20 things to know from this week
June 23, 2023
Daily News from the Pod
Juneteenth Holiday: Monday was Juneteenth, a holiday that commemorates the day that the last remaining Black slaves learned they were free on June 19, 1865. (listen at 4:34) → More news on Monday's episode
Drinking Myth Disproved: It turns out that people who are heavy drinkers might not hold their liquor as well as they think. A new study found heavy drinkers may feel less impaired, but actually still performed poorly on tasks. (listen at 7:00)→ More news on Tuesday's episode
Summer Solstice: Wednesday marked the first day of summer and was the longest day of the year ☀️ in the Northern Hemisphere. (listen at 5:27) → More news on Wednesday's episode
Lab-Grown Meat: For the first time, the USDA gave the green light for lab-grown chicken to be sold to the public. Instead of using living animals, the approved companies use animal cells. (listen at 7:49) → More news on Thursday's episode
"Catastrophic Implosion" & Media Criticism: The search and rescue mission for the vessel that disappeared during a tour of the Titanic wreckage has ended. Debris of the tour sub was found on the ocean floor most likely from the result of a 'catastrophic implosion'. We also discuss criticism of the media's coverage of this... (listen at 0:56) → More of today's news
Trivia Tuesday
This week's question was: Which American states grow coffee?
→ Find the answer at the bottom of this post
*Extra* news you may have missed...
New Biden Impeachment Investigation: The Republican-controlled House voted to refer a resolution impeaching President Biden to a pair of committees. While some Republicans want it to move forward, this seems to be a way others are side-stepping having to vote.
Kennedy Center Honorees: The Kennedy Center Honors recognize those in the performing arts for their lifetime of contributions to American culture. This year, the honorees are Billy Crystal, Renée Fleming, Barry Gibb, Queen Latifah, and Dionne Warwick. The ceremony will be filmed and held on December 3rd, hosted by Gloria Estefan.
Charitable Giving Drops: U.S. charitable giving fell in 2022 for only the fourth time in 40 years, likely due to stock market volatility and persisting economic uncertainty. But, this drop comes after the U.S. had two of its best years on record for charitable giving.
Furby Returns: Toy giant, Hasbro, brings back the iconic robotic creature, Furby. The toy was originally launched in 1998 but has been off the shelves since 2016. This time around, the furry creature comes with updated features.
NYC Pride: Sunday is the New York City Pride Parade, commemorating the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. This year, the theme is "Strength in Solidarity" and two million spectators are expected to turn out. Here's a full schedule of events.
Recommendation-worthy!
Amazon Sale: If you're looking to get kids' school supplies early or stock up on household or pet essentials, then Amazon is running a sale for you. Erica found an offer to get a 20% discount when you spend $50 on certain items. (It's for Prime members only, but a membership or free trial gets you access to "Prime Day" sales in a couple weeks, too). → Save here
Somebody Somewhere: Team member Emily has been watching Somebody Somewhere on Max and it's great! The 'dramedy' makes you feel good about people... mostly. → Watch here
Boy Meets World: If you're feeling a bit more nostalgic, team member Erin has been re-watching Boy Meets World on Disney+. She's realizing she missed a lot of the humor when she was little! → Re-watch here
"Uneasy Street: The Anxieties of Affluence": Team member Erin just finished this book by Rachel Sherman. The book examines lifestyle choices and explores the understanding of privilege through interviews with affluent New Yorkers. → Read here
BuggyBands Mosquito Bracelets: The mosquitoes are coming out, so team member Rachael has been using this product. While DEET is shown to be the most effective bug repellent, this is an alternative option that is easy to throw in your bag and take on the go. → Don't itch here
Some feel-good for your Friday...
90-Year-Old Earns Judo Belt Level Reached by Only Six People in the Nation → Read more here
Las Vegas Man Introduces Son to Firefighter Who Saved the Dad's Life 23 Years Ago: 'My Hero' → Read more here
Radio Host Asks Internet to Help Find Mystery Man. Sure Enough, They Delivered → Read more here
8-Year-Old Boy Finds Lost World Series Ring at Minute Maid Park and Returns it to Owner → Read more here
Peyton Manning Surprises Father and Son, who has Cerebral Palsy, with Invitation to IRONMAN World Championship → Read more here
Trivia Tuesday Answer:
California & Hawaii
→ Learn more on next Tuesday's podcast episode
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