Today is Friday May 13, 2011

National Apple Pie Day

Apple pie is the quintessential American dessert! However, apple pie wasn't even invented in the U.S. Rather it was invented in Europe sometime during the 14th century. The first apple pie recipe was printed by Geoffrey Chaucer in 1381 in England. The ingredients in the recipe included apples, spices, figs, raisins, pears, saffron, and cofyn (a casing of pastry).

Dutch apple pie recipes date back to the late 15th century. These recipes were similar to the English recipes except they included a scoop of ice cream placed on top of the pie before it was served. This tradition—apple pie à la mode—was eventually brought to America where most people continue to enjoy their apple pie topped with ice cream.

To celebrate National Apple Pie Day, bake a delicious apple pie or pick one up at your local bakery to share with your family. Just don't forget the ice cream!

Today is also National Fruit Cocktail Day

May is National Bike Month & National Strawberry Month & National Hamburger Month

This week is National Pet Week

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

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On this day in History:

1607 - Jamestown, Virginia, was settled as a colony of England. 1865 - The last land engagement of the American Civil War was fought at the Battle of Palmito Ranch in far south Texas, more than a month after Gen. Lee's surrender at Appomattox, VA. 1867 - Confederate President Jefferson Davis became a free man after spending two years in prison for his role in the American Civil War. 1967 - Mickey Mantle hit his 500th homerun. 1968 - Peace talks between the U.S. and North Vietnam began in Paris. 1982 - The Chicago Cubs became the first major-league baseball team to win 8,000 games. 1985 - Tony Perez became the oldest major league baseball player to hit a grand slam home run at the age of 42 and 11 months.

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Quote of the Day:
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us .... Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us."

--Nelson Mandela

Today is Wednesday  May 11, 2011

Eat What You Want Day

It is officially here: a whole day dedicated to eating only the foods you love dear and forgetting about your diet. Diets have become wild-crazed fads in the United States. From no carb diets to consuming only cayenne pepper lemonade drinks, people will do anything and everything to lose a few pounds. Well today is the day to eat whatever you want, without feeling guilty about it!

It is not known when and where this holiday started, but it is certainly one to indulge in. Spend today enjoying in your favorite foods and taking a bite of some new tasty treats. Eat that last doughnut if you want and have one more bite of cheesecake. It's up to you what you should eat today, and you can do so guilt-free!

Today is also Twilight Zone Day

May is National Bike Month & National Strawberry Month & National Hamburger Month

This week is National Pet Week

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

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On this day in History:

1573 - Henry of Anjou became the first elected king of Poland. 1910 - Glacier National Park in Montana was established. 1947 - The creation of the tubeless tire was announced by the B.F. Goodrich Company. 1949 - Siam changed its name to Thailand. 1957 - The Everly Brothers made their debut on "Grand Ole Opry" in Nashville, TN. 1965 - The Byrds made their TV debut with "Mr. Tambourine Man" on NBC's "Hullabaloo."

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Quote of the Day:
"The idea of strictly minding our own business is moldy rubbish. Who could be so selfish?"

--Myrtie Barker

Today is Tuesday  May 10, 2011

Clean Up Your Room Day

Today's the day to do some spring cleaning, it's Clean Up Your Room Day! Clean out your closet, pick up the piles of laundry off of the floor, and take out the vacuum. Won't it be nice to be able to see the floor of your room again?

The best part about today is that it is something that everyone can participate in! Parents, children, roommates, students, teachers, and co-workers, they all can get together and have a good old fashioned day of cleaning their rooms. So go ahead and turn up the music and start getting to work. Put the clothes away in the drawers and the coats back on the hangers. Get out the cleaning supplies and rent an industrial sized dumpster if you have to. After you are finished, don't forget to reward yourself for all of your hard work!

Today is also National Shrimp Day

May is National Bike Month & National Strawberry Month & National Hamburger Month

This week is National Pet Week

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

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On this day in History:

1773 - The English Parliament passed the Tea Act, which taxed all tea in the U.S. colonies. 1869 - Central Pacific and Union Pacific Rail Roads meet in Promontory, UT. A golden spike was driven in at the celebration of the first transcontinental railroad in the U.S. 1924 - J. Edgar Hoover was appointed head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 1965 - The Rolling Stones produced their very first recordings when they recorded "Come On" and "I Wanna Be Loved" from the album "Out of Our Heads." 1969 - The National and American Football Leagues announced their plans to merge for the 1970-71 season. 1974 - Eric Clapton recorded "I Shot the Sheriff."

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Quote of the Day:
"It is defeat that turns bone to flint; it is defeat that turns gristle to muscle; it is defeat that makes men invincible."

--Henry Ward Beecher

Today is Tuesday  May 3, 2011

National Teacher Day

Teaching is the profession of shaping young minds into the future leaders of the world. Teachers work hard to challenge their students and bring out the best in them.

Have you ever had a teacher who has had a great influence on your life? Did this teacher go above and beyond the standard to increase your personal growth and development? If you have ever had a teacher like this, today is the day to show them that you appreciate all that they have done for you.

According to the National Education Association, Arkansas teacher Mattye Whyte Woodridge wrote to Eleanor Roosevelt in 1944 about the need for a day to honor teachers. Mrs. Roosevelt was able to convince Congress to proclaim it a national holiday in 1953.  

To celebrate National Teacher Day, send a custom eCard to say thank you to your current or former teachers for all of their hard work and patience!

Today is also National Two Different Colored Shoes Day

May is National Bike Month & National Strawberry Month & National Hamburger Month

This week is Be Kind to Animals Week

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

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On this day in History:

1802 - Washington, DC, was incorporated as a city. 1921 - West Virginia imposed the first state sales tax. 1937 - Margaret Mitchell won a Pulitzer Prize for "Gone with the Wind." 1971 - New York City's Philharmonic Hall at Lincoln Center announced that it would begin presenting rock, pop and jazz concerts as well as classical. 1976 - Paul McCartney made his first American stage appearance in 10 years. The "Wings Over America" tour began in Ft. Worth, TX.

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Quote of the Day:
"One must not lose desires. They are mighty stimulants to creativeness, to love, and to long life."

--Alexander Bogomoletz

Today is Tuesday  April 20, 2011

Lima Bean Respect Day

Today is a day to have some respect for lima beans. After all, what have they ever done to you?

Lima beans are extremely healthy vegetables. They are rich in fiber, potassium, iron, copper, and manganese. They are also low in fat and contain protease inhibitors that stall the development of cancerous cells. Did you know that lima beans are named after Lima, Peru where they are grown? They have been cultivated there since 6000 B.C.

There are many varieties of lima beans. Large lima beans are flat and pale green in color. They also have a buttery taste and a creamy texture. Green baby lima beans are popular in Japanese desserts like bean paste. Other types of lima beans also make great additions to recipes such as soup, spreads, and casseroles. A popular recipe in the southern region of the United States is succotash, which contains lima beans, corn, and chili peppers.

To celebrate Lima Bean Respect Day, enjoy some tasty lima beans cooked your favorite way!

Today is also National Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Day

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

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

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On this day in History:

1912 - Fenway Park opened as the home of the Boston Red Sox. 1935 - "Your Hit Parade" was first broadcast on radio. It aired for 24 years. 1961 - In the U.S., FM stereo broadcasting was approved by the FCC. 1964 - The Elvis Presley movie "Viva Las Vegas" premiered. 1972 - The manned lunar module from Apollo 16 landed on the moon. 1985 - Wham's "Make It Big" LP was released in China. It was the first Western album to be released there.

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Quote of the Day:
"Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you will get neither."

--C.S. Lewis"Don’t be afraid to take a big step if one is indicated. You can’t cross a chasm in two small jumps."

Today is Monday April 18, 2011

Passover

Passover (which begins today) is an eight-day festival in the Jewish religion. It honors the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. During the first and last two days of Passover, people celebrate the splitting of the Red Sea. On these days, Jewish families light candles at night and enjoy holiday meals. The middle four days of Passover are called Chol Hamoed, or the weekdays of the festival.

In order to honor the matzo (the unleavened bread that the Israelites ate when they left Egypt), Jews are not allowed to eat any "chametz" during Passover.  Chametz is leavened grain, or any food or drink that contains wheat, barley, rye, or oats. During the weeks prior to Passover, observant Jewish families also spend time cleaning their homes in order to get rid of any crumbs or traces of chametz.

Another important aspect of Passover is the Sedar, the festive meal eaten in remembrance of the hardships that faced Jew’s ancestors. During the meal, the youngest child is prompted to ask four questions to the adults about the significance of the Sedar symbols. Families also say prayers and read stories during the meal to tell the story of the Exodus.

Today is also Boston Marathon & National Wear Your Pajamas To Work Day & National Animal Crackers Day & Tax Day

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

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

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On this day in History:

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.

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Quote of the Day:
"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 Sunday April 17, 2011

National Cheeseball Day

We hope you're ready to eat because today is National Cheeseball Day! There are actually two types of cheeseballs that refer to two very different foods. First, there are the bright orange, marble-sized snacks that turn our fingers orange. It's hard to stop eating them with just a handful!

Then, there's the cheeseball that you might serve at a party. This type of cheeseball is a type of soft cheese, often served with raw vegetables and crackers. Typically they are made with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, nuts, salt, pepper, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. Fancier cheeseballs can also be made with bleu cheese, olives, pineapple, sherry, or smoked salmon.

Did you know that on July 20, 1801, Elisha Brown Jr. pressed a 1,235-pound cheeseball at his farm? He presented it to President Thomas Jefferson at the White House because it was so impressive.

To celebrate National Cheeseball Day, pick up a bag of cheeseballs at your local grocery store or try your hand at making your own fancy cheeseball! You will be able to experiment with the ingredients and make it just the way you like it. Enjoy!

Today is also Pet Parent's Day

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

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

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On this day in History:

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.

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Quote of the Day:
"Real joy comes not from ease or riches or from the praise of men, but from doing something worthwhile."

--W. T. Grenfell