Weather ~ Picture of the Day ~ Food Inventions ~ All-In-One Sausage Dinner ~ National Vietnam War Veterans Day

  

Good 37º clear morning. 

 

Yesterday we had lots of clouds and topped at 66º.

 

 

Picture of the Day....Paris France, then and now

 

 

Interesting about food inventions....

 

 

Dr. William A. Mitchell (October 21, 1911 – July 26, 2004) was an American food chemist who, while working for General Foods Corporation between 1941 and 1976, was the key inventor behind Pop Rocks, Tang, Cool Whip, and powdered egg whites. During his career he received over 70 patents.

 

 

 

He was born in Raymond, Minnesota. When he was a teenager, he ran the sugar crystallization tanks at the American Sugar Beet Company

 and slept two hours a night before getting to school. He earned an undergraduate degree at Cotner College in Lincoln, Nebraska and then graduated with a master's degree in Chemistry from the University of Nebraska.

 

Mitchell got a research job at an Agricultural Experiment Station in Lincoln, Nebraska. A lab accident there left him with second- and third-degree burns over most of his body. He joined General Foods in 1941. His first major success came with a tapioca substitute he helped develop during World War II, in response to the disruption of cassava supplies. Because of this, tapioca quickly became known as "Mitchell mud" within the US WW II infantry.

 

In 1957, he invented a powdered fruit-flavored vitamin-enhanced drink mix that became known as Tang Flavor Crystals. NASA started using Tang in 1962 in their space program.

In 1956, he tried to create instantly self-carbonating soda, which resulted in the creation of Pop Rocks. Although Pop Rocks weren't sold until 1975, he received patent 3,012,893 for its manufacturing process in 1961.

In 1967, he introduced Cool Whip, which became the largest and most profitable line in its division very quickly.

He received 70 patents in total during his career. Mitchell was a resident of Lincoln Park, New Jersey for many years before moving out west after his retirement in 1976.

 

 

 

 

From Mr. Food

 

 

Here's an all-in-one skillet meal that your family is sure to love! Our All-in-One Sausage Dinner is made with your favorite Italian sausage, along with some veggies, and yummy egg noodles. Everything cooks together in a homemade sour cream sauce for extra-goodness. And it only takes about 30 minutes!

 

• 1 pound hot or sweet Italian sausage, crumbled
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 pound narrow or medium egg noodles

 

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, combine sausage, onion, and green pepper. Cook until sausage is browned and onion is tender; drain off pan drippings.
    
2. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine tomatoes, sour cream, water, sugar, chili powder, and salt; mix well. Stir tomato mixture and noodles into skillet.
    
3. Cover and simmer 15 to 20 minutes or until noodles are tender, stirring occasionally.
   
   

 

 

Historically this date......

1886 – Dr. John Pemberton brews the first batch of Coca-Cola in a backyard in Atlanta, Georgia.

1911 – The M1911 .45 ACP pistol becomes the official U.S. Army side arm.

1971 – My Lai massacre: Lieutenant William Calley is convicted of premeditated murder and sentenced to life in prison.

1971 – A Los Angeles, California jury recommends the death penalty for Charles Manson and three female followers.

1973 – Vietnam War: The last United States combat soldiers leave South Vietnam.

2004 – The Republic of Ireland becomes the first country in the world to ban smoking in all work places, including bars and restaurants.

 

And births this date include....

1790 – John Tyler, American politician, 10th President of the United States (d. 1862)

 

1918 – Pearl Bailey, American actress and singer (d. 1990)

 

1918 – Sam Walton, American businessman, founded the retailers Walmart and Sam's Club (d. 1992)

 

1937 – Billy Carter, American businessman, brother of Jimmy Carter (d. 1988)

..........Good old Billy Beer. I still have one can of it!

..........interesting, the drunk borrowed money from the country of Lybia and was under investigation.

 

1943 – Eric Idle, English actor, writer, and composer

1965 – William Oefelein, American astronaut

 

 

 

 

 

All I know. Nuff said. Have a good Tuesday. Ciao.

xo Sue Mom Bobo

 

National Vietnam War Veterans Day on March 29 honors the men and women who served and sacrificed during the longest conflict in United States history.

On March 29, 1973, combat and combat support units withdrew from South Vietnam. Generations later, Veterans of this time period are gaining the respect that was not so freely given upon their return. Involving five U.S. presidents, crossing nearly two decades and 500,000 U.S.military personnel, it left an indelible mark on the American psyche.

Returning veterans did not always receive respectful welcomes upon their arrival on American soil. Over 58,000 killed, never to return. The observance recognizes the military service of these men and women who answered the call to serve their country when she needed them. They didn’t make the decisions to go to war.

Throughout the observance, we recognize the service and duty rendered by all servicemen and women of this era.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Around the country, commemorative events, speeches, and luncheons are being held inviting Vietnam Veterans as honored guests. Other ways to participate include:

• Thank a Vietnam Veteran.
• Buy them a drink or lunch.
• Visit a local memorial. Volunteer to help organize events. 
• Support a veteran’s organization in your community. Volunteer and offer your skills.
• Watch a Vietnam War documentary such as The Vietnam War: A Film by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick or Last Days in Vietnam directed by Rory Kennedy or Vietnam Nurses by Timeline.
• Read about the Vietnam War in books like Vietnam – A History by Stanley Karnow or They Marched into Sunlight: War and Peace, Vietnam and America, October 1967 by David Maraniss or The Quiet American by Graham Green and Robert Stone.

 

NATIONAL VIETNAM WAR VETERANS DAY HISTORY

U.S. Sens. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., and Joe Donnelly, D-Ind., introduced legislation in 2017 to honor Vietnam Veterans with a day on the anniversary of the withdrawal of military units from South Vietnam.  President Donald Trump signed the Vietnam War Veterans Day Act on March 28, 2017, calling for U.S. flags to be flown on March 29 for those who served.

Weather ~ Picture of the Day ~ Lawn Mower Invention ~ Southern Potato Bake ~ Liz Duncan ~ National Something On A Stick Day

  

Good 49º dark cloudy morning. 

 

Rain was predicted for last night but it didn't happen. Now for today there is a "chance" of rain.

 

Yesterday we topped at 72º.

 

 

Picture of the Day

 

 

Interesting about the lawn mower.........

 

The lawn mower was invented by Edwin Beard Budding in 1830 in Brimscombe and Thrupp, just outside Stroud, in Gloucestershire, England. Budding's mower was designed primarily to cut the grass on sports grounds and extensive gardens, as a superior alternative to the scythe, and was granted a British patent on August 31, 1830.

 

^{He was working at the time in Brimscombe Mill where a rotary cutter was used to trim the nap from woollen cloth. The idea came to him that a similar machine could be built to cut the nap off lawns.} 

Budding's first machine was 19 inches wide with a frame made of wrought iron. 

The mower was pushed from behind. Cast-iron gear wheels transmitted power from the rear roller to the cutting cylinder, allowing the rear roller to drive the knives on the cutting cylinder; the ratio was 16:1. Another roller placed between the cutting cylinder and the main or land roller could be raised or lowered to alter the height of cut. The grass clippings were hurled forward into a tray-like box. It was soon realized, however, that an extra handle was needed in front to help pull the machine along. Overall, these machines were remarkably similar to modern mowers.

 

Two of the earliest Budding machines sold went to Regent's Park Zoological Gardens in London and the Oxford Colleges. In an agreement between John Ferrabee and Edwin Budding dated May 18, 1830, Ferrabee paid the costs of enlarging the small blades, obtained letters of patent and acquired rights to manufacture, sell and license other manufacturers in the production of lawn mowers. Without patent, Budding and Ferrabee were shrewd enough to allow other companies to build copies of their mower under license, the most successful of these being Ransomes of Ipswich, which began making mowers as early as 1832.

 

^{His machine was the catalyst for the preparation of modern-style sporting ovals, playing fields (pitches), grass courts, etc. This led to the codification of modern rules for many sports, including for football, lawn bowls, lawn tennis and others.}

 

 

I posted this a couple years ago....

 

From Mr. Food

 

 

 

 

 

If you're looking for a timeless Southern recipe , then you have to try our Southern Potato Bake. Dish up hearty portions of this hot and hearty potato casserole and enjoy it with the whole family.

 

• 1 (10-1/2-ounce) can cream of broccoli soup
• 1 (16-ounce) container sour cream
• 8 ounces shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped onion
• 1 stick butter, melted, divided
• 1 (32-ounce) package frozen southern-style hash browns
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups corn flakes, coarsely crushed

 

1. Preheat oven to 350º. Coat an 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine soup, sour cream, cheese, onion, and 1/2 stick butter; mix well. Stir in hash browns, salt, and pepper; pour into baking dish.
3. In a small bowl, combine corn flakes and remaining butter; mix well. Sprinkle over potatoes.
4. Bake 55 to 60 minutes, or until heated through and golden brown.

 

 Happy Birthday to Liz Duncan (lasd ret.) !

 I hope your special day is great!!! xo

 

Historically this date.....

1930 – Constantinople and Angora change their names to Istanbul and Ankara.

 

1979 – Operators of Three Mile Island's Unit 2 nuclear reactor outside of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania fail to recognize that a relief valve in the primary coolant system has stuck open following an unexpected shutdown. As a result, enough coolant drains out of the system to allow the core to overheat and partially melt down.

1990 – President George H. W. Bush posthumously awards Jesse Owens the Congressional Gold Medal.

 

And births this date include...

1899 – August Anheuser Busch, Jr., American brewer and baseball executive (d. 1989)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1905 – Marlin Perkins, American zoologist and television host (d. 1986)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1948 – Dianne Wiest, American actress

 

1955 – Reba McEntire, American singer and actress

 

1970 – Vince Vaughn, American actor

 

1986 – Lady Gaga, American singer and songwriter

.........gag....................

 

 

 

 

All I know. Nuff said. Have a good Monday. Ciao.

xo Sue Mom Bobo

 

Observed each year on March 28th, National Something on a Stick Day is a food holiday that lets you use your creative talents. Once you get started, the possibilities are endless.  Foods that come on a stick are fun and easy to eat.

There isn’t much that can’t be put on a stick when talking about food. Soup might be that one exception, though if it were flavorful frozen, we might make an exception.

From cool summer treats like the Popsicle to frozen food staples like the corn dog, food on a stick is one of the world’s great inventions. Fresh fruit kabobs and skewers of grilled veggies and meat are both summer favorites.

Street fairs and food trucks have created a variety of recipes made to go on a stick that takes us from breakfast to after-party hunger with flavor combinations that sometimes make us wonder why we haven’t tried that before!  Whether it is fresh and healthy or breaded and deep-fried, menu choices are broad and plentiful for National Something on a Stick Day.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Get inventive and create your own combination. How about grilled pear on a stick? Or perhaps meat and cheese squares or brownie and marshmallows bites? Have a creative breakfast, lunch or dinner and have fun with the day!!

 Other ways to incorporate this day into your activities include:

• Master eating with chopsticks.
• Serve each meal on a stick. French toast for breakfast? Serve it cut up on toothpicks. Salad for lunch? Slide all the fixings on a skewer. The same goes for supper. Be creative and involve the whole family in the planning. Just don’t serve soup.
• Challenge the family to create a name as many foods on a stick as possible.

Weather ~ Picture of the Day ~ State of Vermont ~ Irish Potatoes ~ National Joe Day

  

Good 42º cloudy morning. 

 

Yesterday was another nice day and we topped at 81º.

 

 

Picture of the Day... a bunny tree!

 

 

Interesting about the state of Vermont

 

 

Vermont was the first state admitted to the Union after the ratification of the Constitution.

 

With a population of fewer than nine thousand people, Montpelier, Vermont is the smallest state capital in the U.S.

 

Montpelier, Vermont is the only U.S. state capital without a McDonalds.

 

Montpelier, Is the largest producer of maple syrup in the U.S.

 

Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream company gives their ice cream waste to the local Vermont farmers who use it to feed their hogs. The hogs seem to like all of the flavors except Mint Oreo.

 

Vermont does not sell alcohol to out of state licenses, you must have a liquor ID in order to purchase alcohol at liquor stores and grocery stores. This doesn’t apply to bars, but can affect those traveling through the state.

 

Vermont’s state capitol building is one of only a few to have a gold dome. Atop the dome is a statue of Ceres.

 

 

From Mr. Food

 

Our recipe for Irish Potatoes is a twist on an old favorite called Irish Champ. Instead of combining mashed potatoes with scallions, we combined these with shredded cabbage, making it the perfect side dish to go along with your corned beef!

 

• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
• 1 small head cabbage, shredded (about 8 cups)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups warm mashed potatoes

 

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add cabbage, water, onion powder, salt, and pepper; cover and cook 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    
2. Uncover and cook 5 more minutes, or until cabbage is wilted, stirring frequently. Add potatoes and mix just until combined; serve.

 

 

 

Historically this date.....

1886 – Famous Apache warrior, Geronimo, surrenders to the U.S. Army, ending the main phase of the Apache Wars.

1915 – Typhoid Mary, the first healthy carrier of disease ever identified in the United States, is put in quarantine, where she would remain for the rest of her life. (Interesting read)

1958 – Nikita Khrushchev becomes Premier of the Soviet Union.

1964 – The Good Friday Earthquake, the most powerful earthquake in U.S. history at a magnitude of 9.2 strikes South Central Alaska, killing 125 people and inflicting massive damage to the city of Anchorage.

 

And births this date include....

1899 – Gloria Swanson, American actress (d. 1983)

 

1931 – David Janssen, American actor (d. 1980)

 

1940 – Austin Pendleton, American actor

 

1942 – Michael York, English actor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1969 – Pauley Perrette, American actress, photographer, poet, writer  ..NCIS......... (Interesting read)

 

1975 – Fergie, American pop singer (The Black Eyed Peas)

 

 

 

 

All I know. Nuff said. Have a good Sunday. Ciao.

xo Sue Mom Bobo

National Joe Day on March 27th encourages everyone to enjoy a cup of joe with all your friends named Joe, Jo, Joey, Joseph, and Josephine. While you’re at it, don’t forget Joette, Jody, Johanna, Jodie or any other variant of the name Joe. If you didn’t know it, quite a few nicknames can be created from this one name.

According to the Social Security Administration, the name Joseph was ranked No. 6 from 1893 to 1899 behind John, William, James, George, and Charles.  In 1910, it moved to No. 5.  From 1911 to 2005 it was ranked No. 12 or lower. Famous Joes, Jos and Jo Anns populate the world. They fill many roles, too. So their name does not define them. Just check out the variety of hats they wear!

Famous Joes:

• American football player and coach – Joe Montana 
• Politician – Jo Ann Emerson
• Comedian, musician, and actor – Joe Pesci  
• Musician, singer, dancer -Josephine Baker
• Theatrical producer, entrepreneur, film producer – Joseph Gordon
• American football player – Joe Namath 
• Opera singer – Dame Josephine Barstow
• Formula one endurance driver – Jo Gartner
• Politician, soldier – Joseph Stalin 
• Songwriter, musician, singer – Joey Ramone 
• Journalist – Jo Coburn
• Baseball player – Shoeless Joe Jackson
• Olympic medalist, swimmer – Josephine McKim
• American football player – Joe Green
• Actress – Jodie Foster
• Musician – Joe Jonas
• Businesswoman, politician – Jo Ann Davis
• Baseball player, actor – Joe DiMaggio
• Author – Josephine Cox
• Musician – Joe Cocker
• Boxer – Joe Frazier
• Athlete, sprinter – Joanne Cuddihy
• Baseball player – Joe Mauer
• Journalist, author – Josephine Lawrence
• Press Secretary – Jody Powell
• Musician – Joe Walsh

HOW TO OBSERVE

During our research, we found this day has a few different versions as to how it is celebrated.

1.  Honor all people with the name “Joe.”
2.  For the day, change your name to a name of your choice.
3.  Everyone changes their name to a version of “Joe” or “Jo” of your choice.

Another way to celebrate the day is by telling familiar stories about friends and family named Joe. We all know someone from our past or present who have made our lives just a little bit better just by being the Joe or Jo that they are.