THURSDAY, July 3 – DAILY PREP TEXT VERSION

MORNING SIDEKICK DAILY PREP TEXT VERSION FOR THURSDAY, July 3, 2025
(Print button is at bottom of post. To print with larger type, cut and paste content into a document, and print that document.)

NOTE: MORNING SIDEKICK WILL BE OFF ON FRIDAY, JULY 4, FOR THE U.S. INDEPENDENCE DAY HOLIDAY. WE WILL RETURN WITH PREP FOR MONDAY, JULY 7.

COMEDY MP3s POSTED ON OUR PREP SITE FOR TODAY: THE FRIDAY CLUSTERFLICKS (FOR THURSDAY!); PROMOS-TO-GO

TODAY IS …
(All days repeat annually on today’s date unless otherwise noted; days may or may not be called “National”/”International”/”World” depending on source; sources listed often have additional info. We generally do not list special days which were created by commercial companies for the purpose of marketing – including “holidays” created by the National Day Calendar and Wellcat websites to drive traffic to their websites – or the hundreds of disease awareness listings which occur each year. We present only those specially designated days we feel your listeners would find most interesting or significant.)

INTERNATIONAL PLASTIC BAG FREE DAY
The Days of the Year website says this:
“International Plastic Bag Free Day was founded through several concerned parties, with support coming as part of the Break Free from Plastic Movement, along with Zero Waste Europe and Bag Free World. It was created as a worldwide initiative for the purpose of getting rid of the single-use of plastic bags around the world. This day is all about promoting environmental conservation by encouraging us all to stay away from the use of plastic bags and instead look for more eco-friendly alternatives.”

NATIONAL CHOCOLATE WAFER DAY

NATIONAL EAT BEANS DAY

NATIONAL FRIED CLAM DAY

NATIONAL STAY OUT OF THE SUN DAY
The Days of the Year website says this:
“This day is about giving our skin a break from the sweltering heat. If you simply cannot resist going outside, then you can always find a nice bit of shade, yet make sure you wear sunscreen and make an extra effort to protect your skin.”

July is:

Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month
Air Conditioning Appreciation Month
Baked Bean Month
Cell Phone Courtesy Month
Family Reunion Month
International Blondie and Deborah Harry Month
National Blueberries Month
National Grilling Month
National Hot Dog Month
National Ice Cream Month
Melon Month

ENTERTAINMENT & CELEBRITIES

WHAT TO WATCH – New and Returning Shows and Movies
Premiering Thursday through Sunday
Listings compiled from multiple sources

THURSDAY, July 3

“Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League”
Max – New Anime Movie from Japan
Synopsis: In this sequel to Batman Ninja, the Batman family has returned to the present to discover that Japan has disappeared, and a giant island is now in the sky over Gotham City.

Season Premieres:
Netflix/Hulu – “Dan Da Dan”
Netflix – “The Sandman”

FRIDAY, July 4

“All the Sharks”
Netflix – New Reality Competition Show
Synopsis: Four teams travel the world trying to find and photograph every shark imaginable in hopes of claiming the $50,000 prize.

“Great White Waters”
Tubi – New Movie
Synopsis: When millions in cartel cocaine go missing off Florida’s coast, the search turns savage as vicious sharks close in on anyone daring to claim the stash.

“Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks”
NBC – Special

“Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular”
The CW – Special

SATURDAY, July 5

“The Summer Hikaru Died”
Netflix – New Anime Series from Japan
Synopsis: Yoshiki and Hikaru are two teenage friends living in a small rural Japanese town. After disappearing and being seriously injured, Hikaru dies – or so it seems. An unknown entity takes possession of his body and when Hikaru returns, Yoshiki immediately senses that something has changed in his friend.

SEAN COMBS TRIAL: DIDDY ACQUITTY

Sean “Diddy” Combs came out with a mixed verdict in his trial on Wednesday:
– Combs was found not guilty on count one, racketeering conspiracy.
– He was not guilty of counts 2 and 4, which were both charges of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion in connection with Ventura and “Jane.”
– The jury found Combs guilty of count 3 — transportation to engage in prostitution (in connection with his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura) and guilty of count 5 — transportation to engage in prostitution (in connection with his ex-girlfriend who testified under the pseudonym “Jane”).
– The judge would not let Diddy out of jail on bond, citing Combs’ history of violence as a main reason for denying him bail.
– All sides in the case were told by the judge to return to court on Oct. 3 for sentencing; that date could move up if the defense team and Combs seek to expedite his sentencing process. The defense is seeking a term of 21 to 27 months for Combs while the feds hope for 51 to 63 months.
* P. Diddy’s got a new nickname: A. Quitty.
* Good to see the OJ jury reunited after all these years.
* Hope you stocked up on baby oil everybody, because supplies will soon be limited.
* Well, somebody’s all set for a new career in the current administration.

THE BUZZ

DUMB HEADLINES

Time for another episode of Three Dumb Headlines. These are actual, word-for-word headlines of stories found on the internet. There’s no story, no context, just the actual headline. Discuss them amongst yourselves. Then, encourage listeners to vote for the Dumbest Headline on your station’s social media page. Maybe ask them to leave a comment. Reveal the results in the next break.
Today’s Dumb Headlines:
1. “Why You Should Keep Weather In Mind When Picking Wedding Cake Frosting”
2. “I Can Vomit 15 Times An Hour”
3. “Ancient Pharaoh’s Curse Could Be Used To Fight Cancer”
And here’s a spare, in case you don’t like one of those three: “What Are Sushi Worms?”

STUDY: CHEESE GIVES YOU NIGHTMARES

New research published Tuesday in the journal Frontiers in Psychology surveyed sleep habits, particularly dreams, and compared them with peoples’ eating habits. What they found is, cheese gives you nightmares. The worse lactose intolerance symptoms people had, the more intense their nightmares were. (* [gasp] – cheesecake!) The study, led by Tore Nielsen, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Montreal, included just over 1,000 participants. People who responded that they had severe gastrointestinal symptoms from their lactose intolerance reported stronger, more frequent nightmares. Patrick McNamara, a professor of neurology at Boston University who studies the brain and sleep, said eating a trigger food for lactose intolerance may cause “micro-arousals” that disturb sleep quality, resulting in stronger nightmares.
* Do they have dreams that they’re being chased by a muenster?
* After eating a whole bag of Cheetos, I had a dream I was standing naked in front of a classroom full of Chester Cheetas.
* The thing about cheese dreams is the whole thing goes pasteurize in just a few seconds.
* “What did you do at The University of Montreal this semester, son?” “We asked people if they ate cheese, dad.”
* I’ll bet this is the cheesiest article ever to appear in Frontiers in Psychology.

U.S. NEWS

WING FLAP FROM A BOEING LANDS IN DRIVEWAY

An airplane part was found blocking a Raleigh, North Carolina, driveway Wednesday morning. A 911 caller reported the airplane part was blocking their driveway. The FAA confirmed that a wing flap from Delta flight 3247 that left Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport was missing upon landing at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. The flight arrived in Raleigh around 1:15 a.m. on Wednesday. The flap belonged to a Boeing 737 because of course it did. There were 109 passengers and six crew members on board. The plane landed safely; there were no injuries.
* The flap also landed safely.
* Once again, remember: There are only so many nuts and bolts to go around. Do you want them on the Boeing doors, or do you want them on the Boeing wing flaps? Make up your mind.
* Now that they know a plane can land without a wing flap, there’s one more expensive part that doesn’t need to be put on a plane. Those cost savings will add up.

LOTTERY WINNER IS A CAREER CRIMINAL

On April 28, 50-year-old Kentucky man James Farthing claimed a $167 million jackpot, the largest in Kentucky Lottery history. He had purchased the winning $2 ticket at a convenience store. Following the Powerball announcement, Farthing and his girlfriend flew to a beachfront resort in Florida to celebrate his immense fortune. But there was a problem: Farthing is a “persistent felony offender” in Kentucky and failed to get permission from his parole officer to leave the state. Here’s the short version of his story:
– He has a 16-page rap sheet and a criminal record that spans 35 years with convictions in at least nine Kentucky counties. According to court records, Farthing has: strangled a girlfriend; sold cocaine to an undercover police informant; escaped from a prison work detail; bribed a corrections officer to deliver Xanax and Oxycodone into a prison; possessed stolen firearms; involved his mother in a marijuana smuggling plot.
– Mr. Farthing has been locked up in at least 25 different correctional institutions. In total, he has spent nearly 30 years of his life in custody. During that time, Farthing continued to commit crimes while incarcerated: assaults, narcotics possession, loansharking, gambling, drug smuggling, and positive tests for alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, and depressants. And more, but we don’t have time for that.
– Meanwhile, back in Florida… one day into his Florida vacation, Farthing allegedly punched a hotel guest in the face during an argument. When a cop sought to break up the fight, Farthing kicked him in the face and was again arrested.
– After several weeks in the Florida jail, Farthing was extradited to a Kentucky prison. He served an additional month in custody for the parole violation. He was freed from jail last week.
– Then, Two days after his release, Florida prosecutors filed felony charges for battery on a law enforcement officer. Currently free on $11,000 bond in the Florida case, Farthing is scheduled for a July 14 arraignment. The battery count carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
* At least he has a girlfriend, which is nice.
* He’s rich now. He should get off. That’s the new rule.
* Or – with $167 million, he could build his own luxury prison.
* Have they looked into whether he stole the $2 he bought the ticket with?
* This is the plot of a Cohen Brothers movie, isn’t it?

DEL MONTE BANKRUPT

Attention shoppers! The Del Monte company has declared bankruptcy. Del Monte – which means “of the Monte” – is a nearly 140-year-old company and known for its brand of canned fruits and vegetables. It seems to have fallen victim to a market where consumer preferences have shifted away from preservative-laden canned food in favor of healthier alternatives. The company says it intends to remain open and continue operations while it restructures and repositions itself for the future.
* Sounds like they’re in a real pickle.
* Others would just say “Tough beans!”
* I can’t live in a world without canned asparagus spears. Well, I can, but I don’t think my mother can. Her cooking is horrible.
* Now where will American get containers to hold bacon grease and store it in the freezer?
* Look out Birds Eye, you’re next.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

SCOTTISH MEDICAL CLINIC BEGS PEOPLE TO STOP BRINGING IN URINE SAMPLES

A medical clinic in Scotland is asking local residents to stop bringing in urine samples. The Saltoun Surgery in Aberdeenshire said they have been inundated with a “high volume” of unsolicited urine samples, often in non-medical household containers instead of sterile sample containers. And they are not alone – one doctor speaking anonymously to The Times of London said many clinics have had to put up signs asking patients not to bring unsolicited urine samples. He said the culprits are often older patients seeking to be tested for urinary tract infections.
* Time to airlift in some cranberry juice.
* Are you telling me Scotland is have a bit of a wee problem? (You can really sell this line if you can do a Scottish accent!)
* Sounds like the docs at the clinic are P.O.’d.
* Maybe it’s some kind of weird TikTok challenge.
* “Hey – this is just a cup of Mountain Dew!”

TRENDING

WHOOPI GOLDBERG JOINING ITALIAN SOAP OPERA

Whoopi Goldberg has signed up for an appearance in an Italian soap opera. Whoopi will be appearing in “Un Posto Al Sole” (which translates to A Place in The Sun). It is based around the residents of fictional apartment complex Palazzo Palladini, in a beach front suburb of Naples. Her character will be part of a special storyline, and will appear in 20 episodes in 2026. Whoopi says, “They know it’s a crazy idea, I know it’s a crazy idea, but what a wonderful thing to do. So I’m looking forward to it. I’m excited. She adds, “I know my Italian is not perfect. But we’ve worked it out.”

ALMANAC

NOTABLE DATES, UPCOMING U.S. OBSERVANCES

TOMORROW – U.S. Independence Day
Sept. 1, Monday – Labor Day
Sept. 11, Thursday – Patriot Day
Sept. 22, Monday – Fall begins (Autumn Equinox is 2:19 p.m. EDT)

BIRTHDAYS

Patrick Wilson (“Aquaman” movies, “Insidious” movies, TV’s “Fargo”) … 52
Yeardley Smith (voice of Lisa Simpson) … 61
Tom Cruise (actor) … 63
Montel Williams (TV talk show host, pitchman) … 69

Today’s Birthdays grade: One of the top kings of the box office, and one of the handful of actors picked as a main voice on the longest running animated TV show of all time. Must be nice. Grade: A.

[Want to try something different with the daily birthdays? Try grading them! Some days have “good” celebs, some have “great” celebs, some have “lousy” celebs. For fun, give the group an arbitrary grade: A-plus through F-minus. Sidekick will give you our take on it; you can to take the concept and run with it.]

BIRTHDAY QUOTE QUIZ – Ask your listeners “Who said it?” HINT: Today’s their birthday!

“Talk is over-rated as a means of settling disputes.”

(A) Vladimir Putin
(B) The Hulk
(C) Tom Cruise

ANSWER: (C) Tom Cruise

THIS DAY IN HISTORY

2009 – Sarah Palin announced she would resign as Alaska governor with 16 months left in her term, primarily due to the mounting legal costs and distractions from battling ethics investigations against her, which she described as overwhelming.
* The thought of staying left her cold.

2005 – A NASA space probe, Deep Impact, hit its comet target as planned in a mission to learn how the solar system formed.
* Plus, guys just like to crash things into other things.

1997 – In his first formal response to charges by Paula Jones of sexual harassment, President Bill Clinton denied all allegations in her lawsuit, and asked a judge to dismiss the case.
* He eventually gave her $850,000. Oh, not because he was guilty – because he’s such a swell guy!

1928 – The first television went on sale in the United States.
* In those days, the TV ratings battle were easy to work out. You just called the family who had the TV and asked them what they were watching.

1928 – The world’s first successful color TV transmission was accomplished by Jone Logie Baird in London.
* Sure, the same day black-and-white sets went on sale in the U.S. (see previous item), making them instantly obsolete.

1886 – In Germany, Karl Benz, of Mercedes-Benz fame, drove his 1st automobile.
* He parked it for a few minutes and when he came back, the hood ornament was gone.

1819 – The first savings bank opened, in New York City.
* Unfortunately, their kick-off promotion of giving away a toaster with each new account didn’t work so well, since sliced bread wasn’t invented ’til forty years later.

THIS DAY IN MUSIC HISTORY

2021 – Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton married at Shelton’s ranch in Oklahoma. They met in 2014 when they were judges on the TV show “The Voice” and started dating a year later.

2012 – KISS announced that they would release a guitar-size book containing unseen photographs from their 40-year career. The limited edition called Monster would have a $4,299 price tag and at 3 feet tall, 2.5 feet wide, and was reported to be the largest music book ever published.

2004 – David Crosby was fined $5,000 by a U.S. court after admitting attempted criminal possession of a weapon. It followed his arrest in New York in March when a gun, knife and marijuana were found in his luggage.

2002 – The wife of Ozzy Osbourne, Sharon Osbourne, underwent an emergency operation after being diagnosed with cancer. The family had become cult heroes after the success of the MTV “The Osbournes Show.”

2002 – Three diners at a newly opened Britney Spears-owned restaurant suffered food poisoning. The three students who had eaten wild striped bass at the New York restaurant made official complaints and vowed never to eat there again.

1971 – Singer Jim Morrison of The Doors died in Paris at age 27.

1969 – Rolling Stones guitarist and founding member Brian Jones, 27, drowned while taking a midnight swim in his pool under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

X-TREME TRIVIA CHALLENGE

Every installment of X-Treme Trivia Challenge includes three mystery factoids. Create your own “Impossible Question” contest – great for listener giveaways and phone interaction starters! Also a perfect sponsorship opportunity!

1. According to experts, you are best at doing THIS at age 35. What is it?
Spelling

2. A recent study shows that the average person under the age of 35 does THIS for about 3.5 hours a day. What is it?
Wears headphones

3. On average, THIS is at its peak when you’re between the ages of 25 and 30. What is it?
Your memory

(c) 2025
MORNING SIDEKICK RADIO SHOW PREP & COMEDY
8062 West Massey Circle
Littleton, CO 80128
USA
morningsidekick(at)gmail(dot)(com)
Tel: 303-727-9111