MDBCs 24 Feb 2024

Tortilla chips were first popularized as a way to reuse misshapen tortillas by Rebecca Webb Carranza whose family owned the Los Angeles-based El Zarape Tortilla Factory in the 1940s.

Served With Dip

Today tortilla chips accompanied by some form of a dip is now a staple party dish.

Usually made of fried yellow corn tortillas, tortilla chips can be served with dips like salsa, guacamole, or spicy guacamole. It can be incorporated in a more elaborate dish with cheese and sour cream such as nachos.

How to Celebrate?

Have tortilla chips for all your meals today - have tortilla chip cereal for breakfast, crush them into your salad at lunch, and have nachos for dinner.
Try making your own tortilla chips at home.

Did You Know…

…that tortilla chips and salsa are the state snack of Texas?

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World Sword Swallowers Day

If you enjoy seeing people do dangerous things, you will enjoy celebrating World Sword Swallowers Day on the last Saturday of February.

This unofficial holiday was created by the Sword Swallowers Association International (SSAI) in 2008. It celebrates the ancient art of sword swallowing and honors those who practice it.

16 Inches Long

The day also attempts to dispel myths about sword swallowing and to bring international attention to the medical and scientific contribution of sword swallowers.

According to SSAI, sword swallowing is the act of passing a sword or solid blade at least 16 inches long through the mouth into the stomach. Contrary to popular belief, sword swallowing is not a magic trick or an illusion, but a real skill that requires a lot of hard work and practice.

How to Celebrate?

Find a sword swallowing event nearby and go watch them.
Learn about the art and science behind sword swallowing.

Did You Know…

…that the art of sword swallowing is an ancient art that is thought to have originated in the southern part of India?

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The plane was only half-full. When an attractive young woman asked if the seat next to mine was free, my male ego soared. Soon we were chatting pleasantly, and she told me it was her first flight.

"Mom said to sit next to someone I thought I could trust," she confessed nervously, "and you look just like my dad."

***

While on the freeway in Los Angeles, I was behind a pack of cars. The last driver was on the phone and drifting all over the road. This did not escape the attention of a California Highway Patrol officer, who snuck up behind her and said over his loudspeaker, "If you can't stay in your lane while on the phone, pull over until the call is completed."

Immediately eight cars pulled over.

***

My husband and I, married 13 years, were dressing for a party. I'd spent all day getting a haircut and permanent, then as we were leaving, we met in the hall and he said nothing.

I complained that he had not even noticed my hair. "You used to pay attention to every little thing, and now you don't notice anything! You take me for granted!"

My husband stood there rubbing his face as he let me rant and rave. Then it hit me: He'd shaved off his six-month-old beard.

***

Q: What do you call a boomerang that doesn't work?

A: A stick.

***

Q: What do you call four bullfighters in quicksand?

A: Quattro sinko.

***

Ed: The same bike tries to run me down every day.

Fred: Sounds like a vicious cycle...

***