Show Notes for Friday, July 17, 2026

Today we visit with Christo Fernandez (Danny from Ted Lasso) about his new children's book “FĂștbol Is Life! / ¡FĂștbol es vida!”

AVAILABLE NOW: https://amzn.to/3SWfppn

TODAY'S REASON TO PARTY! (special thanks to ListOfNationalDays.com)

Peach Ice Cream Day

https://www.hotrodsrecipes.com/easy-peach-cream-cocktail/

SURVEYS, STUDIES & SUCH

The drink you use to swallow a pill could affect how well it works. Researchers in Hungary found that some alkaline mineral and medicinal waters can weaken the protective coating on certain medications, causing them to release their active ingredients too early. This is especially important for pills designed to pass through the stomach and dissolve in the intestines. Surprisingly, acidic drinks like apple juice were less likely to damage these coatings. The researchers say patients need clearer guidance, and they recommend sticking with regular tap water or pH-neutral liquids when taking most medications.

BIG SCREEN-LITTLE SCREEN

Ricky Gervais will mark the 25th anniversary of “The Office” (UK) with a rundown of his favorite ‘David Brent’ moments. Gervais will present each of the 25 highlights (or lowlights) on his YouTube channel. He says there will be never-before-told stories, info on the inspiration behind iconic lines, and the backstories on the scenes that nearly had to be abandoned because of laughter on set. David Brent is the hapless boss in The Office, which started out on the BBC in the UK, before being remade in the US and other markets. The Brent retrospective drops today.

After taking a 7-year break from acting, “The Big Bang Theory” star Johnny Galecki is set to portray renowned playwright Tennessee Williams in the Chicago stage presentation of “Kowalski”. The story takes place in 1947 Provincetown MA, and, according to an official plot synopsis, imagines the “electrifying” first meeting between Williams and Marlon Brando that led to 1951’s “A Streetcar Named Desire.” That award-winning film earned Brando his first of many Oscar nominations, as well as his reputation for deeply committed method acting. Performances run Sept. 19-Oct. 25.

Zendaya struggled to feel wise like her character, the Greek goddess ‘Athena’, on her first day filming Christopher Nolan‘s “The Odyssey”. She admitted to freezing — literally, while on the set of the summer blockbuster in Iceland. Quote: “My mouth was just frozen. There is nothing coming out. My mouth would not move. Literally. It came out like, ‘Blah blah blah.’” But that temporary flub didn’t stop Zendaya from appreciating the experience of performing alongside an A-list cast, which includes Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o and her husband, Tom Holland. The Odyssey sails into theaters July 17.

DID YA KNOW!?

DID YOU KNOW… Some animals can regenerate lost body parts. Salamanders can regrow limbs, organs, and even parts of their brains. Scientists study them for medical insights.

JOKE OF THE DAY

(FROM HEIDI)
SCOOP OF THE DAY

Sony is pressing pause on game discs. Starting in January 2028, new PlayStation games will be sold only as digital downloads, reflecting an industry-wide shift, as most players already buy games online. Bigger file sizes have also made it impossible to fit some games on a single disc. Critics say the move weakens consumer rights by making it harder to own, lend, or resell games – especially as new titles approach the $100 mark. Microsoft is moving in a similar direction, too.

At the World Cup, catching a soccer ball in the stands sounds like it would result in the ultimate souvenir…except for the fact that fans are expected to throw it right back onto the field. Unlike baseball, where keeping a home-run ball is part of the experience (or hockey, where an errant puck is fair game), FIFA requires match balls to be returned. The tradition dates back to when games relied on a single ball. Today’s balls are far more advanced, and include built-in electronic sensors that help referees make calls. The latest Adidas Trionda ball tracks movement and provides real-time data, making it a valuable piece of technology. For now, fans can snap a selfie — but the ball goes back. By the way, FIFA balls can be purchased from licensed vendors or pop-up stands for $60 to $180.

THE MOVIE QUOTE OF THE DAY

If you have a favorite quote.... you can send it to us at the bottom of the page at JohnAndHeidiShow.com

“You’ve got red on you.” — Shaun of the Dead — Ed (Nick Frost) — 2004

NEWS TO ME

(FROM HEIDI)

FUN FACT FOR YOU:
Share this with your friends... they'll think you're really smart!

✓ None of The Beatles could read music.

✓ It takes longer to drown in saltwater than in freshwater.

✓ The town of Waterproof, Louisiana has been flooded numerous times.

✓ The town of Ding Dong, Texas is located in Bell County.

A study found that more driving errors occur when listening to a favorite song, compared to unfamiliar music.

WEIRD NEWS

Pringles is giving hot dogs a crunchy makeover with the debut of limited-edition "Pop Dog Buns" -- Potato-based buns that come packaged in Pringles’ signature cans. Available in Sour Cream & Onion, BBQ and Honey Mustard flavors, the 7½-inch (19cm) buns are designed to make the bun the star of the meal. Naturally, the internet had thoughts. One user commented: “Alright, who in corporate thought of this mess?” Another posted: “Is today July Fools or something?” The quirky launch arrives ahead of National Hot Dog Day, July 15, and follows Pringles' recent beer-inspired chip collaborations with Miller Lite. LINK: https://tinyurl.com/5cka6epf

QUESTION OF THE DAY

In a survey, more than half of adults said they have had THIS since they were a kid. What is it?

Answer: A game system

SOMETHING SPECIAL WITH HEIDI SMALL

(FROM HEIDI)

THE LIST

WORLD'S MOST LIVEABLE CITIES: The Danish capital city of Copenhagen tops the 2026 list of the "World's List of Liveable Cities" for the second year running. Each year, the Economist Intelligence Unit ranks 173 cities around the world on a number of different factors, including education, stability, healthcare, infrastructure and culture. Copenhagen received “perfect” scores in 3 categories, including stability, infrastructure and education. Here are the top 10 Liveable Cities in 2026...

1. Copenhagen, Denmark

2. Vienna, Austria

3. Melbourne, Australia

4. Sydney, Australia

5. Zurich, Switzerland

6. Geneva, Switzerland

7. Osaka, Japan

8. Adelaide, Australia

9. Vancouver, Canada

10. Tokyo, Japan

GOOD NEWS

Off-Duty Firefighter Hears Desperate Cries and Saves Three Children Trapped Beneath Overturned Boat. https://www.sunnyskyz.com/good-news

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