September 1

Today Is September 1

American Chess Day
Building and Code Staff Appreciation Day
Chicken Boy's Day
Emma M. Nutt Day
Ginger Cat Appreciation Day
Global Talent Acquisition Day
National Acne Positivity Day
National Cherry Popover Day
National No Rhyme or Reason Day
National Tofu Day (UK)
Pink Cadillac Day
Toy Tips Executive Toy Test Day
World Letter Writing Day

History of Emma M Nutt Day

The first operators were all boys, and while we’re not huge fans of the phrase ‘boys will be boys’ in modern parlance, it was definitely something that was well believed back in the early days of telephone. Boys who were put in the position of telephone operators exhibited a basic lack of patience, and behaviors that included pranks and cussing, which just wouldn’t do for the people who were supposed to be the friendly voice of a telephone operator.

So it was that Emma M Nutt came to join the New England Telephone Company, and whose cultured, gentle voice set the standard for what an operator was supposed to sound like. She was a true rock star at what she did too, working a 54-hour week at a rate of $10 a month and memorizing every number in the New England Telephone Company directory. She then went on to work for the company for between 33 and 37 years, ultimately retiring. For a few years she even worked alongside her sister Stella Nutt, creating the first sister pair of operators in history too!


September Month:
⦁ Baby Safety Month
⦁ Chicken Month
⦁ Better Breakfast Month
⦁ Classical Music Month
⦁ Fall Hat Month
⦁ Happy Cat Month
⦁ Hispanic Heritage Month
⦁ Honey Month
⦁ International Square Dancing Month
⦁ Little League Month
⦁ National Blueberry Popsicle Month
⦁ National Courtesy Month
⦁ National Mushroom Month
⦁ National Piano Month
⦁ Self Improvement Month
National Sewing Month
⦁ Whole Grains Month


Weekly Events
National Indoor Plant Week - third week of month
 

Fun Fact

 In a new survey, women say t the hardest thing to get their husbands to do is go to the doctor


Trivia

Q: Believe it or not, 80% of millennials have never eaten this?
A: A Big Mac!


Tidbits

Yikes
The average man will spend 10 years of his life working, 3 years going to the bathroom and 4 years waiting in line.

Really??

Dolphins have "bromances" in which two males may pair up for as long as 15 years and help each other hook up with females

Trust Me
About a quarter of Americans (27%) say they have at least some trust in the information that comes from social networking sites, with just 4% expressing that they have a lot of trust in it.

Chomp Away
Chewing gum for 10 minutes removes almost as much bacteria as flossing.

Zoom Zoom

There's a speed camera lottery in Stockholm, Sweden where drivers who drive at or under the speed limit are entered to win money The prize fund comes from the fines paid by people who were speeding

Ewwwww but Works

Studies suggest that unmade beds are healthier for us than neat and made beds - Bed bugs have a harder time surviving in messy beds.


Nearly a fifth of parents regret baby name 

An online poll found that 18% of parents regretted the name they chose for their offspring, but only 2% actually changed their child's name. The main reason for any regret was how regularly the name was used by others (25%).  Other sources of regret included spelling or pronunciation issues (11%).


Entertainment

In History
1957
The Biggest Show Of Stars package tour kicked off at Brooklyn Paramount featuring: Buddy Holly & The Crickets, The Drifters, The Everly Brothers and Frankie Lymon. On some dates artists were unable to play because of segregation laws.

1967
The four Beatles held a meeting at Paul McCartney's house in London to decide upon their next course of action following the death of manager Brian Epstein. They decide to postpone their planned trip to India and to begin the already-delayed production of the Magical Mystery Tour movie. They have two songs already recorded for the movie, ‘Magical Mystery Tour’ and ‘Your Mother Should Know’.

1977
Blondie featuring former Playboy Bunny Debra Harry, signed their first major record company contract with Chrysalis Records.
1979
U2 released their very first record, an EP titled 'U2-3.' With an initial run of 1,000 individually numbered copies the tracks were produced by the band with Chas de Whalley and was available only in Ireland.
1980
Fleetwood Mac ended a nine-month world tour with a performance at the Hollywood Bowl. Lindsay Buckingham announced on stage, "This is our last show for a long time."
1983
Mick Jones, lead guitarist with The Clash was fired by the other three members who claimed he'd 'drifted apart' from the original idea of the group.
2011
Billy Joe Armstrong was thrown off a Southwest flight because the singer was wearing his pants too low. A flight attendant had approached Armstrong and told him, "Pull your pants up or you get off the plane." Later, Southwest spokesman Brad Hawkins released a statement saying that the airline and the Green Day pop star had settled their differences over the incident.


And Elsewhere:

Will Smith announced the new star of the Peacock remake of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air on Tuesday. Smith shared a video of himself telling actor Jabari Banks he got the role of Will in Bel-Air. Banks will play Will, a Philadelphia, Pa., teen sent to live with his wealthy aunt, uncle and cousins in Bel-Air, Calif. Banks comes from Philadelphia and graduated from Philadelphia's University for the Arts in 2020. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air aired on NBC from 1990 to 1996. It was based on Smith's rap persona, The Fresh Prince.


The Resident star Emily VanCamp is leaving the show after four seasons. Entertainment Weekly reported Monday that VanCamp, 35, has exited the Fox series ahead of Season 5. Deadline confirmed VanCamp's departure. Sources said efforts to bring VanCamp back in Season 5 fell through but that the actress may return as a guest star in the future. VanCamp played Nicolette "Nic" Nevin on the medical drama. The character's storyline is expected to be wrapped up early on in Season 5.



Borat Subsequent Moviefilm star Maria Bakalova has joined the cast of a new romantic comedy. The Hollywood Reporter said Tuesday that Bakalova, 25, will star in and produce the British-Italian film The Honeymoon. Dean Craig (Love Wedding Repeat) will write and direct the new movie. Pico Alexander, Asim Chaudhry and Lucas Bravo co-star. The Honeymoon follows newlywed couple Sarah (Bakalova) and Adam. The couple's romantic honeymoon in Venice, Italy, is gatecrashed by Adam's needy best friend, Ed, turning the vacation into a complete disaster.



Jane the Virgin and Paradise Lost actress Bridget Regan has signed on to play brilliant botanist Pamela Isley/Poison Ivy, in Season 3 of The CW's Batwoman. Regan will share the screen with Javicia Leslie, who was cast as the title heroine for Season 2 after Ruby Rose quit playing the role following Season 1. Isley becomes the villain Poison Ivy after a colleague injected her with plant toxins that gave her super-powers.



Odd News

Newlyweds create $240 'invoice' to teach wedding no-shows RSVP etiquette: 'It's about integrity'
Last-minute cancelations from wedding guests often leave brides and grooms with cash-burning food waste.
A newly married couple found a way to convey this fact with a gag invoice they shared with family and friends on social media, but they didn’t realize their post would go viral and highlight a larger RSVP issue.
Douglas and Dedra Simmons of Chicago, Illinois, got married at the Royalton Negril Resort & Spa in Jamaica earlier this month.
They began planning their big day in Nov. 2020 and reached out to their guests on four separate occasions to confirm the final headcount
Simmons said four guests and their plus-ones were no-call, no-shows although they agreed they would be in attendance each time.
The Simmons saw an opportunity where they could vent out their frustrations and teach a lesson about RSVP etiquette with a mock invoice. 
Simmons said he and Dedra shared the invoice on Facebook five days after their wedding.
"Don't be offended when I send this #invoice to you," he captioned the post. "I'm sending it via email and regular mail." 
A reception meal for two cost Simmons and his wife $240, which included appetizers, entrees and a premium bar.
"It’s about integrity and being considerate," Simmons explained. "In my opinion, it’s time for people to hold others accountable"
While the invoice included a due date and payment methods, Simmons clarified that he and his wife aren’t actually seeking money from the guests who failed to show up.
Some of their guests have apologized for not notifying the couple ahead of time and have even offered to pay, but Simmons said he and Dedra haven’t taken them up on those offers.


Lifestyle

Millions of school-age children are unable to swim – because it’s too expensive

Researchers discovered 12 per cent of children can't perform this activity at all, while 20 per cent can only do so with the aid of floats or arm bands.
More than a fifth (21 per cent) of those parents with kids who can't swim revealed their little ones struggle because they're afraid of the water.
While one in five (19 per cent) admitted they simply can’t afford to pay for their children to have private lessons.

 16 per cent admit school swimming lessons are the only time their kids get in the pool.
The study also found the cost of swimwear stops four in 10 parents from heading to the pool with their kids more often.
And 51 per cent said they would struggle to pay for school swimming lessons if they weren’t subsidised.
It also emerged six in 10 (58 per cent) would be more likely to take their children swimming if it was more affordable overall.
While 29 per cent of youngsters only swim when they go on holiday.
Other barriers to learning to swim include children not wanting formal lessons, as well as parents not wanting to get in the pool themselves.
As a result, 55 per cent of mums and dads rely on schools to teach their child to swim.


Lists

We  have revealed the most popular ‘pet’ names for their cherished cars - with Betsy, George, and Beast topping the list according to a study from Your Red Car.
60 per cent feel they grow emotionally attached to their car, with 37 per cent going as far as to say they feel like it is a friend or family member.
While Gen Z adults, aged 18-24, went a step further – claiming to feel more attached to their vehicle than their parents (35 per cent) or grandparents (33 per cent).

While some show their affection by stroking the dashboard (22 per cent), parking them next to other 'friendly cars' (21 per cent) and even give them a hug (10 per cent).
But the research, carried out through OnePoll, found the devotion to their vehicles means they also struggle to part with them, with 29 per cent feeling sad and 30 per cent feeling sentimental when they sell it.

TOP 30 CAR NAMES
1. Betsy
2. George
3. Beast
4. Bessie
5. Betty
6. Bertha
7. Bertie
8. Boris
9. Lucy
10. Dolly
11. Molly
12. Baby
13. Bella
14. Blue
15. Priscilla
16. Bluebird
17. Rusty
18. Jack
19. Milly
20. Roxy
21. Dave
22. Suzie
23. Peggy
24. Percy
25. Cherry
26. Daisy
27. Phoebe
28. Bert
29. Billy
30. Fiona


Technology
Half of America’s full-time remote workers use a VPN

Around two in five of America’s remote workers are always on a virtual private network (VPN) when using their work computer. 
A recent poll conducted by YouGov shows 52% of workers who work remotely all the time and have access to a work computer say they always connect to a VPN, while 14% say they do so sometimes, 15% say rarely and 15% never do.  Close to a quarter of Americans don’t know anything at all about what a VPN does (23%); half know a little (52%), and around one in five (21%) know a lot. While VPN use is common when using work on computers, a significant proportion of US adults also use them when on their personal computer. Roughly a third (32%) say they use VPNs on their personal device at least sometimes, 13% of who use it all the time. 


Most Americans likely to stay shy of cryptocurrency

Despite the growing interest of Americans in cryptocurrencies, a majority are not likely to use one. Data collected for YouGov Profiles shows that three-quarters (75%) of Americans are not likely to use cryptocurrency in the next 12 months (combining people that are not at all likely and not very likely to use cryptocurrency).   
Seven in ten Americans admit that they do not understand cryptocurrency.  
However, even those Americans who do understand digital currency are unlikely to use it. Nearly half of Americans (48%) who claim to understand crypto say they are not at all likely to use the currency. Only a quarter (25%) say they may do so in the next 12 months (combining people who told us they are likely and are very likely to use the currencies). 
Data also reveals that more than half (53%) of the population in the US do not trust cryptocurrency. That may explain the lack of appetite for crypto, since only 30% of Americans do not mind taking a risk with their money. 
Data also reveals that even Americans with higher personal monthly disposable income are likely to abstain from using digital currencies. 

Stats
Post-pandemic shopping habits: The increased importance of consumer budgeting

A YouGov study, conducted across 17 markets in various parts of the world, reveals that almost two in five people globally (39%) appear to have become more careful about how much they spend on household items.
Consumers in Asia are more likely to say that the value of a product and their budget has become a more important factor when shopping for household items since the start of the pandemic.

Almost seven in ten urban Indians say they regard the value of products and their budgets as a more important factor (68%), and UAE (63%) follows closely behind. Scandinavian countries appear to be least impacted by the financial fall-out from the pandemic with Denmark (13%) and Sweden (18%) registering the lowest counts of people who say they place added importance on their budgets when shopping for household products.
Globally, people in older age groups appear to be less concerned about watching their budgets when shopping for household items. Three in ten 55+ consumers (31%) and four in ten consumers aged 45-54 (39%) say the value and budget is a more important factor since the start of the pandemic. That figure rises to 44% of consumers aged between 18-34. 
Covid-19 has had a multi-faceted impact on the factors that consumers consider when purchasing household items. Our study finds that over two-fifths of consumers (44%) now consider the health and hygiene benefits of products as a more important factor when making household purchases.



According to MSN Poll
Would you take a ride in a self-driving car?
29%Yes
71%No

Would you buy a robot that does menial tasks at your home?
30%Yes
55%No
15%Isn't that a Roomba?

How would you feel about interacting socially with an artificial intelligence?
17%Sure, why not?
27%Maybe
56%No

Do you use smart-home technology?
2%Yes, I basically live in the future
38%A few devices
53%No
7%Does a dimmer switch count

Are you worried about an AI taking your job?
7%Yes
77%No
16%They can have it


Just for Fun
10 Things Parents Do Once the Kids Go Back to School

1. RUNNING ERRANDS LIKE IT’S THE MOST LIBERATING THING

2. INTIMACY

3. DRINKING COFFEE IN PEACE

4. GOING OUT FOR ADULT LUNCHES

5. ALWAYS MISSING THEIR KIDS

6. CATCHING UP ON HOUSEWORK

7. CELEBRATING ALONE TIME

8. BUT FEELING SLIGHTLY UNSETTLED ABOUT IT

9. GROCERY SHOPPING WITH PLEASURE

10. SLEEP


Tips
Online dating deal breakers: researchers reveal what makes people swipe left

⦁ Men and women both are about 20 times less likely to browse a profile that doesn’t have a photo.

⦁ Smokers are 10 times less likely to browse the profiles of non-smokers.

⦁ Men almost always prefer to look for women with lower body mass indexes (BMI) than their own.

⦁ Women generally prefer men who are three to four inches (7.6 to 10.2 centimetres) taller than they are
.
⦁ Men tend to look up women who are their own age or somewhat younger.

⦁ While 40-year-old women might look at the profiles of younger men, they almost never send them messages.

⦁ A five year age gap matters much more to a 23-year-old than it does to a 53-year-old.


Did You Know?
This Is Why There Isn’t a Light in Your Freezer

So why is there a light in our refrigerators but not in our freezers? As it turns out, the reason behind this dark mystery (literally) actually makes sense. Contrary to what our midnight ice cream cravings might say. Robert H. Frank, a professor of economics at Cornell University, says it all boils down to what’s called the cost-benefit principle. The cost to install an automatic light in a freezer is the same as the cost to put one in a fridge, and that amount doesn’t change, regardless of how many times you open the door and turn on the light. The benefit of the light is that your food is easier to find. However, since people tend to open their refrigerators more than their freezers, the cost of adding a freezer light outweighs the benefits. For manufacturers, the money they save justifies their decision to forego that second light.


Things of Interest 

Love and fitness are going hybrid, too

It's not just the working world that's embracing the hybrid model, more people are combining virtual and in-person experiences in their wellness and dating lives, too. The Wall Street Journal reports many gyms and fitness studios are planning to continue offering both virtual and in-person classes ⁠— even after restrictions are lifted ⁠— so people can "mix and match based on their needs." Meanwhile, more people are meeting their first dates online to save money and soften the blow of potential let-downs.

Behr Paint 2022 Color Of The Year "Breezeway" 
 Behr Paint Company announced its 2022 Color of the Year, Breezeway MQ3-21, an approachable but noticeable color. The silvery green shade with cool undertones, part of the BEHR® 2022 Color Trends Palette, is inspired by the earth's beauty and mimics naturally stunning sea glass found on the shore of salty beaches. Breezeway will be available in the brand's newest product innovation, BEHR DYNASTY™. The most advanced paint in company history, BEHR DYNASTY™ is a four-in-one product that offers DIYers, Pro painters and design professionals a unique product to deliver beautiful and durable results. It's the most stain repellent, scuff-resistant- fast drying one-coat coverage paint all in one can within the BEHR product portfolio.


Millions are dismissive or scared of bees - despite knowing their importance to the environment

A study of  adults found that while the vast majority’s first instinct when seeing a bee is to ignore it - 12 per cent will run away and one in 10 will swat them away.
Nearly a quarter admitted to being frightened of the insect, while one in five consider them to be nothing more than a pest.
However, a caring 29 per cent have looked to aid the tired insects by giving them a sugary drink to help them on their way. 87 per cent claim to be aware of the importance of bees to the environment – with six in 10 believing they do their bit to protect biodiversity and the environment.
83 per cent believe it is important to do your bit for biodiversity regardless of whether you live in a city or rural area.
Pollinating plants, trees and flowers, providing honey and helping create food for humans were seen as bees’ main purpose according to respondents.
A quarter incorrectly believed the modern world had made bees redundant, however 58 per cent worry there aren’t enough of the insects.
57 per cent think climate change has killed much of the population.
Seven in 10 were aware of a key solution to help pollinators like bees - creating more patches of flowers closer together to give them a helping hand.
Carried out through OnePoll, the study found two thirds also agreed it’s everyone’s responsibility to help bees.


China is limiting the amount of time youth can spend playing video games

China has forbidden under-18s from playing video games for more than three hours a week, a stringent social intervention that it said was needed to pull the plug on a growing addiction to what it once described as "spiritual opium." The new rules, published on Monday, are part of a major shift by Beijing to strengthen control over its society and key sectors of its economy, including tech, education and property, after years of runaway growth. The restrictions apply to any devices including phones. 
They limit under-18s to playing for one hour a day - 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. - on only Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, according to the Xinhua state news agency. They can also play for an hour, at the same time, on public holidays. The rules from the National Press and Publication Administration (NPPA) regulator coincide with a broader clampdown by Beijing against China's tech giants, such as Alibaba Group and Tencent Holdings. The campaign to prevent what state media has described as the "savage growth" of some companies has wiped tens of billions of dollars off shares traded at home and abroad.


Looking Ahead

Today Is September 2
Bison-ten Yell Day
Calendar Adjustment Day
National Blueberry Popsicle Day
Pierce Your Ears Day
Spalding Baseball Day
Victory over Japan Day
World Coconut Day


Contributors
Behr Paint
Kelli Nguyen

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