Back to Contents

Nothing says summer like a dog lightly blackened on the grill and covered with ketchup, mustard and relish. According to the National Hot Dog & Sausage Council, Americans eat 7 billion hot dogs between Memorial Day and Labor Day. I guess that’s why National Hot Dog Month falls during July.

I think 2010 will be over before I fully accept it. It seems like such a “space age” year. On July 2, at noon we will be halfway through. Maybe I’ll get used to it in the second 182 ½ days of 2010.

Find out why Thomas Jefferson wanted to celebrate the Second of July instead of the Fourth from Treehouse Trivia. Keep going to learn a bit about the history of fireworks, which have been a part of our Independence Day celebrations since 1777.

As the old commercial used to say, “Baseball, Hotdogs, Apple Pie and (a famous car brand) go together in the U.S.A.” We’ve got the hotdogs, then we celebrate Apple Turnover Day on July 5. I think National Ice Cream Day (July 18) should have shared the day, because what goes better with an apple pie (or turnover) than vanilla ice cream?

I don’t know why, but National Lasagna Day is also celebrated in July on the 25^th. There’s nothing particularly American or summery about lasagna, but the day allows you to take a break from American cuisine and head to your favorite Italian restaurant. You might even find a deal for free lasagna.

Summer unofficially ends with a bang on Sept. 6, Labor Day. My weekend usually involves the grill and fireworks. If the weather cooperates, I may even be able to get in some pool time. Before the summer ends, try your hand at unscrambling the season in Treehouse Games.

If you are still planning your family vacation, learn how to reduce the stress involved from In a Nutshell. You can also find a few tips about getting what you want in life.

Finally, we would like to ask for your assistance in maintaining security at PineCone Research. 

You may be tempted to discuss your work for us with others; however, we require that you keep 

your survey and product testing experiences within your own household. This includes blogging

and posting information like our registration link in Internet chat rooms or on message boards. 

Also, when responding to surveys, please limit your feedback to only the product that you are 

evaluating. 

And if you have a question, problem or a comment of any kind to make – about the research you participate in or our newsletter, you can let us know what you are thinking by e-mailing me at Scott@PineConeResearch.com. Thanks for your interest and CONFIDENTIAL participation in PineCone Research. . . .where we value you, your time, your privacy and your opinions.