It is said that “every dog has its day,” and according to an animal welfare organization in Oregon, today is it. Now in its 10th observance, every August 26 is National Dog Day. The occasion has two goals. One is to honor dogs, which serve humanity as companions, watchdogs, herders, and Seeing Eye dogs. They also aid in search and rescue, and in sniffing out explosives and drugs. The second goal is to rescue 10,000 dogs a year from neglect and abuse. In the U.S., there are around 70,000 pet care businesses, offering such things as pet toys and supplies, and grooming services. Outside of veterinary services, we spend some $3.6 billion a year on our animals. You can find more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau, online at <www.census.gov>.
Sunday, August 25th. Visitors from all over the world are crowding into the Smithsonian Museum of American History this summer. Among the many artifacts in its collection are key U.S. inventions. One was donated to the museum in August 1985, to mark the 25th anniversary of its commercial debut — the original Xerox 914 copying machine. Weighing in at just under 650 pounds, the 914 could produce seven copies per minute. The principle of xerography — producing images on paper using electricity — was invented in 1938 by lawyer-scientist Chester Carlson, who saved future generations from having to deal with carbon paper. Making photocopying equipment in the U.S. is part of a $2.2 billion a year business. You can find more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau, online at <www.census.gov>.
Saturday, August 24th. One of America’s favorite snack foods is said to have originated on this date in 1853 near Saratoga Springs, New York. The chef at Moon’s Lake House, George Crum, was irritated at a customer who sent back his fried potatoes several times, saying they were too thick and soggy. Crum decided to slice potatoes wafer thin and stir fry them. The customer was delighted, and so-called Saratoga chips became famous. The true origin of potato chips is unknown, but they are descended from French fries, which preparation Thomas Jefferson is reputed to have introduced in America. Snack food manufacturing, potato chips included, is a $17.5 billion a year business in the U.S. You can find more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau, online at <www.census.gov>.