Today is Thursday January 27, 2011

National Chocolate Cake Day

Cake has been around since the discovery of flour thousands of years ago. Since these ancient times, a variety of cake recipes have emerged throughout the world.

In Medieval England, cakes were flour-based sweet foods described as breads. The words bread and cake were actually interchangeable for sometime among Neolithic villages. In Greece, cakes were heavy and flat and were called "plakous." During the Roman period, cakes were primarily used as an offering to their gods. These types of cakes were also more like a cheesecake or pastry. 

Today, cakes, breads, and pastries have all differentiated themselves and each are now in their own baked good categories. Within the cake category of baked goods there are a wide array of sizes, shapes, and flavors of cake. The most popular type of cake though is chocolate. From German, dark, white, and black forest, to even chocolate beer cake, it's difficult to pick just one type of chocolate cake to enjoy.

Celebrate National Chocolate Cake Day by heading to your local bakery or whipping up a chocolate cake in your kitchen. Then enjoy a piece with a nice tall glass of milk. Yum!

Today is also Thomas Crapper Day

January is Get Organized Month & National Oatmeal Month

This week is Sundance Film Festival

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

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On this day in History:

1888 - The National Geographic Society was founded in Washington, DC. 1943 - During World War II, the first all American air raid against Germany took place when about 50 bombers attacked Wilhelmshaven. 1944 - The Soviet Union announced that the two-year German siege of Leningrad had come to an end. 1951 - In the U.S., atomic testing in the Nevada desert began as an Air Force plane dropped a one-kiloton bomb on Frenchman Flats. 1967 - More than 60 nations signed the Outer Space Treaty that banned the orbiting of nuclear weapons and placing weapons on celestial bodies or space stations.

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Quote of the Day:
"It must be borne in mind that the tragedy of life does not lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach. It isn’t a calamity to die with dreams unfulfilled, but it is a calamity not to dream. It is not a disgrace not to reach the stars, but it is a disgrace to have no stars to reach for."

--Benjamin E. Mays

Today is Monday January 24, 2011

National Peanut Butter Day

Peanut butter is a common staple in over 90% of American households. It is also the most common use of peanuts in the US. On average, Americans eat about 700 million pounds of peanut butter each year!

Women and children prefer creamy, while most men go for chunky peanut butter. Did you know it takes 550 peanuts to make a 12 ounce jar of peanut butter? Peanuts are naturally cholesterol free and also are a good source of folate and protein. In fact, it is the high protein content in peanut butter that draws moisture from your mouth and causes it to stick to the roof of your mouth.

Peanut butter was first created in 1890 by a St. Louis doctor 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.

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

This week is Sundance Film Festival

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

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On this day in History:

1924 - The Russian city of St. Petersburg was renamed Leningrad. The name has since been changed back to St. Petersburg. 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. 1972 - The U.S. Supreme Court struck down laws that denied welfare benefits to people who had resided in a state for less than a year. 1978 - A nuclear-powered Soviet satellite plunged through Earth's atmosphere and disintegrated. The radioactive debris was scattered over parts of Canada's Northwest Territory.

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Quote of the Day:
"The only true happiness comes from squandering ourselves for a purpose."

--William Cowper

Today is Sunday January 22, 2011

National Pie Day

Though pies were first created by ancient Egyptians, it was the Romans who made them famous. Roman pies were often made in "reed crusts" which were used to hold the pie filling. These crusts were not eaten though as pie crusts are today.

During the 14th century, the first pie recipe was published by the Romans. This recipe was for a rye-crusted goat cheese and honey pie. Meat pies were also very popular around this time in England, as well as cherry pies and tarts. Pie recipes arrived in America with the first English settlers, who referred to pie crusts as "coffins."

Since then, pies have evolved into the most traditional American dessert. According to a 2004 survey, apple pie is the most popular type of pie followed by pumpkin and sweet potato.

Each year, the American Pie Council sponsors a National Pie Championship where the best pie makers in the United States and Canada compete for the Best Pie in America Award.

To celebrate the rich culinary history of pies, bake your favorite type of pie for you and your family to enjoy!

Today is also National Handwriting Day

January is Get Organized Month & National Oatmeal Month

This week is Sundance Film Festival

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

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On this day in History:

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.

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Quote of the Day:
"As I grow to understand life less and less, I learn to live it more and more."

--Jules Renard

Today is Saturday January 21, 2011

National Answer Your Cat's Questions Day

Every cat owner knows of the curious faces that their furry felines sometimes express to them. The cat's head tilts to the side as they stare with such interest and intent at their owners. These puzzling faces would make any cat owner  wonder what their cat is thinking at that moment. Today is the official day to put an end to all cat owners' uncertainty; it's National Answer Your Cat's Questions Day!

The veterinarians at the California Veterinary Medical Association compiled a list of answers to the questions that cats may be wondering in order to help cat owners understand their cat's health and behavioral tendencies. These questions range from whether or not it is okay for cats to go outside to how to prevent hairballs. So if you have a feline companion and you wonder why they give you looks of confusion, today is your day to find out the reason!

Today is also National Blonde Brownie Day

January is Get Organized Month & National Oatmeal Month

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

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On this day in History:

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.

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Quote of the Day:
"Resolve to be thyself; and know that who finds himself, loses his misery."

--Matthew Arnold

Today is Thursday January 20, 2011

National Cheese Lover's Day

The immense popularity of cheese can be attributed to its delicious taste and versatility. Did you know that there are over 900 types of cheeses in the world? Each of them can be aged for different periods of time which changes their taste, texture, and aroma. 

Cheese has many health benefits as it is a great source of calcium, protein, and phosphorous. Furthermore, it has been proven that consuming certain kinds of cheeses such as cheddar, swiss, bleu, montery jack, brie, or gouda immediately after meals helps prevent tooth decay.

It is no wonder why there are so many cheese lovers out there. In 2003, a total of 8.5 billion pounds of cheese was produced the the United States. Not to mention the dishes made with cheese: grilled cheese, cheesecake, macaroni and cheese...the possibilities are endless!

Give in to your cravings today on National Cheese Lover's Day and enjoy your favorite cheese or cheese dish!

Today is also Tu B'Shevat & National Buttercrunch Day & Penguin Awareness Day

January is Get Organized Month & National Oatmeal Month

This week is Sundance Film Festival

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

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On this day in History:

1265 - The first English parliament met in Westminster Hall. 1841 - The island of Hong Kong was ceded to Great Britain. It returned to Chinese control in July 1997. 1885 - The roller coaster was patented by L.A. Thompson. 1929 - The movie "In Old Arizona" was released. The film was the first full-length talking film to be filmed outdoors. 1958 - Elvis Presley got his orders to report to duty from the U.S. Army. He was allowed a 60-day deferment so he could finish the film "King Creole." 1964 - The album "Meet the Beatles" was released in the U.S. on Capitol Records. It was their U.S. debut LP.

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Quote of the Day:
"The truth is that all of us attain the greatest success and happiness possible in this life whenever we use our native capabilities to their greatest extent."

--Dr. Smiley Blanton

Today is Wednesday January 19, 2011

National Popcorn Day

As one of America's favorite snacks, it only seems natural to have a day to celebrate popcorn! Americans eat about 16 billion quarts of popcorn each year. That's about 54 quarts per person!

Popcorn has been around for centuries. Indians used to pop corn kernels over fires and sizzling hot stones more than 5,000 years ago. Popcorn has come a long way since then: during the 1980's, microwaveable popcorn was introduced to the public and became an instant success.

Did you know that the quality of popcorn is based on a number of factors? These include kernel moisture, expansion ration, processing procedures, home storage, and home handling. To celebrate National Popcorn Day, make your favorite kind of popcorn and enjoy while watching a movie with your friends!

January is Get Organized Month & National Oatmeal Month

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

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On this day in History:

1825 - Ezra Daggett and Thomas Kensett of New York City patented a canning process to preserve salmon, oysters and lobsters. 1883 - Thomas Edison's first village electric lighting system using overhead wires began operation in Roselle, NJ. 1949 - The salary of the President of the United States was increased from $75,000 to $100,000 with an additional $50,000 expense allowance for each year in office. 1953 - Sixty-eight percent of all TV sets in the U.S. were tuned to CBS-TV, as Lucy Ricardo, of "I Love Lucy," gave birth to a baby boy. 1957 - Johnny Cash made his first network TV appearance, on CBS' "Jackie Gleason Show." 1966 - Indira Gandhi was elected prime minister of India.

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Quote of the Day:
No one really listens to anyone else, and if you try it for a while you'll see why.
  - Mignon McLaughlin

Today is Tuesday January 18, 2011

Peking Duck Day

Peking Duck is a delectable dish that originated in Beijing, China during the Imperial Era. It became the Ming dynasty's favorite food in the 1500's. Since then, it is now considered one of China's national foods and its popularity has spread worldwide. 

Peking Duck is made with a specific breed of duck, the Imperial Peking. It is typically roasted in a brick oven which causes the crispy skin on the duck to melt in your mouth when you eat it. The meat from the duck is also cooked separately by another method such as stir fry. Peking Duck can be eaten with pancakes, spring onions, and either hoisin sauce or sweet bean sauce. 

To celebrate National Peking Duck Day, visit a Chinese restaurant to enjoy a traditionally prepared Peking Duck, or try to cook your own!

Today is also Thesaurus Day

January is Get Organized Month & National Oatmeal Month

This week is Cuckoo Dancing Week

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

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On this day in History:

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.

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Quote of the Day:
"If we’d only stop trying to be happy we’d have a pretty good time."

--Edith Wharton