Today is...

Bratwurst Day

Today is Bratwurst Day! Bratwurst is a heavily spiced sausage, usually enjoyed on a roll with mustard or by itself with a side of sauerkraut. The term “bratwurst” is a compound of two German words—“braten,” which means “to fry” and “wurst,” which means “sausage.”

Bratwursts originated in Germany and have been around since the 14th century. These sausages are generally made from pork, veal, or beef. Truly dedicated fans can attend the annual Bucyrus Bratwurst Festival in Ohio to celebrate this historical dish.

Today, grab a “brat” in honor of Bratwurst Day. Don’t forget to wash it down with some beer!

Today is also National Rum Day

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

This week is Elvis Week

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

History for August 16   1829 - The "Siamese twins," Chang and Eng Bunker, arrived in Boston, MA. They had come to the Western world to be exhibited. They were 18 years old and joined at the waist. 1954 - Sports Illustrated was published for the first time. It was claimed that 250,000 subscriptions had been sold before the first issue came off of the presses. 1960 - The free-fall world record was set by Joseph Kittinger. He fell more than 16 miles (about 84,000 feet) before opening his parachute over New Mexico. 1966 - The Monkees' first single, "Last Train to Clarksville," was released. 1975 - Peter Gabriel announced that he was leaving the group Genesis. Phil Collins would be the new lead singer after the group auditioned more than 400 potential musicians. _________________________________________________________ "Though there are exceptions, bigger is not always better, and louder is not always more true. There is much good to be found in ordinary days, even when they appear to be ho-hum and routine. So for inner health, seek deliverance from addictions to the spectacular. Cherish the ordinary. Woe to us who are so deafened by the whirlwind that we cannot hear the whisper." --Neil B. Weisman

Today is...

National Relaxation Day

It’s National Relaxation Day! Today we live in a very fast-paced world that is often stressful and overwhelming. National Relaxation Day is all about taking a step back to unwind and decompress.

Although a certain amount of stress is normal, too much of it can be harmful to your physical and mental health. Take care of yourself today. Read a book, get a massage, watch a movie, go for a long walk, or take a nap. No matter what you choose to do, just remember to take it easy, even if it’s only for a few minutes. Happy National Relaxation Day!

Today is also Assumption Day & Lemon Meringue Pie Day

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

This week is Elvis Week

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

History for August 15  1848 - The dental chair was patented by M. Waldo Hanchett. 1911 - "Crisco" was introduced by Procter & Gamble Company. 1939 - "The Wizard of Oz" premiered in Hollywood, CA. Judy Garland became famous for the movie's song "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." 1961 - East German workers began construction of the Berlin Wall. 1969 - The Woodstock Music and Art Fair began in Bethel, NY. The three-day concert featured 24 bands and drew over 400,000 people. 1971 - U.S. President Nixon announced a 90-day freeze on wages, rents and prices. _________________________________________________________ "Do not seek pleasure everywhere, but always be ready to find it." --John Ruskin

Today is...

National Creamsicle Day

It’s National Creamsicle Day! This enjoyable frozen treat is the perfect way to sit back, relax, and cool down on a hot August day. The combination of vanilla cream and fruity ice is pure genius!

Creamsicles are not hard to find, but they are also easy to make at home. Mix together fruit juice and vanilla ice cream in a large bowl. Then, gradually add milk and continue to mix. Finally, pour the mixture into small paper cups and place them in the freezer. Once they are partially frozen, insert popsicle sticks into them and place them back inside the freezer. When they are frozen solid, peel off the paper cups and enjoy the creamsicle! Happy National Creamsicle Day!

 August is National Goat Cheese Month & National Peach Month  

& National Water Quality Month

This week is Elvis Week

 

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

History for August 14  1873 - "Field and Stream" magazine published its first issue. 1917 - China declared war on Germany and Austria during World War I. 1941 - U.S. President Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill issued the Atlantic Charter. The charter was a statement of principles that renounced aggression. 1941 - The U.S. Congress appropriated the funds to construct the Pentagon (approximately $83 million). The building was the new home of the U.S. War Department. 1945 - It was announced by U.S. President Truman that Japan had surrendered unconditionally. The surrender ended World War II. 1985 - Michael Jackson purchased the Beatle's copyrights of 251 songs written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. The purchase cost $47.5 million. Jackson outbid Yoko Ono and Paul McCartney. 1987 - Mark McGwire set the record for major league home runs by a rookie when he connected for his 39th home run of the season. 1989 - Bon Jovi's "New Jersey" album became the first U.S. album to be released legally in the Soviet Union. The Russian label Melodiya paid the group with a truckload of firewood since rubles can't leave Russia. _________________________________________________________ "I don’t think people are afraid of death, what they are afraid of is the incompleteness of their life." --Ted Rosenthal

Today is...

Left-Handers' Day

Today is Left-Handers’ Day! Every year on August 13, we celebrate the 10% of the population that is left-handed. This day is also an opportunity to raise awareness about the needs of left-handed children. 

If you are left-handed, you know that living in a world designed for right-handed people can be quite difficult. Opening doors, writing in spiral notebooks, and using a computer mouse can be awkward and frustrating. Studies have shown that left-handedness is often associated with intellectual creativity. Famous left-handers include Michelangelo, Mozart, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Henson, and 8 of our 44 presidents!

There are several ways you can celebrate Left-Handers’ Day. If you’re left-handed, declare a “lefty zone” around your personal space, where everything must be done left-handed. If you’re a righty, do something nice for your lefty friends. Buy them a left-handed pen or can-opener to make their lives a little easier!

Today is also National Filet Mignon Day

 August is National Goat Cheese Month & National Peach Month  

& National Water Quality Month

This week is Elvis Week

 

 

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

History for August 13   1521 - Present day Mexico City was captured by Spanish conqueror Hernando Cortez from the Aztec Indians. 1889 - A patent for a coin-operated telephone was issued to William Gray. 1907 - The first taxicab started on the streets of New York City. 1932 - Adolf Hitler refused to take the post of vice-chancellor of Germany. He said he was going to hold out "for all or nothing." 1942 - Walt Disney's "Bambi" opened at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, NY. 1979 - Lou Brock of the St. Louis Cardinals got his 3,000th career hit. 1994 - It was reported that aspirin not only helps reduce the risk of heart disease, but also helps prevent colon cancer. _________________________________________________________ "In the last analysis it is our conception of death which decides our answers to all the questions life puts to us." --Dag Hammarskjold

Today is...

National S'mores Day

It’s National S’mores Day! S'mores are a delicious treat made from three simple ingredients—graham crackers, toasted marshmallows, and melted chocolate bars. Yum!

The first official s'mores recipe was published in the Girl Scout Handbook in 1927, but culinary historians believe that the tradition began much earlier. Over the years, the recipe was passed from camper to camper and eventually became the most famous fireside dessert. Ever wondered why it is called a s’more? Because you’ll always want "some more" of this decadent sweet!

Today, grab a few friends, make a campfire, and have some s’mores. No bonfire? No problem! You can toast marshmallows in a toaster oven or a microwave. Happy National S'mores Day!

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

This week is Elvis Week

 

 

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

History for August 10   1846 - The Smithsonian Institution was chartered by the U.S. Congress. The "Nation's Attic" was made possible by $500,000 given by scientist Joseph Smithson. 1947 - William Odom completed an around-the-world flight. He set the solo record by completing the flight in 73 hours and 5 minutes. 1948 - On ABC, "Candid Camera" made its TV debut. The original title was "Candid Microphone." 1954 - Elvis Presley made an appearance in Memphis where he debuted "That's All Right (Mama)." 1981 - Pete Rose hit a single and broke the National League all-time hit record with his 3,630 hit. _________________________________________________________ "The grand essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love, and something to hope for." --Allan K. Chalmers

Today is...

National Rice Pudding Day

It’s National Rice Pudding Day! Rice pudding is a delicious treat that combines the smooth, creamy texture of pudding with nutritious and filling rice. The recipe evolved from an ancient dish known as “pottage,” which originated in the Middle East.

Almost every region of the world has its own take on rice pudding. Some versions are sweet while others are savory, and some are thick while others are thin. In the United States, most people serve their rice pudding sweetened with a sprinkle of nutmeg and raisins. Yum!

Enjoy some rice pudding today in honor of National Rice Pudding Day!

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

 

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

History for August 9   1678 - American Indians sold the Bronx to Jonas Bronck for 400 beads. 1854 - "Walden" was published by Henry David Thoreau. 1859 - The escalator was patented by Nathan Ames. 1936 - Jesse Owens won his fourth gold medal at the Berlin Olympics. He was the first American to win four medals in one Olympics. 1965 - Singapore proclaimed its independence from the Malaysian Federation. 1981 - Major league baseball teams resumed play at the conclusion of the first mid-season players’ strike. _________________________________________________________ "The greatest despair is not to become the person you were meant to be." --Soren Kierkegaard

Today is...

National Zucchini Day

It’s National Zucchini Day! Today we celebrate this versatile green vegetable and all the delicious dishes we can make with it.

The common zucchini is a close relative of the cucumber and the melon. It is a type of squash that comes from Italy. In fact, the name “zucchini” comes from the word “zucchino,” which means “small squash” in Italian. The largest zucchini on record was 69.5 inches long and weighed 65 pounds! It probably wouldn’t have tasted very good though. For the best flavor, always choose a small or medium sized zucchini.

To celebrate National Zucchini Day, plan a dinner menu full of this healthy vegetable! Grill it, bake it into bread, or add it to a salad. Bon appétit!

Today is also Happiness Happens Day

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

 

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

History for August 8   1588 - The Spanish Armada was defeated by the English fleet ending an invasion attempt. 1899 - The refrigerator was patented by A.T. Marshall. 1945 - During World War II, the Soviet Union declared war on Japan. 1999 - Wade Boggs got his 3,000th hit of his major league baseball career. 2000 - The submarine H.L. Hunley was raised from ocean bottom after 136 years. The sub had been lost during an attack on the U.S.S. Housatonic in 1864. The Hunley was the first submarine in history to sink a warship. _________________________________________________ "Life is made up of small pleasures. Happiness is made up of those tiny successes. The big ones come too infrequently. And if you don’t collect all these tiny successes the big ones don’t really mean anything." --Norman Lear