Today is...
International Jazz Day

When Louis Armstrong was asked what the definition of jazz was, he famously replied "If you've got to ask, you'll never know." Today is a worldwide day of celebration of jazz and its unique history.
The official birthplace of jazz music is New Orleans, but Kansas City and Chicago also have similar claims. Jazz fuses together African and European musical traditions. Blue notes, syncopation, and swing notes are all found in this style of music. There are many different sub-genres of jazz including early ragtime, swing, and bepop. Improvisation is also a large component of jazz; musicians often only start a song with one key and time signature from the bandleader.
International Jazz Day was created in 1991 by musician D. Michael Denny at which time a statement was recorded by the U.S. Congressional Record to officially recognize this day. To enjoy International Jazz Day, sit back, relax, and listen to your favorite jazz tunes!

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Today is also National Raisin Day

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

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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. ______________________________________________________ "Sooner or later in life everyone realizes that perfect happiness is unattainable, but there are few who pause to consider the antithesis: that perfect unhappiness is equally unattainable. The obstacles preventing the realization of both of those extreme states are of the same nature: they derive from our human condition which is opposed to everything infinite. The ever-insufficient knowledge of the future opposes it. The certainty of death opposes it: for it places a limit on every joy, but also on every grief." --Primo Levi

Today is...
International Dance Day

It’s International Dance Day! Today is a celebration of a truly unique art form. Dancing has been a part of human culture since the beginning of our history. Through the ages, people have used dance for artistic expression, celebration, prayer, and entertainment.
An NGO called the International Theatre Institute founded International Dance Day in 1982. Every year on April 29th (the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre, the creator of modern ballet), the organization promotes the importance of dance education. Learn more about this important campaign on the official International Dance Day site.
To celebrate International Dance Day, book tickets for an upcoming performance, share your favorite dance video on Facebook, and break out your best dance moves!

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Today is also National Shrimp Scampi Day

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

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History for April 29 1960 - Dick Clark told the U.S. House of Representatives that he had never taken payola for the records he featured on his show "American Bandstand." 1961 - ABC’s "Wide World of Sports" premiered. 1967 - Aretha Franklin's "Respect" was released. 1981 - Steve Carlton, of the Philadelphia Phillies, became the first left-handed pitcher in the major leagues to get 3,000 career strikeouts. 1990 - The destruction of the Berlin Wall began. ______________________________________________________ "One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every day. Never lose a holy curiosity." --Albert Einstein

Today is...
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!

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Today is also National Kids and Pets Day & Arbor Day


This week is Administrative Professionals Week
 
 
April is National Grilled Cheese Month & Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month

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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. ______________________________________________________ "The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination." --Carl Rogers

Today is...
National DNA Day

It’s National DNA Day! Today commemorates two important events in the history of DNA research—James Watson and Francis Crick’s discovery of the double helix in 1953, and the completion of the Human Genome Project in April 2003. Both of these accomplishments have had a huge impact on modern biomedical research and innovation.
The official sponsor of National DNA Day is the National Human Genome Research Institute, which is part of the NIH (National Institutes of Health). Every year, the institute hosts a series of presentations, online forums, and contests to help celebrate this unique branch of science.
Participate in one of the many activities happening today and take a moment to learn something new about genetics and DNA! Happy National DNA Day! 

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Today is also National Zucchini Bread Day


This week is Administrative Professionals Week
 
 
April is National Grilled Cheese Month & Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month

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History for April 25 1684 - A patent was granted for the thimble. 1859 - Work began on the Suez Canal in Egypt. 1901 - New York became the first state to require license plates for cars. The fee was $1. 1979 - The film "Rock & Roll High School" starring the Ramones premiered. 1988 - Sonny Bono was elected mayor of Palm Springs, CA. ______________________________________________________ "Eighty percent of success is showing up." --Woody Allen

Today is...
Administrative Professionals Day

Send a free eCard to your office admin to express your appreciation! Where would we be without our administrative professionals? These are the dedicated individuals who take notes, answer phones, remember all the little details, and keep everyone in the office organized.
In 1952, the International Association of Administrative Professionals organized the first Administrative Professionals Day. This holiday is a worldwide celebration that brings millions of people together to honor secretaries, receptionists, and administrative assistants. It is one of the largest workplace observances of the year, and with good reason. There are over 4.1 million Americans that have the job title “administrative assistant,” and another 8.9 million Americans that work in administrative support roles.
To celebrate Administrative Professionals Day, show your appreciation for the admins at your office today. Surprise them with a bouquet of flowers or a thoughtful gift card. They certainly deserve it!

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Today is also National Pigs-In-A-Blanket Day


This week is Administrative Professionals Week
 
 
April is National Grilled Cheese Month & Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month

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

History for April 24 1889 - The Edison General Electric Company was organized. 1934 - The pipeless organ was patented by Laurens Hammond. 1959 - "Your Hit Parade" aired for the last time. The show had been on since 1935. 1981 - The IBM Personal Computer was introduced. 1990 - The space shuttle Discovery blasted off from Cape Canaveral, FL. It was carrying the $1.5 billion Hubble Space Telescope. 2000 - ABC-TV aired the TV movie "The Three Stooges." ______________________________________________________ "It is good to dream, but it is better to dream and work. Faith is mighty, but action with faith is mightier. Desiring is good, but work and desire are invincible." --Thomas Robert Gaines

Today is...
National Picnic Day

People have been eating their meals outside in the beauty of nature for centuries. In fact, our modern-day idea of a picnic evolved from Medieval hunting feasts and Victorian garden parties. These were usually quite sophisticated affairs, which involved multiple courses and elaborate preparations.
During the early 19th century a group of wealthy London citizens formed “The Picnic Society” to promote picnics as social gatherings. These picnics were potlucks, and each participant also had to provide a share of the entertainment. The society members drank from crystal goblets and listened to a live string quartet while eating their meal! Today, picnics are usually casual meals enjoyed on a comfortable picnic blanket.
To celebrate National Picnic Day, take your meal outdoors and enjoy a picnic with your friends and family!

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Today is also National Cherry Cheesecake Day


This week is Administrative Professionals Week
 
 
April is National Grilled Cheese Month & Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month

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

History for April 23 1789 - U.S. President George Washington moved into Franklin House, New York. It was the first executive mansion. 1872 - Charlotte E. Ray became the first black woman lawyer. 1985 - The Coca-Cola Company announced that it was changing its 99-year-old secret formula. New Coke was not successful, which resulted in the resumption of selling the original version. 1985 - USA for Africa's "We Are The World" album was released. 1989 - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar played his last regular season game in the NBA. 1997 - The Four Tops received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. ______________________________________________________ "The will of God for us is to live in happiness and take an interest in the lives of others." --John Ruskin

Today is...
Earth Day

Every year on April 22, more than 1 billion people in 175 countries participate in Earth Day events. It is the largest civic observance in the world, and its purpose is to raise awareness about important environmental issues. To spread the word about this special occasion, send an eco-friendly free Earth Day eCard to friends and family!
The first Earth Day took place in 1970. After witnessing the effects of an oil spill in Santa Barbara, California, U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson organized a grassroots “environmental teach-in” on college campuses across the country. Many people believe that this first Earth Day celebration marked the beginning of the modern environmental movement.  
To celebrate Earth Day, plant a tree, help clean up a beach or park, or participate in a local event near you. Happy Earth Day!

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Today is also National Jelly Bean Day


This week is Administrative Professionals Week
 
 
April is National Grilled Cheese Month & Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month

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

History for April 22 1500 - Portuguese navigator Pedro Alvares Cabral discovered Brazil. 1876 - Eight baseball teams began the inaugural season of the National League. 1914 - Babe Ruth made his pitching debut with the Baltimore Orioles. 1944 - During World War II, the Allies launched a major attack against the Japanese in Hollandia, New Guinea. 1955 - The U.S. Congress ordered all U.S. coins to bear the motto "In God We Trust." 1956 - Elvis Presley made his Las Vegas debut at the Frontier Hotel. 1978 - John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd made their first appearance as The Blues Brothers on NBC's "Saturday Night Live." ______________________________________________________ "Great works are performed not by strength but perseverance." --Samuel Johnson

Today is...
National Amaretto Day

Today is National Amaretto Day! Amaretto is a popular Italian liqueur that is a common ingredient in many dishes and beverages. Its most notable characteristic is its strong almond flavoring. This flavor comes from apricot kernel oil, burnt sugar, and spices. The name "amaretto" means "slightly bitter" and refers to the aftertaste of the drink.
Although amaretto did not arrive in the United States until the 1960's, it can be traced all the way back to 16th century Italy. According to legend, a painter named Bernadino Luini traveled to Saronno in northern Italy and met a beautiful widow. When he asked her to be the model for one of his paintings she expressed her gratitude by presenting him with the first amaretto drink.
Celebrate this historical liqueur tonight by enjoying a divine glass of amaretto or try adding it to one of your recipes for some delicious almond flavoring!

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

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

History for April 19 1764 - The English Parliament banned the American colonies from printing paper money. 1852 - The California Historical Society was founded. 1897 - The first annual Boston Marathon was held. It was the first of its type in the U.S. 1933 - The U.S. went off of the gold standard. 1982 - NASA named Sally Ride to be first woman astronaut. 1986 - Prince became only the 5th songwriter to have two top ten hits at the same time. The songs were "Kiss" (Prince and the Revolution) and "Manic Monday" (Bangles). ______________________________________________________ "Happiness, that grand mistress of the ceremonies in the dance of life, impels us through all its mazes and meanderings, but leads none of us by the same route." --Charles Caleb Colton

Today is...
National High Five Day

It’s National High Five Day! Today is all about celebrating the high five and giving high fives to everyone you meet, including friends, classmates, coworkers, and strangers. You can even send a free virtual high five to faraway friends and family. A group of students at the University of Virginia declared the first National High Five Day in 2002. Today, people all across the country celebrate this unique holiday and help raise money for the National High Five Project.

Nobody knows who invented the high five. NBA player Derek Smith claimed that he created the high five while playing for the University of Louisville basketball team in 1979. According to another story, a man named Mont Sleets popularized the gesture. While Mont was growing up in Kentucky, his father's old army friends would greet each other by extending their arms straight up in the air and saying the name of their division: "Five." As a young boy, it was difficult for Mont to remember all of the names of his father's friends, so when he saw them he would just say "Hi, Five!" This childhood greeting stuck with him and he started to greet others with high fives.  
Want to know the trick for the perfect high five? Look at the other person's elbow as you are about to high five them. You’ll have a perfectly accurate high five every time. Happy National High Five Day!

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Today is also National Animal Crackers Day

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

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History for April 18 1775 - American revolutionaries Paul Revere, William Dawes and Samuel Prescott rode though the towns of Massachusetts giving the warning that "the British are coming." 1853 - The first train in Asia began running from Bombay to Tanna. 1934 - The first Laundromat opened. It was in Fort Worth, TX. 1939 - Gene Autry recorded "Back in the Saddle Again." 1949 - The Republic of Ireland was established. 1979 - The TV show "Real People" premiered. ______________________________________________________ "We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies." --Martin Luther King, Jr.

Today is...
National Cheeseball Day

It’s National Cheeseball Day! Did you know that the term “cheeseball” can actually refer to two very different foods? The first type of cheeseballs are the bright orange, marble-sized snacks that turn your fingers orange (very similar to cheese doodles). The second type is the kind you might serve with crackers at a party.
A traditional cheeseball appetizer includes ingredients like cream cheese, cheddar cheese, nuts, salt, pepper, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. Gourmet versions use bleu cheese, olives, pineapple, sherry, or smoked salmon. According to legend, a man named Elisha Brown Jr. pressed the first cheeseball at his farm in 1801. It weighed 1,235 pounds! He presented it as a gift to President Thomas Jefferson at the White House.
To celebrate National Cheeseball Day, pick up a bag of cheeseballs at your local grocery store or make your own gourmet cheeseball as a dinner appetizer! Enjoy!

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

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

History for April 17 1875 - The game "snooker" was invented by Sir Neville Chamberlain. 1964 - The Ford Motor Company unveiled its new Mustang model. 1965 - The Beach Boys' "Help Me Rhonda" was released. 1985 - The U.S. Postal Service unveiled its new 22-cent, "LOVE" stamp. ______________________________________________________ "You cannot dream yourself into a character; you must hammer and forge yourself one." --James A. Froude

Today is...
National Wear Your Pajamas To Work Day

Today is National Wear Your Pajamas to Work Day! How many times have you just wanted to roll out of bed and head into work in your cozy, comfortable pajamas? Well, today you can!
National Wear Your Pajamas to Work Day is exactly what it sounds like—a day dedicated to wearing your pajamas to work. This holiday always falls on the weekday after taxes are due because an ultra-casual day is the perfect way to recover. Just make sure to check your schedule to make sure you don’t have any big meetings planned!
Check out all the celebrities and companies that celebrate National Wear Your Pajamas to Work Day, and sport your favorite PJs to the office today to join in the fun!

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Today is also National Eggs Benedict Day

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

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

History for April 16 1862 - In the U.S., slavery was abolished by law in the District of Columbia. 1905 - Andrew Carnegie donated $10,000,000 of personal money to set up the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. 1996 - KISS announced a reunion tour with makeup. 1999 - Wayne Gretzky announced his retirement from the National Hockey League (NHL). ______________________________________________________ "We do not have the right to be unhappy with our life. If it seems to us that we are not satisfied with life, we should see this as a reason to be unsatisfied with ourselves." --Leo Tolstoy