National Flip Flop Day
June 12
According to MyFlipFlops.com, the earliest pair of flip flops, from between 1550 B.C. and 1307 B.C., were found in Europe and were made of papyrus leaves. Throughout the centuries, ancient population wore flip flops in different ways. The Greeks wore the toe strap between their 1st and 2nd toes, the Ancient Romans wore the strap between the 2nd and 3rd toes, and the Mesopotamians wore the strap between the 3rd and 4th toes. Flip flops as we know them today originated from the Japanese sandal called the zōri. The shoe started making its appearance in America after World War II when soldiers returned home. The name flip flops takes its origins from the sound these shoes make while walking. This term has been used in American and British English since 1972.
National Jerky Day
June 12
Written for HuffPost.com, “Jerky, by definition, is lean meat that’s been trimmed of fat, cut into strips, and dried with salt. Both the drying and salting processes prevent spoilage and bacterial growth, and when prepared properly, it can last for months on end. Beef jerky was invented around 1550 by the Quechua people, who are native to South America. Jerky’s first purpose was to provide a way for Native Americans to bring protein-rich food on long journeys. The word jerky is an Anglicization of the Native American term charqui, which means ‘dried meat.’ Jerky can be made with just about any protein, and is available in turkey, pork, salmon, elk, moose, and many more varieties.”
Today’s Birthdays of Note….
George H. W. Bush – 41st President of U.S. – born in Milton, Mass.
Jim Nabors – Actor, Gomer Pyle – born in Sylacauga, Alabama
