SWANNIE , HOW I LOVE IT , HOW I LOVE IT Hello my fellow food Cosmonauts and bargain seekers. Today I want to speak about a subject that is very dear to my heart. That's right, Happy Hour. Just the name of it brings me unbridled joy. A time specifically designed for your pleasure and enjoyment. Now you're talking. The term was first mentioned in print in the early 1600’s by no other than Willie Shakespeare largely regarded as the greatest dramatist and writer in the English language ( though it is very clear he was no yours truly). The term was later used in the early 1900’s in the US Navy to denote specific periods set aside to amuse the sailors with a variety of entertainment including boxing , wrestling , music and dancing. The specific idea of imbibing prior to dinner gained prominence during prohibition In 1920 with the popularity of the speakeasy secretly serving drinks on the down low. Unbelievably there are still many