Today is National Coffee Day, and according to a new survey by Dunkin’ Donuts and CareerBuilder, scientists and lab technicians are the professions that need coffee the most. The survey also show that coffee plays a major role in helping professionals perk up at work, as 34% say they need coffee to get through their workday, and 46% of those who drink coffee claim they are less productive without a cup of Joe. The professions with the highest proportions of workers stating they are less productive without coffee vary widely. Those who need coffee to get through the workday the most are:
Joanne got the answer right this morning with a little help from Google - she goes to the Plum Porch on us.
Daily Update 9/28/11
I'm just sayin' - I still believe in the Sox. =)
Here's this morning's challenge question: Nielsen ratings are in, and it turns out that THIS is Prime Time for TV viewing in the U.S., with 42% of adults tuned in on any given night. What time (within 10 minutes?)
It's 9:20 or so - the peak time for advertisers is between 9:15 and 9:30. Used to be a lot earlier...
Doug got it this morning - he's off shopping to the Plum Porch with a $25 gift card for getting it right!
Daily Update 9/27/11
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to a study out of the University of Chicago Medical Center, 3 of these in a row can increase your blood sugar by up to 23%. Three of what in a row?
I got plenty of answers having to do with food and drink on this one - but gave you the clue that it had nothing to do with what we eat or drink.
It's not cigarettes, vacation days, or sneezes either...
The answer's 3 sleepless nights!
Ellen got it this morning - and was thrilled to win a $25 gift card to the Plum Porch in Marstons Mills!
Cheryl's Daily Update
9/26/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to HowStuffWorks.com, your heart rate rises as much as 30% when you do this. Do what?
Some funny answers on the air this morning - "get stopped for speeding" and "pay my bills" among them...
I think the clue "it only takes 6 seconds to do it" helped Mary get it, though - it's YAWN!
Mary's won our first gift card from our brand new challenge sponsor this month - The Plum Porch in Marstons Mills!
9/23/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to a consumer study reported by National Geographic Explorer, 90% of US households buy this at the grocery store at least once in any given year. Buy what?
The most popular answer was turkey - a lot of you are thinking ahead to the holidays, apparently!
But it's actually ice cream!
We can't resist - about 1.52 billion gallons of ice cream, including both hard and soft-serve, was produced in 2009,according to the International Dairy Foods Association.
Lillian came through with the answer this morning, and she's won our final gift card to Cape Cod Vacuum.
Get ready for a brand new sponsor on Monday - beginning then and through the month of October, you'll have a chance to win a gift card to The Plum Porch with the challenge!
Just a quick programming note for Candy on the Cape fans - beginning next Friday, listen for Candy just a little earlier - at about 8:40. That's good news for those of you who sometimes miss her pop culture report because you've already arrived at work! If you ever miss a Candy on the Cape segment, you can always go back and listen - find her page by mousing over my name on the personalities toolbar back on the home page.
9/22/11:
This morning's challenge question: According to LivingSocial.com, the average American does this 4.8 times a week. Does what?
The answer - eat out at a restaurant.
Todd's our winner this morning - he's won a $25 gift card to Cape Cod Vacuum - and has promised wife Jane that he'll take her out to eat this weekend as soon as he finishes vacuuming.
9/21/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to a new Gallup poll, 32% of Americans say thatthey prefer to have one of these in the workplace - what?
It's a male boss!
If you're a woman, you may groan and think this is pretty sexist - but here's what's interesting: of those who expressed NO preference as to the gender of their boss, more men (57%) than women (34%) said they didn't mind who they worked for...
My pick answer of the morning, though, was chiropractor. How awesome would that be - someone who just went from work station to work station making sure everyone was in alignment?!
Connie got it this morning - and won herself a $25 gift card to Cape Cod Vacuum.
9/20/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: This company - that's only been around since 1998 - recently disclosed that it uses enough electricity on a continuous basis to power 200,000 homes. It also claims, though, to be helping to make the planet greener. What company?
It's Google! No denying they're a powerhouse - but we had no idea that was so LITERALLY the case... they do support plenty of green initiatives, though, and they save folks a lot of running around by being so effective...
Patti got it this morning - she's headed to Cape Cod Vacuum with a $25 gift card!
9/19/11:
Good Monday morning! Here's this morning's challenge question: According to DailyInfographic.com, it takes 3,000 cows to do this. Do what?
Scott got it right off the bat, Patriots fan that he is - it's supply leather for the footballs for the NFL for an entire season. For more football by the numbers - check out DailyInfographic.com!
Haven't looked forward to a Mnday like this in a long time - I get to leave work early for a little golf! Team Cape Cod Broadcasting (including listeners Barbara and Kathy) will be out at Willowbend for the Annual CapeAbilities Fall Harvest Golf Tournament. To find out more about CapeAbilities and the way they change the lives of so many adults with disabilities here on the Cape, visit CapeAbilities.org. And if you're golfing with us today - we'll see you there!
9/16/11:
Happy Friday! Here's this morning's challenge question: Forbes just released its list of the best-paid celebrity couples. Tom Brady and Gisele came in at #1 on the list - they made $76 million last year. Who came in at #2?
Sarah got it right away - it's Beyonce and Jay-Z, with a combined total income of $72 million. That baby's gonna have one decked-out nursery...
I was telling my daughter the other night that she ought to have a peek at the performance Beyonce did at the VMA awards a couple of weeks ago, where she showed off her baby bump at the end, and then they flashed to a blushing, proud Daddy Jay-Z... she had me rolling by asking, very genuinely puzzled, "Wait - what's the baby's LAST NAME gonna be?!"
Brad and Angelina come in at #3, David and Victoria Beckham at #4, and Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart from Twilight came in at #5.
Sarah got the win this morning - a $25 gift card from Cape Cod Vacuum.
9/15/11:
Here's today's challenge question: Globally, it's estimated that 366 million people have this - the associated cost is $465 billion, and one person dies from it every 7 seconds. What is it?
It's diabetes - those figures were just released form the International Diabetes Federation. They're calling it "epidemic..." Diabetes will be the focus of a United Nations meeting next week, with the emphasis on prevention and research.
Marie got it this morning - now she's off shopping with a $25 gift card to Cape Cod Vacuum - the Cape's One-Stop Cleaning Shop.
9/14/11:
Good morning! The sunshine and the prospect of some GOLF at Willowbend on Monday for one of our FAVORITE non-profits, CapeAbilities, has me a little giddy today! Congratulations to Barbara and Kathy - they'll be golfing with me and my husband on Monday out at the Annual Fall Harvest Golf Tournament. Thanks to all of you who shared your "Mulligan Moments" - we loved reading them! If you still want to sign up for Monday's event, go to CapeAbilities.org. We'd love to see you out there on Monday - for $180, you get 18 holes with a cart, a boxed lunch, souvenirs, dinner, and the chance to win some raffle prizes and bid on some great auction items - plus take a Monday afternoon off to golf for a fantastic organization - what could be more perfect?!
Here's this morning's challenge question: this is considered the most widely listened-to melody in the world over the past 15 years - the world's most popular music sample - and it's being retired. What is it?
Lots of guesses about television theme songs and jingles this morning - but it had nothing to do with any kind of TV or movie music. The answer - it's the "Nokia Tune," the popular ring tone that made its debut on the Nokia 2100 back in 1994.
So just how widely-heard IS it?
That ring tone sounds around 1.8 BILLION times a day - or 20,000 times per SECOND! The tune is actually from a 1902 composition by Francisco Tarrega called "Grande Valse," and now Nokia's looking for something new for their 2012 line and beyond - so they're turning to the public. Between now and October 2, you can submit a sample you've composed at nokiatune.audiodraft.com - grand prize if yours is selected is $10,000! Not a composer? Once all entries are received, you can go to the site to vote for your favorite and help Nokia decide which one wins.
Cheryl was our winner this morning - and she blew me away by humming that tune note-for-note on the phone... so impressive! For her stellar musical ability - Cheryl's won a $25 gift card to Cape Cod Vacuum.
9/13/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: There are more than 1.2 billion of these gathering dust right now across the country, and that number is expected to increase to more than 2 billion in the next 5 years. One government agency says it's running out of room to put them! What are they?
It's $1 coins! Apparently, there's a 2005 law that mandates that the Federal Reserve continue to order them despite the lack of demand... with 28 Reserve facilities around the country tasked with their storage, space is becoming an issue!
Therese got it this morning - she's won a $25 gift card to Cape Cod Vacuum.
9/12/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to a survey by the Bradley company, there's been a 3% increase in adults who do this since 2009. Do what?
All those flu scares we've read about in the last few years have had one positive effect - we're washing our hands more! Especially after using the restroom...
Shannon got it this morning - she's begun her week with a win - a $25 gift card to Cape Cod Vacuum!
9/9/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question - according to U.S. Census data, 10% of kids int he U.S. live here (that's 7.5 milion children!) Live where?
Melissa got it right off the bat this morning - it's with their grandparents.
Significant today - because Sunday is National Grandparents' Day. I was so blessed to have my paternal grandparents in my life till earlier this year (they were married 73 years!!) Make some time for Nana and Papa with the kids this weekend!
As for Melissa - she goes into her weekend with a win - we're sending her to Cape Cod Vacuum with a $25 gift card.
9/8/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to a recent Pew survey, most Americans switch this at least once in their lifetime. Switch what?
Lots of great answers this morning - but it's not banks, cell phone carriers, careers, names, or hair color - it's your religious affiliation!
Paul put the clues together this morning and came up with it - now he's headed to Cape Cod Vacuum with a $25 gift card!
9/7/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: There are 42 of these in a standard bag - and 200 million are produced daily. What are they?
If you're picturing that happy rainbow in a bag of Skittles - good for you! That's it.
Yvonne got it this morning, and won a $25 gift card to Cape Cod Vacuum.
9/6/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: Physicians and researchers say that doing this 100 times burns as many calories as riding 15 minutes on a stationary bicycle. Doing what?
It's laughing!
It lowers our blood pressure, creates an endorphin rush in our brains, and yeah - burns calories, too!
Matt, who says he goggles all day long, was the winner this morning - he's laughing all the way to cape Cod Vacuum with his $25 gift card!
9/2/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: according to a recent report in The Lancet, half of U.S. adults will be able to say this about themselves by the year 2030. Say what?
Unfortunately, the news isn't good - it's that they're obese.
The number of obese adults is predicted to increase by a whopping 65.6% in the next 19 years... makes me want to go on a bike ride NOW....
Congratulations to Jean from East Sandwich - she nailed it this morning for a $25 gift card to Cape Cod Vacuum.
9/1/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistic's latest annual report, this is the most dangerous job in the US right now (based on deaths per 100,000 workers.) What is it?
It's a fisherman.
Here are the top 5:
#2 - Logging workers
#3 - Aircraft pilots
#4 - Farmers/Ranchers
#5 - Mining Machine Operators
Police officers come in at #10.
Mike got it right off the bat this morning - for his quick thinking, we're sending him to Cape Cod Vacuum with a $25 gift card!
8/31/11:
This morning's challenge question - according to a new study reported by the Daily Mail, for every hour you do this, your lifespan gets shortened by 22 minutes. DO what?
I expected the number one answer to be smoke - but Rachael got it right away - it's watch TV! Here's the article:
Rachael will replace some TV watching time with some shopping time - she's won a $25 gift card to Cape Cod Vacuum.
8/30/11:
This morning's challenge question: According to Mashable.com, 14% of dog owners have one of these for their pet - 3 times more in Great Britain, though, than here in the states. Have what?
It's a Facebook page.
1 of every 10 dog owners in England has one...
Joanne got it this morning, so she's headed to Cape Cod Vacuum - our new sponsor through the month of September!
8/29/11:
No morning show challenge question this morning... we wanted to stay focused on post-storm delays and cancellations. But never fear - the challenge will be back on tomorrow - and with a brand new sponsor!
8/26/11:
This morning's challenge question: According to the Census Bureau, Massachusetts is one of 9 states with a below-average rate of this. Of what?
It's not obesity, cigarette smoking, or Republicans - believe it or not, it's divorce!
Seems we get married later and less often in the Northeast - as opposed to the South, where their rate surpasses the national average by a couple of points.
Joel nailed it this morning to claim our last gift card on the Cape Card Central Railroad. We'll have a brand new sponsor on Monday...
Everyone have a SAFE weekend - Dave Read will be here all weekend to keep us up to date with what's happening with Irene. Great storm preparedness tips, along with a list of postponements and cancellations, too, are right on the home page.
8/25/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: this retails for $560, but its components cost just $178 - and it costs just $7 to manufacture. What is it?
A quick answer this morning from Jim - it's the iPhone - the iPhone 4, to be exact.
A nod to the Steve Jobs empire, from which he's announced he's stepping down...
Jim has won our second-to-last gift card for the Cape Cod Central Railroad - just one more left!
8/24/11:
Tough challenge question this morning!
According to a recent survey by Virgin Atlantic, 55% of passengers say they experience a tendency to do this more when they fly. Do what?
Some great answers on the Q-line this morning - but it took a while to get the right one. Jen came up with it, finally - it's get emotional and weepy!
As a matter of fact, Virgin has taken now to running "Weep Warnings" before their in-flight movies, to warn passengers to make sure to have the Kleenex handy!
No tears for Jen - she's off on the Cape Cod Central Railroad with a $25 gift card for getting it right!
8/23/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to a recnt report, theft of these has risen an incredible 49% - from 150 in 2010 to 224 in the first 7 months of 2011. Theft of what?
It's DOGS! This is just a rotten trend - the bad economy's to blame. If the dogs are full-bred AKC, they're sold for money - in some cases, the thieves wait for reward posters to be put up, then return the dog they "found" for the reward money.
Only a few chances left to win a gift card for the Cape Cod Central Railroad with the challenge - stay on your toes!
If you already miss being at Cape League games since the season ended - here's a cool baseball tournament coming up this weekend we want you to know about:
Arty’s Boys of Summer is a baseball tournament that was established last year to honor Arty Rood, a resident of Barnstable who has spent countless hours coaching Little League Baseball.About two and half years ago, Arty was diagnosed with an aggressive type of cancer (bile duct cancer) and recently passed away.While the adults in the community have found many ways to support the Rood family, the players he mentored and coached wanted to honor him.
As a result, the 2nd annual “Arty’s Boys of Summer Baseball Classic” baseball tournament will be held during the weekend of August 26th at the McKeon Field (Hyannis), the Hyannis Harbor Hawks home field behind Pope John Paul II high School in Hyannis and at Lowell Park, the home field of the Cotuit Kettleers.
The tournament will be kicked off on Friday night (August 26th) at 6:00 pm at McKeon Field with a skills eventsto includea homerun derby, golden arm competition, fast pitch contest and road runner event.A $5.00 entry fee will be collected.While the skills events are taking place, we will be unveiling the Silent Auction and raffleitems!
On Saturday baseball games kick off at 8:00 am at both the McKeon Field and Lowell Park with additional games starting at 10:15, 12:30; 2:45, 5:00 and the championship game to be played under the lights at 7:15 pm. Many of the players Arty has coached over the years will be playing.
In addition to the great baseball at fantastic locations, there will be autographed Boston sports memorabilia on display for a Silent Auction, a large number of items as part of a raffle in addition to food and drinks available at the snack bar.Tournament t-shirts will be on sale at both fields with a logo designed by a sister of one of the players.All the proceeds and donations will go towards the Rood Family Scholarship Fund, which will be providing the Rood boys with assistance and will develop into a permanent scholarship to former Barnstable Little League players.
Arty was a hometown guy, he played sports at and graduated from Barnstable High School and has been an integral part of the Barnstable community, especially Barnstable Little League.He devoted countless hours of his time away from his family, imparting his love and passion for baseball to the children and helped turn our awkward young boys into confident young men with physical and social skills that will stay with them for life.Although our hearts will be heavy, we’re hoping this event will bring together the people Arty touched and serve as a celebration of his life.
Donations can be made at the fields or can be mailed to the Rood Family Scholarship Fund, PO Box 1614, Marstons Mills, MA 02648.
8/22/11:
Happy Monday! Thought we'd carry the celebrity thread through from Friday in this morning's challenge question: According to a recent Reuters poll, Paris Hilton & Charlie Sheen are the most UN-trusted celebrities among Americans. Who's the most trusted?
It's Betty White. Who doesn't love her?!
Valerie got it right off the bat this morning - she's won one of our final gift cards for the Cape Cod Central Railroad.
8/19/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to the Food/Restaurant blog "Short Order," the worst celebrity tipper in a recent survey is Tiger Woods (his excuse? He never carries cash.) Who came in at #2?
The shame award goes to... MADONNA! Note her ex, Sean Penn, comes in at #8. Boy, their neighborhood restaurants must have LOVED to see them come through the door... or not so much...
Paul got it this morning - he's Cape Train bound with a $25 gift card for the Cape Cod Central Railroad.
8/18/11:
I think this morning's challenge question may have been too easy!
We start out with about 300 of these - and end up with just over 200. What?
Yeah, hark back to your middle school biology classes for this one - it's bones.
Stacy was quick on the Q-line this morning - she won herself a $25 gift card for the Cape Cod Central Railroad!
8/17/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: Every day, 63 million people do this for an average of 15 minutes a day. Over the course of a year, that adds up to the equivalent of working a full-time job for over 2 weeks. What?
It's playing FarmVille on Facebook.
Who knew cartoon cows could eat up so much productive time?!
Max knew - his correct guess won him a $25 gift card on the Cape Cod Central Railroad.
8/16/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to a Reference for Business Report - the average American eats about 10 pounds, or 160 servings, of this per year. Of what?
Lots of possibilities here - but the answer's cereal.
Connie got it this morning - and is looking forward to something a bit fancier to nosh on when she rides the Cape Cod Central railroad - she's won a $25 gift card.
We got news this morning that the Cape Cod Islanders, the Cape's International Junior Hockey League Team, is looking for housing for some 21 new elite hockey players that'll be spending the winter here. A nice way to get to know a player - and to make a little extra income, too (there is a housing stipend involved.) If you have space - please contact Coach Dan Hodge at danmhodge22@verizon. net.
8/15/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: A study out of the University of South Florida has found that a compound in this has been shown to protect against the development and progression of Alzheimers's, at least in mice. In what?
For those of you that, like me, rely on your morning coffee to get your morning going - it's good news. The answer is coffee - and it looks like we may need more than we may ever have thought was good for us!
Check out the article - really interesting stuff...
Judy was happy to hear it this morning - not only is she a coffee lover, it was her guess this morning - and it won her a $25 gift card on the Cape Cod Central Railroad!
8/12/11:
Here's your challenge question this morning: According to expert recommendations, each of us should use 122 yards of this every year. Sales figures, however, indicate that only 18 yards per capita is actually purchased here in the U.S. What is it?
Pat took almost no time to come up with it this morning - it's dental floss!
Pat's planning his ride now aboard the Cape Cod Central Railroad - he's won a $25 gift card for getting it right.
8/11/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: A study out of the University of Zurich finds that playing this instrument can reduce sleep apnea and snoring in those with moderate conditions. What instrument?
Fascinating stuff here that could save marriages all over the globe - it's the didgeridoo!!
Lisa was on the money this morning - she's won a $25 gift card on the Cape Cod Central Railroad!
8/10/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to the Huffington Post, 44% of American women will do this this week. 10 years ago, that number was 55%. What are we doing less?
We ran the gamut with answers this morning - everything from go grocery shopping to get our hair done to retire!
The answer, though, is go to church.
Started with a downturn in male attendance a few years back - and now women have caught up.
It was a team effort between Judy and Karen this morning that won Karen a $25 gift card on the Cape Cod Central Railroad - I hope they use it together!
8/9/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to a survey by Rent.com, if you're a single woman, this is the best city in the U.S. to live in, considering its high male/female ratio, and relatively low cost of living. Where?
My first guess would have been Anchorage, Alaska, or Juneau - but that's not what this survey revealed - maybe the cost of living's too high??
The actual answer's in a much warmer clime - it's Phoenix, Arizona.
Donna got it this morning, and won a $25 gift card on the Cape Cod Central Railroad.
As for me - with all the inspiration I provided for the single women around here who were trying to get the answer, I think I should get a commission from JetBlue and Southwest on all flights booked to Phoenix today!
8/8/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to Readers' Digest, there are 3 household items you can drop into the water that will help your cut flowers last longer. An aspirin tablet is one of them - give me one of the other 2 the Digest recommends.
One's a multivitamin, and Patty came up with the other for me - it's a copper penny (meaning one minted before 1978.) A cheap way to let a little luxury last longer!
Patty's started her week off with a win - we're sending her on board the Cape Cod Central Railroad with a $25 gift card!
8/5/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: There are 4 depots that serve the Cape Cod Central Railroad. One, of course, is right on Main Street in Hyannis. In what other 3 towns can you board one of their Dinner, Family Supper, Brunch, or Scenic trains?
Dan knew this morning - Buzzards Bay, Sandwich, and West Barnstable.
If this is an experience you haven't had yet, you should! The food is unbelieveable on the dinner train - my husband and I enjoyed that a couple of years ago, and my father-in-law, who's an avid train enthusiast, was out visiting recently with his wife and they had the time of their lives on the Train...
Dan's won a $25 gift card and says his son is looking forward to the Family Supper Train!
For a complete schedule, visit www.CapeTrain.com.
8/4/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: according to s survey by the National Retail Federation, this is the most-often shoplifted item. What?
It's chewing gum. Here's the list of the top 12:
Chewing gum
Red Bull energy drinks
Advil
Dyson vacuums
Weight-loss drug Alli
Bumble and Bumble hair products
Cellphones
Cover Girl cosmetics
Claritin
Crest Whitestrips
Rogaine
Deodorant
Laura got it this morning, with a little help from Alison, Sarah, and Joshua - now they're going to enjoy a ride on board the Cape Cod Central Railroad with a little help from us!
8/3/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: George Washington spent $200 a year on this, and Thomas Jefferson devised an elaborate 18-step system for making it. Annually it accounts for $1.5 billion in revenue in the U.S. What is it?
Some really good guesses this morning - we took it almost all the way to 9:00 before Linda finally came up with the correct guess - it's ice cream!
Didja know 9% of all the milk produced in the U.S. is used to produce ice cream? Now you do!
Linda's won herself a $25 gift card on the Cape Cod Central Railroad for getting it right!
8/2/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to a study out of the University of Utah, a bigger one of these may help you lose weight. What?
LeeAnn got it right off the bat this morning (and I thought this was one that definitely would take a while.) The answer's a fork!
They say bigger bites lead to greater satisfaction with your dining experience - and that means you may stop eating sooner. The results seemed much more clear in a restaurant setting than at a home table, apparently.
LeeAnn won herself a $25 gift card on the Cape Cod Central Railroad - nice job with the quick thinking, LeeAnn! ;)
8/1/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: according to researchers in South Korea, they've found a way to detect breast cancer at an early stage in women by analyzing a woman's what?
Fascinating stuff here - inspired by dogs!
The answer - her breath. We've read about how dogs seem to be able to detect the presence of harmful compounds in humans by sniffing them out; there's a breathalyzer awaiting a patent now that recognizes those same volatile compounds. Findings on the study that led to its development should be published by the end of the year.
PJ took a stab at it this morning - and won the first gift card from our brand new August sponsor - the Cape Cod Central Railroad!
7/29/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to AskMen.com's Great Male Survey, the average male (68%) owns between 1 and 3 of these. Of what?
It's suits! Maureen from mashpee got it after a couple of guesses, and she's won our final gift card to New Balance Mashpee. We'll have a brand new sponsor on Monday - see you then!
7/28/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to Cosmo's new Great Female Survey, almost half of women - 46% - say that this, to them, is the ultimate status symbol. What?
Not jewelry, or a nice car, or the best looking guy - according to this year's survey, it's a beautiful home that represents success and status. On the male side (AskMen conducts a similar survey at the same time every year), family comes out on top of the list of status symbols.
Maureen got it this morning - she's headed to New Balance Mashpee on us!
7/27/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to AmericansGuide.ca, more of this prepared food is consumed in Canada than anywhere else in the world - not the U.S.! What food?
I almost felt resentful when I read this - it's Kraft Macaroni & Cheese!
Can you think of a more AMERICAN prepared food? But Canadians eat more than we do. How does this HAPPEN??
I think we all need to do our patriotic part and up our consumption.
Karen got it this morning - and she considers herself a bit of an expert, having lived close to the Canadian border for a time. Her forays north of the border have earned her a $25 gift card to New Balance Mashpee!
7/26/11:
A pretty straightforward challenge question for you this morning: This happens about 50,000 times a year on Earth. What?
Norm nailed it immediately this morning - it's earthquakes. Those are the ones that are what the Center for Earthquake Reasearch and Information terms "generally felt" - if you count the ones taht are barely perceptible, the number rises to several hundred thousand - one every 2 minutes somewhere on Earth!
Norm wins this morning's $25 gift card to New Balance Mashpee - congratulations!
7/25/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question (a tough one!!) According to a GoCompare.com survey, the average woman claims to need 60 of these - but usually winds up needing only about half that number. What?
Lots of answers on this this morning - mostly mentioning shoes, handbags, and cosmetics - but Jim nailed it on his third try. The answer's items in a suitcase for a vacation!
Jim says that explains why he owns three suitcases... ;)
He's off and running for the week now with a $25 gift card to New Balance Mashpee!
7/22/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: It takes 8 million pounds of sugar, 7 million pounds of flour, and 1 million eggs to create the 500 million of these that are sold every year. What are they?
It's Twinkies! True confession from a reformed sugar addict - my nephew, Dominic, ordered one deep-fried at the fair the other day, and I almost swooned, it smelled so good... not healthy, but boy do we love 'em!
Walter got it this morning - he's off to New Balance Mashpee on us!
As promised - here's the link to Candy on the Cape's favorite pop culture item this week - take a few minutes and watch, you'll be happy you did! ;)
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to MadeHow.com, Americans use more than 16,000 tons of this every year. What?
It's aspirin. For reference - that's about 80 million tablets - we spend about $2 billion dollars every year on non- prescription pain relievers.
No headaches for Sarah this morning - she's won a $25 gift card to New Balance Mashpee!
7/20/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to TheAtlantic.com, this happens 200 million times a day. What?
Some unbelieveable numbers regarding Twitter updates (that's the answer!):
Back in July of 2006, the first day Twitter launched, there were only 224 updates sent. As of 10 months ago, that number rose to 90 million per day. And that number has more than doubled in just 10 months!
Here's a happy Tweet that Joanne might be sending this morning - "Just won $25 to @NewBalanceMashpee - I won the Morning Show challenge on WQRC!"
7/19/11:
Here's today's challenge question: The average cost for this in 2010 was $356.32. Cost for what?
According to CarMD.com, it's those cringe-inducing car repairs, one of those bills no one looks forward to paying... although if there's a silver lining to be found here, it's that we don't live in Arizona - they have the highest repair average, at $421.49, up 18% from 2009!
Linda had to deal with some car woes a few weeks ago - that helped her win this morning. Now she's headed to New Balance Mashpee on us!
7/18/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: More than 23 billion of these have been given away since 1912. What?
It's Cracker Jack prizes! Remember the little thrill you got wondering what was going to be in that box?!
Here's a fun piece about the history of Cracker Jack:
Joy got it this morning - she wins a $25 gift card to New Balance Mashpee, and doesn't even have to open the box to do it!
7/15/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to the Washington Post, if you're an American man, your life expectancy is highest if you live in this US state. Which one?
It's Virginia - Fairfax County, to be exact. Not sure what's in the water there, but guys live, on average, 81.1 yaers there - longer than anywhere else in the country.
Not that that's going to be a big deal for much longer - news this past week indicates that the first person who will live to see their 150th birthday has already been born. Makes me feel like a spring chicken!
Our winner this morning just celebrated his 11th birthday - Patrik has a long way to go... we'll help keep him running with a $25 gift card to New Balance Mashpee!
7/14/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: 10% of men can say this about themselves - only 8% of women, though, can claim the same thing. What?
Leslie got it this morning - it's that they're left-handed.
Did you know the same penomenon holds true in cats? More male cats have a dominant left paw than female cats!
Leslie's won herself a $25 gift card to New Balance Mashpee, and here's a shameless plug - she's an author! You can find her children's book "Cape Cod ABC'S" at finer bookstores all over the Cape.
7/13/11:
Challenge question time! The average one of these moves between 4 and 20 mph and can reach a top speed of 22 mph. What is it?
I wasn't looking for any kind of an animal, or anything with wheels - the answer's a raindrop! Bigger ones fall at 20 mph+...
For an absolutely mind-boggling explanation of the energy produced by an average rainfall, click here:
If you understood all that - you're way smarter than I am.
And Russ is smarter than all of us - he got it this morning for the $25 gift card to New Balance Mashpee!
7/12/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to the National Retail Federation, there's been a spike in this, and that's BAD - but it does bode well for the economy. Spike in what?
It's employee shoplifting. Bad that there's an increase - but it seems that people only take stupid risks with their jobs when they feel confident that they can find another if they're canned - so the rise actually indicates an improved job outlook. A little twisted, eh?!
Congratulations to Steve - he read the same article I did, and nailed it right away this morning - he's off to New Balance Mashpee on us!
Our thanks to Bob Murray for spending 2 Minutes with us this morning... Bob's on day 2 of the Housing With Love Walk, the fundraiser he founded 19 years ago to raise money to prevent homelessness here on the Cape. If you see him and his team in your travels, express your support... and if you'd like to make a donation, you can send it to Housing With Love, PO Box 2192, Teaticket, MA 02536. Walk on, Bob!
7/11/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: This happens most frequently in the U.S. in July, at around 9PM or around 3AM. What?
Some great answers this morning, but Alethea finally hit it on the head - it's UFO sightings!
According to Skytrackers.com, there's a sighting globally about every three minutes.
Alethea can invest in a pair of new running shoes in case she has to flee from aliens any time soon - she's won a $25 gift card to New Balance Mashpee!
7/8/11:
Happy Friday! Here's your challenge question: this body feature has, on average, 250 individual parts. Which one?
Pat thought her answer was silly this morning - but she'll giggle all the way to New Balance Mashpee, because she was right on - the answer's eyebrows!
Yup, unless you're especially bushy - each of yours has about 250 hairs. Trust us - you don't have to count!
Enjoy your weekend, all...
7/7/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: 2009 labor statistics showed that women made up 95% of 4 different fields. Kindergarten teachers and registered nurses are 2 of them - give me one of the other two.
Amanda did it - with a little personal experience to help her out. She's a dental hygienist - went to school with ALL women - and that's one of the two missing fields, good for a $25 gift card to New Balance Mashpee.
The other field, by the way? Librarians! ;)
7/6/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: the average American will consider 10-15 of these before settling on one - what?
It's not cars or spouses (really - ideally, we date a dozen people before getting hitched!) - it's houses.
According to Realtor.org, that number has gone up a bit - used to be 10 or so - but because it's a buyer's market right now, there's more to look at and choose from.
Erica's going to do a little picking and choosing herself, from the shelves at New Balance mashpee - she's going with a $25 gift card from us!
7/5/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question:
According to research out of Victorian University LaTrobe, too much of this can make you hear things that aren't really there. too much of what?
Congratulations to Laura, listening online from New Jersey - she won a $25 gift card to New balance mashpee for getting it right!
7/4/11:
Happy 4th of July, everyone! Here's this morning's challenge question: The Declaration of Independence was ratified on July 4, 1776 - but most of its signers didn't put pen to paper till after that date. On what date did most of them actually sign the Declaration?
Here's one to stash in your trivia files - it was August 2.
A nice start to the holiday for Christine - she nailed it and picked up a $25 gift card to New Balance Mashpee - our brand new challenge sponsor for the month of July!
7/1/11:
4th weekend - here at last! Here's this morning's challenge question: It was on this date in 1984 that the MPAA adopted its PG-13 movie rating. What was the first movie to be released with the PG-13 rating?
Alice got it this morning - it was Red Dawn, starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey.
Here's a little more movie trivia for you - Red Dawn wasn't actually the first flick to receive the PG-13 rating - that honor went to The Flamingo Kid, starring Matt Dillon and Richard Crenna. That film, though, didn't get released till later in the year - so the first time we saw the PG-13 on the marquis was when Red Dawn came out.
Alice picked up our final Lobster Claw gift card. We'll have a brand new sponsor on Monday! Have a happy and safe weekend, everyone!
6/30/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: This well-known 70's actress came thisclose to playing Princess Leia in Star Wars. Who is she?
Not Farah Fawcett, the number one answer on-air this morning - although I imagine she could have pulled off that role nicely (they would have had to change the hairdo, though... Farah had too much hair for the side buns Carrie Fisher made famous!)
It was actually Cindy Williams, Shirley from Laverne and Shirley who was the frontrunner for the role before Carrie came along and snagged it!
Congratulations to Jennifer, who won this morning - she's off to the Lobster Claw on us.
Thanks to Luke's Love for giving us the heads up on this: You can win one of 3 one-of-a-kind playhouses in a raffle to benefit HAC's local children's programs - ribbon cutting ceremonies are being held tomorrow at Mashpee Commons, Cape Cod Mall, and Four Seas in Centerville; tickets will also be available at businesses around the Mid-Cape. For more details, click here:
Great cause, great prize - help out if you can! Tickets will be sold through August 11.
6/29/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: according to Discover Magazine, the average person spends 6 years of his or her life doing this. Doing what?
Christina came up with the right answer this morning to win a $25 gift card to The Lobster Claw - it's dreaming!!
6/28/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: Someone did the math, and it would seem that it would take 3,155,524,416 of these to circle the earth. They turn 70 this year! What are they?
They're Cheerios!
Here are some things you may not know about everyone's favorite bowl o' breakfast:
They're made by shooting balls of warm dough through a puffing gun at speeds of up to 100 mph
The year they were introduced (1941), General Mills sold 1.8 million CASES
They were oringinally called "Cheerioats" - the name changed to "Cheerios" in 1945.
Honey Nut Cheerios have outsold the original flavor since 2009.
1 in 8 boxes of cereal sold in the U.S. is related to Cheerios!
Steve got it this morning, inspired by his twins Laura and Wesley, who love to start their day with a bowlful. Now they'll all enjoy lunch or dinner at The Lobster Claw on us!
6/27/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: according to a study out of the University of New Hampshire, only 2.1% of commercials show men doing this. Doing what?
Will, one of my favorite winners ever, came up with it this morning - it's doing housework!
Will starts Harbor Hawks Baseball Camp this morning - and after that' he'll be able to treat Mom & Dad to lunch at the Lobster Claw in Orleans with his shiny new gift card!
6/16/11:
It's a happy morning for New England sports fans.. I thought a challenge question about super athletes was apropos! According to a Dartmouth study involving Rhesus monkeys, Olympic athletes who wear this may have an advantage. Wear what?
Of course, yellow and gold are going to be making lots of NHL players run for some time to come, eh?!
Ellen got it this morning - she'll enjoy dinner at the Lobster Claw on us!
I'm off on vaca for the next week or so - y'all take care and I'll see you back here on the 27th!
6/15/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: new research indicates that you're more likely to develop melanoma here than anywhere else on your body - where?
It's your left side - specifically, your left arm! The reason? Constant exposure to the window while driving... in countries where they drive on the other side of the road, cancer has a tendency to develop sooner on the right side of the body.
Congratulations to Joanne - she got the answer right this morning and she's headed to the Lobster Claw on us!
6/14/11:
Go B's!! Here's this morning's challenge question: According to Kline Consumer Product Research, sales of this are up 7% - and that could signal we're in for another rough economic stretch. Sales of what?
It's lipstick! Historically (there's a CHART!!) when times are tough, women opt for small indulgences - and forgo the big ones. Another indicator related to women? Sales of long skirts are up, too - a better economic choice because you can shorten them easily in response to changing trends... there's a chart for those too!
Heather's economic prospects just brightened considerably - she got the answer this morning and won herself a $25 gift card to the Lobster Claw!
On a personal note - a chapter in my life just ended with the death of my much-loved grandparents - my Papa passed away on May 8th, and I got the call that Nana was gone yesterday afternoon. They were incredibly special to me - I always thought it was a good sign that my very first air shift in radio coincided with my Papa's birthday! Had my grandfather made it just a few more weeks, they would have celebrated 73 years together this past Sunday, the day before my grandmother died.
Nothing to be sad about here, I know - they were 97 and 94, raised an amazing, happy, BIG family - and how many of us get to have a full set of grandparents in our lives at the age of 47?!
But I had myself a cleansing "goodbye" cry last night... although my grandmother's passing wasn't unanticipated, it just struck me as so final... they've always been there, and now they're not.
I do like to think of them being reuinted on the other side - they didn't like being without each other much!
I'm sharing a picture here for those of you that stop by - smile when you see it, OK? It was a really beautiful love story they lived!
6/13/11:
Just a reminder here - it IS June - not November. Hard to tell by looking out the window - but I speak truth!
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to a new survey by PetMD.com, 25% of pet owners say they've done this at least once. Done what?
David got it this morning - by recalling a "long and stupid story" about the time he ate a dog bisuit - it's taste your pet's food!
We trust David will find the menu at the Lobster Claw a lot more appealing - he's won a $25 gift card for getting it right.
6/10/11:
What a gorgeous Friday! Here's your challenge question: According to social networking site Badoo.com, which surveyed 30,000 adults in 15 countries, this is the un-funniest nation in the world - which country?
Heres the breakdown of un-funny countries:
#5 - The U.S.! (HUH?!)
#4 - England
#3 - Turkey
#2 - Russia
AND - #1 - Germany!
I don't know if I agree with that - they're a methodical bunch, the Germans, and brilliant in a lot of ways. Unfunny? I visited about 20 years ago - spent a few weeks there - and I didn't find that to be the case at all!
Here's what's interesting - even though the U.S. came in at #5 on the UN-funny list, we were at the very top of the FUNNY list!
Karen's laughing all the way to dinner - she got it and picked up this morning's gift card to the Lobster Claw in Orleans.
6/9/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to a Finnish study, a daily dose of this can lower cholesterol levels by as much as 6% - in less than a month! What is it?
The answer? Ketchup! Who'd've thunk?!
They had participants eat ketchup with each of their 3 daily meals every day for 3 weeks straight - and at the end of that period, cholesterol levels had come down by an average of 6%. Maybe I should start to throw a dollop in my oatmeal?!
Scott had to be very diligent with his re-dial button this morning - but it worked for him - he'll be asking for extra ketchup at the Lobster Claw in Orleans when he goes on us!
6/8/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: Over a lifetime, a woman will do this 189 times; a man only 140. Do what?
The answer's call in sick. Even though women do it more, the survey that came up with this data shows that men are actually quicker to pick up the phone at the first sign of a sniffle! Women, however, are often the ones to stay home with a sick child - so they put in more sick calls overall.
Congratulations to John - who got it this morning with a little help from Uncle Google - he's going to The Lobster Claw on us!
6/7/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question - an easy one, I'll admit, inspired by a bit of random reading I found myself doing this morning - at least one early version of this commonly used household appliance used to be powered by gasoline - which one?
Believe it or not - it's the vacuum cleaner!
Don't ask me why, but one Google search led to another this morning, and I quite unexpectedly found myself reading about the history of vacuums... check this out!
Judy was on it this morning - she called in quickly and grabbed herself a $25 gift card to the Lobster Claw Restaurant!
6/6/11:
Good morning! Here's this morning's challenge question: according to a recent Swedish study, a long what can increase your risk of divorce by as much as 40%?
It's your commute! The time spent away from family, the shift in responsibility to the non-commuting partner, and the added stress all contribute... looks like an increased salary doesn't help!
Joanna got this one during her coomute this morning - she's headed to the Lobster Claw in Orleans with a gift card from us; they're our brand new June sponsor!
6/3/11:
Finally Friday! Here's your challenge question this morning: Anderson Cooper celebrates his 44th birthday today (he shares it with my Dad, by the way - Happy Birthday Dad!) Who's Anderson Cooper's famous mother?
Linda knew right off the top of her head - it's Gloria Vanderbilt! That won her our final gift card to Agway of Cape Cod. Thanks, Agway, for being our sponsor over this last month!
Who'll be our sponsor for the rest of June? Listen over the weekend - we'll tell you then...
Enjoy the sunshine... ;)
6/2/11:
Here's this morning's history-related challenge question: this product was branded and marketing began on this date in 1928 by a group of Chicago employees of a company looking to push nutritive but CHEAP food just ahead of the Depression. What's the product?
There were LOTS of food innovations that went on between 1927 and 1929 - but the product we're talking about here is Velveeta! Kraft did NOT originate the recipe - but did perfect the box/foil wrap store shelf packaging that's still in use today.
For a fun, tongue in cheek look at the "un-history" of the product, click here:
http://uncyclopedia.wikia.com/wiki/Velveeta
The real story, though, is here: http://www.cheeselovers.org/velveeta-cheese.html
Congratulations to Kevin - he got it right this morning for one of our last 2 gift cards to Agway of Cape Cod!
6/1/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: according to OKCupid.com, if you do this frequently, your relationships tend to be 5-10% shorter than if you don't do it. Do what?
The answer's TWEETING, believe it or not! Lest you think someone made this up, here's the article:
Congratulations to Paul, who persevered and came through for a $25 gift card to Agway of Cape Cod!
5/31/11:
A HUGE congratulations going out to Barnstable's team of juniors who made it to Destination Imagination Global Finals in Knoxville Tennessee - they wound up placing 3rd overall (among HUNDREDS of teams from across the WORLD) - and 1st in their Instant Challenge! An amazing accomplishment - and a terrific credit to not only the students, but to their coaches and families - BRAVO!
Here's today's challenge question: according to Women's Health, the average woman takes 44% more of these in the summer than in the winter. What?
It's steps! Congratulations to Dawn from East Sandwich - she was inspired b ythe lawn she's about to mow, and is headed to Agway of Cape Cod on us!
5/30/11:
We thank all of you who so selflessly serve our country this morning - and we remember those who have given their lives...
This morning's challenge question is directly related to our observance of Memorial Day: What's the Memorial Day flag rule?
The answer - and a good number of callers didn't know this, so it's a good one to note - the flag should be flown at half staff till NOON only - then raised to the top of the pole, then lowered slowly and ceremoniously at sundown on Memorial Day.
Most callers only mentioned the half-staff part of the anser - many didn't know that the flag should be raised at noontime. Donna did, however - and capped off her holiday weekend with a win - she's got a $25 gift card to Agway of Cape Cod!
5/27/11:
Congratulations to Nancy from Mashpee - she came up with the answer to yesterday's morning show challenge question, and wins the DOUBLE prize to Agway of Cape Cod. The answer? The average American filled 7 prescriptions in 1993 - in 2010, he or she filled 12... Nice job, Nancy!
5/26/11:
Another carryover in the Morning Show Challenge! We'll revisit this tomorrow morning for a double prize to Agway of Cape Cod. The average American did this 7 times in 1993 - last year, we did it 12 times, on average. Did what?
Here's what it's NOT:
Calling in sick to work
Washing your car
Bouncing a check
Volunteering
Making a donation to charity
Buying lottery tickets
Going to the movies
Taking a day trip on a vacation day
The closest answer we got on the air this morning is going to the doctor - thinking about health care may be a good idea! Good luck...
5/25/11:
Good morning - the sunshine's making us all giddy here! Here's your morning show challenge question: according to a national insurance company, about 1/3 of us who buy these will spend more than $2,500 on one. But 11% opt to spend more than $10,000 - buy what?
It's an engagement ring. Think $2,500's not enough? You should have married royalty - Kate Middleton's rock is valued at more than $500,000... do you think she takes it off to make meatloaf?!
Kristin got it this morning on her way to work - she's going to do a little shopping on us at Agway of Cape Cod!
5/24/11:
Congratulations to Greg from Centerville - he came up with the answer to yesterday's morning show challenge question, and wins the DOUBLE prize to Agway of Cape Cod. The answer? Most dream experts maintain that it's impossible to SNORE and DREAM at the same time. Nice job, Greg!
5/23/11:
We've had to carry over the morning show challenge question - no one got it right this morning! So do a little thinking and we'll DOUBLE your prize if you come up with it tomorrow...
According to many experts. you can't do these two things at the same time. What two things? You have to match my answer to win this one!
OK, here's what it's NOT:
Sneezing and keeping your eyes open (number one answer this morning, and it's true, due to a reflex we have - but not my answer!)
Anything to do with sneezing, coughing, or choking, although one of these things does involve making a noise
Rubbing your belly and patting your head
Walking and chewing gum (although I try to avoid this at all costs! ;) )
Whistling and smiling
Singing and writing
Yawning and talking
Sleeping and hiccupping - CLOSEST ANSWER GIVEN... think sleep!
We'll tackle it again tomorrow morning for a double prize... good luck!
5/20/11:
Happy Friday! Is that SUNSHINE trying to break through the clouds outside our studios?? Must mean we have a great weekend in store!
Here's today's challenge question: during an average lifetime, an American family will purchase 3-5 of these. Purchase what?
Lots of things may fit here - but the article i read the other day talked about washing machines. Yours should last an average of 14 years! I love mine right now - front loaders rock...
Congratulations to Barbara from Forestdale - she's kicked off her weekend with a win, and will head to Agway of Cape Cod with a $25 gift card from us!
Personal note: my son Chris has his first major job interview today - he graduates from B.U. on Sunday. Needless to say, Mom's going to be riding on a happy cloud of pride all weekend! ;)
5/19/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: this company paid just $35 for its famous logo - which is now recognized worldwide. What company?
McDonald's was the number one answer this morning - but it wasn't even close...
Just as recognizable as those Golden Arches - the NIKE swoosh! That's the answer - David got it this morning, and won the Agway of Cape Cod gift card.
There is a happy ending to the story, though - in 1983, NIKE gave Carolyn Davidson (the logo's original designer) a diamond "Swoosh" ring and an envelope full of NIKE stock certificates. She made out OK after all! ;)
5/18/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: according to a government agency, mid morning on a Friday is the most common time for this. For what?
Not payday, not a new haircut, and not that morning meeting at work - it's bank robberies!
There were 5,628 reported in 2010, most of them in the South, and the majority occured in broad daylight - on a Friday morning!
John made sense when he came up with the answer this morning - most people get paid on Fridays, so the banks need to have more cash on hand.
His ingenuity and fast fingers paid off - John's headed to Agway Cape Cod on us!
5/17/11:
Here's your challenge question: according to the Postal Service, this happens more in Houston than in any other city in the country. What happens?
It's nothing to do with the mail itself - more postal carriers are bitten by dogs in Houston than in any other city. And it's not as rare an occurrence as you may think - over 6,000 dog bites to postal carriers are treated yearly in the U.S.!
I would think the answer would be someplace a bit more rural - but apparently, the bites are bigger in Houston....
Lisa got it this morning - she's off to Agway of Cape Cod with a gift card!
5/16/11:
Another bleak Monday... chin up, this means we're due a spectacular summer, right?
Truly, though, this weather does affect us - sometimes it's hard to spot a silver lining in these clouds.
So - consider this morning's challenge question: According to a study published in Australia's Journal of Experimental Psychology, people experience a boost in memory when this condition is present. What condition?
I'm not thoroughly convinced, truth be told - I'd trade the memory spike for a shorts and flip-flop day at this point, and I think most of us feel the same way!
Kevin came through with it this morning, and won himself a $25 gift card to Agway of Cape Cod!
5/13/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: according to research out of Columbia University, business people who do this two weeks or more per month have higher rates of obesity and health problems related to being overweight than people who don't. Do what?
It's traveling. Among the employees studied, heavy travelers had higher BMI's, lower "good" cholesterol, and higher blood pressure than those who didn't travel as often.
Pat got it this morning - so she'll take a trip to Agway of cape Cod on us!
5/12/11:
Good morning! Here's your challenge question: According to research done at the University of Kansas, kids who are bullied - or who engage in bullying behavior - go here more often than other kids. Go where?
It's not the mall - that was our number one answer this morning on the air. And it's not jail - the number one answer here in the office!
The answer's the nurse's office.
Interestingly enough, most of those visits aren't from injuries resulting from an altercation - most of them are for peripheral symptoms, like stomachaches and headaches. The school nurse, it's clear, is on the front line when it comes to identifying bullying behaviors, on both sides....
David got it right this morning - he's thrilled to be headed to Agway of Cape Cod, because it's time to get his vegetables in!
5/10/11:
Here's today's morning show challenge question: According to census figures released last week, more women than men now have these - and that's a first. Have what?
It's not tattoos - although maybe women have eclipsed men there, too! The answer's a college degree.
In 2010, 37% of women aged 25 and older had received a bachelor's degree or higher; the number for men was 35%.
It was Kathy that got it right this morning - so she's off to Agway Cape Cod on us!
5/9/11:
Good Monday morning - hope everyone had a nice Mother's day! Here's your Monday challenge question - there's been a bot of a controversy in New York recently - there's a proposal to ban the wearing of these by doctors for hygiene reasons - and some doctors are protesting. The wearing of what?
The answer's not one you may automatically connect to hygiene - it's neckties! Some experts say they're so bacteria-laden that they can pose an infectious threat - and a few hospitals that have imposed a new "high-hygiene" dress code (short sleeves, bare below the elbow, no jewelry or neckties, sanitized ID tags) say they've reduced the rate of in-hospital infection by as much as 50%. Here's a link to the article:
You'd think all doctors would be thrilled to be free of the requirement to knot up - but a lot of them think wearing a tie adds to their professional appearance and helps cement their credibility - so they're protesting the move.
Holly got it fast this morning - she's won a $25 gift card to Agway of Cape Cod!
5/6/11:
Happy Friday! Here's your challenge question this morning (a little bit of a softball here...) According to the Social Science Research Center in Mississippi, there is a silver lining in our rising gas prices - as gas prices go up, the number of these goes down. Number of what?
Yeah, it's traffic accidents - kind of obvious. And a bit of a reach as far as causing any rejoicing at gas prices goes...
But it's a reason for Mike to celebrate - he was first through on the Q line with the right answer - so he goes to Agway of cape Cod on us!
5/5/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to a recent study from Moebs Services, Americans will spend $38 billion on this in 2011 - and that's a record! What is it?
Something definitely to be avoided - it's overdraft fees. Something to consider - if you were to treat the average overdraft as a short term loan with a repayment term of 7 days, the APR would be 5,000 percent - use those calculators, kids!
Amy came up with the answer first this morning - she's headed to Agway Cape Cod on us!
5/4/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question - what do these 4 states have in common: Alaska, Maine, Vermont, and Hawaii?
Jim had heard this bit of trivia years ago, and never forgot it - he came up with the answer with lightning speed this morning.
All those states have banned billboard advertising!
Oregon and Rhode Island have banned the construction of any new billboards, but these 4 have never had 'em, and presumably, never will.
Nice memory work there from Jim nets him a $25 gift card to Agway of Cape Cod!
5/3/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to SafetyFirst.com, about 3,000 Americans are hospitalized every year with injuries related to this common household item. What is it?
Brace yourselves - it's a laundry basket!
Huh???
Well, consider carrying one and falling down the basement stairs on your way to the washing machine... or tripping over it in the dark - it happens! Apparently, 3,000 or so times a year...
Richard put all the clues together this morning to come up with it - he's headed to Agway Cape Cod on us!
5/2/11:
Good Monday morning... here's your challenge question: A British film rental company says that among its users, 1 in 3 admit that they've lied about having seen this film (say they've seen it when in fact, they haven't.) What film?
Some good answers this morning- The Ten Commandments, The Sound of Music, Schindler's List, Titanic, The King's Speech...
But it's The Godfather! Doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me, but then again, it's one of my all-time favorites, and I could watch it again and again.
#2 on the list was Casablanca, #3 was Taxi Driver, and #4 was 2011: A Space Odyssey. I think in some cases, we feel as though we know these movies so well as part of our culture, we feel like we can say we've seen them even if we've only seen parts of them or know the story...
In any case, Mary Ann came through for the win on the Q-line this morning - she's won a $25 gift card to Agway of Cape Cod, May's brand new sponsor!
4/29/11:
Here's your challenge question: A new study out of Kent State University finds that people who do this may experience improved memory and concentration - do what?
Believe it or not, improved memory seems to be one of the happpy side effects of losing weight! This was a fairly small study, but the results provide us all with a little added incentive to shed a few pounds - never a bad thing, eh?
Shawn got it right this morning - he won our final gift card to the Casual Gourmet - we'll have a brand new sponsor Monday morning.
We want to thank Siobhan Magnus for coming in to debut her new single, Beatrice Dream this morning - good stuff! The single will be available on iTunes beginning on Sunday, and is the first of four that'll be released before Siobhan's yet-to-be-named album comes out in October, right around Halloween. And - tickets are on sale now for her show at the Cape Cod Melody Tent June 18th - I'd get 'em soon; something tells me this one's going to be standing room only!
4/28/11:
G'morning! Here's your challenge question: According to the latest General Social Survey, just under 1/3 of U.S. households report owning one of these - that's the lowest level since the survey began in the early 70's. Owning what?
It's a gun. The highest levels of ownership were reported in 1977 - 54% of households owned one then. That number has fallen to 32.3% as of 2010. Lots of factors involved - chief among them the increase in single-family households headed by women, and a decrease in the popularity of hunting.
Ellen came up with it this morning - she's headed to the Casual Gourmet on us!
4/27/11:
Happy Hump Day! This morning's challenge question: According to a new work survey by LifeGoesStrong.com, nearly half of baby boomers report that they can say this about their current work situation. Say what?
Pat got it this morning - he knew that half of baby boomers work for younger bosses! It's the case for me - let the whippersnappers handle all that stress, I say! ;)
Pat got rewarded for his efforts this morning with a $25 gift card to the Casual Gourmet!
4/26/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to a new global survey by Duke University, 657 new __________s have been discovered in the last 10 years. New whats?
Dave knew - it's islands. The last global survey, in 2001, recorded 1,492 - this last survey turned up 2,149. Either there's been a shift in bodies of water worldwide, or someone typed the numbers in the wrong order...
Works for Dave - he's headed to the Casual Gourmet on us!
4/25/11:
Happy Monday! Here's this morning's challenge question: These were required by the state of New York as of this date in 1901. Other states followed suit. The originals had their owners' initials on them - what were they?
It's license plates. The very first ones were made by their owners, and sported his or her initials. It wasn't till 1903 that Massachusetts started issuing them officially - with the number 1. The plates had to get wider as the number of registered drivers increased!
George was inspired on his way to work this morning (counting license plates maybe??) and won himself a $25 gift card to the Casual Gourmet.
4/22/11:
Challenge question time! According to a brand new research study, your risk of depression goes up if you suffer from these - from what?
It's allergies (sniff, achoo!)
Congratulations to Sarah - she won herself a $25 gift card to the Casual Gourmet for getting it this morning.
Take a minute to check out our link on Facebook to the brand new Community Garden
at the Barnstable Community Horace Mann Charter Public School in Marstons Mills. What a fantastic community effort - and up just in time for Earth Day!
4/21/11:
A little sunshine is a beautiful thing, yes?! Here's your challenge question: What do these people have in common - Abe Lincoln, President William McKinley, Burt Reynolds, Walt Disney, and Olympic skater Dorothy Hamill?
PopCrunch.com has a list of 65 famous people who overcame bankruptcy - and all 5 are on the list! An uplifting thought, I guess, considering how many people right now are plagued by financial woes - times do get better!
Kim got it right this morning - and that earned her a little financial windfall - $25 to the Casual Gourmet!
4/20/11:
This morning's challenge question is a bit of a tough one! According to anthropologists at the University of Kansas, this human characteristic, present in 93% of prehistoric humans, dates back to our very earliest ancestors. What characteristic?
It's right-handedness! The researchers used markings on fossilized front teeth to show that right-handedness goes back more than a hundred thousand years. David Frayer and his colleagues studied teeth from a 500,000-year-old chamber known as Sima de los Huesos near Burgos, Spain, containing the remains of humans believed to be ancestors of European Neanderthals. The researchers found right-handedness in 93.1% of individuals sampled from the chamber and other European Neanderthal sites. How they figured that out from the teeth is a mystery - interesting stuff, though!
Janice says she's only ever gotten through with wrong answers before - hitting the nail on the head this morning won her a $25 gift card from the Casual Gourmet!
4/19/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: a new study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health says that people aged 65 and older may live longer if they do this more. Do what?
I feel so justified by this answer.
It's shopping!
Seems the routine and the bit of social interaction a daily errand to the store involves is more important than it may seem - going to the store on a daily basis showed a drop in the death rate of participants during the study period of about 25%.
See, I'm just PRACTICING now - mainly in the shoe department - for longevity later!
Ely's own observations led him to the answer this morning - and we've rewarded him with a gift card to The Casual Gourmet!
4/18/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: The World Health organization has classified this as a possible carcinogen - and it's not a substance. What is it?
The most common answer this morning was stress - and stress does definitely play a part here. The actual answer, though, is shift work - working the graveyard shift or an odd work schedule. Seems when we don't hold to a regular sleeping pattern, it can have an awfully severe effect on us.
Leah had heard a report stating as much a couple of years back - and her good memory earned her a trip to the Casual Gourmet on us!
4/15/11:
Here's your challenge question - single men under the age of 45 make up the vast majority of this group of people. What group?
I chose today's date for a reason - the answer's tax cheats! According to this survey by DDB Worldwide Communications, tax evaders are less likely to save their money - and are also more willing to engage in other shady behavior...
Ron nailed it this morning to start his weekend by winning a gift card to the Casual Gourmet!
4/14/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to a survey by TheKnot.com, only 8% of this year's prospective brides say they plan to do this. Do what?
Took a lot of phone calls for Ron to come up with our answer - it's retain her maiden name! Most brides plan on adhering to tradition and taking their husband's last name (86%) - another 6% will acquiesce to a little marital compromise and hyphenate.
As for Ron and his blushing bride - they'll enjoy lunch on us at the Casual Gourmet!
4/13/11:
Nice morning... if you're a duck!
Here's this morning's challenge question: Despite a tough economy, household spending on this has increased 1.2 billion dollars in the last year, and 4 billion since 2006. Spending on what?
The answer - veterinary care for our pets!
As a matter of fact, in that same survey by the American Pet Products Association, an average of 15% of dog and cat owners said that they'd be more likely to spend money to treat a pet's medical condition than their own, if forced to choose.
Keegan was very focused on putting all my clues together on the way to school this morning - he got through on the Q line 3 times and finally scored the win! He and his mom Amy have a school vacation lunch date planned now at the Casual Gourmet!
4/12/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to a recent Gallup Poll, Hawaii came in at #1 in a survey of what Americans consider the best state to live in for health and well-being. What state came in at #2?
You're thinking sunshine, happy weather, a tropical paradise, right? And you're thinking that those factors would dictate the first few states on the list, right?
Think again!
Massachusetts and Nebraska tied at #9/10.
#8 was a tie between Utah and Connecticut.
#7 was South Dakota.
#6 was Minnesota.
#5 was Colorado.
#4 was Alaska.
#3 was North Dakota.
And #2?? WYOMING! Yup - for health and well-being - seems it's quite a go-to destination...
I've never been, but I know Colorado is quite dreamy - so I have no problem believing that Wyoming got lots of support for its high place on the list.
Lucky Kevin - his brother-in-law just got back from a ski trip to Wyoming, and raved about how gorgeous it was. So Kevin tossed his guess into the ring this morning - and came out with a $25 gift card to the Casual Gourmet!
4/11/11:
A sure sign of Spring - it was a 3-bunny morning on my drive in this morning. Nothing like a good hearty game of Dodge-Bunny to get the blood moving on a Monday morning... thankfully, the bunnies were waaaay quicker than I was!
Here's this morning's challenge question: according to a study out of Columbia University, you're bound to consume an extra 300 calories a day if you don't do enough of this - enough of what?
It's sleep! Here's alink to one article below - it doesn't explain WHY this is true, but it seems pretty cut-and-dried:
Shana knew it on the way to work - now she's headed to lunch on us at The Casual Gourmet!
4/8/11:
Happy Friday! Here's your challenge question: according to U.S. census data, there are 85.4 million of these in the U.S at last count. What?
Kelly came up with the answer "...teenagers who break their mothers' hearts..." which actually broke MY heart - not only because I know how grim it can seem sometimes when your kids are going through "those" years, but also because she was SO close - the answer is actually mothers.
Rick, listening online from Newton, though, came through with the correct guess - he'll enjoy lunch at the Casual Gourmet on us when he heads down for a Cape weekend.
So Troy Smith, an avowed Mets fan, walked in with a Red Sox t-shirt this morning. Is this a GOOD thing or is he trying to jinx us??? We'll see - home opener against the Yankees is at 2... LET'S GO RED SOX, LET'S GO!! Here's hopin'...
4/7/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to the most recent statistics available (2008), the average age for about a third of these is 17. What are we talking about?
The answer - burglars!
Jessica got it after many many calls this morning - she's off to the Casual Gourmet on us!
4/6/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: The average woman will do this 6,000 times over the course of her lifetime. Do what?
Lots of things that figure into our twice-or-thrice weekly routine came into play - plucking eyebrows, painting finernails, shaving...
But the answer's weigh herself.
(Have I mentioned free cone day at Ben & Jerrys is 6 days away, on the 12th???)
Congratulations to Amy - she nailed it this morning and is headed to the Casual Gourmet on us!
4/5/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question (appropriate for a rainy Tuesday, I think!): According to Mintel International, sales of this food zoomed to $827 million in 2010 - up 27% from 10 years ago. What's the food?
It was interesting that everyone started out with healthy answers this morning! Tofu, walnuts, yogurt, granola, multigrain bread, organics, salmon...
It wasn't till I told you that we weren't looking for a healthy food that we began getting down to the nitty gritty.
The answer?
Mac 'n' cheese!
Yup, seems people crave comfort in all the usual places when the chips are down. And for good reason - a report in Psychological Science recently says that comfort foods like mac and cheese are really good for our mental health in moderate doses - people in the study reported reduced feelings of loneliness after indulging!
Looking out the window at the rain this morning... boy, a bowl would go over really well right now...
I don't know if they serve it at the Casual Gourmet - but Ann can find out - she's going on us for getting it right.
If you're married, back out to the home page and check out our "2 Minute With" chat with Tom and Melissa Dowler from The Long Haul Project. This Boston couple is seeking to strengthen their own marriage - through an exploration of what makes a relationship last - by interviewing other married couples. Fascinating stuff on their website, www.TheLongHaulProject.com - check it out!
4/4/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: There are 293 ways to do this. Do what?
I knew someone would bring up the Kama Sutra, and Nancy did.
BUT - the actual answer was a lot less physical (!) - it's change a dollar.
Yup, if you use quarters, dimes, nickels, pennies, half dollars, and dollar pieces - you can make 293 different combinations of a buck!
Great way to keep the kids occupied on some future rainy afternoon... ;)
Congratulations to Joanne - she got the answer right this morning, and she's off to the Casual Gourmet on us!
4/1/11:
So much for March going out like a lamb, huh?! Here's your Friday challenge question: This well-known personality wrote a book back in 1961. The book made it on to the NY Times Best-Seller list - 48 years later, in 2009. Who's the personality?
The honor belongs, posthumously, to Julia Child. Her Mastering the Art of French Cooking got a huge spike in sales after the release of Julie and Julia in 2009 - enough to give it the number one position in the "Advice and Self-Help" category on the best-seller list.
Took a lot of guessing - but Nancy finally came through with the right answer. She'll have lunch on us at Sea Street Market in Hyannis!
Beginning on Monday, a brand new challenge sponsor. Till then - enjoy your weekend... c'mon sunshine! ;)
3/31/11:
Good morning! Here's today's challenge question: According to a recent survey, there's been a 12% rise in what among men in the last 12 months?
Kathy had read about this a few months ago, and it stuck in her head - she knew it was face lifts! There's been a 2% rise overall in cosmetic procedures for men, with 1.1 million performed in 2010. But face lifts among men increased by 12% during that time.
Kathy's memory earned her a nice mini-shopping spree this morning - our prize closet cleanout turned up a $25 gift card to Adlumia in Orleans!
3/30/11:
Here's your challenge question: According to U.S. Census data, the average amount of this is $100 - what?
The answer - it's the average ATM tansaction.
Cheryl jumped through hopps to get through more than once on the Q-line this morning - but her hard work paid off and she won a Jiffy Lube gift card!
3/29/11:
G'morning! Here's your challenge question: according to research published by Men's Health, ABC News, and the NY Times, this common physical ailment, which has always been thought to be caused exclusively by external sources, is actually contagious - it can be passed from one person to another. What's the ailment?
OK, brace yourselves - it's cavities!
I feel terrible about ruining your conrflakes, but here's one article (there are plenty out there) that I think explains this phenomenon especially clearly:
Unless, of course, you're Amy - she came up with it this morning and won a $25 Sea Street market gift card from the back of our prize closet! My bet is she'll be brushing and flossing after her lunch, though... ;)
3/28/11:
Good Monday morning! Here's this morning's challenge question: The youngest American to do this was 26. The oldest was 70. Do what?
The answer - sign the Declaration of Independence!
Ben Franklin was the oldest signer - he was 70 at the time. The youngest was Edward Rutledge - he eventually became Governor of South Carolina - but in 1776, he was only 26.
Congratulations to Connie - she won our "potpourri" prize this morning - a $25 gift card to Adlumia in Orleans!
3/25/11:
Finally Friday! Here's your morning show challenge question: in the ABC News/People Magazine "Best In Film" special that aired on Tuesday night (featuring our friend Alynda Wheat!), one of America's classic favorite movie lines was uttered by this comedy director's mother. What was the movie?
Amy knew this off the top of her head - WITHOUT having seen that TV special! Rob Reiner was the director, When Harry Met Sally was the movie, and the line "I'll have what she's having..." was uttered by Rob Reiner's MOM! We applaud that kind of nepotism!
Amy won our final $25 gift card to Fancy's and Peterson's Markets - happy shopping, Amy.
If you're a movie lover and you missed that ABC special Tuesday night, you can check it out here:
http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/Best_Film/
I've seen almost all the segments and I think the show was so well put together - as a bonus, you get to SEE and not just HEAR film critic Alynda Wheat - we air her reports on new movies at the box office every Friday morning at 7:15!
3/24/11:
Can you believe we woke up to snow-covered roads and cars this morning? Could have been worse - but still - it's SPRING, people!
Here's this morning's challenge question: according to a survey by Universum among over 10,000 young professionals, Google and Apple are #1 and #2, respectively, on the list of companies where they'd most like to work. What company came in at #3?
I was shocked at how quickly Patty came up with the answer - her son-in-law's an animator, and so she guessed Pixar, summoning his dream job. She could tell by the cringe in my voice that she was thisclose - hit re-dial fast enough, and modified her answer to Disney for the win!
Here's the rest of the list, through the top dozen:
#4 - U.S. Department of State
#5 - Amazon
#6 - FBI
#7 - Microsoft
#8 - CIA
#9 - NASA
#10 - Teach For America
#11 - Peace Corps
#12 - Nike
Patty walks away with a $25 gift card to Fancy's and Peterson's Markets - hope she'll pick up something nice for that son-in-law!
3/23/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: The founder of this worldwide corporation first proposed his idea in a paper he wrote for a University Business Economics course back in 1965. He recollects getting a C. What's the company?
The guy's name was Frederick W. Smith, he attended Yale, and after getting that "C" back in '65, he went on to found Federal Express with a 4 million dollar inheritance and a whole lot of venture capital from folks who thought his brainchild was worth at least an "A"!
Turns out a LOT of you had heard that story - once Heather called with the answer (thanks to her Mom's good memory!), I had a slew of listeners chime in with the correct answer!
But Heather's quick fingers did it for her this morning - now she and Mom will enjoy some quality shopping time at Fancy's and Peterson's on us!
3/22/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to NumberOf.net, there are more than 18,000 places to do this in the U.S. Do what?
Dan nailed it immediately - even though this was one of those questions that could have gone in a million dofferent directions - the answer's golf!
A happy prospect for yours truly - although I'm a little nervous about the approach of the upcoming season because I feel like I've lost everything I learned last year!
As for Dan - he may have to consider taking up the game now that it's made him a winner - he's headed to Fancy's and Peterson's Markets with a $25 gift card from us!
3/21/11:
G'morning! It's been a busy weekend for Cape Cod Broadcasting - we got our Geek on and Rolled the Rock for charity - we're back at work now so we can RELAX! ;) Here's this morning's challenge question: according to MentalFloss.com, these people have something specific in common - Thomas Edison, Agatha Christie, Alan Alda, Mozart, and Alexander Graham Bell. What is it?
Ellen came up with the right answer with VERY little guidance as far as clues go - they were all home-schooled! Ellen remembered reading it in biographies about Edison and Agatha - and her recollection earned her a $25 gift card to Fancy's and Peterson's Markets.
3/18/11:
An especially happy Friday to you as we get ready to welcome Spring! Here's your challenge question: According to CNN, Americans spend 6.1 billion hours every year, collectively, doing this. Doing what?
It's not watching TV or surfing the internet, our two most popular answers this morning - its something less pleasant to contemplate, and that's doing your taxes...
Haven't started mine yet. Ugh.
Scott's on the ball, though - his are all done, and that leaves him more time to use his gift card to Fancy's and Peterson's Markets!
Dave's been talking all morning about how Spring doesn't officially begin till Sunday evening. I don't know about you, but I plan to bound out of bed and bid it welcome first thing, official time be darned! Enjoy your weekend, all...
3/17/11:
Top o' the mornin' to ya! Here's today's challenge question: According to Irish singer (Cape Cod's "Keeper of the Song") Dave Hickey, corned beef was never the traditional St. Patrick's day meal in Ireland - Dave grew up eating this with his cabbage. What?
If you heard Dave's "2 Minutes With..." segment on Tuesday morning, you know the answer's boiled bacon! If you missed it, back out to the home page to find out how to celebrate an authentic St. Paddy's day. Dave'll be performing this afternoon, by the way, at Clancy's in Dennisport from 2-5 - and later tonight you can catch him at the Sons of Erin.
As for Nate - you may well find him at Peterson's or Fancy's - he was our winner this morning!
3/16/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: Research out of Michigan State University shows that people who own one of these are 34% more likely to get the recommended amount of exercise every week - own a what?
It's a dog! Makes sense, right? You've got one, you've got to walk it... and dog owners walk, on average, an hour more per day than those who don't own dogs. Those with younger dogs walk a little more, and big dogs get longer walks.
Our winner this morning was Linda - we're sure she'll grab a treat for her 6-year old Jack Russell Terrier, Emmett when she goes shopping with her Fancy's/Peterson's gift card!
3/15/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to a recent GQ survey, almost 15% of men would agree to do this for a 25% increase in salary. Do what?
I gave you the clue that you should lean toward the silly side on this one - Jennifer had actually read the survey a few weeks back, and she got it this morning - it's wear makeup! The thought of my little brother juggling a mascara wand makes me giggle...
Jennifer picked up on a very subtle clue I gave (OK, maybe it wasn't SO subtle - I said the answer raised eyebrows) to jog her memory this morning - quick thinking nets her a $25 gift card to Fancy's and Peterson's Markets.
3/14/11:
G'morning! Now that we've officially sprung forward, all we have to do is watch our clocks and wait for Spring to arrive, right?!
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to a recent survey by Jiffy Lube, more than 44% of Americans can say this about their cars. Say what?
I liked Erin's answer this morning - she said "they don't make 'em like they used to!" How true...
But the actual answer is that the car has over 100,000 miles on it. 52% have cars with fewer than 100K.
Nice job by Adra - she picks up this morning's $25 gift card to Fancy's and Peterson's for getting it right this morning.
3/11/11:
Finally Friday - hang on for a sunny weekend! Here's this morning' s challenge question: according to a new Rasmussen Report, the highest percentage of Americans surveyed (30%) say that this profession deserves to be paid more than any other in the U.S. What profession?
It's teachers! Lynda agrees, and came up with the right answer right away this morning - so she goes shopping at Fancy's and peterson's Markets on us.
And - to Christine, one of my favorite teachers of all time - you are worth a million, my friend - happy birthday!! (and to my Mom, too!)
3/10/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: according to a study out of Loyola University, this is now being cited as a factor in 20% of all divorce cases - what?
Scary answer here - it's Facebook!
Here's a link to one of the articles that mentions this phenomenon:
Kelly was our winner this morning - her confident answer led to self-fulfilling prophecy - "I'm going to Peterson's!" she said - and so she is!
3/9/11:
Here's your challenge question for this morning (I hope you listened to John Tesh last night - he's the source today!) According to John Tesh, this simple activity can help married couples enjoy each other more - what is it?
It's double dating. The research comes out of Wayne State University - apparently, when we "dress up", not only physically, but emotionally, to go out with other couples, it puts us back in the frame of mind we were in when we were first dating. So call that couple next door this weekend and get together for a while - it'll be good for you!
Congratulations to Helene from Yarmouth - she happened to hear that segment last night on the John Tesh Radio Show (M-F and Sunday nights from 7-midnight!) and she was this morning's challenge winner.
3/8/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: according to a recent Swiss study, living in the vicinity of one of these can be bad for your heart. Near what?
Jeff got himself in trouble by declaring "your mother-in-law!" on his way to work - but it was Regina who nailed it by thinking air travel... the answer is an airport, specifically a flight path. Noise is the issue - in this study, it was shown that when people are regularly exposed to noise of 60 decibels or higher, they have a 30% higher risk of dying from a heart attack.
Regina's been a longtime fan of Peterson's market in Yarmouthport - so she was thrilled to start her morning by winning a $25 gift card!
3/7/11:
What a blast of Spring fever we were treated to yesterday, huh? Made my first foray to the driving range... disappointed to report absolutely no improvement on my rookie swing - but boy, did it feel good to hit 'em again - and with no coat! Smelled like Spring to me...
Here's this morning's challenge question: according to the National Inventors' Hall of Fame, this happens 5 billion times per day worldwide - what is it?
Joel did a little creative googling and came up with the answer for us relatively quickly this morning - it's bar code scanning!
The technology was born back in the early 50's, believe it or not - but it wasn't till 1974 that it came to fruition here in the US - as a pack of Wrigley's gum became the first item to be scanned on a June day at an Ohio grocery store.
For his resourcefulness Joel wins a $25 gift card to Fancy's and Peterson's markets!
3/4/11:
Happy Friday! Back from vacation, to a bit of a rude awakening... it's been 60 and sunny for the last week in Denver, where I've been hanging out with my daughter. It only took a straitjacket and 3 strong men to get me on the plane back East!
Here's your challenge question from this morning: According to John Tesh, some cases of pinkeye can be successfully treated with this - and it certainly won't require a prescription! What is it?
I guess there's more than one way to de-pink an eye - teabags and warm compresses can have healing effects - but the item that caught my attention was grated fresh potato! Try it next time you're wrestling with a case...
Congratulations to Lori - she's visiting from Vermont and will get to try Fancy's Market or Peterson's before she leaves - on us!
2/25/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to a 19-year study of emergency room data, almost 10,000 children are injured every year in accidents that involve this. What?
Not skateboards or bikes or treehouses, believe it or not - the answer's cribs! Most of them involve toddlers trying to climb out. Researchers are advocating a ban on drop-side cribs - they say it could help reduce the numbers.
Congratulations to Cheryl - she's won our final gift card from Michael's Creative Baking in Hyannis. We'll have a brand new sponsor on Monday...
...and it'll be Wayne White here to tell you who it is - I'm taking a little vaca time to go visit my oldest girl (our youngest turns 12 today, by the way - Happy Birthday Arianna!)
Have a great week - see you back here next Friday, y'all...
2/24/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to CBS News, a study done at Brigham & Women's on 20,000 women shows that those who do this regularly gain less weight in the long term than those who don't. Do what?
It's not eat the right foods, have sex, or sleep 8 hours a night - although all those things have beneficial effects!
The answer's drink wine!
Good news for a lot of us who love our evening glass... red, particularly, is the type to go for - and the real key here is moderation; any more than 1-2 glasses a day has been proven to launch you in exactly the opposite direction and make you GAIN weight!
Tricia was our winner this morning - she can pick out something nice to go with her merlot at Michael's Creative Baking in Hyannis!
2/23/11:
Here's today's morning show challenge question: According to Slate.com, this is the most popular answer on Jeopardy. What is it?
A little odd - asking a question about an answer that'll be in the form of a question!
If you watch the show, you know a lot of the questions (OK, answers that require questions... confused yet?!) are based on geography... so it's no surprise that 23 of the top 25 most common answers over the years on the show have been places.
The most common answer, though, is "What is Australia?"
Just to quench your curiosity - the 24th most common answer is "Who is George Washington?"
Ben, an avid Jeopardy fan, got it right this morning - good enough for a $25 gift card to Michael's Creative Baking in Hyannis.
2/22/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: A new study out of East Carolina University finds that doing this for 40 minutes 12 times a month can reduce measurable depression symptoms by as much as 57%. Doing what?
Well, we encourage our kids to do it less - but apparently it can be quite helpful for us adults - the answer's video games! The non-violent type can not only lift depression symptoms, but also lower anger and fatigue levels as well - who'da thunk?!
Congratulations to Ann - she got it right this morning for a $25 gift card to Michael's Creative Baking in Hyannis.
2/21/11:
Happy Presidents Day! Here's this morning's challenge question (presidentially themed, of course:) Who was the only one of our 44 presidents who learned English as his second language?
A little help from Uncle Google made Louise a winner this morning; the answer's Martin van Buren (1837-1841). He was the first president not of British descent - he grew up speaking Dutch.
More fascinating Presidential facts can be found at www.dcpresidentsgallery.com, the website launched in conjunction with Mme. Tussaud's newest gallery in Washington, DC - showcasing all of our 44 presidents.
As for Louise - she's headed to Michael's Creative Baking in Hyannis on us!
2/18/11:
Finally Friday! Here's this morning's challenge question: According to SavingAdvice.com, the average life span of one of these common household items can be as little as 2 years, but if maintained properly, it can extend the life of something else by as much as 50%. What is it?
Had one listener VERY cleverly guess "sugar" - has a shelf life of 2 years, but when used in home-jarred jelly, lasts a lot longer....
But the actual answer's a little more straightforward - it's your vacuum cleaner! Take care of it properly and it'll extend the life of your carpet by as much as 50%.
Stephanie was on it this morning - she'll skip vacuuming this weekend in favor of a visit to Michael's Creative Baking with her $25 gift card. Nice going!
2/17/11:
This morning's challenge question: A new study out of the University of Bristol shows that this may relieve stress if you're a woman, but may actually make men feel more aggressive. What is it??
It's coffee!! Calms you down if you're a woman, revs you up if you're a man... either way, I can't live without mine...
Stephanie agrees - she can get some to go along with the goodies she may get with her $25 gift card to Michael's Creative baking in Hyannis!
This morning we re-introduced our Mom Squad - they've been on hiatus for a while, but they've just reviewed a crop of new products that you may want to try for yourself. Check out their posts on Facebook - and feel free to ask questions if you like!
2/16/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: Experts, including those at Utah State university, say we should get a new one of these every 6 months - but very few of us actually do. A new what?
Had just about everything under the sun guessed this morning (pillows and toohbrishes were the most popular answers!) but it's nothing you buy - it's your password, especially the one for your ATM card. Every 6 months! And it goes without saying that you should have different ones, for your computer sign on, your online buying, and your ATM card...
Judy and the crew at the Dennisport Post Office put their heads together to come up with the answer this morning - now they'll be able to enjoy some goodies from Michael's Creative Baking with the gift card Judy's won.
2/15/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: according to Javelin Strategy & Research, the number of incidents of this was down 28% last year - but costs associated with it rose by 63%. What are we talking about?
It's identity theft. A bit of a good news-bad news scenario here - there were 3 million fewer victims of identity theft in 2010 than there were in 2009. HOWEVER - out-of-pocket costs for consumers went from an average of $387 per incident to $631 - an increase of 63%.
Why the increase in cost? Javelin concludes it's a spike in new account fraud and "friendly fraud", which are harder to detect. Be careful out there....
Yvonne has done her reading over the last couple of weeks - she knew the answer, and she's won a $25 gift card to michael's Creative Baking in Hyannis.
2/14/11:
Happy Valentine's Day! Here's your romance-themed challenge question: according to the Marshall Tribune, this city receives more than 1,000 love letters every year, all addressed to a fictional character. What city?
Peggy knew - she and her girlfriends had gone to see "Letters For Juliet" - the answer's Verona! She's been dead 400 years and already had a boyfriend - but she's still worthy of 1,000 love letters a year... what are the rest of us doing wrong?!
All kidding aside, Peggy'll enjoy a sweet trip to Michael's Creative Baking in Hyannis for getting it right!
As for me and my Valentine - we prefer less traditional romantic expressions. To say the least.
I got an early Valentine's Day "gift" on Friday - I opened my e-mailbox and there was an e-mail from my husband bearing the subject line "I love you, but you bug me!" Now, this is a constant volley, affectionately tendered, on a several-times-a-day basis at my house. He'll say it to me and my response is invariably "I love you more - and you bug me MORE!!" So you can imagine that the subject line of the e-mail alone made me smile.
Then I opened the e-mail - and the smile turned into a gale of laughter - as I was informed that I'd just had a giant hissing Madagascar Cockroach named after me at the Bronx Zoo. I realize not every woman would see this as a romantic gesture, but considering our familiar, quirky little back-and-forth - I was completely charmed. And of course, returned the favor post haste.
Now, this won't work to satisfy everyone's desire for loving expression on Valentine's Day, but if you and your sweetie have a similar, twisted sense of humor - and if you don't mind making a $10 donation to the Wildlife Conservation Society, here's the link:
http://www.bronxzoo.com/name-a-roach/
Ain't love grand?!! ;)
2/11/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to InfoPlease.com, about 6,500 of these exist in the world today. What are they?
Most of the answers this morning had to do with animals - but that's not even close to the actual answer - which is spoken languages!
Add in the different dialects within those languages and the number zooms to almost 42,000... that's a lotta chit-chat!
Kim got it this morning - and begins her Valentine's day weekend with a $25 gift card to Michael's Creative Baking in Hyannis.
A big congratulations, too, to Todd Haskins of Brewster, the Grand Prize winner in our 5th Annual Valentine's Day Love Poem Contest. Todd was selected at random from our 10 qualifying poets, and has won, courtesy of our sponsors, the Black Cat Tavern in Hyannis, and Rogers and Gray Insurance Agency, $100 to the Black Cat, a $100 shopping spree to the Left Bank Gallery and $100 in spa time at Beach Plum Spa for him and his lady, Deirdre!
This is one of our favorite contests all year - we really wish we could give prizes to everyone who submits a poem, because we love reading them. We're all looking forward to next year already! Thanks to all of you who entered this year.
2/10/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: This patent (#174,465) is widely acknowledged to be the most valuable in U.S. history - what is it?
Simple and basic - but not for its time! It's the telephone.
Alexander Graham Bell barely got his application filed in time to be known as its inventor - behind him by just a couple of hours was Elisha Gray...
Ellie and Jim were right on it this morning - they tag-teamed it from Aquinnah, and won a $25 gift card to Michael's Creative Baking!
2/9/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to British Researchers, the more of these you have, the lower your chance of getting one of the most common forms of brain cancer. What are they?
It's not what you might think - the answer's allergies!
I don't know how strong the conclusion is, but there was enough of a link for the finding to make news: click here
Andrew got the answer on his way to school - he's won a $25 gift card to Michael's Creative Baking in Hyannis!
2/8/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to a recent Harris Poll, people attribute stereotypical traits to other people according to their accent. (For instance - people who speak with a Southerner accent are perceived as "nice.") Which trait is most commonly attributed to people who speak with a New England accent?
Guesses this morning included blue collar, snobby, and grouchy (HEY!!) - but the actual answer's more positive than that - it's well-educated!
I loved the way Peter termed it this morning, though - "wickid smaht" - that earned him a $25 gift card to Michael's Creative Baking. Sweet!
2/7/11:
Congratulations to Betty from Hyannis - who finally solved our Morning Show Challenge mystery! The fictional character whose name was inspired by a piece of office furniture? The Wizard of Oz! (L Frank Baum's filing cabinet had 2 drawers - one labeled A-N, the other O-Z!!) Betty starts her week with a DOUBLE prize -... $50 to Michael's Creative baking! That's a lot of cookies... ;)
2/4/11:
OK, it doesn't happen very often - but we've carried over the morning show challenge question till Monday - no one got the answer this morning!
Here's the question and a re-cap of the guesses we've received that are wrong:
This popular fictional character's name was inspired by a piece of office furniture. Who is he??
Here's who he's NOT: Charlie Brown, Woody Woodpecker, Shredder (the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle character), Remington Steele (named after the typewriter??), Webster, or Maxwell Smart.
I've given you the clues that you want to think movies here and not TV, that this character is universally known, and you do have to think a little outside the box to come up with this - the inspiration came from something ON the piece of office furniture rather than the piece itself. Troy Smith got it after a little thought - he'd heard the story before, and I'm betting some teachers have heard it as well.
Think about it over the weekend - you'll play for a DOUBLE prize to Michael's Creative Baking in Hyannis when we re-introduce the question on Monday morning!
ALSO - don't forget to submit your love poem if you're entering our 5th Annual Valentine's Day contest - the deadline's Sunday at midnight!
2/3/11:
Here's today's challenge question: this happens 2.4 million times each year in the U.S., and 9 million times a year in China. What?
Amazed at how quickly Ellen got the answer this morning - it's a wedding.
Worldwide, 115,000 couples say "I do!" on a daily basis! In the U.S., this translates into $86 billion in spending... whoa...
Congratulations to Ellen - she's won a $25 gift card to Michael's Creative Baking in Hyannis! Michael's isn't just a bakery... check out the breakfast and lunch items on their menu by backing out to the home page and clicking on the Michael's link!
2/2/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: according to a study out of the University of Michigan, moms do this 15 minutes a day more than dads do - do what?
A surprising answer here - it's sleep! The article below outlines the findings, but also presents some qualifying information - just because moms go to bed a little earlier doesn't mean they're also not more sleep deprived. It seems dads experience fewer sleep interruptions than moms, and that's key:
Congratulations to Scott, this morning's winner of a $25 gift card to Michael's Creative Baking in Hyannis!
2/1/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: according to a federal agency, team cities with a higher number of these have a lower rate of Super Bowl wins when playing a team with a lower number. Number of what?
The answer - unemployed people! The higher the unemployment rate in a team city, the less likely it is that that team will win the Super Bowl when paired against a team with a lower jobless rate, according ot the Bureau of labor Statistics. Here's the list over the last 20 Big Games - there's only been 4 times when the team with the higher unemployment team has won:
Super Bowl
Winner
Jobless Rate
Loser
Jobless Rate
1991
NY Giants
5.5%
Buffalo
5.3%
1992
Washington
4.6%
Buffalo
7.2%
1993
Dallas
6.9%
Buffalo
7.5%
1994
Dallas
6.1%
Buffalo
6.8%
1995
San Francisco
5.9%
San Diego
7.1%
1996
Dallas
4.8%
Pittsburgh
6.0%
1997
Green Bay
3.4%
New England
4.1%
1998
Denver
2.9%
Green Bay
3.3%
1999
Denver
2.9%
Atlanta
3.3%
2000
St. Louis
3.5%
Tennessee
2.9%
2001
Baltimore
3.8%
NY Giants
4.4%
2002
New England
3.6%
St. Louis
4.6%
2003
Tampa Bay
5.6%
Oakland
6.2%
2004
New England
5.7%
Carolina
6.3%
2005
New England
5.0%
Philadelphia
5.1%
2006
Pittsburgh
5.2%
Seattle
5.0%
2007
Indianapolis
4.4%
Chicago
4.5%
2008
NY Giants
4.4%
New England
4.1%
2009
Pittsburgh
5.1%
Arizona
5.3%
2010
New Orleans
6.7%
Indianapolis
8.4%
For this year - that means that Green Bay has favor - they've only got a 7.7% unemployment rate, compared with Pittsburgh's 8.1%.
John got it this morning - he's headed to Michael's Creative Baking in Hyannis on us! Never been? Check out their menu by backing out to the home page and following the Morning Show challenge link!
1/31/11:
Hope everyone's weekend was a good one! Here's your Monday challenge question: according to U.S. Census data, in 2009 there were just 9,700 American women in this profession. What profession?
It's firefighters. That number is UP from just 6,200 in 2005!
Congratulations to Lee from Mashpee - she wins our last gift card to the Black Cat in Hyannis - tomorrow we welcome Michael's Creative Baking in Hyannis as our February Morning Show Challenge sponsor!
1/27/11:
Well, here we are again - yet another snow day on Cape Cod! Felt pangs for Christine this morning - she's a Barnstable teacher, and she called this morning mourning the loss of a June beach day! Can't control Mother Nature, though - she, apparently, is clearly favoring the snow bunnies over the beach bunnies this year... so far anyways!
Here's this morning's snow day challenge question: In 1996, 2 Stanford Computer Science grad students debuted their innovation under the name "Back Rub." We know it better as what?
Terry didn't need to use the answer to win this morning - it's Google! The original name (which does NOT immediately conjure up the image of an internet search engine) referred to the fact that the service used backlinks to gauge how important a site was to a given search term. Methinks the rename was a really, really good idea...
Terry found a bright spot in the gray snowy gloom this morning - she's won a $25 gift card to the Black Cat, and we're throwing in a bonus box of Girl Scout cookies too!
Sick of the snow? Here's a surefire escape: the 22nd annual Cape and Islands Orchid Show gets underway this weekend at the Hyannis Resort and Conference Center. Instant tropical paradise. 9-5 Saturday and Sunday - $8 gets you in for one day, it'll only cost you $12 for both days. Walk in - close your eyes - and pretend!! Maybe you'll go home with one to tend, too! Find out more at CAIOS.org. Don't forget your camera - you may need the imagery again before the winter's over!
1/28/11:
Happy Friday! Here's this morning's challenge question:
According to a report in the Journal of Emerging Infectious Diseases, you shouldn't sleep with this - it could make you sick, especially if you have a compromised immune system. What is it?
Not food, and not STUFFED animals - the answer's your pet! Because of the diseases they can carry (which, as the Journal charmingly and hyperbolically points out, can include the PLAGUE), it's best to keep Fido off the bed.
Of course the director of the American Veterinary Medical Association has something to say about that - namely, that the benefits of snuggling with a pet far far outweigh the risks, which are small.
A compromise? "A really good groomer," says our winner from this morning, Nancy! She's headed to the Black Cat on us - and she's also won our last box of bonus Girl Scout Cookies! Thanks again to the Barnstable Girl Scouts (specifically, Emma and Christa) for the cookies - and remember, if you need a quick Thin Mint fix and don't know a Girl Scout, you can find a local booth sale at www.HerGirlScouts.org.
Today marks the 25th anniversary of a national tragedy - the Challenger disaster. Most of us will never forget the images that we watched as the whole thing unfolded, and it's easily to recall our country's shock and grief over the loss of the brave souls on board. A respectful way to remember, and pass the story on to our kids in a way that celebrates the spirit of adventure embodied in the Challenger seven - a road trip to the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center in Concord, NH. They're doing a special tribute to Christa tonight. I've never been - but my husband has, and says it's a fantastic place - maybe a weekend road trip is in order.
1/26/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: according to John Tesh, changing this first thing in the morning can help improve your memory. What??
Lots of changeups in your daily routine will help to give your memory function a boost, but the answer I was lookig for this morning was something John had mentioned specifically in an Intelligence For your Life Minute about a week and a half ago (catch 'em every weekday morning, by the way, at 6:50) - the answer's changing the sound you wake up to on your alarm clock!
Congratulations to Linda, this morning's winner of a $25 dining card to the Black Cat, and a box of Girl Scout Cookies too!
Had some visitors from the music department at BHS this morning - this weekend, they're offering a welcome break from the cold dreary weather. It's "Death By Chocolate," a musical show featuring instrumental performances and the Barnstable High School Vocal Jazz, accompanied by chocolate - and lots of it, in the form of refreshments you'll enjoy while listening! Happens at the BHS Performing Arts Center tomorrow night, Friday night, and Saturday night at 7; tickets are $10 and will be sold at the door. We got a little musical taste this morning - it's sure to be a fantastic show! Escape the wet and cold and support these talented students this weekend!
1/25/11:
OK, a little egg on my face this morning on-air - I very confidently introduced this question as really, really tough - only to have a half dozen people call with the answer immediately!! Fascinating info, though - according to the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel, the smell of this on a woman lowers testosterone levels in men, and makes them less attracted to the woman. The smell of what?
The answer is tears! I know - they don't really have a scent, right? But apparently we women emit some pretty powerful pheromones when we cry. here's a link to the article (**note to parents - the subject of sex - in a clinical sense - is mentioned here.)
Congratulations to Joanne from Osterville - she got it this morning, with a little help from Uncle Google!
1/24/11:
Welcome to Monday - cold enough for you?! Here's this morning's challenge question: According to Potsdam.edu, Sandra Bullock (America's most desirable neighbor!), Bruce Willis, and Bill Cosby all have this in common. What is it?
Joseph from Plymouth was our winner this morning - he correctly guessed that they all worked as bartenders before they made it big. We're sending him to the Black Cat in Hyannis with a $25 dining card - and he'll enjoy a box of delicious Girl Scout Cookies, too!
Congratulations going out to Cindy Richards of centerville as well - Cindy was our $100 Windfall Market shopping spree winner this morning! We're giving away $100 in free Windfall gorceries every Monday morning through March - listen for the Windfall Market word of the day at 9:35 so you can enter to win your share!
1/21/11:
A messy Friday - but hey - not as bad as it could be, right?! Here's your challenge question for this morning: Zillow.com did a survey recently to see which celebrity Americans would most like as their next door neighbor. Who came in at #1??
I thought this would take a while to get - but Margaret nailed it fairly quickly - the answer's Sandra Bullock! She'd read about what a do-it-yourself-er Sandra is, and I'll bet she'd lend out her tools too!
The top 5:
#5 - Conan O'Brien
#4 - The Obamas
#3 - Ellen Degeneres
#2 - Sarah Palin
#1 - Sandra Bullock
Margaret's won a $25 dining card to the Black Cat in Hyannis - and we're throwing in a bonus box of Girl Scout Cookies too!
Do you remember the "2-Minute" segment we did with Brittany and Robbie Berquist, the 2010 Build-A-Bear Huggable Heroes from Norwell? Robbie and Brittany founded Cell Phones for Soldiers (www.CellPhonesForSoldiers.com), the massively successful program that coverts your old cellphones into phone minutes for troops serving overseas; they were the recipients of a $10,000 prize through the Build-A-Bear Workshop - recognition for their contribution to their community, and their country!
The 2011 Build-A-Bear Huggable Hero search is now on - if you know a young person aged 8-18 who's done an amazing job grasping the concept of giving back, why not nominate him or her to be a 2011 hero? Winners receive a $7,500 college scholarship, have a $2,500 donation made to the charity of their choice in their name, and get to fly to St. Louis to visit Build-A-Bear Workshop's headquarters - pretty cool deal! Here's the link if you'd like to nominate someone:
www.lovehugssmiles.com/HuggableHeroes.aspx
You can also pick up a nomination form at and participating Build-A-Bear Workshop store in the U.S. Entry deadline is February 28th.
If you want to know more about Robbie and Brittany, by the way, you can gain a little inspiration from them by listening to their "2-Minute" piece from December 7th; back out to the home page to check it out!
1/20/11:
It's the 50th anniversary of JFK's famous inaugural address - I thought a presidentially-themed question was apropos for the challenge this morning. According to a group of British academics, in a study that considered moral authority, historical significance, vision, leadership at home, and foreign policy, he was our best president. Who?
All of of you thought the JFK intro I gave the question this morning meant that I was referring to JFK - but he came in 15th on the list! According to this British think-tank - the best president we've ever had is Franklin Delano Roosevelt - who took the oath of office for the fourth time 66 years ago today, the only American president to serve more than 2 terms.
You can access the full list here:
www.americas.sas.ac.uk/research/USPC.html
Joan was our winner this morning - she's headed to the Black Cat on us!
1/19/11:
Happy Hump Day! Here's your morning show challenge question: according to a recent nationwide survey by Men's Wearhouse, 32% of women admit they've done this without their partner's knowledge. Done what?
OK, ladies - true confession time... have you ever gotten rid of a piece of clothing you absolutely hated that belonged to your sweetie - and not told him?
You're not alone - that's the answer!
Pat says he's pretty sure it's happened to him - although he may never know for sure...
He's headed to the Black Cat on us for getting it right this morning!
1/18/11:
K, before I get to your challenge question, please allow me a moment to sound like my grandmother: this morning I had the chance to interact with some really cool young people, and it made me feel for a few minutes like the world really is in very good hands. Our 2 Minutes segment this morning featured Emma and Christa, 2 BHS freshman Girl Scouts, who talked about this year's annual cookie sale. The girls have been with scouting since they were in first grade, and have taken advantage of travel, public speaking and learning opportunities through GSUSA... the influence shows; they're delightful, bright, and bound for great things! If you missed the piece, it'll be posted later today - link to it from the home page. And if you want to order cookies but have no Girl Scout in your life - go to www.HerGirlScouts.org, type in your zip code, and the cookie locator will help you find a booth sale. Emma and Christa also gave us some boxes to give to our Morning Show Challenge winners!
Also this morning, Ryan Stanley, a senior at Mashpee High School who's participating in their School-to-Career program, came in to shadow the Cape Cod Broadcasting morning shows and the News Center. Ryan's making college plans - he'd love to attend Emerson, he says - and hopes to develop a career in news broadcasting. We all agree he's a natural, and wish him much success!
This morning's challenge question: according to 9 different studies out of the University of Pittsburgh, both older men and older women who do this quickly are projected to live longer. Do what?
Didn't take too long to come up with the answer - it's walking. The results are pretty dramatic, too. This study says that an 80-year old man who can sustain walking at 1 mph has a 10% chance of making it to age 90. That chance jumps to 84% (!) if he can sustain a pace of 3.5 mph. There's a similar jump in life expectancy for a woman... guess it pays to keep hitting that treadmill! ;)
Yvonne got it right this morning - she's won a dining card to the Black Cat AND a box of yummy Girl Scout cookies!
1/17/11:
Reminder for the day: pitchers and catchers report on February 14th. Onward, footsoldiers...
Here's this morning's challenge question: according to Insure.com, the highest percentage of fender benders occurs here. Where?
We got the answer "parking lot" fairly quickly this morning - but I required a more specific guess. Took a while before Lou came through with "post office parking lot!"
The high volume and low caution quotient make it so - all parking lots, though, are rife with the promise of a bumper crumble. So buckle up before you pull out - and look both ways!
Lou's won not only a dining card to the Black Cat, but this week and next, we're bonusing you with a box of Girl Scout cookies, courtesy of the Girl Scouts here in Barnstable. It's cookie sale time - support your local troop!
1/14/11:
TGIF! Here's this morning's challenge question: according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Americans do this 85% of the time - that's up from 11% in 1982. Do what?
We had all kinds of health-related answers this morning - washing your hands, getting yearly physicals - getting a flu shot - even flossing! But it wasn't till I gave the clue that this wasn't necessarily related to any sickness, despite the source of the info, that Louise came through and nailed it for us. It's wearing a seat belt! This is a GOOD thing...
And so is $25 to the Black Cat - Louise is headed there on us!
1/13/11:
Here's your Thursday challenge question: according to Wakefield Research, 63% of Americans can introduce themselves this way - how?
Valerie called in this morning and answered the question not only correctly - but cleverly - she did it by telling me her name in Spanish! The answer - in a foreign language.
Most of us don't go far beyond that, though, as far as speaking or reading something other than English; only 27% of us can read a newspaper in a foreign language. I think I can get through most of an article or two in either French or German - most of the time, though, I'm just grateful when the English comes out smoothly! ;)
Valerie can show off her foreign-language ordering skills when she has dinner at the Black Cat in Hyannis - she won a $25 gift card with her answer this morning!
1/12/11:
Nothing like a snow day to make you really appreciate your morning oatmeal!
Here's today's challenge question: According to a recent AP poll, 2/3 of American pet owners say their pets have a sixth sense about this. About what?
Our snow day was definitely the inspiration this morning - the answer's bad weather on the way.
Our cat, Rosie, responded to the coming storm the way she responds to just about everything - she took a nap.
Barbara made good use of her day off, though - she called in first with the right answer and won herself a dining card to the Black Cat!
1/11/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: In a Facebook survey by Princess Cruises, respondents named this their "bucket list" destination for 2011. Where?
You'd think - being winter and all - that most peole would dream of traveling to someplace warm and sunny. But the answer's Alaska! My in-laws went last year - they had the time of their lives.
Congratulations to Connie - she guessed right this morning, and will enjoy dinner at the Black Cat in Hyannis on us!
1/10/11:
OK, my Monday got off to a rough start - I actually forgot to set the alarm before I went to bed last night. NOT the smoothest entry into the workweek - don't you hate when that happens? My adrenaline rush, though, translated into an easy in for you with the Morning Show Challenge... to offset my harried state of mind, I lobbed you a real softball to kick off the winning this morning.
According to Women's Health, you burn 168 calories and lose 4 ounces of fluid every time you do this for an hour. What is it?
Yeah, you've heard the stats before - it's house cleaning! All that vauuming, mopping, and scrubbing can translate into some great calorie-burn. Makes us feel a little better about whipping the house back into shape now that the holiday decorations have come down - we're burning off all that eggnog at the same time!
Congrats to Linda - she was our winner this morning, and will eat at the Black Cat on us.
1/7/11:
Finally got to it this morning - the answer to the challenge question that we carried over from yesterday! After adding almonds, bitters, oxygen treatments, coffee, fiber, mint, and milk to our list of things that WEREN'T the answer, Christina finally seized on it - the answer's a placebo! That's right - a sugar pill.
Since that study was released, a few bloggers have torn it apart a bit - claiming it's overhyped because of researcher bias and its small scope. I found it really interesting, though - would love to see some more work done on this, because I believe there's way more to the mind/body connection than most of us understand....
Congratulations to Christina, who picks up a double prize this morning - she's on her way to the Black Cat with $50 from us!
1/6/11:
Sorry for the delay in the update today - we've been dealing with a few technical hurdles at the radio ranch!
A very rare circumstance this morning with the challenge question - I had to carry it over because no one guessed the right answer. So - as promised - here's a recap of the question, along with all the WRONG answers. Look 'em over - and if you think you know what the actual answer is, listen for the clue to call in tomorrow morning after 7:30 - and you'll win DOUBLE the regular prize - that's $50 to the Black Cat!
According to a recent Harvard study, 60% of patients with acute gastric symptoms (we're talkin' IBS, here, people...) felt better after they took this twice a day. Took what?
OK, here's a list of INCORRECT guesses we got on the air this morning:
Gingersnaps, ginger tea, ginger ale... it's not related to ginger at all!
Aspirin or ibuprofen
Yogurt or cottage cheese
Tums or Rolaids
Brandy or beer
Epsom Salts
Aloe
Baking soda
Pepper (chili or any other variety)
Carrots
Chocolate
Bananas
Celery
Vinegar of any kind (one of the most popular guesses this morning - must have had a dozen of you say vinegar!)
Naps
Walks
The clues I've given you - the answer, I think, will surprise you - and this could ALMOST be construed as a trick question!
Think about it... discuss it... and listen for the cue to call in and win in the morning!
1/5/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: according to a recent E-Nation survey, if you live in New England, you're 26% more likely to do this daily than if you live in the South. Do what?
I'm not sure what the geography has to do with it - but the answer's shampoo your hair! 93% of New Englanders do it daily, as opposed to only 67% of people who live in the South.
Holly put the clues together this morning and came through - she's going to the Black Cat on us!
1/4/11:
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to the Wall Street Journal, the average person does this 4 times a week - more often to strangers than to romantic partners or family members. What?
Sadly - it's apologize! I guess sometimes we just don't feel our family members rate... our winner, Dawn, pointed out that most of the time when we apologize to total strangers, we haven't done anything wrong!
Dawn's on her way to the Black Cat on us.
1/3/11:
The first challenge question of the New Year proved to be a tough one! According to the New York Times, 750,000 people do this once a week - do what?
The answer we were looking for this morning was attending a Weight Watchers meeting! So many people resolve to eat more healthily at the beginning of each new year - Weight Watchers is a great way to go. If you're planning on implementing a healthier eating pattern this year, make sure you listen for tomorrow's "2 Minutes With..." segment - we'll talk to a nutritionist about the simple steps you can take to ensure you meet your goal.
As for Jeanne - she has a little celebrating to do - she's won a $25 dining card from The Black Cat in Hyannis - an awfully nice start to 2011!
12/31/10:
I JUST stopped writing 2009 on all my checks! Sigh.
Happy Last Day of 2010.... Here's this morning's challenge question: According to QualityHealth.com, roughly 2,000 people are injured every year doing this in their kitchen. Doing what?
It's not slicing bagels! It's also not opening cans or champagne bottles, deep frying turkey, or boiling water...
It's prying apart frozen items before they're thawed.
Lee looked to her own kitchen and 6 kids to come up with the answer - and she won our last Mashpee Commons gift card!
We'll welcome a brand new sponsor - and a brand new year for your Morning Show on Monday.
Have a wonderful holiday weekend - be safe, and we'll see you in 2011!
12/30/10:
G'morning! Here's the challenge question for today: according to its manufacturer, this sporting product outsells footballs, baseballs, and basketballs - combined - yearly in the U.S. What is it?
I would have thought golf balls (confession: I go through a LOT of golf balls....) but Mary was a little sharper this morning - she correctly guessed that the answer is FRISBEES! According to Wham-O, they've sold over 200 million in the last 50 years.
Mary's headed shopping on us - she won a $25 Mashpee Commons gift card for getting it right!
12/29/10:
Here's today's challenge question: according to MSNBC (and the Daily Mail,) researchers have found that eating your lunch here may actually boost your desire for dessert, and increase your weight gain potential. Eating where?
It's at your desk - and specifically, in front of your computer! Here's the scoop:
Congratulations to Kristen, this morning's winner - she's headed to Mashpee Commons with a $25 gift card!
12/28/10:
Hope everyone had a happy holiday! Here's this morning's challenge question: According to Badoo.com, an online dating site, if a man wants to open with a line a woman will be most receptive to, and the woman is American, he should tell her she has beautiful what?
Well, if she were Spanish, he'd want to tell her she has beatiful hair; in Canada, telling her she has beautiful skin would work; in the U.K., women want to hear that their legs are beautiful; worldwide, a guy's safest bet is to tell her she has beautiful lips; but here in the U.S., apperently we women like to hear that guys like our wardrobes - clothes is the answer that this survey came up with!
Laura was tuned in listening online from New Jersey this morning - she called in, got it right, and now she'll enjoy a mini shopping spree to Mashpee Commons next time she visits!
12/24/10:
It was a quick easy challenge this morning for Christmas Eve Day - all Gail had to do was name all Santa's reindeer to win herself a gift card to Mashpee Commons! A very Merry Christmas to you all - and don't forget - our Festival of Music begins at noontime!
12/23/10:
This morning's challenge question: according to Venere.com, the average time for this is 7 years. The answer is related to the holidays! Time for what??
It's the average growing time for an average size (6-7 feet) Christmas tree. Some may take as long as 15 years to reach full size - some do it in as little as 4; but for most it's right around 7 years.
Lisa got it this morning - with a little help from 10-year old Benjamin at the busstop. Their teamwork earned 'em a little last minute holiday money - they're going to Mashpee Commons with a $25 gift card!
12/22/10:
This morning's challenge question: According to a study done at Cornell Medical Center, newborn infants are calmest when this kind of music is played. What kind?
December babies must have the edge when it comes to being mellow - because according to the staff at Cornell, holiday tunes calm them better than any other kind of music. I doubt very much that this includes Elmo & Patsy - but something to consider if you're a new parent and you need the kid to nap a little longer while you wrap and bake!
Was chatting this morning about all those pesky catalogs that clutter our lives this time of year, and Laurie called with a simple solution. She said to take an hour and call the 800 numbers on all the catalogs you get, and explain that you'd like to opt out of their mailing list because you prefer to browse their selection online. She says since she's done this, she only gets a few catalogs a year - and she figures she's saved at least one forest to boot! Something to consider before NEXT Christmas!
12/21/10:
Thought I'd toss a bit of a softball to you this morning for your morning show challenge - wanted all the kids who had extra PJ time at home this morning to be able to play along!
According to anthropologist Robin Dunbar, the average person has 150 of these. What?
Kevin called in and said types of germs in their body - ewww!
The actual answer's a lot more pleasant to contemplate - it's friends. Not close friends, of course - but Dr. Dunbar says that if you list all your close friends and acquaintances, the list will probably look something like your Facebook friends list.
Kathy got it right away this morning - she's off to Mashpee Commons on us!
12/20/10:
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to Wakefield Research, this will go on in 71% of U.S. households between now and Friday. What is it? HINT: It's not gift wrapping!
Heather guessed it on her way to school - it's baking cookies! The average household will churn out about 8 dozen in the next few days.
Heather was giggly and excited this morning - she won a $25 gift card to Mashpee Commons for getting it right!
12/17/10:
Mea culpa, mea culpa - sorry for the lack of updates this week! Boy, can taking a day or two off put a wrinkle in your routine...
Here are the answers to this week's challenge questions, starting with Tuesday's:
Play.com surveyed men to find out which movie is most likely to have made them cry. What was the number one movie on the list?
The answer: Toy Story (the original!) Dunno if I would have ever guessed that - but hey, they didn't ask me! #2 on the list was Forrest Gump; #3 was Star Wars; #4 was E.T.
Wednesday's question: A recent Harvard University study showed that most people say they spend up to 46% of their waking hours doing this. Doing what?
It's daydreaming - and the study also showed that most of the time, the mind-wandering leads to some gloomy places and makes us unhappy! One activity that helps keep us in the here-and-now? Doodling, according to the study.
Yesterday's question: According to Uncle John's Bathroom Reader (and what more reliable source is there?!) this happens more in September than in any other month - what is it?
The answer - births. This answer's shifted slightly in the last few years - it used to be August. But I think there's a correlation with the most popular wedding months shifting - there are more weddings in September and October now than there are in May and June - so the stat only makes sense...
And finally - here's today's challenge question: according to rsearchers from Georgia State University and the University of Utah, when it comes to this - the louder the better! What are we talking about?
It's laughter! In the experiments they did, people responded more positively to loud, vowel-like bursts from and open mouth than they did to quieter laughing, like a snort through the nose or a breathy laugh that doesn't cause your vocal chords to vibrate. So - next time you find something amusing - let 'er rip!
Danielle was our winner this morning, and we're sure she'll be at least giggling all the way to Mashpee Commons with her gift card.
Crazy weather possibly expected here on Sunday into Monday - we'll keep you updated all weekend, and be here live to report any cancellations from the WQRC News Center. Till then - 'twould probably be wise to get those last-minute errands done!
12/13/10:
Good Monday Morning! Here's your challenge question: According to a new survey by Visa, 42% of consumers say they still have one of these in the back of their closets. One of what?
Well, this could have gone in a lot of different directions - but once we got the (incorrect) answer "an ugly Christmas sweater," we were well on our way...
The answer's an unopened Christmas gift!
The survey didn't make it clear whether most of us have found gifts that were given or received - either way, I feel this is a good time to let you know that Friday is National Re-Gifting Day!! ;)
Congrats to Debbie - she got it this morning for a $25 gift card to Mashpee Commons.
A HUGE thank you to everyone (and boy, were there a lot of you!) that joined us yesterday at the 9th Annual Jolly Jaunt to benefit the Special Olympics of the Cape and Islands. It was truly stunning and heartwarming to see how many of you turned out enthusiastically DESPITE the weather - a true testament to just how caring our community is when it comes to these athletes, who are so appreciative. It was a record turnout yesterday and a record dollar amount raised as well; over $62,000 will go toward uniforms, training, and competition costs for the hundreds of athletes right here on the Cape. Cool, too, to see some of the Cape's elite athletes participate. Cannot say enough about the event's sponsors - EJ Jaxtimer, Hanlon Shoes, and the Resort and Conference Center in Hyannis. Their faithful support sets a terrific example. For those of you who have not experienced the Jaunt yet - we'll see you next year!
I'm taking a couple of days off - Wayne White'll be in the chair tomorrow and Wednesday - a girl's gotta get a LITTLE shopping done at this point, right?? See you Thursday....
12/10/10:
Finally Friday! This morning's challenge question is a musical one: According to TripAdvisor.com, this is the holiday song that travelers most like to hear while they're on the move. What song?
Alice got the answer this morning - it's "White Christmas!" A little surprising, since the whiter it is, the less it's likely you'll reach your destination on time... I think it's the comfort factor here, though, that puts that classic at the top.
Travelers' LEAST favorite song? "Santa Baby." I'm with Alice, though - shocked that it's not "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer!"
If you didn't get a chance to check out the 17 trees at the 5th annual Spectacle of Trees at the JFK Museum in Hyannis last weekend, make sure to get there today or tomorrow! The winners of these gorgeous trees will be selected tomorrow night...
AND - we'll be looking for you Sunday at the Jolly Jaunt to benefit Special Olympics of the Cape & Islands! Come decked out in your holiday running or walking gear - we'll warm you up, dry you out, and feed you afterwards! Back out to the home page to find out more. See you then!
12/9/10:
This morning's challenge question: According to a recent Harris poll, 48% of Americans say they don't trust US industry at all (boy, are we cynics!) BUT - among those who chose an industry that they say they trust - 2 came out on top, tied for first place. What are they?
Jennifer, whose husband is in health care, cast a supportive spousal vote - and won with it! Hospitals is one - supermarkets is the other!
Some of the list surprised me - banks came in at #2. Really?! Electric and gas utilities made it at #3; Computer hardware and software companies came in 4th and 5th, airlines came in 6th, and online retailers were 7th.
Got some great tips from one of our listeners, Rick, that will help keep your car from succumbing to some annoying winter scourges - try the tricks listed below and let us know how they work for you (and thanks, Rick!)
Keep your headlights clear with car wax! Just wipe ordinary car wax on your headlights. It contains special water repellents that will prevent that messy mixture from accumulating on your lights - lasts 6 weeks.
Squeak-proof your wipers with rubbing alcohol! Wipe the wipers with a cloth saturated with rubbing alcohol or ammonia. This one trick can make badly streaking & squeaking wipers change to near perfect silence & clarity..
Ice-proof your windows with vinegar! Frost on it's way? Just fill a spray bottle with three parts vinegar to one part water & spritz it on all your windows at night. In the morning, they'll be clear of icy mess. Vinegar contains acetic acid, which raises the melting point of water---preventing water from freezing!
Prevent car doors from freezing shut with cooking spray! Spritz cooking oil on the rubber seals around car doors & rub it in with a paper towel. The cooking spray prevents water from melting into the rubber
Fog-proof your windshield with shaving cream! Spray some shaving cream on the inside of your windshield & wipe if off with paper towels. Shaving cream has many of the same ingredients found in commercial defoggers.
De-ice your lock in seconds with hand sanitizer! Just put some hand sanitizer gel on the key & the lock & the problems solved!
12/8/10:
This morning's challenge question was TOUGH! According to a recent AP poll, 53% of shoppers say they'll spend money on THIS this year - that's up 10% from 2008 numbers. What will they buy this year?
The answers on-air this morning ranged from lottery tickets to cars to vacations to treats for yourself. They were all good - but didn't touch on it...
Till Karen came up with a gift for your pet! Bingo.
Seems there have been a lot of empty Fluffy and Fido stockings for the last couple of years. This year, though, it seems our 4-legged friends have something fun to look forward to!
So does Karen - she might pick up something fun for her bird at Mashpee Commons when she uses the $25 gift card she won for getting it right!
Yesterday our day was brightened here at 737 West Main Stree by some incredible generosity. We're collecting toys, as you know, for the Lower Cape Outreach Council's Annual Toy Drive, and an anonymous angel came in yesterday morning with 9 brand new bicycles and helmets to go with them... can you imagine the look on the 9 faces that will be the recipients as they discover their surprise from Santa on Christmas morning? Later on, someone came by with a handful of Simon Mall giftcards - perfect for the teens who so often get overlooked in these efforts... You know, it never fails - my holiday spirit always rises in proportion with the generosity that our listeners NEVER FAIL to exhibit. It's such a lift to see you answer the call for help the way you do! Thank you to all who have donated - no matter how big or small your gift - and to those who haven't yet, we'll continue accepting your new, unwrapped toys through December 17th. THANK YOU!!
12/7/10:
Here's your challenge question: A new Consumer Reports survey says that the average American shopper will spend 3 1/2 hours between now and the end of the year doing this. Doing what?
Ah, the joys of holiday shopping... the answer's standing in line! Our winner this morning, PJ, is exempt from this statistic, however - she's already done with all her holiday errands. That means she's headed to Mashpee Commons to treat herself. Happy!
This morning's "2 Minutes With" segment focused on a couple of teenagers who are amazing examples of giving back... we highlighted Robbie and Brittany Berquist, who founded the Cellphones For Soldiers Program (find out more at www. cellphonesforsoldiers.com.) Brittany and Robbie have been selected as 2010 "Huggable Heroes" by the Build-A-Bear company, creators of those adorable critters that you stuff - and dress - yourself! The company will be soliciting nominations for 2011 Heroes soon - find out more about their dedication to giving back through sales of their Build-A-Bear friends here:
And if you missed the piece featuring Robbie and Brittany this morning (they're from Norwell, by the way!), back out to the home page - you can access it there.
12/6/10:
Happy Monday! Here's this morning's challenge question: According to AskMen.com, the first person to do this professionally was paid $500. What was the job?
A little happy chance figured into my getting a winner right off the bat this morning - Deb, who teaches in Dennis, actually had posed this very trivia question to her class a couple of weeks ago in class - so she knew right away it was a football player!
His name was William "Pudge" Heffelfinger - and he played for the Allegheny Athletic Association back in 1892. $500 - a lot of money back then, I guess!
Deb's good timing (or mine) won her a $25 Mashpee Commons gift card this morning - they're this month's brand new sponsor!
12/3/10:
So it's Friday. I figured I'd use that as an excuse to explore a very weighty, important issue with the morning show challenge question.
Dunkin' Donuts did a recent survey to find out what part of the gingerbread man Americans eat first. According to a neurological research doctor in Chicago, the part you choose says a lot about your personality... what part do sensitive people eat first?
Most people go right for the head, according to this survey. And those that do are assertive - natural leaders who don't tend to take no for an answer!
If you go for the right arm, you tend to be pessimistic and skeptical. Go for the left arm first - it means you're super creative and extroverted.
If you're sensitive, you tend to start with the legs.
Just heard the funniest story from our receptionist Nancy, who's the sweetest person in the world - she says she used to eat the gingerbread men head first - and then pretend they were calling for help from her mouth... until it made her daughter cry! Hmmm.... I guess there IS something to this - what part do YOU eat first? I'm a leg woman, myself!
Congratulations to Ellen - she won our very last Amcomm Wireless gift card this morning! We'll have a brand new sponsor on Monday. Happy weekend!
12/2/10:
Here's your challenge question from this morning: according to Women's World, doing this once a week will increase your feelings of optimism by 15% - and lower your risk for some physical ailments, like headaches, and acne - what is it?
The answer is interesting... it's saying "Thank you!" Makes us focus on the good things in life... that increased optimism makes us less vulnerable to some of the physical things that can plague us when we're in a negative frame of mind. Now, we're not talking just a casual "thanks" tossed off to the colleague who opens a door here. Rather, this is a concerted attempt to seek out someone who's made a difference in your life - or gone out of their way to help you or someone else - and tell them how grateful you are. Requires no exertion - costs not a penny - but the benefit (on both ends!) is so worth the effort! There's a nice piece of knowledge to put to work in your life right away.
Hope, todays winner, started this morning - by thanking me for her Amcomm Wireless gift card!
12/1/10:
This morning's challenge question: According to USHistory.com, residents of Philadelphia eat almost 12 times more of this snack food than we do in any other city in the US. What food?
It has nothing to do with cheesesteak! Apparently - and who knew?? - Philadelphia is the soft pretzel capital of the U.S. (or one of them, anyways) and the answer is pretzels!
Hard or soft - the average American puts down about a pound to 2 pounds of pretzels a year. But in Philly, that number zooms to 12 pounds! All those carbs... my hips are getting bigger just thinking about 'em...
As for Christina, she's thinking about her trip to Amcomm Wireless - she won a $25 gift card with the right answer this morning!
11/30/10:
Here's this morning's challenge question - which proved to be tougher than I thought it would be! According to SmartLifeTips.net, the average person does this 31,500 times a day. What?
I thought the answer would be fairly obvious - boy, was I wrong. I guess there are plenty of things we do that much - breathing, keystroking, and blinking, among others.
But Joanne got it right this morning - we speak 31,500 words per day, on average!
Of course, some of us wind up eclipsing that number, especially when they pay us for it! ;)
If you missed out on "2 Minutes With..." this morning, back out to the home page - you can hear it there. This morning's feature interview was with Bruno Mars' Dad, Peter Hernandez Sr., who was gracious enough to chat with me at midnight Hawaii time! A very sweet piece... Tuesdays at 7:15 is fast becoming one of my favorite times of the week!
11/29/10:
Welcome to Cyber Monday - be careful!! It's a jungle out there!!
Here's this morning's challenge question: Researchers from the University of Connecticut have found that while at least of half of adults do this automatically, most kids under the age of 4 do NOT. Do what?
I gave you the clue that this was a kind of instinct or reflex... interestingly enough, the answer is to yawn when someone else yawns! I've not had the chance to observe a group of toddlers since I read this article, but will try to pay closer attention next time I'm around little ones - apparently they just aren't as suggestible as the rest of us when it comes to yawning. Always fighting off that next nap!!
Congratulations to Nicole, this morning's winner of a $25 Amcomm Wireless gift card.
And congratulations, too, to Joyce Copeland - she won this morning's $100 shopping spree to Windfall Market in Falmouth! Only 4 more left - make sure you listen every weekday morning at 9:20 for the Windfall Market Word of the Day so you can win one too!
11/26/10:
Hope your day yesterday was blessed - and that the leftovers are tasty! (None in my house... my son's home from college, and he and his best friend have settled in - kinda like a plague of locusts settle in - to make sure that there ARE no leftovers. At least the house still SMELLS like turkey!)
Here's this morning's challenge question: A recent survey by Western Union and Wakefield Research found that over 60% of consumers say they aren't doing this at all today. What?
It's shop.
One reason we may be seeing a decline in Black Friday sales - on average, shoppers said in this survey that they spent over $100 on NON gift items on Black Friday - babysitters, parking, gas, and food... I used to be a die-hard. My friend Linda and I would head out at 4:30 to get there when the stores opened at 5, hot cocoa in glove-warmed hands - we'd be out of layaway by noon and toast our bargain-hunting success over lunch together... fun times - but the older I get the less I can tolerate the crowds and the stores running out of what I showed up for!
Here's an alternative that I hope catches on - and it supports your LOCAL retailers:
http://smallbusinesssaturday.com/
Check it out - and whenever you choose to shop - may your bargains be plentiful!
Sarah gets a shopping bonus for getting it right today - she's headed to Amcomm Wireless on us.
11/24/10:
Happy-Day-Before! Hope the turkey's all thawed... here's your challenge question: A recent study by hygiene experts in Great Britain reveals that this commonly used item has 18 times more bacteria than the average toilet handle. What is it??
Lots of good answers this morning - but Stacie got the right one - it's your cell phone. Yup - dirtier than your remote control, your computer keyboard, even the sponge in your kitchen sink!
Stacie's headed to Amcomm Wireless - maybe for a newer, really clean phone! - on us.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving tomorrow - I'm taking the day off to cook a bird for my family - may the day bring you joy! See you Friday...
11/23/10:
Happy Tuesday! Countdown's on till Thanksgiving - hopefully your turkey's thawed! If not - get some advice from the good folks at the Butterball Turkey Talk Line - 1-800-Butterball. We talked to Alice, one of their operators, today for "2 Minutes With..." She's been with Butterball for 16 years, and she's heard it all! They're standing by 24/7 to give you holiday menu advice if you need it - and they expect to field over 10,000 calls Thursday alone! Call 'em if you need 'em.
Here's today's challenge question: By the end of 2010, this company says it will have reached a global production mark of more than 30 billion units - that's 60,000 a minute, or 1,000 every second. What company?
Charoz got it this morning - it's the LEGO company! 30 billion... I think I've picked that many out from between the cushions on my couch over the years....
Charoz gets our last Butterball gift certificate for being quick on the Q-Line this morning - and he's going to Amcomm Wireless with a $25 gift card, too!
11/22/10:
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to HelpSaveMyDollars.com, this is the best day of the week to buy a car. Which day?
Now, depending on who you talk to, or which website you visit, there is a bit of a differing opinion on this - but Bev got the answer I was looking for this morning - and that's Monday.
Seems that after the influx of weekend buyers, dealers know where they stand for the upcoming week - and it's a long time before the next round of weekend buyers come in... so you may get a bit of a better deal on a Monday. The site says Mondays at the end of the month are best, and 6 PM seems to be the best time of day... ALL the experts agree, though, that the most important factor in getting a good deal on a car is to do your research ahead of time. Know what make and model you want, know the incentives and rebates that are being offered, and know where the bottom line is on the price of the car - that info can help you negotiate your best deal, even if you can't make it ito the dealership on a Monday.
As for Bev - she's headed to Amcomm Wireless with a gift card from us - and she's got a bonus Butterball Turkey gift certificate, too!
Tomorrow morning on "2 Minutes With..." at 7:15, you'll meet a real live Butterball Turkey Hotline Operator - thanks to Butterball for making the Thanksgiving Day shopping trip a little lighter for our winners these past few days!
11/19/10:
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to a study done at Case Western Reserve, doing this 100 times or more a day is linked to a higher rate of depression, smoking, eating disorders, drug abuse, and fighting - specifically, in young people. What is it?
Heidi got it this morning - it's texting. A bit of a scary statistic, considering that the national average is over that number of teens right now...
Experts have dubbed it "hyper-texting" - and 20% of the teens they surveyed quite readily admitted they do it. Of those 20%, the majority were female, young, and from a low socio-economic status.
Heidi's on her way to Amcomm Wireless with a gift card from us - and she's also won a $15 Butterball Gift Certificate! Have a great weekend - the countdown to Thanksgiving begins....
11/18/10:
Here's a challenge question that comes straight from a John Tesh "Intelligence for Your Life Minute" (hear them every weekday morning at 6:50): Being ______ weakens your immune system by 20%. Fill in the blank.
The answer - unemployed! Makes sense, right? You get stressed, depressed, and feel hopeless - and that takes a physical toll. If you're determined to land a new job, John has plenty of tips on how to ace a job interview at Tesh.com.
Congratulations to Linda - she's a double winner this morning; she's got an Amcomm Wireless gift card, AND we're giving her a Butterball turkey too!
11/17/10:
This morning's challenge question: According to a new British survey, THIS is the age when most people start laughing less and become "grumpy." What is it???
OK, I'm the first to say, I don't believe in tying anything to "an age". But I have to admit - at 46, I'm markedly grumpier than I used to be!
'Course, I have a ways to go on this - the answer the survey came up with was 52. David zeroed in on it, and he won not only a $25 Amcomm Wireless gift card, but a bonus - a $15 Butterball Turkey gift certificate.
As for the answer...
I have a theory about this.
I've noticed that when I'm plagued by allergies, I tend to feel a little blue. I've often wondered if my physical manifestations - sniffling, watery eyes - which MIMIC what your face does when it's sad - trigger an emotional response. In other words, whatever our face is DOING, is our brain trained to tell us that's how we FEEL?
If that's so, think about this - by 52, the muscles in our face simply aren't as strong as they used to be. There's a bit of a natural "droop" that occurs. It may be almost imperceptible - but can it be that our brains respond by telling us we're more unhappy than we were when there was a natural "lift" going on??
And if that DOES happen - can being aware of it - and consciously "lifting" our smile muscles more - counteract the age 52 "grump factor??"
I dunno, but I'm willing to try! So keep smiling today - better yet, find a reason to laugh!
11/16/10:
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to Research Now, 92% of American babies have this happen to them by the time they're 2 years old; 33% have it happen before they're 2 WEEKS old! What is it?
We went in all kinds of directions with this on the air this morning - but finally, Bob got it - they have their pictures posted on the internet!
Congrats to Bob - he's headed to Amcomm Wireless on us!
11/15/10:
Welcome to Monday! Here's this morning's challenge question: According to YourTango.com, this has to happen 12 times before you get a good result. What is it?
Dawn got the answer this morng - it's date people before you get married!
According to the statistical data (and that's, of course, what we're all thinking about when we're falling in love!! ;) ), if you date fewer people than that, you won't have enough points of comparison to make a good choice... date more than twelve, and you may be passing up your dream partner by being too picky.
There's a math formula for everything, isn't there?!
Dawn will be doing a little math at Amcomm Wireless - she won a $25 gift card for getting it right this morning.
11/12/10:
I thought a fun challenge question was in order for a (finally!) sunny Friday! This toy used to be used as a wallpaper cleaner, What is it?
10-year old Tess got it right away - it's Play-Doh! I guess the question actually came up on Tess's MCAS!
Smart little cookie - now she's headed to Amcomm Wireless to put $25 towards a new gadget.
Just the thought of Play-Doh on a sunny Friday makes me smile - you do the same and enjoy your weekend!
11/11/10:
A very heartfelt thank you going out today to all of our Veterans - we are in your debt.
Thinking, too, today about our soldiers serving overseas. I came across an Atlantic Monthly article some time back about how useless some of the items are that we send to our troops overseas - and what it is that they REALLY value. Here are some suggestions, as you're thinking about putting together that holiday package:
Disposable Razors - the sturdy ones, like Schick, and Mach 3.
Personal care items - deodorant, lotion, aftershave, Febreeze!
Baby Wipes - hugely helpful, apparently. The ones meant for camping that you can get at the outdoor shops are especially welcome.
Running shoes - any size or brand.
White athletic socks - the kind that come above the knee.
College Hats - it's football season! Any college will do - there are representatives from just about all of 'em serving overseas.
Fitness magazines - seem to be a favorite.
Action DVD's - remember the demographic we're talking about here - age 18-25, and lots of guys. Send 'em what THEY'D like to see.
Headphones - earbuds - mp3 players - and the batteries to operate them.
Rewritable CD's - they're not allowed to use thumb drives, apparently.
Letters. Pictures. Stories about you and your family. And - one soldier who was interviewed about this topic said "Honestly, you don't have to dwell over and over again about how proud you are of us. We get it. We'd really like to hear about you."
Holiday shipping deadlines are coming up fast, too - so get those packages otgether and we'll keep you up to date with the deadlines soon.
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to a new survey by a government agency, for every one of these in the U.S., there are 5 of these. What ratio am I talking about?
The agency in question is the U.S. Department of labor - and unfortunately, according to the jobs report for September, for every one job available in this country, there are 5 job seekers. Seems the recession hasn't quite loosened its grip yet....
Jean got the answer this morning - and she was awfully excited to have won that gift card to Amcomm Wireless!
11/10/10:
A tough morning show challenge question this morning! According to Shine.com, this profession has the highest divorce rate in the U.S. What is it?
I'll be honest - the list is weird!! The top 15 are listed below, along with a link to the article:
10 - Entertainers and performers, sports and related workers
9 - Nursing, psychiatric, and home health aides
8 - Telephone operators
7 - Factory workers: food and tobacco
6 - Gaming service worker
5 - Extruding machine operator
4 - Gaming cage worker
3 - Massage therapists
2 - Bartenders
1 - Dancers and choreographers
Extruding machine operators?? Really??
Melody came up with the number one answer, though, this morning - so she's going to Amcomm Wireless on us!
11/9/10:
This morning's challenge question: A study conducted by the University of Arizona found that these were the germiest items in the elementary schools they examined. What?
It's the tables in the cafeteria, according to this study anyways!
Here's a list of the top 5:
5. Tie - between the bathroom sink faucet and the tables in the library (!)
4. The water fountains
3. The bathroom paper towel dispenser
2. Computer Mice (these had twice the number of bacteria as the desktops in the classrooms!)
1. Cafeteria tables
Fran came through this morning - and she'll wash her hands all the way to Amcomm Wireless!
In other health news this morning, this guy's making headlines:
Sigh. Can you imagine?? I've transformed my diet over the last 8 months - completely dropped processed sugar and flour - no bread, no sweets, all whole grains... and in 6 months, I was able to drop 20 pounds. I feel TERRIFIC! But it's been really hard - I've had to overcome many many psychological hurdles, in addition to craving the foods that I cut out. Then this guy comes along, and prospers - healthfully - on TWINKIES!!
Know what, though? I'm sticking with what I've got. The carrots and oatmeal and edamame and black coffee and brown rice HAVE to be healthier than Doritos and Little Debbie's, right??
Right??
Anyone???
11/8/10:
You know, I have just come to the conclusion that sometimes, you've just gotta let Mondays be Mondays. One of those days today... hope yours got off to a good start!
Here's this morning's challenge question: according to StraightDope.com, the most common average time for this is 9 minutes. What is it?
The answer - it's the sleep interval on your alarm clock when you hit snooze.
Brendan says he hit his about 8 times this morning - yup, sounds like what most of us did this morning...
Brendan's going to Amcomm Wireless on us - now let's bring on Tuesday! ;)
11/5/10:
Hey now - it's Friday! Don't forget to turn your clocks back this weekend... Here's your Friday morning challenge question: 2 new toys are being added to the Toy Hall Of Fame in Upstate New York to go along with the 44 classics already enshrined. What are they?
I LOVE that a 13-year old got the answer this morning - Frank had read the story and knew both toys. Enshrined for 2010 - the Game of Life - and a standard deck of playing cards!
Frank does admit to a preference for the X-Box - can you imagine what inductees will consist of twenty years from now, when usb connections will seem "quaint?!"
Something tells me Frank will have fun with his gift card to Amcomm Wireless!
For everyone else - he's a link to the Toy Hall of Fame site - check out all your childhood favorites here.
http://www.toyhalloffame.org/
And enjoy your weekend!
11/4/10:
This morning's Challenge question: According to a new survey as reported by Reuters, among 400 small business executives that were polled, 54% of them said that they expect their employees to do this in the coming year. Do what?
David had a great positive answer this morning - he said "Well, I expect all my employees to be on time!" Unfortunately, the bosses in this survey didn't have quite as positive an attitude - the actual answer's stealing! Only 30% of the execs in the survey had actually had an experience with employee thievery, but it seems many more than that are braced for it...
Sue got it right this morning - she's headed to Amcomm Wireless with a gift card!
11/3/10:
Here's this morning's challenge question (a tough one!!): According to Women's World, just smelling these can lower your tension level by 13%. What are they?
Had so many good answers this morning - apparently, we're all very much in touch with our olefactory sides! Babies, roses, freshly washed sheets, cookies...
The answer, though, is apples!
Congrats to Sue - she and her co-workers put my clues together this morning - now Sue's going to Amcomm Wireless with 25 of our dollars!
11/2/10:
Election Day - remember to vote, and stay with WQRC for full live election coverage beginning at 7 PM! Here's this morning's challenge question: According to Men's Health, a survey of men revealed that this was the event most likely to make them cry. What is it?
The number one answer this morning was the birth of a child - but that only came in at #2 - selected by 18% of men. The death of a pet ranked much higher - 33% of men said it would reduce them to tears. Funny the way this went in our office - everyone danced all around it till they heard the answer, then everyone solemnly agreed. One co-worker admitted, "Yeah - that's the first time I ever saw my dad cry!"
Congratulations to 8-year old Molly - she's a frequent caller in the challenge, and today was her day - she's won a $25 gift card to Amcomm Wireless for getting it right.
11/1/10:
Happy Monday! Here's hoping your little ghosts and goblins coughed up a fun-sized Snickers bar or two to share... Here's this morning's Challenge question: according to Allure.com, when women asked which cosmetic item was absolutely essential to take with them if they were leaving the house for the day and could ONLY take one - this was the one they chose most often. What?
I truly thought lipstick or gloss would be the number one answer - but it only came in at #2! The number one answer - lip balm! Seems having moist lips is more important than shine or color - and I guess that makes sense. Fragrance came in at #3 (another surprise to me...) and h a hairbrush doesn't make the list till #4.
The biggest surprise of all, though? A guy got it right! Congratulations to Bobby, who's got $25 to spend at Amcomm Wireless - they're our brand new November Challenge sponsors.
I want to give a quick plug to this morning's highlighted website in your World Wide Web Update - LettersOfNote.com. What a cool site - a collection of letters from people of note, everyone from Abe Lincoln to Christopher Walken. If you're a fan of actual letters - written correspondence - this will be a cool one to bookmark. Enjoy!
10/29/10:
Here's your final Halloween themed challenge question - name the scary movie that this line came from: "Sometimes, dead is better."
Stephen King fan Jill came up with it right away - it's Pet Sematary from 1989. Jill's picked up our last gift card to Arno's on Nantucket - we have a brand new sponsor beginning on Monday.
Have a fun - but safe - Halloween, y'all!
10/28/10:
Here's this morning's challenge question (again with the Halloween theme!): Americans spend over a billion dollars on this every October - on what?
Couple of different directions you could have gone in here - but Bob got it right off the bat - it's costumes. We spend about 2 billion on candy, and another 1.5 billion on decorations - making halloween the 2nd most expensive holiday, right after Christmas. Crazy, yes?!
Good crazy for bob, though - he's going to Arno's on us.
10/27/10:
Morning Show Challenge time: If all of this produced in the U.S. every year were laid end-to-end, it would circle the moon almost 4 times. What is it?
The answer - candy corn! Love it or hate it - over 9 BILLION pieces are produced every year!
Leonard loves it - and for getting it right this morning he goes to Arno's on us.
10/26/10:
Our spooky challenge questions continue this morning... Here's a line from a famous horror movie - tell me which movie it's from: "We all go a little mad sometimes..."
Horror movie buff Andrea got it this morning - that line was uttered by Tony Perkins in 1960's Psycho. She's headed to Arno's with a $25 gift card - I think we'll do at least one more of these this week in the lead-up to Halloween.
Speaking of all things spooky - check out my "2 Minutes With..." segment with Derek Bartlett, founder and president of the Cape and Island Paranormal Research Society (back out to the home page to listen.) This was a fun one - if 2 minutes just isn't enough, though, he'll join Sarah Colvin with some more detailed stories on Sunday Journal coming up November 7th - and for some real chills before Halloween, maybe take a Haunted Tour - find out more at CAIPRS.com.
10/25/10:
Hello, Monday! The run-up to Halloween begins... all the questions this week will have a decidedly "Halloweenish " theme, so bear that in mind when I break 'em out! Here's this morning's question: According to Resolution Research, 30% of Americans say this has happened to them - the number's higher for women than for men. What is it?
Kathy from Falmouth knew right away - it's see a ghost, or experience some other kind of "paranormal activity..." Kathy actually had a story of her own about being in a house in NH where she was alone - but knew she "wasn't alone!"
Kathy's off to Arno's on us. And for the skeptics among you - we have a spooky "2 Minutes With" segment slated tomorrow for about 7:15 - don't miss it!
10/22/10:
Finally Friday! Here's your challenge question for this morning: According to a study out this week by Indiana University, women do this way more than men - sometimes twice as much! What is it?
We had a question several weeks back about apologizing - and while it's true that women do it more, that's not the answer here... and it's not brushing their teeth, either, which, oddly enough, was this morning's #1 answer (what up with the bad oral hygiene, guys?!)
According to this study, though, the answer's give money to charity! In one income bracket they studied (a fairly average one) the average amount contributed by women was $728 - as opposed to just $373 for men.
Makes the dudes seem fairly miserly - but experts are quick to point out that in a ot of families, women are simply the "doers" - so while the decision to give may well be a mutual one, in many cases, it's the woman who does the actual writing of the check.
Chuck persevered this morning - and won himself a $25 gift card to Arno's!
Congratulations, too, to Jennifer Ferguson of Harwich - she was the Grand Prize Winner in our Ultimate Halloween contest - she's off on a $500 shopping spree to Party America in Hyannis. What a way to start the weekend!
10/21/10:
This morning's challenge question: Zagat, the restaurant rating people, have released a movie guide. For it, they surveyed about 21,000 moviegoers across the country and asked them "What's the best movie ever made?" This is the movie that came in at #1. What is it?
It's always fun to talk about movies - everyone's so passionate about their favorites! Here are the top 10, according to Zagat:
10. Singin' In the Rain (1952)
9. Lady Eve (1941)
8. The Wizard Of Oz (1939)
7. Star Wars (1977)
6. To Kill A Mockingbird (1962)
5. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
4. Schindler's List (1993)
3. Casablanca (1942)
2. Godfather, Part II (1974)
And the #1 choice... The Godfather, from 1972!
Kerry from Hyannis got it right this morning, and he's headed to Arno's with a $25 gift card from us.
I do have to admit - I think the Godfather isn't a bad choice - it is a true classic, a film I can see over and over again, and not get sick of it. Love the Godfather II, too. BUT - I will tell you this - you can skip out on Godfather III entirely - it was, umm, bad. It does contain, though, in my humble opinion, one of the worst death scenes of all time - Sofia Coppola's. Seriously. I giggle every time I see it, even though it's not supposed to be a silly scene... can anyone say hammy acting??!!
So what would you have answered if Zagat asked you? We've got a string up on Facebook now - weigh in and be heard!
10/20/10:
This morning on your way to work, it was all about the cars in your Morning Show Challenge!
A recent study by Quality Planning shows that this is the car with the highest percentage of traffic violations. What make & model?
Tons of calls this morning and tons of answers that all made perfect sense: Honda Accords (because it's the car most often given to teenagers by their parents), Hummers (#4 on the list), Corvettes, Porsches, and of course, Ford Mustangs (the number one answer on the Q-line this morning - but not even in the top 10 on this list!)
Cindy nailed it - it's the Mercedes SL convertible - and the majority of its ticketed drivers last year were, on average, 53 year old males!
Interestingly enough, no Hondas made the list at all. Here's a list of the Top 10, courtesy of Dial-Global:
Make/Model
Body Style
% Violations
Average Age
% Male
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
Convertible
404%
53
41%
Toyota Camry-Solara
Coupe
349%
50
39%
Scion TC
Coupe
343%
30
39%
Hummer H2/H3
SUV
292%
46
73%
Scion XB
Hatchback
270%
37
40%
Mercedes-Benz CLS-63 AMG
Sedan
264%
46
58%
Acura Integra
Coupe
185%
33
60%
Pontiac Grand Prix
Sedan
182%
40
41%
Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG
Sedan
179%
47
44%
Volkswagen GTI
Hatchback
178%
40
44%
Congratulations, Cindy - enjoy your trip to Arno's!
10/19/10:
Hope everyone had a chance to catch "2 Minutes With" this morning - it was so cool to chat with Kristin and Laurie from the Centerville Pie Co. about the incredible year they've had! If you're already a fan of their pies, you know what Oprah Winfrey has been raving about. If not, you should see for yourself why they got the national exposure that caused their business to BOOM, and led to a beautiful community connection with CapeAbilities, not to mention Harry & David. Their shop on Rt. 28 in Centerville, right across from the Centerville Shopping Center, is expanding soon - and you can order their delicious pies for pickup now online at http://centervillepies.com/. Do it a few days in advance and you can walk in and grab your dinner in minutes. And - too early to order Thanksgiving pies?? Not at all - as a matter of fact, it's probably a good idea! While you're on the site, read more about CapeAbilities, too. They're expanding as well! Hear more from Kristin and Laurie on Sunday Journal - they'll be Sarah Colvin's guests this weekend.
This morning's challenge question: according to a new survey by TRUSTe, 68% of teenagers say they've done this at least once on Facebook. Done what?
The answer's a little scary - 68% say they've friended someone they don't know. Scarier still - 8% of teens in this survey say the NEVER say no to a friend request! Definitely pays, then, to talk to your teens about who they've friended, and how much info they make accessible on Facebook...
Joel got it right this morning - and he's headed to Arno's on us!
10/18/10:
What a day yesterday! The weather couldn't have been better for Siobhan Magnus's big welcome home... and everyone was in high spirits. The costumes were creative, the music was kickin', and the guest of honor was happily received. Don't forget - the BHS High School Haunted House is open weekends now through Halloween - the girls and I made our way through last night after the March of the Horribles, and were thoroughly creeped out!
Here's this morning's challenge question: a recent study out of Ohio State University says that there's alink between too much ________ and obesity - too much what? Hint: the answer has nothing to do with calorie intake or exercise.
Surprisingly, the answer is light. In studies done on mice, they've discovered that a disruption in circadian rhythm caused by too much light (in people, for instance, who work night jobs and are exposed to artificial light when they'd normally be sleeping) leads to an increased body mass, and in increase in calories consumed, too. Here's a link to the article:
I hadn't heard this angle before - thought it was interesting!
Mike's headed to Arno's on Nantucket - he came through with the right answer this morning.
10/15/10:
Hey - happy Friday! Heads up - tomorrow's National Boss Day (if you have tomorrow off, better think of something nice to do today!) In keeping with that theme, here's this morning's challenge question:
A new survey by HR group Adecco asked Americans which well-known person they'd most like to work for. Oprah Winfrey was the #1 answer - who came in dead last on the list?
Took a while to get this one! Most of you went with celebrities - Donald Trump (#3), Mel Gibson, Martha Stewart (#8)... then I told you to think more news related, and got guesses like President Obama (#2), Sarah Palin (#7), and Mark Zuckerberg (#10). It wasn't till Sarah said "Bernie Madoff" that you began to get warm...
The answer's BP CEO Tony Hayward. Something tells me he's not processing too many job applications these days!
Congratulations to Richard, who put all the clues together and got it this morning!
Just a reminder - Sunday's weather looks GREAT for the big Fall Festival out on the Village Green in Hyannis to welcome Siobhan Magnus home - I hope we're going to see all of you there! Get there early - festivities begin at noontime with live music, pumpkin carving, a magic show, a Monster Mash dance contest, costume contest, and more... the March of the Horribles Parade will kick off at about 1:30 with Siobhan as the Grand Marshall (after she's been presented the key to the city and several other awards by the Town of Barnstable and others), and then Siobhan, her Dad Alan, and her band Lunar Valve will all perform right up till about 4:00. After that, it's Siobhan's hope that you'll all head to the Haunted House at Barnstable High School, which opens for the season tomorrow night at 6. Siobhan will be there in the Haunted House Sunday night - although you may not be able to recognize her! Should be a fun day, and a chance for Cape Cod to finally say thank you to this talented young woman who kept all of us glued to our televisions this past Winter and Spring. We'll see you Sunday!
10/14/10:
A Neilsen Survey's the source of this morning's challenge question: 27% of people who own an Amazon Kindle e-reader also have one of these. One of what?
It's not an iPod, or any other gadget - I think the percentage would be higher. And it's not a library card (although that's a great answer!)
It's actually a post-graduate degree - a Masters or Doctorate!
It seems that well-educated readers are going the e-reader route. How about you? I am getting closer to having one on my "gotta have it" list...
Ann won it this morning - we're sending her to Arno's with a $25 gift card!
10/13/10:
Happy Hump Day! Morning challenge time... According to the Pew Center for Research, adults with college degrees are more likely to have done this by the age of 30 than those without one. What?
It's not buy your own home, start a retirement fund, or move away from your home state - it's actually get married!
And that's a first - as recently as 2008, the number of married 30-year olds who were NOT college educated eclipsed those who were by about 3%.
The reason for the flip-flop? Economic instablity, say the experts - college grads see themselves - and are seen - as better prospects for raising a family, so they're more likely to take the plunge earlier than ever before.
Pat was our winner this morning - he's headed to Arno's on us!
10/12/10:
Hope everyone enjoyed their Columbus Day weekend. My sweetie and I did some leaf-peeping and some golfing up north - still plenty of peak foliage to enjoy, I think, if you're headed - the White Mountains should be stunning for another week or so!
Here's today's challenge question: According to a Columbia University study, 84% of teens say they'd rather do this with their parents than alone. What?
The answer is eat dinner. The study was done by Columbia's Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse - and it also says that kids who eat dinner with their familes on a regular basis are less likely to get in trouble with drugs... we all run on tight schedules, but this, it would seem, is an important daily routine that teens crave. Tim and his family will have a little sit-down time on us at Arno's - he got the answer right this morning.
Today's "Two Minutes With..." segment featured none other than the fabulous Siobhan Magnus! In it she explains why it took till now to plan a welcome home celebration for her, and why you should definitely plan on having your Halloween costume ready by this weekend. If you missed it - back out to thehome page - you can access it there! And check out Siobhan on Sunday Journal this coming Sunday, just before the big Fall Festival/March of the Horribles.
10/7/10:
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to Women's World Magazine, someone who does this too much may have something to hide. Does what?
Heather got the answer on her way to school at St. Francis this morning - it's blink! Body language experts say a constant eyelash flutter may signify dishonesty.
So now Heather gets to treat the family to lunch or dinner at Arno's on Nantucket!
Taking a couple of days off - Wayne White's in the chair tomorrow and Monday. Enjoy your holiday weekend - when I get back Tuesday, we'll feature 2 Minutes with the fabulous Siobhan Magnus!
10/6/10:
One more day of rain - can we stand it??!! I had to wring out my shoes when I got in this morning...
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to Career Builder, 44% of U.S. workers say that this has happened to them in their current job. What is it?
The answer is gain weight!
Here's the link to the article explaining why, and some tips to help you battle the workplace bulge:
Henry got it right this morning - he and his wife are from Nantucket, so they'l stroll on over to Arno's for a little lunch or dinner on us!
10/5/10:
So sorry for missing a day here - but what a day yesterday was... Siobhan Magnus, Laurie and Kristin from Centerville Pies... there was so much good mojo floating around here yesterday it was hard to stay focused! Thanks so much, all of you wonderful women, for coming in yesterday and brightening our world.
Back to the routine, though - we've got a brand new sponsor for the Morning Show Challenge. Win this month and your next trip to Nantucket will be highlighted by a trip to Arno's with $25 from us!
Here's this morning's challenge question: This cartoon was the first to tackle the sensitive topic of infertility - what was it?
Kathy got it right away - the answer's The Flintstones! Remember - Bamm Bamm was adopted?! The show made its debut in 1966 - and some of the issues they tackled still have relevance today...
Kathy's headed to Arno's on us for her quick thinking. Congratulations!
I hope you caught "2 Minutes With..." this morning - my guests were NY Times Best Selling authors and thrift experts Steve and Annette Economides - also known as "America's Cheapest Family!" They had so many tips on how to shave hundreds - even thousands - off your food bills every year, 2 minutes just wasn't enough. I'll have another segment with Steve and Annette tomorrow morning at about 7:15, and yet another on Thursday. When it comes to saving money, there's no such thing as TMI!
Back out to the home page if you'd like to listen to the whole series - and if you want to order a copy of their latest book, Cut Your Grocery Bill In Half With America's Cheapest Family, here's a link:
This is good stuff - real advice from real people who just don't care to spend money needlessly! I enjoyed chatting with them thoroughly, and hope to do it again before the end of the year. Thanks so much, Steve and Annette!
10/1/10:
Happy Friday! Hope you heard the big announcement after 7 this morning - I have a very special guest joining me on Monday morning. Check out the post on Facebook if you need to know more, and make sure you start your week here!
Here's this morning's Challenge question: According to ThinkQuest.com, 3 billion of these are sold every day in the U.S. What?
It's pizza - and October just happens to be National Pizza Month, so welcome to it!
Terri got the correct answer this morning - congratulations!
We'll be looking for you tomorrow out at the Marvin Design Gallery by MHC on Rt. 28 in Hyannis - check out their gorgeous showroom, register to win some fabulous prizes, and sample the most famous pie on the Cape - you know, Oprah's favorite - while supplies last! It all happens from 10-1 tomorrow - see you then!
9/30/10:
G'morning! So - are you a picky eater? This morning's challenge question: A recent survey by Healthkicker.com revealed that 35% of respondents had this "food quirk" in common. What is it?
In our household, anything goes. I am so happy that I've never had to deal with a picky eater - we love it all! But boy can people be fussy about food.
So what is it that these 35% have in common? They're among those who can't allow one food to touch another on their plates. This is so sad to me - how do you mix your corn with your mashed potatoes on meatloaf night???
Hope doesn't have that quirk, she says - but she has a little one who definitely does. I'm sure the folks at Marshland Too will accomodate when Hope brings her crew in to use the $25 gift card she won - and I know they'll enjoy the Harvest Festival at the Barnstable County Fairgrounds, too. One more chance left to win this really cool prize package - see you tomorrow!
9/29/10:
Happy Hump Day! Here's your Wednesday Challenge question - a recent survey by a national company based in Westwood, MA, reveals that 59% of Americans do this 2 or 3 times a day - and more than half of those would rather give up their cell phones than NOT do it. Do what?
It's drink a cup of coffee - and yeah, I'm among those that would give up just about any gadget you name - gotta have the joe!!
Mike got it this morning - he'll head, well-caffeinated, we presume, to the Harvest Festival this weekend, with a stop at Marshland Too for a fresh cup!
Oh - and it's National Coffee Day, too - so, fellow java lovers - cheers!! ;)
9/28/10:
Whew - what a morning. You have no idea how distracting it is to try to keep a secret - which is what I had to do till 8 this morning - and try to do an airshift at the same time!
Here at Cape Cod Broadcasting we found out yesterday that we are finally going to be able to welcome Siobhan Magnus home from her American Idol journey with a Cape Cod celebration. In keeping with her love of all things macabre, a huge fall festival's being planned out on the Village Green in Hyannis from 12-5 on Sunday, October 17th. It'll be a fun day all the way around - with pumpkin carving, face painting, a monster mash dance party for kids, a costume contest, a whole lot of live music (including performances by Siobhan's dad and his band, Siobhan and her dad together, and Siobhan performing with her band Lunar Valve) - and then the finale, the March of the Horribles - a Main Street parade, with Siobhan as the grand marshall. And that's not all - the date's planned in coordination with the opening of the 30th anniversary of the Haunted House at Barnstable High School - and Siobhan (and hopefully many of you) will head over to spend her evening there, greeting those who choose to be frightened by the Barnstable High School Drama Club's efforts.
So save the date - get the kids' costumes ready a little early this year - and plan on joining us on October 17th! AND - the organizers are looking for volunteers and business sponsors as well. If you can help in either capacity, please contact John Sullivan at the High School at 508-790-6445 (leave him a message - I'm assured it will be passed on to him and he'll get back in touch.)
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to a recent study by the University of Waterloo in Ontario, women utter these two words way more than men do - what are they?
"I'm sorry..." make sense? It seems that women perceive themselves to make comments or do things that require an apology more than men do. When infractions are actually committed, men apologize just as much as women do - we just seem to think that we break the rules more than men do, so we apologize more.
I'm sorry if that seems like too convoluted an explanation...
But Linda's smilin' all the way to Harvest Fair at Barnstable County Fairgrounds this weekend - she's headed with a 4-pack of tickets and a $25 gift card to Marshland Too!
9/27/10:
Good Monday morning... aren't you glad Mother Nature waited till after the weekend to get all dreary on us?!
Here's this morning's challenge question: A recent Harris Poll reveals that 40% of Americans do this about 5 times a year. Do what?
The answer's read a book. There's a reason I chose that question this morning - a NEW Harris Poll finds that if you're one of the 8% of Americans that owns a Kindle or another reader, 40% of YOU read an average of 11 books a year. So they're drawing the conclusion that Kindle owners read more than they'd be inclined to if they stuck to an actual book. I suppose those numbers are skewed a bit - because only more avid readers would own a Kindle anyways - but I have to admit it - after viewing their debut with a lot of skepticism, I'm inclined to be eyeing a reader for myself more and more. If it'll inspire me to read more - that's a win...
Congrats to Linda, who got it this morning and won a 4-pack of tickets to the Harvest Festival at the Barnstable County Fairgrounds this weekend AND a $25 gift card to Marshland Too in Sandwich!
9/24/10:
Welcome to Friday! Scallop Fest, GirlyGirl Walk, Hyannis Youth and Community Center Birthday Bash - what are YOU doing this weekend?!
Here's your challenge question from this morning: according to John Tesh, the average single man spent 34% more on this last year than the average single woman. What is it?
The answer's related to a question we had several days back - but for a different reason - it's gasoline! John Tesh had a different take than the insurance study that talked about how much more men spend because they get lost and won't stop and ask for directions. He had a segment in his show last week about how single men usually tend toward trucks and hi-performance sports cars, while women make more economical choices when they buy - so the guys use more gas.
Linda was right on it this morning - and she goes to Timmy B's on us!
If you caught Candy on the Cape's segment this morning about the no-makeup-for-a-week challenge, we'd love your input - could you do it?
My makeup bag contains 5 items: a light foundation, a bronzer (sheer), an eyeshadow (earth tones - i have warm-toned skin), lip gloss, and an eyeliner pencil that I've only used twice since I bought it a month ago. I don't own mascara.
It wasn't always like that - but the older I get (and ironically, the more I could probably use more makeup to cover up my advancing age!) the more I throw off conventions like this one. Sure, I like looking pulled together as much as any woman - but I hate the "painted" look... so when I do use makeup, I use it very minimally. I have super sensitive eyes, too, so avoiding makeup actually helps me there... I do, however, completely understand my girly-girlfriends' need to indulge. It's fun - and yeah, can make a dramatic difference in a look, that's for sure.
How about you? Could you go a week without makeup? You can weigh in on Candy's blog - link to it by backing out to the home page - or call me next week on the Q-line and let me know if you decide to do 7 days with a naked face!
9/23/10:
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to the book "Gamestorming: A Playbook for Rule Breakers, Innovators, and Change Makers," this activity is actually "thinking in disguise" and elevates the creative thought process. What activity?
Believe it or not, it's something you may have been yelled at for as a kid if you did it in class - the answer's doodling! I was a MAD doodler back in high school... my Algebra II teacher, Mr. Trempelas, was NOT impressed...
Mickey got the answer right this morning - she's headed to Timmy B's on us!
9/22/10:
OK, shoppers - here's a morning show challenge question for you: According to a recent study out of the University of Arizona, encountering one of these at a supermarket makes you 25% more likely to buy candy or soda. Encountering what?
It's a long line. Yup, standing there waiting to pay and lingering leads to a 25% increase in our candy and soda purchases. Gotta raise my hand here - Guilty! Boy, those marketers know what they're doing, don't they?
Laurie nailed it this morning for a $25 gift card to Timmy B's.
This is one of the little tidbits I picked up from the daily newsletter I subscribe to, "Eat This, Not That." It's through Men's Health... I featured it in this past Monday's World Wide Web Update. It's one of those daily newsletters that I actually look forward to! If you'd like to subscribe, go to www.EatThis.MensHealth.com.
9/21/10:
Tough challenge question this morning: According to the Insurance firm "Protect Your Bubble," among Facebook users surveyed, the iPod came in at #1 on a list of 14 potential prized possessions. What item came in dead last?
This is a really sad commentary... the answer is wedding ring. Yup - seems the average Facebook user prizes his or her camera, car, dog, cat, TV, laptop, gamingconsole, iPad, and of course, Blackberry or iPhone over his or her wedding ring.
Huh???
Maybe it was a single group of Facebook users - that's got to be it.
Mine doesn't come off unless I'm makin' meatloaf or cleaning with harsh chemicals - and Jessica feels the same way. Her clever thinking, though, earned her a dinner out with her beloved at Timmy B's on us!
9/20/10:
Good Monday Morning!
What a day yesterday... the 19th annual Last Gasp Bike, Boat, and Bake was spectacular in every way. Everyone was in such good spirits, the weather couldn't have been more perfect, and this year's event set records, both in terms of turnout AND money raised for the beneficiary charities: over 400 riders took to the streets to help hand out more than $300,000 to area nonprofits. BRAVO to all involved on every level, including those of you who donated. As for me - I was completely inspired by the sunshine, the company, and the privilege of riding for the Special Olympics thru Kiwanis of Hyannis and Sandwich - I flew up those hills with no problem at all and whooped my way across the finish line side-by-side with my buddy Carol and Cape and Islands area director for the Special Olympics, Angela Cenzalli, right on our tail, fist-pumping in honor of completion of her first ride. Just an amazing day... if you know a rider, you can still send in donations through the end of the month - just go to TheLastGasp.com. Special thanks to my lifesaver buddy Mo - I walked out of the restaurant where we fueled up before the ride without my helmet - potential ride-ender right there - and she came thru with a spare. Mo, you are my hero! AND - thank you so much to our friends at The Plum Porch, who donated a portion of sales from their big luau party to Team Cape Cod Broadcasting - Plum Porch, you ROCK!
Here's this morning's challenge question: The National Association of Homebuilders says that it expects 60% of custom-built homes to have 2 of these by 2015. Two of what?
Believe it or not - the answer is master bedrooms! The National Sleep Foundation says that 25% of married couples wind up sleeping in separate beds because of issues like snoring - so more and more couples are deciding to go the 2-master-suite route.
Congrats to Mary - she's won a $25 gift card to Timmy B's in Hyannis!
9/17/10:
TGIF!
I am in awe of the support I've received this year for the Last Gasp - I want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you who's donated! There's still time to support Team cape Cod Broadcasting for the ride on Sunday - just go to www.TheLastGasp.com. I'm riding in support of the Cape & Islands Special Olympics thru the Kiwanis Clubs of Hyannis and Sandwich this year - so it's a very personal ride I'll be taking! I have a lot of friend who compete with the Special Olympics, and many friends among the volunteers who make up the Southeast section. There are so many worthy nonprofits here on the Cape who benefit - so find out more by backing out to the home page, and support a rider today!
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to a recent survey by Wakefield Research, 38% of Americans say Friday is the best day to do this. Do what?
It's not call in sick, the overwhelming most popular answer this morning. It's actually order take-out! Makes sense - at the end of the week, who wants to cook?
We'll relieve Sherrill of her cooking duties one night soon - she won this morning and is headed to Timmy B's on us!
9/16/10:
OK, looong update today - lots of ground to cover!
First of all, a huge THANK YOU to everyone that participated in yesterday's Cape & Islands United Way Day of Caring. What a great thing to be a part of! Team Cape Cod Broadcasting was out doing some weeding and groundskeeping at the Community Health Center of Cape Cod, a full service medical facility that's currently seeing up to 250 new patients a month - regardless of their insurance coverage. Busy folks? You bet. TOO busy to be out weeding and landscaping - so that's where we came in. Put our hands to work for them so they could continue providing health care to some of the most vulnerable patients in our community while we got the grunt work done.
That's the whole idea behind the Day of Caring - businesses across the Cape send out teams to help non-profits and human service organizations complete tasks to which they sometimes have trouble allocating finite resources - both in terms of time and money. Here's an overview of just some of what went on yesterday:
A team from Citizen's Bank (all decked out in their signature green t-shirts!) helped spruce up the grounds of the Boys & Girls Club of Cape Cod.
A group of UPS employees helped organize and paint the pantry over at the Pilot House.
Bank of Cape Cod sent some folks to A Baby Center in Hyannis to help them get ready for fall and winter - dragging out those heavy boxes full of winter coats and boots that will get distributed to needy area little ones - definitely a heavy lifting job.
The team from Cape Associates replaced some drywall over at the Red Cross Cape and Islands building.
All in all, over 175 business people from across the Cape helped to "get 'er done" for some very grateful community agencies - and wouldn't it be cool to see that number double, or even triple, for next year's event.
If you'd like to get your office involved in the next Day of Caring, Rich Brothers and his staff over at the Cape and Islands United Way would love to hear from you. Contact them at www.UWCapeCod.org. Rich, thanks for coordinating this effort - it was a privilege to be a part of it!
OK, next on the agenda - In John Tesh's Intelligence for Your Life Minute this morning (it airs every weekday at about 6:50 AM) he talked about some home remedies that really work. I had gotten fired up about a Prevention article I read recently on the same topic. Hard to jot 'em down when you're on your way to the office, so here's an overview, as promised:
Got a blister? Dab a cotton ball with Listerine and apply 3 times a day - it'll dry out and stop hurting faster.
Want smoother skin? Grind 2 TBSP of papaya and 1 TBSP of dry oatmeal in a food processor. Pat it onto your face, leave for 10 minutes, and wash off with a warm cloth. Twice a week is plenty. Bonus - smells nice!
Got a cut? Sprinkle some powdered cloves on it. The oil in cloves is not only antiseptic - it's analgesic, too - kills the pain.
Got a wart? Duct tape, believe it or not, is about 60% more effective than freezing! Apply a piece just bigger than the area to the wart, and every three days, file off the dead skin underneath with a pumice stone or nail file and replace the tape. Repeat till the wart's gone.
Smelly feet a problem? Wipe 'em down with vodka - the alcohol destroys odor causing fungus and bacteria.
And my favorite - from my Nana, but certified by a doctor who specializes in infectious diseases at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences in Bethesda - if you have a case of the hiccups, swallow a teaspoon of sugar and wash it down with a cup of water. I've been doing this for years, and I've never known it to fail.
Got a home remedy that you swear by, but don't see here? E-mail me - love this stuff!
OK, item number three on my list - Morning Show Challenge! Today's question: a new study by a British Insurance company says that the average male driver puts 276 more miles on his car in an average year than the average woman driver. Why?
Lynda got it immediately - because they won't stop and ask for directions when they're lost. They have proof now - and it costs!! Men spend about $3,000 over a lifetime in gasoline while they drive aimlessly...
Lynda will have no problem finding her way to Timmy B's, we trust - it's right on Main Street in Hyannis and she's got a $25 gift card to bring along with her from us!
Finally - if you are so inclined - we'd love your support as I get ready for the Last Gasp. This'll be my 3rd time participating - and this year's very close to my heart; I'll be riding to support the Cape and Islands Special Olympics through the Kiwanis Clubs of Hyannis and Sandwich. If you can spare a dollar - or a few - to support this very worthy cause, please drop off your check made payable to The Last Gasp at our studios on West Main Street in Hyannis. Or if it's easier, you can donate online at www.TheLastGasp.com. Thanks so much...
OK, done typing now! See y'all in the morning...
9/15/10:
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to the NPD Group, the number of these in the U.S. has fallen for the first time in over a decade. The number of what?
The answer - restaurants. With people cutting back on luxuries, going out to eat is taking a hit - and many independently owned outlets haven't been able to survive.
Jennifer zeroed in on it this morning - so we'll send her to one of our favorite local eateries with a $25 gift card - she's off to Timmy B's!
9/14/10:
Here's today's challenge question: according to a recent study reported by ABC News, mistakes attributed to these add up to $2.5 billion in additional costs for consumers every year. What are they?
Check your last grocery receipt - it's cash register scanners!
The numbers are pretty frightening - we're apparently being overcharged for everything from non-returnable bottles to the weight of ice in a bag of frozen shrimp. One check in New York City found that half of the 1,000 supermarkets consumer advocates visted turned up scanner errors!
It's a phenomenon Corinne says she sees all the time - this morning, though, it's paid off for her - she's on her way to Timmy B's on us!
9/13/10:
Good Monday morning!
I'm a little nervous about next weekend's Last Gasp ride - only got in a 30-mile ride this past weekend, and in the past I've had at least a 50-miler under my belt before I attempted the 63 mile jaunt from Sandwich to P-Town. On the up side, though, it was a really GOOD ride - so - I will jut keep repeating my mantra ("Shut up and PEDAL!) the whole way next Sunday. I'm riding for the Cape & Islands Special Olympics through the Kiwanis Club - back out to the home page if you can help with a donation.
Here's this morning's challenge question:
According to a recent survey by Travelodge (and reported by CNN), 25% of men admit that they've packed one of these in their suitcase for a business trip. What is it?
The key to the answer here was the word ADMIT - the answer is a stuffed animal!
Initially, I didn't believe it - but then I thought about it a little - I've actually slipped one into my husband's suitcase before a trip - a little reminder of me and the kids. So I guess it's not necessarily that far-fetched...
I don't expect any guy I know, though, to admit to carrying a teddy bear for cuddling on his next trip out of town!
Drew was our winner this morning - and he's headed to Timmy B's with a $25 gift card.
9/10/10:
This morning's challenge question is especially appropo on a Friday, I think!
According to a recent study, 459 million of these go unused in the U.S. every year. What?
Not cellphone minutes, coupons, ailine tickets, doses of flu vaccine, or gift cards - the answer is vacation days!
The study was done by an organization called Take Back Your Time - and revealed some unhealthy side effects of not using those vaca days. Seems that men who take regular vacations are 32% less likely to suffer from heart disease than those who don't; in women, that figure rises to 50%. Women who don't take vacations are 50% more likely to suffer from depression, too. Doesn't seem to phase us, though - it's estimated that 45% of 53 million working American's didn't use some of their vacation days in 2009.
So why don't we use those days we have coming to us?
51% of those surveyed say it's too hard to coordinate plans with family and friends
40% say they can't afford to take a "real" vacation
47% say they're too busy at work to relax while they're gone.
NOT good - and some other countries have begun to catch on. Canada and Japan require employers to provide 10 paid days of vacation every year, and in Finland and France employers require - by LAW - 30 days of paid vacation a year.
David got the answer this morning, so he goes to Timmy B's on us. Everyone else - take this to heart, plan your next time off, even if it's just to stay home and renew - and enjoy your weekend!
9/9/10:
What a glorious Thursday - hope yours is going well so far! Here's this morning's challenge question: nearly one in five American teens suffers from this, according to Brigham & Women's Hospital - and that's a 30% increase over the last decade. What is it?
Not depression, anxiety, or migraines, the most frequent answers this morning - although I'm sure those rates are up as well.
Sandy, a professional in the medical field, got it this morning; it's hearing loss.
All those gadgets attached to headphones are taking their toll...
Sandy's headed to Timmy B's on us for getting the answer first this morning - congratulations!
9/8/10:
Here's today's challenge question:
The world is running out of this - and it may affect the way you throw your next party. What is it?
Man, thought I was going to incite a panic rush to the package store at first this morning - my first guesses were wine and champagne - and then you started wondering if maybe the world's chocolate supply was in danger!
The answer, though, may surprise you - it's helium! I never think about it as being a naturally occurring resource - I think of it coming out of metal canisters! But supplies are absolutely dwindling, according ot scientists - and at a rapid rate. One group of scientists says that there could be none left in as few as 30 years if we keep using it the way we do. Uses of helium have increased as technology's advanced - it's used in the cooling of medical equipment, the manufacture of LCD TV screens, and to help power space shuttle rockets; one noted Cornell researcher says that to accurately reflect helium's scarcity, it should cost $100 to blow up a standard sized balloon!
So maybe for your kid's next birthday party, you stick to the streamers and confetti - the birds and turtles'll breathe a sigh of relief as well!
Congratulations to Joanne - she was our winner this morning, and she's headed to Timmy B's on us!
9/7/10:
Good morning - welcome to Post-Labor day life on Cape Cod! Feels like a more settled routine has already taken over, at least for me - love this time of year!
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to SHINE.com, the average woman will do this 21,000 times in the course of her life. 40% of the time, though, it won't make a difference. What is it?
Picture those full-length mirrors under the lights at Macy's, ladies - it's try on a piece of clothing! We do it 21,000 times in our lives - but about 8,400 pieces that we try on sit in our closets unworn after we buy 'em - or get returned because we don't like 'em as well once we bring them home. Only one conclusion to draw here - department store mirrors LIE...
Congratulations to Lou - she's on her way to Timmy B's with a gift card.
Hey - if free groceries appeal to you, back out to the home page and find out how to qualify for the Windfall Market Word of the Day giveaway - I'll give away $100 every Monday this month!
9/3/10:
Welcome to Earl Day - we're busy here at the station getting ready to keep you informed all day and all night long. No matter how you're able to listen, we'll be here for you - the Rogers & Gray Insurance Agency Cape Cod Broadcasting Forecast Phone is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 508-771-5522, and will be updated frequently with the latest information; here at WQRC.com we're keeping you up-to-date not only with weather information, but with cancellations and postponements; and our NewsCenter staff is ready for an all-nighter - Dave Read will bring you live broadcasts every 15 minutes beginning after 7 tonight and for the duration of the storm (Sarah and Rob will also be on hand as well. We've got the cots set up all over - and the fridge in the commisary is actually overstuffed for a change, ready to feed hungry storm trackers!) We are your officially designated EAS station for Cape Cod, the Islands, and SE Massachusetts.
Because information about Earl is our focus this morning - I shot you an ultra-easy challenge question: After Earl, what's the next named storm for 2010?
Barbara, who was out on a last minute run for English muffins, knew it was Fiona - to be followed by Gaston.
Stay safe - stay dry - and then enjoy the rest of your holiday weekend, which is supposed to be very pleasant!
9/2/10:
Everyone's bracing for Earl... we're hoping for just a glancing blow, but be prepared for anything! Back out to the home page for some great tips on how to get your home and your family ready for a hurricane.
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to the dating website Zoosk.com, the number of women who say they'd date a man who is BLANK has gone up in the past year - the number of men, on the other hand, who say they'd date a woman in the same state has gone down. Fill in the blank!
We got the answer pretty quickly from Dawn this morning - but not before Robin made us giggle with the answer "balding!" (she's a Terry Francona lover, like me!)
It's UNEMPLOYED! OK for the guy not to be working right now, say the ladies, but if you're a woman without a job, you're not seen as a good prospect... interesting stuff!
Dawn's headed to Timmy B's Bar & Grille in Hyannis for getting it right. And Dave Read? We're setting him up with a cot in his studio - keep it with us for live coverage as Earl makes his way up the East Coast - he'll be here throughout the night tomorrow till Earl has passed.
9/1/10:
Happy Back-to-School for many Cape kids today - and their parents! Here's to a fantastic year ahead...
Here's this morning's Challenge question: According to US Census Bureau data, 89% of parents of school-aged kids say they did this during the 2006-2007 school year. Did what?
The answer - attend a PTO/PTA meeting. As a former PTO Chairperson (in my pre-radio days) I can tell you that the bulk of them probably attended at the beginning of the year - attendance does definitely tend to dwindle throughout the school year...
It's a great opportunity, though, to support the effort those groups make to help raise funds for some of the things that make school appealing for your kids! Everyone's stretched for time - but start the school year out right by supporting the PTO in your kids' school. Your presence will be appreciated - and set a very cool example for your kids!
Kids like Jason - who's been out of school for a few years now, but remembers his parents attending those PTO meetings. Worked in his favor this morning - he's off to Timmy B's Bar & Grille on us!
8/31/10:
Last day of August - hard to believe! After their orientation program for school last night, both our girls said "We wish we could just fast-forward to Wednesday and skip tomorrow - we can't wait to start school!" Music to a parent's ears... hope your kids enjoy this last summery day of vacation!
Here's this morning's challenge question, courtesy of our good friend John Tesh: According to Rodale Publishing, this makes a worse impression at a job interview than tattoos, body piercings, and crazy hair color - what?
The phones went crazy with this one - and here, thanks to your guesses, is a list of things NOT to do during a job interview:
Dress sloppily
Wear jeans, short skirts, or sandals
Wear too much perfume or cologne
Swear
Have bad breath
Chew gum
Crack a joke to break the ice
Yawn
Be late
Answer your cell phone
Have dirty fingernails
Maintain poor eye contact
But more than all that, as Kathy wisely guessed - DO NOT greet the interviewer with a limp handshake! Makes an immediate bad impression; managers here in our bulding confirm that, including our own Wayne White, who cringes at the thought of shaking "a clammy fish."
Kathy will head to Timmy B's on Main Street on us for getting it right. For more tips on how to ace your next job interview, listen all this week to John Tesh's "Intelligence For Your Life Minute" at about 6:50 AM!
8/30/10:
Good morning - hope your Monday's off to a good start! This morning's challenge question: His name is Caleb Wetherbee. Well, not really. That's a pseudonym that's been handed down for generations for the person - or people - who do this. Do what?
Kathy took care of this one early on this morning - Caleb Wetherbee is the pseudonym for the foecasters who predict weather for the Farmer's Almanac, and the 2011 edition is available as of today!
They say overall winter 2011 will be "kinder and gentler" - except here in the Northeast, where it's supposed to be much colder than usual.... of course, NOAA's predicting that the Northeast will be warmer than usual this year, with the coldest air headed for the Northwest this winter.
Who's right? Guess we'll know in March!
If you've never checked out their website, though, you should - FarmersAlmanac.com is a great source of information about all kinds of practical things - I'm a big fan.
Congratulations to Kathy from Hyannis - she's the winner of the first gift card from our brand new Challenge Sponsor - Timmy B's Bar & Grille in Hyannis!
8/27/10:
OK, if you can stand it - one more product history-related question!
Arguably, it was yesterday in 580 A.D. that this product made its debut in China (although some experts put the date at closer to 1300.) The first pieces of this measured 2 feet by 3 feet - and were used only by the Emperor. What's the product?
Not glass, dinner plates, or marble tile - the answer, hopefully, is a lot softer - it's toilet paper!
Don't believe me? You can find out everything you could ever want to know about Charmin, Angel Soft and the rest at www.ToiletPaperWorld.com.
Congratulations to Judy, who picked up our final gift card to Sportsman's Landing in West Dennis with the right answer. Thanks so much, Sportsman's Landing, for being our sponsor for August!
8/26/10:
Another question this morning about product history! According to the US Census Bureau, Kool-Aid was invented in 1927 by Edwin Perkins. He later married his childhood sweetheart, Kitty - who had developed a famous product of her own. What was it?
The answer is Jell-O! His blushing bride, Kitty Shoemaker, had figured out how to make a treat very similar in taste to Kool-Aid - but one that could be eaten with a spoon. (Hmmm.. did they have Cool-Whip back in 1927?) Can you imagine the sugar rushes these two must have had to contend with in their kids?!
Tomorrow's your last chance to pick up a gift card to Sportsman's Landing in West Dennis - so stay sharp! Congratulations to Suzanne, this morning's winner.
And I really didn't mean to get into a theme rut here with all the questions about product history, but we might as well finish out the week that way, since we've started it! I'll have another question about a common household product and its history tomorrow morning.
8/25/10:
Coincidentally, history plays a part in this morning's challenge question, too! This storage innovation celebrates its 200th anniversary today. When it was first developed, only 10 a day were produced - now it's billions per year. What is it?
Christina knew, and she won our gift card to Sportsman's Landing in Westw Dennis. Without it, we couldn't enjoy peas or Spam the way we do now... happy 200th birthday - to the tin can!
At the time it really was quite a big deal... they used a soldered "hole and cap" design for the very first tin cans, and were only able to produce about 10 a day... now we make 'em from 100% recyclable aluminum, and churn them out at the rate of BILLIONS a year! Thank goodness for the recycling impact, too - last year consumers diverted about a million and a half tons of cans from landfills, and we have it to the point now where a recycled beverage can makes its way back to the store shelf in as little as 60 days. And because of the more than 600 can sizes and styles available, we can enjoy more than 1,500 different foods from all over the world any time of year - so happy CAN-niversary to you!
Oh, that was bad. I must miss Dave Read. He's back tomorrow....
8/24/10:
A bit of history in this morning's challenge question: According to popular American lore, this common household item was first used at the Union Oyster House in Boston back in 1826. What is it?
John got the answer right away, with a little help from Uncle Google - it's the toothpick.
They were quite the sensation back in the early 1800's - perfecting the technology required to manufacture them was quite an accomplishment. To help cement the toothpick's place in tooth-space-cleaning history, manufacturers hired Harvard students to eat at local restaurants and then request a toothpick after dinner - and act indignant when none was available. The Union Oyster House took the bait - started having them available regularly back in 1826 - and today you can pick 'em up on the way out of many eateries (I love the cinnamon flavored ones!)
John'll head to Sportsman's Landing in West Dennis with a gift card from us for getting it right - congrats!
8/23/10:
Let me just say this - rainy Mondays are tough. Rainy Mondays back from vacation are REALLY tough. Rainy Mondays back from vacation to find Dave Read out and needing to juggle the weather while getting back into the groove on the air is kind of grueling. Rainy Mondays back from vacation to find Dave Read out and needing to juggle the weather while getting back into the groove on the air while covered in poison ivy from head to toe? I don't know WHAT that is, but this morning - it's ME! Vacation was nice - but apparently I had a golf ball or two roll where it shouldn't have, and voila - I have my own blotchy red tattoos to show for it all over myself. Never had a case of poison ivy till I was about 38 years old - and boy, is it not pleasant... if anyone has a sure-fire remedy (besides "Don't scratch it, dummy!") to help it depart faster, I'd sure love to know about it - e-mail me, would you?
Here's today's challenge question: according to a recent survey, 25% of Americans say they'd give up a job promotion (and some other things too) if they could just do THIS. Do what?
I thought the answer was obvious - but this one took a while to get. The answer's not travel to a fantasy destination, hit the lottery or find true love - it's lose 10-15 pounds!
In this survey (conducted by Nutri-System, by the way) people also said they'd give up all romantic contact with their partner for an entire summer, and even be willing to forgo using their cellphones and computers for 3 or 4 months if they could just drop the pounds!
In truth, all they'd probably have to do is give up sugar - and keep the job promotion!!
It was Emily that nailed it this morning - she's visiting with her sister from New Jersey - and now she's headed to Sportman's Landing in West Dennis with some of our money to spend. Have fun, Emily, and we hope the weather improves for the rest of your visit!
Thanks to Wayne White for sitting in while I vacated last week... for answers to last week's challenge questions, check out our Facebook page.
8/13/10:
Here's this morning's challenge question: a new poll by HowStuffWorks.com reveals that 77% of those surveyed would shift a major life event - like a wedding, a move, or a first day on the job - to avoid this. Avoid what?
Paraskevidekatriaphobics - this one's for you - the answer is Friday the 13th!
Seems that lots of us don't want to mess with fate - so why plan something important on a day so fraught with supposed bad luck?
Pauline doesn't understand - she was born on a Friday the 13th - so she figures it's pretty lucky for her. This morning confirmed it - she was first on the Q-line with the right answer and she won the gift card to Sportman's Landing!
I'm takin' this coming week off - so be kind to Wayne White who'll keep the chair warm in my absence! See y'all next Monday....
8/12/10:
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to data from Press Ganey Associates, the average time for this in the U.S. is 4 hours, 7 minutes - the highest since records were first made available back in 2002. Time for what?
Boy, I thought this was going to go for quite a long time - but Karen dispatched it in a single phone call - the answer's the wait time in an emergency room.
Karen, I should mention, is an ER nurse!
If that time seems a little over the top to you, consider this - the average wait time if you live in Utah is a staggering 8 hours, 17 minutes!! You can get a state-by-state list at www.ImproveMyER.com.
Karen tells me, though, that through a diligent effort on the part of the whole staff at Cape Cod Hospital, the average wait time here on the Cape is about the lowest in Massachusetts - about 25 minutes. Kudos CCH - we appreciate your effort to care for us quickly.
Karen's headed to Sportsman's Landing in West Dennis with a gift card. I hope she uses it toward a 1/2 day cruise - sounds like she could use a little R&R!
8/11/10:
Good morning! Today's challenge question: There are about 120 of these available. But of those who are eligible to receive them, only a few get them all. What are they?
The answer - boy scout merit badges. Only 21 are required for a scout to become an Eagle Scout - but some boys go the distance and earn all of them - a feat that amounts to a staggering amount of work, but the accumulation of an impressive pile of knowledge! The last scout to do it made Eagle Scout at the age of 12 and a half - and when asked why he decided to go on and earn all those additional badges, he said "Now I have all those subjects that I'm able to converse about!" How'd you like to hold your own at a cocktail party with THAT kid?!
Congratulations to Angelo, who earned a few merit badges as a Cub Scout back in the day - he can refresh some of his outdoor skills by putting his gift card to Sportman's Landing to good use.
8/10/10:
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to the FDA, the first known outbreak of salmonella in the US linked to this sickened almost 80 people between 2006 and 2008. What was it?
Barbara got this one right away because she'd heard a report in the news - the answer's dog and cat food! Not usually a source of suspicion - but when you consider that more than half the victims were under the age of 2, it makes sense... no one was killed, thank goodness, but at least a dozen of those cases required hospitalization. The Pet Food Institute says you should make sure to wash your hands after feeding your pet, keep those food and water bowls clean - and keep them out of the reach o fthe kids at all possible.
As for Barbara - she's headed to Sportsman's Landing in West Dennis with a gift card from us!
8/6/10:
Here's this morning's challenge question: according to a recent CarMax survey, when asked about essential accessories for a road trip, a GPS came in at #1. What accessory came in at #2??
Linda, whose road trips include 3 enthusiastic kids, knew right away - it's the life-saving DVD player! Remember when we had to count out-of-state license plates to stay occupied in the car for all those travel hours?! Now you can take the Wiggles with you!
Linda's headed to Sportsman's Landing with a $25 gift card - enjoy this beautiful weekend, everyone!
8/5/10:
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to a study out of the University of Rochester, women have a tendency to be more attracted to a man who wears this. What?
Not jeans, not a uniform (although trust me - most of us LOVE a man in uniform!), not a college shirt, a watch, a tattoo, facial hair, or a wedding ring...
What they found is that the color red catches our eye - and maybe our hearts! Women in the study rated men higher in terms of power, attractiveness and sex appeal when they were wearing red. The men didn't necessarily score well in terms of perceived kindness or likability, though - interesting!
Linda got it right this morning - so she's headed to Sportsman's Landing on us.
8/4/10:
So all I gave you this morning for a challenge question was a number - then asked you to tell me what it represented.
The number: 20,580.
A lot of you started out with measurement numbers - the number of yards in 10 miles, the number of miles to go around the world, etc. I told you it had nothing to do with distance. It also had nothing to do with the number of babies born every day in the US (about 11,000), the seating capacity at Fenway Park (about 38,000 or so), and I definitely wasn't looking for a zip code (although it IS, I'm told, the zip code for a Washington DC suburb. Boy, I learned a lot this morning!)
We finally narrowed it down to something to do with money... and then Jessica googled.
It's the exact amount contained in the bank for a game of Monopoly!
And they're giving it away - but in real currency! Right now through September 3rd, you can go to www.Monopoly.com and tell them what you'd do with all that money if you had it for real. There's a bit of a twist, though - they want you to be creative, and talk about something related to one of the game's themes. Like the purchase of real estate - or maybe your very own railroad! Or you can tie it to something that's mentioned on a Chance or Community Chest card. It's all to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Monopoly, and they'll award the grand prize on the 27th of September.
As for Jessica - she's headed to Sportsman's Landing on us - and she doesn't even have to pass Go first!
8/3/10:
How's your American history?? This morning's challenge question: Ben Franklin's mother was related to the founder of a familiar American company, one that's still doing plenty of business today. What company?
Ben's mom was born on Nantucket in 1667 - so we can lay claim to a part of this company's heritage as well! Her name?? Abiah Folger... and it was one of her great-great-great (maybe one more great in there, or 2? Not sure!!) nephews that founded Folger's coffee.
Congratulations to Maureen, this morning's winner of a $25 gift card to Sportsman's Landing in West Dennis. She admittedly had a little help from Uncle Google in coming up with the correct answer - but hey, we can appreciate resourcefulness here!
8/2/10:
Wow, what a weekend - and today's lookin' good too - bodes well for a very pleasant August!
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to the Cisco 2010 Midyear Security report, 50% of employees they surveyed say they ignore this at work. Ignore what?
You may be guilty - it's the directive not to use Facebook or other social networks during the workday! Not only do fully half of employees go right ahead and check out their personal pages anyways, 25% say they've actually gone in and altered security settings in their computer to be able to do it! Susan nailed the answer this morning, and we're rewarding her with a $25 gift card to Sportsman's Landing in West Dennis, our brand new August sponsor.
My thanks to brand new author Mike Wood, who chatted with me a little bit this morning about his new novel Alchemy, which is set right here on the Cape. If you grew up on the Cape in the 80's, you'll find this light summer read very relatable! Mike's going to be on the Cape this week signing books in Eastham, at the Eastham Superette (kind of a background character in the story!) tomorrow afternoon and then the Eastham Library tomorrow evening at 6:30. Then he'll be at Books by the Sea in Yarmouth from 11-1 on the 15th, and at their Osterville location from 2-4; on the 16th he'll be at Yellow Umbrella Books in Chatham from 11-1. He's a heckuva nice guy - stop by and say hello!
7/30/10:
Here's this morning's challenge question (a little easier than it's been for the last couple of days, I think...) According to a recent Marist poll, 40% of Americans say they NEVER take this basic cancer-preventing step. What is it?
Believe it or not, it's applying sunscreen. Despite all we know about the dangers of those UVA and UVB rays, 40% of us still refuse to put it on... 29% of people in that same poll, though, say they apply it daily - most of them female, and from the Northeast.
If you'd like a list of sunscreens that have been tested as most effective by Consumer Reports, scroll back on this page to May 28th - there's a link there for you.
Erin got it right away this morning - and is thrilled to have picked up the last $25 gift card to New Balance Mashpee. Thanks to them for being July's sponsor!!
We'll have a brand new sponsor beginning Monday morning - if you're an outdoor enthusiast make sure you're listening!
7/29/10:
Here's this morning's challenge question: Men's Health just conducted a survey in which they asked "Which group of people do you find most deceitful?" The #1 answer was politicians - no surprise there. What was the #2 answer?
Took forever to get the right answer, and that's because I think it's totally unexpected - the answer is your friends!
#3 was pretty unbeliveable, too...
Here's the rundown of the top 8:
#8 - Doctors
#7 - Financial Advisors
#6 - Auto Mechanics
#5 - Lawyers
#4 - Businesspeople/Salespeople
#3 - Family (!)
#2 - Friends (!!!)
#1 - Politicians
Since when do we consider our friends and family to be less trustworthy than lawyers?? Wow...
Mary got it right, though - and she'll head over to visit the very trustworthy staff at New Balance Mashpee with a gift card!
7/28/10:
Here's this morning's challenge question (a doozie, if I do say so myself!): According to a recent report by the FDA, more than 20,000 teens and kids were treated in emergency centers across the U.S. last year for misuse of what?
Lots of guesses that made sense - backpacks, trampolines, pop rocks and other candy, cough syrup and other medicines, lifting boxes, video games, lawn mowers and other machinery - but all of those answers were wrong!
This report by the FDA had to do with injuries from medical devices - everything from needles used for injections, to instruments used for examinations, to ear tubes...
The number one culprit, though?? Contact lenses! More than 20,000 teens and kids get treated in emergency rooms every year for things like infection and corneal abrasions.
The FDA is looking into a comparative rate of injury for adults, and considering special labelling on medical devices used in kids' care - in the meantime, be aware that injuries are quite commonplace, and some extra supervision and instruction are definitely in order, especially if your kid chooses contacts!
David read the same article i did this week - and that's why he's now New Balance bound with a gift card from us!
OK, enough of the doom and gloom - here's a little something just for fun. Chicago ad agency Cramer-Kesselt has just made some additions to its cultural dictionary - look for these terms to work their way into our lingo:
"Ecochondriac" - someone who's constantly paranoid about global warming
"Hopetimism" - belief in the best possible outcome
"Charitext" - making a donation to a non-profit via text message
"F.O.M.S." - "Fear Of Missing Something" when you're separated from your mobile device
"Tweeva" - a young girl in her "tweens" who likes facials and pedicures
And possibly my favorite new cultural term - "Mancake" - that's a baked good that's been masculinized - like a bacon flavored cupcake.
MMMMM, mmmmm....
Get the full new list of cultural terms at www.C-K.com/cultural-dictionary.
7/27/10:
A little fantasizing was required to play along with this morning's challenge:
According to a recent Harris poll, when Americans were asked to choose their #1 vacation spot outside the U.S. if cost were no object, they said they'd go here - where?
There were a couple of surprises in the poll - Brazil and Jamaica, which usually come in in the top 15, didn't make the cut this year.
Here's part of the list for you:
#9 - Spain
#8 - Japan
#7 - Germany (been there - it's gorgeous!)
#6 - Greece
#5 - France (I've been to Paris twice - love it!)
#4 - Great Britain (including England, Scotland, and Wales)
#3 - Ireland
#2 - Australia
and #1 - Italy!
Cheryl was on it this morning - we wish we could send her to Tuscany, but maybe New Balance Mashpee will throw come red-checked cloths over the shoe shelves when she arrives to spend her gift card!
7/26/10:
Happy Monday! Isn't it splendid to have a break from the humidity? Dave Read's our hero this morning...
This morning's challenge question was a stumper: According to a study out of Boston University, as of the latest data available, 85% of this group of people is female. What group?
Most of the callers this morning gave me answers having to do with a profession - teachers, nurses, flight attendants, nannies, and pediatricians among others...
The actual answer, though, has nothing to do with job or occupation - it's centenarians - people who have lived to be 100! Of the 60,000 or so in the US right now, 85% are women.
Mary from Barnstable got it right this morning - we'll help her live long and prosper with a gift card to New Balance Mashpee!
Facebook hit 500 million users just last week - quite a milestone... here are some other facts you may not k now, just to out the enormity of the social site in perspective:
Facebook CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, is the world’s youngest self-made billionaire.
Facebook’s original logo was Al Pacino’s face.
On average, 200,000 people log onto Facebook daily. They stay for an average of 55 minutes.
The average user has 130 friends.
Facebook’s fastest-growing demographic: women over the age of 55. The number of users over 55 increased over 900% between 2009 and 2010. During the same time period, the number of college students joining Facebook fell by 55%.
Women have 55% more posts on their Facebook walls than men.
If Facebook were its own country, it would be the third most populous nation in the world, behind China and India.
Facebook has well over 60 official languages, and a few fun dialects like Pirate English.
Facebook contains “Easter eggs” hidden throughout the site that frequently take the form of movie quotes.
I goggled a little bit to find out about those Easter Eggs - here's one video I found that takes you through a few:
If you find more - please e-mail me and let me know!
7/23/10:
Every year, AskMen.com does their annual "Great Male Survey" to check on the state of the male state - this year, Cosmopolitan did a "Great Female Survey" at the same time, and it's funny to juxtapose some of the stats they came up with... my favorite Venus/Mars example: almost 40% of women say their men are "never" or "almost never" romantic - while men report in a parallel question that 75% of them are romantic all the time!! Too funny...
This morning's challenge question, though, highlighted one of the more surprising revelations in this year's results: according to "The Great Male Survey," men ranked this as the #1 status symbol for a man. What is it?
More than his car, more than his physique, more than his level of wealth or his high profile career, men reported that their family is their number one status symbol.
Sherry thought that was cool - and she was pretty happy about winning the gift card to New Balance Mashpee this morning too.
Hey - the Gin Blossoms are out at the Barnstable County Fair tonight - look for our own Wayne White to do the official intro at 7:30!
7/22/10:
So my morning started with me conducting a risky and potentially earth-shattering experiment - I ordered my coffee black.
I'm still here.
A lot of you know, I gave up sugar 5 months ago... and I've been toying with another change lately - thinking, "Well, I managed that - now what would happen if I stopped drinking all that cream (I drink 2 large coffees most days...) ??"
I do have to admit, I'm not as fond of the smell as I sip - but the aftertaste is just as pleasing... not sure I'm going to stick with this, but I'm feeling ever-so-very virtuous now that I've had my very first cuppa black joe! Have any of you made the switch recently? How long did it take you to get used to it? E-mail me at Cheryl@wqrc.com and let me know!
Fun challenge question this morning - according to Aspire magazine, men's _________ is usually larger and less expensive than women's - but other than that, they're essentially the same. Men's what?
Lots of answers made sense - and made me growl!
Shoes, watches, jewelry in general, drycleaning bills, belts, sunglasses, razors...
I'm sure there are more, but the answer I was looking for was deodorant!
Think about it - the package is bigger, it costs way less, and the active ingredients are IDENTICAL. Righteously indignant, I am!
I also don't want to smell like green Speed Stick. But still....
Christina did a great job zeroing in on it this morning - and now she can treat her son to a new pair of running shoes paid for in part by us - we're sending her to New Balance Mashpee with a $25 gift card!
7/21/10:
This morning's challenge question - According to a recent survey, 24% of men say they have a lucky one of these - what?
It's not a coin or number, shirt or (Darlene's guess) toupee - it's a pair of underwear!
Really?? Can't say any guy in my life has ever admitted to it, but then again, I've never asked...
Mary got the answer, and she's headed to New Balance Mashpee on us.
But about that underwear...
FreshPair.com says that men's underwear sales are actually a very accurate economic indicator (and no less a money-wise luminary than former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan confirms this): when the economy's bad, men don't buy new underwear - and when a recovery's underway, sales pick up. They're picking up - and that's good! So to celebrate, FreshPair.com is giving away 5,000 pair of free underwear during the first 2 weeks of August. No lucky pair for your guy yet? This could be his opportunity...
7/20/10:
Happy Birthday to us!! It ws 40 years ago today that WQRC went on the air... former owner Don Moore had to endure 9 years of red tape trying to make it happen - and we're so glad he did! We're all ready for 40 more...
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to a study out of the University of Arizona, Americans throw away 29 million pounds of this every year - what is it?
The answer (and I'm cringing as I write it - ) is FOOD. The figure is more staggering when you consider that that amount represents 40% of all the food that's produced here in the US...
Much of it is tossed because it's believed not to be safe. Here are a couple of sites you can consult if you'd like to know whether that container of yogurt, can of tuna, or bruised banana is OK to consume:
www.stilltasty.com
www.shelflifeadvice.com
Makes sense to try to reduce that number by as much as we can, yes? Hope these help...
Congratulations to Terry - after days of trying and guessing, she's come up a winner this morning! We're sending her to New Balance Mashpee with a gift card.
7/19/10:
So if any of you have read David Foster Wallace's Infinite Jest, this blog should have a familiar ring to it - apparently, I'm David's writing doppleganger...
At least that's what "I Write Like" says! It's a writing analysis site - you enter a few paragraphs of your writing, and it tells you which well-known aythor your style most closely resembles. I've never read any of Foster's stuff - but he's got three names, so that's gotta be good, right? If you do a little writing and want to see how you compare, check it out - www.iwl.me.
I was up WAY too late last night - attended the American Idol concert in Mansfield last night. I have to say - I am shocked at how impressed I was when I walked away! What a talented group of young performers... Siobhan, of course, was electrifying - her 3-song set was definitely the most dramatic of the night. Our girl's headed to Broadway for sure... and the crowd held back no enthusiasm for their hometown hero! The big surprises for me, though, were: Didi Benami - I really didn't like her on the show - but despite sounding sick while she spoke to the audience, she was awfully good - her voice very true and strong, performing songs that should be getting airplay right now! Tim Urban - if I were 30 years younger, I would have fallen asleep last night dreaming about chasing him down and marrying him. Reminds me of David Cassidy back in the day... he did a great job on vocals, and just has that teen hearththrob LOOK - made me swoon, that's for sure (cracked my husband UP!) And then there's Aaron Kelley. I tell you, this kid is a superstar. Amazing voice, amazing stage presence, amazing future... he's a natural born country star. Over and over, Rob and I kept asking each other "Why didn't we see that on the show??" All in all, a great experience - so glad we were there (Thank you, Marian!)
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to the U.S. Census Bureau, residents of New York and Maryland spend more time than any other Americans doing this. Doing what?
Kevin got the answer right away, because he's been stuck in rush hour traffic in both of those states - it's commuting to work! 31.6 & 31.5 minutes, respectively. Kevin put his commute to good use this morning - now he's headed to New Balance Mashpee on us!
7/16/10:
Finally Friday - crank up the A/C - gonna be steamy this weekend!
Here's this morning's challenge question:
According to the TV show "Modern Marvels," the average American home has 15 of these. 15 whats?
The answer is doors! The show actually had a whole episode dedicated to doors back in June. Willy from Yarmouth got it right away this morning - so he kicks off his weekend with a $25 gift card to New Balance Mashpee!
7/15/10:
Here's this morning's challenge question: according to a report out of the University of Technology in Munich, people with this physical characterisitic may have greater natural protection against Alzheimer's disease later in life. What's the trait?
The answer - a big head!
Usually we'd consider it an insult to be told we've got a big head - now we may have to consider the noggin's size in a completely different way. Head size relates to brain size, and according to researchers, the extra room in people with big heads gives all those extra neurons space to kick in when we begin to suffer memory loss as we being to suffer the effects of memory loss from dementia and Alzheimer's. Of course researchers also point out that our brains reach full size by about the age of 6, so they say this study is key in terms of underlining the importance of developing kids' brains early in life.
Older than 6 but want to keep your brain sharp? Check out this Yahoo Health article that tells you how you can give your brain a workout:
Congratulations to Connie - she was this morning's winner of a $25 gift card to New Balance Mashpee!
7/14/10:
Happy Bastille day... this morning's challenge question, though, has a decidedly American bent!
The Bill of Rights Institute (a group that seeks to further American students' knowledge of American History) asked 3,000 high school students to write an essay about their Ameruican hero. Who was cited most often?
I'll give you the top 5 -
#5 - Thomas Paine
#4 - George Washington
#3 - Martin Luther King, Jr.
#2 - Abraham Lincoln
And #1.... Thomas Jefferson. Cammie, who's on the Cape visiting from Milford today, called in and got the answer right - so she'll head to New Balance Mashpee with a little of our money!
This one brings back some memories... I actually entered a very similar essay contest back in the 8th grade (may have even been this very contest!) and won first place in the Region - a $50 savings bond, which, back in 197... well, something, seemed like a million freaking dollars! My choice for American hero? My dad... <Insert "Awwwwwww!" here>.
7/13/10:
Today's Challenge question: According to Woman's World Magazine, the average American family has 50 of these. Of what?
Had some really great guesses - towels, socks, pairs of shoes, CD's, DVD's, pieces of flatware, light bulbs, online passwrods...
But it was Jeannette that nailed it - the answer's living relatives! Unless you're Italian, of course - then you may skew a bit - OK - a LOT! - above the average...
Jeannette's a happy lady this morning - she'll do a little shopping at New Balance Mashpee on us!
7/9/10:
I gotcha with this morning's challenge question!!
According to CNN Money, when you buy this, you're paying a markup of 900%. What is it?
I thought it was easy - but of course, I formulated the question AFTER I knew the answer! We had so many that made sense this morning - jewelry, diamonds, eyeglasses, medication, cigarettes, bottled water, coffee, ice cream, pizza, chocolate, pet food...
But the winning answer is... movie theatre popcorn! Yup, what you've suspected (and grumbled about, I'm sure) for so long is absolutely true: that medium-to-large bag costs about 60 cents to make, but you pay a minimum of $6.00 for it. Ouch.
I do have to admit, though, I feel slightly more sympathetic after reading a little more about it. Seems that that outrageous ticket price you pay benefits the theatre ALMOST not at all - only a few pennies from its sale goes to help the theatre operate. They count on concession sales to pay for their overhead. It's an entertainment tradition lots of us are pretty passionate about - so despite the cost of popcorn, I don't see many of us giving up movie-going anytime soon....
Congratulations to Mary - she got the answer right this morning, and she's got a gift card to New Balance Mashpee.
7/8/10:
Hope everyone's staying cool - I think I sweated away another 2 pounds on my days off... spent some time with my visiting daughter, though - so it may not have been pretty, but it was wonderful!!
Here's this morning's challenge question: according to a Yale University Study, this was the number one factor that contributed to kids choosing one snack over another in a group that they studied - what was it?
Nancy, a mom, had no problem coming up with the answer right off the bat - it's a cratoon character on the package. Didn't matter how nutritious (or non-nutritious) the snack was - if it had a cartoon figure on the front, kids perceived it as "tasting better" 85% of the time! Worked with graham crackers, gummy treats, and baby carrots...
Tiny little marketing bullseyes, our kids are...
Nancy's a happy lady this morning - she's headed to New Balance Mashpee on us!
7/5/10:
Hope your 4th of July celebrations have been fun - nice to see the sunshine stay with us today!
Here's this morning's challenge question:
This emblem is worn backwards on Army uniforms - which one?
The answer - the American Flag patch. Here's a simple explanation for why:
"Only the flag patches affixed to right shoulders of uniforms are reversed, so the blue field of stars faces forward. (Left shoulder patches aren't a problem, as the stars face forward without meddling.) The reversal was inspired by the age-old practice of carrying flags into battle. When fastened to a standard, the American flag's blue-and-white portion is always closest to the pole. A flag bearer rushing into the fray, then, would naturally lead with the stars. In fact, it would be virtually impossible to lead with the stripes—the flag would simply wilt and wrap around the pole, rather than waving triumphantly in the wind." (courtesy of Slate.com.)
Dawn's spent her weekend camping out on Sandy Neck - but she grabbed cellphone fast enough to won this morning - she's headed to New Balance Mashpee with a $25 gift card!
7/2/10:
Here's this morning's challenge question - the loudest one of these on record was recorded at 107.1 decibels. What is it??
Louder than a motorcycle, almost as loud as a chainsaw - the answer, dear friends, is a burp. Don't believe me?? Well, here you go...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nd5CyNyzasQ
I am so sorry if your kids found this link.
David from South Dennis, on the other hand, is pretty stoked about it - his correct guess earned him a $25 gift card - our final gift card - from Celestino's Cafe and Bakery in Chatham!
Thanks so much to Celestino's for their sponsorship this month. Beginning on Monday, we'll have a brand new sponsor for the challenge - make sure you listen to find out who! Have a SAFE and HAPPY 4th, y'all! Don't forget about the complete listing of parades and fireworks on our homepage...
7/1/10:
Morning Show Challenge question - the job requirements of this position include running 12 miles in 90 minutes - what's the position??
Here's something to think about when you're hollering for your favorite World Cup team during quarterfinals this weekend - the answer is a World Cup soccer referee! The requirements are positively grueling... they actually wind up running further and harder than the players, and if they can't pass a battery of ridiculously challenging speed and endurance tests they won't even be considered!
Ann got the answer right this morning, so we're sending her to Celestino's Cafe and Bakery on Main St. in Chatham. You only have one more chance to check this fantastic eatery out on us - so get yourself motivated by looking at their menus (we have a link on our home page) and get ready for one more chance to win tomorrow!
I promised I'd post the links to the sites I highlighted during the World Wide Web Update this morning - technology has made it really easy to find out what the 4th of July's all about in glorious detail... A couple of these sites offer you the opportunity to download hi-resolution reproductions of actual historic documents, like the Declaration of Independence! Here are the 3 I talked about:
www.ushistory.org/Declaration - Learn about the Declaration of Independence, the people who signed it, Thomas Jefferson’s account of writing the document and more.
www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters - From The National Archives, this is an online exhibit of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Download high-resolution images of the original documents, read about the creation of the documents and more.
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/amlaw/lwjc.html - You can read the daily proceedings of the Second Continental Congress, which ran from 1775 to 1789. See how lawmakers went about the process of introducing an independence resolution and what happened afterward.
A little education to go along with your fireworks... get ready, here it comes!
6/29/10:
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to the ASPCA, this is the #1 poison that is likely to harm your pet and cause them to need treatment - what is it??
It's not antifreeze, chocolate, or insecticide - it's actually human medications! The Animal Control Poison Center gets over 140,000 calls every year from pet owners distressed that their pet has ingested something harmful, and sometimes the consequences are tragic - lock up the prescriptions like you were dealing with small children!
Congratulations to Pat, who knew the answer this morning - she's headed to Celestino's Cafe and Bakery in Chatham on us.
6/25/10:
Here's this morning's challenge question: According to the Wall Street Journal, over the last 3 months there's been a 12% increase in people who did this - and University of Chicago experts are saying it's a sign of economic recovery. What did they do?
Believe it or not - they quit their jobs! People aren't quite as afraid these days that there will be no other job to replace the one they're ditching - and that increased confidence, say experts at the University of Chicago, is indicative that we're on the economic upswing...
Congratulations to Jen, who nailed it this morning - she's headed to Celestino's on us!
And when you don't hear me on the air Monday morning, it won't be because I've decided to join the ranks of the 12% - just taking a day off to spend some time with my visiting borther, sister-in-law, and brand new baby nephew! Have a great weekend...
6/24/10:
Here's this morning's challenge question - it's in honor of the kids being out for summer vacation (they may be able to help you out here!)
This FICTIONAL character is known by his title and last name - his first and middle names, which we never hear, are Horatio and Magellan. Who is he?
The answer - Cap'n Crunch! Now you know.
Congratulations to Doris, this morning's winner of a $25 gift card to Celestino's Cafe and Bakery in Chatham!
6/23/10:
Aw, we love a good love story around here - this morning's Challenge winner provided us with a nice one!
Here was the question: researchers in France have found that in a neutral setting, a man has a greater chance for a positive response when asking a woman for a date if this is happening when he asks. What?
Got the answer on the very first try - from Jeremy, who drew from personal experience. He said "When a love song is playing," and he was absolutely right! Asked Jeremy when the last time was that he asked a woman on a date, and he said 4 years ago - told us that a love song was playing - and that he's married to that girl now, four years later!
Now, I'm not sure that all of us would consider "My Humps" by the Black Eyed Peas to be the ultimate in love song choices, but I suspect it's always going to have a romantic tinge for Jeremy and his bride. Hey - whatever works!
Maybe Chef/Owner Juan at Celestino's will adjust the soundtrack a little for Jeremy's visit - he's on his way with a gift card from us!
6/22/10:
Here's this morning's challenge question:
According to Women's World Magazine, adults who cut this in half for 3 weeks burned 120 more calories a day than usual. Cut what in half?
The answer - the time they spend watching TV! The really unusual thing about this study that's referred to in the article is that even if the TV watching time is replaced by something that would seem to be just as low key - reading a book, for instance - the calorie reduction still takes place! Makes you realize just how much we zone out when we're watching the tube...
Maureen got it right this morning - she's headed to Celestino's Cafe and Bakery with a gift card.
6/21/10:
Hey - happy first day of Summer! Let's hope the weather is as nice for us over the next three months as it has been for the last 3 - Cape Cod's own Doug the Quahog is going to make his beach weather prediction this afternoon at 4 at Hemisphere in Sandwich.
Here's this morning's challenge question - Most people don't know this number-related fact about themselves, and when asked to guess - more than a third were off by more than 4,000. What is this number that we misjudge so often?
It's the number of steps we take in a day.
So how many do you THINK you take??
If you're average, you probably take 5,000 - 7,500 per day. Up that to about 10,000 steps, and you can call yourself active. Under 5,000 - you're considered fairly sedentary. No matter what category you fall into, add 2-3,000 steps to your daily routine, and voila - you've lowered your chance of heart disease, given yourself an energy boost, and generally become healthier.
Fitnesss guru Denise Austin, in conjunction with Energizer, has issued a challenge to Americans to become more aware of how many steps they take a day. So think about hooking yourself up with a good pedometer - and check out the challenge here:
As for OUR challenge - Patty got the answer right this morning, and she's headed to Celestino's Cafe and Bakery in Chatham on us!
6/18/10:
Here's today's morning show challenge question: According to MSNBC, the best way to figure this is to divide the recipient's age in half. Give what?
Your child's weekly allowance is the correct answer. Other allowance-giving tips from the experts: 6 is an ideal age to start giving an allowance, and it's best if you don't attach the allowance to any kind of a chore - if kids want to earn extra, you can pay them for completing tasks above and beyond what they should do to help the family run smoothly just by virtue of being a family member. Financial experts also say there's nothing wrong with insisting that kids put a portion of their allowance away as savings - this helps them learn early that it's important to plan ahead.
John from Marstons Mills got the answer right this morning - which means we're giving him an early Father's Day gift, a gift card to Celestino's Cafe and Bakery in Chatham. Happy Father's Day to all the Dads and Granddads out there!
6/17/10:
This morning's challenge question - According to a poll of over 4,000 dads by MomLogic.com, this was men's #1 choice when asked what they wanted for Father's Day. What was it??
The answer - no gadgets or sporting events, no grills or big screen TV's - what Dad really wants is some ROMANTIC time with Mom!
I'm not going to link you to the article here, because it's a little, shall we say, specific in terms of how Dad would like to spend that romantic time, and that's not exactly in keeping with our "Squeaky Clean" theme... but the IDEA here is the ultimate in family-friendly - save the bucks on Father's Day, Mom, and focus on Dad! It's all he's really looking for.
Craig, real-live Dad and Grandfather, confirmed this - and is headed to Celestino's in Chatham on us!
6/16/10:
This morning's Challenge question: What do these 4 people have in common: Ted Turner - Meredith Vieira - Warren Buffett - Tom Brokaw??
The answer - they all got rejection letters from their 1st choice college! (Yup, Harvard Biz School REJECTED Warren Buffett!) Congrats, Megan - you're Celestino's bound!
6/15/10:
Here's this morning's challenge question: Researchers at Rutgers University found that in a study involving male & female actors, males were disliked much more than females when they displayed this trait. What trait?
It's not anger, emotional oversensitivity, cockiness, or aggressiveness - it's modesty. Here's a link to an artcile about the study, which I found very interesting:
Brandon had read the same article I did, so he owns bragging rights to a gift card to Celestino's!
6/11/10:
Finally Friday! Here's this morning's challenge question - According to CNBC, this group is facing its worst job market in 41 years - what group?
The answer is teenagers! There are a couple of different reasons - first, adults who are unemployed are scooping up the job opportunities that the kids have been able to step into regularly over the last decade... and secondly, outlets that usually hire teens - theme parks, restaurants, hotels - are projecting downturns and hiring fewer workers. Makes you long for the days of the good old paper route, yes??
Tish, who promised her kids she'd win a challenge before the school year was out, got it right this morning - and will celebrate summer at Celestino's!
6/10/10:
This morning's challenge question: According to Men's Health, 40% of men surveyed admit they've had to ask for help at an airport for this. What?
The answer - finding their car because they forgot where they parked! Congratulations to Sue from Eastham, this morning's Celestino's Cafe and Bakery winner.
A huge thank you to all the law enforcement professionals who ran today in the Law Enforcement Torch run to support the Cape & Islands Special Olympics! Your dedication to these athletes is amazing... at last check with Lt. Richard Tavares of Bourne, over $10,000 has been raised for Cape and Islands athletes.
If you'd like to add to that total. you can make a donation in one of two ways:
Mail a check, made payable to the Cape & Islands Special Olympics, and mail it to Lt. Richard Tavares, PO Box 241, Sagamore, MA 02561.
You can make a one-time $10 donation by texting "SOMA" to 20222, and the charge will be added to your bill - normal data and message rates apply.
Thanks in advance for supporting this very cool relay!
6/9/10:
Here's a tip to keep in mind before you take your gift card to Celestino's Cafe and Bakery in Chatham when you win the morning show challenge: According to recent research, you burn fat more effectively if you exercise when you're what??
The answer - hungry! Belgian researchers have found that when you're hungry as your workout begins, adrenaline increases, while insulin levels are reduced - that combination, apparently, means a more effective breakdown of fatty acids. Won't make a walloping difference in your weight loss efforts, but if you like to optimize your workouts - don't eat beforehand!
So - work out first, THEN go to Celestino's. That's Joanne's plan - she's this morning's challenge winner!
6/8/10:
Here's this morning's challenge question: More of this is sold on Sunday than any other day of the week. What is it?
Chocolate lover George wins this morning - the answer's ice cream.
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