THURSDAY, Feb 27 – DAILY PREP TEXT VERSION

MORNING SIDEKICK DAILY PREP TEXT VERSION FOR THURSDAY, February 27, 2025
(Print button is at bottom of post. To print with larger type, cut and paste content into a document, and print that document.)

COMEDY MP3s POSTED ON OUR PREP SITE FOR TODAY: 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.)

INTERNATIONAL POLAR BEAR DAY
The Holiday Insights website says this:
“Polar Bear Day celebrates the world’s largest carnivore. A polar bear can grow up to nine feet tall (when standing) and 1400 pounds. They are a favorite at zoos around the country. Polar bears live at the North Pole region, and are native to Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Norway, and Russia. Did you know? It is believed that all polar bears are left handed.”

NATIONAL CHILI DAY (Fourth Thursday in February)
The National Chili Day website says this:
“It is fitting that we celebrate National Chili Day every year on the fourth Thursday of February since there’s nothing better than enjoying fiery fare during one of winter’s coldest months.”

NATIONAL KAHLUA DAY

NATIONAL POKEMON DAY
The Days of the Year website says this:
“Celebrated on February 27 of each year, National Pokémon Day is observed on this day because it is the anniversary of the release of the first Pocket Monsters Gameboy games in 1996.”

NATIONAL STRAWBERRY DAY

NO BRAINER DAY
The Time and Date website says this:
“February 27 is No Brainer Day. It is believed that the holiday was created by Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith in the United States as a way to remind people that most things are simple and that many problems we encounter daily have obvious and easy solutions.”

February is:

Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month
African American History Month
Celebration of Chocolate Month
International Boost Self Esteem Month
International Friendship Month
National Bird Feeding Month
National Snack Food Month
National Sweet Potato Month
Spunky Old Broads Month
Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month

ENTERTAINMENT & CELEBRITIES

WHAT TO WATCH – New and Returning Shows and Movies
Premiering Thursday through Sunday
Listings sourced from the TV Guide, EW and other websites

THURSDAY, Feb 27

“Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke”
Hulu – New Docuseries
Synopsis: The true story behind the fall of Ruby Franke, the once-successful family vlogger turned convicted child abuser.

“House of David”
Prime Video – New Series
Synopsis: Tells the story of the ascent of biblical icon, David, who eventually becomes the most famous king of Israel.

“Running Point”
Netflix – New Series
Synopsis: The ambitious yet overlooked Isla Gordon (Kate Hudson) becomes president of the fictional NBA team the Los Angeles Waves after a scandal forces her brother to resign.

“Toxic Town”
Netflix – New Series
Synopsis: When dozens of babies in the English town of Corby in Northamptonshire are born with disabilities, their mothers embark on a battle to hold those responsible to account.

SUNDAY, March 2

“Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue”
MGM+ – New Series
Synopsis: Nine strangers find themselves lost in a remote Mexican jungle after their small plane crashes; the plot thickens as members are murdered one by one and the remaining survivors must solve the mystery.

“The Oscars”
ABC – Awards Show

THE BEST/WORST NFL OWNERS, ACCORDING TO THE PLAYERS

The NFL Players Association has released its third annual team report cards. 77 percent of NFL players participated. They were asked for feedback on 11 different areas, including head coach, owner, team travel, treatment of families, food, the locker room and more. The rankings, from overall best to worst:
1. Dolphins
2. Vikings
3. Falcons (Falcons coach Raheem Morris was one of six head coaches to receive an A-plus, along with the Commanders’ Dan Quinn, Vikings’ Kevin O’Connell, Chiefs’ Andy Reid, Lions’ Dan Campbell and Dolphins’ Mike McDaniel)
4. Raiders
5. Chargers
6. Texans
7. Packers
8. 49ers
9. Lions
10. Cowboys
11. Commanders
12. Saints
13. Ravens
14. Bears (Bears, Jaguars and Browns also received the worst grades — a “C” — for head coach)
15. Seahawks
16. Titans
17. Broncos
18. Jaguars
19. Colts
20. Giants
21. Rams
22. Eagles (The players gave low grades for childcare on gamedays)
23. Bills (the Bills received an F-minus for team travel)
24. Bengals (the Bengals received an F-minus for food)
25. Panthers
26. Chiefs
27. Buccaneers
28. Steelers
29. Jets (“Rather than addressing concerns, players believe the owner responded to feedback by making conditions worse. For example, after getting a low rating on food last year, owner Woody Johnson cut the food budget and fired the team’s long-time dietitian.”)
30. Browns (Cleveland, Arizona, Denver and Washington all got F’s for their locker rooms)
31. Patriots
32. Cardinals (The team’s outdated facility proving to be a main point of criticism for players)
* And a lot of players complained that the opposing team’s fans were mean to them.
* I didn’t know we were going to have this story today! I left my World’s Tiniest Violin at home!
* Now would be a good time to tell you that the minimum salary for a first-year NFL player is $795,000. Get your own damn childcare!

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. “What’s The Difference Between $50 Jeans And $500 Jeans?”
2. “I Watched 136 Movies In 2024 And Ranked Them By How Well The Cars Are Used”
3. “How To Prevent The Chocolate In Your Kitchen From Going Bad (* Like THAT’S ever gonna happen.)”
And here’s a spare, in case you don’t like one of those three: “Four New Taco Bell Items I Regret Trying This Year”

BELLY FAT GOOD FOR THE BRAIN

A new study published in the journal GeroScience reveals that belly fat – the deep fat surrounding your internal organs – plays a role in maintaining brain health. The study claims the fat uses a chemical messaging system that helps brain cells grow, survive, and form new connections. The more of this you have, the better your brain functions. But as you age, your levels naturally drop, and that’s when memory problems can start.
* If belly fat helps your brain, then I’m an elucidating dilettante.
* I’ve got enough to power two brains and a microwave.
* Unfortunately, the brain cells belly fat helps grow are used to find more snacks.
* It’s good for the brain, not so much for the furniture.

U.S. NEWS

WHATABURGER DRIVE-THRU LADY USES CUSTOMER’S CARD TO PAY COURT FEES

In Atlanta, Georgia, police say a man stopped at a Whataburger drive-thru on Jan. 31, placed his order, and handed the lady at the window his credit card. He got his order, and drove off. Later, he noticed a $400 credit card charge payable to the County Court Probation Office. The man notified the court. Officials tracked down what had happened. The lady at Whataburger used the man’s card to pay her probation fines and fees. The woman, Aleefah Sumpter, 25, is now charged with identity fraud and card fraud, and even though she agreed to turn herself in last Friday, she cannot to be located.
* Which really leaves them short staffed back at Whataburger. Ah, the true price of crime.
* And worst of all, she threw an extra five bucks on the card to for one of those Make a Wish groups.
* How do arrests work in Atlanta? “Hello, this is the Atlanta Police Department calling. Is there a convenient time for you to come in so we can lock you up? You say Friday works for you. Great – see you then!”
* Hard to believe Whataburger isn’t paying employees enough to handle emergency expenses.
* This story brought to you by Apple Pay.

WOMAN LOCKS BOYFRIEND IN STORAGE UNIT FOR DAYS

A North Carolina woman is wanted for attempted murder after allegedly locking her boyfriend in a storage unit, where he was stuck for several days with no food or water before being rescued. A 911 caller on Monday told the dispatcher that his girlfriend had locked him in her storage unit in the town of Monroe. He said she convinced him to crawl to the back of the unit to get her something, then slammed it shut and said, “This is what you get.” He told the 911 operator, “I’ve been locked in a storage unit for about a week now, and I’ve just now found my phone. My girlfriend locked me in here.” He was able to tell the operator which unit he was in. Police say he had no food, water or power, and there were two locks on the storage unit. His girlfriend, Robin Deaton, 52, of Matthews, North Carolina, remains at large.
* He’s still calling her his girlfriend, but I have a feeling he could do better.
* No food, no water, just a few boxes of delicious Christmas decorations.
* The storage unit was full of her junk, and now also some of HIS crap.
* Those storage places are real handy for keeping things you don’t want in the house.
* He got to the back of the unit and said, “What is it you need, honey?” And she said, “You – out of my life!” SLAM!
* And wouldn’t that have been a great episode of “Storage Wars.”

THREE DEATHS IN 24 DAYS AT ARIZONA SKYDIVING FACILITY

There have been three skydiver deaths in a 24-day period at the same facility in Arizona. This is shocking because there were just nine skydiving-related fatalities across the US in all of last year. The facility is Skydive Arizona in Eloy, an hour southeast of Phoenix.
– On Jan. 24, a 55-year-old Minnesota woman, who’d skydived hundreds of times before, died after witnesses said the canopy of her parachute spun during descent.
– A week later, a 46-year-old Arizona man died when his parachute failed to deploy.
– On Feb. 16, a 47-year-old “experienced skydiver” was found near the facility and pronounced dead at the scene. Witnesses said he’d been attempting an “advanced” landing maneuver at low altitude.
* So, two bad parachutes and a show-off.
* What’s an advanced landing? Have they really made advancements in not hitting the ground hard?
* Maybe the gravity is stronger there.
* Somebody in Eloy doesn’t like Gen-X’ers?
* You know, if you take the V out of ‘skydive,’ you get ‘skydie.’ Just sayin’.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

CHINESE WOMAN SHOCKS FIANCÉ FOR THREE HOURS TO SIMULATE CHILDBIRTH

A Chinese woman subjected her fiancé to three hours of electric shocks to the stomach to simulate the pain of childbirth. It was part of her “pre-marriage test.” The woman’s mother and sister suggested that she make her fiancé experience the “pain of childbirth” before getting married to ensure that he would be more considerate of his wife. Using an electrical stimulation device designed specifically to simulate the pain of childbirth, the woman said she slowly increased intensity of the electrical current for the first 90 minutes, and then cranked up the power to maximum for another 90 minutes. Because of the shocks, the man developed intestine necrosis, which is reduced blood flow, and had to undergo emergency surgery. He also called off the wedding.
* Which is NOT shocking.
* On the other hand, the woman has been offered a job with the Iranian Secret Police.
* Dude, please – did you not have a safe word?
* And lady, please – it’s called an epidural.
* Some men like a take-charge gal.
* Guess what kind of shoes she wears? Zappos!

TRENDING

MICHELLE TRACTENBERG DIES AT 39

Michelle Trachtenberg, the former child star known for a wide range of TV and film roles including in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Gossip Girl,” has died at the age of 39. The actress underwent a liver transplant within the last year. Sources speculate that her body may have rejected the organ. Her death is not deemed suspicious and the city medical examiner will determine the cause. She had posted a series of troubling photos in recent months to Instagram, in which she appeared gaunt and frail, prompting some fans to comment about her startling weight loss or ask if she was on drugs. Trachtenberg responded, saying she was “happy and healthy.” Tractenberg’s first credited role came at the age of 9 on the classic 1990s Nickelodeon series “The Adventures of Pete and Pete,” in which she portrayed gal-pal Nona F. Mecklenberg. She went on to star in a variety of kid-oriented movies and shows, making her film debut in 1996’s “Harriet the Spy,” and also playing Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s sister Dawn Summers, as well as Georgina Sparks on “Gossip Girl,” which ran for six seasons. She leaves behind her longtime boyfriend, talent agent and producer Jay Cohen.

ALMANAC

NOTABLE DATES, UPCOMING U.S. OBSERVANCES

March 4, Tuesday – Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras
March 9, Sunday – Daylight Saving Time Begins
March 17, Monday – St. Patrick’s Day
March 20, Thursday – Spring begins, Spring Equinox is 5:01 a.m. EDT
April 1, Tuesday – April Fools Day
April 15, Tuesday – U.S. Tax Day
May 11, Sunday – Mother’s Day
May 26, Monday – Memorial Day

BIRTHDAYS

Kate Mara (actor, “A Teacher,” “House of Cards,” “American Horror Story”) … 42
Josh Groban (singer-songwriter) … 44
Grant Show (actor, “Dynasty” reboot, “Melrose Place”) … 63
Adam Baldwin (actor) … 63
Johnny Van Zant (singer w Van Zant, Lynryd Skynyrd) … 65
Neal Schon (guitarist w Journey) … 71
Joanne Woodward (actress, Mrs. Paul Newman) … 95

Today’s Birthdays grade: Today’s standout birthday is Josh Groban, 2007’s number-one best selling artist in the U.S. Hard to believe his big break was an appearance on “Ally McBeal” back in 2001. What’s he doing now? Performing at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas in May. Grade: B-minus.

[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!

“I’m like a fungus. You can’t get rid of me.”

(A) Justin Bieber
(B) Kim Kardashian
(C) Adam Baldwin

ANSWER: (C) Adam Baldwin

THIS DAY IN HISTORY

1998 – Britain’s House of Lords agreed to give a monarch’s first-born daughter the same claim to the throne as any first-born son. This was the end to 1,000 years of male preference.
* It really brought Britain into the modern world. Well, except for the whole “we still have a king and queen” thing.

1997 – Legislation banning most handguns in Britain went into effect.
* And they’ve done just fine without them. Hmmm …

1997 – Divorce became legal in Ireland.
* IMAGINE the hangovers the next day!

1991 – The Gulf War came to an end as Iraqi forces retreated from Kuwait.
* Or, as Saddam put it, “returned home in victory.”

1974 – The first issue of “People” magazine was published.
* Thus officially beginning the celebrification of American culture.

1942 – J. S. Hey discovered radio emissions coming from the Sun.
* And I thought WE had a strong transmitter!

1883 – Composer Oscar Hammerstein invented the world’s first cigar rolling machine.
* How hard is it to roll a cigar? You just put it on a flat surface and give it a push with your finger! DUH!

1879 – Constantine Fahlberg discovered the artificial sweetener saccharin.
* And quickly stuffed his pockets with the little pink and blue packets.

THIS DAY IN MUSIC HISTORY

2010 – It was announced that U2 raked in more money than any other music act in the U.S. in 2009 making $109 million from touring, record sales and other royalties, almost twice as much as the second best, Bruce Springsteen who took home $58 million, followed by Madonna with $47 million and AC/DC with $44 million.

1998 – Vince Neil of Motley Crue announced an agreement with Internet Entertainment Group and Vivid Video to distribute a 60-minute home video of him having sex with two adult film models in Hawaii.

1991 – James Brown was paroled from prison after serving two years. He had been sentenced to six years in prison after leading police on an interstate car chase.

1981 – Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder recorded “Ebony and Ivory.”

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. THIS new mental diagnosis was introduced by psychologists in 2008. What is it?
Facebook Addiction Disorder

2. THIS is the percentage of items listed on eBay that receive no bids. What is it?
Over 50%

3. THIS is the word people most often misspell in their search engines. What is it?
Restaurant

(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