Noteworthy Mentions

No other dish brings people together like a good tasty chili soup! If you enjoy spicy foods, a bowl of chili soup is all it takes to get your day going.  Having some friends cook their special chili recipe can turn a gathering into the ultimate cook-off that will make you eat more. The recognition for making the best chili doesn't come without tears or heartache either. Chili recipes are kept guarded like the family jewels that the ingredients that go into making the chili aren't always shared or talked about openly. The traditional Chili bean soup has been the...

October is the month when Americans celebrate Christopher Columbus (October 12th) and Halloween (October 31st). In line with tradition, this month Americans will find themselves bombarded with political ads and debates as both Republicans and Democrats spend billions of dollars in the nation's Presidential election next month. This happens in the midst of many uncertainties that include the near-daily street riots, the duopoly of both the COVID-19 pandemic and influenza, and businesses closing leading to a high unemployment rate. If your level of worry hasn't peaked as autumn comes into full swing, make this month the most important month to...

As you might already know, the COVID-19 pandemic has been very difficult for many of us to carry on our normal daily lives. Public gatherings have been canceled. Businesses have either closed to foot traffic and employees sent home. Travel to and from places within neighborhoods and elsewhere have put everyone on edge. As we cope through these difficult times, know that there's always GOOD things even in the worst of times. If you have love ones in your home, these days make it a great time to spend quality time together. Streaming movies, playing board games, and going on...

On July 1, 1863, postal rates for United States domestic mail became standardized across all cities and states - all for 2 cents. To celebrate this milestone, Andrew Jackson's portrait was chosen. Coincidentally, if you look back in history on July 1, 1863, it also happened to be the very day when the Battle of Gettysburg took place. But, for one moment ask yourself this question, Why was Andrew Jackson, a Southerner chosen to be on the 2-cent stamp in the midst of a Civil War? Is it his popularity during the Civil War? Or is it perhaps his strong...

In 1861, the United States Postal Service printed the 1 cent  Ben Franklin stamp that would pay for nearly all the letters that were mailed. The 1 cent Ben would pay for a 2 oz letter, circular, and even books that weighed less than 4 pounds! If you think that's outrageous, it's true! Fast forward to today... it will cost you 55 cents to mail your letter and another 15 cents for each additional ounce. So, if you're writing a 9-10 page letter plus a standard-sized envelope, prepare to fork over your hard-earned pennies. Just imagine for a second if...