Ashley and Brad Show

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!

News; birthdays/events; do you wait for Amazon Prime Day to buy stuff? Ashley has a bunch of stuff in her cart!; word of the day. News; Ashley's friend doesn't like new technology because she can't manually adjust the time; if you plan on driving a lot this summer...car maintenance myths; the average American has 7 vhs tapes...still!!! News; what are you most looking forward to in July (besides fireworks)?; game: quiz; game: feud. News; even the guy who invented Chat GPT says 'beware'!!; game: calendar trivia;  goodbye/fun facts....world snorkeling day...Snorkeling is the practice of swimming through the water while equipped with a diving mask, a shaped breathing tube called a snorkel, and usually swimfins. It requires little effort as long as one knows how to swim, as you don't need training or any complicated equipment. The first use of ‘snorkel' was in November 1950, when the Honolulu Sporting Goods Co. introduced a ‘swim-pipe,' urging children and adults to ‘try the human version of the submarine snorkel and be like a fish,' likely referring to the German word ‘schnorchel' that originally referred to an air intake that was used to supply air to the diesel engines of U-boats. No coastline nearby? Watch a live reef stream or explore an interactive marine tour online. Some aquariums offer high‑quality videos of tropical ecosystems. These let you see sea turtles, rays, and reef fish in real time. Kids and adults alike can join the adventure from any room with Wi‑Fi.

News; birthdays/events; do you judge people on what they eat?  HALF of us do!!; word of the day. News; research shows we all need daily awe...what's yours?; game: Mel Brooks birthday trivia; what one talent do you wish you had? News; how much work do you do "off the clock"?; game: Jaws movie trivia; what's the weirdest thing you've ever owned?...how did you get it? News; people are surprisingly sensitive about how tall they are...and we start shrinking well before we think we do!!; game: song title trios; goodbye/fun facts....National Bingo Day... this timeless game that has evolved from a simple lottery in 16th-century Italy to a digital phenomenon in the 21st century....it first came to the U.S. in the 1920's...but it was called “Beano". It was standardized by Hugh J. Ward where players used a cardboard sheet, dried beans, and a rubber stamp to participate in the fun....Legend has it that the name “Bingo” emerged from a winner's excited slip of the tongue, replacing “Beano.” After that — as they say — the rest is history. No complex rules here. Basically, if you can count, you can play Bingo and you can play for big money...Catherine Zeta-Jones's father won a significant bingo prize, which funded her theater school education, propelling her acting career.

News; birthdays/events; would you eat dandelions?; word of the day. News; game: percussion--clapping in songs; BMW has a new blinker system...using the driver's eyes!; plain Jane/plain Joe is the new normal. News; game: battle of the sexes part 1; game: battle of the sexes part 2; do you keep thermostat down for the dogs when you aren't home? News; how early to get to the movie theater?; July 4...long weekend things to do; goodbye/fun facts....National Bomb Pop Day...the Summertime favorite that reminds us of fireworks! The Bomb Pop was invented by D.S. Abernethy and James Merritt in 1955 during the outset of the Cold War. The duo came up with this cool, frozen treat as a way to reflect American patriotism and ease tensions felt in households watching U.S. and Soviet Union navigate the possibility of a nuclear war. Original Bomb Pops were a combination of cherry (red), lime (white), and raspberry (blue). However, since 2015, several other flavors are available...the Bomb Pop story is not without its share of controversy, too. In 1989, Popsicle released the Firecracker Pop as the Bomb Pop's direct rival...so whichever brand you enjoy...enjoy one today!

News; birthdays/events; can you act "over-confident"?; word of the day. News; returnless returns...good idea?; game: songs with sax solos; list of Star Wars action figures worth the most money. News; bizarre items you can't bring on planes; game: password; would you try a beauty product if it made you smell bad? News; what's the most mileage you've ever put on a car?; game: movies trivia; goodbye/fun facts....National Strawberry Parfait Day. The dessert's name means ‘perfect' in French...The traditional parfait is a dessert of ice cream or frozen custard layered with fruit and whipped cream in a tall stemmed glass....but strawberries are in peak season right now..which makes them the perfect summer snack packed with flavor and health benefits. Use this day as an excuse to eat strawberry parfait for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can also have it as a midday snack. You can customize it any way you'd like: plain yogurt, greek yogurt, non dairy yogurt, ricotta cream, Granola, nuts and seeds, or even pretzels.

News; birthdays/events; ways to keep cool; word of the day. News; game: 1 second songs; what's something you HAVE to do every summer?; there are luxury boats, yachts, superyachts, and then what Jeff Bezos has. News; game: TV theme show music; gen z job "requirements"; how many of these money wasting things are you guilty of? News; game: general trivia; 70% of us write less than 3 checks a year...but some businesses only take cash or checks...when was the last place you went to that didn't take cc or e-payments?; goodbye/fun facts....National Upcycling Day is all about turning something old into something new again! There are tons of websites and guides that can introduce you to upcycling and show you how to make new furniture, accessories, and even a few handy tools out of things you might otherwise throw away. Artists in the Netherlands turned a defunct Boeing 747 into a functional conference room. That's obviously large scale...but in the 1930s, families transformed feed sacks into dresses, curtains, and other essentials after the great depression. Nowadays people transform jars, cans, and other containers into planters, storage solutions, or decorative items or repurposing metal items like cans, old tools, or even washing machine drums into planters, fire pits, or other functional objects. 

News; birthdays/events; how often do you shop online when you're shopping in the store?; word of the day. News; game: quiz; game: feud; things not to leave in your car in the Summer. News; frugal habits that make sense at home but send the wrong message at work; state fair food; things your parents warned you about that actually came true (did you think eating your veggies and saving money was a good idea as a kid)? News; craziest thing that ever happened to you (one in a million list); game: calendar trivia; goodbye/fun facts....National Pecan Sandies Day (whether you say it as ‘pee-can' or ‘peh-kahn,') it's a textured, crunchy, buttery, tree nut cookie. The sandy (or ‘sablé') is a type of sugar or shortbread cookie. The word ‘sablé' is French, meaning ‘sandy,' due to the crumbly texture of the cookie, which comes from the sandy, breadcrumb-like texture when mixing the flour and butter. The name also works because of the sandy color of the cookie. The traditional pecan sandy has a toasted pecan pressed into the cookie and is garnished with a flurry of powdered sugar... it melts in the mouth and goes amazingly with a glass of cold milk or a hot beverage like tea. The name ‘Sandies' was registered by the Keebler Company as a brand name in 1955 and Keebler makes 3 kinds of 'sandies'...plain, pecan, and cashew.

News; birthdays/events; are you happy about the first day of summer or does it make you sad?; word of the day. News; have you ever gotten a raise without asking or do you have to sit thru those annual "performance review" meetings to see if you're gonna get a raise?; game: classic TV clips; if other planets have resources we need/use...should we go and take it or are damaging the solar system by being greedy? News; body part model...which body part would you model???; game: backwards song game; women's intuition SFA. News; Summer crowd strategy; game: piano intros; goodbye/fun facts....national flip flop day....Sandals resembling the erstwhile flip flops have been around for many years... the earliest recorded sandals come from Egypt but there sandals worn by the Ancient Greeks and Romans and Mesopotamians. These versions were made from a variety of materials – papyrus leaves, palm leaves, leather, wood, rice straw. The design of the modern-day sandal is inspired by the Japanese ‘zori.' The Encyclopedia of History of Japanese Manners and Customs states Japanese children used these flip flop-type shoes when first learning to walk. In 1945 the Japanese zori is brought into America by returning soldiers; this creates a flip flop craze in the US. These days...americans own several pair of flip flops...we spend about 2.5 billion a year as a country.

News; birthdays/events; Reddit list of "common knowledge" facts...how many do you know?; word of the day. News; what little things/habits do you do to make your next day easier? (i.e. set out clothes the night before); game: guess the TV show; party etiquette question...do you still need to give a gift if you're not going? does it depend on the party? News; Mental Floss list...U.S. cities with the most expensive hotels; game: product jingles  the winner of the Lay's potato chip 'new flavor' contest. News; could you"live on the frontier"?; game: outburst; goodbye/fun facts....Do you prefer it dry, dirty, shaken, or not stirred? That's the question we're all asking on National Martini Day. There are a few conflicting stories about who created the martini. One story says the martini evolved from a cocktail served at the Occidental Hotel in San Francisco during the mid-1800s. Another says the martini was originally called “The Martinez,” named after the California Gold Rush for the town of Martinez.  Early martinis were made with wine, gin, and an olive. But since have expanded to many exciting flavors! The martini didn't get lots of exposure until the James Bond movies debuted in the early 1960s....James Bond's preference for a “shaken, not stirred” martini popularized this preparation method. However, traditionalists argue that martinis should be only stirred to preserve the integrity of the gin.

News; birthdays/events; how do you get copies of store receipts?...(Ashley's SFA); word of the day. News; signs that your house is a target to get robbed; many people seem to have "office burnout"...but there is a surprising new culprit; game: Paul McCartney word ladder. News; would you want to be a 'test house' for new technology?; Summer activities from 'yesteryear' that could revive modern culture; game: just over $700 pyramid. News; did you hear about the tourist that accidentally ruined a museum piece then tried to walk away like it never happened!!; game: who are these celebrities in an interview; goodbye/fun facts....International Picnic Day. Picnics have been a staple of most cultures for years and, believe it or not, their popularity can be traced directly to the French Revolution. When informal outdoor meal becames a popular pastime in France after the French Revolution when commoners were allowd in the country's royal parks. "Pique-nique" is the French word for picnic....combination of "piquer" (to peck or pick) and "nique" (a trifle or something of little value), suggesting a light, informal meal.  In the Southern Hemisphere, people use the warm-weathered Christmas time to enjoy picnics. 55% of young Americans said having a picnic was their favorite warm-weather activity. To many, a picnic isn't complete without some sort of activity to play in-between plates. With something as simple as a frisbee or as elaborate as a scavenger hunt. 

News; birthdays/events; how many days can you deal with hot summer days before you agree to adjust the thermostat in the house?; word of the day. News; game: mascot trivia; we have adult kickball leagues but what other kids games would you love to participate in?; most dangerous and safest nations to visit (or avoid) in 2025. News; game: mindtrap; at what adult age did you finally start appreciating your parents/really bonding?pets that make others think twice about hanging out with you. News; game: Boom goes the Trivia; the 4 "s" words that can predict if A.I. will take your job; goodbye/fun facts....National Cherry Tart Day....there is a bit of a debate on the day this is celebrated...some say today, some say the 18th and others say the 21st.  But everyone who loves cherry tarts would probably celebrate on all 3 days. The cherry tart dates back to Michigan during the mid-1800s. Michigan is one of the largest producer of tart cherries in the U.S. Some people believe the cherry tart is very similar to the Crostata di ricotta e visciole. This Roman Jewish tart is made with ricotta and sour cherry jam and is believed to have originated during the late1600's. While many people may be familiar with the cherry pie as an all-American treat, the cherry tart may be slightly less well-known. In a cherry tart, the fruit is presented in an open-faced crusty pastry shell...and btw...we're in peak cherry season right now!!! 

News; birthdays/events; recent college grads say this is more anxiety inducing than breaking up with someone; word of the day. News; game: quiz; game: feud; (aside from religious books) are there books that changed your life/how you think about things? News; how would you feel if your favorite food/candy was declared "unsafe"?; sitting in a hot tub and/or sauna is just as effective as 30 minutes of exercise...would you do that instead?; do you work harder on Mondays then trail off by Fridays? News; game: calendar trivia; do you go to the movies to see all those "anniversary re-releases"? goodbye/fun facts....international waterfall day...Waterfalls have a way of stopping us in our tracks. International Waterfall Day invites everyone to pause and marvel at these natural wonders. From the roar of Niagara to the misty veil of Angel Falls, each cascade tells its own story. It's not just their beauty but also their role in our world. They provide fresh water, support wildlife, and draw visitors from all corners. Find a nearby waterfall trail and hit the path. If travel isn't an option, stream waterfall videos or documentaries.

News; birthdays/events; when was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone?; word of the day. News; what's stopping us from being more adventurous on our "bucket lists"? (besides financial constraints); game: potpourri trivia; dealing with entitled co-workers or customers at work. News; game: Toy Story movie trivia; Friday the 13th...it's not all bad luck; finance buzz...things smart people have stopped buying. News; game: famous guitar licks; top 10 favorite TV dads of all time; goodbye/fun facts....National Golf Cart Day.  The first golf cart was invented in 1932 by Lyman Beecher. As an avid golfer, Lyman was looking for a transportation alternative to continue golfing after arthritis set it. He built a cart that could carry him and his clubs....but it had to be pulled by a caddy. During the 1950s, golf carts advanced to become motorized and powered by gasoline. Unfortunately, they were still not widely accepted as most were banned golf courses due to noise and exhaust. That setback led to electric-powered carts and by the end of the 1950s, country clubs across the country began renting golf carts to their members for a more leisurely golf experience. 

News; birthdays/events; when it comes to armrests...which one is yours?; word of the day. News; if you've been waiting for an appointment with a specific Dr (but it conflicts with something in your schedule) what do you do? even famous people have that problem; Game: Superman Trivia; best place to hide an extra key. News; do you ever really read the rules of board games?; game: harmonica songs; not every celebrity loves social media...(many agree with Brad). News; great advice your dad gave you; game: celebrity endorsements; goodbye/fun facts....Raggedy Ann and Andy Day...beloved little red-headed rag doll and her little brother...who captured the hearts of so many children over the last century! back in 1915 Johnny Gruelle receives the patent for the Raggedy Ann doll character then in 1918 Gruelle's first book in the series, Raggedy Ann Stories, is published and 2 years later Raggedy Andy is introduced Ann's feisty little brother and closest buddy appears in Gruelle's books and as a doll. the story behind Gruelle's patent are these...Some versions say that the author and illustrator, Johnny Gruelle found an old doll without a face in his parents' attic and thought it would make a good character for a story. Other versions have him writing the stories for his daughter, Marcella. and in 2002, Raggedy Ann is inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame.

News; birthdays/events; what's your average bedtime?; word of the day. News; have you ever made a "9-ender" decision?; how much would you pay for peace and quiet?; game: American Idol quiz. News; most boring things that we face as adults; men have their "ideal body" (what they think women want to see...but this is really what women want to see?; game: E.T. movie trivia. News; best and worst places to propose; game: Jurassic Park movie trivia; goodbye/fun facts....National Corn on the Cob Day falls on June 11 — the perfect pre-summer date. (Although, for most home gardens, mid-June is still too early for the harvest.) The history of corn dates back to nearly 7,000 years ago in Mexico. Originally growing as a wild grass, corn was eventually grown as a crop and harvested. From Mexico, corn eventually spread north into what is now the U.S. Native Americans planted and harvested corn, making it plentiful across tribes. Today, corn is found across North America....and there are dozens of ways to jazz it up besides just salt and pepper like: Cajun...just mix garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper, paprika and oregano or Citrus Seasoned Salt...Add sea salt, hot smoked paprika, black pepper, smoked salt, and finely grated orange zest or Italian Corn on the Cob...parmesan cheese, powdered garlic and italian seasonings.

News; birthdays/events; do you display awards, diplomas, plaques etc in your home or is that just for the office? what if you work from home?; word of the day. News; game: celebrity autobiographies; aside from 3 day weekends/holidays, when was the last time you forgot what day it was?; vacation reminders from law enforcement. News; game: audio movie clips;  July 4 is on a Friday...take Thursday off too?; Father's Day gift ideas that aren't grill related. News; game: movies trivia; can you be mad at your kid when you get a call from school that they did something kinda bad...but you secretly want to be proud. (funny dad/son story); goodbye/fun facts....National Iced Tea Day to celebrate one of Summer's favorite refreshing drinks. Whether you prefer sweetened or unsweetened, with or without lemon..of course, tea has been around since 2700 bc in China.  A man named Thomas Lipton opens his first tea shop in Glasgow in 1876...but iced tea didn't burst onto the scene and win over America's hearts and minds until 1904 when visitors to the St. Louis World's Fair were greeted by exceedingly hot weather. Tea plantation owner and merchant Richard Blechynden, who was present at the fair, took advantage of the situation by selling chilled tea drinks instead of hot tea as a cold refreshment. The rest is history.

News; birthdays/events; do you support aesthetic treatments for teenagers or is that a bridge too far?; word of the day. News; would you watch the 'global barista championship'?  (Ashley is very intrigued); game: quiz; game: feud. News; we tend to enjoy things the more we know/understand them (rules to sports, the lyrics behind a song etc)...is there something you want to learn more about?; it seems like so many retail stores are putting other retails stores in their space...is it becoming too cramped?; if you could make one food calorie-free forever....what would it be? News; new baby shower trend; game: calendar trivia; goodbye/fun facts....National Meal Prep Day is quickly becoming an important global "holiday". Meal preparation is sometimes ignored as to-do lists and work schedules continue to impact lifestyle choices. However, health experts believe that it is the ideal scroll for healthy living. planning meals ahead of time may appear to be a difficult task, the advantages well outweigh the effort...especially once you get a pattern down. Experts say most fridge based items won't be fresh after 5 days...but there are many items you can make an freeze for up to a few months! and you can't find lots of meal prep idea websites online.

News; birthdays/events; game: Saving Private Ryan movie trivia; word of the day. News; items we regret throwing away; game: getting to know you; things that celebrities are afraid of. News; a company in the U.K. was being sarcastic with a product tagline and now they have to apologize; game: general trivia; is a hot dog a 'sandwich'? News; funny things people say to unsuspecting/gullible friends/family/co-workers; at what point in your shift at work do you mentally "check out" for the day?; goodbye/fun facts....National Drive-In Movie Day falls on June 6 which is the anniversary of the first-ever drive-in opening in the U.S. in 1933 in New Jersey. Even though many people prefer to watch movies in the theater, their homes or on their phones now, a lot of people cherish the tradition of driving into a park and watching a movie on a large screen while munching on their favorite food. Drive-in theatres were popular because it was one activity the entire family could do together. Moviegoers could bring their babies, visit, and eat. Before drivein's, movie theaters didn't allow or frowned upon large families attending a movie. The drive-in was created for seniors who found it hard to comfortably sit in indoor movie theaters. Richard M. Hollingshead Jr. made a small drive-in theater for his mom in his driveway and placed a big screen in his backyard with a Kodak projector on his car. By the late '50s, more than 3,000 drive-ins could be found in the U.S. When cable TV, and VCRs became popular during the early '90s, the trend of drive-in theatres began to decline. 

News; birthdays/events; first The Harlem Globetrotters...now this (should most sports have an exhibition/stunt team?); word of the day. News; game: Office Space movie quiz; would you let your kids completely book your summer vacations?; surprisingly easy ways to save energy. News; game: finish the movie quotes; would you go back to a company you used to work for? (if you quit....not if you were fired); if you find non venomous snakes on your property...do you just leave them alone? News; game: everybody knows; best songs of the summer (from 1959-2015) ranker list goodbye/fun facts....national gingerbread day...traditionally we think of gingerbread as winter holiday treat...but The spice that gives gingerbread its spicy flavor originated in China, where it was traditionally used as a medical treatment. It spread to Europe via the Silk Road. Early Crusaders brought back this spice from the Middle East to experiment with. They would add it to preserved meats and medicinal remedies too. The earliest forms of gingerbread didn't even use ginger and were not always bread — they were essentially honey cakes. The Grimm Brothers' story “Hansel and Gretel” put gingerbread houses on the map and German settlers brought this trend to the Americas. It's a loved treat all over the world...Swedish tradition says to put gingerbread onto your palm, make a wish, and break it — if it breaks into three, your wish will come true.

News; birthdays/events; what themed cruise ship would you like to go on?; word of the day. News; would you rather have excellent cooking skills or excellent organizing skills?; best summer movie ever?; game: is Ashley as smart as a 5th grader? News; is summer about getting things done or letting kids be lazy?; what word do you have trouble pronouncing?; game: Jeopardy trivia. News; if you could invite 1 celebrity to your summer cookout...who would it be?; game: lyric quiz; goodbye/fun facts....National Cheese Day...Cheese is produced from the pressed curds of milk. The milk can come from cows, buffalo, goats, or sheep. Temperature and aging affect the flavor and texture of the cheese, as well as spices and other seasonings added during the process. Cheese making is an ancient craft. So ancient in fact it predates recorded history. It is speculated that cheese making began somewhere around 8000BCE shortly after the domestication of animals. Archeological digs have found evidence of cheese around the world including strainers coated in milk-fat molecules in Poland dated around 5500BCE. Today, cheese dishes can be found on every continent served, savory, sweet, melted, deep fried, and even chilled in ice cream and the most popular cheese in the entire world??? mozzarella!

News; birthdays/events; there are many topics we don't discuss at the holiday table...but 40% of us don't allow those same topics to be discussed at the table any time...agree?; word of the day. News; game: backwards song game; it used to just be sci-fi..but our faces can unlock so many things...now maybe even the doors to our homes!; people and their strange hobbies. News; have you ever had to cancel plans/call out of work because of something on your face (giant zit etc)?; 17% of us haven't done much physical activity since high school...what haven't you done since H.S.? things you shouldn't feel guilty about splurging on. News; game: battle of the sexes part 1; game: battle of the sexes part 2; goodbye/fun facts....Chocolate Macaroon Day...the macaroon originates from Italy and means paste. It is believed that macaroons originated some time in the 8th or 9th century in an Italian monastery. The desserts were introduced in France in 1533 when monks from the monastery joined King Henry II's pastry chef. Traditionally made with shredded coconut, almond flour, sugar or sweetened condensed milk and egg whites. Eventually, shredded coconut replaced the almond flour. Because they did not contain any flour, Jews in Italy ate them as treats during Passover. In 1903, macaroons appeared in a cookbook under a recipe for “coconut kisses.” Macaroons recently made one popular website's top 16 list of “All-time Favorite Cookies".

News; birthdays/events; "The Ringer" ranked the 100 best moments in sports, we'll list top 5; word of the day. News; things that spook your pets; graduation time...yearbook signing..."stay cool"; Men's Health says to lie to women in regards to their weight...agree or not? News; game: quiz; game feud; you've probably heard of "gate lice"...but what about "clockroaches" (workplace terminology) News; how important is it for you to look like your DL or passport pic?; game: calendar trivia; goodbye/fun facts....National Rocky Road Day...the rocky road dessert was first created in Australia in the year 1853. Many entrepreneurs took these confectionery items, which got spoiled due to the long journey coming from Europe and mixed them very cleverly with nuts that were locally available. Also, they added some low-quality chocolate and then tried to recover them instead of throwing them out. It was actually ingenious. The name was used as a reference to the rocky road that travelers used in order to access the goldfields. Years after that, the dessert was turned into an ice cream —  invented by William Dreyer  in 1929. It was created in order to lift the spirits of people who were badly affected by the crash of Wall Street and the subsequent Great Depression in the 1930s.

News; birthdays/events; when someone new walks into a group conversation...do you quickly include them?; word of the day. News; do you ever check the change compartment on vending machines? (Ashley's dad used to); if you drop the remote on the floor...is it too much effort to pick it up? (perceived effort study); game: potpourri quiz. News; what's one of the first commercial jingles you remember from when you were a kid?; first we had Marie Kondo, the Swedish death cleaning...now this; game: 3 word novel descriptions. News; worst inventions of the last 20 years; game: 1990's songs; goodbye/fun facts....National Hole In My Bucket Day pays homage to an old children's song that goes by the same name. The song ‘There's a Hole In My Bucket' originated in Germany in the 1700s. It describes a deadlock situation where the character, Henry, faces problem after problem all due to a hole in his bucket. Henry attempts to find a solution through his friend Liza's advice, but he is unsuccessful in coming up with a solid plan. Harry Belafonte and Odetta, two prominent American singers of their era, recorded the song in 1960, it reaches no. 32 on the U.K. Singles Chart. You can actually make good use of your holey buckets by recycling them. They can act as homes for plants or storage spaces for a number of things.