Today is Thursday July 15, 2010

National Gummi Worm Day

Gummi worms were first created by the German company Trolli in 1981, nearly 60 years after the invention of the gummi bear. Believe it or not, gummy worms were originally intended as a way for kids to shock their parents. 

Today, gummi worms come in a variety of sugary and sour flavors and have become the most popular gummi candy ever made. Customers buy gummi worms because they love the taste just as much as the texture. In fact, the word gummi comes from the German word for "rubber". Still looking for proof that this candy is a worldwide favorite? A Facebook page for these multi-colored, gummi delights has nearly 1 million fans! They even have a popular candy-tasting drink named after them that combines strawberry vodka, sprite and grenadine. Now that's a following!

Sticky and sweet, yet creepy and crawly, these four-inch long candies brighten anyone's day. Pick up a bag today to celebrate National Gummi Worm Day!

July is National Grilling Month & National Ice Cream Month

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

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On this day in History:
1904 - The first Buddhist temple in the U.S. was established in Los Angeles, CA.

1916 - The Boeing Co., originally known as Pacific Aero Products, was founded in Seattle by William Boeing.

1968 - Commercial air travel began between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R., when the first plane, a Soviet Aeroflot jet, landed at Kennedy International Airport in New York.

1971 - U.S. President Nixon announced he would visit the People's Republic of China to seek a "normalization of relations."

1973 - Nolan Ryan of the California Angels became the first pitcher in two decades to win two no-hitters in a season. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote of the Day:
"Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage."

--Anais Nin
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Today is Wednesday July 14, 2010

Bastille Day

Bastille Day is a French national holiday that is celebrated annually on July 14th. Bastille Day commemorates the beginning of the French Revolution, which began when the Bastille was stormed by the people of Paris. The Bastille was a prison and a symbol of the absolute power of Louis the 16th's Ancient Regime. While the Bastille only contained seven prisoners at the time of its capture, the storming of the prison was a symbol of liberty and the fight against oppression for all French citizens.

Because the Constitution of France allows the president to pardon criminals, past French presidents used Bastille Day to pardon petty offenders (usually those guilty of minor traffic violations). In 2007, President Nicolas Sarkozy ended this tradition.

Parisians celebrate this national holiday with a grand military parade up the Champs Elysees, arts festivals, and raucous parties. So uncork a bottle of French wine, or better yet French champagne, and toast our French friends on this day.

July is National Grilling Month & National Ice Cream Month

Today is also Macaroni Day

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

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On this day in History:

1536 - France and Portugal signed the naval treaty of Lyons, which aligned them against Spain. 1868 - Alvin J. Fellows patented the tape measure. 1933 - All German political parties except the Nazi Party were outlawed. 1946 - Dr. Benjamin Spock’s "The Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care" was first published. 1968 - Hank Aaron, while with the Atlanta Braves, hit his 500th career home run.

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Quote of the Day:
"'What would you call the highest happiness?' Wratislaw was asked. 'The sense of competence,' was the answer, without hesitation."

--John Buchan
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Today is Tuesday July 13, 2010
Sorry for the delay in getting your daily updates as I just returned from our family vacation to Mammoth & Lake Tahoe.

National French Fries Day

Oh how we love those deep-fried strips of potato we know more commonly as french fries (or "chips" in England). The Belgians claim to have invented french fries, but no one knows for sure.

According to a Belgian historian, french fries date back to the 1600s when the inhabitants of a region formerly known as the Spanish Netherlands (currently Belgium) had the custom of accompanying their meals with small fried fish. When the river froze and they could not fish they turned to potatoes which they cut lengthwise and fried in oil. The term "French" was introduced during World War I when soldiers arrived and tasted the fries. They called them "French" as it was the official language of the Belgian Army at the time.

Today, we have many variations of french fries. Waffle fries, curly fries, sweet potato fries, shoestring fries -- what's your favorite? Whatever variation you prefer, chances are you'll be eating them away from home like most Americans. In fact, one fast-food chain's famous fries are so popular, they have their own Facebook page with more than half a million fans!

So hit up the drive-thru and super size your order to celebrate National French Fries Day!

July is National Grilling Month & National Ice Cream Month

Today is also Barbershop Music Appreciation Day

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

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On this day in History:

1585 - A group of 108 English colonists, led by Sir Richard Grenville, reached Roanoke Island, NC. 1832 - Henry Schoolcraft discovered the source of the Mississippi River in Minnesota. 1835 - John Ruggles received patent #1 from the U.S. Patent Office for a traction wheel used in locomotive steam engines. All 9,957 previous patents were not numbered. 1896 - Philadelphia’s Ed Delahanty became the second major league player to hit four home runs in a single game. 1941 - Britain and the Soviet Union signed a mutual aid pact, which provided the means for Britain to send war material to the Soviet Union. 1968 - Steppenwolf's "Born To Be Wild" was released.

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Quote of the Day:
"Uncertainty and expectation are the joys of life. Security is an insipid thing, and the overtaking and possessing of a wish, discovers the folly of the chase."

--William Congreve
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Today is Thursday July 8, 2010

Video Game Day

Video games have reached an all-time high in popularity with their wide variety and special effects. A long way from a joystick plugged into the television, today's video games span all kinds of themes and appeal to almost everyone. 

Not just for kids anymore, video games have become a popular activity at parties. On college campuses all over the world, students crowd around televisions in dorm rooms and frat houses, battling their friends in adventure, sports and music themed games. While the most popular consoles of today are XBox, Playstation and Nintendo Wii, experienced gamers remember the glory days of N64, Gameboys and Sega Genesis.

Celebrate Video Game Day by inviting some friends over to have a video game competition of your own on this special holiday!

July is National Grilling Month & National Ice Cream Month

Today is also Chocolate with Almonds Day

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

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On this day in History:

1795 - Martin Academy in Washington, TN, changed its name to Washington College. It was the first college to be named after U.S. President George Washington. 1865 - C.E. Barnes patented the machine gun. 1889 - The Wall Street Journal was first published. 1947 - Demolition work began in New York City for the new permanent headquarters of the United Nations. 1953 - Notre Dame announced that the next five years of its football games would be shown in theatres over closed circuit TV.

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Quote of the Day:
"Stop pacing the aisles and counting the miles. Instead, climb more mountains, eat more ice cream, go barefoot oftener, swim more rivers, laugh more, and cry less. Life must be lived as we go along."

--Robert J. Hastings

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Today is Wednesday July 7, 2010

National Strawberry Sundae Day

Strawberries, ice cream, whip cream, and a cherry on top? Sounds like the perfect ingredients for a delicious way to cool down this summer. The sweet taste of fresh strawberries matched with the creamy texture of ice cream is a combination that no one will be able to refuse.

Strawberries are better with some ice cream flavors than others. On National Strawberry Sundae Day, avoid peanut butter cup and coffee ice creams, but don't be afraid to throw some strawberries on top of a few scoops of chocolate chip and rocky road! If you're feeling particularly adventurous, mix some nuts and sprinkles in, too.

Some desserts just taste better when you are outside on a hot, summer day. Strawberry sundaes are definitely one of these desserts. Bring your sundaes outside and eat them before they melt!

This favorite American dessert is certainly a reason to celebrate!

July is National Grilling Month & National Ice Cream Month

Today is also Chocolate Day

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

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On this day in History:

1865 - Four people were hanged in Washington, DC, after being convicted of conspiring with John Wilkes Booth to assassinate U.S. President Lincoln. 1920 - A device known as the radio compass was used for the first time on a U.S. Navy airplane near Norfolk, VA. 1950 - The UN Security Council authorized military aid for South Korea. 1981 - U.S. President Reagan announced he was nominating Arizona Judge Sandra Day O'Connor to become the first female justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. 1984 - "Relax" by Frankie Goes To Hollywood became the biggest selling single of all time in Britain. 2000 - Amazon.com announced that they had sold almost 400,000 copies of "Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire," making it the biggest selling book in e-tailing history.

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Quote of the Day:
"Men for the sake of getting a living forget to live."

--Margaret Fuller

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Today is Saturday July 3, 2010

National Chocolate Wafer Day

These crispy, sweet snacks are an American favorite. With their waffle surface pattern and thin layers, they can often be found accompanied with ice cream or cooked into other baked goods.

Variations of chocolate wafers can also be found around the world.  Did you know that in Egypt, there are special kinds of wafers called freska that are only sold on the beach in the summertime?

Elsewhere in the world, chocolate wafers are enjoyed as a key ingredient in Oreos, in ice cream sandwiches and countless other recipes.  National Chocolate Wafer Day is truly a global affair!

No matter where or how you are eating your wafers, these delicious treats are truly worth celebrating!

July is National Grilling Month & National Ice Cream Month

Today is also Eat Beans Day

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

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On this day in History:

1775 - U.S. Gen. George Washington took command of the Continental Army at Cambridge, MA. 1863 - The U.S. Civil War Battle of Gettysburg, PA, ended after three days. It was a major victory for the North as Confederate troops retreated. 1901 - The Wild Bunch, led by Butch Cassidy, committed its last American robbery near Wagner, MT. They took $65,000 from a Great Northern train. 1912 - Rube Marquand of the New York Giants set a baseball pitching record when earned his 19th consecutive win. 1940 - Bud Abbott and Lou Costello debuted on NBC radio. 1971 - Jim Morrison (Doors) died in Paris at age 27.

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Quote of the Day:
"Eighty percent of success is showing up."

--Woody Allen

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Today is Thursday July 1, 2010

Canada Day

Canada, Oh Canada! Today is the birthday of America's neighbor, eh! The first Canada Day was celebrated in 1867 with the British North America Act, which united Canada as a single country with four provinces.

Famous Canadians that are sure to partake in today's festivities are actor Jim Carrey, NHL star Sidney Crosby and singer Celine Dion.  Nearly 35 million Canadian citizens will join them on this day of national pride.

These “canucks” celebrate Canada Day with many of the same traditions that Americans practice on July 4th: barbecues, parades, fireworks and air-shows. It's not hard to understand why July 1st is such a popular day in Canada, from Ottawa to Toronto to Montreal to Vancouver! If you're not Canadian, today is a great day to tip your hat to the creators of ice hockey and snowmobiles.

So spend some loonies and toonies, have some poutine, and celebrate with your neighboring Canadians!

July is National Grilling Month & National Ice Cream Month

Today is also International Joke Day & National Ginger Snap Day

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

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On this day in History:

1847 - The U.S. Post Office issued its first adhesive stamps. 1863 - During the U.S. Civil War, the first day's fighting at Gettysburg began. 1867 - Canada became an independent dominion. 1916 - The massive Allied offensive known as the Battle of the Somme began in France. The battle was the first to use tanks. 1943 - The U.S. Government began automatically withholding federal income tax from paychecks. 1946 - The U.S. exploded a 20-kiloton atomic bomb near Bikini Atoll in the Pacific Ocean. 1968 - The Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty was signed by 60 countries. It limited the spreading of nuclear material for military purposes. On May 11, 1995 the treaty was extended indefinitely. 1997 - The sovereignty over Hong Kong was transferred from Great Britain to China. Britain had controlled Hong Kong as a colony for 156 years.

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Quote of the Day:
"Change is an easy panacea. It takes character to stay in one place and be happy there."

--Elizabeth Clarke Dunn

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Today's Tip:

Missed your connecting flight? Don’t stand in line to rebook with a gate agent. Instead, call the airline’s customer-service number: You may have a better shot at a seat on the next flight.