Archives for June 2025

Have YOU heard that John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on the exact same day – July 4th, 1826 – exactly 50 years after signing the Declaration of Independence? STAY TUNED!

SEGMENT 1: FEATURE OF THE DAY – The Spooky Presidential Coincidence

Here’s something that’ll give you goosebumps! John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, two of our founding fathers who helped create America, BOTH died on July 4th, 1826 – exactly 50 years to the day after they signed the Declaration of Independence!

But wait, it gets weirder! Adams’ last words were reportedly “Thomas Jefferson still survives” – except Jefferson had actually died earlier that same day! Talk about cosmic timing!

Source: Multiple historical records including Mount Vernon archives

SEGMENT 2: NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATION – National Country Music Day (July 4th)

Speaking of July 4th, did you know it’s also National Country Music Day? That’s right – we’re celebrating both America’s independence AND the music that makes us want to drive pickup trucks we don’t own!

Country music and patriotism go together like barbecue and… well, more barbecue! So this July 4th, you can legally blast both “The Star-Spangled Banner” AND “Friends in Low Places” without anyone questioning your musical taste!

Source: National Day Calendar

SEGMENT 3: THIS DAY IN HISTORY – The First July 4th Celebration (1777)

The tradition of setting off fireworks on the 4 of July began in Philadelphia on July 4, 1777, during the first organized celebration of Independence Day. Ship’s cannon fired a 13-gun salute in honor of the 13 colonies.

So basically, Americans looked at their brand-new country and said, “You know what this needs? EXPLOSIONS!” And thus began our beautiful, loud, and slightly dangerous tradition of celebrating freedom with things that go BOOM!

Source: OnThisDay.com

SEGMENT 4: QUIRKY FACT – Hot Dog Eating Contest Origins

The famous Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest started in 1916 when four immigrants wanted to prove who was the most patriotic American. Their brilliant solution? See who could eat the most hot dogs!

Current world record holder Joey Chestnut can eat 76 hot dogs in 10 minutes. That’s more than 7 hot dogs per minute! At that pace, he could probably eat a entire ballpark concession stand before the seventh-inning stretch!

Source: TodayIFoundOut.com research

SEGMENT 5: DAYS OF THE YEAR SPECIAL – International Plastic Bag Free Day (July 3rd)

July 3rd is International Plastic Bag Free Day! It’s the perfect time to remember that plastic bags are like that house guest who overstays their welcome – they stick around for about 1,000 years!

The good news? You can celebrate by using reusable bags, which makes you both environmentally conscious AND strong enough to carry 47 grocery items in one trip like some kind of shopping superhero!

Source: DaysOfTheYear.com

SEGMENT 6: BONUS FACT – America’s Birthday Cake Tradition

Did you know that the tradition of birthday cake actually makes July 4th the biggest “birthday party” in America? We’re literally celebrating our country’s 249th birthday this year!

The largest birthday cake ever made for America was in 1976 for the Bicentennial – it was 60 feet long and weighed over 69,000 pounds! That’s enough cake to feed every single person in a small town… twice! Now THAT’S what I call a proper birthday celebration!

Watch, Learn and Enjoy!

Troy W. Hudson

💚🎤 #haveyouheard

## SEGMENT 1: FEATURE OF THE DAY – Ruth’s Perfect Replacement

On June 23, 1917, Babe Ruth got ejected from a Red Sox game after punching an umpire who called his first pitch a ball. His replacement, Ernie Shore, entered the game and retired all 26 batters he faced! The baserunner from Ruth’s walk got caught stealing, so Shore technically threw a perfect game. Talk about making the most of your opportunity!

*Source: Baseball Hall of Fame archives*

## SEGMENT 2: National Pink Day Celebration

Today, June 23rd, is National Pink Day! This color was actually considered masculine until the 1940s – pink was deemed “strong and decisive” for boys while blue was “delicate and dainty” for girls. The switch happened after WWII when department stores flipped the script for marketing reasons. Fashion is fickle!

*Source: National Day Calendar*

## SEGMENT 3: The Great Emu War

On June 23, 1932, Australia declared war on… emus! Yes, actual birds! After WWI, soldiers were given farmland, but 20,000 emus invaded and destroyed crops. The military deployed machine guns and soldiers to fight the birds. The emus won! They scattered when shot at and regrouped elsewhere. Australia literally lost a war to flightless birds!

*Source: OnThisDay.com historical records*

## SEGMENT 4: The Typewriter’s Birthday

June 23, 1868, marked the patent of the first practical typewriter by Christopher Sholes. Here’s a weird fact: he deliberately designed the QWERTY keyboard to slow typists down because the early machines would jam if you typed too fast! We’re still using his “intentionally inefficient” design 157 years later!

*Source: TodayIFoundOut.com*

## SEGMENT 5: Shakespeare’s Theater Burns Down

On June 29, 1613, London’s famous Globe Theatre burned down during a performance of Shakespeare’s “Henry VIII.” A cannon fired during the play ignited the thatched roof! No one was hurt, but one man’s pants caught fire and had to be put out with ale. Now that’s emergency beverage service!

*Source: DaysoftheYear.com*

## SEGMENT 6: National Camera Day Focus

June 29th is National Camera Day! The first photograph ever taken required an 8-hour exposure time in 1826. Today’s smartphones can take 4K video at 60 frames per second. That’s technological progress! Your phone’s camera has more computing power than entire universities had in the 1960s. Say cheese to science!

*Source: DaysoftheYear.com*

## SEGMENT 7: Summer Solstice Dad Jokes

This week we celebrated the summer solstice – the longest day of the year! You know what that means? More time for terrible puns! Why don’t solar panels ever get tired? Because they’re always current! And why is the sun so good at comedy? Because it always rises to the occasion! I know, I know… I’ll see myself out before sunset!

*Source: U.S. Naval Observatory*

Watch, Learn and Enjoy!

Troy W. Hudson

💚🎤 #haveyouheard

Have YOU heard? On June 16, 1963, a woman soared into space, proving the cosmos isn’t just for cosmonauts—guess who? STAY TUNED

SEGMENT 1: Feature of the Day – Valentina Tereshkova’s Cosmic Adventure!

Have YOU heard? On June 16, 1963, Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman in space, orbiting Earth 48 times aboard Vostok 6! This 26-year-old Soviet cosmonaut spent nearly three days in space, outflying all U.S. astronauts combined at the time. Talk about a stellar trailblazer! 

Source: history.com

SEGMENT 2: National Day Calendar – National Fudge Day!

June 16, 2025, is National Fudge Day! This sweet holiday celebrates the creamy, chocolatey treat born in the U.S. in the late 19th century. Whip up a batch of fudge or visit a candy shop to indulge in this gooey delight! 

Source: nationaldaycalendar.com

SEGMENT 3: OnThisDay.com – Lincoln’s Iconic Speech

On June 16, 1858, Abraham Lincoln delivered his “House Divided” speech in Springfield, Illinois, warning that a nation split on slavery could not stand. This bold address catapulted him toward the presidency. Honest Abe? More like Prophet Abe! 

Source: onthisday.com

SEGMENT 4: TodayIFoundOut.com – The Great Chicago Fire Myth

Did you know the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, starting around June 16 in legend, wasn’t caused by Mrs. O’Leary’s cow? The tale of a clumsy bovine kicking over a lantern was debunked—likely a reporter’s invention. The real cause? Still a mystery! 

Source: todayifoundout.com

SEGMENT 5: International Sushi Day

June 18, 2025, is International Sushi Day! This tasty holiday celebrates the art of sushi, from nigiri to maki rolls. Whether you’re a raw fish fan or stick to veggie rolls, grab some chopsticks and dive into this global delicacy! 

Source: daysoftheyear.com

SEGMENT 6: Stan Laurel’s Birthday

June 16, 2025, marks the 135th birthday of Stan Laurel, born in 1890! Half of the iconic Laurel and Hardy duo, his slapstick comedy in films like Sons of the Desert still brings the laughs. Tip your bowler hat to this comedy legend! 

Source: britannica.com

SEGMENT 7: Humorous Current Event – World Rainforest Day

Why did the tree go to therapy on June 22, 2025? It had too many “deep-rooted” issues on World Rainforest Day! This day raises awareness for our planet’s lush rainforests. So, branch out, hug a tree, and leaf the world greener! 

Source: daysoftheyear.com

Watch, Learn and Enjoy!

Troy W. Hudson

💚🎤 #haveyouheard

Have YOU heard? On June 9, 1934, a feisty duck with a sailor jacket quacked his way into our hearts—can you guess who? STAY TUNED!

SEGMENT 1: Feature of the Day – Donald Duck’s Grand Debut!
Have YOU heard? On June 9, 1934, Disney’s Donald Duck waddled onto screens in The Wise Little Hen, stealing the show with his temper tantrums and iconic quack! This sailor-suited duck became a cartoon legend, starring in over 150 shorts and even earning an Oscar. Did you know his middle name is Fauntleroy? Talk about a fancy fowl! Source: The Fact Site

SEGMENT 2: National Day Calendar – Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie Day!
June 9, 2025, is National Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie Day! This sweet-tart dessert, celebrated for its in-season summer ingredients, is the perfect excuse to bake a pie and share it with friends. Whip up a flaky crust, toss in those juicy strawberries and tangy rhubarb, and enjoy a slice of Americana! Source: nationaldaycalendar.com

SEGMENT 3: OnThisDay.com – Secretariat’s Triple Crown Triumph
On June 9, 1973, the legendary racehorse Secretariat galloped into history, winning the Belmont Stakes by a jaw-dropping 31 lengths! This victory clinched the first Triple Crown in 25 years, setting a world record that still stands. Talk about horsepower! Source: onthisday.com

SEGMENT 4: TodayIFoundOut.com – The First Air-Conditioned Train
Have YOU heard? On June 9, 1939, the Northern Pacific Railway debuted the first air-conditioned train in the U.S., making cross-country travel a cool breeze! Passengers could finally escape the sweaty, sticky rides of yesteryear. Choo-choo, chilled comfort! Source: billybirthday.com

SEGMENT 5: Johnny Depp’s Birthday Bash
June 9, 2025, marks Johnny Depp’s 62nd birthday! From Captain Jack Sparrow to Edward Scissorhands, this quirky actor’s chameleon-like roles keep us guessing. Celebrate with a Pirates of the Caribbean marathon—yo ho ho! Source: madeyousmileback.com

SEGMENT 6: Magna Carta Day
On June 15, 2025, celebrate Magna Carta Day! In 1215, this groundbreaking document limited the English king’s power, laying the foundation for modern democracy. Grab a quill and craft your own “Great Charter” for fun! Source: daysoftheyear.com

SEGMENT 7: Humorous Current Event – National Lobster Day
Why did the lobster blush on June 15, 2025? Because it’s National Lobster Day, and he’s getting all the attention at the seafood fest! This claw-some day celebrates these tasty crustaceans. So, let’s get crackin’—don’t be shellfish with those lobster rolls! Source: daysoftheyear.com

Watch, Learn and Enjoy!

Troy W. Hudson

💚🎤 #haveyouheard

“Have YOU heard that there’s a man who literally became a human lightning magnet? Roy Sullivan got struck by lightning SEVEN different times – and somehow lived to tell the tale!
STAY TUNED!”

SEGMENT 1: FEATURE OF THE DAY – THE HUMAN LIGHTNING ROD (June 5)

Friends, let me tell you about Roy Sullivan – the unluckiest lucky man who ever lived! This Virginia park ranger holds the most shocking world record you’ve never heard of: surviving SEVEN lightning strikes between 1942 and 1977. And I’m not talking about little static zaps – I mean full-on, sky-splitting, biblical lightning strikes!
Picture this: Roy’s just doing his job as a park ranger when BOOM! Lightning strike number one in 1942 burns off his big toenail. Most people would quit their outdoor job right there, but not Roy! He keeps working outdoors like nothing happened. Then lightning strikes again… and again… and AGAIN!
The fourth strike in 1972 was pure chaos – it literally set his HAIR ON FIRE! Roy had to grab a bucket of water and dump it on his own head to put himself out! Can you imagine explaining that to your spouse? “Honey, I’m a little late for dinner because my hair was on fire again.”
By the time Roy got struck for the seventh time in 1977, park visitors were actually avoiding him during thunderstorms! They thought he was cursed or something. But here’s the beautiful irony – this man who survived seven lightning strikes didn’t die from lightning at all. He passed away peacefully in 1983 at the ripe old age of 71. Sometimes the universe has the strangest sense of humor!
[Source: Guinness World Records, Shenandoah National Park Archives]

SEGMENT 2: NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATION (June 3)

June 3rd is National Egg Day, and I’ve got news that’s going to scramble your brain in the best way possible! You know that riddle that’s been driving people crazy since the dawn of time – “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?” Well, science has actually cracked this case!
Turns out, it’s the chicken! Here’s why: the specific genetic material that makes a chicken egg distinctly a “chicken egg” comes from the chicken itself. So while eggs in general existed long before chickens, the first true chicken egg could only come from a chicken. It’s like asking which came first – the iPhone or the iPhone box? The box needs the iPhone to exist first!
Now I know some of you are thinking, “But wait, where did that first chicken come from?” Some believe in the theory of evolution, I choose to believe God made the first chickens. The point is, when we’re talking about chicken eggs specifically, the chicken had to exist first to lay that very first, genuine, 100% authentic chicken egg. Case closed! Pass the breakfast!
[Source: NationalDayCalendar.com, National Geographic]

SEGMENT 3: ON THIS DAY (June 6)

On June 6, 1844, something happened that would eventually lead to millions of people doing a very silly dance with their arms in the air! That’s right – the YMCA was founded in London by a 22-year-old fabric store worker named George Williams.
But here’s what’ll blow your mind: the original YMCA had absolutely NOTHING to do with fitness! George wasn’t thinking about basketball courts or swimming pools – he was worried about young men falling into the “temptations of the city.” So he started what was basically a Bible study and prayer group for guys his age.
The first YMCA didn’t even have a gym! No exercise equipment, no fitness classes, no nothing. They were all about saving souls, not building muscles. Physical fitness didn’t get added until the 1880s when they realized healthy bodies and healthy spirits went hand in hand.
Fast forward to 1978, and the Village People release that iconic song, and suddenly everyone knows the YMCA dance! And let’s be honest, after President Trump brought it back during his rallies, that dance is more popular than ever. George Williams probably never imagined his prayer group would inspire a disco hit and presidential victory celebrations!
[Source: OnThisDay.com, YMCA Historical Archives]

SEGMENT 4: TODAY I FOUND OUT (June 4)

June 4, 1896 – the day Henry Ford learned an important lesson about measuring twice and building once! This was the day Ford took his very first car, the “Quadricycle,” out for its maiden voyage through Detroit. But there was just one tiny problem…
Henry had been so excited building his masterpiece in his workshop that he completely forgot to check if it would actually FIT through the door! Picture this genius inventor finishing his revolutionary automobile, patting himself on the back, then trying to drive it out only to discover it’s too wide for the exit!
Most people would disassemble the car and rebuild it outside. Not Henry Ford! At 2 o’clock in the morning, this man grabbed an axe and started demolishing his own brick wall! His neighbors thought he’d completely lost his mind, watching him knock down part of his workshop just to take a joyride around the block.
But you know what? That improvised wall demolition became the world’s first automotive “drive-through” – though I doubt Ford was thinking about the historical significance while he was swinging that axe! Sometimes the best innovations come from the most embarrassing mistakes!
[Source: TodayIFoundOut.com, Henry Ford Museum archives]

SEGMENT 5: BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION (June 2)

June 2nd, 1875 – the day Alexander Graham Bell invented something that would eventually let your mom call you three times a day to ask if you’re eating enough vegetables! That’s right, the telephone got its patent on this day.
But the very first words spoken on a telephone weren’t some profound statement about connecting humanity. Nope! Bell had spilled acid on himself during an experiment and desperately called out, “Mr. Watson, come here, I want to see you!” The first phone call in history was basically a workplace accident report!
Here’s what’s even funnier – Bell originally thought people should answer the phone by saying “Ahoy!” like pirates greeting each other. Can you imagine if that had stuck? Instead of “Hello, this is Sarah,” we’d all be answering with “Ahoy there, matey!” Thank goodness Thomas Edison suggested “Hello” instead.
And get this – the man who invented the telephone never had one in his own study because he found them too distracting! Alexander Graham Bell was literally annoyed by phone calls. I bet he’s rolling in his grave every time someone’s phone goes off during a movie!
[Source: Alexander Graham Bell Association, Smithsonian Institution]

SEGMENT 6: WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY (June 5)

June 5th is World Environment Day, and I’ve got a nature fact that sounds like something out of a fantasy novel but is 100% real science! Ready for this? Trees can actually talk to each other!
I’m not talking about some mystical tree whispering – this is legitimate scientific discovery! Trees communicate through underground fungal networks called “mycorrhizal networks.” Think of it as nature’s internet, but instead of cat videos and political arguments, trees are sharing nutrients and survival information!
A mama tree can literally send nutrients to her struggling baby trees, warn the whole neighborhood about incoming insect attacks, and even recognize her own seedlings! Some of these forest networks have been connected for thousands of years – imagine the conversations they’ve had!
The largest known network spans over 30 acres. That’s like a massive underground tree social media platform, and thankfully, trees don’t post selfies or argue about politics! Next time you walk through the woods, remember you’re strolling through nature’s version of Facebook – except way more peaceful and nobody’s trying to sell you anything!
[Source: University of British Columbia Forest Sciences, Nature journal]

Watch, Learn and Enjoy!

Troy W. Hudson

💚🎤 #haveyouheard