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

Today is Monday January 17, 2011

Martin Luther King Day

This day serves to honor and commemorate the life of Martin Luther King Jr. It is also one of three federal holidays in the U.S. that celebrates an individual person.

Though it is a well-received holiday today, it took over 15 years for the government to approve Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a federal holiday. Congressman John Conyers of Michigan first introduced legislation for a commemorative holiday in King's name just four days after he was assassinated in 1968.

As Congress debated over the bill, they received petitions containing over six million signatures of support. Public pressure for the holiday reached its peak during the civil rights marches in 1982 and Congress finally passed the holiday into legislation in 1983.

Today, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a celebrated holiday across the nation. Take the day and reflect on King's life and accomplishments and acknowledge all that he did for the Civil Rights Movement in our nation.

Today is also Hot-Buttered Rum Day & Kid Inventors' 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:

1806 - James Madison Randolph, grandson of U.S. President Thomas Jefferson, was the first child born in the White House. 1912 - English explorer Robert Falcon Scott reached the South Pole. Norwegian Roald Amundsen had beaten him there by one month. 1945 - Soviet and Polish forces liberated Warsaw during World War II. 1997 - A court in Ireland granted the first divorce in the Roman Catholic country's history. 1998 - U.S. President Clinton gave his deposition in the Paula Jones sexual harassment lawsuit against him. He was the first U.S. President to testify as a defendant in a criminal or civil lawsuit.

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

--William Cowper

Today is Friday January 14, 2011

National Dress Up Your Pet Day

Does your pet have an impeccable sense of style? Well today is the perfect opportunity to show of their fashion accessories-- it's National Dress Up Your Pet Day!

Give your pet a full day of pampering today because after all, they are man's best friend and they deserve it. Head over to your local pet store to coordinate the perfect attire for your pet to wear or you can design an outfit for them on your own. Whatever you decide to do, make sure it is stylish enough for your pet's good taste and that it is warm enough for these cold winter months.

So go ahead and bejewel their collars, put pearls on their leashes, and coordinate the perfect outfit for them to wear today on National Dress Up Your Pet Day!

Today is also National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day

January is Get Organized Month & National Oatmeal Month

This week is National Pizza Week & Cuckoo Dancing Week

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

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On this day in History:

1784 - The United States ratified a peace treaty with England ending the Revolutionary War. 1914 - Henry Ford announced the newest advance in assembly line production of cars. The new method reduced assembly time of a car from 12½ hours to 93 minutes. 1951 - The first National Football League Pro Bowl All-Star Game was played in Los Angeles, CA. 1954 - Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio were married. The marriage only lasted nine months. 1966 - David Jones changed his last name to Bowie to avoid confusion with Davy Jones from the Monkees. 1970 - Diana Ross performed for the last time with the Supremes during a show in Las Vegas, NV. 1973 - The Miami Dolphins became the first NFL team to go undefeated for an entire regular season.

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Quote of the Day:
"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."

--Anonymous

Today is Thursday January 13, 2011

National Rubber Ducky Day

The rubber ducky bath toy was first manufactured during the late 1800's as a way to make bath time more enjoyable for toddlers and babies. It has since turned into a popular bath time icon known worldwide.

Check this out: during a Pacific storm on January 10, 1992, over 29,000 rubber ducky bath toys from a Chinese company were washed off of a cargo ship. Months after the storm, about two thirds of the rubber duckies had made there way to the shores of Indonesia, Australia, and South America. Some of the ducks also entered into the Bering Straight between Alaska and Russia where they became trapped in the Arctic ice. The ducks slowly made their way through the ice at one mile per day and in 2000, they were spotted in the Northern Atlantic Ocean. Talk about some world traveled ducks!

Happy Rubber Ducky Day!

January is Get Organized Month & National Oatmeal Month

This week is National Pizza Week & Cuckoo Dancing Week

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

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On this day in History:

1794 - U.S. President Washington approved a measure adding two stars and two stripes to the American flag, following the admission of Vermont and Kentucky to the union. 1854 - Anthony Faas of Philadelphia, PA, patented the accordion. 1964 - The Beatles released "I Want To Hold Your Hand" in the U.S. 1984 - Wayne Gretzky extended his consecutive scoring streak to 45 games. 1986 - "The Wall Street Journal" printed a real picture on its front page. The journal had not done this in nearly 10 years. The story was about artist, O. Winston Link and featured one of his works. 1998 - ABC and ESPN negotiated to keep "Monday Night Football" for $1.15 billion a season.

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Quote of the Day:
"One can have no happiness in this world or the next but by extreme and vehement love."

--Sir Kenelm Digby