Ashley and Brad Show

News; birthdays/events; pros and cons of getting married/having kids younger vs older; word of the day. News; things to throw out in September (House Beautiful article); game: Dukes of Hazard trivia;  things your boss does because they like you (your Tango list) News; it's going to start getting darker sooner...are you paying attention to your surroundings?; game: guitar riffs trivia quiz; chilvary...according to men vs women. News; As Seen on TV products that actually work; game: general trivia; goodbye/fun facts....International Sudoku Day takes place, of course, on September 9 (9/9). Sudoku enthusiasts will no doubt notice the date's symbolism. The goal of the Sudoku game is to fill a 9×9 grid so that each column, row, and 3×3 sub-grid contains all the digits from 1 to 9. So nine-nine is the natural choice for the day of celebration. While many people believe that Sudoku is a game that has ancient roots in Asia, the game is actually a fairly modern invention. In the late 1700s, a Swiss mathematician named Leonhard Euler invented a similar game that he called Latin Squares. Flash forward to 1979... Indiana architect Howard Garns publishing a puzzle of his own invention (at that time named “Number Place”) in “Dell Magazine” that would become the game we now know as Sudoku. Grab a pencil and get ready to have a ton of fun! Although the numbers might seem intimidating at first, it really has nothing to do with math.

News; birthdays/events; what would you do if your phone number became public (funny story); word of the day. News; game: quiz; game: feud; Mental Floss list of great Fall traditions. News; unsportsmanlike conduct; were you named after anyone in your family?; do you say koopon or quepoon? gif or jif? News; college football causes scheduling conflicts with family events; game: calendar trivia; goodbye/fun facts....World Physical Therapy Day...the human body is remarkable...and remarkably easy to damage and break...so the need for physical therapy can also be triggered through accidents, illness, neurological disease and much more. Physical therapists work to undo damage, educate on healthy behavior and to restore lost or damaged functionality. The World Confederation for Physical Therapy was created on this date 70 years ago. Going back in time, the first documented account of physical therapy comes from Hippocrates, the old master of medicine. Hippocrates originated the concept of manual manipulation for pain treatment in 460 B.C. Until World War II, the majority of physical therapy was performed in hospitals on patients suffering from surgery, injuries, or other ailments. During the war, specialty physical therapy clinics were established to treat the thousands of wounded soldiers. Today the use of electric stimulation and ultrasound has been found to help speed up recovery.

News; birthdays/events; what kind of deals would it take for you to start eating out again?; word of the day. News; game: Michael Keaton birthday trivia; when things are "non-refundable" does it make you less likely to do it?; if you live near a college campus (with a football team)...do you plan to tailgate even if you don't go to the game? News; game: "love" in the title of songs; last minute seats used to be cheap...but not for the NFL!!! have you ever used cheap ticketing sites?; most people don't pay attention to the warning boxes on TV shows/movies...do you? News; game: the ampersand game; how far would you go to find lost jewelry?; goodbye/fun facts....World Samosa Day. Samosas are a fried pyramid-shaped dish filled with onions, potatoes, cheese, peas, beef, lamb, or any of a myriad of other fillings options. They are generally eaten as appetizers...and extremely popular in India, Egypt, South Africa, and the Middle East. Dessert samosas could also be on the menu too with sweet fillings such as cinnamon cheesecake, mango, or Nutella and coconut. After eating samosas, the Spanish tweaked the recipe a little and created empanadas....in Eastern Europe they created the Pierogi, Gyoza in Japan and cornish pastry in England. You can certainly try to make your own at home...but you'll mainly find them at Indian restaurants or in the freezer section at the grocery store.

News; birthdays/events; kids' school lunch menus are quite different now! what was your favorite (or least favorite school lunch?); word of the day. News; who would you like to play the Superbowl halftime?; game: who hoo songs; is there a TV show that reflects your job? would you like there to be? News; would you ask A.I. to judge you/tell you how others see you?; game: songs with 'you' in the title; do you make decisions based on logic or prayer? News; people really want to fit in...what lenghts will you go to fit in?; game: just over $1,200 pyramid; goodbye/fun facts....National Eat an Extra Dessert Day! For many, dessert is a much-anticipated highlight and a meal without some kind of mouthwatering finale seems incomplete. Of course, exercising, eating right and practicing meditation are all ways to engage in a healthier lifestyle that can make people happier. But life can get a little bit hectic and stressful....so go ahead and get that second scoop of ice cream, add another cookie to the stack, or grab a fork and try out the other flavor of pie. Desserts in the 17th and 18th centuries were often for wealthy people....but now we can all partake...you can even share your extra dessert if you choose!

News; birthdays/events; should American companies offer "unhappy leave"?; word of the day. News; game: song titles with the word "I"; if you get an hour for lunch...how long do you actually get to "eat" lunch?; most commony confused words. News; game: outburst; CEO shares 3 phrases to avoid saying in a job interview; Real Simple magazine list of the best times of day to do things. News; game: I should have known that; would you still go to a concert or a trip with someone you broke up with? (Ed Sheeran concert story); goodbye/fun facts....U.S. bowling league day...which celebrates the spirit of competition and teamwork found in bowling leagues across the nation. Bowling was primarily an outdoor sport until around 1840. The game was called ninepins and was popular with gamblers. To snuff out the gambling, the state of Connecticut banned the game in 1841. As a result, indoor lane owners added one pin to their alleys to circumvent the law. The next evolution of the game happened when the automatic pinsetter revolutionized bowling in the 1950s. In 1998 “The Big Lebowski” becomes one of the biggest movies ever to feature bowling...and then, of course, there's Kingpin movie.

News; birthdays/events; how long we're ok waiting for things (like coffee or a table at restaurant); word of the day. News; Real magazine list of habits to pick up this fall; game: 3 word challenge; what's your occupational hazard? News; are there certain food/drinks you only eat in the fall?; game: drum intro songs; Upworthy list of things Americans don't realize are an "American thing". News; items that are extra expensive at the grocery store; game: baby baby song name game; goodbye/fun facts....world coconut day. Coconuts are a food that humans have found sustenance in for at least 2,000 years. The name coconut translates to “walnut from India". Coconuts are one of nature's most versatile products, the coconut plant (and its various parts) can be used for food and drink, cosmetic preparations, and decorating. Over a quarter of people surveyed use coconut oil in their hair, which is actually more than the 22% who use it to cook! and Only 11% of people surveyed indicated that they don't like coconuts!

News; birthdays/events; would you rather spend 1 week in the wilderness alone or 1 night in a real haunted house/castle alone?; word of the day. News; game: quiz; game: feud; top 5 unfrienliest cities in the world (but millions of tourists go anyway) News; would you ever participate in a food fight?; fashion guru Tim Gunn says n-e-v-e-r wear these items once you turn 40; do you ever get magazines you never subscribed to? News; what would you put in a time capsule? game: calendar trivia; goodbye/fun facts....burnt ends day...Once considered trimmings or left-overs, burnt ends come from the point of a brisket. However, these days burnt ends take center stage in a BBQ basket of smoky flavor and goodness. Delicious on their own, burnt ends also taste amazing on sandwiches and in stews. They can be sweet, spicy, and of course smoky. And it's not just brisket...it can be pork belly or chuck roast or even hot dogs....

News; birthdays/events; if you brought something that "smells like home" to the office with you...what would it be?; word of the day. News; are we adding too much technology to sports?; if you took fashion advice from your kids...what would you be wearing today?; game: celebrity audio-biographies. News; the 'anti pumpkin spice' bandwagon; Ashley is a bit jumpy....something happened in the middle of the night; game: classic rock songs played on the banjo. News; what are your least and most favorite sounds?; game: prison commissary price is right; goodbye/fun facts....national lemon juice day...Lemons have become more and more popular since 1493 when Christopher Columbus first bought lemons to the New World. But they originated in the Himalayan Mountains millions of years ago. Today, India produces 3 million pounds of lemons per year...and here in the United States, California and Arizona produce more lemons than any other state. Lemons have been used for a variety of purposes over the years from people's favorite drinks, wellness products, and even some of the tastiest dishes out there. But don't just drink the juice: use the oil from the lemon rind to make a nontoxic insect repellant. So when life gives you lemons...you have a lot of options on what to do with them.

News; birthdays/events; if Acela from AmTrak was available all across the U.S. would that spark you to take it for your next family trip?; word of the day. News; game: Jack Black b'day trivia; Buzzfeed list of things that are expensive but we buy anyway (and often); do you know the N.A.T.O. alphabet? News; game: 2025 biggest cities; if you could trade places with your favorite fictional character...who would it be?; Labor Day is Monday...whatcha gonna do? News; game: top movie quotes from last 25 years; funny things people do to annoy their co-workers (list); goodbye/fun facts....national burger day...held on the Thursday before the Labor Day holiday weekend. The closest thing resembling a burger was first made in the 1st century A.D. in Rome — this was a ground minced meat dish prepared with pine nuts, peppers, and flavorings of wine and garum (a fermented fish sauce) It took 12 more centuries for the meat to be tenderized and eaten on the go in the 13th century A.D. by the Mongols. By 1802, “The Oxford English Dictionary” includes an entry for a ‘Hamburg steak' — a salted, minced ground beef, slightly smoked and mixed with onions and breadcrumbs. Hamburg steaks were introduced to the U.S. by immigrants from Hamburg, Germany and they opened restaurants in the U.S...By 1948 The McDonald brothers open a restaurant in California and start making hamburgers. So this weekend you might be grilling hamburger....or one of the many alternatives.

News; birthdays/events; would you like to see more 'action' or 'funny things on the field' collectible baseball cards?; word of the day. News; football kicker learned how on Youtube...is that how most of us learn now?; game: classic songs played on the banjo; board/card games that always spark a good time. News; funny "rookie" parenting mistakes (list of 3); game: acroynmn quiz; a woman listed a bunch of places that are "dealbreakers" for 1st dates (it's an extensive list!) News; 2 kinds of people...those who tell friends they don't want to hang out and those that lie!; game: movie password; goodbye/fun facts....National Rock Paper Scissors Day...the day encourages people to play the popular hand game to settle disputes, make decisions, or simply enjoy its universal appeal and rich history. Considered the oldest hand game in the world. In fact, the game dates all the way back to the Chinese Han Dynasty...it wasn't until the 1920's that the popular Asian hand game made its way to Great Britain. In 1932, an article in the New York Times described the rules of Rock Paper Scissors...the basic rules: Rock smashes Scissors, Scissors cuts Paper, and Paper covers Rock. and there are tournaments and leagues and even coverage on ESPN.

News; birthdays/events; a guy in Australia rigged the office sprinklers...good idea or just rude?; word of the day. News; game: 5 second rule; travel souvenirs...do you buy them? are there any that are super special to you?; vinyl isn't the only medium making a comeback... News; game: is Ashley smarter than a 5th grader?; interesting fall festivals around the country; urban legends and ghost stories around the country. News; game: everybody knows; Michelin starred chef is serving actual cat food in London; goodbye/fun facts....National Cherry Popsicle Day...there's hardly anything better than a sweet, juicy popsicle to help you cool down during a sweltering summer day. The cherry popsicle seems like a joyous representation of summer fun, however, any frozen fruit juice served on a stick can be a ‘popsicle.'  The credit for the invention of this delicious treat goes to an 11-year-old boy! Francis William Epperson accidentally invented it in 1905. After mixing up a powdered soda, he left the beverage overnight with the stirring stick in it. Temperatures dropped unusually low that night and the next morning, Epperson found the liquid frozen on the stick. He dubbed the creation the Epsicle, which he later changed the name to popsicle in 1924....and people have been enjoying them ever since!

News; birthdays/events; bucket list adventures...what's on your list?; word of the day. News; game: quiz; game: feud; Reader's Digest list...most and least fun states in the U.S. News; what are some of the laziest things you do?; favorite candy when you were a kid (Ashley had been on the search for a candy...but it turns out they changed the recipe and it sucks now); habits that shorten your life (besides smoking/drinking) News; do you believe in lucky clothes?; game: calendar trivia; goodbye/fun facts....national banana split day...Surprisingly, the original banana split wasn't created in an ice cream parlor but in a pharmacy in 1904.  Banana splits were the brainchild of David Evans Strickler, a pharmacist's apprentice in Latrobe, Pennsylvania who enjoyed experimenting with new soda fountain sundaes in his free time. They were so popular with the college crowd that students willingly paid 10 cents, double the price of a normal sundae. Then Charles Rudolph Walgreens of the Walgreens drug store started promoting the banana split as their premium soda fountain dessert...then soda fountains and ice cream shops all over the country started selling them! In 2016, the United States Post Office honored the banana split and the town of Latrobewith a "forever stamp" depicting the banana split.  It was one of five stamps in the "Soda Fountain Favorites" series. Traditionally served in a long dish called a boat...you cut the banana lengthwise and place it in the dish. Then add scoops of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream between the slices of banana but you can put any flavor of ice cream and toppings that you like.

News; birthdays/events; cheapism website says don't throw these things away; word of the day. News; should companies leave their logos alone? why all the rebranding?; game: General Trivia; ways to save money on big parties (birthday/anniversary/wedding/retirement etc) News; things that smell good to most people but you can't stand (Ashley can't stand the smell of roses); game: Name that bass song; when was the last time you asked for a refund on something? News; jobs that actually exist...(pet psychologist...really?); game: My next guest is....; goodbye/fun facts....National Pecan Torte Day...Generally made with little to no flour, tortes use ground nuts or breadcrumbs, along with sugar, eggs, and flavorings instead. Pecans are indigenous to the United States and grow on trees throughout the southern United States, particularly in Georgia, Texas, and New Mexico. It is also the official state tree of Texas. The earliest evidence of pecan use dates back to 6750 bc...when Native Americans gathered and used nuts. The term ‘pecan' is said to have originated from the Native American word ‘pacane,' which refers to nuts that are difficult to break. Unlike pies, tortes are known for their width, short stature, and denseness. These desserts avoid chemicals, relying instead on whipped eggs to rise​​. You can fill them with anything...but today you should fill 'em with pecans.

News; birthdays/events; reddit list of moral codes people live by; word of the day. News; game: Mind the Gap; game: Mind the Gap; do you have to dip into your own pocket for your job? News; would you live on a cruise ship for the rest of your life?; should companies be able to trade employees like they do in sports?; most young adults are embarrassed to have their parents around...not Gen Z!! News; game: outburst; if you like living in a rural area would you keep moving if population got too big?; goodbye/fun facts....national spumoni day...Spumoni is a delightfully flavorful layered Italian ice cream dessert with the unique flavors of chocolate, cherry and pistachio all combined together, along with fruit and nuts. Unlike ice cream...in general, scooping spumoni is considered bad taste, it should be sliced. Although it originated in Naples, Italy it is today more commonly consumed and enjoyed in the United States and Argentina. It was probably around the 1870s that Italian immigrants introduced Spumoni to the United States. And some of the best Spumoni available in the US today can still be found in predominantly Italian neighborhoods of large cities.

News; birthdays/events-LAUREN; what did you almost eat? (non edible things); word of the day. News; do you 'snack prep' for the kids?; clunker car stories; game: radio quiz. News; do you have an expectation that you should be included in big family events?; we talked about your favorite fair food..but what's your favorite fair midway game?; game: Ashley should know that: Brad edition. News; new words in the dictionary; game: minute mysteries; goodbye/fun facts....national radio day. The first person to identify radio waves was a German physicist Heinrich Hertz in 1886. But it took about three decades for a practical receiver to be invented, which was due to the work of Italian inventor, Gulielmo Marconi. Radio waves travel approximately 186,000 miles per second, the speed of light, because technically they are light. FM radio came about by 1939. Individuals and communities in places all over the world can take National Radio Day as an opportunity to appreciate and celebrate what radio means to the world today. While some people might think that radio has passed its prime, it still acts as a strong force, especially for local communities. 

News; birthdays/events; have you ever been ghosted by a job application? Ontario Canada is doing something interesting...; word of the day. News; Ashley sfa...big box store story; game: Star Trek trivia; would you complain to a company if your favorite item was being discontinued? News; game: word ladder; what's your take on female umpires and male cheerleaders?; can you tell the difference between A.I. and real pics? News; game: just over $1,000 pyramid; would you rather have free coffee or free ice cream for the rest of your life?; goodbye/fun facts....World Photography Day...the unofficial holiday that allows people to honor the art of photography. A photograph is a way to feel the emotion and context of that exact moment. While not photography in the modern sense, ancient Egyptians and Greeks experimented with camera obscura. This early technique projected inverted images through a pinhole onto surfaces. Modern photography was created by two Frenchmen in 1837. Then the French government acquired the patent for the innovation and handed it to the world as a free gift with no copyright. Over 40 years later, in 1884,  George Eastman of Rochester, New York perfected the french photography method. Eastmann was an innovator and entrepreneur who founded the Eastman Kodak Company. Despite the pivot to digital technology, film remains a major component of Kodak's business. The company continues to supply film to the motion picture industry after signing new agreements with major studios. On Check out the American Museum of Photography, a year-round virtual museum dedicated to appreciating photography! 

News; birthdays/events; "convenience" fee---Ashley sfa; word of the day. News; "what a small world" stories; game: quiz; game: feud. News; phrases at work that undermine your credibility; what are your top favorite apps on your phone right now?; do you reward or punish kids for grades? News; would buy a ticket to a stranger's wedding?; game: calendar trivia; goodbye/fun facts....International Delivery Driver Appreciation Day. The concept of delivery drivers isn't necessarily a new one. Food delivery services can be traced back to 1768 in Korea...and in America we can trace its roots back to couriers who would tootle around on their bicycles in the mid-1800's delivering messages, papers or other small items. Although the concept may have evolved over the years, the usefulness of these delivery drivers remains.  Delivery drivers have become a part of our everyday lives...From busy parents who don't have time to shop for groceries, hungry college students, late-night snackers and businesses that require larger catering orders and time-sensitive deliveries. They often deal with limited parking, unpredictable road conditions, and the pressure of tight time constraints. Additionally, many pay for fuel and vehicle upkeep out of their own pockets, and tips can vary from one delivery to the next. 

News; birthdays/events; pumpkin spiced everything may be on the way out...what flavor would you like to see replace it?; word of the day. News; game: The Munsters TV show trivia Pat Priest b'day); will you give your kids allowance this year maybe for things besides chores like getting homework finished without arguing, etc?; when was the last time you had a hearing test?   News; game: Ben Affleck and Matt Damon trivia; when you've heard a story a million times (friend, co-worker, spouse, etc)...do you still feign interest?; if you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport...what would it be? (something you're good at?) News; game: potpourri; watching anything good? where do you get suggestions of things to watch?; goodbye/fun facts....Kool Aid is the official soft drink of Nebraska. The story of Kool Aid began in Hastings Nebraska. That's where Edwin Perkins, a man with a passion for chemistry and a knack for invention, created a delightful drink. However, the bulky and fragile glass bottles created several distribution headaches. So, in 1927, Perkins had a genius idea – he removed the liquid from Fruit Smack: which came in 6 flavors: cherry, grape, lemon-lime, orange, raspberry, and strawberry. The result of his innovation was a convenient powdered form that he could package in envelopes....and he changed the name to Kool-Aid. The drink was first sold in wholesale grocery and candy stores at a cost of 10 cents per packet. During the Great Depression, they had a setback and had to slash the price to five cents a packet.

News; birthdays/events; move over James Corden...carpool karaoke is here for the common man; word of the day. News; if you were an "inconvenient burglar" what would you take?; do funny commercials make you buy the product?; game: Steve Martin trivia. News; things college freshman say they "wish they knew"; how do you feel about golf carts that seem to be everywhere now?; game: movies trivia. News; what profession could you fake for a day/week/year etc?; game: 5 letter title song; goodbye/fun facts....national tattoo removal day..Ever immediately regretted a tattoo that you thought would be an excellent idea at the time? Or perhaps you got caught up in the hype and made a reckless decision? Over 20% of American adults who have a tattoo regret getting it..National Tattoo Removal Day is celebrated thirty whole days after Tattoo Day since that's the first day that you're allowed to remove a tattoo after it has been applied. For some, tattoo removal alleviates physical symptoms like allergic reactions to certain inks. Experts say keep in mind...removal usually takes a minimum of 3 sessions and is often times a bit more painful than getting the actual tattoo.

News; birthdays/events; Brad's WOTD SFA; word of the day. News; school drop off...did your mom ever wear curlers and a robe?; game: The Partridge Family TV show trivia; messing up recipe by using wrong ingredient by accident. News; creature of habit...what 'same thing' do you do everyday?; game: one second song game; what did you see that you weren't supposed to? (reddit question) News; our society can be pretty rude...but is being too polite just as bad?; game: mindtrap goodbye/fun facts....Afternoon Tea Week was established to help secure a tradition that has graced British afternoons since the 1840's. In those days, dinner wasn't usually served until 8pm! Even though it is called “tea”, there is far more than just a beverage being served in the afternoon! Traditionally this light meal contains tiny finger sandwiches, as well as scones with jam and clotted cream. once Queen Victoria took part in this tradition...the concept of the ‘tea reception' was born. Not everyone can stop down every afternoon for a full on tea receiption...but for people who only have time for a simple cup of tea each day, remember, it's the perfect occasion to take a few breaths in the very British tradition that lets people “Keep Calm, and Carry On.”

News; birthdays/events; do you modify your favorite childhood snack so it's "healthier"?  one famous band does!; word of the day. News; game: vinyl record trivia; ever seen someone get hurt because they weren't paying attention to their surroundings? what if it was on national tv?; has your animal ever accidentally turned on an appliance? (Ashley's dog did once). News; game: name the celebrity audiobook reader; ever made a purchase and regretted it the next day?; sticks and stones saying...but words can really hurt...which word would you never want to hear again? News; game: Ashley sings the chorus;  if you had a mascot marry you...which one would you chose? (Hellman's mayo story); goodbye/fun facts....National Julienne Fries Day...do you have a favorite type of french fry? There are lots of types: fresh cut vs frozen, curly, waffle, cottage, home fries, steak fries, just name a few...but today we celebrate the skinny sliced potato...using the french the julienne cut which slices vegetables into thin, matchstick-like pieces. This technique has long been a staple in French cooking. (since the early 1700's). You can practice this cut at home...or you can buy these frozen at the grocery store!

News; birthdays/events; what has been the highlight of summer of 2025?; word of the day. News; game: quiz; game: feud; would you drink 2 cups of hot chocolate a day? News; Buzzfeed list of things that used to be free; would you consider switching to a fast food chain for your morning cup of joe? (delish list of options); most and least stolen cars last year. News; married men buy a new toothbrush every 3 years...what are you not replacing as often as you should?; game: calendar trivia; goodbye/fun facts....Play In The Sand Day is all about grabbing a moment of fun, barefoot adventures, and creative play! Whether it's on the coastline or a cozy backyard sandbox, this day is a reminder to let loose and mold your imagination into sandcastles of possibility. In 1914 Swiss psychoanalyst Carl Jungs developed sand play therapy after discovering its therapeutic benefits...The first International Sand Sculpting Festival, held in 1974, showcased the artistry and creativity of sand sculptors.... and today kinetic sand, the squeezable sand that never dries out, is a huge hit with not only kids....but parents and teachers...because you get all the benefits of sand therapy without the mess.

News; birthdays/events; state fair food; word of the day. News; would you be ok if the speed limit was 18 mph?; game: what movie is this song from?; we just can't resist a good deal!! News; what band would you like to see make a lullaby album?; game: backwards song game; can you diagnose a problem with your car by the noise it's making? News; babies aren't the only ones who need "tummy time"; game: boomer trivia;  goodbye/fun facts....national Mochi Day...its a traditional Japanese rice cake and according to Japanese culture, mochi symbolizes prosperity and longevity. It comes in a range of shapes and sizes, with a range of different fillers.  It can be sweet or savory...it can be grilled or baked. In the U.S we mostly consume the ice cream version of mochi which calls for ingredients such as sweet glutinous rice flour, sugar, water and either corn starch or potato starch for dusting to make it less gummy. 

News; birthdays/events; planning a trip vs reality of the trip...does it match up?; word of the day. News; blooper reels in movies/TV shows...yes or no?; do your snacks ever become your meals?; besides winning the lottery...a list of things that would make us happier. News; game: classic commercial jingles; should we have dress codes for kids at school and adults at work?; stories of embarassing things people have done in public. News; actual warning labels on products; besides ketchup...a list of what people prefer to dip their fries in; goodbye/fun facts....National Lighthouse Day honors the beacon of light that for hundreds of years symbolized safety and security for ships and boats at sea. At one time, the beacon of light could be found across almost all of America's shorelines. Once lit by open fire and candles, they're now brightly lit by electric or oil-fueled lamps. However, the number of lighthouses are declining. Maintenance is expensive and modern electrical navigation systems are replacing them. The first lighthouse in the United States was Boston Light, located on Little Brewster Island in Boston Harbor. It was first lit on September 14, 1716...but the oldest existing lighthouse in the United States is the Sandy Hook Lighthouse in New Jersey. Built in 1764, this lighthouse is still in operation. lighthouses are maintained and operated by The United States Coast Guard....go on a lighthouse tour.

News; birthdays/events; there is new "better" way to cut your sandwich; word of the day. News; game: songs that feature flutes; 20% of us are having to use layaway to buy groceries!!; interesting way to get resume in front of decision makers. News; game: $1,000 pyramid; where do you draw the line between your comfort and someone elses inconvenience?; Ashley SFA surgery. News; game: I should have known that; funny story of the day; goodbye/fun facts....National Fresh Breath Day...Most people aren't aware of the fact that over 50% of the bacteria found in the human mouth contributes to bad breath. The easiest way to take care of our teeth and gums is by committing to a dental hygiene routine that includes brushing our teeth two times a day, flossing, and regularly visiting the dentist..bad breath has been around since civilization began. The Ancient Egyptians created the first known breath fresheners by boiling herbs and spices with honey to form chewable pellets. During medieval times, people chewed on cloves, cinnamon sticks, or fennel seeds to mask unpleasant breath. The association of mint with fresh breath dates back to the Romans, who chewed mint leaves after meals. By the 18th century, mint became the flavor of choice in tooth powders and eventually in modern toothpaste. In 1876 Colgate introduced toothpaste in a tube, similar to what is used today. Just like your physical health, it's also extremely important to take care of your oral health. A good dental hygiene routine also keeps serious ailments such as mouth ulcers and cancers at bay.

News; birthdays/events; can you get fired from your job for being "too friendly"?  it happened in Australia!; word of the day. News; game: 3 word movie clue; should couples who cheer for a different sports team get married?; do you like have streamers so you can be introduced to shows you may never know about or would you like to pick and choose what you'd like to watch? News; game: WKRP TV series trivia; people reveal dark secrets of their job; dull men's club (although it's for men and women). News; game: general trivia; traveling MLB field...wouldn't it be great to bring a stadium closer to fans who may never be able to go to a game?; goodbye/fun facts....National Oyster Day! Oysters are enjoyed all over the world. There are over 100 different species of oysters and interestingly, oysters tend to take on the characteristics of the water in which they live. Because of this, they're typically named after the body of water in which they grow. While many people enjoy fresh oysters raw, they can also be savored in multiple other ways. As a side dish, oysters add immense flavor to Thanksgiving dressing. They also make delicious stews, soups, and chowders. Other recipes will bake, grill or broil the oysters with or without the shell. If you don't eat oysters...maybe you can buy a string of pearls since that's where pearls come from.

News; birthdays/events; how do you balance your kid(s) after school lesson/activity schedules?; word of the day. News; game: quiz; game: feud; Buzzfeed list of the coolest jobs out there! News; is self checkout convenient, confusing, problematic etc for you?; Jason Mamoa shaves beard off for a movie roll...he says he hates it!!; best video games of all time. News; would you rather have noisy neighbors or nosy neighbors?; game: calendar trivia; goodbye/fun facts....National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day...America's #1 favorite cookie! Whether yours are homemade or store bought, the only way to celebrate is to indulge in chocolate chip cookies. If Ruth Graves Wakefield hadn't run out of baker's chocolate for her cookie recipe that day in 1937 none of this would have happened. The cookie recipe she was preparing called for baker's chocolate and would have blended smoothly into the dough. She grabbed some semi-sweet chocolate that she had on hand instead...and figured it would just melt into the dough and work much like the baker's chocolate. Oh...and by the way..she and her husband owned the Tollhouse Inn...and that's why they're called tollhouse cookies!

News; birthdays/events; most hated foods (list); word of the day. News; would you airtag your loved ones?; actors who didn't get into acting until they switched careers; game: MTV trivia. News; would you change your name if it was the same name as a famous criminal?; need a book recommendation? download 'Dan's List'; game: spoiler alert game. News; America's favorite sandwich...is yours on the list?; game: password; goodbye/fun facts....National Water Balloon Day...it is held on the first Friday of August...dedicated to celebrating the jiggly water-filled balloons that can make a dull, hot summer's day memorable and enjoyable. In 1824 Michael Faraday invents the first rubber balloon....then in 1950, Edgar Ellington invents the modern water balloon (by accident as happens with many inventions) using a latex sock initially as a way to treat trench foot...but the balloon kept breaking. Today there are several different variations...the single fill, the ones you don't have to tie in a knot, the ones you can fill up to 100 at a time...and even reusable ones!! The point is...get out there and have some summertime fun!

News; birthdays/events; when you fly...do you try to avoid layovers?; word of the day. News; would you want a 'bee'...are you going to watch what you say/your behavior because other people will have one?; if you could summarize your childhood summer in a flavor or a food or a smell...what would it be?; game: outburst. News; home trends that are on their way out; Battle of the Sexes 1; Battle of the Sexes 2. News; feel good story; buzzfeed list of "old people habits"; goodbye/fun facts....Shredded Wheat Day...it's one of the oldest cereals in the world. The idea started in the early 1890s when Henry D. Perky, a lawyer, was looking for a food that helped with digestion/stomach issues he was having. On the advice of his doctor, Perky began to eat whole boiled wheat and vegetable, which he did until he observed another patient with the same health issues blending whole wheat with milk and that inspired Perky to take his boiled wheat product to his machinist friend, William H. Ford, who helped to build a machine that shredded boiled wheat and weaved it into pillow-shaped biscuits. By 1901, he opened a large factory in Niagara Falls and over the years companies like Nabisco, Kraft, and Post took over the brand...and today there are different varieties of shredded wheat that include blueberry, raspberry, cherry and cranberry flavors....although nothing beats the frosted variety!

News; birthdays/events; do you prefer handwriting your notes/lists or using computer/smartphone?; word of the day. News; places you should use credit card instead of debit; life skills we no longer need; if a relative left you $$ but caveat is you have to change your name...would you? News; what decade would you like to go back to because they had the best/coolest: hairstyles, fashion, music etc?; game: mind the gap 1; game: mind the gap 2. News; pros/cons of being tall or short; game: Arnold Schwarzenegger birthday trivia; goodbye/fun facts....National Cheesecake Day...Separately, cheese and cake are beloved all over the world but together they attract a veritable cult following. Cheesecake is thought to have originated in ancient Greece as evidenced by its earliest mention in Greek physician's book on the art of making cheesecakes. Since then, cheesecake has been passed down through the generations and entered into the fabric of numerous cultures. Cheesecake was fed to the greek athletes during the Olympics held back in 776 B.C. It was not until when the Romans conquered ancient Greece that eggs and proper baking methods were introduced. As time went by, the recipe was modified several times to get that perfect ratio of smooth to creamy consistency...and an immigrant named Arnold Reuben from Germany, who lived in New York, was so fascinated and intrigued by the dessert, that he decided to experiment with the recipe until he came up with what we know today as the New York Cheesecake. 

News; birthdays/events; do you get embarrassed easily? do you cringe when others get embarrassed?; word of the day. News; game: songs featuring the piano; have ever been injured putting on your clothes?; are we or are we not supposed to put ketchup on hot dogs? News; game: just over $1,000 pyramid; do you want your car to be your "third workspace"? women spend 2.5 years of their life getting ready...men don't seem to but 2.5 seconds of thought into their appearance...but a new men's style report says they should. News; game: lyric redemption game; we need to getaway...even if it's just a staycation; "goodbye/fun facts....national chicken wing day...aka buffalo wings, hot wings, or just wings....we love em!! The wingette, the drum, sauces or dry rubs...each of us eats between 100 and 300 of 'em per year!  The World Record for the most chicken wings eaten is 444-in just 26 minutes! According to the National Chicken Council in the USA, deep fried chicken wings are not a new thing. They have been part of southern cooking for generations. However, the idea for cooking the wings in a spicy hot sauce came about in 1964, bar co-owner, Teresa Belissimo, was trying to make a late night snack for her son and his friends at Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York. Beyond the usual sauces, some restaurants offer dessert wings, like chocolate-drizzled or cinnamon sugar-dusted varieties....and vegan and vegetarian wings have gained popularity, made from ingredients like cauliflower, seitan, or jackfruit.

News; birthdays/events; are you a completely different person on the weekends than you are on a the weekdays?; word of the day. News; most and least offensive smells (men vs women); game: quiz; game: feud. News; world drowning day...water safety tips; if you had the means...would you hire family members?; besides drinking it...things you can do with beer. News; did you know that you can send money to the government to pay off our national debt?; calendar trivia; goodbye/fun facts.... National Waterpark Day...from the thrilling, water-plunging rides for those who seek the white-knuckle hydro-power of slides to the lazy rivers and wave pools for the those who like things a bit more 'chill', water parks emerged in the mid-20th century with the development of public swimming pools and later, more elaborate attractions like slides and wave pools. Wet 'n' Wild in Orlando, opened in 1977, is often cited as the first modern water park, pioneering the concept of a dedicated water-based amusement park. Nearly every state has at least one...some are outdoor...some are indoor and some are even on cruise ships!! but they all offer a way to cool down from the heat! 

News; birthdays/events; babysitter dilemma; word of the day. News; game: song lyrics quiz; Tiffy Taffy list of things we believed as a society in 1970; something your kids said that made you feel old. News; game: Saturday morning TVtrivia; most and least glamorous jobs; reasons why we lose interest in things as we get older (have you seen the price of parking!) News; game: getting to know you; items we don't really buy anymore; goodbye/fun facts....national merry go round day...whether you call the merry go rounds or carousels...you'll find them at fairs, carnivals, and amusement parks. One of the first conceptual designs for a carousel was in 500 A.D. in the Byzantine Empire, which depicts baskets, carrying riders, suspended from a central pole. This was an activity that needed excellent horsemanship and skill. In fact, the word carousel comes from the word ‘garosello,' which is Italian, and the word ‘carosella,' which is Spanish. It means ‘little battle.'  It was only in the 17th century that carousels became entertainment....However, it was not until the 1840s when Franz Wiesenoffer created the first merry-go-round in the United States in Hessville, Ohio. Unfortunately he did not patent the design and so he's not officially credited as the creator. And for some reason: Merry-go-rounds tend to turn in a clockwise direction in Europe, and counter-clockwise in North America.

News; birthdays/events; AIi pics are everywhere...selfies, headshots, family/vacation pics...do you like them? can you tell a difference?; word of the day 600! News; what would you tell your teenage self...are these the same things you would tell to your teenage child?; game: who wants to be a fake millionaire part 1; game: who wants to be a fake millionaire part 2. News; if you looked like someone famous...would you ever enter a 'look-a-like" contest?;   game: Airplane (the movie) trivia, states with the most aggressive drivers. News; 10,000 adults in a survey said these "little" things make them happy; second adolescence; goodbye/fun facts....national drive thru day...celebrates the fact we can pick up and eat a meal without having to leave the comfort of our car! Whether its picking up food or coffee, dropping off the mail, a prescription or the dry cleaning, pulling up to a window is eminently easier than even finding a parking spot. But the whole drive thru concept started at a bank...in 1928, the City Center Bank in Syracuse, New York and 20 years later when fast food restaurants began...that industry said...oh, watch this! Today there are over 211,000 drive thrus in America! Many people think the drive-thru is faster...however it will depend on the type of service, time of day, and where you are located. For example, a long line in the drive-thru may mean no waiting inside. 

News; birthdays/events; game: Cheers TV show trivia; word of the day. News; game: guitar song intros; funny work screw up stories; have you ever tossed something instead of cleaning it because you didn't want to deal with it? News; game: speakout; ways to save on school supplies; when it comes to purchasing expensive tech gadgets...how do you choose? do Youtube videos help? (Ashley's coffee maker SFA). News; is it ok to break up with someone when they're having a bad day already?; most dangerous foods to eat in the car/while driving; goodbye/fun facts....National Sprinkle Day...the colorful flecks of sugar we all know and love. It is a well-accepted fact that no matter the hardships, sprinkles make everyone's day just a little better. Sprinkles are used for many things across the world, the most common of which probably is topping ice cream but of course on donuts, cake, or cupcakes! Sprinkles can be dated back to, at least, the 18th century when they were referred to as Nonpareils. The idea of the modern sprinkles dates back to 1913 when Dutch confectionaire, Erven H. de Jong created something by the name of ‘hagelslag' which were intended to be used as a topping for bread and butter, of all things. These tiny confections made their way to America, where they were warmly embraced and given the playful name “jimmies".

News; birthdays/events; how comfortable are you leaving your windows cracked open?; word of the day. News; does swimming count as a shower?; game: 70's TV show theme songs; America's favorite pies. News; when grown ups act like fools (fire department story); game: saxophone songs; have you tried to talk someone out of doing something and then they come back to you for comfort when your prediction was correct....are you sympathetic? News; Gen Z etiquette rules; game: everybody knows; goodbye/fun facts....mango day...The yellow fruit is world-famous for its sweet and juicy flavors. It's primarily a summer fruit, and it comes in all shapes and sizes, and with each variety, there's a different way to enjoy the taste. Many people in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh eat the fruit whole, without cutting it up. Mangoes are extremely versatile. They go well in sweet dishes as well as savory ones. You can crush them up to make ice popsicles or mango puree, or you can cut them into cubes to have in your leafy salads and they are super nutritious! One mango contains almost two and a half times more vitamin C than an orange and they are also high in vitamins A, B-6 and K, antioxidants, potassium and dietary fiber.

News; birthdays/events; what did you want to do (job/career, etc) but decided against it for a stupid reason?; word of the day. News; do you pay attention to food and/or product recalls?; how young is too young to vote? to drink? to gamble?;  word pronunciations we look up the most on google. News; game: quiz; game: feud; we talked last week about being polite...but here's some guidelines from "The Guild of Professional English Butlers". News; when was the last time you bought yourself flowers? experts say you should do it often!!; game: calendar trivia; goodbye/fun facts....National Lamington Day...a lamington is a sweet snack from Australia that is cake-based and generally eaten for morning tea, afternoon tea, or high tea. Lord Lamington, Governor of Queensland, Australia from 1896 to 1901 receives credit for creating the lamington....kind of by accident. His story goes that he was having his favorite yellow sponge cake served for his guests when the maid-servant accidentally dropped the cake into melted chocolate. He recommended the kitchen staff roll the squares in coconut shavings to make them less messy for guests to eat with their tea. It has become Australia's most famous culinary icon. Today, many Aussies and New Zealanders enjoy this iconic delicacy with strawberry jam or lemone curd in the center and a dollop of whipped cream on top.

News; birthdays/events; most iconic album covers of all time; word of the day. News; how to be polite 101; game: mind the gap part 1; game: mind the gap part 2. News; should we charge people and/or fine people based on their income?; Ranker.com list of things that make you a 'terrible person'; most memorable product logos. News; game: Foolish Frankie product songs; parents face almost 2,000 decisions to make in a baby's 1st year of life...which ones are the toughest?; goodbye/fun facts....National Sour Candy Day! adults and children alike enjoy these lip-puckering, eye-watering flavors. All throughout history, people have enjoyed sour fruits and foods, but sour candy is a relatively new phenomenon...originally candy manufacturers relied on acidic ingredients — most commonly, vinegar — to convert cane sugar to glucose, creating a sweet-tart combination. Candy makers would wait for special events or holidays like halloween to experiment with flavors not normally sold to the public, and the sour candy market officially took off. For example, Ferrara Pan Candy Company introduced a sour candy called the Atomic Fireball right around the time of the U.S. military's first detonation of the hydrogen bomb. This candy — filled with capsaicin and cinnamaldehyde — would end up leaving the mouth numb. One of the characteristics of sour candy is its ability to make anyone and everyone pucker their lips because of the taste....from lemonheads to sour patch kids...to Sour Skittles. In fact sour candy can be used to relieve blocked salivary glands — although it should be eaten in moderation.

News; birthdays/events; if your kids are over 18 and still live at home...when would you start charging them for rent? (or would you??); word of the day. News; unusual life events people celebrate (some cultures have parades for the dead); game: Disneyland grand opening trivia; when you're on vacation, should you (or do you) stick to your diet? what if your travelling partner isn't? News; on average we break 32 laws a year without realizing...(besides speeding) what makes the list?; game: General trivia; a man in Arizona was fined by his HOA for trying to help people!! (Ashley actually got a warning from her HOA for a similar act). News; what's your biggest beef with your car's design?; game: I should have known that; Fun Facts: national peach ice cream day...Ice cream has become a dessert that has its own fan base. From times of happiness to times of sadness, ice creams of different flavors play a great role in uplifting the mood. While Georgia may be the first state to come to mind when we think of peaches, California actually leads the nation in production. The creation of peach ice cream also has an intriguing story behind it. It all started when Auguste Escoffier, a French chef created a new dessert for a dinner party. The sweet dish was a fascinating ice sculpture of a swan that was resting on vanilla ice cream and was topped with peaches and sugar. In 1900, the chef created a new version of the dessert containing peaches with raspberry puree. It is this fusion of flavors and ingredients that later led to the creation of peach ice cream.

News; birthdays/events; should we start scanning/digitally saving everything we can find for historical purposes?; word of the day. News; game: Will Ferrell birthday trivia; do you frequent shops/restaurants that offer "rewards points"...do you sign up for everything?; things that will be obsolete in 10 years/things that changed quietly. News; game: movie studio logo audio part 2; harsh truths that will make you a better person; July/August peak season for stolen cars! News; game: minute mysteries; how often should Amazon do 'prime days'?; goodbye/fun facts....National Corn Fritters Day...the crispy, flavorful bites of corn and batter and if you make them with fresh corn the celebration will be even better! Corn is the number one crop grown in the United States--we produce more corn than any country in the world. Fritters are super versitile!!  You can make them meat, fruit, vegetables, seafood, you name it...just mix it with batter and fry it up! If you like things spicy you can kick up the spice level by mixing scallions, shallots, jalapenos and garlic into the batter! Summer is peak corn season so enjoy while the gettin' is good!! When there's a bumper crop of sweet corn, be sure to freeze some for a taste of Summer during the Winter. These corn fritters will brighten up a gloomy, cold day. 

News; birthdays/events; did you ever throw a party when your parents were away...did you get away with it or get caught?; word of the day. News; how do you feel about A.I. generated music?; game: Twitter quiz; top "feel good/wellness" activities. News; do you have a '10 year itch' when it comes to your job?; game: movie studio logo audio; do you give fake names when you order your coffee? what if your job required that you weren't allowed to give your real name? News; states that eat the most fast food; game: mindtrap; goodbye/fun facts.... National Tapioca Pudding Day...Tapioca is a starch derived from the cassava root. The word has been around since the 1500's and is derived from the Tupi language spoken by natives in the Northeast region of Brazil tapioca's country of origin and there it's prepared differently. Brazilians make tapioca flatbreads and add sweet or savory fillings to them. While the root looks similar in shape and color to a sweet potato...grinding down the root produces a flour or powder used as a thickening agent and for those sensitive to gluten, substitute tapioca in place of flour as a thickening agent in recipes. Try it in recipes for pancakes, cookies, and other baked goods. Tapioca also provides an excellent source of vitamin B, manganese, and iron. Tapioca is also produced into pearls and used in pudding which is typically how most Americans eat it.

News; birthdays/events; MLB--ABS yay or nay?; word of the day. News; the newest 'Pepsi where's my jet' incident; game: quiz; game: feud. News; have you ever been 'Hugh Grant tired'?; ancient Roman dating tips; funny married names (old Johnny Carson bit). News; do you have a 'seflie side'? what does that even mean?; game: calendar trivia; goodbye/fun facts....National Tape Measure Day. We know there's a tape measure nestled in your toolkit or crammed in the back of a junk drawer. Everyone has one because they're universally useful! Whether you need a tape measure for your job as a seamstress or construction worker, or you just need to know if your couch will fit in your living room, you'll need a tape measure. Though we humans have been measuring for centuries, the more modern form of the ruler came in 1821 when James Chesterman a craftsman from Sheffield, England, who worked in the fashion business, created long steel tape measures as an accidental byproduct of the metal hoops he made that were inside popular dress skirts...which was later improved upon by Alvin J. Fellows, an inventor from the United States who patented the first spring measuring tape.  They were originally made out of steel until 1968 when fiberglass tape measures hit the U.S. market....and now tape measures have gone digital.  You can download tape measure apps!

News; birthdays/events; preppies, yuppies, trust fund babies...and now: dinkwads; word of the day. News; game: is Ashley smarter than a 5th grader?; Waffle House made a major announcements...will other restaurants follow suit?; funny office complaints according to office managers/HR. News; game: Amazon Prime trivia; we need waterproof books in the Summer...yes??; stop using these 'vague phrases' on your resume. News; game: movies password; besides chips and salsa...what's the appetizer you can't resist?; goodbye/fun facts....National Rainier Cherry Day...one of the nation's best-loved summer fruits. The day also marks the peak of the Rainier cherry harvest for growers...Washington produces some of the highest quantities of Rainier cherries in the entire United States. The Rainier cherries are golden yellow cherries with tender, creamy-yellow flesh and a red blush. In 1952, Harry Fogle of Washington State University developed the Rainier cherry by cross-breeding the Bing and Van cherry varieties. While cherries in general present growing challenges, Rainier cherries are unique. Their delicate skins require the cherries to be hand-picked because they bruise so easilty...hence the cost difference from bing cherries...but cherry lovers agree...they are worth the price!

News; birthdays/events; would you want to go to prison for a night or 2 to get away from everyone?; word of the day. News; is it a good idea to retro fit existing buildings (Pizza Hut story); game: top hits 1975; now that July 4th is over...do you still feel patriotic?  News; weird but amazing things to grill; game: songs from 1985; how long would you sit and wait for an artist you paid money to see (Ashley has Tanya Tucker story) and Lauryn Hill just did this to a stadium full of people. News; trendiest ice cream flavors 2025; game: songs from 1995; goodbye/fun facts....It's frosty and delightfully creamy....a concoction of pineapple, rum, and coconut cream, the Piña Colada.  Although a couple different stories lay claim to it's invention...it is rumored that  bartender Ramón “Monchito” Marrero first prepared it at the Caribe Hilton's Beachcomber Bar in San Juan, Puerto Rico on August 16, 1954. The hotel had requested that Monchito mix a new signature drink that embodied the flavors of the island. And it's just as good even without the alcohol...The velvety, sugary ingredients come together in a dessert-like concoction that can satisfy your sweet tooth no matter what age or drink preference you have. And if a slushy drink isn't your thing...try pina colada cake or pina colada jelly beans.

News; birthdays/events; how much $$ do men and women spend each month on our appearance?; word of the day. News; game: Tom Hanks birthday trivia; would you trick your way back in to the groomer?; were your parents strict? are you as a parent? News; game: outburst; if your spouse or good friend has a falling out with another friend...do you have to side with your spouse/friend?; America's favorite cookie. News; game: movie password; clutter free gifts; goodbye/fun facts....national sugar cookie day...Sugar cookies have roots in ancient Rome, where simple honey-sweetened dough was baked into small cakes....but sugar cookies as we know them today originated back in the 1700's in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, sugar cookies were initially referred to as Nazareth Cookies by German Protestant settlers and baked in the shape of keystones. Today, sugar cookie making and decorating has become an art form since they hold their shape when baked. Once the cookie is baked, the cookie artist adds colored frosting or icing. Sprinkles, edible glitter, colored sugars, and additional details may be added. A lot of cookie recipes will call for you to bake the cookies until they turn golden-brown. However, sugar cookies are an exception to this rule. They are overbaked if you have baked them until you have noticed the edges have turned to a golden hue...

News; birthdays/events; game: just over $1,000 pyramid; word of the day. News; how close do you stand next to strangers?; game: mind the gap part 1; game: mind the gap part 2. News; home remedies if you can't find your first aid kit; recipe roulette; making common products from unusual sources. News; famous people's names were mispronouncing; alternative pets; goodbye/fun facts....National Blueberry Day ...a healthy, tasty, nutrient-packed, fiber-rich, and antioxidant-rich fruit. Blueberries are perennial flowering plants native to North America. The blueberries we see today are relatively new...they were first grown in the 1900s. However humans have been consuming the wild variety for more than 13,000 years. The U.S. and Chile are the largest producers of blueberries in the world. Blueberries are versatile fruits. They can be dried, crushed, mixed, and even added as a flavor....and they also make great treats for dogs!

News; birthdays/events; we want businesses open 24/7...good idea?; word of the day. News; game: quiz; game: feud; do you secretly love your commute? News; overlooked food that tastes great grilled; should we be hiring more grumpy and lazy workers?; have you ever had bad dreams/nightmares that seemed really real? News; how fast does bad info spread?; game: calendar trivia; goodbye/fun facts....National Strawberry Sundae Day...Hot summer days call for a sweet, refreshing treat and there is no better way to escape the summer heat than with this delicious dessert. There are many U.S. cities that still battle over claiming stake as the birthplace of the sundae in the late 1880s, but one thing is for sure, the sundae is an American favorite. Vanilla or strawberry ice cream, strawberry sauce, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream. Then in 1915, Harold Dean Thayer makes his version of a sundae by drizzling chocolate sauce over a scoop of ice cream, topped with marshmallow sauce and peanuts and called it a tin roof sundae. You can even make your own strawberry sauce...which by the way...isn't difficult to do and tastes waaaaaay better!

News; birthdays/events; most embarrassing thing that happened to you as a kid?; word of the day. News; facts about 4th of July; game: patriotic word ladder; most annoying words Americans say. News; July 4th pet safety; game: patriotic trivia; what time should fireworks stop at night? News; would you give up your seat for an elderly person or a pregnant woman?; game: patriotic songs; goodbye/fun facts....National Barbecued Spare Ribs Day...a lot of us spend the day celebrating July 4th by grilling various kinds of meats and vegetables. Barbecue lunches are common and everyone is eager to show off their grilling skills! Spare ribs were intended to be served grilled. Short or long, over charcoal or gas, and in the heat of summer with various dips and sauces...but if you don't want to eat meat...today is also Jackfruit Day...which people adhering to a plant-based diet use as meat substitute and many people love jackfruit with bbq sauce!  Although jackfruit is challenging to prepare....it does come canned, frozen, and vacuum packed in many grocers and retailers nationwide.  So enjoy some meat or non meat alternative bbq today!

News; birthdays/events; is happiness a grand illusion?; word of the day. News; game: everybody knows; can you pass the srt test?; would you book a vacation based on your sign? News; game: I should have known that; does your company do fun events...bowling, movies, picnics etc?; a fun/funny look at America (since July 4 is tomorrow). News; game: Tom Cruise birthday trivia; maximize your day and double your productivity in less than 5 minutes a day; goodbye/fun facts....International Drop a Rock Day...along the lines of random acts of kindness. Just about everyone can join in on the fun.  Drop a rock day involves finding or buying some rocks, decorating or painting them however you'd like and putting them around at the park, hiking trail, lakeside, neighborhood or other greenspace to leave little messages of hope and light on rocks. As a civilization...we have been writing or painting on rocks since the ancient caves tens of thousands of years ago! With the advent of drop a rock day...every year there is a theme...and this year's theme is HOPE...Just remember to keep the rocks in places where people can find them – and away from areas where they might be a nuisance for a lawnmower!

News; birthdays/events; why don't we "coupon" as much as we used to...what about digital coupons?; word of the day. News; who do you think is the coolest actor? study shows what makes people 'cool'; game: Larry David trivia; how long do you need to wait to discuss a show's "spoiler"? News; remember garanimals? (Ashley thinks some adults still need that) but what if AI could help dress you?; game: drum intro songs; how likely are you to "play with fireworks"? News; according to Allstate insurance...2025 list of the best and worst drivers (cities); game: prison commissary price is right; goodbye/fun facts....Made in the USA Day...it's celebrated a couple days before Independence Day when patriotic feelings are at an all-time high. Made in the USA Day encourages the manufacturing of goods in America and customers to choose these goods instead of those that are imported from elsewhere. The labels on products that signify the country of origin are regulated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). While these labels are mandatory for imported goods, only some products made in America must have the labels. It's not always possible....but maybe at least try to buy exclusively American-made products at least today. There's a website: authenticity50.com is a site dedicated to those that hand-make or manufacture products in America.

News; birthdays/events; throwback music is the #1 thing that triggers happy memories...what on your top 3?; word of the day. News; the movie theater business model could be gone before we know it...what do you think they should do?; game: Dan Aykroyd trivia; do you make weekly meal prep calendars? are you super inspired to try new meals? News; Paul McCartney revealed his 3 favorite albums of all time...what's one of yours?; game: celebrity audio books; hidden costs of vacation. News; would you rather watch real fireworks or drones? some fireworks have really bizarre names btw!! (like "unicorn puke"); did you stop eating/drinking something only to start again after many years? Ashley did!!; goodbye/fun facts....second Half of the Year Day...the 182nd Day of the Year) is an opportunity to take a step back, and analyze your year thus far with your goals and objectives (forget the New Year's resolutions, which likely didn't survive beyond February), and take action to get back on track if required. It's an excellent time to reflect on your money, nutrition, work, and other parts of your life that you might wish to change. Make the rest of the year count!