Fun Chocolate Facts!

Yesterday was National Chocolate Day. So in celebration, I did some research and found some fun facts. I even posted a few on social media. Enjoy:

• In preparation for making chocolate, cacao tree seeds must be fermented to develop the flavor we know and love since they have a very intense, bitter taste.

• Research has found that chocolate, when eaten in moderation, can lower blood pressure.

• Nutella was invented during WWII. An Italian pastry maker mixed hazelnuts into chocolate to extend his cocoa supply.

• Eating dark chocolate every day reduces the risk of heart disease by one-third.

• Chocolate has an anti-bacterial effect on the mouth and protects against tooth decay.

•American's love chocolate so much that Lay's sells potato chips dipped in milk chocolate...

• The smell of chocolate increases theta brain waves, which trigger relaxation.


And as a bonus:

• Someone has invented scented pills designed to make your gaseous emissions smell like chocolate... http://www.pilulepet.com/en/15-pilule-qui-parfume-les-flatulences.html

Living In Harmony

One of my new favorite Southern Gospel songs that we’re currently playing on KWFC radio is “Living In Harmony” by the Triumphant Quartet. It has a great message, and very enjoyable to sing along with as well. It has gotten me to thinking too.

As Christians, we’re to live in harmony with one another. There is a common melody, but we’re not to live totally in unison. We all have a part, in one accord. Our goal is to live in the will of God, being a reflection of His grace and mercy. We’re to share the Gospel… the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ. He came to die that we might live. What greater news is that?

Christians may disagree on things, but that doesn’t mean we should fight over those little things. Each of us have a different view, but our common goal should be live for Christ on how we believe He would have us to. Don’t fret over others.

If we all lived our lives in God’s harmony, what greater good we’d do for Him!

~Matt

Join me on Periscope

Several of the artists I follow on social media introduced me to a new mobile app called Periscope. Created by Twitter, it allows you to broadcast live video streams to your followers. They can then watch and comment, giving you to the chance to reply as you take the video.

I decided to start using it this week, broadcasting live from the KWFC studios. I've also been able to watch the channels from local tv reporters, artists, and friends. It's been fun, and I've enjoyed it so far. Tonight, I'll be using it to show some "behind the scenes" action of our concert preparation for Ernie Haase & Signature Sound....

To catch me, look for @mattpaasch

~Matt

Selfie Sticks Save Lives!

I carry a selfie stick with me from time to time. I purchased it so I could take some great shots, especially when videoing my kids during school performances and special events. It has become handy so that I can be in the family shots as well.

I've been given a hard time (out of fun) by my coworkers, but yet they've seen me utilize it with great results. In fact, at any future concerts, you'll see me using it.

With that being said, we've read in the news how places are starting to ban them. However, recent news of yesterday shows that they can save a life. A teen girl brought one into the ocean in Massachusetts, and a rip current pulled her under. Her dad was able to grab the selfie stick and kept her head above water.

Yes, they can save lives! Even during shark week....

~Matt

Springfield Police Officer Listens to KWFC!

I was served a subpoena to appear in court this morning to testify about the attempted carjacking I witnessed back on May 8th. Unfortunately, after waiting an over an hour, it was discovered that one of other witnesses knows the judge, so it's being moved to a future date.

However,I got to view a couple of the other cases being presented. This being my first time, it was pretty neat.

As I was leaving, one of the officers that had testified in one of the earlier cases approached me. He told me that he could tell I enjoyed watching the proceedings. I admitted to him that I did. He then told me that he recognized me, and listens every afternoon to KWFC. He continued by saying to keep up the good work! 

Seeing that today is "Welcome Home Wednesday"... it was neat to be told this at the courthouse, of all places!

~Matt

Office Puns

I figured I'd share some humor today....

An old facebook post from 2012:

Correctly Observing Memorial Day

There is quite a bit of "talk" on social media and the internet on how we should observe Memorial Day. 

- Should we have BBQs and grill?

- Should we visit the graves of fallen soldiers?

- Is it appropriate to greet each other with the word "happy" before "Memorial Day"?

- Should we include those service-members currently alive in observance?

By going with facts, the day was set aside to remember those who died during the Civil War. New York was the first state to recognize it in 1973. All the northern states finally recognized the holiday by 1890 (the South refusing until after World War 1. With the Congressional passage of the "National Holiday Act of 1971", almost every state observes the holiday on the last Monday in May.

However, many seem to get Memorial Day confused with Veteran's Day. The first being set aside to remember those who died while serving our country, and the latter for celebrating the service of all US veterans.

So how do we observe the day? 

Traditionally, the flag is supposed to be lowered during the first part of the day, and then at noon, raised to the top for the remainder. Also, on December 2000, the National Moment of Remembrance was passed, asking all Americans to observe in their own way, a moment of remembrance and respect by listening to "Taps" at 3pm.

There is nothing wrong with visiting the graves of a loved one, showing respect to those currently in the service, or pulling out the grill for some steaks and burgers. But either way, none should be expected or frowned upon.

Just doing some history research!

~Matt