10-Year-Old Atlanta Boy’s Selfless Birthday Gift Has a Remarkable Impact

Oct 24, 2023 | Show, Warm and Fuzzy | 0 comments

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In a heartwarming story that embodies the spirit of giving, Alex Baker, a 10-year-old boy from Atlanta, decided to forego traditional birthday presents in favor of a more altruistic gesture. Little did he know that his decision would ripple out to make a profound impact.

When Alex celebrated his 10th birthday last month, his mother, Cat Baker, asked him the customary question: “What do you want for your birthday?” Instead of listing toys or gadgets, Alex astounded his family with his response. He claimed to have “everything he needed” and suggested that, rather than gifts for himself, loved ones donate to a charity.

Alex set up a fundraising campaign on Pledge, with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta as the beneficiary. This remarkable hospital had cared for him during multiple bouts of croup, making it a deeply personal choice. What began as a modest effort quickly gained momentum, and in total, Alex raised $250. However, the real surprise came when they learned that his contribution had pushed Pledge’s total fundraising over the $100 million mark.

In the face of this remarkable achievement, Alex and Pledge CEO James Citron presented an additional $2,500 donation to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The Bakers were overwhelmed by the impact their son had made.

As Cat Baker, Alex’s mother, put it, “He was overwhelmed. I don’t think he really had an idea that, in his eyes, his little self could make a big impact like that.”

The essence of this story lies not just in the dollar figures but in the valuable lesson that Alex learned through his selflessness. It’s a reminder that regardless of our circumstances, giving back is a universal virtue, and its rewards are immeasurable. In the words of Cat Baker, “You just need to be grateful for what you have. And it doesn’t matter if you have a lot or not, you always need to give back where you can.”

Alex’s birthday decision serves as an inspiring example, showing that even the smallest gestures can have a massive impact.

Cracking the Code of Cuffing Season

Oct 23, 2023 | Entertainment, Holidays, Show, Television/Streaming | 0 comments

Cuffing season is back, and for many singles, it’s a time of year when finding that special someone to snuggle with during the long, cold winter becomes a top priority. But how do you know if someone is genuinely into you or just looking for temporary companionship until someone better comes along? Jacob Lucas, a dating expert and popular TikTok influencer, has some intriguing insights that might just save you from heartache this cuffing season.

Seeking Your Advice

Jacob emphasizes that a key sign of someone’s genuine interest is when they consistently seek your advice. According to Lucas, they do this for two reasons: they highly value your opinion, and it’s a clever excuse to engage in conversations with you. So, if you find someone turning to you for guidance frequently, take it as a positive sign.

Playful Teasing

Another telltale sign of interest is playful teasing. Lucas suggests that if someone starts joking around with you and engaging in more banter than they do with others, they’re likely trying to build a fun and flirtatious connection. Playfulness often indicates genuine attraction.

Sliding into Your DMs

When someone is regularly creeping into your DMs, it’s a “dead giveaway” that they’re crushing hard, says Lucas. Consistently commenting on your Instagram Stories or sending you memes that remind them of you is a subtle way of initiating a conversation. It’s a clear sign of interest.

Mimicking Your Speech and Slang

If you notice someone trying to copy the way you speak and even mirroring your slang terms, they’re likely drawn to you. It’s a subtle yet effective way to establish a connection and show that they’re attuned to your personality and interests.

Investigating Your Dating Status

Finally, if someone is discreetly trying to find out if you’re dating someone else, it’s a strong indicator of their interest. Lucas suggests that they may be gauging their competition and, in turn, showing their intentions to make you their “bae” for the holidays.

While cuffing season can be a bit daunting, these hints could help you navigate it with more confidence. So, keep an eye out for these subtle signals and enjoy the winter with someone who’s genuinely into you.

It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown Trivia

Oct 20, 2023 | Entertainment, Holidays, Show, Television/Streaming | 0 comments

Photo: United Feature Syndicate/Apple

Ed. Note: It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown airs exclusively on AppleTV+, a free window from 10/21 thru 10/22 is being offered to non-subscribers.

As you prepare for your Halloween tradition of watching “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” let’s dive deeper into some trivia surrounding this timeless classic.

Mystery Candy Deliveries
After the first airing of the special in 1966, viewers, empathizing with Charlie Brown’s rock-filled Halloween haul, began sending candy to Charles Schulz’s studio.

Lucy’s Football Prank
In the special, Lucy teases Charlie Brown with her infamous football prank. Surprisingly, this was the very first time TV audiences witnessed this iconic trick. In the original comic strip, it was Violet, not Lucy, who pulled the prank back in 1951.

The ‘Sparky’ Connection
Charles M. Schulz, the creator of Peanuts, was affectionately known as “Sparky” for a significant part of his life. The nickname was bestowed by his uncle in reference to a horse named Spark Plug from the “Barney Google” comic strip.

Sponsors and the Coke “Bug
In the early days, production costs for Charlie Brown specials were sponsored by Coca-Cola and Dolly Madison snack cakes. The beginning and end of the broadcast featured these brands. The famous Coca-Cola “bug” adorned the specials for several years before eventually fading away.

CBS’s Salty Reaction
CBS, which had been home to Charlie Brown for decades, lost the rights to three holiday Peanuts specials in 2000. Despite being given the chance to make the first offer, ABC ultimately secured the rights. This move didn’t sit well with CBS executives, who felt they were losing a cherished tradition and loyalty over a few more dollars.

The Mystery of the Great Pumpkin
Schulz’s creation of the Great Pumpkin sparked curiosity among scholars. Many wondered if the legend was based on something real. Schulz received letters from academics inquiring about the origins of the Great Pumpkin story. He playfully suggested they consult Linus for the answers.

A Secret Santa Twist:
“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” has a hidden connection to Santa Claus. Schulz originally conceived the Great Pumpkin saga as a metaphor for the hope and occasional disappointment associated with Saint Nick. He wanted to address the fact that not all families could afford abundant gifts during the holidays, and the Great Pumpkin served as a satirical take on Santa Claus. When Linus’s Great Pumpkin doesn’t appear, it mirrors the disappointment felt when Santa doesn’t deliver as expected.

Naked Composer’s Misadventure:
The jazzy scores in the early Peanuts specials were composed by Vince Guaraldi. While working on “The Great Pumpkin Waltz,” Guaraldi decided to take a quick shower. However, he emerged to strange noises outside. Investigating the commotion, he found himself locked out—completely naked. He attempted to climb a ladder to a second-floor window when the police spotted him. With humor, Guaraldi exclaimed, “Don’t shoot, I’m the Great Pumpkin.”

A Toothache Saved the Day:
The voice of Sally, Kathy Steinberg, was only four years old when she first portrayed the character in “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” However, there was a little hiccup. She had a loose tooth, and they feared it might affect her voiceover. Rushing to complete her lines, they succeeded just in the nick of time. The day after finishing, her tooth fell out, ensuring a lisp didn’t spoil her performance.

As you relish “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” this Halloween, these trivia nuggets will deepen your appreciation of this beloved classic. Enjoy the magic and nostalgia of this special tradition! 🎃🍬

2 in 3 Only See a Doctor When Something Feels Extremely Wrong

Oct 18, 2023 | Health, Show | 0 comments

According to recent research, a significant 64% of Americans adopt a “wait till it’s really bad” approach to seeing a doctor. In a survey of 2,000 people, the majority confessed to being more reactive than proactive about their health.

Men seemed particularly guilty of this, with a whopping 79% admitting they only go to the doctor when things take a dire turn, compared to 59% of women who approach healthcare more sensibly.

In terms of regular checkups, the average respondent was found to have had their last checkup two and a half years ago. High blood pressure and cholesterol screenings? Neglected by 65% and 66%, respectively.

When it comes to crucial screenings like mammograms, pap smears, and prostate exams, a substantial percentage of the population is skipping out. Approximately 75% of women haven’t had these screenings in the past five years, while 70% of men have avoided a prostate exam.

Even among those with insurance, only 48% have gone for a physical exam in the past year. Dental insurance isn’t much better, with just 44% having it, and an average of two years since the last dental cleaning.

But here’s a curious twist – while we may fear the doctor’s office, 78% of respondents do feel comfortable there. And it seems that, for some, a visit to the dentist is less daunting than a trip to the doctor.

However, there’s a need for better trust and personal connections with healthcare providers. A significant portion of Gen Xers “never” trust their doctor’s medical advice, and that’s a concern.

The key message here is the importance of health literacy and strong patient-doctor relationships. A little prevention can go a long way in maintaining good health. So, let’s prioritize our health and well-being, folks. This is your radio voice, signing out.

The High Cost of Working in the Office

Oct 17, 2023 | Home, Show, Workplace | 0 comments

Photo by Chris Montgomery: Unsplash

Many of us have traded our cozy home offices for the hustle and bustle of in-person work. If you’ve noticed your expenses creeping up, you’re not alone. Owl Labs, a company known for its video-conferencing solutions for hybrid work, recently published its “State of Hybrid Work” report, and the findings won’t shock you if you’ve been frequenting coffee shops and racking up rewards points.

Owl Labs surveyed 2,000 full-time U.S. employees from companies with at least two workers. Here’s the breakdown: 66% are back in the office full-time, 27% are enjoying a mix of office and remote work, and 7% are fully remote. This represents a significant shift from last year when 41% were in the office, 25% were in hybrid roles, and 34% worked remotely.

Let’s focus on the hybrid workers. About 45% are in the office three days a week, 24% for two days, and 7% for just one day. What’s interesting is that 58% of these hybrid workers admit to practicing “coffee badging.” They show up in the morning, grab a coffee, chat for a bit, and then vanish to work from a more comfortable location.

Now, the money talk. When asked what they’d expect if they had to work in the office every day, 29% of hybrid and fully remote workers said they’d want a pay increase to cover the extra costs. Another 28% hoped for free or subsidized food and beverages at the workplace. Their concerns are valid because the survey revealed that these hybrid workers are spending an extra $51 per day compared to working from home. Lunch is the biggest expense at an average of $16 per meal, followed by commuting costs at $14, breakfast and coffee at $13, and parking fees at $8.

On the bright side, think of all the loyalty programs you can now join at cafes and restaurants. Just remember to keep track of them – or not. It’s all part of the experience, and like many of us, you’ll probably forget most of them anyway. Enjoy your caffeinated workdays!