Put the pedal to the medal! Hearing this quote in the late 19th century would not have quite the same impact as the statement would today. Not unusual in the 21st century to go from 0 to 60 in under 6 seconds. Not heard of way back when...! Even the sound of the first gas-powered automobile was a much lesser varoom!
The name Henry Ford is synonymous with the automobile but he did not build the first automobile. He was responsible for changes and transformations in the automobile into an innovation that profoundly shaped the 20th century. Attention to his automobile production did not commence until 1899.
Highlighted on this day in history (1895) is George B. Seldon: the first to apply for a U.S. patent describing a road (internal combustion) engine to power a horseless carriage. The self-propelled carriage was not his original idea, he never built a prototype and the engine described turned out to be impractical, but Seldon had secured his place in history.
Selden's design was fairly vague, and was actually based on a two-cylinder internal-combustion engine that someone else had invented: Selden had simply copied the one he'd seen on display at the 1872 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition. In 1899, Selden sold his patent to a group of investors who called themselves the Electric Vehicle Company. In turn, they immediately sued the Winton Motor Carriage Company, the largest car manufacturer in the United States, for infringing on the Selden patent just by building gas-powered cars. Winton settled, and the court upheld Selden's patent in 1903.Source: history.com
The automobile has come a long way in nearly 120 years!
One of the best, as well as most common, breakfast foods is sausage. Its spicy flavor and tantalizing aroma combine as an instant invitation to 'come and get it'! This, of course, would be a second behind bacon to some with both often finding themselves on the same plate at the same time. When you just can't seem to make the choice, you eat them both! Thoughts of fresh sausage, sausage links and patties, fresh bacon, fully cooked bacon, breakfast bowls, pancakes and sausage-on-a-stick, omelets, and more might bring on a very well known name that has branded such food since 1969. But, did you know this same individual is a music icon?
Jimmy Ray Dean, known to most as simply Jimmy Dean: his charming, folksy personality and business-savvy led him to become a Grammy Award musician, actor, television host and entrepreneur In the era of the 40s, it was not unusual for children to drop out of school to help provide for the family. This occurrence is in no way comparable to what we might call a drop-out in this day and age. Times were hard but families were tight, had to be in order to survive. Such was the background of Jimmy Dean. Dean's impoverish life and ridicule made him pursue even harder every thought and desire he had for being successful in life.
Dean later credited this hard-knock upbringing with giving him his entrepreneurial spirit, and burning desire to succeed. "I think the kids in school that laughed at the clothes that we wore and the house that we lived in and then my mother had to cut hair ... I think that was a good motivator," Dean later told reporters. "Every time they laughed at me, they just built a fire and there was only one way to put it out—to try and show 'em I was as good as they were."Source: biography.com
On this day in history...
1961Jimmy Dean started a five week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Big Bad John', a No.2 on the UK chart. 'Big Bad John' is a song about a brave coal miner who saves his fellow workers during a mind tragedy. The single hit No.1 on both the country and pop charts, earned Dean a Grammy Award, and put the singer firmly into the mainstream music business. Jimmy went on to present a prime time variety show on US TV.
One hundred fifty-four years ago today marks the election of one of the greatest American Presidents in our nation's history. The United States one-cent coin, commonly known as the penny, features his portrait on the front with the words "In God We Trust" imprinted above his head. The current $5 bill features his portrait on the front and the image of the iconic memorial established in his honor on the back. The national monument is located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. across from the Washington Monument. By now, if not from the very beginning, you should have recognized that today we reflect upon the election of the 16th president of the United StatesAbraham Lincoln.
The Lincoln Penny was first issued in 1909 to commemorate Abraham Lincoln's 100th birthday. It was the first American coin to bear a president's image on its face.
Abraham Lincoln earned his first dollar ferrying passengers to a steamer on the Ohio River in 1827.
The first foreign statue honoring Abraham Lincoln was erected in Edinburgh, Scotland, and was unveiled on August 21, 1893. The sculptor was a man named George Edwin Bissell.
Abraham Lincoln's reputation was ingrained with honesty and fairness. His integrity was above reproach long before he was elected President of the United States.
The future president was first called "Honest Abe" when he was working as a young store clerk in New Salem, Ill. According to one story, whenever he realized he had shortchanged a customer by a few pennies, he would close the shop and deliver the correct change-regardless of how far he had to walk. Source: Great American History
Abraham Lincoln's Hat...
Sometimes Abraham Lincoln's stovepipe hat was called his "desk and memorandum book" and also sometimes his "filing cabinet". This was because he kept mail, his bankbook, important papers, etc. in it.
Abraham Lincoln was the first president to receive a transcontinental telegraph message.
Lincoln, the 16th president, was the first president to be assassinated.
Abraham Lincoln spent less than 12 months in all attending schools as a youth growing up on the frontier. Each one was very small, and the lessons were most often taught orally, and schools thus got the nickname "blab" schools.
Lincoln's coffin has been moved 17 times, mostly due to numerous reconstructions of the Lincoln Tomb and fears for the safety of the president's remains. The coffin itself has been opened five times: December 21, 1865, September 19, 1871, October 9, 1874, April 14, 1887, and September 26, 1901. In 1876 grave robbers tried to steal his remains.
For preserving the Union and bringing an end to slavery, and for his unique character and powerful oratory, Lincoln is hailed among the greatest American presidents.
Your first thought might be a question, "What do bears and chocolate have in common?" Perhaps their commonality lies with the color brown...milk & dark chocolate and brown bear, brown bear. Maybe it is both since chocolate bears do exist, such as the hollow chocolate Lindt Bear figure created with premium Swiss milkchocolate. Actually, they share a day of celebration, which reflects What's happenin' and Foodie Fun for Everyone.
November 7 is...
Hug a Bear Day
“When a hug comes your way, cherish the moment, then, give it away.” ~SLS
For many of us, that first bear will always be close at heart whose fluffy fur became rather frazzled from innumerable hugs and cuddlings. Perhaps that special bear is a friend to this day lying in wait for that goodnight hug or one just as special having been received as a gift at some point in time through the years. In either case, the delightful sensation of comfort and cheer is a warm association with that furry little friend, especially when apart from friends and family. Teddy also presents the perfect excuse to want to give someone a hug! On Hug a Bear Day, pass along numerous loving Teddy Bear Hugs.
Each time you feel the least bit disgruntled think about your teddy and smile...a BIG smile. If close at hand, maybe even grab him by the arm and give him a BIG squeeze! He may not be able to smile back but his presence will surely warm your heart making you feel better instantly! Of course, as you go through your daily routines, look for all the human 'teddies' just waiting for a hug. Everyone knows bear hugs are a source of love and comfort. You just may make someone's day!
If you missed Bring Your Teddy to Work Day in October, let the little fellow accompany you today. Here are a few Helpful 'Teddy' Hints:
*Use your 'teddy' as a cushy wrist-rest at the computer. *When you get annoyed, 'teddy' can be your stress reliever. *Got a stack of loose papers? Let 'teddy' sit on it! *Toss 'teddy' at a frowning coworker. *Let 'teddy' be your sounding board when angered or annoyed. *Take a quick nap at break time. 'Teddy' makes a great pillow! Add your own to the list...
What about the story behind how the 'teddy' bear got its name...how much do you know?
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Click HERE for the chocolate side of Bears & Chocolate...
In Bears & Chocolate, part 1, we established What's happenin'? with the bear part of the celebration. Of course, chocolate bears are always a big hit, especially during the holiday season. For the second part of the celebration, focus will be on a specific kind of chocolate loaded with a special nut.
Ah-h-h! Music through the decades brings on so many memories. Musique de la vie! Some reflect moments of smiles and laughter while others bring on the tears. Let's see...for me, today starts with middle school onward to high school and into college years. Marriage follows college graduation as I enter the working world as a teacher. Children enter the scene shortly afterward and a career change working for the railroad. Then, a return to high school when another move and job change placed me back in the classroom where this time I was no longer the student but the teacher. The 21st century finds me out of the classroom but still working in education. This time my students are teachers themselves some of whom were once my students in the classroom. C'est la vie! As the world turns... Hope your stroll down memory lane brings on flashbacks of precious memories. Enjoy the music!
1958Eddie Cochran made his UK chart debut with 'Summertime Blues'. It reached No.18 in the UK & No.8 in the US. The song has been covered by many artists, including being a No.1 hit for country music artist, Alan Jackson, and a notable hit for the English rock band, The Who.
1967 Are you familiar with Reginald Kenneth Dwight? Of course, as long as you know that is the birth name of ELTON JOHN! Reg Dwight and his song writing partner Bernie Taupin signed to DJM publishing, their signatures had to be witnessed by their parents because they were both under 21 years of age. Taupin answered an advertisement for a lyric writer placed in the New Musical Express, the pair have since collaborated on over 30 albums.
1975 A new world record was set for continuous guitar stringplucking by Steve Anderson who played for 114 hours 17 minutes.
1975Elton John started a three week run at No.1 on the US album chart with 'Rock Of The Westies', the singers tenth studio album and seventh US No.1 contained the US No.1 and No.14 UK single, 'Island Girl', which was released prior to the album.
1981Hall and Oates started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Private Eyes', the duo's third US No.1, a No.32 hit in the UK.
1987Bruce Springsteen went to No.1 on the US album chart with 'Tunnel Of Love'. His eighth studio album went triple platinum in the US, with 'Brilliant Disguise' being one of his biggest hit singles, peaking at No.5 on the Billboard Hot 100.
1987Tiffany became the youngest act to score a US No.1 since Michael Jackson ('Ben', in 1972) with 'I Think we're Alone Now'. The song written by Ritchie Cordell was initially a 1967 hit for Tommy James & the Shondells.
1999Geri Halliwell went to No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Lift Me Up', beating former colleague Emma Bunton's single which entered the chart at No.2. Sales of Geri's single were helped by front-page press reports about her dating Chris Evans.
2004Eminem went to No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Just Lose It', his fourth UK No.1. The UK top five this week consisted of all American acts: No.2, Destinys Child - Lose My Breath, No.3, Britney Spears - My Prerogative, No.4, Christina Aguilera & Missy Elliott - Car Wash and No.5 Usher & Alicia Keys - My Boo.
Today in Music History has provided insight into many 'kings' and 'queens', even a 'godfather', within the music arena. To recap from last month, some iconic musicians include Paul Whiteman,"The King of Jazz"; Benny Goodman, "The King of Swing"; B.B. King, "King of the Blues"; Elvis Presley, "King of Rock 'n' Roll", Arethra Franklin, "Queen of Soul"; Mary J. Blige, "Queen of Hip-Hop Soul"; Koko Taylor, "Queen of the Blues" and James Brown, "The Godfather of Soul".
In the spotlight today is yet another 'king' but this time his kingdom is Hollywood. Meet the "King of Cool" who died on this day in 1980...
Steve Terrence McQueen: one of the most popular and well-paid actors of the 60s and 70s It did not take long for Steve McQueen to score BIG! This happened when he snagged a leading role in the 1960 film, The Magnificent Seven. Then, with 1963's The Great Escape earning top billing, he showed everyone he had what it took to be a star.
From an early age McQueen was considered a rebel with his good looks and cool tough-guy persona earning him the nickname "The King of Cool". Here are a few snippets of his life before Hollywood:
Getting involved with some local gangs in Los Angeles, CA, McQueen (around 12 years old) got caught stealing hubcaps from cars, not once, but twice. His mother decided to send him to reform school.
At 16, he reunited with his mother only for the reunion to be short-lived. He took off and joined the Merchant Marines. This, too, did not work out as he left ship while it was docked in the Dominican Republic.
Before making his way back to the United States, McQueen accepted a job working in a brothel as a towel boy.
Upon returning to the U.S., he worked various odd jobs barely getting by, including working on old rigs and in a carnival.
In 1947, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and became a tank driver. However, even his military endeavor did not tame his rebellious nature. After a two-day pass turned into a two-week holiday, he ended up in the brig.
McQueen was far from the model soldier. "I was busted back down to private about seven times. The only way I could have been made corporal was if all the other privates in the Marines dropped dead," he said, according to Marshall Terrill's Steve McQueen: Portrait of an American Rebel.
In 1950, after being discharged from the Marines, he spent time in South Carolina and Washington, D.C. before returning to New York City. For a time, McQueen seemed aimless continuing to move frequently never holding on to a job for any significant period of time.
Steve McQueen finally discovered his calling thanks to a girlfriend who was an aspiring actress. In spite of early setbacks, he established his place in movie history to go on to leave an indelible place in the film industry.
Most of us at some point in time seek out a recipe that is saucy and spicy...something unique, something different from the same-o, same-o, day-in, day-out culinary ideas we grew up on. There is comfort in sticking to foods we know or those that are easy to cook and uneasiness with stepping outside the boundaries, trying the unknown. This next celebration is your chance to venture outside the standard recipe box!
November 8 (also 9) is...
Cook Something Bold and Pungent Day
Some sources report the celebration of this day on November 8, while others state November 9. Um-m-m? Which one to celebrate? Why not BOTH!
Montana State Motto: "Gold and Silver (Oro y Plata)"
"Tell me of that Treasure State Story always new Tell of its beauties grand And its hearts so true. Mountains of sunset fire The land I love the best." ~Charles Cohan, Montana
What does Montana mean?
The name Montana is based on the Latin or Spanish word for "mountainous." Western Montana is forested and mountainous, the eastern section is a high barren plain.
The official nickname for Montana is The Treasure State because of its rich mineral reserves. The mountains of Montana have yielded fortunes in gold and silver since the first substantial deposits were discovered in the mid 1800's. Another nickname for Montana is Big Sky Country, made popular by a Montana State Highway Department promotion in the 1960's (originating from a book by Alfred Bertram Guthrie Jr. titled Big Sky). Montana is the home to about 48,000 Native Americans. Their ancestors called the region the "Land of Shining Mountains" because the sun shines on its high, snow-capped mountains. In 1876, General George Custer and 266 of his men were killed by Sioux and Cheyenne Indians at Little Big Horn. The Indians were led by Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull. The famous battle is known as "Custar's Last Stand" and was probably the biggest force of Indian warriors to gather in Western history.
Big skies, big adventure, and big spirits: this is Montana. It's where fertile plains collide with the Rocky Mountains and the country's fastest land mammals run the grasslands known as the American Serengeti. It's also where Lewis and Clark faced towering stone obstacles and Custer faced an even more daunting foe. This aerial journey showcases the Treasure State's mountains and milestones, its legends and landmarks, all from spectacular heights.
Montana is the largest Rocky Mountain state. It is a leading state in gold, copper, lead, zinc, platinum, and palladium mining, and has the largest coal reserves in the country. Cattle ranching has been central to Montana's history and economy since Johnny Grant began wintering cattle in the Deer Lodge Valley in the 1850s and traded cattle fattened in fertile Montana valleys with emigrants on the Oregon Trail.The land in Montana east of the continental divide was part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. Subsequent to the Lewis and Clark Expedition American, British and French fur traders operated in both east and western portions of Montana. Until the Oregon Treaty (1846), land west of the continental divide was disputed between the British and U.S. and was known as the Oregon Country. The first permanent settlement in what today is Montana was St. Mary's (1841) near present day Stevensville. On November 8, 1889 President Benjamin Harrison proclaimed Montana the 41st state in the union. The capital of Montana is Helena.
Montana designated the city of Wolfe Point as the site of the official state Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2003. The Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Center showcases the lives of true Montana cowboys and how they intertwined with the rich cultural heritage of Native Americans and settlers of Montana.
The Western Meadowlark was designated the official bird of Montana in 1931. Chosen (overwhelmingly) by Montana's school children to represent the state, the Western Meadowlark is a familiar songbird of open country across the western two-thirds of the continent.
The Western Meadowlark is often seen perched on fence-posts in grasslands and agricultural areas singing its distinct 7-10 note melody. Their flute-like song usually ends with three descending notes.
Brown bear portrait (grizzly); photo by Danny Barronon on Flickr
Montana designated the grizzly bear as the official state animal in 1983. Grizzly bears can be found in Glacier National Park and the mountains of northwest Montana. They are the largest carnivores in America standing up to 8 feet tall on their hind legs, weighing up to 1500 pounds and capable of running at speeds up to 35 mph.
Montana designated the duck-billed dinosaur as the official state fossil in 1985. So far fossil remains of this Late Cretaceous dinosaur have been found only in Montana.
Montana designated Bitterroot as the official state flower in 1895. Bitterroot can be found during spring and summer, growing in the sagebrush plains and the foothills of the mountains in western and south central Montana.
The arboretum at the University of Montana, Missoula was designated the official state arboretum in 1991. The arboretum serves as a "living laboratory" whose focus is primarily North American species and to be a strong representative of Montana plants and trees. Click HERE to see list of botanical gardens and arboretums in the United States.
"A wilderness, in contrast with those areas where man and his own works dominate the landscape, is hereby recognized as an area where the earth and community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain."
— Wilderness Act of 1964
Montana Waterfalls
High rugged splendorous peaks Flora and fauna in the rough Waterfalls cascading into pools below Simple beauty never enough
Douglas Fir and Ponderosa Pine Forest dominate the north facing slopes of Black Canyon
Forests of pine and fir Ponderosa and Douglas both Gentle meadows, open bald ridges Surprising signs of pristine growth
The remnants of a tree stands at the precipice of Bighorn Canyon
Deep canyons, broad valleys Montana-Wyoming boundary Vast, Jurassic and ancient Imagination in reality
Twisting, sheer rock cliffs Ribbons of blue below Clouds of mist overshadow Tracks covered by snow
Serene yet thunderous Moments of life and death Embrace the wilderness Awe in a single breath
ScraPPle is not to be confused with ScraBBle. They do have something in common, one is for the purpose of creating words while the other is a food creation, an unusual one at that. If you like sausage, haggis, offal, or sweetbreads, then you probably will love scraPPle. Never heard of it?
According to Serious Eats, the name "scrapple" probably comes from the words "scraps" and "scrappy." Since the traditional dish is made from various parts of a pig, or scraps, this can include pork liver, pork skin, pork fat, pork snout, pork heart, pork tongue and even pork brains. The idea is to use up the leftovers of pork and transform it into another dish. Source: Kitchen Daily
There are songs that hit the charts. Then, there are films with the songs as the soundtrack that take the songs to an even higher memorable plane. Do the songs make the film or does the film make the song? Maybe it is simply a little of both. In either case, the song and the film are everlasting. Each become breath-taking.
Berlin, 1982. L-R: David Diamond, Rob Brill, Terri Nunn, John Crawford, Matt Reid, and Ric Olsen.
Berlinformed in Los Angeles in 1978 and is classified as an American new wave/synthpop band. The band gained mainstream-commercial success in the early 80s when they made their first national impression with the provocative single "Sex (I'm A...)" from the gold-selling debut EP Pleasure Victim.
1986Berlin started a four-week run at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Take Your Breath Away'. The song which was featured in the film Top Gun, was written by Giorgio Moroder and Tom Whitlock. It won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, as well as the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song in 1986.
Berlin lead singer Terri Nunn recalls in The Sunday Express magazine, October 1, 2006: "By 1986 we'd already been together as a band 13 years and were on our third album. We were approached by the producer Giorgio Moroder, who had worked with David Bowie and Blondie and was putting together the soundtrack for this movie Top Gun. He said, 'I've got this great ballad, it's going to be the sound of the summer, it's going to be huge, you have to do it.' I was happy to go ahead, but John Crawford (the band's songwriter, founder member and keyboard player) hated it - he kept saying it just wasn't our sound or the right direction for us as a band, and that if we didn't write it we shouldn't record it. But our label insisted it wouldn't hurt us, so we went ahead. The song didn't go straight to #1. In fact, it couldn't get any radio play at all but for some reason, someone at Columbia just wouldn't give up on it. They pushed it for a month and then it exploded."Source: Songfacts.com
Do you find yourself Stuck in the 70s? Did you find the music Just Duckie? Were you In the Groove?, Sizzlin' but not in oil? Do you relive Yesterday with Sunshine? How do you describe the Groovy Times - Music Explosion, Peace Love Joy, Disco 70s, Feel Good 70s, 70s One-Hit Wonders, Flower Power? If any of those descriptors fit your bill, then, back to the mid-70s today will jolt your memory of a Canadian group that absolutely rocked the charts.
Bachman-Turner Overdriveparlayed workmanlike heavy metal, a blue-collar image, and nonstop touring into over 7 million records sold in the U.S. by 1977. Source: Rolling Stone The band, Bachman-Turner Overdrive, has Canadian roots as a rock group from Winnipeg, Manitoba. To their credit lies five Top 40 albums and six Top 40 singles (ten in Canada). The band has sold close to 30 million albums worldwide. Their fans are affectionately known as "gearheads" being derived from the band's gear-shaped logo. Many of their songs, including 'Let It Ride', 'You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet', 'Takin' Care of Business', 'Hey You', and 'Roll on Down the Highway', still receive play on classic-rock stations. One of those songs is in the spotlight today...
1974Bachman Turner Overdrive went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet', the group's only No.1. A No.2 hit in the UK. Randy Bachman did not intend to release this song with a stuttering vocal. It was recorded in this fashion as he was making fun of his brother who stuttered. His record company totally preferred this version to the one without the stutter. Eventually, Bachman's brother quit stuttering.
Songfacts: Since they didn't think this take was going to be released, they considered it a scratch track to get the sound correct in the studio. The band didn't even tune their instruments for it. It was released while they were on tour and later had to be remastered to hide the fact that the instruments were not in tune.
A Bit of Music Trivia on this Day in History...
2002Viewers of the UK music channel VH1 voted 'I Will Always Love You' by Whitney Houston as the number 1 most romantic song ever. In second place Elvis Presley, 'You Were Always On My Mind' and third place went to 'My Heart Will Go On' by Celine Dion.
2002It was announced that Madonna's latest movie 'Swept Away' would not be released in the UK because it had been such a box office flop in the US. The Washington Post said the film was "as awful as you've heard and as bad as you've imagined."
2008Miriam Makeba, the South African singer who reached No.12 on the Billboard chart in 1967 with 'Pata Pata', suffered a fatal heart attack at the age of 76. Among her many notable achievements was becoming the first African woman to win a Grammy, for Best Folk Recording in 1966 with Harry Belafonte for 'An Evening With Belafonte / Makeba'.
It is hard to believe 2014 is rapidly winding down and the countdown to Thanksgiving has begun. Preparations are already in the making with the best recipes in the country being investigated in order to beat the best of last year. Family and friends are frantically getting travel plans together in anticipation of the feast of the year.
This is a time to embrace the past, not only personally but also in reflection on the history of Thanksgiving. Do you know when and why the first feast took place. What foods were served? You would be surprised at the foods we commonly find at the modern day Thanksgiving table were not part of the pilgrims' feast of celebration, even ol' Tom turkey. Check it out...
How long until Thanksgiving? Click the Turkey . . .
Sometimes it takes a fire to prevent a fire, that is to prevent another fire from happening or better control a fire already in progress. To further clarify, experience is an excellent teacher. However, this does not go to say a fire should be set for study purposes. It simply means in the aftermath, newer and better ways of fire prevention and fighting fires result as the cause and severity of fires are studied.
Today, we step back to a time when a city was totally unprepared for the catastrophic event it was about to encounter but yet came out ahead, except for the loss of life that can never be regained. It had been only one year since fire ravaged the city and residential areas of Chicago in The Great Fire of 1871 so the nation was already aware of the resultant...immense devastation. Now, The Great Fire of 1872 made Boston, Massachusetts look like a war zone. Unprepared, many only stood by and watched the city burn, burn, burn!
The Great Boston Fire was Boston's largest urban fire and still one of the most costly fire-related property losses in American history. The conflagration began at 7:20 p.m. on November 9, 1872, in the basement of a commercial warehouse at 83-87 Summer Street in Boston, Massachusetts. The fire was finally contained twelve hours later, after it had consumed about 65 acres of Boston's downtown, 776 buildings, and much of the financial district and caused $73.5 million in damage. At least twenty people are known to have died in the fire. Source: On This Day in History
As with any fire, many challenges faced the firefighters on this day in 1872. The equipment available was no where near the advanced stages on hand today nor were the buildings built to fire code specifications with fire retardant materials as required in the 21st century. As a result, many of those who perished in the flames of destruction were firefighters.
Trailer for 1 hour documentary about the Great Fire of Boston airing on PBS.
Remain mindful each and everyday of those who fight the fires. They perform duties with an immense amount of bravery often putting their own lives on the line in order to protect and assist others in distress.
Vanilla, vanilla beans, vanilla extract! Close your eyes. Take a deep breath. Think of only one word: vanilla. Can you taste it? Can you smell it? Yep! You can taste it, smell its succulent aroma just by saying the word. Vanilla is one of those powerful ingredients that is just HARD to beat in flavor and aroma! Did you know vanilla is the second most expensive spice, after saffron? Why is it so expensive? Don't go any further until you clicked the link It's About Time You Knew Exactly Where vanilla Comes From!then, get ready to celebrate.
This fall Sesame Street started its 45th season on PBS. So, it is only fitting today to step back in time to its beginning...the era of Generation X. After five test shows and years of preparation, Sesame Street premiered on NET (National Educational Television, a precursor of PBS) on November 10, 1969.
The show was an instant success amid positive reviews, some controversy and high ratings. Sesame Street remained popular over the decades because of the creativity of the puppets, aka Muppets, combined with smart pre-school learning. At first the show's human actors and Muppets did not interact. With the creation of Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch, the setting soon changed as humans and Muppets interacted during street scenes.
Sesame Street Original Cast
Taking a cue from "Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In," a popular 1960s variety show, "Sesame Street" was built around short, often funny segments featuring puppets, animation and live actors. This format was hugely successful, although over the years some critics have blamed the show and its use of brief segments for shrinking children's attention spans. Source: This Day in History
Season 1 Opening
Big Bird on Cue
Sesame Street was the brainchild of...
The inspiration for Sesame Street originated with the fact that children were already addicted to television. So, why not produce something fun but educational! The addition of Jim Henson's Muppets was the icing on the cake!
In 1966, Joan Ganz Cooney hosted what she called "a little dinner party"at her apartment near Gramercy Park. In attendance was her husband Tim Cooney, her boss Lewis Freedman, and Lloyd Morrisett, an executive at the Carnegie Corporation, in which the potential of television to teach young children was discussed. Cooney was chosen to oversee and direct the creation of what eventually became the children's television program Sesame Street, which premiered in 1969, and the CTW, the organization that oversaw its production. Cooney was named CTW's first executive director. As one of the first female executives in American television, her appointment was called "one of the most important television developments of the decade". Source: en.wikipedia.org
There are some surprising stories behind the Muppets, how they came to be, some from rags, others recycled from TV shows and commercials. Often times, whatever happened to be left around found its way into a character.
Since its inception, over 74 million Americans have watched "Sesame Street." Today, an estimated 8 million people tune in to the show each week in the U.S. alone.
What can be said? Flamboyantcy at its 'finest'...perhaps for the times!
David Bowie in his Ziggy Stardust Jumpsuit
David Bowie: English rock star known for dramatic musical transformations, including his character Ziggy Stardust
David Robert Jones, know professionally by his stage name David Bowie, is known as a musical chameleon for his ever-changing appearance and sound. He is one of the most pioneering and influential performers of our time, his is an extraordinary career whose music and entertainment helped change the world. Bowie's influences go way beyond just the realm of the music industry - his work touches movements in art, design, theater and contemporary culture. In essence, David Bowie is... His evolution spans his years as a teenager in the 50s to the early 2000s when he retired from touring. Of course, only touring experienced retirement.
On this day...
1975 David Bowie was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Space Oddity', the track was first released in 1969 to tie in with the Apollo 11 moon landing. Rick Wakeman (former keyboard player with Yes) provided synthesizer backing. Bowie would later revisit his Major Tom character in the songs 'Ashes to Ashes' and 'Hallo Spaceboy'.
Other David Bowie spotlights...
May 5, 1973 'Aladdin Sane' - started a five-week run at the top, featuring the single 'DriveIn Saturday'. The follow-up to his breakthrough The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, the name of the album is a pun on "A Lad Insane".
April 12, 1975'Changes' - originally released on the album Hunky Dory in December 1971 and as a single in January 1972. This single is cited as David Bowie's official North American debut, despite the fact that the song "The Man Who Sold the World" was released in North America two years prior.
August 23, 1980'Ashes To Ashes' - at No.1 on the UK singles chart. The video for 'Ashes to Ashes' was one of the most iconic of the 1980s and costing £250,000, it was at the time the most expensive music video ever made.
May 20, 1983'Let's Dance' - went to No.1 on the US singles chart featuring blues guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan. It was Bowie's first single to reach number one on both sides of the Atlantic.
September 7, 1985'Dancing In The Street' - David Bowie and Mick Jagger were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with their version of the Martha Reeves and The Vandellas 1964 hit. The song had been recorded as part of the Live Aid charity appeal.
April 17, 1993'Black Tie White Noise' - went to No.1 on the UK album chart, his eighth UK No.1 LP. Bowie has always been quite visionary, this being most evident in the late 1960's. He believed the future of music would be a combination of acting and video. This would appeal to a greater audience. Hello MTV!
The summer was jam packed with holidays celebrating ice cream but who says that delicious treat is just for the summer time? I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream any time! It is not just the season that is the reason to indulge in a cup, bowl, cone or boat (banana boat, that is) of ice cream. It can be fruity, chocolaty, salty, sweet, need I say more... yum-m-m. The indulgence of ice cream is a weak spot... light, creamy, sweet, refreshing, simply put, it is a feel-good food. But wait! The celebration about to be does not limit itself just to ice cream. Read on...you just might be surprised and pick up some neat ideas for your next party or family gathering. November 11 is...
National Sundae Day
When you hear or see the word sundae, the first natural reaction is thoughts of ice cream. So, we will move forward along that line, then, shift gears before setting our sights toward the next celebration.
Here comes the surprise with a different kind of sundae to celebrate on Tuesday. This one could be served at lunch but beef! That's what's for dinner!
As you prepare for and/or participate in Veterans Day, know the true meaning behind this day and the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day. While they both pay tribute and honor our military, each has its own significant purpose.
Memorial Day and Veterans Day honor the sacrifices of innumerable individuals who sacrificed themselves to preserve the freedoms all Americans enjoy, with Memorial Day remembering those who gave their lives, and Veterans Day honoring all who served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Veterans Day: Whilst most people know November 11 will be celebrated as a national holiday, how many possess shallow minded knowledge limited only to the free meals, discounts, deals and sales offered on this day? How many truly know the historical significance behind Veterans Day?
Today, Veterans Day honors the duty, sacrifice and service of America's nearly 25 million veterans of all wars. We should remember and celebrate those men and women. But lost in that worthy goal is the forgotten meaning of this day in history -- the meaning which Congress gave to Armistice Day in 1926: "to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations ... inviting the people of the United States to observe this day ... with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all peoples."
While there are various interpretations for the word veteran, saved for special recognition on VeteransDay is the 'veteran soldier'. This holiday pays honor and tribute to those who have served in our military -
As Americans, we should NEVER forget the true meaning and significance of Veterans Day! In fact, every day should be saluted in recognition of our military!
See a soldier, thank a soldier!
Those on active duty today are our Veterans of tomorrow!
Washington State Motto: "Bye and Bye" (Al-ki or Alki) The history of Washington includes thousands of years of Native American heritage before Europeans and Americans arrived and began to establish territorial claims.
"If all the beasts were gone, men would die from a great loneliness of spirit, for whatever happens to the beasts also happens to man. All things are connected. Whatever befalls the Earth befalls the sons of the Earth." ~Chief Seattle
Mt. Rainier Reflected in Reflection Lake Image Source: en.wikipedia.org
How did Washington get its name?
The state of Washington was named after George Washington, our first President. It is the only state in the Union that is named for a president.
Washington was nicknamed The Evergreen State by pioneer C.T. Conover (Seattle realtor and historian) for its abundant evergreen forests (not officially adopted by Washington legislature). The state of Washington is always green, a color echoed in the State Flag. Another nickname representing the conifer state is The Green Tree State. A nickname not heard very often is The Chinook State, which can be traced back to 1890. This nickname refers to the Chinook Indians of the state. Although its official, unambiguous name is "The State of Washington," the state's name is often reversed and referred to as "Washington state" to the chagrin of many natives. This is meant to distinguish it from Washington, D.C., also named for George Washington.
Washington is home to some of America's wildest spaces and also its most modern cities. The Evergreen State is a story of mirror opposites: a wet, mountainous, tree-covered west and a dry, flat, open east. It is home to high-tech industries and America's oldest Native American tribes. Experience all sides of Washington State, from thousands of feet in the air, and witness its conflicting worlds merging to form a land of remarkable beauty.
The earlier region was part of Oregon Territory from 1848 to 1853, after which it was separated from Oregon and established as Washington Territory. After the passage of the Enabling Act of 1889, Washington became the 42nd state in the United States on November 11, 1889. Early prominent industries in Washington included agriculture, lumber, and mining. Eastern Washington is the mirror opposite of its western half. Unlike the very wet, mountainous, tree-covered west...this is dry, flat, open country, robbed of rain by the High Cascades. Powerful rivers run through the state, providing natural habitat for one of America's best game fish, the steelhead trout. The mighty Columbia River is home to one of the world's most massive masonry structures, the Grand Coulee Dam, which provides 30% of the nation's hydroelectric power. The city of Seattle is the largest city in the Pacific Northwest region of North America and the fastest-growing major city in the United States. The capital of Washington is Olympia.
The large evergreen coniferous tree, the western hemlock, was named the official state tree in 1947. Native to the west coast of North America, the western hemlock tree is the largest species of hemlock.
The Pacific chorus frog proposed by a third grade class at Boston Harbor Grade School in North Olympia, Washington was accepted as the official state amphibian in 2007. The Pacific chorus frogs (also called Pacific tree frogs) produce their charming sound by puffing up their throat sacs to three times the size of their heads.
Producing about 42 percent of the apples grown in the United States, Washington named the apple as the official state fruit in 1989. The majority of apple production occurs east of the Cascade Mountains in the central areas of the state.
Washington officially designated the coast rhododendron as the state flower in 1959, though it was actually selected as the state flower in 1892 by the women of Washington for the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago.
Washington Park Arboretum was noted as the official state arboretum of Washington in 1995. The Washington Park Arboretum (University of Washington botanical gardens near Seattle) is internationally recognized for its woody plant collections on 230 acres.
Every region has folk customs - they give people a special sense of identity and belonging to a group. The square dance provided pioneers with recreation and social contact with neighbors - and is still doing that today! The square dance has been the official state dance of Washington since 1979. Twenty-two states have passed legislation to declare the square dance as a state symbol, and more than 30 bills have been introduced at the federal level proposing the square dance as the national (folk) dance of the United States (beginning in 1965).
Incredible Discovery
Coniferous forests Nature's timberlands Need for trees, need for cash Met logging demands
Legend upon legend Miners tunneled for gold Discovery after discovery Did Washington unfold
