101.5 IBA-FM Rocker Report - Friday July 26th
Daily Schedule Rundown
Bob & Tom Show - 5am to 10am - LISTEN LIVE
Commercial Free Work Force Kickoff - 10am - LISTEN LIVE
90's At Noon With Hannah - LISTEN LIVE
Hannah's 1 Big Thing - 1:50pm - LISTEN LIVE & GRAB THE PODCAST HERE
Rockin' Robin's News Flash! - 3:10pm - LISTEN LIVE & GRAB THE PODCAST HERE
All Request Ride Home - 4:10pm - LISTEN LIVE & GRAB THE PLAYLIST HERE
The Best Of The Bob & Tom Show Tonight - 6:10pm - LISTEN LIVE & GRAB THE PODCAST HERE
Contests This Week on 101.5 IBA-FM
Last Chance John Fogerty featuring George Thorogood & The Destroyers In Milwaukee August 2nd - Starting Monday July 22nd
Win 4 Packs of Passes To Milwaukee Irish Fest - Starting Monday July 22nd
Win $1,000 Classic Cash! - DETAILS HERE
Contests Upcoming on 101.5 IBA-FM
Foghat At Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells - Starting Monday July 29th
WI State Fair 4 Pack Ticket Giveaway - Starting Monday July 29th
Sports on 101.5 IBA-FM
Wisconsin Badger Football
Wisconsin VS Western Michigan - Friday August 30th - Coverage starts at 6PM....Kickoff at 8PM - DETAILS HERE
Green Bay Packer Football
Green Bay Packer Training Camp Is Underway - FULL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS HERE
Packer Family Night - Saturday August 3rd - SOLD OUT - DETAILS HERE
Packers VS Cleveland Browns - Preseason Week 1 - Saturday August 10th - Coverage starts at 2pm....Kickoff at 3:25pm - Details HERE
Packers VS Denver Broncos - Preseason Week 2 - Sunday August 18th - Coverage starts at 6pm....Kickoff at 7pm - Details HERE
Packers VS Baltimore Ravens - Preseason Week 3 - Saturday August 24th - Coverage starts at 11am....Kickoff at 12pm - Details HERE
Packers VS Philadelphia Eagles - Regular Season Week 1 - Friday September 6th - Coverage starts at 6pm....Kickoff at 7:15pm - Details HERE
Wisconsin Badger & Green Bay Packer Coverage
We bring you Wisconsin Badger Football and Green Bay Packer Football broadcasts on 101.5 WIBA-FM Madison's Classic Rock BUT if you want to talk Badgers and Packers RIGHT NOW check out our sister station 1070AM The Game - LISTEN HERE
Music News
LED ZEPPELIN: Her Time Is Gonna Come
Helen Grant, the daughter of the late Led Zeppelin manager Peter Grant, has sold her 10% stake in the band’s royalties. The often-reliable fan site LedZepNews.com reported last year that the deal could be worth as much as $10.9-million, but her lawyer, Ian Penman, says, “Helen’s shares are currently under binding/signed offer. In due course, we will be making an announcement about the deal.” According to the site, “the deal could result in an outsider owning a stake of Led Zeppelin’s music for the first time, potentially pressuring the surviving band members to release more material to increase the royalties received by the buyer.”
The site also confirmed that Eagles manager Irving Azoff, through his Iconic Artists Group, is not the buyer, although he showed interest. Iconic Artists Group owns the catalogs of numerous artists, including Rod Stewart, David Crosby, Stephen Stills, Graham Nash, Bryan Ferry, Cher, Joe Cocker, Nat King Cole, Dan Fogelberg, Dean Martin, Linda Ronstadt and The Beach Boys.
Another possible buyer could be Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page, who has previously increased his stake in the band’s royalties. Between July 2002 and July 2003, Page purchased 30% of the Grant family’s share of Superhype Tapes -- the company he formed with Grant in 1968 to manage the band’s royalties -- increasing his ownership of the business to 80%.
Helen also owns a 10% stake in United Blag Productions, another U.K. business that controls parts of Zeppelin’s catalog, as well as 10% of Bad Company Entertainment, which controls parts of Bad Company’s catalog, who Grant also managed, and an unspecified stake in Swan Song, Zeppelin’s label that Bad Company was signed to. She does not own a stake in Zeppelin’s music publishing.
Sting Announces Tour
Sting is hitting the road this fall for a new North American tour. “Sting 3.0,” will see the former Police frontman performing “the most electrifying hits from his timeless discography.” The “Sting 3.0” tour kicks off in Detroit on September 17th and also includes stops in Toronto, Philadelphia, Brooklyn, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston, DC, and Miami. He is also set to headline Bourbon & Beyond in Louisville and The Ohana Fest in Dana Point, CA, filling in for Neil Young, who canceled his appearances at both festivals due to health issues.
No End Date For Foreigner
Foreigner bassist Jeff Pilson says the band isn’t really going away. In a new interview, Pilson was asked how he and his bandmates came to a decision to start their "farewell" tour. He explained, "Well, [singer ]Kelly Hansen came to me a couple years ago and said he wanted to start winding down. And I said, 'Yeah, I get that. I totally get that.' So, then he discussed it with [guitarist] Mick Jones, of course, and kind of worked a plan out to go forward. So, yeah, I was in on it fairly early.”
He went on to say, “Like I say, it started with Kelly, mainly because he feels like it's getting more difficult every year for him to sing this catalog of songs. I mean, these are rough songs to sing. And he does not wanna be the guy that goes up there and sucks — he won't do that. That's not in his blood, which I respect a lot. And so he said, 'Look, I need to get out because I wanna go out before my voice does, and I get that. So that was kind of where that all started."
Pilson then clarified, “We're not falling off the face of the earth. We're just not gonna be doing the nine- and 10-month tours like we used to. But we'll still be around, and you'll still hear us."
STEVIE NICKS: Stopped Dragging Her Leg Around
Stevie Nicks says it was an infection in her leg to forced her to recently postpone two shows in the UK -- Manchester and Glasgow. She made up the Manchester show on July 16th, and last night (Wednesday) on stage in Glasgow she broke her silence on what required a "minor surgical procedure." "I don’t know what happened. I just got this weird infection, and it just went crazy."
Staying at a “fabulous castle” in Scotland, she told her assistant at two in the morning, "I think we need to go to emergency. I’m not kidding! I think we need to go to the hospital. “And so our butler – this wonderful man – throws us in his BMW sedan, and off we sped through the night to a hospital.” She ended up spending two days in the hospital.
Up next are two U.S. shows she postponed in June “due to illness” – Grand Rapids, Michigan on September 24th, and Hershey, Pennsylvania on September 28th.
Demo For "Every Breath You Take" Released
Four decades after its release, we'll finally be able to hear a little more of the song "Every Breath You Take." An upcoming box-set edition of the Police’s final album "Synchronicity" will include the demo version. The demo sounds noticeably different without Andy Summers' familiar and catchy guitar line. Check out the demo version of "Every Breath You Take" online now. The box-set edition of "Synchronicity" will be out today (Friday).
Sammy Hagar Selling LaFerrari
Sammy Hagar is selling his one-of-one 2015 LaFerrari at the Barrett-Jackson 2024 Scottsdale fall auction. The event will be held October 10-13 at WestWorld of Scottsdale. Hagar’s Ferrari will hit the auction block on Saturday, October 12. Organizers say it is a “truly immaculate supercar for the next owner.”
Hagar explained, “I’m so excited that my LaFerrari, the most beautiful one on the planet, is headed back to Scottsdale this fall. This car has a new high-voltage battery straight from the factory, so it’s even better than the original. It’s going to be an extra-rocking time because it’s crossing the block on Oct. 12, the day before my birthday. In fact, the winning bidder had better bring a passport, because I’m taking you to Cabo to help celebrate my birthday on October 13. This is going to be a wild ride and I can’t wait to see everyone there.”
BLACK SABBATH: Bill Ward Stills Wants In
Original Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward is once again talking about doing one last show with the band he co-founded. He's taken to X (Twitter) to say that with Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler all wanting to do it in England, he's "in for playing some of everyone’s old favorites. [I] loved playing them then, I’d love to play them one last time.
"I’m not going to talk about my health publicly except to say, every day I’m pretty good for 76 years old. I’m active musically every day, and I have a very busy and gratifying life."
The last time the original lineup of Sabbath played a full concert was in West Palm Beach, Florida, on September 4th, 2005.
Depending on whose side you want to believe, Ward has not been with the band since because of poor health or wanting more money. Ward has also added his name to the list of artists paying tribute to U.K. blues legend John Mayall, who died on Tuesday at age 90.
AC/DC, SKYNYRD, QUEEN & BAD CO.: Milestone Weekend
Two drummers and two groups are marking milestones this weekend. Queen's Roger Taylor is first up this Friday as he turns 75. And Bad Company drummer Simon Kirke will blow out his 75 candles on Sunday. Not only were they born two days apart, but they also backed singer Paul Rodgers -- Kirke in Free and Bad Company, and Taylor in Queen.
This Saturday, July 27th (1979), marks the 45th anniversary of AC/DC releasing their sixth album, Highway to Hell. The first of three consecutive albums produced by Mutt Lange, and their last with singer Bon Scott, it was their first to break the top 100 of the Billboard 200 -- peaking at 17. Recently certified eight times platinum, it's their second best-selling album behind its follow-up, and first with singer Brian Johnson, 1980's Back in Black, which was released 44 years ago today, July 25th, 1980.
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And the final milestone this weekend is the 50th anniversary of the single release of Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama." It was released on July 27th, 1974 off their Second Helping album, and the band's late guitarist Gary Rossington says their late singer Ronnie Van Zant's lyrics to the song were certainly inspired by Neil Young, but also celebrated some of the things he liked about the state at the time. "It was kind of a cut back to him 'cause 'Southern Man' cut down the South and 'Alabama' and all those songs. So we wanted to say, 'Hey, you're from Canada, what do you know about the South, anyway?' You know? And Ronnie put it in there kinda as a joke. But everything else is real, and the part about Governor Wallace and all this, when he was running for President and everybody hated him but us, we just kinda put it all in there and it turned out like it did."
Nikki Sixx Calls Out Media
Nikki Sixx is calling out the media. In a new interview, the Mötley Crüe bassist clarified his recent comment about not seeing "a reason right now to go back in the studio" with his bandmates and record more new music. He explained, "I don't have a lot of respect for the way media handles themselves in general, whether it's political or rock media or whatever it might be. When somebody takes a conversation of mine and they say, 'Hey, are you planning on going in the studio?' And I say, 'We don't see a reason to go in the studio right now.' 'Cause we just recorded three songs. We were just in the recording studio. We have a second single coming. We have a third single coming. So what I said was, like, well, first of all, we're always creating.”
He went on to say, "But that's what I don't like about media is they don't do their research. And then people are going, 'Oh, Mötley Crüe is not going in the studio.' We didn't say that. We said we just got out of the studio. I hate that for the fans."
U2: It All Happened on ZOO TV
U2 have dug into the archives for a new concert release. ZOO TV – Live in Dublin 1993 is a five-track EP captured in August of that year at the RDS Arena in their hometown. While this show has often been bootlegged, this marks the first official release. The track listing is as follows:
1. "Zoo Station"
2. "Mysterious Ways"
3. "Tryin' to Throw Your Arms Around the World"
4. "Stay (Faraway, So Close!)"
5. "Love Is Blindness"
ZOO TV – Live in Dublin 1993 will be released on August 30th on CD, vinyl and digitally, including Spatial Audio/Atmos.
Townshend Hooked On Amazon
Pete Townshend is addicted to online shopping. In a new interview, the rocker said, "everybody is an addict," but he doesn't think being hooked on splurging on Amazon is as damaging as when he was hooked on alcohol and drugs. He said, “I go on Amazon and I buy things that I’ve already got. I don’t know why I do that. It’s an encumbrance. I’ve got an electric toothbrush, why did I buy another one? I think everybody is an addict, so I don’t blame addiction on anything but the fact I’m a human being. So if I have addictions now, and I think I do, although they’re not alcohol and drugs, it’s because I’m a human being. I need dopamine.” Townshend hasn’t had a drink in nearly 32 years.
Schenker Promises Interesting Things
Scorpions guitarist Rudolf Schenker is talking about the band's upcoming 60th anniversary in 2025. In a new interview, he explained, "When we celebrate next year's 60 years of Scorpions, there will be some interesting things happening." He went on to say, “60 years of Scorpions. Sounds like a very old band. Maybe on one hand it is, maybe. But on the other hand, we always kept our mind fresh, to be on the spot. That's the very important point. We became partners in crime, partners in friendship. And because we know how difficult it is to go around the world and make it, but we made it with our own power, not make big managements or stuff like this in the first place. We did by our own. Out of that, we know what success is all about, and I think that's the important point.
Jack White To Play American Legion
Jack White and his band are playing a benefit concert at the American Legion Post 82 in Nashville. The show on July 27th will raise money for the legion’s new sound sound system.
White noted on Instagram” “Garage punk show where the end result is the legion getting a new sound system? win win win +++ !!!” Tickets go on sale today (Friday) at 10:00 a.m. CT.
GRATEFUL DEAD'S MICKEY HART REVEALS "RHYTHM MASTERS: A MICKEY HART EXPERIENCE"
Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart is set to take the world on a musical journey! He’s teaming up with ESPN films for “Rhythm Masters: A Mickey Hart Experience.” The film will see the rocker create an original score inspired by his conversations with sports icons. Participants include Phil Jackson, Joe Montana, Marshawn Lynch, Bob Cousy, Bill Walton, and more. “Through the voices and stories of some of the greatest athletes, we uncover the profound connection that rhythm brings to their performance and passion,” Mickey shares. “Rhythm Masters: A Mickey Hart Experience” premieres on August 14th at 9PM Eastern on ESPN and ESPN+.
LYNYRD SKYNYRD DRUMMER MICHAEL CARTELLONE HAS AN ART GALLERY NOW
Lynyrd Skynyrd drummer Michael Cartellone has their very own art gallery in Pennsylvania! The gallery features pieces made by the artist for fans to view and enjoy…and they are also up for sale. Michael will actually be at the gallery, at Arete Gallery, 122 S Main St New Hope, Pennsylvania, on August 6th from 4PM to 7PM Eastern for a meet and greet as well. "We are captivated by his artwork and we are thrilled to host him at our gallery," Kim I Plyler, Arete Gallery owner, shares in a statement.
Slash's Favorite AC/DC Record
AC/DC was a huge influence on Slash in his early days - and he recently opened up about his favorite albums. In an interview with Matt Pinfield, he singled out 1978's Powerage as his favorite: "That was, really, that got me into the whole AC/DC catalog." His favorite track? "Down Payment Blues": "It's still, to this day, one of my favorite all-time rock and roll songs."
DAVID BOWIE: Back From the Dead
The Linguini Incident, a romantic comedy David Bowie made in 1991, could be re-released. It co-stars Rosanna Arquette who tells The New York Times, “I just thought it was well-written and funny … and then, lo and behold, we had David Bowie, so that was really exciting.
“He was just so great on the set. Loved working with him, and loved his energy, and his ability to just be able to connect in the moment — which is the dream for an actor.”
Director Richard Shepard now has the rights to the film as well as a high-quality print, which he's hoping to use for a 4K re-cut. He says, “I was able to pace it up and get rid of all the weird jump cuts that didn’t seem to work. “I was able to add zooms and re-frame and give it an energy that helps tell this oddball story. I know it’s not going to set any records when it comes out… But for me, it is now the version of the movie that I want people to see… It’s unique. It’s weird. It doesn’t feel like every other movie.” The film has previously been released on home video as Houdini and Company, The Robbery, Shag-O-Rama.
IN OTHER NEWS
Geddy Lee has commented on the death Tuesday of UK blues great John Mayall at the age of 90. He says, "He was a major influence on early Rush -- Alex [Lifeson], [drummer] John [Rutsey] and myself listened to his albums over and over again. One in particular - Crusade - which featured the incredible guitar work of Mick Taylor on songs like 'Driving’ Sideways' and 'Snowy Wood.' John was a relatively unsung hero who boosted the careers of so many great players. In 2014, I had the singular pleasure of being introduced to him... I was thrilled. RIP John - and thank you."
Pete Townshend’s wife, composer Rachel Fuller, has re-imagined Hermann Hesse’s novel Siddhartha as an illustrated novel and album, with Townshend adding extra songs. Titled The Seeker, the book has been narrated by the late Christopher Plummer and, in addition to Townshend, features Elton John, British actor Layton Williams, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and choir, and others. It will be released on November 7th, and will be performed the night before, November 6th, at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London.
The New York Yankees will hold “Jerry Garcia Night” on August 6th. A special game ticket gets you a tie-dyed Yankees shirt with Garcia and the number-24 on the back. Proceeds benefit The Rex Foundation, The Grateful Dead’s charity that “provides extensive community support to small organizations making an impact in the arts, sciences, education, the environment and social justice.” Garcia died on August 9th, 1995.
Sting’s 3.0 power trio has been added as the September 28th headliner at Eddie Vedder’s Ohana Festival in Dana Point, California. They’ll be taking the place of Neil Young and Crazy Horse, who’ve canceled all their dates.
Metallica have launched another exhibit in their online museum called The Black Box. "Orion: A Tribute to Cliff Burton" honors their late bassist and contains old photos and personal letters, as well as new exclusive video interviews. Check it out at Metallica.com/museum. And in other Metallica news, their Fortnite concert, Fuel Fire Fury, will return to the online game from August 2nd through the 5th.
Lifestyle
July 26th
Birthdays….
· Kate Beckinsale (actor – Pearl Harbor, The Aviator, Total Recall, Serendipity)
· Jason Stathan (actor – Snatch, The Transporter trilogy, The Italian Job, The Expendables)
· Sandra Bullock (actor – Oscar Best Actress winner for The Blind Side, nominated again for Gravity; Speed, Hope Floats, Miss Congeniality)
· Jeremy Piven (actor – Black Hawk Down, Grosse Pointe Blank, Entourage)
· Kevin Spacey (actor – Oscar Best Actor winner for American Beauty, Best Supporting Actor for The Usual Suspects; Seven, LA Confidential, House of Cards)
· Mick Jagger (singer/songwriter/guitarist – Rolling Stones, solo)
· Gary Cherone (singer/songwriter – Extreme; ex-Van Halen)
· Roger Taylor (drummer/singer – Queen)
On This Day
· in 1980, a world record for stilt-walking was set as Joe Bowen completed a 5-month, 3010-mile trip from Los Angeles to Bowen, Kentucky.
· in 1996, Amy Van Dyken became the first American woman to win four gold medals at a single Olympics as she captured the 50-meter freestyle Atlanta. In all, she’s won six Olympic gold medals in her career (four of which she won at the 1996 Summer Games). Tragically, Van Dyken was in a severe ATV accident in June 2014, that severed her spinal cord, leaving her paralyzed from the waist down. Still, her fighting spirit has remained. She’s since returned to the slopes and can walk with the help of an exoskeleton.
· in 2005, Space Shuttle program celebrated the STS-114 Mission – the Launch of Discovery, NASA's first scheduled flight mission after 2003’s Columbia Disaster.
· in 2018, Facebook has the single worst day of any public company on the stock market – losing 19% or $119-billion market value.
The Best Places In The World To Take In A Sunset
If you love a beautiful sunset and want a top notch Instagram worthy shot of one, there are five places in the world considered the best spots to take the pic. “Study Finds” chose the places based on expert reviews. They are:
· Santorini, Greece
· Mount Bromo, Java, Indonesia
· Bali, Indonesia
· Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
· Key West, Florida
TIME NAMES 2024’S WORLD’S GREATEST PLACES TO VISIT
Life is short and the planet is big, so how do you decide where to travel to? “Time” magazine has some ideas. Their annual list of the World’s Greatest Places has just come out and you’re going to want to have your passport ready to see them.
· The 2024 list features 100 spots chosen by their team of editors, up from 50 locations on 2023’s list.
· While previous lists have focused mostly on cities, this year’s list features specific establishments and destinations for travelers.
The “Places to Stay” category includes:
· Modern Elder Academy in Santa Fe, New Mexico - Described as the world’s first “midlife wisdom school,” it offers workshop retreats in stylish, well-appointed surroundings.
· Kantishna Roadhouse in Denali National Park, Alaska - The only Indigenous owned and operated lodge in the park, and it’s fly-in only.
· Boca de Agua in Bacalar, Mexico - This destination is all about sustainability, its 22 treehouse-style villas are built around the mangroves, immersed in a jungle, with 90% of the hotel’s 82 acres remaining untouched.
· Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui in Koh Samui, Thailand - Located on Thailand’s second largest island, this five-star resort is also where the next season of the HBO series “White Lotus” will be filmed.
The “Places to Visit” category includes:
· Maui Cultural Lands in Lahaina, Hawaii - It’s one of the longest running indigenous-owned nonprofits in the area that gives visitors “hands-on ways to give back on their vacations.”
· Kamba African Rainforest Experiences in Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of Congo - Located in national parks, each ecotourism trip here is limited to 12 people.
· teamLab Borderless Digital Art Museum inTokyo, Japan - This immersive art experience features installations that are “designed to flow seamlessly to the next one.”
See the full list of the World’s Greatest Places here
HOW TO KEEP THE FAMILY HAPPY DURING LONG SUMMER ROAD TRIPS
Taking a long car trip this summer with your family? Road trips can be a lot of fun and a great way to see sights along the way, but when the kids start fighting with each other and complaining non-stop, you may wish you just stayed home. But you don’t have to give up your vacay just to keep the peace.
Relationship and parenting experts say these tips can help keep everyone happy on long summer road trips.
· Make a plan together - Before you leave, get the kids involved in the preparation for the trip, which will make it go smoother. Talk about where you’re going, how long it could take and have them come up with ideas to keep them entertained in the car. When they get a say in the planning, they’re more likely to get excited about the journey.
· Create a playlist together - Music can create a positive environment, so let everyone choose some songs they want to hear and make a road trip playlist. You can even play it on random, so there’s a fair and equal chance everyone gets to hear their favorite songs.
· Have regular pit-stops - These aren’t just for bathroom breaks, but for you and the kids to get some fresh air, stretch your legs and get some energy out. Parents can refuel with some caffeine and shake off any stress they’re feeling before loading back up and continuing the drive.
· Bring plenty of snacks - Snacks make everything better, especially long days in the car. Have some healthier options available, but treat the kids to some of their favorite fun food and drinks, too.
· Don’t forget games and entertainment - If the kids are having a good time, chances are, you’ll feel more relaxed and enjoy the trip as well. Plan out some fun stops along the way at parks or attractions, and have plenty of things for little ones to do in the car, like games and arts and crafts. And if there was ever a time to let kids have more screen time, a long road trip is it.
· Embrace the chance to talk - Use the time together to catch up with your kids about what’s going on with them. Without distractions around, they may just be willing to talk to you.
THE WORLD’S MOST LOVED & MOST HATED SOCIAL MEDIA SITES
For many of us, social media is a part of our daily lives. We may not love all the time we spend scrolling, but that doesn’t make us stop. While we all have our favorite social media sites, and ones we’d never use, new research reveals the most popular platforms around the world.
· Email tracker Mailsuite analyzed Google Play Store ratings of 1,493 popular apps to find the top social media sites in each country, then ranked them from highest- to lowest-rated.
· Overall, TikTok is the most-loved social media app, getting the highest rating in 30 countries, including the U.K., Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
· In the U.S., the most-loved platform is BeReal, which doesn’t even make the top five sites overall.
· Facebook is the most-hated social media site worldwide, earning the lowest ratings in 39 countries, including Mexico, Italy and India.
· Reddit comes in second, with 30 countries, including the U.S., Canada and the U.K.
The Most-Loved Social Media Sites in the World
1. TikTok - 39 countries
2. Threads - 15 countries
3. Facebook - 12 countries
4. Instagram - 9 countries
5. Likee - 7 countries
The Most-Hated Social Media Sites in the World
1. Facebook - 39 countries
2. Reddit - 30 countries
3. X - 15 countries
4. Instagram - 4 countries
5. Threads - 4 countries
WHAT AMERICANS WANT IN THEIR IDEAL “DREAM HOME”
Do you feel stuck living where you are? Nearly four in 10 (39%) Americans frequently do, according to a new survey. Soaring housing prices have half of respondents concerned about the affordability of housing and it’s causing many to rethink their “dream home” and “dream workspace,” where practicality wins over luxury.
According to the poll of 2-thousand U.S. adults:
· Americans currently spend an average of 25% of their monthly income on housing, but ideally, they’d only spend 19%.
· Overall, 57% of respondents own their homes, while 43% rent theirs.
· While 49% of renters say they prefer renting to owning, 47% would like to own a home one day and 17% of them would like to be a homeowner in the next 18 months.
· A third of those polled say they frequently think about their “dream home,” as well as their “dream workspace.”
· So what does their ideal “dream home” look like? It’s a single-family home that’s an average of 2,402-square feet.
· It includes bedrooms for every family member (66%), walk-in closets (62%) and a walk-in pantry (60%).
· Americans also want practical features like central AC and heating (68%), easy-to-access laundry appliances (55%), a yard or green space (55%) and nearby local amenities (54%).
· These beat out luxuries like having a pool (37%), professional-grade cooking equipment and appliances (32%), manicured landscaping (32%), a gym (29%), home theater (28%) or a greenhouse (24%).
· As for a “dream workspace,” it would ideally have lots of natural sunlight (61%), space (55%) and parking (25%).
· If it was a workspace they had to commute to, people would also want things you don’t always get in a home office, like nearby restaurants (33%), quiet rooms (33%), assigned working spaces (32%) and break rooms (31%).
Southwest Airlines Is Ditching Open Seating
In an effort to enhance the customer experience and improve their operational efficiency, Southwest Airlines is implementing some significant changes. The low-cost carrier announced this week that it is ending its unique open seating policy, introducing premium seating options with extended legroom, and launching redeye flights. The decision comes after research showed a strong preference for assigned seating among customers and potential customers.
Additionally, Southwest is responding to financial pressures and hopes to boost profitability with these new changes.
Virgin Voyages Invites “Kids” To Sail For Free This Year
Through the end of this year, Virgin Voyages is offering free cruises to guests aged 18 to 26, provided they sail with a parent, guardian, or caregiver. The adults-only cruise line is expanding to allow adult children, noting, “If you’re old enough to vote, you’re old enough to sail.” The promotion, which excludes specific sailings in late December, applies to multiple cabin types and requires booking by August 23rd. The offer is limited to a second sailor in the cabin, with additional guests paying the full price.
Taco Bell Celebrates 20 Years Of Baja Blasts With Giveaways, Stanley Cups
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Mtn Dew Baja Blast, Taco Bell is running several promotions and giveaways. These include a free Baja Blast or Baja Blast Freeze on July 29th, and a chance for rewards members to win a limited-edition Stanley tumbler and free Baja Blast for a year on August 13th. Additional offers include the release of Mtn Dew Baja Blast Gelato on September 3rd and daily $1 Happy Hour deals from 2 to 5 p.m. where customers can pick up a medium-sized Baja Blast fountain drink or regular-sized Freeze for just $1. Taco Bell also teased the upcoming release of a Mtn Dew Baja Blast Pie later this year.
MISSING WOMAN FOUND – WHEN SHE WANDERS INTO TV REPORTER’S LIVE SHOT
Sometimes the police have it easy. Not often, but sometimes. Police in Nashville, Tennessee were in full “go find ‘em” mode when a 33-year-old New Jersey woman was reported missing after partying downtown. With the recent disappearance and tragic death of Riley Strain a few months back still fresh in their minds, police got on the case without delay. A search for Alexandria Chmiel began after 4AM and involved helicopters, drones and crews repelling down the banks of the Cumberland River. Shortly after 7:30AM, news outlets like WKRN-TV reported that police had found a shoe and possibly blood near the river. Things started to look bleak, but good news was just around the corner. Just after 9AM CT, the missing woman walked into news reporter Peyton Kennedy's frame during her live shot. Chmiel later told police she had no idea how she ended up down by the river, or how she lost her shoes and cellphone. She was taken to a nearby hospital for observation, but it appears that the story has a thankfully positive outcome.
YOU COULD BE THE WEALTHIEST PERSON IN HISTORY – JUST FIND A WAY TO MERCURY AND BACK
OK, so the 9-5 grind just isn’t cutting it for you. But you’re tired of seeing the Kardashians and their billions living it up and you want your piece of the pie. We’re here to help. Have you considered packing your bags for Mercury? NASA's MESSENGER mission has revealed that Mercury, the solar system's tiniest planet and the closest to the sun, may have a 10-mile-thick diamond mantle lying just beneath the planet’s crust. Before you run up your credit card debt in anticipation of your new-found wealth, there are a few obstacles to overcome. Not only would you have to get to the planet, you’d have to survive insane conditions, mine the diamonds, fly them back to Earth, and then try not to let your treasure upend the world’s economy. But hey – good luck with all of that. Don’t quit your day job just yet.
MYSTERY BEAST FOUND DEAD SPARKS ‘CHUPACABRA’ THEORIES
On a desolate stretch in Brazil, a driver wearing a head camera discovered an "enormous" unidentified animal, likely hit by another vehicle. The creature, with razor-sharp teeth and a thick mane, lay in its own blood on the side of the road in Brazil on Tuesday. A local remarked, “It looks like a wolf, but could there really be wolves in tropical areas?” Locals speculated it could be a chupacabra, a mythical Latin American creature known for preying on livestock.
Others are saying the scary-looking beast might actually be a nagual. A nagual is a guardian spirit that some Mesoamerican Indians believe lives in animals like deer, jaguars, or birds. In some areas, people think certain powerful individuals can change into naguals to do harmful things.
MOTHER CLAIMS DOCTORS BLAMED HER DAUGHTER'S TICS AND SEIZURES ON EXCESSIVE TIKTOK USE
Doctors blamed a teenage girl's rare neurological condition on "watching too much TikTok," her mother claims. Helen Huitson's daughter, Jessica, began experiencing strange bodily movements and verbal tics, eventually having up to 120 non-epileptic seizures a day. Despite multiple hospital visits, doctors attributed her symptoms to anxiety, TikTok use, or faking it.
However, Jessica was later diagnosed with Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS), which occurs after a strep infection, causing brain inflammation and affecting the nervous system.
Ms. Huitson believes Jessica developed PANDAS after contracting tonsillitis in October 2020. Symptoms worsened rapidly, severely impacting Jessica's life. Ms. Huitson is fundraising for IVIG treatment, a therapy that boosts antibody levels to stop the immune system from attacking healthy cells. It's unclear if dismissing it as a "TikTok problem" for so long made things worse.
NEW THEORY SUGGESTS FEMALE FROGS MAY EAT MALE SUITORS AFTER MATING
An ecologist captured a female green and golden bell frog attempting to eat a male suitor. Dr. John Gould from the University of Newcastle in Australia observed the female biting the male’s leg, with the male emitting a high-pitched scream as he struggled. Amphibian cannibalism is common, with tadpoles and adults feeding on each other, but this is the first recorded instance of adult cannibalism in this species. Gould also documented females preying on other frog species, like adult spotted marsh frogs.
The University of Newcastle noted that this incident has led Gould to propose a new theory: female frogs may choose to exploit male suitors for breeding or food, based on the male’s call. Gould’s findings are published in the “Journal of Ecology and Evolution.”
Those Tik Tok Videos Didn’t Lie – Shoplifting Is Way Up
We’ve all seen the videos of people – sometimes alone, sometimes in “flash mobs” – raiding everything from Dollar Generals to high-end retailers. It’s easy to think that the Internet has magnified the problem, that it surely couldn’t be that bad – and you’d be wrong. Even as many major crimes like homicide have dropped back to pre-pandemic levels, a major national crime study showed that the rate of shoplifting incidents rose 24-percent during the first half of 2024 compared to the same period last year, according to the Council on Criminal Justice’s (CCJ) Mid-Year Crime Report. The study reviewed crime statistics from 23 cities across the US, finding shoplifting has steadily been on the rise since the country began emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic around 2022. Following the 24-percent spike into 2024, however, shoplifting rates now stand about 10-percent higher than pre-pandemic levels, according to CCJ’s findings. So those rising costs you’re seeing? They’re not entirely because of inflation.
Congratulations, California – You’re #1 When It Comes To Road Rage
Forget that image you have of California being this laid-back state. Well, if you live there you probably already know the truth. Cali ranks #1 in the nation in terms of road rage, according to a new Forbes Advisor study ranking the U.S. states with the most confrontational drivers. 10,000 licensed drivers were surveyed and compared in all 50 states across nine key metrics, including the percentage of drivers who have witnessed road rage or experienced it themselves. California has the most confrontational drivers in the country, Forbes Advisor said, with “a high percentage of drivers experiencing some type of road rage, including being cut off, cursed at and tailgating.” And California didn’t just ease into the #1 slot; last year they ranked 13th. Word of advice: when driving in the Golden State,10-and-2, stay off your phone, and don’t engage with anyone – ever.
Scientists Come Up With Grow-Your-Own Male Genitalia; Still No Cure For Cancer
With so many things science could be concentrating on – cold fusion, a cure for cancer, electric cars that actually work like they should – scientists apparently get distracted and focus on...other things. For example, lab rats have found a way to create mouse testicles. Seriously. Dr Nitzan Gonen, an Israeli scientist, has produced the genitals from cells extracted from mice - and has said she hopes to be able to produce human versions within five years that could produce sperm. But before you men start feeling like you’re not needed, Dr. Gonen, who heads the Sex Determination Laboratory at Bar-Ilan in Israel, says the goal is not to replace you. The work, she says, is just to help the global crisis in male fertility. There. Feel better?
Officers in Seattle Seize Drugs Twice in One Week from Same Traveler at Same Airport
U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized drugs from the same traveler twice in one week at the Seattle airport. The traveler was first caught on July 19 at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport with over 12 pounds of ketamine, two pounds of codeine, and nearly three ounces of GHB after arriving from Amsterdam. After posting bail, he was caught again trying to board a flight to London with over a half pound of ketamine. He was arrested and turned over to the Port of Seattle Police Department, who charged him with intent to distribute ketamine. Talk about frequent flyer miles—this guy's racking up drug busts instead of points!
Florida Man Wanted for Repeatedly Stealing Funeral Stretchers
A Florida man is wanted in several Georgia jurisdictions for allegedly stealing mortuary stretchers from funeral homes. These stretchers are used to carry dead people out of nursing homes to the funeral home. Michael Christopher Johnson, 56, has arrest warrants for felony entering a vehicle, theft, and criminal damage to property. The theft at Georgia Funeral Care occurred on May 8, damaging a funeral home vehicle. Two days earlier, a stretcher was stolen from Benson’s Funeral Home, leading to another felony charge. Johnson, last seen driving a silver Chrysler Town & Country minivan with Florida tags PM759X, remains at large. Mortuary and medical stretchers can cost over $1,000 each. Don Ware, owner of In Their Honor Transport, said in an interview with a TV station that Johnson allegedly tried to sell him a “used” gurney for $1,000. “It’s very unusual to hear anybody breaking into a funeral home, or the vehicles, because who wants that mojo on them?” he told the outlet.
San Diego Zoo Asking Visitors To Not Show Gorillas Videos On Phones
The San Diego Zoo is asking visitors to not show gorillas videos on cell phones. It's apparently become a problem at zoos across the country, including the world famous San Diego locations. The Wall Street Journal says people are getting gorillas addicted to watching videos on phones
and iPads through the glass enclosures. Gorillas and humans share 98-percent of their DNA, and just like humans, they can have too much screen time, altering their behavior. The Zoo says they do not condone and strongly discourage playing the gorillas the videos.
Black Bear Steals Camera, Films Itself Walking Away
A black bear in Maine might have a budding career as a content creator. The bear was caught on video stealing sunflower seeds out of a bird feeder, when it managed to tear off the camera and carry it off, filming itself as it walked away. The homeowner, Jeff Meissner says he's already set up more cameras as well as motion-sensing sprinklers to give the bear 'a shower' if he returns.
Bear Spotted Tightrope-Walking Across Fence Top In Florida
In a scene that brings to mind the animal circus performers of yesteryear, a bear has been spotted tightrope-walking across the top of a fence in a Florida resident’s backyard. The incident happened in Mary Esther, located east of Pensacola, where resident Ryan Campbell caught the balancing act on video. "We both made eye contact,” Campbell says. “I was hoping he was going to find a different route after he saw me, but he decided he wasn’t. I gave him some space. Let it do its thing." After successfully completing the harrowing performance, the bear hopped off the fence and ran into a neighbor’s yard, Campbell says.
Unopened Bottles Of Champagne Found In 19th Century Shipwreck
Let's all raise a toast to a group of Polish divers who discovered 100 bottles of champagne buried in a 19th century shipwreck. The unopened bottles were found in the Baltic Sea, in the wreckage of a boat that likely sank sometime in the 1850's. Experts say it's possible the bottles were well-preserved enough that the champagne is still drinkable. Archaeologist are working on securing permission to excavate the bottles.
Lawsuit Filed Over The Origin Of Flamin' Hot Cheetos
Who invented Flamin' Hot Cheetos? The matter could soon be headed to court. A lawsuit was filed earlier this month by Richard Montañez, the janitor-turned-PepsiCo executive whose story was told in the 2023 movie Flamin' Hot. As the story goes, Montañez came up with the idea for Flamin' Hot Cheetos and convinced PepsiCo they would be a hit with Latino customers. But now Montañez claims the company damaged his career in 2021, by suggesting Flamin' Hot Cheetos were not his idea alone and that other executives were already working on the idea. He says the claim has harmed his career as a motivational speaker, as well as plans for a documentary about his life.
Record 17 California Condor Chicks Hatch at L.A. Zoo
The Los Angeles Zoo has broken its own record after 17 California condor chicks hatched during this year's breeding season. The zoo's previous record was 15, set in 1997. The final chick hatched last month and the zoo says it is doing well. The zoo says each of the birds will be a candidate for release into the wild as part of the California Condor Recovery Program. The L.A. Zoo has had California condors since 1967. In 1983, only 22 of the birds were left on earth.
Comic-Con Underway In San Diego
Comic-Con is underway across downtown San Diego. 135-thousand people are attending the reenergized event for 2024, headlined by celebrities like Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Chris Hemsworth and Keanu Reeves. David Glanzer with Comic-Con says the convention is returning to pre-pandemic levels, with Lord of the Rings, the Walking dead, Star trek, DC and Marvel all be holding events in San Diego this week.
Mississippi Man Tracks His Stolen Car And Finds Many More
A Mississippi man tracked his stolen car with airpods in it and what he found was helpful to cops. Victor Porter found his 2019 Hyundai using a “find my device” app. Police responded to the scene and found at least eight other stolen vehicles including a Chevy Camaro, one Ford Taurus, and one Jeep Cherokee and three more Hyundais. The suspects haven’t been found yet. Lesson learned? If you own a Hyundai, get a tracker for it.
Sports
Gauff Making Debut Alongside James' Return To Olympics
The Olympic flame is about to be lit today (Friday) marking the unofficial start of Paris 2024. With the 2028 Summer Games set for Los Angeles, Team USA will only have the host nation of France following them in the opening ceremony. NBA legend LeBron James will be alongside tennis star Coco Gauff bearing the U.S. flag. Gauff is set to become the youngest athlete to ever carry the flag for Team USA. The 20-year-old missed out on the Tokyo Games after testing positive for COVID in 2021. James is participating in the Olympics for the first time since winning gold at London 2012. The three-time Olympic medalist says it's an honor to be able to represent the country: The U.S. Men's Basketball Team opens the group phase of the games against Nuggets star center Nikola Jokic and Serbia on Sunday.
Team USA Looks To Lead Medal Count Again At Paris Olympics
The United States looks to maintain its dominance at the Summer Olympics in Paris. The U.S. will be looking to top its medal total from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where Americans took home a Games-best 113 medals. The U.S. led the summer medal count for the seventh straight time. Team USA holds the all-time record for a non-boycotted Games after winning 121 medals in Rio in 2016. The Opening Ceremony is today and the first medal events will take place tomorrow.
USWNT Shuts Out Zambia To Open Olympics
The U.S. Women's National Soccer Team opened the group stage of the 2024 Summer Games with a 3-0 victory over Zambia at Allianz Riviera. Trinity Rodman put the Americans on top with a goal in the 17th minute of the match. Mallory Swanson recorded a brace after scoring in the 24th and 25th minutes. Alyssa Naeher [[ nair ]] stopped all three of the shots she faced on goal to preserve the clean sheet. Team USA will take on the Germans in their next match Sunday afternoon.
Canadian Olympic Women’s Soccer Coach Dumped After Using Drones To Spy On Competitors
It’s a bird…it’s a plane…it’s..the end of your Olympic dreams! Canada’s women’s national team head coach Bev Priestman has been cut from the country’s Olympic team over the use of drones to spy on opponents’ practice, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) announced yesterday. The COC said it made the decision after Canada Soccer suspended Priestman for the remainder of the tournament. The episode began earlier this week when Canada’s opening opponent New Zealand complained to the International Olympic Committee’s integrity unit, saying drones were flown over closed practice sessions. It’s not the first time Canada’s soccer teams have used spy drones; a report by “TSN” said that both Canada’s women’s and men’s soccer teams have used drones to record opponent’s closed-door training sessions for several years, including during the women’s gold-medal winning Tokyo Olympic tournament in 2021.
U.S. Men's Basketball Team Facing Serbia To Open Paris Olympics
The U.S. men's basketball team's run toward a fifth straight gold medal begins on Sunday. Team USA will square off against three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic [[ yo-kitch ]] and Serbia to open the group phase of the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Americans capped off the USA Basketball Showcase with a 5-and-0 record in the exhibition games that were held in Las Vegas, Abu Dhabi and London. One of those wins was a 105-79 takedown of Serbia in Abu Dhabi. The Americans are led by a star-filled lineup headlined by LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant. Durant was reportedly a full participant in Thursday's practice as he works his way back from a calf injury.
Former World Series Champion Manager Has A New Coaching Gig
Mike Scioscia, who knows what it feels like to win it all on the diamond, has a new coaching gig. Team USA Baseball announced yesterday that the former Los Angeles Angels manager will be leading them at the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Premier12 Tournament in November. Scioscia is taking the helm as manager for Team USA at the 12-team international competition (which will take place from November 9-24). The former major league player and manager led the Angels from 2000-2018, a stretch in which he won two Manager of the Year Awards, six division titles, and a World Series title in 2002. In a statement, Scioscia said, “I am honored and proud to have the opportunity to put the Team USA uniform on again. I am looking forward to being back in the dugout as we put all of our efforts into winning a gold medal at the Premier12 Tournament.”
Former College Punter Looking To Score Tryout With Miami Dolphins By Camping Outside Their Practice Facility
Sometimes it takes out-of-the-box thinking to get to where you wanna be in life. Former Middle Tennessee State punter Kyle Ulbrich is taking a unique approach to making an NFL roster - he's currently camped outside the Miami Dolphins' practice facility, hoping to get a tryout with the squad. He has been advertising his unemployment with homemade signs in front of the Miami Dolphins training facility that says he is looking for a job. “It's always a dream until it becomes a reality," Ulbrich said on X. "I just want an opportunity to prove myself." Ulbrich isn’t unqualified; he was an All-Conference punter with MTSU, averaging a career-best 47.1 yards per punt in 2023. Good luck, young man!