MDBCs 07 Jun 2024

Rewind to the past and celebrate the humble Video Cassette Recorder (VCR) on June 7, VCR Day. This unofficial holiday of unknown origins encourages people to learn more about the technology that completely changed the way people watched television and recorded memories.

A major innovation in its day, the video cassette recorder or the VCR was first commercially released in 1956 by American electronics company, Ampex. The VRX-1000 did not become an instantly popular piece of equipment found in everyone's living rooms. This was in large part because of its price tag - it cost a whopping $50,000!

The Rise and Fall of VCR's Fortunes

Over time, as technology developed, the VCR became much more affordable and it became a popular piece of electronics in the 1980s and 1990s. The Telcan made by British company, Nottingham Electric Valve Company, was one of the first commercially produced VCR for homes.

The VCR industry took a hit with the entrance of laser discs and compact discs and its use rapidly declined. Today, the VCR is no longer manufactured.

How to Celebrate?

Own a VCR? Or know someone who does? Then have a VCR party! Watch a movie on tape and make retro dishes to serve your guests. What about dressing up as someone who was famous during the heydays of the VCR?

Did You Know…

…that first produced in the United Kingdom in 1963, Telcan is the shorter name for television in a can?

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Nat. Doughnut Day

The first Friday of June is annually celebrated as National Doughnut or Donut Day in the United States. The holiday is a continuation of Doughnut Day when members of the Salvation Army provided doughnuts and coffee to service members during the First World War.

The first Donut Day began as a way to cheer up soldiers who were risking their lives and limbs in the trenches during the war. At home, Doughnut Day became a way to raise awareness about the war and to raise funds for Salvation Army's activities on the battlefield. The tradition of serving donuts to raise funds for the organization is still alive in many parts of the US.

The Salvation Army is a charitable Christian organization that works to help the poor and the hungry. It was founded in London in 1865.

Fried Dough

A doughnut is a ring-shaped sweet snack made of fried dough and is usually rolled in sugar or topped or glazed with icing. Doughnuts can also be filled with jam, custard, or cream.

How to Celebrate?

Celebrate the spirit of charity that gave rise to this holiday by volunteering for the local Salvation Army chapter or another non-profit organization that works with the armed forces.
Visit your local doughnut store to treat yourself to some of these delicious snacks. Many doughnut stores around the world offer free doughnuts to celebrate Doughnut Day.
Make doughnuts at home and share them with family, friends, and co-workers.

Did You Know...

...that food historians believe that the doughnut came to the United States via Dutch immigrants in the 19th century?

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I called a temp agency looking for work, and they asked if I had any phone skills.

I said, "I called you, didn't I?"

***

I received a letter saying I would not be given the American Express credit card I'd requested because my income wasn't substantial enough.

Oddly enough, I work for American Express.

***

Scene: A gas station in Canada

Customer: Excuse me. Why won't my debit card work on the pump?
Owner: Are you using an American card?
Customer: Yes.
Owner: American cards don't work at the pump.
Customer: You should put up a sign.
Owner: We did, above the card slot.
Customer: Oh. Well, I don't read Canadian.

***

An elderly shopper at our supermarket used a check to buy such items as cotton balls, cotton swabs, powder, and cold cream.