Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Toilet Paper, Then and Now


From the records of the Imperial Bureau of Supplies (Bao Chao Si), it was recorded that for Emperor Hongwu's imperial family alone, there were 15,000 sheets of special soft-fabric toilet paper made, and each sheet of toilet paper was even perfumed.
"Elsewhere, wealthy people used wool, lace or hemp for their ablutions, while less wealthy people used their hand when defecating into rivers, or cleaned themselves with various materials such as rags, wood shavings, leaves, grass, hay, stone, sand, moss, water, snow, maize, ferns, may apple plant husks, fruit skins, or seashells, and corn cobs, depending upon the country and weather conditions or social customs. In Ancient Rome, a sponge on a stick was commonly used, and, after usage, placed back in a bucket of saltwater."
"The 16th century French satirical writer François Rabelais in his series of novels Gargantua and Pantagruel, discussing the various ways of cleansing oneself at the toilet, wrote that: "He who uses paper on his filthy bum, will always find his ballocks lined with scum", proposing that the soft feathers on the back of a live goose provide an optimum cleansing medium."
"In many parts of the world, especially where toilet paper or the necessary plumbing for disposal may be unavailable or unaffordable, toilet paper is not used. Cleansing is then performed with other methods or materials, such as water, for example using a bidet, rags, sand, leaves (including seaweed), corn cobs, animal furs, or sticks."

Photo Description:
Ancient toilet paper from the Nara period. The wooden sticks were found in small streams ca. 10-15 cm wide and designed to be squatted over, and are believed to be used for cleaning after the use of the toilet streams. The modern toilet paper rolls are for size comparison. Photo taken by Chris 73 in February 2004 in an exhibition hall in Nara.
Modern Toilet Paper: "Joseph Gayetty is widely credited with being the inventor of modern commercially available toilet paper in the United States. Gayetty's paper, first introduced in 1857, was available as late as the 1920s. Gayetty's Medicated Paper was sold in packages of flat sheets, watermarked with the inventor's name. for the product used the tagline "The greatest necessity of the age! Gayetty's medicated paper for the water-closet." As recently as 1935, Northern Tissue advertised the availability of splinter-free toilet paper." wikipedia
August 26 is "National Toilet Paper Day."
Well how do you celebrate this day? Well that's a bit limited but it seems teenagers are taking advantage of this holiday by "Rolling Yards (also called TPing). This little activity of sneaking to someones house and rolling the trees in the yard full of toilet paper is popular during Halloween but it seems that the kids now have a added date to roll once again. I have to admit this was a favorite thing to do even for myself, when I was a teenager :) It was sooooo much fun! But- - its legality is a matter of some debate.

The only other thing that people do on this day is send toilet paper themed Ecards and small fun gifts made from what else, toilet paper.

This brings to mind another holidays called Thomas Crapper Day - A holiday devoted to the man who invented the flush toilet.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

The Banana Splits Remembered


The Banana Splits
Originally uploaded by stevesobczuk
Is anybody old enough to remember "The Banana Splits?

August 25 is National Banana Splits Day but I'm sure this holiday is referring to the food and not the band- But, I just had to blog about the show that use to come on Saturdays when I was a kid- The band was called the Banana Splits and they made Saturdays and being a kid really great! It was called "The Banana Splits Adventure Hour"

"The Banana Splits Adventure Hour was an hour-long, packaged television program that featured both live action and animated segments. The series was produced by Hanna-Barbera Productions, and ran for 31 episodes on NBC Saturday mornings, from September 7, 1968 to September 5, 1970. The series costumes and sets were designed by Sid and Marty Krofft and the series' sponsor was Kellogg's Cereals. The show was Hanna-Barbera’s initial foray into mixing live action with animation. The hosts of the show were Fleegle, Bingo, Drooper and Snorky (a dog, gorilla, lion, and elephant)."
wikipdedia has info on them-

Gosh, I would watch it all over again if it came back on TV!
Does anybody remember them?

Banana Split For Two

Banana Split For Two Originally uploaded by GlennNCA
August 25 is National Banana Split Day! Ya know, I'm one of those people who never eats bananas unless their cooked in a dessert like banana pudding or something- but if I'm ever at a restaurant and see someone being served a banana split right beside my table- - - welllll you know what I'm about to say_ _ you just have to order one (even if you don't like bananas) giggle~ The look of a banana split is dreamyyyy for sure! You gotta have the whip cream and cherry on top! How do you guys like your banana splits? I really love it if it has pineapple sauce on top of the vanilla ice cream-

Sunday, August 23, 2009

National Buttered Corn Day!


Buttered Corn
Originally uploaded by Al Franken for Senate
August 23rd means it's Buttered Corn Day and I don't know about you but I could make a pig of myself with buttered sweet corn. Especially if it's cooked on the grill. Even if it's not, just give me a bowl of hot corn and melted butter with a big fat spoon and I'm happy.

I was reading about the Health benefits of corn and wikipedia says "
Cooked sweet corn has significant antioxidant activity, which can substantially reduce the chance of heart disease and cancer. " Cooked sweet corn retains its antioxidant activity, The scientists measured the antioxidants' ability to quench free radicals, which cause damage to the body from oxidation. Cooked sweet corn also releases increased levels of ferulic acid, which provides health benefits, such as battling cancer. "When you cook it, you release it, and what you are losing in vitamin C, you are gaining in ferulic acid and total antioxidant activity.""

Nice health benefits! So lets eat more corn!

Saturday, August 22, 2009

National Be An Angel Day

Be an Angel Day encourages us to do acts of kindness, and to help others. In researching this holiday I found Be An Angel Day was first celebrated on August 22, in 1993. "This special day was created by Jayne Howard Feldman. According to her website (www.earthangel4peace.com), she was inspired by the angels to be the founder of "Be An Angel Day". This website's purpose is to assist you in regaining peace in your life and to inspire you to be a peacemaker here on earth."

I think this is a great Holiday! I like the idea of regaining peace in our lives don't you? It was good to be reminded of it too- I found this cool picture of cloud formations on flckr. The clouds formed the shape of a few angels. :) Beautiful Shot! Just thought I would pass it on-

Well I'm glad to be back on the Internet. My computer died and it's been in the shop for a couple of weeks but I finally have it back and ready to pound the keyboards blogging! giggle~

I am trying to catch up on all the emails, most of which are asking where I'm at?? Gosh it's nice to be missed! I missed yall too! wink~

Happy Be An Angel Day Everyone!
And get ready for some hot n steamy corn because I think tomorrow is National Buttered Corn Day!

Thursday, August 06, 2009

Root Beer Float Day

Root Beer Float Originally uploaded by horsepj
Oh my goodness it's National Root Beer Float Day yall! (August 6) I love root beer floats! The bad thing is, if I have one today, I really have to have one tomorrow too- then it goes on and on :( I found out some neat float flavors while I was reading- I'll share them with you :) Other Float Flavors: Boston cooler: composed of ginger ale and vanilla ice cream. Snow White: 7 Up or Sprite and vanilla ice cream. Coke float: Coca-Cola brand sodas and soft serve ice cream. Purple cow: In the context of ice cream soda, a purple cow is vanilla ice cream in purple grape soda. I've had all of them before except the Purple Cow- I don't have a clue what that tastes like. Does anybody know? Live Everyday like a Holiday yall! Make some fun floats for your family :)

Wednesday, August 05, 2009

Cuban turkey sandwich?

cuban turkey? Originally uploaded by Scuzzi
Sandwich Photo Pick in honor of National Sandwich Month. "A traditional Cuban sandwich is made with ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard, and sometimes salami on Cuban bread." This photo shows a sandwich filled with pork, ham and turkey. Not traditional but it looks delishhhious just the same. The sandwich has grill press marks too. I don't have a pinini (how do you spell that) press in my kitchen yet. I want one really bad though- hopefully I will have one by winter because we eat a lot of hot sandwiches in the winter time. The waffle fries look great don't they! I have a waffle fry cutter myself and I just love making them really crispy. The picture shows just a bite of coleslaw in a cup- I need more than that hahaha! This slaw looks creamy and I love it creamy! The pickle; I'm going to guess is a dill pickle-

National Underwear Day

Hummm, ok - - - I'm finding information that today is National Underwear Day- It seems this holiday was created around 2003 so it's a fairly new holiday - This holiday has been celebrated on different dates in the past, but seems to stay in the month of August - so I'm guessing this is a movable holiday-

From what I've read- Freshpair.com came up with National Underwear Day. Freshpair President, Michael Kleinmann, believes that "underwear should no longer be merely the first thing you put on and the last thing you take off, but the most important thing you wear all day." Following that "National Underwear Day was created as a time for everyone to feel comfortable mentioning "unmentionables"

I really can't find a lot of information about this holiday at all-
Maybe some of our reading can post more information- ;) Pam

Tuesday, August 04, 2009

Champagne Breakfast


Breakfast?
Originally uploaded by Gem Images

August 4 is National Champagne Day
Well it seems that on this holiday we're to drink champagne! Most people need a good reason to drink champagne because it's more of a celebration drink. In researching this holiday it seems the favorite way to celebrate National Champagne Day is by having a "Champagne Breakfast, Brunch, or lunch.

Wikipedia tells us that "A champagne breakfast is a breakfast served with champagne or sparkling wine." So on this day it's traditional to have a champagne breakfast with either you and a loved one or for a group of people. What a wonderful relaxing way to start the day!

In many ways, the foods remind me of a tea party. You know how a "breakfast tea" will have pastries, fruit and a bit of chocolate; well a champagne breakfast will have the same except you add a couple of- shall I say more elaborate dishes to the table, like fancy Hors d'œuvres.

"It may be part of any day or outing considered particularly luxurious or indulgent. The accompanying breakfast is sometimes of a similarly high standard and include rich foods such as salmon, caviar, chocolate or pastries, which would not ordinarily be eaten at breakfast or more courses."

In my reading- I found that "It can also consist simply of a full English breakfast accompanied by champagne".
Happy Champagne Day!

Photo: Breakfast? Originally uploaded by Gem Images

Monday, August 03, 2009

Monte Cristo Sandwich: Breakfast Style

August is National Sandwich Month and I have to tell you that the "Monte Cristo Sandwich" is my favorite sandwich in the whole world! Yep that says a lot for me! Most of you know what at Monte Cristo sandwich is but those of you who don't; here's the definition for you- "A Monte Cristo is a sandwich of ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese between batter-dipped grilled or fried bread. The sandwich can differ regionally. Traditionally it is dipped in its entirety in batter and deep fried." This sandwich is popular on lunch menus and not usually found for breakfast but I just had to show you a breakfast style monte cristo; from The Cheesecake Factory-that was posted by yummyinthetummyblog (Dusted with powdered sugar and served with strawberry preserves and potatoes. Breakfast style: crunchy french toast, bacon, grilled ham, scrambled eggs and melted swiss cheese) If that doesn't sound like the most wonderful breakfast sandwich, I don't know what does! All you have to do is change up the filling slightly and you have a Monte Cristo breakfast sandwiche that goes great with a hot cup of coffee- You get that sweet taste, that savory taste and that yummy breakfast taste all rolled up in one! Yep this sandwich is my pick for National Sandwich Month-

Sunday, August 02, 2009

August 2: Ice cream sandwich day

ice cream sandwiches Originally uploaded by saucy dragonfly
Today is National Ice Cream Sandwich day and it's just what I need on a hot day like today. I like this photo because it shows us that it's possible to make homemade ice cream sandwiches. We all know the store bought kind with the blackish cookie and white ice cream right- well this ice cream sandwich is made with homemade chocolate chip cookies and rolled in sprinkles. What a perfect idea for a kids party! You could also roll in in nuts or chocolate chips, or bake your favorite cookie if chocolate chip is not for you. I've made them myself with sugar cookies but my hubby would rather have the chocolate chip cookie. Give it a try guys- Happy National Ice Cream Sandwich Day! Ice Cream Sandwich Birthday Cake I helped with a birthday party one time where we served a stack of frozen ice cream sandwiches in the shape of a cake and had a birthday candle in each one. You see this done all the time with cupcakes but that was the first for ice cream sandwiches. I have to say it was beautiful but you really have to serve it up quick!!! giggle~ Speaking of birthdays.... today is my brother Birthday so I would like to say "Happy Birthday Alan" :) photo: ice cream sandwiches -Originally uploaded by saucy dragonfly

Saturday, August 01, 2009

Celebrate August

cheese & pickle sandwich Originally uploaded by laura_van
Sandwich Month: After looking through the long list of food holidays for August, I would guess the most popular one is going to be the "sandwich" but we do have a long list of other food holidays to celebrate too! My hubby is a big sandwich eater. What's odd to me is how he likes to grate up carrots and layer them in all his sandwiches. He must of got that from eating what he calls a "salad sandwich"-(it's a sandwich with no meat in it.) Hummm that aint for me! Nope I need some meat in mine!
SIGNIFICANT AUGUST:
August Flower of the month: Gladiolus & Poppy
Zodiac Signs: Leo / The Lion, July 23 - Aug. 22
Virgo / The Virgin, Aug. 23 - Sept. 22
The name for the Moon in August is called Grain Moon etc- The Full Moon is: August 6, 2009 / 00:57 /Thursday
August Birthstone: Sardonyx, peridot. - Meaning: Married Happiness
It looks like we have a wide selection of flavors to celebrate this month. And since August in the United States is a hot month; we all will be taking advantage of foods that will cool us down. So cold sandwiches, cold watermelon and cold lemonade will fill everyone's home don't you think? I know my frig will never run out of ice cream sandwiches that's for sure. giggle~

National Mustard Day!

Hey ya'll today (August 1) is National Mustard Day. Now before I go on and on about mustard, everybody needs to know that this is a movable holiday. This holiday will not always be on August 1. This holiday is celebrated on the 1st Saturday of the month, each and every August. :)

I really enjoy mustard myself and there are soooo many flavors too! My Mother is crazy about sweet mustards and puts it on everything; not just chicken fingers. She likes to make her own homemade kind by mixing crushed pineapple and yellow mustard.

Me; I especially like spreading it on baking roasts, corned beef sandwiches, roast beef sandwiches and cuban sandwiches. Yummm- gosh it's 6:00 in the morning for me and talking about mustard is making me want some. I think after I finish this blog post I'm going to go fry myself up some bologna and make myself a bologna and yellow mustard sandwich (for breakfast). My gosh I love those things!

Speaking of Sandwiches, did you know that August is also National Sandwich Month? Yep it sure is! All my foodie blogging friends are going to have a field day with this one. Everybody loves sandwiches so new and improved sandwich recipes will be scattered all over the Internet this month and that's for sure. Everything from cold sandwiches, open face sandwiches to famous sandwiches :)

Fun Food Fact:
I just wanted to remind everyone that our "Holiday Food Calendar" also has a "National Sandwich Day" but it's celebrated on November 3
. Supposedly Nov. 3 is the anniversary of John Montagu's birthday. Who was he? He was a "18th century English noble, better known as the fourth Earl of Sandwich, it's said that he wanted to eat with one hand during a gambling bender. He instructed his servants to serve him lunch meat between two pieces of bread." To celebrate the occasion, Nov. 3 is officially "National Sandwich Day." Wow, neat story :)

Keep an eye out- I will be posting What's SIGNIFICANT for AUGUST soon- :) Pam