Archives for February 2025

Today’s show is of course full of mushy love and sweet stuff for 2/14, but it’s also a notable birthday, who’s? Hold on to your sweetheart but first…

Today, of course, is Valentine’s Day! While we all know it as a day for flowers, chocolates, and love, it wasn’t always quite so commercialized. The holiday is named after Saint Valentine, a priest in ancient Rome who performed secret weddings for couples during a time when the emperor had outlawed marriage for young men. His acts of love led to his martyrdom, and Valentine was eventually canonized. So, if you’re celebrating today, you’re paying tribute to a man who truly believed in love!

It’s also National Cream-Filled Chocolate Day, a delicious reason to indulge in your favorite creamy, chocolaty treats! From chocolate truffles to chocolate-covered creams, the combination of rich chocolate and smooth cream has been a beloved pairing for generations. Whether you like your chocolate dark, milk, or white, today’s the perfect day to dig in!

Did you know that the first Valentine’s card was sent way back in 1415? Charles, Duke of Orleans, sent a handwritten poem to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London. It’s believed to be the first known Valentine, and it shows that love, no matter the century, has always found a way to express itself—through poetry, cards, and of course, chocolate!

And here’s a cute little fact for you: lovebirds, the small, colorful parrots, are actually a species of bird known for their strong, affectionate pair bonds. These birds often sit close to one another, feed each other, and even share a sweet little kiss now and then. So yes, when someone says “lovebirds,” they’re not just talking about couples—they’re referring to real, feathered friends!

The #1 song on Saturday, February 14th 2015 was Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars.

Today, we also celebrate the birthday of Frederick Douglass, born on February 14th, 1818. Douglass was a former slave who became one of the most prominent abolitionists in the 19th century, fighting for the rights and freedom of African Americans. His autobiography and speeches continue to inspire people worldwide to strive for equality and justice. A true pioneer for freedom!

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There is famous tower that actually gets taller and then shorter – I’ll tell you which, later in the show – but first…

February 13th is National Tortellini Day! These little pasta pockets of joy have been loved for centuries, originally hailing from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. Tortellini can be stuffed with all sorts of fillings, from cheese to meat to herbs, and it’s usually served in broth or with a creamy sauce. So, if you’ve got some in the pantry, today’s the perfect day to cook up a batch and celebrate!

February 13th also happens to be Galentine’s Day! Popularized by the show Parks and Recreation, it’s a day for celebrating your best female friends—whether you’re single or in a relationship. It’s all about showing appreciation for those close bonds with brunch, gifts, or just a good old-fashioned girls’ night out. Grab your besties and celebrate how awesome they are!

Let’s also wish a happy birthday to actress Stockard Channing, born on February 13th, 1944. Best known for her iconic role as Rizzo in Grease, Stockard has built an impressive career on stage and screen. Fun fact: She was in her 30s when she played the high school student Rizzo. Talk about being young at heart!

The #1 song on Friday, February 13th 1976 was 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover by Paul Simon.

Here’s a fun little fact: The Eiffel Tower can grow up to 6 inches taller during the summer! This happens because the iron expands in the heat. So, if you’re visiting Paris and the tower seems a bit taller than usual, just know you’re not imagining things!

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February 12th is a day for celebrating a fella that really got things done honestly – I’ll explain who that is later in the show – but first…

Today is National Plum Pudding Day! But here’s the thing—this holiday isn’t about the fruity, chocolatey treats we often picture today. The original plum pudding, also known as Christmas pudding, is a rich, steamed dessert made with suet, dried fruits, and spices, and it has roots going all the way back to medieval England. So, next time you’re enjoying some plum pudding, just remember: You’re eating history… with a side of sugar.

February 12th, 1920, marked the first public radio broadcast in the U.S. from Pittsburgh! The station, KDKA, broadcasted the results of the 1920 presidential election, and the rest, as they say, is radio history. Who knew that something as simple as hearing “Your vote counts” over the airwaves could spark the beginning of a communications revolution? Just remember—next time you’re listening to your favorite podcast, thank those early radio pioneers!

Actress Christina Ricci, born February 12th, 1980! Known for her roles in The Addams Family, Sleepy Hollow, and Casper, Ricci became a cultural icon of the ‘90s. Fun fact: She was only 9 years old when she played Wednesday Addams! And no, she wasn’t scary at all—unless you count the way she delivered those perfectly deadpan lines.

The #1 song on Sunday, February 12th 1967 was I’m a Believer by The Monkees.

Today is the birthday of one of the most iconic U.S. presidents—Abraham Lincoln! Born on February 12th, 1809, Honest Abe helped guide the country through the Civil War, abolished slavery, and delivered the famous Gettysburg Address. And, if you’ve ever wondered how tall he was, Lincoln stood at 6 feet 4 inches, making him one of the tallest presidents in U.S. history. Talk about standing tall in the face of adversity!

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February 11th is a day for drying those tears – I’ll explain why later in the show – but first…

Today, we also celebrate the birthday of Hollywood legend Burt Reynolds! Born on February 11th, 1936, Burt’s famous for his roles in Smokey and the Bandit and The Longest Yard. Fun fact: He once famously turned down the role of James Bond, saying, “I wouldn’t want to wear a tuxedo for the rest of my life!” Which, let’s be honest, might have been the most Bond thing he ever said.

If you’re a fan of minty treats, then today is your day to celebrate. It’s National Peppermint Patty Day! It’s a day to recognize the famous peppermint-flavored candy with a chocolate coating. Just like that fresh breath feeling you get after eating one, this holiday’s all about a little “zing” of minty freshness in your life.

On February 11, 2008, in the town of Bethel, Maine, the world’s largest snowman was built! Standing a towering 122 feet tall, it was called Olympia and was built by a group of volunteers. You know what they say—when life gives you snow, build a giant snowman that’s bigger than most of your problems.

The #1 song on Thursday, February 11th 1999 was Baby One More Time by Britney Spears.

Today is National Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk Day! A day to remind ourselves that life’s little mishaps are no reason to get upset. The saying originates from the idea that once milk is spilled, there’s no point in crying over it because it can’t be undone. But if you spill your coffee? I think that’s a legitimate reason for a mini-meltdown. Am I right?

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Today on February 10th there is really something to get fired up about – I’ll explain why later in the show – but first…

Hey gang, Troy W. Hudson, the Voice Over with Personality! Welcome to Have YOU heard? It’s February 10th, and we’re going to make it RAIN with knowledge because it’s National Umbrella Day!

Speaking of staying dry, here’s a fact that’ll make you say “Um-brella-vable!” The first waterproof fabric was patented by Scottish chemist Charles Macintosh in 1823. But get this – he accidentally discovered it while working with waste products from gasworks! Talk about turning trash into treasure! I guess you could say he really knew how to WEATHER success!

Oh, and here’s something that’ll really blow your circuits – on this day in 1996, IBM’s supercomputer Deep Blue made history by defeating world chess champion Garry Kasparov in their first game! I guess you could say Kasparov got CHECKED by technology! Though don’t worry, he went on to win the overall match 4-2!

Here’s something that’ll really switch on your interest – today’s also the birthday of the legendary Jimmy Durante, born in 1893! This amazing comedian and performer was known for his distinctive nose, which he nicknamed his “schnozzola.” He really NOSE how to make people laugh!

The #1 song on Tuesday, February 10th 1953 was: Don’t Let the Stars Get in Your Eyes by Perry Como.

On this day in 1863, the first fire extinguisher patent was granted in Virginia? Talk about a invention that really helped people EXTINGUISH their problems! The inventor, Alanson Crane, really knew how to turn up the heat on safety!

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Have YOU heard?

On February 7th, 1984 a real life space rocketeer was jetpacking in outer space – I’ll tell you the out of this world details later, but first …

Did you know that today marks National Periodic Table Day? Now, you might think this is just about that chart hanging in your chemistry classroom, but there’s an incredible story behind it. Back in 1869, a Russian scientist named Dmitri Mendeleev did something revolutionary – he organized all known elements in a way that not only made sense of their properties but actually predicted elements that hadn’t been discovered yet! Imagine being so confident in your work that you leave gaps in it, saying “Trust me, we’ll find these later.” And guess what? He was right!

Have you heard that on this day in 1817, the first public gas street lights were installed in Baltimore, Maryland. Before this innovation, cities were pitch dark at night except for occasional oil lamps. These gas lights transformed urban life, making it safer to travel after sunset and essentially creating nightlife as we know it. Think about that next time you’re walking down a well-lit street at night!

And speaking of light, here’s a delightful fact about Charles Dickens, who was born on this day in 1812. The famous author was actually one of the first people to use the word “boredom” in print! That’s right – before Dickens came along, people apparently didn’t get bored… or at least didn’t have a word for it. He helped shape the English language while telling unforgettable stories that still captivate readers today.

Have you heard?
Around the US, National Girls and Women in Sports Day is recognized by schools, organizations, and teams during the first week of February. Athletics play an important role in girls’ lives. Besides helping to establish a routine for a healthy, active lifestyle, sports build confidence, leadership skills, and the ability to work with a team.

Women who participated in sports in school are more likely to graduate from college. According to an EY study, women increase their odds of landing leadership positions when they have a background in athletics.

The #1 song on February 7th 1974 was The Way We Were by Barbra Streisand.

And finally…

On this day in 1984, astronaut Bruce McCandless made history by becoming the first human to float freely in space without any tethers. Picture this: you’re 170 miles above Earth, equipped with nothing but a nitrogen-powered jetpack called the Manned Maneuvering Unit. McCandless ventured 320 feet away from the Space Shuttle Challenger, literally becoming a human satellite! This breakthrough showed us that astronauts could potentially rescue damaged satellites or help build space stations.

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It’s February 6th, the day the most famous board game in the world was first sold? If you can guess what it was then you can pass go and collect – , I’ll give you the details later but first…

Have you heard today is Optimist Day since it’s the First Thursday in February. Optimist day recognizes the volunteers and the youth who support their communities in many different ways. Every day, our growing communities rely on the ingenuity and energy of the next generation to be a vital part of our neighborhoods, schools, and towns. These young volunteers and the mentors who guide them connect them to the greater world around us. Their stewardship creates a hopeful future for us all.

And here’s something that’ll make you and Winnie the Pooh think differently about your honey jars – pure honey never spoils! The science behind this is absolutely fascinating. Honey has such low moisture content and high acidity that bacteria and microorganisms can’t survive in it. Plus, bees add an enzyme that produces hydrogen peroxide, creating a natural preservative. That’s why archaeologists have found 3,000-year-old honey in ancient Egyptian tombs that’s still perfectly good to eat!

Have you heard the human brain processes around 70,000 thoughts per day? That’s about 49 thoughts per minute! Your brain cells are firing away at incredible speeds, sending electrical signals that travel up to 268 miles per hour. Just think about that – while I’m telling you this fact, your brain has already processed dozens of thoughts – and hopefully they’ve all been nice ones!

The #1 country song on Tuesday, February 6th 1968 was Skip A Rope by Henson Cargill

And finally –
90 years ago today in 1935, Parker Brothers began selling a little game called Monopoly. But here’s what makes this story incredible: the game was actually created as a teaching tool! Elizabeth Magie designed the original version, called “The Landlord’s Game,” to demonstrate the economic principles of Henry George and show how monopolies can hurt society. Isn’t it wild how a teaching tool became one of the world’s most beloved board games?

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Have you heard that February 5th honors a profession that some say is as much guessing as it is science? I’ll tell you what it is in due time – but first…

Speaking of TIME – On this day in 1924 – 101 years ago today the Royal Greenwich Observatory started broadcasting the first TIME signals from the famous Greenwich MEAN Time! I guess you could say they were pretty MEAN about keeping everyone on schedule!

And hold onto your sweet tooth, because today is also World Nutella Day! This chocolatey-hazelnut spread was invented in Italy, and it become a global sensation! Did you know the first jar was sold in 1964 over 60 years ago? Talk about spreading joy!

Oh, and here’s something that’ll make your jaw drop faster than a METEORITE – on this day in 1971, astronauts Alan Shepard and Edgar Mitchell walked on the moon during Apollo 14! They spent 33 hours on the lunar surface, which is a pretty LONG moonwalk – eat your heart out, Michael Jackson!

Have you heard that female monarch butterflies can lay up to 500 eggs at one time! Talk about having your wings full with the kids!

The #1 song on February 5th 1962 was Peppermint Twist – Part I by Joey Dee and the Starliters.

And finally…
February 5th is National Weatherperson’s Day (also known as National Weatherman’s Day) it honors all individuals working in meteorology, weather forecasting, and broadcast meteorology. The day also recognizes volunteer storm spotters, observers, and others who work in the weather field. This annual holiday commemorates the birthday of John Jeffries, born on this day in 1744. Dr. Jeffries, a scientist and a surgeon, is considered one of America’s first weather observers. He kept weather records from 1774 to 1816. Additionally, Jefferies pioneered the field of ballooning in the United States and took his first balloon observation in 1784.

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Have YOU heard that February 4th is a big day for a food that actually has healing powers – I’ll explain what it is later in the show – but first…

HERE’S something that’ll make you say “Holy cow!” – or should I say “Holy Facebook!” Because on this very day in 2004, a little website called Facebook was launched from a Harvard dorm room. I guess you could say Mark Zuckerberg really put his FACE in the book of history! Who knew that college project would turn into such a SOCIAL success?

Today’s the birthday of civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks, born in 1913. She took a stand by keeping her seat, and that’s no joke, folks. Her courage helped drive the civil rights movement forward, and that’s something worth celebrating!

Here’s a random fact that’ll knock your socks off – the average person walks the equivalent distance of five times around the Earth in their lifetime! That’s what I call getting your steps in!

The #1 song on February 4th 1984 was Karma Chameleon by Culture Club!

AND FINALLY… it’s National Homemade Soup Day!
In every cuisine, soup provides a rich basis of flavor and history.
Before the era of modern transportation, soup was a product of regionally available foods. For this reason, there are thousands of soup recipes available today.

Many soups also offer medicinal properties. What was once considered a wive’s tale, chicken soup now has the backing of the scientific community. Yes, chicken soup helps relieve the symptoms of the common cold. How? Well, scientists believe that a bowl of soup may reduce inflammation of the lungs. It is thought that chicken soup slows down the activity of white blood cells that can cause inflammation.

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Have YOU heard that February 3rd is the day the music died – I’ll explain what tragedy happened later in the show – but first…

TODAY is National Carrot Cake Day. Speaking of sweet celebrations, here’s a crunchy fact – carrots were first grown for medicine, not food! Those ancient civilizations really knew how to get to the root of good health. And while we’re talking about orange things, the color orange was named after the fruit, not the other way around!

And here’s a fact that’ll feed your curiosity – Norman Rockwell, the legendary American artist, was born on this day in 1894. He created over 4,000 original artworks in his lifetime! That’s enough paintings to fill a museum – which, by the way, actually exists in Stockbridge, Massachusetts!

Have you heard on this day in 1966, the Soviet Luna 9 spacecraft made the first soft landing on the Moon. Talk about a smooth operator!

The #1 country song on February 3rd 2010 was The Truth by Jason Aldean.

AND FINALLY…
February 3 is NATIONAL THE DAY THE MUSIC DIED DAY – it remembers the unfortunate and untimely death of singers 22-year-old Buddy Holly, 17-year-old Ritchie Valens, and 28-year-old J. P. Richardson, aka: “The Big Bopper.” These three artists died in an airplane accident on February 3, 1959, near Clear Lake, Iowa. Their pilot, Roger Peterson, also perished in the crash.

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