National Camera Day
Pinhole cameras were the first cameras used. They work by allowing light to pass through a small hole and it projects an inverted image. The camera obscura was an artist's tool that created a framed image in a box but could not be recorded. This type of camera is highlighted in "Girl With a Pearl Earring," although there's no evidence Vermeer ever used one.
Other notable cameras in history have included the box-like Brownie camera, single-lens cameras, and the first camera to attempt to create instant gratification, the Polaroid. Now we have digital cameras, a Polaroid app, and everyone's favorite iPhone toy, Instagr.am. On National Camera Day, take your retro, high-end or smart phone camera with you wherever you go. Record your day and images and post them to your favorite photo site.
Almond Butter Crunch Day
Real butter, almonds, corn syrup and sugar are all you need to make your own almond butter crunch. The real trick is to use real butter and not a substitute. Once cooked, cooled and cracked, this homemade candy makes a great mix-in for vanilla or coffee ice cream. Butter crunch candy is also popular as a gift at Christmas. Why wait to start testing out your own recipes?
The almonds in the candy make it a heart-happy food. Almonds are "high in monounsaturated fats, the same type of health-promoting fats as are found in olive oil, which have been associated with reduced risk of heart disease," according to World's Healthiest Foods. Add some dark chocolate for added flavor and a dose of antioxidants.
William James Mayo Birth Anniversary
You may not have visited the Mayo Clinic, but you've probably been to the clinic's website. William James Mayo, born June 29, 1861, was a surgeon from a family of surgeons. He and his father, Dr. William Worrell Mayo and brother, Dr. Charles Mayo " specialized in surgery, pioneering the concept of group practice, and were renowned for adopting new techniques," according to Today in Science.
Interstate Highway Act
During the carefree months of summer, you may be exploring beyond your backyard, zip code or time zone, thanks to interstate highways. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Interstate Highway Act on June 28, 1956. Before the act was passed, federal funding of interstate highways was low.
"Eisenhower had seen the speed and efficiency in moving troops and equipment on the four-lane autobahns in Germany during WW II. The idea of federal support of interstate limited-access routes in the U.S. had begun with a study under the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1938....When the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 committed federal funds to the States for 90% of the cost, construction began in earnest for the System of Interstate and Defense Highways having at least four lanes with no at-grade railroad crossings," according to Today in Science.
