Tag slot

NATIONAL TV DINNER DAY

Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

National TV Dinner Day is observed annually on September 10th.  In 1953, C.A. Swanson & Sons changed the prepackaged meal business forever. Introducing the TV Dinner revolutionized frozen food.

In 1962, Swanson stopped using the name TV Dinner. However, in the United States, the term remains synonymous with any prepackaged dinner purchased frozen from a store and heated at home.

Amazon Basics Classic TV Dinner Folding Tray with Storage Rack, Natural - Set of 4 Trays
Amazon Basics Classic TV Dinner Folding Tray with Storage Rack, Natural – Set of 4 Trays
Casual Home 5 Piece Tray Table Set, Espresso
Casual Home 5 Piece Tray Table Set, Espresso
Maarch Folding TV Tray Table, Adjustable TV Dinner Table, Foldable Tray Table for Eating and Laptops, Wall Mountable, Black
Maarch Folding TV Tray Table, Adjustable TV Dinner Table, Foldable Tray Table for Eating and Laptops, Wall Mountable, Black
HUANUO Adjustable TV Trays - TV Tray Tables on Bed & Sofa, Adjustable Laptop Table as TV Food Tray, Work Tray with 6 Heights & 3 Tilt Angles Adjustable (2 Pack)
HUANUO Adjustable TV Trays – TV Tray Tables on Bed & Sofa, Adjustable Laptop Table as TV Food Tray, Work Tray with 6 Heights & 3 Tilt Angles Adjustable (2 Pack)

The first Swanson TV Dinner consisted of a Thanksgiving meal of turkey, cornbread dressing, peas, and sweet potatoes. Originally, Swansons made the tray of aluminum. They separated each food item into individual compartments, too. At home, the cook heated the dinner in the oven. The cooking time was usually 25 minutes. Today, nearly all frozen food trays can be cooked in the microwave or a conventional oven. 

Explore more…

When Swanson’s first sold TV dinners, they priced them at 98 cents. In the first year, production estimates reached 5,000 dinners. To their surprise, Swanson far exceeded that amount. In the first year, they sold more than 10 million of them.

TV Dinner Facts
  • 1960 – Swanson added desserts to a new four-compartment tray.
  • 1964 – Night Hawk name originated from the Night Hawk steak houses that operated in Austin, Texas, from 1939 through 1994. The original diners were open all night, catering to the late-night crowd. The restaurants produced the first frozen Night Hawk TV dinner in 1964.
  • 1969 – The first TV breakfasts were marketed. Great Starts Breakfasts and breakfast sandwiches followed later.
  • 1973 – Swanson markets the first Hungry-Man dinners. The meals included larger portions of its regular dinner products.
  • 1986 – Microwave-oven safe trays debut on the market. 
  • 1986 – The Smithsonian Institute inducted the original Swanson TV Dinner tray into the Museum of American History.

Much has changed since the original TV Dinner. They also remain a popular choice for a fast and convenient meal, fun to eat in front of the TV!

Looking for something to watch?  Check out some of my favorites here.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalTVDinnerDay

Get out a TV dinner, pop it in the microwave or oven, and enjoy! Use #NationalTVDinnerDay to post on social media.

Paragon Microwave Food Storage Tray Containers - 3 Section/Compartment Divided Plates W/Vented Lid, Set of 6
Paragon Microwave Food Storage Tray Containers – 3 Section/Compartment Divided Plates W/Vented Lid, Set of 6
Ez Prepa [20 Pack] 32oz 3 Compartment Meal Prep Containers with Lids - Bento Box - Plastic - Stackable, Reusable, Microwaveable & Dishwasher Safe
Ez Prepa [20 Pack] 32oz 3 Compartment Meal Prep Containers with Lids – Bento Box – Plastic – Stackable, Reusable, Microwaveable & Dishwasher Safe
Meal Prep Containers - Reusable Plastic Containers with Lids - Disposable Food Containers Meal Prep Bowls - Lunch Containers by Prep Naturals, 30 Pack
Meal Prep Containers – Reusable Plastic Containers with Lids – Disposable Food Containers Meal Prep Bowls – Lunch Containers by Prep Naturals, 30 Pack
Able Life Able Tray Table, Adjustable Bamboo Swivel TV and Laptop Table with Ergonomic Stand Assist Safety Handle, Independent Living Aid
Able Life Able Tray Table, Adjustable Bamboo Swivel TV and Laptop Table

National Papaya Month

Jensperspectiveblog 5 Comments

National Papaya Month takes place in June. The vibrantly colored fruit grows on an herb in southern Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. They are also commercially produced in Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

The mildly flavored fruit tastes subtly like a cross between a mango and a peach when ripe. It pairs well with spices and makes a delicious salsa. Papaya can be enjoyed in smoothies and savory dishes as well.

Be sure to take advantage of the papaya’s health benefits. Whether it’s used to enhance the skin or eaten to gain the rich vitamin A, C, E, potassium, and antioxidants, you can’t go wrong.

More fruit…

HOW TO OBSERVE

Enjoy papaya fresh or in a recipe. Use #NationalPapayaMonth to share on social media.

40 Sweet & Savory Papaya Recipes: Totally Tropical - Discover the Fruit of the Angels Celebrate National Papaya Month #NationalPapayaMonth
40 Sweet & Savory Papaya Recipes: Totally Tropical – Discover the Fruit of the Angels Celebrate National Papaya Month
Pure Original Ingredients Papaya Extract, Always Pure, No Additives Or Fillers, Lab Verified (100 Capsules)#NationalPapayaMonth
Pure Original Ingredients Papaya Extract, Always Pure, No Additives Or Fillers, Lab Verified (100 Capsules)
Oh! Nuts Dried Papaya Chunks | 2lb Bulk Bag of Diced Dry Pawpaw Tree Papaya Bites for Snacking & Baking | Light Sugar Coating, Low Sodium, Dairy Free, Low Cholesterol Low Fat & High Fiber Fruits#NationalPapayaMonth
Oh! Nuts Dried Papaya Chunks | 2lb Bulk Bag of Diced Dry Pawpaw Tree Papaya Bites for Snacking & Baking | Light Sugar Coating, Low Sodium, Dairy Free, Low Cholesterol Low Fat & High Fiber Fruits
Oh! Nuts Dried Papaya Spears | 2lb Bulk Bag Dehydrated Pawpaw Tree Papaya Slices for Snacking & Baking | Light Sugar Coating, Low Sodium, Dairy Free, Low Cholesterol, Low Fat & High Fiber Fruits#NationalPapayaMonth
Oh! Nuts Dried Papaya Spears | 2lb Bulk Bag Dehydrated Pawpaw Tree Papaya Slices for Snacking & Baking | Light Sugar Coating, Low Sodium, Dairy Free, Low Cholesterol, Low Fat & High Fiber Fruits
Amazon Fresh Prime Delivery

NATIONAL SCIENCE FICTION DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

National Science Fiction Day promotes the celebration of science fiction as a genre, its creators, history, and various media, too. On January 2nd annually, millions of science fiction fans across the United States read and watch their favorites in science fiction. 

The date of the celebration commemorates the birth of famed science fiction writer Isaac Asimov.  An American author and Boston University professor of biochemistry, Isaac Asimov was born Isaak Yudovich Ozimov on January 2, 1920. He is best known for his works of science fiction and his popular science books. Isaac Asimov, whose works are followed by many, died on April 6, 1992.

National Science Fiction Day is recognized by the Hallmark Channel and the Scholastic Corporation. 

Considered a master of hard science fiction, Asimov, along with Robert A. Heinlein and Arthur C. Clarke, was considered one of the “Big Three” science-fiction writers during his lifetime. Many regard the Foundation Series as Asimov’s most outstanding piece. His other major series are the Galactic Empire Series and the Robot Series.

Some of the successful television shows recognized by science fiction fans include Star Trek-The Next Generation, The X-Files, Battlestar Galactica, Doctor Who, and The Twilight Zone.

As we look back at some older science fiction in our current technology-infused world, how close do the writers come to imaging our futures? Long before Asimov created his first work, humans imagined machines that allowed them to soar like birds. Another man, Leonardo Di Vinci, looked to the future, too. He designed contraptions worthy of the science fiction in his time.

Science fiction impacts life in ways we may not even consider – even those who don’t enjoy reading or watching science fiction. 

NATIONAL SCIENCE FICTION DAY HISTORY

Since at least 2011, science fiction lovers have been honoring Isaac Asimov and other science fiction contributors. In 2013, asimovs.com published a guest editorial by Ed Finn. The writer talks about doomsday predictions while also looking toward the future – all moving toward the true meaning of National Science Fiction Day. Read the complete article, Celebrate National Science Fiction Day by Learning to Live in the Future.

HOW TO OBSERVE #ScienceFictionDay

The day encourages reading or watching science fiction. However, consider exploring science fiction in other ways. For example:

  • Introduce science fiction to an entirely new generation. Offer to read excerpts from your favorite science fiction author to a youth group at a library. 
  • Explore the authors of science fiction you’ve never read before.
  • Study the history of science fiction and how it has impacted modern culture.
  • Share your favorite science fiction story or character. 

Use #ScienceFictionDay to post on social media.

Red Rising#ScienceFictionDay
Red Rising
Station Eleven: A Novel (National Book Award Finalist)#ScienceFictionDay
Station Eleven: A Novel (National Book Award Finalist)
The House at the End of the World #ScienceFictionDay
The House at the End of the World
The Shadow and Bone Trilogy: Shadow and Bone, Siege and Storm, Ruin and Rising #ScienceFictionDay
The Shadow and Bone Trilogy: Shadow and Bone, Siege and Storm, Ruin and Rising
The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder #ScienceFictionDay
The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder
Fairy Tale #ScienceFictionDay
Fairy Tale

NATIONAL SPORTS DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

October is a prime time for National Sports Day. That’s why on October 16th, the fans, families, and athletes of all the sports converging on the month come together to celebrate their favorite athletic events. All disciplines of a sport take the field, from the youngest to the seasoned professional.

While golfers hit the links to get at least nine more holes before the snow flies, hoopsters gear up for the season ahead. The puck hits center ice early in October, while baseball aims for the bleachers and clears the bases.

Football is heating up with tackles, kicks, and offsides. Don’t forget, volleyball digs midseason, too. Runners in most of the country love October. Events like 5k, half, and full marathons throughout the nation feature opportunities to enjoy the fall weather and beautifully changing landscapes. In the Western Hemisphere, families gather to watch soccer’s final kickoff. The intensity builds, and every game ends with memories of wicked kicks or the goalie’s best save.

From a young age, family road trips took many to cheer on siblings in a variety of sports. We hauled our gear from place to place, and the team knew the season was drawing to a close when the duffle bags began to smell.

We played soccer and did gymnastics. My team even won the district championship. Those strengths and lessons stayed with me as an adult. Team work translates easily from the field to a workplace.

NATIONAL SPORTS DAY HISTORY

National Sports Day - 1v1 Soccer Championship

Wale Rocks (pronounced Wally) in partnership with National Day Calendar founded National Sports Day in 2019 to celebrate the athletes, families, and fans of all sports. National Sports Day is about the benefits of sporting competition. When our youth have an opportunity to play competitively, they advance their skills and build great habits to take with them into adulthood. Family members who support them create a bond that brings them together, improving the family unit and communities throughout the nation.

Children excel at a sport when given a chance to practice under the pressure of competition in the game brain. And with soccer becoming a National Sport for all ages, Wale Rocks chose it as their first sport to spotlight.

With all sports, practice is vital. However, time touching the ball under the pressure of competition makes players excel. With the support of great coaches working their magic, these young novices mature into confident players. How exciting to watch their confidence grow.

Wale Rocks is also creating a special event to mark the National Sports Day launch.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalSportsDay

Gather your friends to enjoy watching your favorite team. Get out and play, too. No matter your skill level, relishing the challenge and physical activity will be worth it. Besides, getting together with friends and family to celebrate a favored pastime is one of the best ways to Celebrate Every Day®. And when you do, take a team photo and share it using #NationalSportsDay.