Today is...

National Ice Cream Sandwich Day

It’s National Ice Cream Sandwich Day! On the beach or in an ice cream shop, these sweet sandwiches are always delicious.

Ice cream sandwiches come in many varieties. In their traditional form, vanilla ice cream is tucked between two thin layers that resemble chocolate cake. Other versions include chipwiches—ice cream between two chocolate chip cookies.

Variations of this delight can also be found in different countries. In Australia, the most popular sandwiches are called “Giant Sandwiches," while "Maxibons" are half-dipped in chocolate. However, the most exotic ice cream sandwiches might be found in Singapore. Here, red bean, yam, and honeydew are all popular flavors.

To celebrate National Ice Cream Sandwich Day, visit your nearest grocery store or ice cream truck and get a big ice cream sandwich.

August is National Goat Cheese Month & National Peach Month & National Water Quality Month

This week is Simplify Your Life Week

 

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History for August 2   1858 - In Boston and New York City the first mailboxes were installed along streets. 1892 - Charles A. Wheeler patented the first escalator. 1939 - Albert Einstein signed a letter to President Roosevelt urging the U.S. to have an atomic weapons research program. 1983 - It was designated that the third Monday of January would be a federal holiday in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 1990 - Iraq invaded the oil-rich country of Kuwait. Iraq claimed that Kuwait had driven down oil prices by exceeding production quotas set by OPEC. _________________________________________________________ "There are three ingredients in the good life: learning, earning, and yearning." --Christopher Morley

Today is...

National Girlfriends Day

It’s National Girlfriends Day! Where would you be without your girlfriends and gal pals? Today, take a moment to step back and appreciate these lifelong friends.

Girlfriends are the women who you can always depend on. Whether you call on them to share exciting news, to have a shoulder to cry on, or to just hang out, your girlfriends are always there for you. That's why there is an entire day dedicated to these friends, sisters, mothers, and daughters. They are all essential parts of our lives!

To celebrate National Girlfriends Day, send a free eCard to your girlfriends to let them know you’re thinking of them. Be sure to make plans to spend some quality time together—head to the beach, go to a wine tasting, or spend a day in the park. Whatever you decide to do, enjoy the time you spend with each other!

Today is also National Raspberry Cream Pie Day & Lughnasadh

August is National Goat Cheese Month & National Peach Month & National Water Quality Month

This week is Simplify Your Life Week

 

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History for August 1   1790 - The first U.S. census was completed. The population of the 13 original states was 3,929,214. 1893 - Shredded wheat was patented by Henry Perky and William Ford. 1914 - Germany declared war on Russia at the beginning of World War I. 1981 - MTV made its debut. The first video to be shown was "Video Killed the Radio Star" by the Buggles. 1986 - Bert Blyleven became only the 10th pitcher to strike out 3,000 batters in his career. 1994 - Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley announced that they had been married 11 weeks earlier in the Dominican Republic. _________________________________________________________ "Resolve to be thyself; and know that who finds himself, loses his misery." --Matthew Arnold

Today is...

Jump for Jelly Beans Day

It’s National Jump for Jelly Beans Day! Today, we encourage candy-lovers everywhere to jump for joy and show your appreciation for jelly beans. These tiny candies evolved from an ancient confection called “Turkish delight,” which was one of the earliest forms of hard candy. Our modern-day jelly beans gained popularity during the American Civil War. A candy company in Boston began marketing jelly beans as the perfect treat to send to soldiers, and soon everyone was hooked. One of the most famous jelly bean fans is President Ronald Reagan. He served them at his inauguration!

To celebrate National Jump for Jelly Beans Day, treat yourself to a delicious handful of jelly beans. Jump for joy when you stumble upon your favorite flavor!

July is National Grilling Month & National Ice Cream Month

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History for July 31   1498 - Christopher Columbus, on his third voyage to the Western Hemisphere, arrived at the island of Trinidad. 1790 - The first U.S. patent was issued to Samuel Hopkins for his process for making potash and pearl ashes. The substance was used in fertilizer. 1948 - U.S. President Truman helped dedicate New York International Airport (later John F. Kennedy International Airport) at Idlewild Field. 1964 - The American space probe Ranger 7 transmitted pictures of the moon's surface. 1971 - Men rode in a vehicle on the moon for the first time in a lunar rover vehicle (LRV). 1991 - U.S. President Bush and Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev signed the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty. _________________________________________________________ "Anyone can revolt. It is more difficult silently to obey our own inner promptings, and to spend our lives finding sincere and fitting means of expression for our temperament and our gifts." --Georges Rouault

Today is...

National Cheesecake Day

Today is National Cheesecake Day! Cheesecake is a rich, decadent dessert made with cream cheese, eggs, sugar, and vanilla. Add a crumbly graham cracker crust and a fruit topping for the ultimate cheesecake experience!

There are dozens of different cheesecake varieties. Some of the most popular flavors are strawberry, key lime, and peanut butter cup. There are also many styles of cheesecake. Different countries (and even cities) have their own version of this classic dessert.

To celebrate National Cheesecake Day, grab a slice of your favorite cheesecake from your local bakery! Remember to keep an eye out for special cheesecake deals and giveaways in honor of the occasion.

Today is also  National Father-in-law Day

July is National Grilling Month & National Ice Cream Month

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History for July 30   1619 - The first representative assembly in America convened in Jamestown, VA. 1942 - Frank Sinatra recorded the last of 90 recordings with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. 1942 - The WAVES were created by legislation signed by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The members of the Women's Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service were a part of the U.S. Navy. 1965 - U.S. President Johnson signed into law the Medicare bill. It went into effect the following year. 1998 - A group of Ohio machine-shop workers (who call themselves the Lucky 13) won the $295.7 million Powerball jackpot. It was the largest-ever American lottery. _________________________________________________________ "Here is the test to find whether your mission on earth is finished: If you’re alive, it isn’t." --Richard Bach

Today is...

Olympic Games Opening Ceremony

Tonight is the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games! Millions of people around the world will tune in to watch the festivities and celebrate the beginning of “the world’s greatest sporting event.”

The first Olympic Games took place in Ancient Greece in 776 BC. Historians believe there was just one event—a short sprint called the “stadion.” The modern-day Olympic Games began in 1896. Today, over 10,000 athletes from over 200 countries compete for a coveted gold medal.

To celebrate the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony, invite some friends and family over to watch the spectacle! Check out these ideas for Olympics-themed party food and enjoy the celebration.

Today is also  Walk on Stilts Day & National Scotch Day

July is National Grilling Month & National Ice Cream Month

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History for July 27  1663 - The British Parliament passed a second Navigation Act, which required all goods bound for the colonies be sent in British ships from British ports. 1866 - Cyrus Field successfully completed the Atlantic Cable. It was an underwater telegraph from North America to Europe. 1909 - Orville Wright set a record for the longest airplane flight. He was testing the first Army airplane and kept it in the air for 1 hour 12 minutes and 40 seconds. 1940 - Bugs Bunny made his official debut in the Warner Bros. animated cartoon "A Wild Hare." 1944 - U.S. troops completed the liberation of Guam. _________________________________________________________ "It is not easy to find happiness in ourselves, and it is not possible to find it elsewhere." --Agnes Replier

Today is...

All or Nothing Day

Today is All or Nothing Day! How does one observe this unique occasion? The answer to this question is different for everyone, but one thing is certain—this is not a holiday to be taken lightly.

All or Nothing Day is a time to take risks and live on the edge. Live like today is your last day on earth and let your inner daredevil shine. Be sure to make peace with your enemies, spend time with your loved ones, and do something you've always wanted to do.

Try something new, seek an adventure, and give this day all you’ve got. All or Nothing Day only happens once a year, so don’t hold back!

Today is also National Coffee Milkshake Day

July is National Grilling Month & National Ice Cream Month

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History for July 26  1775 - A postal system was established by the 2nd Continental Congress of the United States. The first Postmaster General was Benjamin Franklin. 1945 - Winston Churchill resigned as Britain's prime minister. 1947 - U.S. President Truman signed The National Security Act. The act created The National Security Council, the Department of Defense, the Central Intelligence Agency and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. 1948 - Babe Ruth was seen by the public for the last time, when he attended the New York City premiere of the motion picture, "The Babe Ruth Story". 1968 - John Lennon and Paul McCartney completed the song "Hey Jude." 1984 - The Prince movie "Purple Rain" premiered in Hollywood, CA. 1999 - 1,500 pieces of Marilyn Monroe's personal items went on display at Christie's in New York, NY. The items went on sale later in 1999. _________________________________________________________ "What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal." --Albert Pike

Today is...

National Hot Fudge Sundae Day

Today is National Hot Fudge Sundae Day! A sundae is the perfect treat to enjoy on a summer night. The cold ice cream paired with a warm, chocolate topping is one of the most delicious combinations known to man. Add some nuts, whipped cream, and cherries on top and you’ve got yourself a world-famous dessert!

The Guinness Book of World Records has documented several record-setting sundaes. For example, the most expensive sundae can be ordered at Serendipity 3 in New York City for the hefty sum of $1000. In 2009, the Kids Club in Brunswick, Georgia created the world’s longest sundae. It measured over 130 feet long!

To celebrate National Hot Fudge Sundae Day, you don’t have to go to such great lengths. Just treat yourself to a scrumptious hot fudge sundae with all of your favorite toppings!

July is National Grilling Month & National Ice Cream Month

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History for July 25  1564 - Maximillian II became emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. 1799 - Napoleon Bonaparte defeated the Ottomans at Aboukir, Egypt. 1850 - Gold was discovered in the Rogue River in Oregon. 1907 - Korea became a protectorate of Japan. 1946 - The U.S. detonated an atomic bomb at Bikini Atoll in the Pacific. It was the first underwater test of the device. 1946 - Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis staged their first show as a team at Club 500 in Atlantic City, NJ. 1978 - Louise Joy Brown, the first test-tube baby, was born in Oldham, England. She had been conceived through in-vitro fertilization. _________________________________________________________ "Gratefulness is the key to a happy life that we hold in our hands, because if we are not grateful, then no matter how much we have we will not be happy -- because we will always want to have something else or something more." --Brother David Steindl-Rast