 1997 - A court in Ireland granted the first divorce in the Roman Catholic country's history. 1998 - U.S. President Clinton gave his deposition in the Paula Jones sexual harassment lawsuit against him. He was the first U.S. President to testify as a defendant in a criminal or civil lawsuit. ________________________________________________________ "Life’s a pretty precious and wonderful thing. You can’t sit down and let it lap around you...you have to plunge into it; you have to dive through it! And you can’t save it, you can’t store it up; you can’t horde it in a vault. You’ve got to taste it; you’ve got to use it. The more you use the more you have...that’s the miracle of it!" --Kyle Samuel Crichton