Invented in the ’70s
This table tennis-inspired video game was invented by Atari employees in 1972.
What is Pong? (The first Pong machine was installed in a bar in Sunnyvale, California, and was so popular that the machine broke down. The reason? The coin reservoir was overflowing with quarters and couldn’t take any more.)
These campfire desserts are made with graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate bars.
What are s’mores?
This herb used in Mediterranean cooking is also a woman’s name.
What is rosemary? Its Latin name rosmarinus means “dew of the sea.”
A man or an item delivered by the post office.
What is mail/male?
On July 2, the world commemorates these flying objects that visit us from the outer reaches of the universe.
What are UFOs? It’s World UFO Day. In 2021, The U.S. Department of Defense confirmed something called “unidentified aerial phenomena,” which is government-speak for UFOs. They caught triangular flying objects on video and published them.
In 1970, this popcorn mogul unveiled his hybrid strain of gourmet popping corn.
Who is Orville Redenbacher? His namesake popcorn was lighter and fluffier than anything else on the market. It took him nearly 20 years to develop.
If you’re camping and run out of matches, you are told to rub two of these together to start a fire.
What are sticks? People who have mastered the technique can start a fire in 10–15 minutes.
This herb is the foundation for pesto.
What is basil? Basic ingredients in traditional pesto include basil, olive oil, pine nuts, and parmesan cheese.
Something simple or ordinary or a form of air transportation
What is plain/plane?
On July 15, we commemorate this gooey pasta dish that is popular with children.
What is mac and cheese? Why not celebrate the day with some fancy three-cheese mac and cheese on Mac and Cheese Day?
This simple and beloved toy that gets kicked around was invented in 1972 by friends Mike Marshall and John Stalberger.
What is a hacky sack? The hacky sack game is also called footbag.
Instead of on a mattress, campers sleep in this.
What is a sleeping bag? Modern sleeping bags are a combination mattress and comforter.
This mild, thin version of green onions often tops sour cream on baked potatoes.
What are chives?
A verb that means “to form letters or words using a tool such as a pen or pencil” or a synonym for correct
What is write/right?
On July 20, we celebrate that familiar nighttime heavenly body that goes from new to full.
What is moon? The July full moon is called the thunder moon, wort moon, or buck moon.
Arthur Fry of the 3M company invented this re-stickable stationery item as a bookmark for his hymnal.
What is the Post-it Note? The adhesive Fry used was invented by fellow 3M scientist Dr. Spencer Silver.
Instead of taking the interstate highways all the way from Chicago to Los Angeles, you can take preserved sections of this famed route to add some variety and local color to your trip.
What is 66? Route 66 was the first all-weather highway from Chicago to Los Angeles. It was commissioned in 1926.
This herb is available in flat and curly and can freshen breath.
What is parsley? Mounds of curly parsley were once used as a garnish but have been replaced by more creative garnishes. Flat parsley is most commonly used in cooking.
A verb meaning “to carry” or “a long, narrow corridor”
What is haul/hall? They haul their luggage down the hall to their room.
July 29 is a great day to serve these little chicken parts with buffalo sauce and blue cheese dressing.
What are wings? It’s National Chicken Wing Day
This Hungarian teacher and puzzle lover invented his famous puzzle cube in 1974.
Who is Erno Rubik? Since 2003, the World Cube Association has hosted contests to see who can solve a Rubik’s cube the fastest.
When speeding down the road in a convertible while on vacation, you might think of this 1964 song by Roger Miller.
What is “King of the Road”? It begins: Trailer for sale or rent Rooms to let... fifty cents No phone, no pool, no pets I ain‘t got no cigarettes...“
This herb is commonly associated with Greek cooking. Its name means “joy of the mountain” in ancient Greek.
What is oregano? It’s also used liberally in Mexican, Turkish, and Italian dishes.
A small fabric package filled with potpourri or a verb meaning “to strut”
What is sachet/sashay? She proceeded to sashay into her bedroom to place an aromatic sachet in a drawer.
On July 6, we honor the affectionate greeting that was once called bussing.
What is kissing? It’s always a great day to kiss someone you love.