Did you know that on this very day in 1800 the U.S. Senate of the Sixth Congress met for the first time in the Capitol Building? Work on the Capitol had begun seven years earlier, but facing funding shortfalls, it was decided in 1796 that only the Senate wing would be constructed.  There’s no doubt that a lot has happened in the 211 years since – but this historical landmark, and what goes on inside its walls, remains vitally important to our country.  And if you’ve never had a chance to watch Congress in session, we encourage you to do so during your next visit to the District of Columbia.

Today, we commemorate a celebrated explorer, honor the diversity of American heritage and invigorate our sense of adventure.

However you choose to recognize the holiday, we here at Sip & Savor encourage you to help protect and preserve our great country for generations to come by remembering to “Think Inside the Bin” and recycle your beverage containers, as well as all recyclables.

Happy Columbus Day!

Watching the Women’s World Cup reminds us of the importance of staying active.  So remember this summer to take some to get out there and get active.  And while you are out there, remember to stay hydrated!  It can be extremely easy to become dehydrated while doing activities in the heat – especially with the current heat wave.  So, select the beverage that’s right for you,  hydrate and cool off while you enjoy the Women’s World Cup Final this Sunday!

We at Sip & Savor wish Team USA the best of luck in the final!

Many of the products that we use daily originated for the purpose of space travel.  Staying properly hydrated and getting the right nutrition in space or here on Earth can be a challenging mission in itself.  Since the beginning of the space program, what astronauts have been packing in their space bags onboard space crafts has changed.  But even with all of the ever-changing gadgetry and technological advancements, one thing remains the same: researchers have been focused on keeping astronauts safe and healthy on the final frontier.

Hydration is key to good health for astronauts while in space, and for the rest of us, too, while going about our daily routine on our home planet.  In the early days of space travel, beverages were packaged up in aluminum containers.  Over time, more convenient forms of these products, such as powdered drinks, were developed and included with the rest of the cargo.  And now these same powdered drinks that were originally developed for convenience in space are on grocery store shelves providing that same convenience and choice for Earthlings.  Juice drinks, teas, lemonades and sport drinks are all available in powdered forms to allow you to mix it yourself!

Remember – whether you are on the moon or just hanging out in your back yard, it is always important to stay hydrated!

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But on this day in history, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the inauguration of a strong and capable leader.  JFK’s inauguration speech will echo in eternity with famous lines like this one:

“And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.”

Many memorial events will take place today throughout the country.  Congressional leaders will make speeches and hold press conferences.  And President Obama will attend a celebration commemorating the golden anniversary right here in our nation’s capital at the Kennedy Center.

Check out C-SPAN’s Youtube channel for video of JFK’s infamous speech.  And while you’re at it, check in with us on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter.

The hall has hosted movies, stage shows, concerts, and other gala events for over 300 million people since its opening. As an attraction, it was envisioned to be easily accessible to everyone while also showcasing unique Art Deco design.  It was a deliberate attempt to provide an elegant and beautiful space during a historically tough time in America.

Radio City Music Hall was built out of some of the very materials used by the beverage industry to package products every day – like aluminum and glass.  And it remains the largest indoor theater in the world. These distinct features, history and design have made it one of the most popular sites in New York City.

During December it is sponsoring a “Bill of Rights Twitter Contest,” in observance of the 219th anniversary of the ratification of the Bill of Rights, the first 10 amendments to the Constitution. Each day the challenge is to take a designated amendment and condense it into a bite-sized tweet.

Today, the actual anniversary of the ratification, the challenge is the all-encompassing Amendment I.  The challenge comes with a bonus round: Summarize the entire Bill of Rights in one tweet.  As the founding fathers’ descendants know, that means up to 140 characters.

Amendment I:

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

The hashtag is #BillofRights.  For information on rules and prizes, check out the National Archives website.  And should you come to Washington, D.C., you can see an original copy of the Bill of Rights, along with the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution on display at the National Archives.

We’re also on Twitter – you can follow us @AmeriBev.

As you go about your day, we hope you take at least a brief moment to remember those who were lost – at the Twin Towers, at the Pentagon and on Flight 93.  And we also hope you will join us in honoring the many heroes who responded to these disastrous scenes, putting themselves at risk to help others, that day and for many days and months to come.

On the anniversary of such a tragic day, we think it’s important to embrace thoughts of those who have fallen in the line of duty.  Even as horrifying of a memory as that day is, it is a day that is reflective of how Americans – citizens, businesses, government, nonprofits and others – are able to pull together in the worst of times to overcome great obstacles.

First a bit of history, August 26 was designated Women’s Equality Day back in 1971, at the request of U.S. Rep. Bella Abzug, D-N.Y., to acknowledge women’s suffrage.  Women have come a long way since the days of Alice Paul and the 72-year fight for voting rights.  So it’s a good time to remind everyone about the importance of voting, especially as we approach the mid-term election cycle.

It’s also worth recognizing a few things about our female elected and appointed officials, as noted by the National Organization of Women:

• There are more women than ever before serving in both chambers of the United States Congress
• There are currently 17 women senators, 74 representatives and 8 state governors
• With the confirmation of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan, there are now three women serving on the court at the same time for the first time in history

For a look at the women’s suffrage movement, you can learn a great deal by checking out the website of the Sewall-Belmont House and Museum, an institution on Capitol Hill that celebrates women’s progress toward equality and is owned and maintained by the National Woman’s Party.  In fact, it’s definitely worth a visit if you are in the nation’s capitol – to see the historic photographs alone.