FIFA is officially selling about a brownie-size piece of turf to soccer fans who want a souvenir from the sporting event, according to CBS New York.

(evolvita/Instagram)

Spain won the championship, defeating Argentina 1-0 on July 19.

The turf certainly represents a piece of soccer history. Is it one you'd shell out hundreds of dollars to own?

Mike: Bingeing Agency season 2...nice work.. Great to have interviewed you...best of luck ...you have a bright future ahead!

Keanush: Thank you Mike, I really appreciate that! Thanks again for having me on

I hope he remembers this when he's a major star and I reach out for another chat!

Highlights of the interview air Friday morning on 100.7 WHUD!

I'd love to hear your comments on "The Agency" at mike@whud.com

I immediately ordered 7 pairs for my 7 grandkids and boy they've been a hit.

I had to order more for my wife. daughter and 2 daughters-in-law. Mad Mia socks get rave reviews from classmates and others who love all the variety of characters that you can choose from!

Sinclaire Bennett loves the Harry Potter socks &  sister Charlotte Bennett feels the same way about her Disney Princess socks! 

Instead of using helicopters to try to force warmer air down to the orchards, Dave set controlled fires near his peach trees and used giant fans to push the warmer air toward his crops. 

While there's a lack of local peaches elsewhere, DuBois has all you need...some two thousand trees full of ripe peaches like the one he gave me this morning!

According to the researchers at BabyCenter, new data shows that after decades of shrinking name lengths parents-to-be are headed in the opposite direction when deciding what to call their baby. Longer names are reportedly even trendier among GenBeta parents.

Looking at BabyCenter's most recent analysis of the top 100 baby names, here are the 12 girl and 12 boy names trending the hottest in New York.

(Luma Pimentel/Unsplash)

For a Girl:

• Amelia
• Catalina
• Cordelia
• Clementine
• Eleanor
• Eliana
• Evelyn
• Gianna
• Isabella
• Josephine
• Penelope
• Serenity

For a Boy:

• Alexander
• Augustine
• Benicio
• Callahan
• Elias
• Evander
• Julian
• Maximo
• Sebastian
• Sullivan
• Theodore
• Vincenzo

(Sandeep Kashyap/Unsplash)

We hope those names provide some inspo for you if YOU'RE expecting soon!

While I was getting the winner's info off the air, he casually mentioned his daughter Caroline was going to love seeing world-renowned violinist Lindsey Sterling at Bethel Woods.

But then I saw a post from Caroline's mom who mentioned how Caroline had used Lindsey's skills as inspiration to improve her own.

It was then that I decided to pass along the mom's Facebook post to Lindsey's record label rep...yet another Mike. I asked if we could surprise young Caroline with a meet & greet with Lindsey after her performance! 

A day later, word came back that Lindsey's manager Dani said YES. 

I didn't mention it on the air prior to Friday night's performance for fear that Caroline would hear about the surprise. I also knew from experience that sometimes plans are cancelled for whatever reason.

But then came word and photos on Saturday morning confirming that the meet HAD taken place backstage at Bethel Woods! And Caroline's mom wrote these words..."Thank you #MikeBennett at WHUD, for giving my daughter a night she’ll remember for the rest of her life. Lindsey Stirling lit up the stage at Bethel Woods, and my daughter was instantly captivated — recording every second, completely in awe of Lindsey’s violin skills, her acrobatics, her dancing, her voice, her energy.....and then came the moment she’ll never forget: she actually got to meet Lindsey after the show. Watching my daughter talk to the musician who inspired her so deeply this past school year was overwhelming in the best way. This was more than a concert. It was an unbelievable blessing."

Glad I could play small part in making this happen! All it took was 3 guys named Mike!

She still gets back home and in fact she told me she just rode the Dragon Coaster at Playland! 

With roles on "How I Met Your Mother", "Psych" and the "Jim Gaffigan Show"...now she's heavily involved in multiple programs on the Hallmark Channel.

A delight to talk to... I hope I got another chance to chat!

(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention via cdc.gov)

According to localizefood.app on Instagram, 20 people have been hospitalized so far due to contracting C. cayatenensis, and that number is rising with spikes in Texas and Illinois. The parasite, traced to raw produce and water that has been contaminated by feces, can bring on symptoms including loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, abdominal cramps, nausea/vomiting, body aches, low-grade fever and, most notably, prolonged watery stool.

(Giorgio Trovato/Unsplash)

CDC.gov states that Cyclospora cayatanensis clings to crevices of produce and is resistant to standard chemical disinfectant. So, what can you do to AVOID contracting this microscopic parasite? Here are six suggestions.

Wash Produce Thoroughly

(Louis Hansel/Unsplash)

Scrub Firm Produce with a Produce Brush

(-Kenny/Unsplash)

Wash Your Hands for at Least 20 Seconds

(Melissa Jeanty/Unsplash)

Cut Away Bruised Patches

(K8/Unsplash)

Refrigerate Cleaned Produce with 2 Hours

(Ello/Unsplash)

Heat or Boil Produce to Kill the Parasite

(Michal Balog/Unsplash)

*Side Note: CDC.gov advises that even produce labeled as 'pre-washed', like some pre-packaged lettuces and other greens, be placed under running water. Hard-skinned fruits and veggies like apples and avocado should be washed with soap and water.

FYI, should you experience any of the symptoms listed above, seek medical attention. The presence of Cyclospora organisms or DNA of the parasite can reportedly be tested for via a stool sample.

For more information regarding the C. cayatanensis parasite visit CDC.gov.

Playing her violin while dancing up a storm is what excites her fans and although she told me she's tired because she just finished rehearsals for this tour....she'll be well rested and rarin' to go on Friday night!

I really enjoyed talking to her because she gives, thoughtful, complete and honest answers. She's an interviewer's dream guest!

Listen this week for interview highlights and tickets!

Hear a preview of the show on MY show Thursday morning at 6:15 & 8:15 when bass player and last original member, Robert "Kool" Bell joins me!

And of course their hit "Celebration" is what I do every weekday morning at 7:45 on 100.7 WHUD! 

Just be caller #7 to 845-713-1007 and you'll be a winner!

My 3 children and I really enjoyed the Log Flume ride back in the 90's! I hope it re-opens this season!

Email your Playland memories:

mike@whud.com

And the winner was Kevin who just moved to Washingtonville from the Bronx! What a welcome to the Hudson Valley!

That's Kevin, his wife Janine and daughters Olivia and Seraphina. And that's a real LOCAL family...not an AI or stock photo from "central casting".

We all wish them the best on their trip to Orlando courtesy of Disney Records!

Stay tuned your favorite LOCAL radio station (100.7 WHUD is MY favorite) because we always have great family prizes!

Comments: email mike@whud.com

Best of all the films are free to attend and get rolling at 8 p.m. However, it's recommended that you get there around 5 p.m. to snag a seat before the park fills up! There will be food trucks on site as well as a bar tent serving seasonal cocktails.

Below is Bryant Park's schedule of free films this summer, in partnership with Paramount+.

July 13th 'Wayne's World' (1992)

(Paramount Pictures via iMDb)

July 20th 'Good Morning, Vietnam!' (1987)

(Touchstone Pictures via iMDb))

July 27th 'The Truman Show' (1998)

(Paramount Pictures via iMDb)

August 3rd 'Bridget Jones's Diary' (2001)

(Miramax/Universal Pictures via iMDb)

August 10th 'Catch Me If You Can' (2002)

(Dreamworks, LLC via iMDb)

August 17th 'City of God' (2002)

(O2 Films via iMDb)

August 24th 'King Creole' (1958)

(Paramount Pictures iMDb)

August 31st 'No Country for Old Men' (2007)

(Paramount Vantage iMDb)

September 7th 'Galaxy Quest' (1999)

(Paramount Pictures via iMDb)

September 14th 'Shakespeare in Love' (1998)

(Miramax via iMDb)

Bryant Park is located in the heart of Manhattan between 40th and 42nd Streets and between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.

I hope all is well! I wanted to follow up and share a recap of AVE Hamilton Green's PAWsome campaign in White Plains, which benefited SNARR Northeast in support of National Pet Month.

Now that the initiative has wrapped, AVE Hamilton Green collected 393 donated items, filling approximately 15 donation boxes for SNARR Northeast. The campaign also resulted in 2 pet leases signed

The campaign helped generate meaningful support for SNARR Northeast, following the Paws on the Green adoption event, where nearly all of the puppies found their forever homes.

Kudos to all involved in this grassroots campaign!

We Brooklyn boys have to stick together so go see Tony Danza in person...worth the trip from anywhere!

I'd love to read your comments...shoot me an email : mike@whud.com

(Eric Gay/Pool Photo via Imagn Images; REUTERS)

For Game 3, they'll be back on their home court at Madison Square Garden. The sidelines are bound to be star studded. But lets take a look back at nine celebrities who were courtside the last time the Knicks made it this far back in 1999.

Boxer Evander Holyfield

(Chuck Cook/USA TODAY Sports via REUTERS)

Actor/Director Ben Stiller

(REUTERS/Adam Gray)

Actor James Caan

(REUTERS/Fred Thornhill)

Actor Adam Sandler

(David Gonzales/Imagn Images via REUTERS)

Actor Billy Crystal

(REUTERS/Aude Guerrucci)

Director Woody Allen

(REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane)

Director Spike Lee

(Imagn Images via REUTERS)

Golfer Tiger Woods

(Kiyoshi Mio/Imagn Images via REUTERS)

John F. Kennedy, Jr.

(REUTERS)

Check out some video below of the 1999 New York Knicks NBA Finals sideline courtesy of Bleacher Report on YouTube.

Go Knicks! 

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Smitha Karuthedom to the position of Medical Director of Helen Hayes Hospital's Skilled Nursing Facility and Transitional Care Unit! Dr. Karuthedom brings over a decade of experience as a board-certified provider of internal medicine and clinical leader to stewarding the hospital's subacute rehabilitation programs.

Dr. Karuthedom joins us from Montefiore Nyack Hospital where she served as Associate Medical Director of the hospital's physician group. Her commitment to fostering clinical excellence and innovation strongly supports our mission of advancing mobility and independence for all.

My interview with Rob airs Thursday morning at 8:15 on 100.7 WHUD! I'd love to hear your comments...email mike@whud.com

Miss Gina, as the students call her, has quite a dance history and demands discipline and effort. The result is great performances from the hundred+

dancers in the program ....and it's been that way for years! 

So BRAVO to Gina and her instructors who make parents, siblings and grandparents very proud every year 

But Jessimae Peluso can do it all AND entertains our troops around the world with the U-S-O! I told her I have two USO t-shirts because I support that great organization too!

Oh and she told me a portion of the ticket sales is donated to an organization supporting Alzheimer's disease established by Seth Rogan 

What a great phone call it turned out to be...Jessimae Peluso is my new best friend :)

I've been very good in taking a few pieces at a time...when I normally would devour it in one sitting.

Hence I have a bit left for dessert tonight...but it has to be with a tall glass of cold milk!

So my question is, when are they going back to Poland for another visit?

Comments? email me at:  mike@whud.com

Follow the path of Rip Van Winkle in this reimagined, high-energy, immersive experience set across the historic home and grounds of Sunnyside.

Experience one of Washington Irving’s most famous tales like never before. Led by a cast of costumed actors, you’ll travel from scene to scene through a multi-sensory light and soundscape of live music and dreamscapes, where you’ll join in festivities, enjoy complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic libations and snacks, and interact with the tale as it unfolds around you. It’s a story about losing time, but finding yourself at just the right moment in time—it’s bold, atmospheric, and definitely inspiring!

RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 10+

May 23 – July 26

Weekends

Advanced Tickets Only. Not Sold on Site

Timed Admission

70 Minute Immersive Experience with Live Perfomances

Select Fridays – Sundays
6pm & 8pm

Tickets

General Admission: $65

Members Save 15% 

Email me with any comments on any of my blogs...mike@whud.com

To find out which sports cities fandom is the most zealous, researchers at PlayBaseball.com, a sports equipment retail site, surveyed thousands of Americans across the United States and ranked states passion for local sports teams based on the following criteria: How strongly residents identify as sports fans, how emotionally invested the feel, how much time they spend following sports, whether they attend games or even travel for them, and how much money they spend on sports. 

Unfortunately, New York did not rank within the Top 5, but we are inside the Top 10.

(Thinkstock; Canva)

When all the stats were analyzed, New York was placed the #6 U.S. state with the most passionate sports fans.

Our ranking HAS to go up when the next batch of results is released, right? The New York Knicks just made the NBA Finals for the first time in 27 years and the NY Giants recently hired former Baltimore Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh to take the reigns of a football team that's showing great potential. So, I definitely feel the enthusiasm around professional New York sports team gaining momentum!

Here are the Top 5 Most Passionate Sports States in America (according to PlayBaseball.com):

1. Texas

2. Georgia

3. Illinois

4. Mississippi

5. New Jersey

Take a look at the full ranking at PlayBaseball.com.

– It was announced today that the Secretary of War the Honorable Pete Hegseth will be the speaker at the U.S. Military Academy’s Class of 2026 graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 23.  

This marks his first official visit to the academy.  

Hegseth is the 29th secretary of war and serves as the principal assistant to the President in all matters relating to the Department of War.  

Born and raised in Minneapolis, Minn., he was commissioned as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army National Guard following his graduation from Princeton University in 2003. He later earned a degree from Harvard University in 2013.

He participated in a number of active-duty deployments during his time in service, including operations in Guantanamo Bay, Iraq and Afghanistan. Hegseth also served in multiple staff positions in the National Guard.  

.

Cheryl L. Boujnida

Chief, Media Relations Division

Directorate of Communications

U.S. Military Academy at West Point

DUTY! HONOR! COUNTRY!

From the time he first appeared on Saturday Night Live in 2010, I was a fan of this guy because not only is he naturally funny but he has the ability to do just any celebrity impression! From Denzel to President Obama...he nails it every time.

Now he's hosting the Fox prime time game show "The Quiz with Balls" which just wrapped up season three and he told me yesterday that season 4 will happen. He says his 87 year old grandmother calls it her favorite show!

Don't miss Jay Pharoah at Levity Live-West Nyack at the Palisades Center mall......his first appearance there!

BTW, Jay Pharoah is a stage name...his real name is Jared Antonio Farrow....he told me Jay makes the money and Jared pays the taxes!

Go see him and send my your review: 

mike@whud.com

Sure, lots of sports figures have dated the same people time and again, but never have I ever heard two that literally swapped their whole entire lives.

But that's the crazy-but-true real life story of New York Yankees pitchers Mike Kekich and Fritz Peterson.

The year was 1973. Mike Kekich and his wife Susanne and Fritz Peterson and his wife Marilyn had reportedly been friends for about four years at that point.

It was at Yankees Spring Training in '73 that Kekich and Peterson made a public announcement that they'd fallen in love with each other's spouses. And this was no prank or temporary experiment. It was very real and the headlines ran away with the scenario.

As you can imagine, given the era, this was a major scandal, both in the sports and media world. Explaining on Instagram said it best, stating, 'It remains one of the most bizarre and talked-about off-field stories in sports history'.

The scandal unfolded in about five steps. Here are the series of events surrounding this New York Yankees 'life swap'.

First, the pitchers switched wives. Fritz Peterson got with Susanne Kekich. Mike Kekich got with Marilyn Peterson. Second, the families swapped kids. Yep, the Kekich kids were living with Fritz and the Peterson offspring were living with Mike. Third, the newly formed couples traded homes. Fourth, Fitz and Mike traded cars. Fifth and finally, they even swapped family pets!

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Explaining (@explaining)

So, how did this all end up? Fritz Peterson pitched for the Yankees for nine seasons. He and Susanne got married and stayed together. As for Mike Kekich, in the bullpen for the Yankees for four seasons, he and Marilyn's love affair fizzled out after a couple months.

via GIPHY

Yep, my eyes are still bugged out of my head, lol.

But in about 2 1/2 hours working by himself, Jose from Whitaker's Garage Door Store ripped down the old door (I think most of it just crumbled on it's own) and installed our lovely new stainless steel door with a lock!

No more wild critters taking up residence in our detached garage and it looks fantastic! Highly recommend Whitaker's...as the sign says..914-962-9873

Comments anyone? Email me at: mike@whud.com

I have a nice blanket and notepads and address labels and now this sign that hangs on the inside of our front door.

I've always believed that Native Americans got shafted way back when and anything I can do to support them now is a good thing.

I'd love to hear YOUR opinions about which charities you support!

Email me at mike@whud.com

I've told him in the past that I believe the annual show should be required viewing by all Americans. It is so moving and reminds us all of the sacrifices of many men & women in uniform to keep us free.

Among the musical performers this year is fellow Monroe-Woodbury graduate, Andy Grammer and actor Noah Wylie of "The Pitt" 

BTW, my chat with Joe will air this Monday May 18th at 6:15 & 8:15am on 100.7 WHUD

I'd love to hear your feedback ..email me at mike@whud.com

FRIDAY 5-22 UPDATE...sad to say Joe Mantegna had to bow out of this year's telecast but the show will of course on without him as Gary Sinise will be joined by actress Mary McCormack. Hopefully Joe will be back for Memorial Day 2027!

Here's what the Chamber has to say:

The Orange County Chamber of Commerce will mark a milestone on June 3 with its fifth annual Women M.E.A.N. Business event at Winding Hills Golf Club in Montgomery, N.Y., celebrating five years of empowering women across the region. In addition, Vicki Mastronardi, assistant vice president and branch manager at Orange Bank & Trust, will be honored with the first MEANingful Impact Award. 

Mastronardi, assistant vice president and branch manager at Orange Bank & Trust, was chosen for her leadership, mentorship and deep community involvement, which have made a measurable difference across Orange County. Known for guiding and uplifting others, fostering meaningful professional connections and empowering women to advance in their careers, Mastronardi embodies the very spirit of the M.E.A.N. mission

About the Orange County Chamber of Commerce

The Orange County Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting economic growth and prosperity in Orange County, N.Y.. Through advocacy, networking, and community engagement, the Chamber serves as a catalyst for business success and a champion for the local business community. Learn more at orangeny.com.

BTW, if you call Orange Bank & Trust, my voice can be heard when you're on-hold!

Comments anyone? mike@whud.com is my email which I monitor 24/7 ...I don't sleep lol