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NATIONAL TV DINNER DAY

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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. 

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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 GO FISHING DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 4 Comments

National Go Fishing Day on June 18th each year encourages us to drop a line – in the nearest stream, pond, lake, or river. Taking a break from our daily routine to bait a hook and catch some fish can be a relaxing endeavor. 

In addition to providing food, fishing is a recreational pastime for many. Recreational fishing includes conventions, rules, licensing restrictions, and laws that limit the way in which fish may be caught. A rod, reel, line, and hooks with any one of the different forms of bait or lures, are the most common form of recreational fishing.

The practice of catching (or attempting to catch) fish with a hook is known as angling. Catch and release (returning the fish to the water to continue its life) is often the expectation or requirement by law. For others, this is a preferred form of fishing. 

Hobbyists with knowledge of habitat, foraging behavior, and migration hone their fishing techniques for a successful fishing adventure. Some fishermen continue to follow fishing folklore by claiming the sun and the moon influence fish feeding patterns.

The earliest known English essay on recreational fishing was published in 1496. 

Here in Florida fishing is also a sport. If just relaxing with some friends while attempting to catch fish is not fulfilling enough, try any one of the anglers events, and contests including deep sea. Marlin and Mullet are big ones here. Where else can you attend a Mullet Toss?

Teach the family. My brother and his wife enjoy it so much they now have a spot on a lake. They are diligently teaching the grandkids how it’s done. Make it part of your Family Fun Month this August.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, recreational fishing began to gain popularity. In 1653, Izaak Walton published a book titled, The Compleat Angler or Contemplative Man’s Recreation. Walton’s book is the definitive work championing the position of the angler who loves fishing just for the sake of it.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalGoFishingDay

Grab your rod and reel, some bait, and go fishing! Take a selfie while wearing this fishing t-shirt. Make sure to share it with your co-workers stuck back at the office.

Share your whopper using #NationalGoFishingDay on social media.