Today is Tuesday January 11, 2011

National Hot Toddy Day

What is more perfect to enjoy on a cold winter day than a delightful hot toddy? From the mouthwatering aroma of nutmeg to the warm, sizzling taste, these cocktails are guaranteed to put an end to your winter blues.

Hot toddies originated sometime during the 18th century in order to make the taste of scotch more palatable to women. It is also believed that the word "toddy" was introduced into Scotland by a member of the British East India Company because there was a popular drink in India called a toddy during that same time period.

Today there are many variations to the original hot toddy recipe including those with tea, coffee, cocoa, water, and apple cider. Besides alcohol, spices, butter, and sweeteners such as honey or sugar can also be added to hot toddies. To celebrate National Hot Toddy Day, brew up your favorite type of hot toddy and enjoy!

Today is also Milk Day

January is Get Organized Month & National Oatmeal Month

This week is National Pizza Week

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

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On this day in History:

1569 - England's first state lottery was held. 1878 - In New York, milk was delivered in glass bottles for the first time by Alexander Campbell. 1902 - "Popular Mechanics" magazine was published for the first time. 1935 - Amelia Earhart Putnam became the first woman to fly solo from Hawaii to California. 1963 - The Whiskey-a-Go-Go nightclub opened in Los Angeles, CA. It is recognized as the first disco in the U.S. 1967 - Jimi Hendrix recorded "Purple Haze."

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Quote of the Day:
"We can keep ourselves so busy, fill our lives with so many diversions, stuff our heads with so much knowledge, involve ourselves with so many people and cover so much ground that we never have time to probe the fearful and wonderful world within."

--John W. Gardner

Today is Monday January 10, 2011

Bittersweet Chocolate Day

Bittersweet chocolate is a sweetened form of dark chocolate that does not contain milk. According to FDA standards, bittersweet chocolate must contain at least 35 percent chocolate liquor. The more chocolate liquor that is added, the more intense the bitter flavor of the chocolate.

Bittersweet chocolate is available in several forms including bars, chips, chunks, and as a liquid. Research shows that daily consumption of bittersweet chocolate is actually quite good for you. It contains antioxidant compounds and flavonoids, helps lower blood pressure, and helps protect your heart.

So go ahead and eat a few pieces of bittersweet chocolate today and everyday to celebrate Bittersweet Chocolate Day!

January is Get Organized Month & National Oatmeal Month

This week is National Pizza Week

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

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On this day in History:

1840 - The penny post, whereby mail was delivered at a standard charge rather than paid for by the recipient, began in Britain. 1911 - Major Jimmie Erickson took the first photograph from an airplane while flying over San Diego, CA. 1946 - The first meeting of the United Nations General Assembly took place with 51 nations represented. 1951 - Donald Howard Rogers piloted the first passenger jet on a trip from Chicago to New York City. 1969 - The final issue of The Saturday Evening Post appeared after 147 years of publication. 2000 - It was announced that AOL and Time Warner were merging. It was the largest media deal in U.S. history priced at $111 billion. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) approved the deal on December 14, 2000.

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Quote of the Day:
"There is only one success -- to be able to spend your life in your own way."

--Christopher Morley

Today is Friday January 7, 2011

National Tempura Day

This delicious Japanese style of cooking lightly batters and fries vegetables and seafood. It was first introduced in Southern Japan during the mid-sixteenth century by early Portuguese missionaries and traders.

Its popularity quickly spread throughout the rest of Japan and variations on the original dish also began to be made, using non-traditional and fusion tempura. The word "tempura" actually comes from the Latin word "tempora" which means time period.

The batter for tempura is usually made of cold water and wheat flour. Eggs, baking soda, oil, and spices can also be added to the mixture for extra flavoring. Thin slices of vegetables and seafood are dipped in the batter and then are briefly deep-fried in hot oil until crispy.

To celebrate National Tempura Day, try making your own tempura at home or head out to your favorite Japanese restaurant!

Today is also Harlem Globetrotters 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:

1782 - The Bank of North America opened in Philadelphia. It was the first commercial bank in the United States. 1896 - "Fannie Farmer Cookbook" cookbook was published. 1904 - The distress signal "CQD" was established. Two years later "SOS" became the radio distress signal because it was quicker to send by wireless radio. 1953 - U.S. President Harry Truman announced the development of the hydrogen bomb. 1959 - The United States recognized Fidel Castro's new government in Cuba. 1975 - OPEC agreed to raise crude oil prices by 10%, which began a time of world economic inflation. 1990 - The Leaning Tower of Pisa was closed to the public. The accelerated rate of "leaning" raised fears for the safety of its visitors. 1998 - Former White House intern Monica Lewinsky signed an affidavit denying that she had an affair with U.S. President Clinton.

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Quote of the Day:
"Often people attempt to live their lives backwards; they try to have more things, or more money, in order to do more of what they want, so they will be happier. The way it actually works is the reverse. You must first be who you really are, then do what you need to do, in order to have what you want."

--Margaret Young

Today is Thursday January 6, 2011

Three Kings Day

Three Kings Day, also known as The Epiphany, is a Christian holiday that commemorates the biblical story of the three kings Melchoir, Caspar, and Balthazar, who followed the bright star of Bethlehem to bring gifts to the Christ child.

Various countries around the world celebrate Three Kings Day and each have their own customs and traditions associated with the holiday that they follow. On the twelve days leading up to Three Kings Day, many children in Latin America dress up in king costumes and go door to door in their neighborhoods singing carols.

In Argentina, sweet wine, fruit, and milk are left outside the night before for the three kings and their camels to enjoy. In France, people eat galette des Rois, or "king cake," that has a trinket or bean hidden inside of it. The person who receives the piece of cake with the trinket becomes the "king" for the day.

Three Kings Day always falls twelve days after Christmas, also representing the Twelve Days of Christmas. Happy Three Kings Day!

Today is also Bean 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:

1931 - Thomas Edison executed his last patent application. 1952 - "Peanuts" debuted in Sunday papers across the United States. 1957 - Elvis Presley made his last appearance on the "Ed Sullivan Show" in New York City. 1963 - "Wild Kingdom" premiered on NBC. 1968 - Gibson patented its Flying V electric guitar. 1999 - The 106th U.S. Congress opened. The first item on the agenda was the impeachment proceedings of U.S. President Bill Clinton. The trial was set to begin January 7, 1999.

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Quote of the Day:
"There are two ways to meet life; you may refuse to care until indifference becomes a habit, a defensive armor, and you are safe -- but bored. Or you can care greatly -- till life breaks you on its wheel."

--Dorothy Canfield Fisher

Today is Wednesday January 5, 2011

National Bird Day

Bird watching has been a favorite pastime for millions of people for centuries. It can be enjoyed by anyone, anywhere, regardless of their age.

A recent trend has developed that has threatened and endangered thousands of bird species: trafficking rare and exotic wildlife. Birds are among the most popular animals sought after in the exotic pet trade. Despite people's claims that they are working the protect these endangered bird species, most birds in captive breeding programs are kept there solely for commercial gain. 

The stresses associated with confinement can cause birds to exhibit a variety of abnormal behaviors including feather plucking, self-mutilation, excessive screaming, and other destructive habits.

In an attempt to put an end to bird captivity, Born Free USA, the Animal Protection Institute, and the Avian Welfare Coalition have teamed up in support of National Bird Day. Today, bird enthusiasts and activists around the United States are asked to take action on behalf of captive birds. Learn more about this day and what you can do to help!

Today is also National Whipped Cream 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:

1896 - It was reported by The Austrian newspaper that Wilhelm Roentgen had discovered the type of radiation that became known as X-rays. 1925 - Mrs. Nellie Taylor Ross was sworn in as the governor of Wyoming She was the first female governor in the U.S. 1933 - Construction of the Golden Gate Bridge began. 1934 - Both the National and American baseball leagues decided to use a uniform-size baseball. It was the first time in 33 years that both leagues used the same size ball. 1961 - "Mr. Ed" debuted. The show would run for six years. 1965 - The Supremes recorded "Stop! In the Name of Love." 1978 - Prince made his solo performance debut in Minneapolis, MN.

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Quote of the Day:
"It is not easy to find happiness in ourselves, and it is not possible to find it elsewhere."

--Agnes Replier

Today is Tuesday January 4, 2011

National Spaghetti Day

Who doesn't love a plate full of spaghetti and meatballs? It is certainly a worldwide favorite! In the year 2000, 1.3 million pounds of spaghetti were sold in American grocery stores. If all of those packages were lined up, they could circle the Earth nine times!

According to history, it was the Chinese who first invented pasta but it was the Italians who revolutionized this famous dish. Marco Polo brought the recipe for pasta back with him to Europe after his famous trip to the Middle Kingdom during the 13th century.

Over the years, Italians have invented a wide variety of pasta shapes and sauces to enhance the bland taste of pasta including farfalle, rotini, penne, torellini, and last but not least, spaghetti. Spaghetti is the most common round-rod type of pasta and in Italian, spaghetti means "little lines." Spaghetti is most often served with tomato sauce and parmesan cheese, but meat, garlic, oil, and pepper can also be added to it for extra flavor. 

To celebrate National Spaghetti Day, hop into the kitchen to make your old family secret spaghetti recipe. Enjoy!

Today is also Trivia 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:

1850 - The first American ice-skating club was organized in Philadelphia, PA. 1935 - Bob Hope was heard for the first time on network radio as part of "The Intimate Revue." 1936 - The first pop music chart based on national sales was published by "Billboard" magazine. 1958 - The Soviet satellite Sputknik I fell to the earth from its orbit. The craft had been launched on October 4, 1957. 1962 - New York City introduced a train that operated without conductors and motormen. 1981 - The Broadway show "Frankenstein" lost an estimated $2 million, when it opened and closed on the same night. 1984 - Wayne ‘The Great One’ Gretzky scored eight points (four goals and four assists) for the second time in his National Hockey League (NHL) career. Edmonton’s Oilers defeated the Minnesota North Stars, 12-8. The game was the highest-scoring NHL game to date.

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Quote of the Day:
"True happiness is of a retired nature, and an enemy to pomp and noise; it arises, in the first place, from the enjoyment of one’s self; and, in the next, from the friendship and conversation of a few select companions."

--Joseph Addison

Today is Monday January 3, 2011

Fruitcake Toss Day

Fruitcake seem to be the holiday gift that no one ever asks for, yet everyone always receives. Today is the perfect opportunity to finally throw away that holiday fruit cake, it's National Fruitcake Toss Day! After all, you never really wanted it in the first place.

Every year in Manitou Springs, Colorado there is a Great Fruitcake Toss in which people compete to see how far they can throw or hurtle their fruitcakes. People also use the cakes at this event to make little cars to race during a Fruitcake Derby.

The first Great Fruitcake Toss occurred in 1995 and has since exploded into a huge festival that people come from all over the country to attend. So go ahead and join the rest of the country today in throwing out your holiday fruitcakes!

Today is also National Chocolate Covered Cherry 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:

1823 - Stephen F. Austin received a grant from the Mexican government and began colonization in the region of the Brazos River in Texas. 1888 - The drinking straw was patented by Marvin C. Stone. 1938 - The March of Dimes was established by U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The organization fights poliomyelitis. The original name of the organization was the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis. 1951 - NBC-TV debuted "Dragnet." 1957 - Fats Domino recorded "I'm Walkin'." 1964 - The Beatles made their first appearance on U.S. television in a film clip shown on the "Jack Paar Show." It was a performance of the song "She Loves You." 1993 - U.S. President George Bush and Russian President Boris Yeltsin signed the second Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) in Moscow.

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Quote of the Day:
Everyone is a genius at least once a year. The real geniuses simply have their bright ideas closer together.
  - Georg Christoph Lichtenberg