Trivia for a Treat: Test Your Halloween Knowledge
The date of October 31st is imprinted on the rubric of American culture as synonymous with Halloween. Ironically, Halloween’s origins are European pagan, yet the holiday takes full hold on a country whose religious tradition is almost 100% Judeo-Christian. Apparently, some old habits die hard – the incessant medieval fear of ghosts and goblins immigrated.. read more →
Pop Goes the…Corn!
We know candy corn is popular in October what with Halloween, but did you know that popcorn is featured in October, too? It is! In fact, October is National Popcorn Poppin’ Month. Why October? Because the corn harvest takes place in the autumn in the US Midwest, and consequently the holiday month was celebrated in.. read more →
Columbus Day – Dispel the Myths, Discuss the Impact
In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue. In fact, on October 12th of that year. For this reason, the closest Monday to that date (the 2nd Monday of October) was chosen by the US Government in 1971 to be Columbus Day. Celebrated as an official US holiday since 1937, it initiated as an Italian-American fest,.. read more →
Calling All Men: How to Watch Out for Prostate Cancer
What do actors Robert De Niro and Charleton Heston, former Secretary of State Colin Powell, former Yankees manager Joe Torre, golf legend Arnold Palmer, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, and former South African President Nelson Mandela all have in common? They all survived prostate cancer. September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and.. read more →
The Good, The Bad, and the Pretty: Cholesterol Levels
September is National Cholesterol Education month. By now, who hasn’t heard about cholesterol? It’s so prominently discussed in terms of health conscience that to not mention it would be akin to not mentioning mopping when teaching your child how to house clean. Along with exercise, not smoking, and blood pressure, healthy cholesterol levels are one.. read more →
Just Because: Robin Williams and August 27th
On the 27th of August, at the cusp of summer vacations ending and the welcoming of the routines of autumn, comes a seemingly quirky day: Just Because Day (yes, really). This day gives pause to a transition period when people are trying to get back on their feet, students exit camps and enter classes, and workers.. read more →
Let Us Break Bread Together: Family Meals Month
August is Family Meals Month. Did you know that family meal times tend to be more nutritious? According to Nemours, a children’s health system, eating together as a family leads to more conscious planning on the part of the parents, resulting in healthier choices placed on the table. In addition, there’s the “social nutrition” aspect:.. read more →
National Eye Exam Month: You Can Make A Difference
Eyes, they say, are the window to the soul. Infants as young as a few weeks old start to make eye contact, and from there, bonding is largely facilitated by locking in the gaze of others. As we grow, our sight serves as the strongest of our five senses, affecting everything from light and color.. read more →
American Artists Appreciation Month: Four Featured Artists
When it comes to artists, Europe tends to steal the show in the Western world. Van Gogh, Picasso, Michelangelo, Monet, Rembrandt – these are some of the more recognized names. At the same time, the US has its share of famous artists, and for this reason a month is dedicated to appreciating them. August, the.. read more →
That Multilayered Italian Delight
Lick your lips: July 29th is National Lasagna Day. Seriously. A whole 24 hours dedicated to the scrumptious combo of pasta, soft cheese, sliced cheese, tomato sauce, and minced meat (debatably optional) main dish that has become as mainstay for Americans as the hotdog. Whether restaurant, pasta bar, or homemade, lasagna can be relied upon.. read more →