Ashley and Brad Show

News; birthdays/events; Brad's I play Rocky S.F.A. story; word of the day. News; how do you handle it when you show someone a pic on your phone but they start swiping through your pics?; there are people rental companies (rent a bridesmaid, rent a friend, and now rent a bbq buddy); game: Walt Disney trivia (71st anniversary of Disneyland) News; funny thoughts (from the internet); common driving superstitions (Mental Floss list); game: lead singers read their autobiographies. News; game: movie password; if staying in is almost as expensive as going out...what's your preference?; goodbye/fun facts....national peach ice cream day. The peach, this juicy fruit that grows on a medium-size tree, is native to China and was taken to the New World by Spanish explorers in the 16th century. Commercial cultivation and a favorable climate has made this fruit the second largest fruit crop produced in the United States (after apples). Like other ice cream flavors, 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. If you have an ice cream maker...you can certainly make your own since peaches are in peak season until early August....or you can find peach ice cream from your favorite ice cream maker or ice cream shop.

News; birthdays/events; game: just over $1,000 pyramid; word of the day. News; what sm 'oddly satisfying' videos are you watching?; we love 'nostalgia' vacations...what are your favs?; game: password. News; do you take freebies even if you don't want/need them?; should seasonal items be kept in the back of the store?; if you could manipulate time with a smell...what would it be? News; grocery store mistakes; game: people in 3 words; goodbye/fun facts....national corn fritters day--they make great additions to Summer barbecues and backyard gatherings. The main ingredients include corn, meal, egg, milk, and butter. While they may have originated in the south, corn fritters can easily be changed up with peppers, onions, or herbs to give them regional and seasonal flair. Native Americans have been using maize, which is ground corn, as food for thousands of years – long before explorers from Europe came to the New world. In Pre-Columbian Americas, corn-based products were considered staple foods. When European settlers came to America, they started to make their own variations of cornmeal-based dishes-The corn fritter was invented in the southern US...which is known for having a lot of deep fried foods. Corn is the number one crop grown in the United States, and we produce more corn than any country in the world. If you have never tried the Indonesian version of corn fritters before, why not give this recipe a try for something different...their's is much more savory and you find lots of different recipes online.

News; birthdays/events; an interesting way to pay for expenisve dinners at a Michelin starred restaurant; word of the day. News; another installment of: "Americans think very highly of themselves"; game: name these films based on their movie score; if you go to a party/event etc and someone shows up wearing the same outfit...how do you react? News; what was the worst concert you ever attended?; game: common knowledge questions; if you see someone "scary" walking towards you...do you cross the street? News; how do you remember people's birthdays?; game: name these movies by these quotes; goodbye/fun facts....national give something away day--you've no doubt heard the sayings: It's better to give than to receive, and one man's trash is another man's treasure--today is the day to do just that. Almost all of us have perfectly good items sitting in a closet or basement might want to take this opportunity to do a bit of purging and give some of those things away. And it's a win-win: decluttering your space is a benefit to you, and the things you give away will be a benefit to someone else. More than 10% of Americans rent offsite storage and 25% of people with two-car garages don't have room to park cars inside them. We spend $1.2 trillion – in America alone annually on nonessential goods...so go through your stuff and see how much of that unused stuff you can give away.

News; birthdays/events; Jonah the dog gets his own special day; word of the day. News; game: Guitar solos; what would you like in an adult Happy Meal?; State Fair food. News; game: I should have known that; things that can 'make or break' your Summer;  have you ever ruined something that you just got? (car, computer etc) News; game: everybody knows; spiteful ways people got revenge on bad roommates; goodbye/fun facts....World Chimpanzee Day was established by the folks at the Jane Goodall Institute. Celebrated on this date because it is the anniversary of the day when Dr. Jane Goodall first stepped foot into the Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania, on July 14, 1960. The work done by Dr. Goodall provided amazing insight into the unique communities in which these intelligent creatures dwell.  In 1961, a chimpanzee named Ham became the first hominid to travel to space. His mission tested NASA's Mercury spacecraft and helped ensure human safety for future flights. Chimpanzees are extremely intelligent primates, using special gestures, facial expressions and sounds in order to communicate with each other. They are one of the few animal groups that use tools to get things done. Today all four of the subspecies of chimpanzees are on the endangered list. You can find lots of chimp documentaries to learn more.

News; birthdays/events; feel good story of the day; word of the day. News; game: quiz; game: feud; how long will you wait for your s.o. to get ready before you start getting aggravated? News; when you get a raise/promotion...how do you celebrate?; can a person be "too honest" when it comes to a job interview?; what food or drink from your childhood do you wish you could have everyday? News; finders keepers losers weepers; game: calendar trivia; goodbye/fun facts....national beans n franks day. This classic dish is similar to pork 'n' beans, but substitutes sliced hot dogs for the pork. Baked beans date back to the Civil War era and were among the first canned convenience foods in the United States. ​Combining hot dogs with baked beans became popular in the 20th century, offering an affordable and filling meal. Home cooks love to put their own spin on the dish...they often elevate the canned base by adding brown sugar, diced onions, mustard, barbecue sauce, and custom spices....and adding different types of hot dogs: turkey, chicken, or even veggie dogs.

News; birthdays/events; do you know what the "label of truth" means? (funny ketchup story); word of the day. News; if you're an autograph seeker, do you prefer someone signing a piece of paper or some of memorablia?; another internet dividing question: when it comes to tipping--do you tip on the original amount or the discounted amount if you're using a coupon?; game: what year was it? News; do you have season 2 fatigue?; game: songs that feature sax; apparently we have unleashed "the ranch monster" News; travel expert reveals how to get the most out of your "staycation"; game: guess these celebrities in 3 words; goodbye/fun facts....French Fries are one of many foods whose name is most misleading, as the origins of this fat fried food seem to be in Belgium. The story of their creation can be found in a family manuscript dated 1781, which reveals that potatoes were originally cut into the shape of fish and served in lieu of the fish normally caught in a series of small villages in Belgium and why they're called French is often attributed to a popular theory that troops coming over during World War I got their hands on Belgian Fries. However, there is another more popular and accepted theory to their name is that Thomas Jefferson brought the dish to the U.S.A. While serving time as an ambassador, Jefferson spent a lot of time in France and went on to serve "potatoes served in the French manner" at a White House dinner in 1802. Whether you prefer them thin, thick, curly, or crinkle-cut, this is the day to celebrate with your favorite dipping sauce.

News; birthdays/events; do you make your kids deal with the consequences--even when they're 'adults'?; word of the day. News; instead of taking pics on your next vacation, try this.; a new EV on the market...it's a blank "slate"; game: Tom Hanks trivia. News; have you felt like a movie perfectly captured your actual life? (list); did you ever see something at someone else's house that made you never want to go back?; game: Outburst. News; what does the new 'dream home' look like? (new study/list); game: name these drum intro songs;  goodbye/fun facts....National Sugar Cookie Day finds its origins in the roots of the sugar cookie, which in its turn can be traced back to the 1700s among the Nazarene's of Pennsylvania. In those days it was specifically known as the Nazareth Sugar Cookie, as it was the only recipe of its kind...Most sugar cookies are made with a mixture of sugar, vanilla, eggs, butter, flour, and either baking soda or baking powder....Using powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar in some recipes yields a softer, denser cookie because it contains a touch of cornstarch. Chilling the dough before baking is key. It prevents spreading, ensuring sharp edges and well-defined shapes. 

News; birthdays/events; what kind of 'crawl' would you be interested in?; word of the day. News; game: Kevin Bacon movies; would you exercise for free things?; funny list: words/phrases you use when you can't remember what something is called. News; game: Song titles that follow A-B-A; should more companies have a "product graveyard"?; T and T wedding...even if you don't care...aren't you interested in the officiant? News; game: general trivia; if you woke up in your 10 year old childhood bedroom and have all the knowledge you have now...what's the first thing you'd do?; goodbye/fun facts....national cucumber salad day. This is the ultimate summer celebration dedicated to the fresh, crisp, and undeniably delicious world of cucumber salad. So grab your mandoline and prep your favorite dressing. By early July, gardens across the country are beginning to overflow with cucumbers. It's the peak of the "dog days of summer" and the last thing anyone wants to do is turn on a hot oven. Cucumbers are often dismissed as just crunchy water because they are 95% water but they contain flavonoid and tannin compounds to help block harmful free radicals. They are rich in vitamin K and silica, which help with bone health. The day honors Logan Moffitt, the viral "Cucumber King" of TikTok whose recipes sparked a global culinary craze.

News; birthdays/events; destination dupes; word of the day. News; do you eat vegetables? favorite/least favorite; game: name that movie that happened with Summer in the theme; could you handle these real life scenarious? News; internet divided...if your kids are destructive at a restaurant...should you be responsible for the damage?; game: Brad reads 70's lyrics; MLB and NFL stadiums have all kinds of new food choices each year...FIFA got in on that too? News; Europe has done well with a 4 day work week...and now they have a new workplace change...what do you think about this? game: just over $1,000 pyramid; goodbye/fun facts....National Day of Rock 'n' Roll celebrates and captures the essence and impact of the music genres. Rock 'n' roll has not only shaped musical trends but also reflected and influenced significant cultural shifts. Rock 'n' Roll began in the late 1930s from African-American music and contained combinations of jazz, rhythm and blues, gospel, and country music. By the 1940s, instruments like the saxophone and piano were added to the sound, intensifying the appeal. It wasn't until the 1950s that rock 'n' roll hit the mainstream music scene. It pushed technological boundaries in music production and performance, giving rise to iconic sounds and styles that defined generations. 2 of the industry's greatest...Gibson Established in 1902 by Orville Gibson---Gibson is renowned for its electric guitars, particularly the Les Paul and Fender--Founded in 1946 by Leo Fender--Fender is one of the world's leading guitar manufacturers. Its iconic Stratocaster among it's best known and most used guitars.

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; joke day...Brad dad jokes; game: calendar trivia; goodbye/fun facts....national handroll day.

News; birthdays/events; 64% of shoppers do this...do you?; word of the day. News; game: citizenship test; what makes you proud to be an American? what song makes you feel patriotic? (Hollywood Reporter list); do you prefer actual fireworks show, drone shows, or staying at home away from the crowds? News; game: name these 'American' songs; feel good story of the day; July 4th food survey...bbq, best hot dog brands, etc. News; game: patriotic word ladder; the e-book turns 55 tomorrow!; goodbye/fun facts....national chocolate wafter day...Probably the most prominent example of chocolate wafers is the now famous Kit Kat bar, a delicious combination of chocolate and wafers that are popular in America. But those are just the wafers that are covered in chocolate. Founded in 1898, Nabisco is an American manufacturer of cookies and snacks, famous for its iconic brands. Their Famous Chocolate Wafers are a staple for many no-bake desserts, especially the classic icebox cake. Bakers also swear by chocolate wafers as an ingredient in cakes and cheesecakes, and crushed wafers add an interesting texture to pies and tarts. Another version of the chocolate wafer that we consume regularly is the chocolate waffle cone. Creameries serve ice creams in these waffle cones....which is my personal favorite so I think I'll head out to an ice cream shop today!

News; birthdays/events; we talked about cliches in movies (baguette in grocery bag, etc)...but what about TV commercials?...how many of these do you notice?; word of the day. News; game: mindtrap; phrases that annoy you (list); do you decorate your porch for July 4th? News; game: songs with "Rose" in the title; 2026 TV hall of fame shows; if you could only eat 1 fruit/1 vegetable all Summer long...what would it be? News; game: guess that tune of which Brad reads the lyrics; prevent motion sickness songs; goodbye/fun facts....Made In The USA Day spotlights American manufacturing and encourages consumers to prioritize domestically produced goods, supporting local jobs and strengthening the national economy. It also recognizes and supports the hard work, innovation, and quality that define American manufacturers. 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 — for example, automobiles, furs, textiles, and wool — must have the labels. But what exactly makes a product eligible for the 'Made in the USA' stamp? Well, when "all or virtually all" of the product is made in the United States, the brand can ask for a 'Made in the USA' label and the product becomes 'American-made.'

News; birthdays/events; why don't we "coupon" as much as we used to...what about digital coupons?; word of the day. News; signs that your house is a target to get robbed; how much would you pay for peace and quiet?; how long do you need to wait to discuss a show's "spoiler"? News; game: mind the gap 1; game: mind the gap 2; how likely are you to "play with fireworks"? News; game: just under $1,000 pyramid; remember Garanimals? (Ashley thinks some adults still need that) but what if A.I. could help dress you?; goodbye/fun facts....national U.S. postage stamp. Did you know that the postal service in the United States began with the delivery of stampless letters? And the recipient had to pay for it-- Luckily, not long after, new systems and inventions started to streamline the process, and it became easier and cheaper to send mail. The United States government post office first issued adhesive postage stamps of the value of five and ten cents on July 1 1847. And in 1855, the use of stamps was made mandatory. Initially, stamps would usually feature the face or bust of a former American president or another historically significant statesman. That all changed in the 1890s when the post office realized that selling stamps as collectibles could increase revenue. Founded in 1923, Mystic Stamp Company is one of America's largest stamp dealers, offering a vast inventory of U.S. and worldwide stamps, collecting supplies, and expert advice. They cater to both novice and experienced philatelists.

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: outburst; do you make weekly meal prep calendars...are you super inspired to try new meals? News; how much work do you do "off the clock"?; game: word ladder; hidden costs of vacation. News; people are surprisingly sensitive about how tall they are...and we start shrinking well before we think we do!; game: I should have known that..yes or no?; goodbye/fun facts....World Snorkeling Day invites everyone to glide just under the surface and discover the hidden wonders below. With a mask, a breathing tube, and a pair of fins, the ocean becomes a living window where reefs, rock gardens, and waving sea grasses create a scene that feels both wild and surprisingly close. Explore a live reef stream or interactive marine tour online. Some aquariums provide excellent videos of tropical ecosystems, while marine educators often host guided "reef walks" explaining what viewers see and why it matters. Plus Watching fish, turtles, and corals frequently encourages greater care for those delicate environments, because damage becomes difficult to ignore once seen firsthand.

News; birthdays/events; do you judge people on what they eat? HALF of us do!!; word of the day. News; game: quiz; game: feud; Ashley's friend doesn't like new technology because she can't manually adjust the time. News; frugal habits that make sense at home but send the wrong message at work; Gen Z job "requirements"; 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; even the guy who invented Chat GPT says 'beware'!; game: calendar trivia; goodbye/fun facts....National Almond Buttercrunch Day--almond butter crunch became popular in the early 1900s when confectionaires began experimenting with different ways to make toffee. Popularity grew during WWII when families would send the treat to soldiers on the front. Made primarily from butter, the treat was affordable to make and easily transported in packages. Plus, the shelf life lasted a long time. Some people refer to butter crunch as toffee, but there are a few differences between the two. Toffee is a traditional confection made by caramelising sugar with butter, then cooling it...Buttercrunch recipes started evolving when confectioners swapped brown sugar for white granulated sugar and added nuts for extra flavour and texture. Almonds became an especially popular type of nut to use in butter crunch. 

News; birthdays/events; some products at the grocery store are a HUGE waste of money (funny list); word of the day. News; game: is Ashley as smart as a 5th grader?; do you have any secret code words/phrases that you use with your s.o.?; if you could ban anything at the beach...what would it be? News; game: 80's song lyrics; the new way to have a water balloon fights; are you a mulitple? or is it weird when you find out your friend is one? News; game: movies trivia; 3 months of Summer...what are you hoping to accomplish?; goodbye/fun facts....chocolate pudding day...the soft, spoonable, custard dessert...originally it was egg that provided the thickening agent that made a pudding into a type of custard...however, we owe the instant process of this dessert to Alfred Bird, an English chemist and food manufacturer who, in 1837, invented egg-free custard powder for his wife, who was allergic to eggs. This innovation paved the way for modern instant puddings, making creamy desserts accessible to a wider audience without the need for eggs or complex cooking. His invention revolutionized dessert preparation. By 1918 the My‑T‑Fine brand begins selling what is described as the first boxed pudding mix. Today they are available for vegans too....using alternative milks, avocado, and even peanut butter.

News; birthdays/events; when was the last time something really embarassing happened to you at work?; word of the day. News; if you found a cure for something (like hair loss or graying hair) but it's a 'stinky solution'...would you still try it?; what are your favorite smells of Summer?; game: think n sync. News; misconceptions that we have about each other (genders) what would you add to this list?; sleeping on your stomach isn't so good for you...how do you keep from rolling on your tummy...if you're sleeping?; game: songs with 'heat' or 'hot' in the title or lyrics. News; we talked the other day about going to H.S. reunions...do you know whatever happened to your H.S. crush?; game: everybody knows; goodbye/fun facts....National Strawberry Parfait Day--this elegant and delicious layered dessert is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. It's a 3 layer dessert...the creamy layer: yogurt, whipped cream, custard, pudding, mascarpone, or ice cream---the strawberry layer: fresh sliced berries, macerated berries with syrupy juices, or a quick strawberry compote--and finally a crunchy layer: granola, toasted nuts, crushed cookies, ladyfingers, cake cubes, cereal, or even toasted coconut. Because they are so popular, special tall glasses were invented for serving parfaits so that they are also a visual treat. Of course you can use any berry you like...but strawberries are at the peak of their season and fresh strawberries provide about 50 calories per cup yet deliver high amounts of vitamin C, dietary fiber, and polyphenols. 

News; birthdays/events; things we did as kids that would actually be considered 'bad parenting' today; word of the day. News; game: songs with dance or dancing in the title; has anyone ever revealed your 'big news' accidentally/prematurely?; amusement park or water park for the Summer? News; what's the best customer service you've received recently?; game:battle of the sexes 1; game:battle of the sexes 2. News; do you prefer social media over actual class reunions?; best movie snacks; goodbye/fun facts....national pralines day..French sugar industrialist, Marshal du Plessis-Praslin (1598-1675), originally inspired the early pralines. At the Chateau of Vaux-le-Vicomte during the 17th century, du Plessis-Praslin created his first pralines, made with almonds and individually coated in caramelized sugar. The French settlers brought their recipe into Louisiana, an area of the United States where both sugar cane and pecan trees were plentiful. During the 19th century, New Orleans chefs substituted pecans for almonds, added cream to thicken the confection, and thus creating what is known throughout the Southern United States as the praline. A trip might be in order to truly appreciate the pralines American origins. Learn about the history of pralines on a walking tour in New Orleans' French Quarter, the birthplace of pralines in the United States.

News; birthdays/events; if you found out a neighbor was 'stealing your wi-fi'....what would you do? (funny story); word of the day. News; if food/beverages in the grocery store had a QR code to find out more about the product (nutritionally) would you scan it?;  game: celebrity autobiographies; do you show up as 'the most put together version of yourself' of does it depend where you're going/what you're doing? News; unrealistic 'everyday life' habits portrayed in movies; game: 3 word celebrity descriptions; do seasons make you SAD? (Seasonal Affective Disorder) News; restaurants are putting up signs that say "if you can't afford to tip then don't eat out"...agree??; game: general trivia; goodbye/fun facts....National Hydration Day is all about the power of a simple drink—water. This day reminds everyone how essential hydration is, not just for comfort but for keeping the body working at its best. Without enough water, everything feels harder. Muscles tighten, headaches creep in, and focus slips away. Dehydration can also increase the risk of developing kidney stones. Even mild dehydration can leave you sluggish and out of sync. The body relies on fluids to regulate temperature, digest food, and keep joints moving smoothly. Elevate your hydration by adding lemons, strawberries, or cucumbers and let them steep in your water. This not only enhances taste but also makes drinking more enjoyable. ​and don't forget to keep your pets hydrated too!!  Fresh water every day is essential for them too!!

News; birthdays/events; TSA warning to World Cup fans...but Ashley has a suggestion; word of the day. News; there are 4 different types of introverts; game: quiz; game: feud. News; toddler had a very unusual theme for his 3rd birthday party; is there a question you are tired of being asked?; what are you doing for July 4th? News; bunk bed injuries...have you ever hurt yourself in a bunk bed?; game: calendar trivia; goodbye/fun facts....national eclair day...Eclairs are a particular pastry made from a dough called pate a choux that is piped it into an oblong shape using a pastry bag. Once baked, the eclair is light and crispy on the outside and hollow on the inside making it the perfect avenue for transporting creamy vanilla or chocolate creme. In some regions of the United States, Long Johns are marketed under the name eclairs. However, the two are not quite identical. Long Johns are made with donut pastry and typically filled with vanilla pudding or custard. The eclair, on the other hand, requires a little more effort and expense to make.

News; birthdays/events; how do you feel about sharing your food? kids and animals will tell/show you exactly how they feel about it!; word of the day. News; game: breakfast cereal slogan; favorite fairy tales...Shrek? Cinderella? Frozen?;  funny stories (Reddit list) of when people realized they were dating an idiot. News; game: Brad reads 80's song lyrics; if you could have one service performed at your house every day, what would you choose?; things that make us smile. News; game: sax song quiz; best mosquito repellent ideas; goodbye/fun facts....national Garfield Day. Garfield is a famous, fun-loving, fictional cat from the famous comic strip Garfield which was created by writer Jim Davies. The lazy lasagna-loving tabby cat was named after Davis' grandfather, James A. Garfield Davis. In the comic strip, a beagle named Odie makes a regular appearance as Garfield's co-character. Garfield launched on June 19, 1978. The strip chronicled the life of Garfield and it also introduced Garfield's owner, Jon Arbuckle and Jon's dog, Odie. The publication became syndicated in 2013 in roughly 2,580 newspapers and journals and holds the Guinness World Record for being the world's most widely syndicated comic strip. There have been several animated specials, a saturday morning show, and several movies!

News; birthdays/events; how well is your brain functioning? (real age test); word of the day. News; game: songs with 'hey' in the lyrics; Summer camps....revamped!!; interesting dilemma...(Ashley's friend) as humans we tend to judge others...especially when it comes to children (having them, how they are being raised etc) do you ever feel like you have to defend your choices to others (in-laws, friends, etc)? News; game: TV show catchphrases; The World Cup and how the Japanese are setting the etiquette bar high; what kind of a dad are you...in comparison to your dad (Men's Health survey/list) News; game: password; funny/odd/weird things you've memorized; goodbye/fun facts....International Picnic Day invites everyone to embrace the simple joy of al fresco dining. This global celebration encourages friends, families, and communities to gather outdoors, share delicious food, and create lasting memories. The picnic as we know it today didn't exist until after the French Revolution when royal parks opened to the public for the first time, popularizing picnics. By the early 1800's the concept of picnic spreads to Britain and the rest of the Isles, with an official Picnic Society meeting regularly near the Pantheon in London. So...pack your favorite snacks, find a scenic spot, and enjoy the fresh air....you might even make some new friends.

News; birthdays/events; do you prefer actual keys, keypads, fingerprint or iris entry?; word of the day. News; do you think animals can pick sporting event winners any better than people?; things that will die out when baby boomers are gone (Buzzfeed list); game: TV show catchphrases. News; according to this survey...this is what people forget to clean regularly (phones, TV remotes etc); have you ever considered going on game shows and entering sweepstakes as a side hustle?; game: I should have known that. News; game: 3 word celebrity descriptions; fun ways to celebrate Father's Day; goodbye/fun facts....National Mascot Day ---a vibrant tribute to the costumed characters who ignite enthusiasm at sporting events and beyond. Mascots have been around for over 130 years. The term was popularized in the 18th century when a French composer wrote the opera "La Mascotte." The work became so popular that it was translated into English as "The Mascot," meaning any animal, person, or object which brings good luck. Then on  November 11, 1882, according to a sports article in the London newspaper "The Era," a football match between Middlesbrough Association and a newly formed team named La Mascotte took place in which one player dressed up in a costume. This was most likely the first mascot in the sports world. Costumed mascots appeared in the mid-20th century, which allowed teams to choose any creature to become their ambassador. Nowadays, mascots stir up the fan base, entertain and also educate. They have filled all American landscapes. Mascots aren't just for sports...they are also commonly used to represent consumer products...like Mr. Peanut and the Enegizer Bunny. 

News; birthdays/events; have you ever had a dream/nightmare alter your life?; word of the day. News; game: TV show catchphrases; what's worth vip/premier pricing? (first class? vip parking? etc); what fun work perk do you get? News; game: what year was it?; could 'fake shopping' be the new cool thing to do?; if you found a famous person's belongings...would you keep it as a souvenir? return it? expect a reward? News; game: Movies trivia; feel good story of the day; goodbye/fun facts....international waterfalls day invites everyone to pause and marvel at these natural wonders.. Waterfalls have a way of stopping us in our tracks. From the roar of Niagara to the misty veil of Angel Falls, each cascade tells its own story. This day celebrates not just their beauty but also their role in our world. They provide fresh water, support wildlife, they draw visitors from all corners. Waterfalls connect us to nature's raw power and grace, they sustain ecosystems, and communities often rely on them for clean water and energy. And If travel isn't an option, stream waterfall videos or documentaries. Plenty of high-quality films offer stunning views and relaxing sounds.

News; birthdays/events; walk up or drive thru...what's your preference?; word of the day. News; grandma stand...Brad's pappaw would have been great at this! game: quiz; game: feud. News; if you find non venomous snakes on your property...do you just leave em alone?; items we regret throwing away; feel good story of the day. News; funny things people say to unsuspecting/gullible friends/family/co-workers; game: calendar trivia;  goodbye/fun facts....nature photography day. The natural world is full of so much gorgeous beauty and wonder, and it is important for us to embrace it as much as possible. In the 1860's American photographer Carleton E. Watkins hauls giant cameras into Yosemite Valley to make monumental "mammoth plate" views that become landmark images of wild American scenery....By 1940 Ansel Adams published a powerful black-and-white book filled with images  of Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. However, you don't have to be a professional photographer....just find something that is beautiftul to you! 

News; birthdays/events; how often do you update your devices?; word of the day. News; game: finish the name of these toys; have you seen the Japanese gorilla video? is it A.I.?!?!?; what's the last thing you accidentally broke at your house? News; game: battle of the sexes part 1; game: battle of the sexes part 2; what's your summer cocktail personality? News; have you ever gone home to use 'the facilities' because the public bathroom was so gross?; "how to" book from the 15-1800's...how did they do things?; goodbye/fun facts....national peanut butter cookie day. 3,500 years ago, indigenous peoples of the Americas, including Aztec and Inca cultures, ground roasted peanuts into a paste, creating an early forerunner to modern peanut butter used in sauces and foods. By 1916 Dr. George Washington Carver publishes the Tuskegee Institute bulletin "How to Grow the Peanut and 105 Ways of Preparing it for Human Consumption," featuring several recipes for peanut-based cookies and desserts.  Peanut butter cookies are incredibly easy to make: peanut butter, sugar, and eggs...and, yes, the fork marks on peanut butter cookies serve a critical functional purpose in addition to being decorative. Because peanut butter cookie dough is significantly denser, thicker, and higher in fat than many other cookie doughs, it does not spread naturally on its own in the oven.

News; birthdays/events; have you heard of the backwards beach trend? do you know people that do things out of order like this?; word of the day. News; senior give self care advice to the younger generations--what do you think about these suggestions?; what's your dad superpower? (funny list); game: TV show catchphrases. News; what are the most boring things you deal with every day?; The 40/70 % rule for making decisions; game: rock and roll biographies. News; baby center baby name trends 2026; game: famous moments in sports; goodbye/fun facts....national corn on the cob day. While corn on the cob day comes at the beginning of June, anyone from the corn growing belt in the US knows that the best time to get fresh corn on the cob is at the end of the summer. Some 7,000 years ago in Mexico---corn grew as a wild grass, though was eventually grown as a crop and harvested. Although the most common corn color is yellow, it can also be cultivated to be purple, green, blue-gray, red, white and even black. By the 1920's Corn on the Cob becomes a Fairground and Picnic Staple...and with the rise of automobile tourism and state and county fairs, vendors across the United States sell freshly boiled or grilled ears of sweet corn, firmly associating corn on the cob with outdoor festivals, barbecues, and Summer leisure. While it might seem rude, proper dinner etiquette for eating corn says holding the cob at each end with your fingers is appropriate. The United States is the largest single producer of corn on the planet, providing at least 40% of the world's corn harvest.

News; birthdays/events; what was the best and the worst Summer job you ever had?; word of the day. News; would you like a cash app accessory?; game: prison commissary price is right; funny habits many of us have done but probably wouldn't admit (how many on this list have you done?) News; when you were a kid, what was the best snack to find in your lunchbox?; game: just over $1,000 pyramid; best sunburn remedies. News; Father's day is coming up...do you know the backstory?; game: songs that ask questions; goodbye/fun facts....National Black Cow Day celebrates the delicious beverage also known as a Root Beer Float. That's right, the beverage made with root beer and vanilla ice cream is called a Black Cow. Frank J. Wisner from Cripple Creek, Colorado, invented the black cow. He was the owner of the Cripple Creek Cow Mountain Gold Mining Company. The story goes that one night he found himself staring out the window thinking about the line of soda waters that he was producing and as he was looking out the window, he went back to his bar and added a spoonful of vanilla ice cream to his favorite flavor of soda, Myers Avenue Red Root Beer. When he tasted it, he knew he had a hit. Wisner named the new creation Black Cow Mountain but the local children shortened the name to Black Cow. Some people even substitute vanilla ice cream with chocolate ice cream, making it a "brown cow."

News; birthdays/events; gas station food used to be joke...but now there is gourmet gas station food!; word of the day. News; game: sax and drum intro songs; do you purchase or rent digital movies? what's your dollar threshold?; should certain places (like funeral homes) have drab decor on purpose or should they be cheerfully decorated? News; game: Les Paul songs; kids in the 80's and 90's mowed lawns 4 times more than kids do today...what are some chores that you did as a kid that your kids have no clue about?; what's your guilty pleasure summer snack and/or summer driving song? News; game: songs with Summer in the title; 100 years: things that would horrify someone from 1926 living in 2026...and vice versa; goodbye/fun facts....strawberry rhubarb pie day. Rhubarb is a one of the first foods gardeners begin to harvest rhubarb in the middle of May and early June, and it finds its way into desserts and preserves. Native to China, rhubarb was originally grown and traded as a medicine....it's technically a vegetable...Originating in Europe (Germany and UK), the rhubarb pie was introduced to the United States in the late 18th century....rhubarb and strawberries make an amazing combination! While the strawberries are sweet, the rhubarb provides a deliciously sour complement that offers a balance and tasty complexity. 

News; birthdays/events; are there certain bands you want to see over and over...would you travel?; word of the day. News; game: quiz; game: feud; 73 percent of Americans go back to their house for forgotten items when leaving on a road trip. News; roles that were so perfectly cast no one else could have played them; feel good story of the day; 3 words to live by...brief but great advice. News; here's an interesting way to help cope with stressful situations...would you try it?; game: calendar trivia;  goodbye/fun facts....Eat Flexitarian Day..for many people, a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle can be difficult to adopt because it's assumed that this limits many delicious foods—like beef, chicken, and bacon—and especially foods that satisfy savory cravings. Eating flexitarian is a great alternative and an opportunity for people to incorporate more plant-based foods that satisfy those cravings, with the option to enjoy meat or fish on occasion as well. It sparks curiosity by offering freedom. Studies link plant-rich eating with lower risks of heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers...at the same time, eating less meat cuts greenhouse gas emissions and reduces resource use. Offering balance instead of all-or-nothing.

News; birthdays/events; most kids don't listen to their parents about saving money until they have some skin in the game....when did you get financial skin in the game?; word of the day. News; Uber list of strangest items left in Uber cars 2026 list; Summer cookout fat trap; game: drum intro songs. News; we've heard of people who live on cruise ships...but would you live in/on a floating city?; game: saxophone songs; Netflix's all time top 10 watched movies...how many of these have you seen? News; game: lead singers read their biographies; tips for keep your pets cool/safe in the heat of the summer; goodbye/fun facts....National Start Over Day is a chance to wipe the slate clean and begin again. Life throws challenges at everyone, and sometimes, the best thing to do is start fresh...whether moving on from a mistake, chasing a dream, or simply shifting focus--It's a powerful reminder no one moves through life without missteps, but dwelling on them only holds us back. This mental reset helps us to let go of old burdens and look ahead with confidence. It sparks hope, encouraging action toward something better. Failing is important because it allows you to give something another try. Trust the process of what you learn along the failure journey, change a few things, and start from scratch to make it a success. 

News; birthdays/events; right place, right time story; word of the day. News; would you let an A.I. robot clean your house?; strange Summer festival 2026; game: This is Jeopardy. News; easy bill splitting...because some restaurants won't split it for you; things you should never apologize for; game: Van Halen song intros. News; if you're not really a breakfast person but you want to lose weight would you do this?; game: General Trivia;  goodbye/fun facts....national cheese day...While there are certainly some people who do not like cheese or cannot eat it for health reasons, most other people would agree that it is one of the best ingredients for food recipes that was ever invented. There are so many different kinds and varieties of cheese available from cultures the world over. Chemical analysis of perforated pottery from 5000 BC in Kuyavia in present-day Poland shows residues of milk fats, indicating that early farmers were straining curds and making a simple cheese thousands of years before written records.  By the 8th century BCE Greek writers such as Homer and Aristotle describe sheep's and goat's milk cheeses, with the Odyssey depicting cheesemaking in caves... evidence that cheese was a staple food and trade product. So if you love cheese...try one of the more obsure/peculiar ones like: Gjetost Cheese ("yay-toast") from Norway or Drunken Goat Cheese from Spain.

News; birthdays/events; how would you feel if you had to hold hands and sing with your co-workers before meetings?; word of the day. News; game: minute mysteries; we talked about 22 minutes of wasted productivity (computer issues) yesterday...Ashley had 2+ hour tech issue yesterday; Would You Rather? during Summer. News; game: 3 word book descriptions; if you were being turned into an action figure...what 2 accessories would you have to come with?; cue the Macklemore music...thrift store shopping is back--bigtime! News; game: everybody knows; we're so used to instant text messaging...would you be willing to wait several hours or days for a text to arrive?; goodbye/fun facts....National Chicken Salad Day honors a deli favorite with deep New England roots. Chicken salad is believed to have originated in 1863, when Liam Gray of Town Meats in Wakefield, Rhode Island, combined leftover chicken with mayonnaise, tarragon, and grapes to create the now-classic dish. The recipe quickly became so popular with customers that Gray transformed his meat market into a delicatessen to keep up with growing product demand. Today, chicken salad remains a staple at family gatherings, Summer picnics, sandwich shops, and grocery deli counters across the country. Additional ingredients often include celery, onions, grapes, apples, nuts, herbs, and seasonings and because there are countless variations, it appeals to a broad range of culinary preferences and dietary needs.

News; birthdays/events; fun/funny/clever dog names; word of the day. News; non-Americans share what they think is the best American food(s)...no hot dogs or apple pie!!; game: outburst; how old is "too old" for rock stars to be on tour? News; how many apps do you have vs use...other categories that are similar; game: boomer trivia; if you could go back and change your college major...would you? News; David Rush's new record; game: harmonica songs; goodbye/fun facts....National Rocky Road Day is a day dedicated to the eating of Rocky Road ice cream; a dessert made from marshmallows, nuts, and chocolate. People have been enjoying this delicious combination for many years. There are varying accounts of the origin of this ice cream, as there often is with the creation of something new. Sometime during the late 1920s, William Dreyer used inspiration from his partner Joseph Edy's chocolate candy to make rocky road ice cream. Dryer did something he was probably told a hundred times not to do. He used his wife's sewing scissors to chop up marshmallows and walnuts and added them to chocolate ice cream. Another who laid claim to the creation of rocky road ice cream was George Farren. He had simply blended a candy bar into chocolate ice cream creating the creamy dessert. Although rocky road began as a chocolate-and-nut confection, it has evolved into distinct regional styles. In the United Kingdom, "rocky road" is usually a no-bake traybake made from crushed biscuits, cocoa, golden syrup, and marshmallows, while in New Zealand and Australia, versions often include coconut or glacé cherries.

News; birthdays/events; if people constantly park illegally on your property...how far would you go to 'show them a lesson'?; word of the day. News; game: quiz; game: feud; some people think Die Hard is a Christmas movie....others say no.  Same thing with Hot Dogs...some say they are a Sandwich and others say no...the debate happens every Summer! News; national game show day...what are your favorites? (old or new); Finance Buzz says there are certain documents you should shred...not just throw away; could you be a stuntperson? we have the list of what it takes. News; game: calendar trivia; what are you most looking forward to this month/what's on your June to-do list?; goodbye/fun facts....national olive day. Olives are a symbol of peace, hope, love and friendship. Evidence shows that the origins of the olive tree were in present-day Italy and the Mediterranean Basin 40 million years ago. Olives are grown on trees, and they can be grown for serving as a table fruit or for producing oil. There are over a dozen types of olives...An olive has quite a few nutritional benefits,..one cup of black olives can provide about 40% of your daily recommended value of copper, about 25% of iron, and about 15% of vitamin E. They also make a great garnish for a martini...just ask James Bond.

News; birthdays/events; favorite Summer foods; word of the day. News; game: mindtrap; Summer swimming safety (not only for kids!); how important is 'good Wi-Fi' to you when you travel? News; game: name these 50 year old songs; has someone ever not gone out with you on a date because of your job?;  can 'old technology' undermine modern systems? News; game: songs from 40 years ago; once popular home features that are fading fast; goodbye/fun facts....National Paperclip Day. This humble little invention comes in various forms, shapes, and sizes, has been around for a little under two centuries now, although who knows what the Egyptians invented to keep their papyri together. The first patent for the paperclip (a 'bent wire paper clip') was awarded to Samuel B. Fay in 1867, in the U.S. The original intent was to use it to attach tickets to fabric. However, its use for holding paper together quickly became apparent. Since then, 50 others also received patents for their versions of the paperclip. The story can be traced back to the German occupation of Norway (from 1940 to 1945), during World War II. Due to Johan Vaaler's paperclip design, it was (and still is) erroneously believed in his home country of Norway that he was the inventor of the paperclip. Therefore, in 1940, during the German occupation of Norway, students of Oslo University began to wear the paperclip as a non-violent symbol of resistance, unity, and national pride. There is an American documentary that traces the story of the inception of the Paper Clips Project, which began as a project at Whitwell Middle School, Tennessee to raise awareness about the 6 million Jewish lives lost during the Holocaust. 

News; birthdays/events; Olympic Pentathalon may be getting an update; word of the day. News; pranks; Summer sunscreen safety: myth vs reality; game: password. News; Tik Tok's later gator dude....(Ashley agrees with him 100%); what would drive you to learn a new language?; game: just over $1,000 pyramid. News; first responders say these are things we NEED to know; game: Backwards songs; goodbye/fun facts....National Hamburger Day celebrates America's most iconic food. We eat over 50 billion burgers a year. Originating in Hamburg Germany, the hamburger as we know it was developed in Seymour, Wisconsin, a town still famous for its hamburger heroics. In 1842, American newspapers began mentioning "Hamburg steak," a seasoned, hand-minced beef patty associated with German sailors and immigrants, served as a standalone meat dish rather than a sandwich. By 1896, a Chicago Tribune article makes a reference to the growing popularity of the 'hamburger sandwich' amongst rail commuters. Unlike many popular dishes where you just get what you get, a hamburger can be designed and created for the person who is eating it. In a strange way, a hamburger resembles an edible art form. 

News; birthdays/events; are you lacking in fun?; word of the day. News; funny/punny store names have you seen?; game: slogan game; is it ok to give an Amazon wish list to people for celebrations? News; funny acts of 'mild vandalism' (Buzzfeed list); game: songs with 'man' in the title; funny story of the day. News; most tear jerking films of all time; game:  3 word movie title clue; goodbye/fun facts....World Otter Day occurs on the last Wednesday of May, which is May 27 this year. Otters are beautiful, playful animals that live in wetlands across the world. Species are declining due to habitat destruction, reduction of prey, roadkill, and illegal trade for fur and as pets. There are 13 different species, 12 of which are disappearing. Otters may look playful and carefree, but they play a powerful role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Unlike most marine mammals, sea otters have almost no insulating blubber and instead rely on extraordinarily dense fur. Their fur, which can exceed 1 million hairs per square inch, traps air next to the skin like a dry suit. Otters are found all over the world....though about 90% of all sea otters live on the coast of Alaska...Otters form "rafts," where they hold hands to avoid drifting apart. Some rafts can include up to 20 otters. This behavior showcases their highly social nature. there's a great documentary on national geographic called Billy & Molly: an otter love story.

News; birthdays/events; what word(s) do you always have trouble spelling? (list); word of the day. News; when is the best time to see a movie?; game: I should have known that yes or no?; if you were paid $10,000 to watch a movie 100 times what would it be?...what if you could pick a movie for someone else to see 100 times? News; game: mind the gap part 1; game: mind the gap part 2. News; experts reveal what our favorite seasons say about us; how long could you survive in the wilderness?; goodbye/fun facts....National Paper Airplane Day. The practice of constructing paper planes is sometimes referred to as aerogami, after origami, the Japanese art of paper folding. Crafting paper planes is said to have originated out of ancient China, but the art is said to have been perfected out of Japan. In the late 1400's/early 1500's Leonardo Da Vinci sketches gliders, often specifying parchment and lightweight materials. By the early 1900's Wilbur and Orville Wright conduct extensive experiments with small paper and cardboard models, refining wing shapes and control systems that would lead to their successful powered flights at Kitty Hawk in 1903. In 2007 The inaugural Red Bull Paper Wings competition brings together students from dozens of countries to compete in distance, airtime, and aerobatics, formalizing paper airplane flying as an international sport.  

News; birthdays/events; are you team gas or team charcoal?; word of the day. News; game: quiz; game: feud; 7 months til Christmas...anything you plan to start doing now to make life easier later? News; if you had the money to spend at a celebrity auction: which celebrity would you want to 'win' lunch with?; Money magazine's list of favorite inexpensive summer activities; a new study says if you to do these things your days will be positive...but there is one thing that can it really challenging. News; 2026 list of best beaches; game: calendar trivia; goodbye/fun facts....National Bath Bomb Day is a day to celebrate self-care and relaxation with the use of bath bombs which were created by Mo Constantine, one of the co-founders of Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetic. She always wanted to indulge in luxurious baths, but her skin was sensitive and easily irritated when she tried conventional bubble bath products...so in 1989, she went into her garden shed and blended baking soda and citric acid for a fizzy effect. She then got creative with colors, essential oils, and add-ins like flower petals and sea salt. The first bath bomb was born right then and there! You can make your own with just a few simple ingredients and you can modify them to include any essential oil you love!

News; birthdays/events; what are the odds? funny story; word of the day. News; game: is Ashley as smart as a 5th grader?; how do you pass the time when you're stuck somewhere like an airport of a waiting room and you can't leave?; would you dress up to get free food at your favorite drive thru for a year? News; game: complete the Bernie Taupin/Elton John song; first graders give advice to high school grads going off to college...super cute!!; 2026 list of America's favorite burger toppers. News; game: cartoon show theme songs; things that would have been considered disrespectful 20 years ago; goodbye/fun facts....Sherlock Holmes is a world-renowned detective and the most portrayed character in film history and the annual celebration, marks the birthday of its creator--Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who based the character of Sherlock on an Edinburgh university professor, Dr. Joseph Bell. In simple terms, Sherlock Holmes is a detective who uses the power of acute observation and deduction to solve crimes. But Conan Doyle's outstanding writing and deep knowledge of the genre made the stories an instant hit. Conan Doyle started writing as a deflection from his failed career as an ophthalmologist and had he not taken the risk of quitting his medical practice to give his hobby a chance, the world would have never known about Holmes. Those who haven't visited 221b Baker Street in London are in for a real treat! The official museum is fun to see with relics of various kinds.

News; birthdays/events; our surroundings impact our focus (Ashley always had a hard time studying in the library...it was too quiet); word of the day. News; game: what year was it?; a petty argument between friends...what would you have done?; when does Summer start for you? News; game: 5 second rule; fun car games for road trips; ice cream cone, popsicle/shaved ice, ice cream sandwich. News; game: mindtrap; parents are turning to A.I. to help them navigate these daily challenges; goodbye/fun facts....International Tea Day--You might be surprised to know that tea is the most loved beverage worldwide. Every second, people consume 25,000 cups of tea, meaning more than two billion cups of tea are consumed per day. According to legend, Emperor Shen Hung of China discovered tea when leaves from a tree blew into his pot of boiling water in 2737 BC. He loved the hot liquid and humanity has not looked back ever since. Besides drinking it for taste, there are quite a few health benefits of tea drinking like the reduced the risk of heart attack and stroke, boosting the immune system, help battle cancer, soothing the digestive system--Habitual tea drinkers are also less likely to die prematurely. There are actually some fascinating documentaries on the history of tea, like: Tea: The Drink That Changed The World and One Cup: a thousand stories.

News; birthdays/events; have you ever done something kind of dangerous just to say you did it? extreme sports? bungee jumping, swimming with sharks etc; word of the day. News; is there a televised sport that no matter how hard you try...you just can't get into it?; what do you think about "chair hogs"?; game: acoustic guitar song intros. News; is there another person/email/phone number tied to one of your 'rewards' accounts?; do you keep anything unusual to remind yourself how far you've come?; game: guess that celebrity voice. News; gently walk into the pool or cannonball?; game: movies trivia; goodbye/fun facts....National Pick Strawberries Day...strawberry picking time is usually between late April and throughout the summer, depending on what part of the United States you live. Knowing what "ripe" looks like is also half the fun. Strawberries do not continue to ripen much after they are picked, so selecting berries that are fully colored matters. A ripe berry is typically red all the way to the shoulders, with a glossy surface and a plump shape. Strawberries offer amazing nutritional value--at only 32 calories and containing 91% water, these red berries are full of antioxidants, vitamin C, folic acid, fiber, etc. As if these qualities weren't enough, the tasty fruit is also a cousin of the beautiful rose plant. 

News; birthdays/events; do you know anyone (grown adult) who doesn't have a dl? why don't they have one?;  word of the day. News; since very few of us can afford to travel for the summer...here are some budget friendly and fun things to do!; game: I should have known that yes or no?; when do you feel 'fully awake' in the morning? News; are we so negative that saying something nice seems out of the ordinary?; game: songs with 'doctor' in them; what kind of 'expos' have you been to? News; do you prefer to be the tourist or the host?; game: everybody knows; goodbye/fun facts....Plant Something Day encourages people to take a few minutes to plant something around them. It could be a flower, a tree, or an indoor plant.  There are more than 80,000 edible plant species. However, about 90% of the food we eat comes from only about 30 plants. This makes the human diet more limited than it has to be. You can share seeds with the people around you. Giving them seeds will encourage them to plant. Clinical and population studies have found that regular gardening reduces stress, anxiety, and depression and improves life satisfaction.

News; birthdays/events; listener John B story...what did you believe until you were an adult?; word of the day. News; game: quiz; game: feud; weird TV shows you like to watch/fall asleep to. News; do you plog?; what do you think about this usage of A.I.?; things that warm you heart...Ashley saw something adorable over the weekend. News; what does your favorite ice cream flavor say about you?; game: calendar trivia; goodbye/fun facts....National Cheese Soufflé Day honors this French delight. The word 'soufflé' comes from the French word 'souffler,' which means 'to puff up' or 'to blow up.' A soufflé is basically a white sauce filled with egg yolk. Stiff egg whites are folded into the mixture. You can add whatever flavor you like at this point such as vegetables, cheese, chocolate, or fruits making it either sweet or savory. The tricky thing about soufflés is that, after a certain point, they will collapse due to the cool air outside the oven. So they need to be served and eaten as soon as they are taken out of the oven. Soufflés gained popularity in fine dining from the early to mid-1900s. According to the New York Public Library menu archives, soufflés made frequent appearances in menus at upscale venues like the Waldorf Astoria, The Biltmore, and Hotel Astor but today they are found on brunch menus everywhere!

News; birthdays/events; how often do you need something in less than 30 minutes; word of the day. News; game: Songs with the word "Don't" in the title; Mom.com list of skills your kid needs to become an awesome adult; how often do you stop halfway through a chore...which one(s)? News; game: WWTBAM; what award should you win at work? (even if it's just a made up award); if you found something worth a lot of money...would you keep it or sell it? News; game: general trivia; what "jerk" behavior should be fineable?; goodbye/fun facts....Straw Hat Day celebrates this timeless wardrobe staple. Both men and women wear it in a variety of styles...and the straw hat has stood the test of time, serving not only as a protection from the sun but a fashion statement. Straw hats have been around since the Middle Ages---late medieval illustrations from Europe show peasants and outdoor laborers wearing simple woven straw hats for sun protection in fields and vineyards.  By the early nineteenth century, Luton had developed a major straw plaiting and hatmaking industry, supplying fashionable straw bonnets and hats across Britain and abroad.  In the U.S., the Panama hat became popular due to President Theodore Roosevelt wearing it during his visit to the Panama Canal construction site. So if you don't have one...today is the day to get one!

News; birthdays/events; what trend do you wish would make a comeback?; word of the day. News; game: Star Wars trivia (George Lucas Birthday); most polite countries...do you travel to places where people are nice or because you want to see that particular city?; would you ever ask your neighbor to turn their music up LOUDER? News; game: Back to the Future movie trivia; do you know your monthly expenses?; how to cope with the hot temps...besides drinking water. News; game: 80's/90's trivia; things that seem illegal but are actually legal; goodbye/fun facts....The Stars and Stripes Forever Day is celebrated to honor the American march of the same name written and composed by John Philip Sousa. It became the National March of the United States in 1987...but it was actually composed on Christmas Day in 1896. It was composed while Sousa was on his way home from a vacation in Europe, with his wife when he got the news of his band manager, David Blakely's death. He later penned the notes on paper after he arrived back in the United States. You can listen to 'The Stars and Stripes' March in celebration of Stars and Stripes Day. There's a recorded version by Sousa's band available on YouTube. "

News; birthdays/events; can an improv technique help your mindset in life?; word of the day. News; we're all pinching pennies...but some luxuries are worth it; when you see a mistake in a movie...does it ruin the movie for you? (funny examples); game: 1 chord songs part 2. News; do you try to use the A.I. customer service option or do you only want to talk to a person?; secret/guilty pleasures that are pretty common; game: outburst. News; what's a 'running holiday/race-cation'?; game: 80's song lyrics; goodbye/fun facts....national apple pie day...it's considered an iconic symbol of American culture, but it did not originate in the United States. It's been around since the Middle Ages. A Dutch cookbook dated 1514 lists a recipe for Appeltaerten. The English also had their version of apple pie, which dates back to the time of Chaucer. The English version also suggests adding figs, raisins, and pears and the French caramelized their apples, an innovation which added a whole new dynamic to the flavor. Serving apple pie with a slice of sharp cheddar traces back to English traditions of pairing fruit desserts with salty or tangy dairy foods like cheese or custard,..so many Americans eat their apple pie that way...and many others choose the a la mode option.

News; birthdays/events; would you live in a mixed use space?; word of the day. News; game: Usual Suspects movie trivia; would you use A.I. to pick a sports team winner for you?; summer vacation travel tip reminders. News; game: ballpark anthems played backwards; awkward encounters; beneficial insects?...ewwwww. News; game: single chord songs; when singing our national anthem is it ok to act/dress silly?; goodbye/fun facts....national odometer day. An odometer is an instrument that indicates the distance traveled by a vehicle. It may be electronic, mechanical or a combination of both. The word odometer comes from the Greek words hodos meaning path or gateway and metron, meaning measure...traditionally a purely mechanical device, many versions appeared across history. Ancient Greece used specialists trained to measure footsteps and ancient Romans had their own versions too. Independent of these developments, odometers were also invented in the Han dynasty, in the form of a road carriage with a drum. As the story goes, each time the measurement of distance was met, a wooden figure would hit the drum. Experts consider this to be a highly advanced version of the odometer. Today, US law requires vehicle mechanics to keep records of your odometer every time you service your vehicle.

News; birthdays/events; teaching coping skills to children include a "calm down corner"...as an adult what would be in your "calm down corner"?; word of the day. News; game: quiz; game: feud; weird things most of us do but no one talks about. News; losing sense of taste and smell can be caused by many things...but this Willy Wonka gum might be the solution; Ashley got to sit in the Batmobile and the Back to the Future Delorean; if your kids want a dog or cat...this might be a unique solution. News; world video game Hall of Fame inductees; game: calendar trivia; goodbye/fun facts....Twillight Zone day...The 1950s had seen an explosion in science-fiction-themed television and radio shows. But perhaps none has had a greater impact on popular culture than "The Twilight Zone," which debuted in 1959. The series was created by a young writer named Rod Serling. It delved into several different genres, including science fiction, comedy, drama, and horror. Serling would often lean on his personal experiences in boxing, the military, and as an airplane pilot, as story ideas for the show. He also served as the narrator in each episode, acting as an almost omnipresent figure that was witnessing the events of the "Twilight Zone." Not sure why it's celebrated on this day because the first episode aired in October and Rod's birthday was in December...but if you'd like to watch the show...full episodes are available on you tube.

News; birthdays/events; have you ever told a totally made up story about yourself to see if people will believe it? (funny story); word of the day. News best, worst, or even weird field trips you ever went on?; there are over 2,600 billionaires in the world...unimaginable amount of money...what would you do with it if you had it?; which incident during your childhood taught you the most about life? News; if you could be invisible what mildly inconvenient things would you do to people? (list); game: mind the gap; game: mind the gap 2. News; game: songs with age in the title; what's a really great word that you like to throw into conversation whenever you get a chance?; goodbye/fun facts....National Give Someone a Cupcake Day where people give either bakery-bought or homemade cupcakes to their coworkers, colleagues, teachers, bosses, or anyone they care about. The tradition of cupcakes dates back to the late 18th century. In 1796, Amelia Simmons included a recipe for small cakes baked in cups in her cookbook, "American Cookery." The baking of cakes in cups — due to the lack of what today we call muffin tins — was what originated the name of the treat. But they were just cakes...until the 1920's when cupcake decorating involves chocolate or vanilla frosting...total game changer!