Ashley and Brad Show

News; birthdays/events; when millenials/gen z have to identify or use "old" tech; word of the day ANNIVERSARY! News; how long does it take you to get ready to go out vs getting ready for work?; game: bad dad Spring jokes; how often are "voluntold" to do things at work? News; aside from music festivals--what are some fun/unique festivals you've been to or would like to attend (beer festivals, seafood festivals, etc); game: songs with phones in them; if people give their opinions for free on Yelp etc...why would a company pay $5,000 for your opinion? News; first day of Spring...what are you looking foward to?; game: Spring word ladder; goodbye/fun facts....Won't You Be My Neighbor Day is celebrated every year on March 20. The day honors, celebrates, and appreciates the late Fred Rogers, the immensely popular host of the preschool TV series "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" which ran from 1968 to 2001. Although it has not aired for the past 21 years, many people still consider "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" as the standard by which they measure all other kids' shows. In 1984 Rogers donated his red sweater to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History....in fact, Rogers' mother knitted all the sweaters he wore for the show. 

News; birthdays/events; Buzzfeed list: popular beliefs in society that maybe we should revisit/revamp; word of the day. News; what bad table manners have you seen?; do you eat in the shower? how about video calls in the tub? (weird things we do in the bathroom); game: prison commissary price is right. News; there are a lot of issues in the world...but we need to get rid of daylight saving time and we need to bring back toys in cereal boxes!!!; is it ok to use one of your neighbors trash cans?; game: March Madness quiz. News; do you check the expiration date on items in your medicine cabinet? maybe you should!; game: general trivia; goodbye/fun facts....goodbye/fun facts....National Let's Laugh Day on March 19th reminds us to add a little humor to our day. It's never good to be serious all the time and letting the laughter bubble up from time to time is good for all of us! We have all heard the saying, "Laughter is the best medicine." This is the day to take your medicine. Studies have shown that laughter may boost your immune system, relieve tension and help you relax. There are even classes called "laughter yoga" which engage the abdominal muscles, lungs, arms, and facial muscles.  Watch videos of babies and people laughing... 

News; birthdays/events; do you consider your 'carbon footprint' when you order things online?; word of the day. News; game: NHL trivia; 1st world problems...new toilet paper trends; what elementary school kids want to be taught in school (list) News; can you pass this mobility test?; game: Mind the Gap 1; game: Mind the Gap 2. News; what's a small life hack that works for you everytime? (list); Esquire has a list of rules that every man should follow; goodbye/fun facts....National Awkward Moments Day. Awkward moments are one of the most universal human experiences-- but today we celebrate of all those times when we've said or done something that we wish we could immediately undo because it's just so embarrassing! You know those social slip-ups and cringe-worthy situations...but they usually make for great stories later. In 1872 Charles Darwin publishes "The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals," giving one of the first scientific accounts of blushing as a physical sign of social self‑consciousness.  The 1984 John Hughes film Sixteen Candles puts teen awkwardness on the big screen...and in 1999 'cringe comedy' is part of TV shows like The Office and Curb Your Enthusiasm.

News; birthdays/events; weird/funny ways your car hurt you; word of the day. News; where would you think the best coffee shops in the world are? in the 15 only 2 are in America; game: Irish bad dad jokes; do you leave your trash behind at the theater (movie or venue)? News; returning to the office...what if there were just more people there...like "window workers"?; game: can you name these songs played on the tin whistle?; our kids apparently aren't as cute as we think they are! News; according to good housekeeping professional organizers...if you're doing spring cleaning...you can throw these things out; game: Brad reads 80's lyrics; goodbye/fun facts....not only is it St. Patty/Paddy day...it's also the beginning of March Madness.....with the first four playing tonight. The NCAA basketball tournament is the result of Ohio State University coach Harold Olsen's efforts to establish a postseason national basketball competition. The tournament kicked-off in 1939, originally involving only 8 teams...today, 68 college basketball teams play against each other for the title of national champion. It wasn't until the eighties that the moniker "March Madness" began to be associated with the NCAA basketball competition, all thanks to sportscaster Brent Musberger. Over the course of three weeks, teams play against each other and must make it through the different rounds of their bracket until we get to The Final Four which will start on Saturday, April 4, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, with the national championship game on Monday, April 6. 

News; birthdays/events; 30% of us have had food stuck in our teeth and no one said anything!; word of the day. News; game: quiz; game: feud; do you have friends/family who get great discounts in their industry that they pass on to you?  News; St. Patty's Day is tomorrow...do you go out and have fun or stay home away from the chaos?; funny things kids have said to you (list); goat yoga, puppy yoga, and now this.... News; did you see the live nation employee texts/emails!?!?; game: calendar trivia; goodbye/fun facts....national driving instructor day...driving instructors have a very difficult job! Preparing drivers with rules of the road, sign memorization, safety issues---not to mention they are literally risking their own lives at times by giving the driver's seat over to someone who is unqualified and a complete novice. The first mandatory national driving test was introduced in 1899 in France, and around the US states were joining in on the practice of requiring licenses for drivers which eventually developed into the need for instructors to teach all of these drivers how to drive. In the US there is no single national standard for becoming a driving instructor, so qualification rules differ markedly...though many states require a high school diploma, at least two to five years of clean driving experience, a background check. Do you think you have what it takes to teach a complete stranger how to drive?

News; birthdays/events; do you panic when you see a cop car behind you even if you really haven't done anything wrong?; word of the day. News; do you have/use business cards?; game: 80s guitar licks; according to an etiquette expert in the U.K....we're eating our breakfast cereal all wrong! News; if you happen to have the same name as someone famous...should they be able to stop you from using your own name?; game: mindtrap; what would make you demand a refund on a hotel room or rental car? (USA Today list) News; if the house next door (or across the street) from your best friend was for sale...would you want to live there?; game: songs with rain or thunder; goodbye/fun facts....National Coconut Torte Day--A torte is basically a cake without flour. It is a dense, multi-layered cake made with breadcrumb or groundnut base and layered with a heavy helping of cream, jam, buttercream, ganache, or fruit. Flour-based cakes typically rely on gluten development and chemical leavening for lift and a tender crumb. Tortes often rely on whipped eggs, nut meals, or carefully handled batters for a tighter, more luxurious bite. Coconut is well-known for its nutrients, such as vitamin B6, zinc, calcium, phosphorus, and iron. Indulge your sweet cravings while eating healthy.

News; birthdays/events; communal TV viewing parties...the new trend at bars; word of the day. News; game: guitar licks from the 1980's; do you really think feng shui can adjust your energy?; what snacks do you leave out for the Amazon/delivery drivers...(Ashley does...Brad does not!) News; game: everybody knows; spring break...what are you doing with the kids?; Askmen came up with a list of things they say make men "wimpy"...do you agree with this list? News; game: outburst; current 'unclaimed baggage' list items; goodbye/fun facts....National Alfred Hitchcock Day---he was a pioneering film director who brought us some of our favorite classic horror films. He developed innovative filmmaking techniques that influenced generations of future filmmakers and changed the way we view horror and mystery. He directed over 50 films in his career and became an expert at nerve-wracking suspense, twist endings, and psychologically complex characters. So why is march 12th hitchcock day since it's not his birthday or day he died... the origins of March 12 as National Alfred Hitchcock Day remain a mystery — a fitting tribute for the Master of Suspense himself. And he's actually Sir Alfred Hitchcock...He was knighted in 1979, shortly before his death in his sleep in his Los Angeles home.

News; birthdays/events; if you could get an unlimited gift card...where would it be? (restaurant, clothing store, something else?); word of the day. News; 35% of seats at most pro sports are empty on any given game, if prices were reasonable, would you go...either to learn about the sport or just to get out?; game: Brad reads 80's lyrics; gen z is really getting into 'grandma hobbies'...what are these? News; do you belong to a bunch of groups/organizations? are there some that you've been in for a long time but have "outgrown"?; game: March Madness college basketball quiz; do you own a patent on something? or know someone who does? News; celebrity name anagrams...what can you make out of your name?; game: movies trivia; goodbye/fun facts....national wash your nose day....not the outside--the inside! as in nasal flushing/irrigation. Our noses are the bedrock inlet to our eyes, ears, and lungs. This means that it's also the easiest nest location for bacteria and viruses. There are many ways to wash your nose: nasal sprays or nebulizers from doctors or neti pot. It does take some getting used to...and you have to use distilled water or boil and cool water on the stove. It helps to reduce nasal swelling, which ultimately leads to an increase in airflow and clear all that icky out and people have been doing this since 1,000 BC...

News; birthdays/events; when a project that should take 5-10 minutes takes 2 hours (Ashley story); word of the day. News; study of the biggest dating turn offs....but aren't these things turn offs to everyone?!?!; game: just over $1,000 pyramid; did you see the spring training exhibition game with the little boy who gave back the foul ball? News; game: battle of sexes part 1; game: battle of sexes part 2; do you always check your fast food order to make sure it's correct before you drive off? News; are you watching the Paralympic games?; do you have a 'go-to' party trick? something fun to bring energy to a boring party?; goodbye/fun facts....national ranch (dressing) day. The story of ranch dressing dates back several decades, to the late 1940s. In fact, the claim to the first creation of this strictly American condiment goes to a man named Steve Henson who originally thought of the concoction of buttermilk and herbs when he was working in Alaska. After moving to California and purchasing the Hidden Valley dude ranch in California, Henson started serving and selling his salad dressing commercially. Ranch style dressing was originally sold as dry packets of herbs and spices that were meant to be mixed with milk and mayonnaise (which is the best tasting). Today ranch is one of the most popular salad dressings and condiments that is sold in the United States. Americans consume over $1 billion worth of ranch annually.

News; birthdays/events; we're all extra tired because we lost an hour of sleep...but what if our work/school days started later?; word of the day. News; game: quiz; game: feud; HR managers reveal the most unusual questions people have asked in a job interview. News; when animals (birds, squirrels, cats, etc) end up in a sports event bad things can happen; do you "exaggerate" on your taxes?; it's one thing to trick your kids (sometimes) but do you think you could trick yourself to fall asleep? News; soccer has the most fans worldwide...but where does American football rank on the list...what about other sports?; game: calendar trivia; goodbye/fun facts....national meatball day--a tasty and versitile comfort food. Most people may associate them with Italian cuisine but early recipes for meatballs are found in ancient Chinese, Arabic and Roman texts—and every culture seems to have their own version! Beef, pork, and veal are most popular, but they can be made with chicken, fish or even vegan. Meatballs are made by taking ground or minced meat such as beef, pork or lamb, mixing it with spices, breadcrumbs, rice, eggs or other ingredients and then rolling it into a ball to be cooked. Cooking methods vary and include frying, braising or baking. You can buy them in the frozen section of the grocery store too...and did you know Swedish furniture chain IKEA's  foot court is known for their meatballs. In fact, IKEA sells a whopping billion meatballs every year

News; birthdays/events; a customer in the UK was interested in buying an antique owl at a store...only to discover it was real!! have you ever been in a store where an animal got in?; word of the day. News; Ashley got invited to go to coffee and it turned out to not be for coffee....has this ever happened to you?; game: kids singing backup on famous songs; have you ever knocked over a display at a store and made a huge mess? News; do you customize ringtones for people in your phone list (Landman-Billy Bob Thornton); game: Brad reads the lyrics to songs Ashley can't place; could you tell the difference between slight hues in colors (for things like accent pillows etc) or do you even care? News; do you sleep with door open or closed?; game: harmonica songs; goodbye/fun facts....National Middle Name Pride Day --Middle names were born as a means to commemorate older, or often, dead family members, or godparents. However, some people don't know much about their middle names. This is the perfect day to ask our parents about them. Middle names first appeared in English-speaking countries, but records indicate that the practice may have been used in higher class, wealthy families first. In fact, at the time, it was common for those of high birth status to have many names–sometimes several middle names. This is still the practice in modern royal families. Some beloved cartoon characters even have middle names: Donald Duck's middle name is Fauntleroy.

News; birthdays/events; what do you think about mandating manners? should someone put out a list of 'common sense' things?; word of the day. News; women take notice when men are....and aren't well groomed. (list of things women notice); national grammar day...mistakes people make; game: mindtrap. News; have you seen something on sites like FB marketplace or OfferUp and it sparked your interest (Ashley sfa); would you watch/particpate in the "fish doorbell"?; game:  I should have known that. News; if your name (first, middle, or last) is Lyndon you can do this for free; game: everybody knows; goodbye/fun facts....national nametag day...We live in a world of well over seven billion people, meaning we are surrounded by individuals constantly. During World War II, branches of the U.S. military began putting external name tags on uniforms so that aircrew and soldiers could be quickly identified, and by the Korean War cloth name tapes with surnames had become a standard feature of many combat uniforms. In the mid‑20th century, department stores, hotels, and restaurants began standardizing employee name badges as part of a professional uniform...and in 1959 the popular "Hello, My Name Is…" name tags are introduced by C-Line Products---just don't forget to take it off before you wash your clothes!

News; birthdays/events; game: is Ashley as smart as a 5th grader?; word of the day. News; latest survey of the lease and most fit states...(Colorado has fallen from first to fourth!); game: Brad reads the lyrics to songs Ashley can't place; Finance Buzz says there are some really risky places to give out your SS#...but what if they say you have to? News; pets have been shown to lower anxiety levels...they are on college campuses now---some employers are now allowing employees to bring their pets to work...would you bring yours if you could?;  game: cover songs on the banjo; most overrated careers. News; when you're the driver....how much do these things bother you? does it make a difference if it's family or friends in the car?; do you store these things in your garage?; goodbye/fun facts....national pound cake day..Made from the standard cake ingredients of butter, eggs, sugar, and flour, a pound cake lives up to its name as the equal ratio of all the ingredients...yes...a pound of each--so it's a bit of a heavier/richer cake...but of course, you can adjust the ingredients to make it lighter if you'd like. Nowadays baking soda or baking powder is incorporated to induce leavening during baking to make a less dense pound cake and vanilla, almond, orange, or lemon extracts can be added to change the flavor profile a bit too. Of course you can buy it premade...Sara Lee held the gold standard for decades but culinary experts rate the Costco/Kirkland version as the closest to homemade.

News; birthdays/events; an airport psa that was a 'joke' is gaining traction as a serious subject...what's your take?; word of the day. News; game: word ladder; we talked last week about if you've ever been chased by a wild animal...funny follow up; from the "life isn't fair" file...how do you feel when you work so hard for something and others just seem to have success come to them? News; game: what kind of eyes trivia song; would you go skydiving or swim with sharks?  what's the most adventurous thing you've ever done?; if these things send you into a rage...you might be more stressed out than you realize (list) News; game: general trivia; most annoying sounds at work?; goodbye/fun facts....Caregiver Appreciation Day--Caregivers show up for others in ways that can be both practical and deeply personal: managing medications, offering mobility support, coordinating appointments, cooking meals, keeping someone company, and noticing small changes that can signal a bigger health issue. Being a caregiver is often physically taxing but also emotionally taxing...so if you know a caregiver--let them know how much they are appreciated...you could get them something to pamper themselves (a massage, pedicure, etc) or a gift card to their favorite restaurant, a day off, helping them with some of the chores, or making a donation in their name to a charity they love.

News; birthdays/events; do you stop and watch/listen to street performers?; word of the day. News; feedback fatigue....it's a catch 22; what does March have in store for us? (beside the Academy Awards); would you tailor your car dashboard to something custom? (Hyundai is offering a Pokemon themed infotainment system) News; interview with life coach Sidney Avalos; game: quiz; game: feud. News; game: calendar trivia; blue eyed people have these personality traits (A&B are both blue eyed); goodbye/fun facts....national banana cream pie day...Historians have traced back the origins of pie to the Neolithic Period, around 6000 B.C. It has been discovered that during this period, ancient Egyptians made a version of pies called 'galettes,' which were rustic free-form pies, made from oats, wheat, rye, and barley. The crust was filled with honey and the galettes were then baked over hot coals. In the 1700s, American women cemented the tradition of serving pies with every meal and as more settlers moved to other parts of the continent, various kinds of regional pies were created. In the 1950s, banana cream pies became the favorite dessert of many American soldiers. The British version of this is the Banoffee pie, which is made using bananas and toffee. Whether enjoyed at a family gathering, at a local bakery, or made from scratch at home, today reminds us to appreciate the simple joys in life.

News; birthdays/events; list of funny lapses in common sense...what was your most recent "I can't believe it did that" moment?; word of the day. News; game: 3 word beverage descriptions; innocent things kids in school got in trouble for;"old" technology is the new 'in' trend...Ashley LOVES this!! News; game: song lyrics read by Brad; have you ever found an ancient artifact by accident? a guy in Israel just found a sword from the crusades!!; rude behaviors...how many will you admit to on this list? News; game: classic rock songs on the banjo; did you see that sinkhole in Omaha?;  goodbye/fun facts....Strawberries have grown in the wild for thousands of years, and it was the French who first brought this delicious red berry into their gardens for cultivation in the 14th century. Not long afterward, English Archbishop Thomas Wolsey created the winning combination of strawberries and cream for Henry VIII's court that so many people still enjoy today. However, the early species of strawberries were very different from those we feast on now. It wasn't until 1712 that a French excursion to Chile resulted in the mixing of different types of strawberry plants, and the garden strawberry we know today was born. If fresh strawberries aren't at their best in your grocery store, don't forget the many accessible forms you can always get your hands on. Frozen and dried strawberries can help in a pinch too.

News; birthdays/events; mistakes while getting dressed: leaving tags on clothes, wearing them inside out, 2 different colored shoes etc; word of the day. News; a new way to tell if a public bathroom stall is available; game: Brad reads 80's song lyrics; it's adorable watching babies fall asleep when they are eating...but what about adults? funny list of where grown ups have fallen asleep. News; funny or scary: would you control something in your neighbors house if you could? (Ashley had a friend that did something similar with garage clickers); game: 5 second rule; work habits that make you UNlikable! News; best french fries in America; game: 80's/90's trivia; goodbye/fun facts....National Pistachio Day celebrates this popular nut which is native to the Middle East--cultivated some 9,000. Some historians have said that the famous hanging gardens of Babylon probably contained pistachio plants. In fact, pistachios are only one of two nuts that are actually mentioned in the Old Testament. By the 1st century AD that pistachios made their way to Europe as they traveled there with the Romans then eventually to the U.S. in the 1800's. For several decades, the producers and importers used red dye to hide flaws and try to make them more appealing to american consumers. By the1980s the dye went by the wayside and now they are sold in their natural color. The largest producer of pistachio nuts today is Iran but they are also grown in other warmer areas of the world, including California and Mediterranean Europe.

News; birthdays/events; Max Greyserman made a hole in one...have you? know anyone who has?; word of the day. News; are you making a conscious choice to change the kinds of toys you're buying for your kids/grandkids? the NYC toy fair has taken note of this trend!; Buzzfeed list of "this will be funny someday" stories of things that totally ruined your day; game: 80's song lyrics read by Brad. News; Jack Hughes got 3 teeth knocked out during the gold medal hockey game (and he was wearing a mouthguard!_ have you ever gotten teeth knocked out or broken your nose playing sports?; game: mind the gap part 1; game: mind the gap part 2. News; rudest states in America; cringe-worthy names guy call ladies and names women like; goodbye/fun facts....Inconvenience Yourself Day invites people to choose a small, deliberate detours from comforts in your life to make life a little smoother for someone else. We live in a world where people are busy and more disconnected from each other --we usually operate on autopilot to do things as easier as possible on ourselves which can sometime inconvenience others...so this day shifts focus from our own lives to putting the focus on other people first. Friends, co-workers, strangers etc...Handle the tiny tasks at work nobody else wants to: refill printer paper, wash the shared coffee pot etc...it's similar but still a bit different than random acts of kindness...but all acts of kindness really do have positive ripple effects on our lives!!

News; birthdays/events; punch the baby macacque; word of the day. News; game: everybody knows; IF you get a tax refund...should you split it evenly with your spouse...and can they do anything they want with it? (funny story); first we had staycations, then sleepcations...now paincations?!?! News; game: guess that lyric; do you know your 'diy' limits?; Brad's sfa fixing story. News; game: password; will you go into someone's purse or nightstand to get something for them if they ask? many people won't!; goodbye/fun facts....national trading card day... Before the internet and even before television, one amazing way that people connected over certain topics was through trading cards. Printed on cardstock and originally tucked into gum packages or cigarette packages...in fact, in 1909 The American Tobacco Company issues its T206 baseball card series, including the scarce Honus Wagner card, which later becomes one of the most famous and valuable trading cards. In 1933 The Goudey Gum Company releases one of the first major baseball card sets...and by 1952 Topps issues its landmark 1952 baseball set with a format that strongly influences how sports trading cards are produced and collected.

News; birthdays/events; Buzzfeed list of some of the dumbest things you've heard people say; word of the day. News; game: quiz; game: feud; watching The Olympics...most of them are under 30...what did other famous people accomplish before they turned 30...how about you? News; besides a dog...have you ever been chased by a wild animal?; list of movies people think are way overrated...do you agree?; your favorite toy (from this list) reveals a lot about your personality. News; Easter is coming up in 6 weeks...Good Housekeeping list of fun/interesting way to decorate eggs; game: calendar trivia; goodbye/fun facts....National Banana Bread Day celebrates a perfect pairing of fruit plus bread. In 1929...Money was so tight during the Great Depression that people refused to throw away rotten food — thus ushering in the era of overly ripe bananas in banana bread. By 1930 baking soda and baking powder made banana bread and other quick breads standard features in American cookbooks. The release of Chiquita Banana's Recipe Book in 1950 further secured the banana bread's acceptance. No matter what time of year it is, enjoying a piece of banana bread fills us with instant feelings of comfort and joy.

News; birthdays/events; have you ever damaged your car by hitting something you own?;  word of the day. News; everyday things that many people don't like to do because it scares them; game: is Ashley as smart as a 5th grader?; electrical engineers say you really should unplug these appliances when not in use. News; does your dog/cat watch TV...lots of cats are watching The Olympics especially the luge/bobsled events; game: songs about hearts; Reader's Digest list of things that annoy us...do any of these bother you? News; hot sauce is the most polarizing condiment...what are our favorites?; game: is Ashley as smart a 5th grader?; goodbye/fun facts....national muffin day. Muffins are an essential morning staple for many people. They come in a variety of flavors, they're super easy to make, and they're fun to eat. English muffins have been whipped up in kitchens as far back as a thousand years ago in Wales, and American style muffins have been around since the 18th century. Today there are lots of variations like: cruffin which are  flaky croissant-muffin hybrid, while  duffins are a dense, cake-like donut-muffin ...and of course there are the muffin tops.

News; birthdays/events; Spring is just around the corner...what are you looking forward to?; word of the day. News; weekends/days off: alarm clocks or wake up naturally?; dumbest way you injured yourself recently (funny list); game: mindtrap. News; funny dog escape/Olympics story; the amenenities of 'sleepcations'...but it'll cost you!; game: guess these TV show characters. News; how long does it take us to determine if we like things....seconds? days? months?; game: songs lyrics read by Brad; goodbye/fun facts....chocolate mint day, not only does chocolate help produce serotonin and dopamine, but the combination of that with mint also makes it an overall healthier candy. That's because mint is a powerful and aromatic herb that aids in digestion and freshens the breath. Combining mint with chocolate happened around the 19th century when chocolate alone was being manufactured as confectionary and for ice cream. In the 1940's, the creation of the York Peppermint Patty was announced, and this popular development made these two flavours combined, an absolute hit. Then in 1949 Junior Mints were introduced and...Andes Crème de Menthe Thins were introduced in 1950 by a Chicago candy maker...in 1953 Girl scouts begin selling Thin Mint cookies after their rise in popularity. So enjoy something minty today.

News; birthdays/events; what was your favorite store in the mall when you were 12?; word of the day. News; game: celebrity trivia true or false?; besides workout equipment...what household items do you rarely use? (Work and Money list); Buzzfeed list of interesting/fun products that are quite handy. News; game: think n sync; have you ever left the drive thru line? how long will you wait? (Ashley sfa); kiddies shows or movies you actually love to watch (even if the kids aren't around) News; game: heart songs; restaurant pet peeves; goodbye/fun facts....Thumb Appreciation Day is a quirky little reminder that one of the hardest-working parts of the human body is also one of the most overlooked. ...it's the genuine MVP of everyday life. It helps open jars, hold a pen steady, zip a jacket, scroll a screen, carry bags, hold cups and utensils and snap (for most people except ashley) Made up of two bones, human thumbs are often called 'opposable thumbs' because they can be stretched opposite other fingers in order to help grip things easily....According to medical practitioners, thumbs can be rebuilt from any of the patient's big toes. A&B both have what's known as Hitchhiker's thumb (distal hyperextensibility) is a harmless, usually genetic, trait where the thumb bends backward 50 to 90 degrees at the top joint.

News; birthdays/events; has your cc/debit card ever been turned down when you knew there was money in the account? it even happens to famous people; word of the day. News; Mardi Gras tossing out "new" beads; game: what are these video games by their sound?; biathalon is and odd winter Olympic sport...but they used to have some very bizzare sports that are no longer part of the games. News; game: just over $1,000 pyramid; who has been stealing students items...camera reveals the thief (funny story); American names mean other things in other languages...what do 'Ashley and Brad' mean? News; game: picture songs; best reason to start your day with breathing and stretching; goodbye/fun facts....Fat Tuesday--The last day of Carnival and the day before Ash Wednesday, Fat Tuesday is the intertwining of a period of festivals and feasts that lead to a time of fasting and reflection--this enduring celebration has many traditions and deep roots around the world. Through time and culture, the practices of Lent and Carnival, Mardi Gras, and Shrove Tuesday have varied and become incorporated into regional customs. While the French didn't originate the medieval feast, they did put their stamp on it. From parades to beignets and colorful masks, the last day of Carnival is full of elaborate costumes and lavish food sure to hold the revelers over through a long fast....so laissez les bons temps rouler--let the good times roll!!

News; birthdays/events; feel good....Snoop Dogg at The Olympics; word of the day. News; does your morning routine change seasonally or ever?; most of us don't want to pay for news...since it's almost all online now; Olympic Village has a Nutella dispensing machine!!! News; when you ask for advice--do you already know the answer or are you truly seeking answers?; game: quiz; game: feud;  News; upworthy list of ridiculous 'social norms'; game: calendar trivia; goodbye/fun facts....national almond day. You can toss them in a salad, ground them into flour, use them for a healthy alternative to milk, or just munch on a few for an afternoon snack. Almonds are among the most versatile and delicious of nuts. Filled with vitamin E, magnesium, and fiber. Almonds appear in several passages of the Hebrew Bible--reflecting their early importance as a cultivated tree and symbol in the 6th century BC.  Eighty percent of the world's almonds are grown in California. If you aren't a fan of eating almonds, try celebrating almonds in their other forms--like an almond-based lotion or shampoo, or perfume. If you suffer from dry, flaky, or irritated skin, you can apply almond oil or almond lotions to hydrate your skin and give you a dose of vitamin A.

News; birthdays/events; do you poke all the chocolate in the box? (Ashley does); word of the day. News; is your car turning into a mobile storage bin? (funny list of things people keep in their car); game: what are these video games by their sounds; have you ever forgotten an important day/date? News; game: Mind the Gap 1; game: mind the gap 2; do you look like your name? News; if you had to get rid of one holiday each year what would it be?; UK supermarket introduces different baskets for single shoppers; goodbye/fun facts....National Cheddar Day--Cheddar Gorge on the edge of the village, Cheddar in Somerset, England, is home to the origin of cheddar cheese. The gorge has several caves that provide the perfect humidity and steady temperature for maturing the cheese. The popular cheese was first bought by the royal family and is said to have been brought to Britain by the Romans from the Cantal region of France. Joseph Harding, was central to the modernization and standardization of Cheddar cheese. He encouraged dairy hygiene and modern cheese-making techniques. The 'Joseph Harding method' was the first Cheddar production method based upon scientific principles. Cheddar cheese is the second most popular cheese, falling right under Mozzarella.

News; birthdays/events; which phase of your life would you like to go back to? (4 stages according to this poll); word of the day. News; what's your nervous habit...do you even realize you have one?; game: Abraham Lincoln trivia questions; we're supposed to laugh more (several studies have concluded the same thing) who makes you laugh? News; signs you're aging well (list); game: guess that celebrity voice; funny Superbowl prank...how long do you think it would take you to notice? News; boomers give genz some 'life advice'...what would you add to this list?; game: getting to know you;  goodbye/fun facts....National Plum Pudding Day--the tasty treat with an interesting history. Plum pudding is also known as figgy pudding or Christmas pudding, which is why some think this is a confusing time to celebrate this food holiday. It's also odd that plum pudding contains no plums...that's because raisins were often called "plums" in 17th century Great Britain. It's a steamed or boiled concoction and features nutmeg, raisins, nuts, apples, cinnamon, and dates. To add another layer of misunderstanding, many Americans won't find it to be what they think of as pudding either. In British tradition, the word "pudding" can describe an impressively wide range of dishes, from savory to sweet, and it often points to a method or format rather than a specific texture. So if you're interested is piqued and you've never tried plum pudding...today is your day!

News; birthdays/events; 70% of men are more appearance consious that ever!; word of the day. News; 2026 travel trends; Olympic athletes-backstories and what it took for them to get there...does that motivate you to keep going?; game: what year was it? News; when you pick a restaurant...how much does ambiance play into your decision?; did you see an artist/group that played in a bar or at a private party that is now mega-famous?;  game: songs with "hey" in the title. News; funny/petty things we silently judge others for; game: classic literature quiz; goodbye/fun facts....national make a friend day...To paraphrase Yeats: "There are no strangers in the world, just friends you have never met." We must never stop making friends. Friendships are incredibly importnat...they help us through challenging times, provide us with the comfort of a safe emotional space where we can be ourselves. Good friends are our biggest treasure. A new friendship can open you to new experiences...sign up for a class, volunteer, introduce yourself to a neighbor.

Heart Association mention/News; birthdays/events; do you have a 'lucky charm'?;  word of the day. News; game: songs from bands that have 3 word names; do you duplicate or triplicate items that stay in certain rooms? (reader glasses, gum, etc); Valentine's, galentine's, or neither? News; game: space movie trivia; weird habits of intelligent people that others don't understand (Hearty Soul list); simple things in life that everyone else seems to have done but you. News; game: Prison Commissary Price is Right; lots of athletes (and celebrities) participate in 'alternative/holistic therapies'...if they were resonably priced...would you try them or is it all placebo mumbo jumbo?; goodbye/fun facts....national flannel day..flannel- btw- is a fabric, not a pattern....it's often made in a plaid pattern so many people confuse them. It's a soft, woven thread that is "brushed" to create a soft texture, while providing additional insulation. Flannel was first created in Wales during the 17th century as a replacement for "gwlanen", which was basically plain wool. Farmers needed something that was warm but also absorb dampness of the Welsh climate. In the United States, flannel became popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, especially among workers in factories, railroads, and logging camps....and today it's great to have a shirt or pjs or even sheets made out of flannel...especially in the winter.

News; birthdays/events; Superbowl Monday...is it really a wasted day at work?; word of the day. News; Spotify is moving into the physical book space; game: quiz; game: feud. News; what was your favorite Superbowl commercial?; what's your "don't knock it til you try it"?; Buzzfeed list of funny 'white lies' we tell our kids. News; Valentine's Day on a budget; game: calendar trivia; goodbye/fun facts....Oatmeal Monday is a quirky tradition with practical roots in Scottish university life... they started the tradition as part of the broader culture of the ancient universities. Long before dining halls, meal plans, and late-night delivery, students were expected to fend for themselves. Oats, ground into oatmeal, were the dependable staple that could survive travel, store well in a room, and turn into a hot meal with minimal equipment. Oatmeal was also forgiving. It could stretch to feed a hungry student, and it tolerated a wide range of add-ins...Since their homes were far from campus, universities gave students a day off in what became a later tradition on the second Monday of February allowing them to return home, gather more supplies, and come back ready for more study. Whether enjoyed as a warm, comforting bowl of porridge or incorporated into other creative dishes, oatmeal remains a symbol of nourishment and simplicity. It also serves as a quiet nod to resilience.

News; birthdays/events; Feb is Heart Month-AHA 'Donate for Love'...today is wear red day; word of the day. News; game: I should have known that....yes or no?; fun/funny ideas to pick the Superbowl winner; when you go on vacation do you expect to pay for all the tourist attractions...even if they used to be free? News; game: battle of the sexes 1; game: battle of the sexes 2; have you ever broken something of value that belonged to someone else?...(did you hear/see what Travis Kelce broke?) News; novelty or healthy?...Bear Poop beer; kids get Happy Meal toys...but what about grown ups...what about this fun promotional item for adults from Taco Bell?;  goodbye/fun facts....Pay a Compliment Day--encourages people to spread positivity by giving genuine compliments. It's an incredibly simple act that can brighten someone's day and foster a sense of appreciation and kindness. It's about the power of kind words and how they can create a ripple effect of happiness. Compliments can boost self-esteem, enhance relationships, and even improve physical health. Transform your home or office with a splash of kindness. Place sticky notes with heartfelt compliments around for others to find....remember to acknowledge yourself. Give yourself credit for how far you've come.

News; birthdays/events; best and worst Superbowl halftime shows (Rolling Stone list); word of the day. News; do you still compete when you're hurt? (Lindsey Vonn); game: identify these songs with drums; 3 most toxic phrases in a relationship but it can also be in the workplace. News; did you ever get pulled into the principal's office? how about your kids?; game: 80's 90's TV shows based on dialogue clips; food in the Olympic Village (and all over Italy too) News; do you know anyone with an "aptronym"?; game: General Trivia; goodbye/fun facts....Are you a glass-half-full or glass-half-empty kind of person? Optimist Day focuses on building and sustaining a positive future because anything can be achieved as long as you stay focused and optimistic. In fact, an optimistic person is more likely to be happy and motivated. The word didn't exist until 1737 when a Jesuit mathematician Pere Louis-Bertrand Castle coins the term 'optimisme,' or 'optimism.' In 1985 Michael Scheier and Charles Carver formulate the LOT-R test to measure optimism. Optimists recover from surgery quicker and have higher immunity. Often, the first person we forget to be optimistic about is ourselves....so make sure to treat yourself to some self-care by spending time doing something you love. And, of course, it's the perfect opportunity to spend the day paying the kindness forward.

News; birthdays/events; when you get a case of the giggles but you're supposed to be serious (Elvis--news anchors---etc); word of the day. News; game: I should have known that; A.I. teaching story--Brad's take; A.I. teaching story--Ashley's take. News; game: outburst; great uses for those over the door hanging show organizers...besides for your shoes; what's your cure for the hiccups? News; game: everybody knows; feel good story...that should be turned into a movie!! (hello Ron Howard!!); goodbye/fun facts....National Stuffed Mushroom Day...primarily featured at parties (like maybe a football party this weekend), this savory dish is prepared by removing the stems of the mushrooms and filling the leftover hollowed area with vegetables or meat or shellfish. Cheese and breadcrumbs are sprinkled on top before the mushrooms are baked and served. Long before modern restaurant appetizers, ancient Romans were already cultivating and eating mushrooms. When exposed to ultraviolet light, mushrooms can synthesize vitamin D2 with levels comparable to fortified foods, making them a rare plant‑free, non‑animal dietary source of this important micronutrient. And as long as it's an edible mushroom (because not all of them are) you can make just about any combo you can think of.

News; birthdays/events; are you more excited for the Superbowl or the Olympics...both? neither?; word of the day. News; a new shower trick that could make you smarter; which song best describes your life?; game: songs with laughter. News; generation z's work ethic is strong according to a new study; house and car maintenance to do in February; game: top songs from 1986. News; we'd love to hear from our listeners...what are you an expert in?; game: Superbowl trivia; goodbye/fun facts....National Carrot Cake Day celebrates one of our favorite desserts. Carrots contain a natural sweetness that's just perfect for cake. Many historians believe the cake originated in the Middle Ages when sugar and other sweeteners were scarce carrots were used as a substitute. Eating carrots has a host of health benefits. Research shows they can reduce the risk of cancer, slow down the aging process, cleanse toxins from your body, and improve the condition of your teeth and gums...and adding some cream cheese frosting just make it delicious! 

News; birthdays/events; carscrolling' is the new pause button; word of the day. News; game: quiz; game: feud; has a movie (or TV show) changed the way you live or do things because the message was so powerful? News; can't get motivated to get stuff done? host an "admin night"; were you the 'teacher's pet' at school...did that translate to the workplace?; would you hire a 'sleep coach'? News; have you/would you travel to a city (in the U.S.) just to see if their 'famous' food is all it's cracked up to be?; game: calendar trivia; goodbye/fun facts....National Heavenly Hash Day...the dessert that combines marshmallows (which can be a variety of marshmallows, marshmallow creme, or a combination of the 2) plus nuts, and chocolates into a heavenly mix. There are many ways to enjoy Heavenly Hash, including candy, ice cream, and fruit salads. The Elmer Candy Corporation of New Orleans invented heavenly hash in 1923 which was first introduced it as an Easter candy called the "Heavenly Hash Egg,".  You can make your own...lots of recipes available online...or for a lighter option, make a healthier Heavenly Hash. Use dark chocolate, fresh fruit, and low-fat yogurt or whipped cream.

News; birthdays/events; do you like "drive thru" animal parks?; word of the day. News; should the Superbowl be moved to Saturday?; game: songs with saxophones; reasons you don't your work done (Career Builder list) News; should AI songs be excluded from winning a Grammy?; game: scattergories; inventions you thought were silly...but they are actually genius! A&B each have one of the things on this list. News; how do you deal when your s.o. has completely opposite taste in food or music?; game: pop culture jeopardy; goodbye/fun facts....Brussel Sprouts Day...these green superfoods come with a plethora of health benefits and can put you on the path to a healthier lifestyle. They are produced mainly in the United States and Europe. Brussels sprouts were first found in the northern European region during the 5th century and were extremely popular in the southern Netherlands and eventually northern Europe. Then, in the late 18th century, French settlers brought Brussels sprouts to Louisiana, marking the beginning of the production of this crop. A Cornwall College study explains that a chemical in Brussels sprouts makes them taste bitter to people with a certain gene mutation....but if you just haven't had them in awhile because your mom boiled them and they were soggy and gross....give them another try and roast them!!

News; birthdays/events; have you ever 'made a deal' in a restaurant...where is the best place?; word of the day. News; do you put ketchup or salsa on anything that seems "wrong"?; game: songs with famous bass lines; what's the one expense that you absolutely hate paying every month?  News; what food does your mom/dad/granparent make that no one else can even touch?; game: song titles "my____"; funny feel good story of the day. News; game: movies trivia; motion sickness can occur in more places than just a car? (funny list); goodbye/fun facts....national puzzle day...With the advent of digital entertainment, some people may think that the common puzzle may be falling by the wayside. But National Puzzle Day is the perfect chance to go back to basics: do a jigsaw puzzle, solve a crossword puzzle or buy a Rubik's Cube, or you can even download dozen of puzzle games on your phone. While puzzles, as we know them today, are a fairly modern invention, the idea of taking words and using them creatively dates back to ancient Roman times. The first jigsaw puzzles were developed in the mid-1700s, by a British cartographer --John Spilsbury. He started by fastening a map of Europe onto some wood and then cutting out each country. These were then used to teach children about the different countries on the continent. Study after study shows that playing any type of puzzle, soduko, wordle etc is great for your keeping your brain young!"

News; birthdays/events; you couldn't pay me enough to (fill in the blank); word of the day. News; experts say we should be leaning in to our nostalgia/inner child; game: Shawshank Redemption movie quiz; if you job offered free snacks...which ones would make you happiest? News; what's your favorite Superbowl commerical of all time?; game: 3 word TV show descriptions; what movie 'gut punches' you every time? News; would you rather watch a 5 part TV series or a movie?; game: just over $1,000 pyramid-redemption; goodbye/fun facts....national kazoo day...The kazoo has a rich history and roots in African musical instruments. It became popular in the United States in the 1840s but the first kazoos were made by Thaddeus Von Clegg, a German clockmaker....by the 1930's the kazoo became a common element in American folk music, often seen in jug bands. By the 1970's rock musicians began using kazoos for their quirky sound, reflecting its influence and adaptability across various musical genres and if you can hum...you can play a kazoo! no talent required: and they are affordable--or you can make your own-all you need is a cardboard tube, wax paper, rubber bands, and scissors.

News; birthdays/events; besides kids or pets getting sick...what are some of the worst ways you woke up? Ashley's dad would use a bullhorn!; word of the day. News; game: password; have you ever learned an invented language?; strange laws from around the world. News; game: movie password; Brad's lightbulb problem; what do guys do on 'guys night' compared to what girls do on 'girls night'? News; game: just over $1,000 pyramid; only 1 American city made the list of "best nightlife"...according to Timeout list; goodbye/fun facts....national chocolate cake day...love at first bite, right?!?  In 1764, it was discovered that cocoa beans that are ground between stones make cocoa powder...so Dr. James Baker financially backed the production of grinding cocoa beans to make cocoa powder. This is the beginning of the company still known as Baker's chocolate. Then in the 1830s and 1840s, it was primarily a drink that you mixed with water but it wasn't even sweet. By the 1920s, the humble chocolate cake had become mainstream, and manufacturers began to sell the recipe outright. O. Duff and Sons released the first boxed chocolate cake, ready to eat – no baking required and in 1947 Betty Crocker released a pre-made chocolate cake mix. Ever heard of lavender-infused truffle or a Mexican chili chocolate? Bring out your inner gourmet chef and incorporate an exciting ingredient in your next chocolate cake.

News; birthdays/events; do you watch the 'sneak peek' Superbowl commercials or do you prefer to watch them during the game?; word of the day. News; what kind of 'boring things' do you do to entertain your kids?; game: quiz; game: feud. News; a funny new way to declutter...would you do this?; Buzzfead list - actors who were originally supposed to be 1st choice that went to someone else; are you comfortable scanning your life to "the cloud"...including sentimental items?  News; could you be completely silent for 8 days?; game: calendar trivia; goodbye/fun facts....National Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day...which celebrates the joy of popping bubble wrap, a simple activity that brings immense pleasure and stress relief to many. The day also honors bubble wrap's crucial role in protecting fragile items during shipping, highlighting its versatility and importance beyond just packing material​​. The history of bubble wrap is quite fascinating. Invented in 1957 by engineers Alfred Fielding and Marc Chavannes, bubble wrap initially failed as a textured wallpaper. It wasn't until 1961 that its potential for packaging was realized. It found its first major use in protecting IBM 1401 computers during shipping....which obviously became a game changer for the shipping industry. But beyond packaging and stress relief, Bubble Wrap has been utilized in emergency medical settings--to prevent hypothermia, EMTs sometimes use Bubble Wrap as an insulator to wrap accident victims, demonstrating its surprising utility beyond shipping.  

News; birthdays/events; what happens when brick and mortar stores and Amazon collide?; word of the day. News; quirky habits...what's the quirkiest thing you do?; game: clips from classic TV shows; Buzzfeed list of roles that have either revitalized or ruined an actors career. News; do you prefer digital or paper notes?; game: songs with titles that repeat; baby names that are falling out of favor. News; when it comes to loading the dishwasher or loading the car for a vacation...is there a "right way"?; game: Rock&Roll Hall of Fame trivia; goodbye/fun facts....National Rhubarb Pie Day...though it may look similar to celery, the two are actually not related. Instead, rhubarb is surprisingly a part of the buckwheat family. Rhubarb is one of those tricky plants whose identity as a vegetable or fruit is controversial. Even though rhubarb is generally bitter, when its stalks are red, it has a sweeter taste.. Botanically, it is a vegetable, but in culinary circles, it is used as a fruit...although rhubarb is also used in savory dishes such as with fried pork chops. John Cleese and Marty Feldman even sang a whimsical rhubarb tart song.

News; birthdays/events; would you take a job that offered zero living costs AND it paid you...but there's a catch?; word of the day. News; have you ever entered a contest and won?; what item(s) are you constantly losing?; game: 3 word description of classic TV shows. News; do you like to make friends at work or just clock in and clock out?; the average person breaks the law 21 times a year...what was the last thing you did that you KNEW was wrong?; game: Sci Fi film names. News; if you love pickles...you're in luck because everything seems to be 'pickle flavored'; game: general trivia; goodbye/fun facts....national hot sauce day..Humans started using chili peppers and other such spices thousands of years ago, with many historians believing that chili peppers were one of the earliest plants harvested by humans. The first hot sauce to be available in a bottle appeared in shops in the state of Massachusetts in the year 1807, and then suddenly, hot sauce was everywhere and being added to everything. Tabasco sauce is one of the earliest brands to have come into existence that still exists today, being bottled and sold for the first time in 1868...The hottest pepper in the world is often considered to be the Carolina Reaper, with a Scoville rating of 2,000,000 (the average jalapeno pepper ranking at only 3,500 Scoville Heat Units)!

News; birthdays/events KATIE; do you like your initials on things...Ashley hates it!; word of the day. News; not into the Superbowl...what about the puppy bowl or the NFL Superbowl bad lip sync videos?; game: rock star's real names; do you like silence or noise when working...one of these is better than the other! News; do you add "family rules" to standard board games (funny list); game: is Ashley as smart as 5th grader?; are regional accents going away? News; over 52% of people have never deleted one thing from their devices....what?!?!?!; game: outburst; goodbye/fun facts....national cheesy socks day...It wasn't that long ago that socks were simply a utilitarian accessory that had no other purpose than keeping those feet warm or to show status--During the Middle Ages, socks were more than just practical clothing items; they were a symbol of wealth and social standing ...but today, socks have become a fashionable way for people to express themselves. And the more outrageous the better. Mismatched socks is another trend that has grown in popularity recently. It used to be that mismatched socks were simply an accident, but now they happen on purpose. 

News; birthdays/events; do you care more about the food/party or the actual game on Superbowl Sunday?; word of the day. News; game: pop music #1 1976 hits; would you use cayenne pepper to help you stay warm in the Winter?; places in the world where people are forbidden to go. News; game: songs with the word "me" in the title; if you figured out a secret company recipe/formula...would you share it?; what are some of the new emojis coming out? News; game: I should have known that yes or no?; what's your color personality?; goodbye/fun facts....National DJ Day might celebrate the work of our favorite disc jockeys, but it stems from the work of ONE famous jock: Alan Freed, who was known as 'Moondog'. This 1950s DJ, who coined the term 'rock and roll,'---so we celebrate the talents of all the disc jockeys, from those playing the 'Chicken Dance' for the millionth time at a wedding to the club DJ's that help create that party atmosphere to the radio personalities who work on the air. In 1909, Ray Newby, a 16-year-old college student started playing records from a small transmitter — long before the term 'disc jockey' is popularized....that happened in 1935 when Walter Winchell coined the term 'disc jockey.'

News; birthdays/events; things we learned in school that are rarely, if ever, taught today because they are considered useless; word of the day. News; the 'weekend equation' for the perfect weekend; game: quiz; game: feud. News; Brach's is bringing back the candy conversation Valentine's Hearts...with an update; would you (or have you ever) attempt to break a Guiness Book record? which record should A&B try to break?; the newest trend in de-cluttering. News; lots of people quit/start new jobs in January...what's the worst job you ever had?;  game: calendar trivia; goodbye/fun facts....national popcorn day. While it is unclear how far back in human history popcorn goes, a cave in New Mexico shows that popped kernels of corn may have been in use more than 5000 years ago. Corn has played an important role in the diets of many cultures, and has spread to be a worldwide phenomenon since it was imported from the new world. Did you know that the corn we eat and the corn we pop are two different varieties of maize? In fact, the corn you'd find on your dinner table is most likely unable to pop at all! Only one variety of corn is able to become popcorn--This particular corn variety has small ears, and the kernels burst when exposed to dry heat. In the early 1900's Louise Ruckheim added peanuts and molasses to popcorn to bring Cracker Jack to the world...today there are endless amounts of sweet and savory choices...or for a healthier option...just plain is great.

News; birthdays/events; game: TV shows audio; word of the day. News; what skills take only a few minutes to learn but can come in handy your entire life?; Mind the gap pt 1; Mind the gap pt 2. News; would you rather admit your age, weight, or salary?; textured treadmills?; have you noticed the NFL pre game tunnel is turning into a fashion show. News; Matthew McConaughey is kind of sort of standing up to A.I.; we talked about neighborhood factory smells...what about neighborhood sounds?; goodbye/fun facts....National Quinoa Day...a known superfood, quinoa is full of dietary fiber and proteins. Originally cultivated in South America, the popularity of the grain spread in the U.S. as a gluten-free alternative to wheat and wheat-based dishes. Quinoa has been cultivated for thousands of years by the Andean people. In an area where few crops could survive, quinoa grew easily. A particularly resilient plant, quinoa can survive drought, hail, high salinity, wind, and frost, which is a good thing in a place like the Andes. Most commercial quinoa will already be washed and have the saponin removed but it's a good idea to rinse it just before you use it. 

News; birthdays/events COACH; do you use different sponges in your house to clean different things? (Ashley does!!); word of the day. News; game: celebrity authors; double standard: if baseball players can throw balls into the stands...why is it not okay for football players to do it?; most popular sandwich in the U.S. News; game: what year was it?; underhanded insults/phrases that people use which come across really rude; "Karen" is so yesterday!! News; game: popular songs lyrics; do you check in with your loved ones every day or several days a week?; goodbye/fun facts....National Bagel Day pays homage to this dense and delectable bread, celebrating the diverse range of bagels now available and the history of a type of bread that is over 600 years old--they've been around since the 14th century and were first recorded as being handed out to women who had just undergone childbirth in Poland and today bagels can be found just about anywhere: breakfast joints, coffee shops, supermarkets and of course deli's. Bagels made the jump to America with a massive Polish-Jewish immigration in the 1800s that firmly entrenched itself in New York City where it thrived but they didn't make their way to the national scale until the mid 20th-century where automation made mass manufacturing much more efficient. If you see the word beigel, then it's not a typo, bagels are also known as beigels, it's just the old fashioned spelling. The name bagel itself also comes from the German for 'bracelet'. 

News; birthdays/events; worst games of all time according to geek rating; word of the day. News; features in cars that should make a comeback (list); what would it take to get you to pick up and move to a new city/state?; game: David Letterman trivia. News; where do you go/what do you do to cheer yourself up?; when the weather is to "wintery" for you...do you do movie marathons or get back in the warm bed and nap?; game: Ken Jennings Jeopardy questions. News; how to be an unbothered person; game: guess the song with the letter o;  goodbye/fun facts....National Take the Stairs Day ...supported by the American Lung Association in an effort to help people have healthier lungs and bodies. We're not moving as much as we should. To top it, the air we breathe gets increasingly unhealthy. Over 3.7 million Americans live with chronic lung diseases like asthma, COPD, interstitial lung disease or lung cancer. Climbing stairs strengthens muscles, joints and bones as well as contributing to heart health...The good thing about stairs is you'll find them everywhere: at the office, apartment complexes, malls....any place that has more than 1 story.

News; birthdays/events; when was the last time you changed your voicemail outgoing message?; word of the day. News; when mom isn't home to cook...does dad let have kids whatever they want?; game: baby boomer trivia; are you more apt to 'give back' if it makes you feel patriotic? News; have you ever had to fire anyone? how do you do it?; game: getting to know you; all the holiday bills coming in? there might be a way to make it cheaper. News; do you hide your favorite food? (from roommates, spouses, kids); game: who wants to be a fake millionaire?; goodbye/fun facts....National Peach Melba Day...A decadent, sticky, sweet melange of peaches, raspberry sauce and ice cream. Made for and named in honor of the famous australian opera singer Nellie MelbaWhile establishing her career on the opera circuit, soprano Nellie frequently stayed in London, and she enjoyed nothing more than eating out, often opting for the restaurants of the esteemed chef, Auguste Escoffier who was known for his lavish feasts, which often featured up to 11 courses, and occasionally, he would create something special for famous guests.

News; birthdays/events; best smells (list from around the world); word of the day. News; MTV trivia; game: quiz; game: feud. News; best national parks to visit in the winter; essential' household items you should never throw away; have you ever gotten hurt playing with your kids? (funny story from Poland) News; smart dog escapes from animal shelter...funny video; game: calendar trivia; goodbye/fun facts....national kettlebell day. The kettlebell, cast-iron weight, shaped like a cannonball with a handle...it's origins trace back to 18th-century Russia, where it was initially used as a counterweight for measuring goods. Over time, Russian farmers and strongmen began using kettlebells for strength training. In 1948, kettlebell lifting became the national sport of the Soviet Union. Circus strongmen frequently demonstrated their power with the kettlebell. Some of these circus folk even came to America with their kettlebells, establishing their gyms here, and introducing the American public to this cool new fitness fad. By the 1950s, this new trend had almost vanished from all fitness centers and gyms, however, and would only come back years later. Kettlebells are a great workout tool, burning more calories than your average exercise...an elliptical machine burns only 50 to 125 calories during the same time a kettlebell exercise would burn 300 calories.

News; birthdays/events (LAURALEE'S BIRTHDAY...Ashley's sister); there's goat yoga, cow cuddling farms, and bunny island...fun or gross?; word of the day. News; game: 1976 trivia; do you use your kids as an excuse to buy something you want?; Buzzfeed list of movies that have a different takeaway when you watch again as an adult. News; game: #1 hits from 1976; best travel destinations for 2026; pop culture as courses in college...currently: Taylor Swift, The Beatles, The Golden Girls...what/who do you think would make a good artist to study on the collegiate level? News; game: I should have known that...yes or no?; do you believe these 'fuel myths'?; goodbye/fun facts....national apricot day...related to the peach, the apricot's velvety flesh is quite similar. However, the texture of the golden-orange fruit is firmer, and the flavor more tart than its cousin's. Apricots originated in northeastern China near the Russian border in ancient times. Later, the fruit was introduced to Europe and Armenia. The apricot found its way to North America when English colonists settled in Virginia. The apricot is a versatile ingredient lending itself to both sweet and savory dishes. Perfect for snacking, apricots are the best fresh off the tree...and dried, they are delicious in healthy granola or a salad. Plus they are loaded with vitamins including Vitamin C, B-6, Magnesium, Iron, and Calcium, and are also an excellent source of fiber.