FAVORITE TOY REVEALS THE REAL YOU

When you were playing games as a child, it probably never crossed your mind that your carefree pursuits were molding your personality. "Studies show that the toys that intrigued us as children are a barometer for the adults we become, says Chicago psychologist Andrew Scuggins. "Survey participants who listed the same toy as their favorite also shared similar personality characteristics. Think back to your happy childhood days, and then choose one of the examples listed below. Chances are the description beside the toy you loved the best will fit you to a T.

·         Frisbee -- You're a natural-born athlete who thrives on outdoor pursuits. There's nothing you like better than organizing a hiking party, canoe trip or backyard volleyball game. Just as long as you're involved in a physical activity, you are a happy camper. The boundless enthusiasm spills over to your kids, and the bonds you form while you spend time in uninhibited play with them will remain forever.

·         Play-Doh -- You possess a creative bent that makes you a champ at everything from decorating your home to organizing the perfect party. People are charmed at your amazing efforts -- you can take the most inexpensive items and turn them into "Martha Stewart" productions. And the get-togethers at your house are famous for their originality and outrageous themes. Fun-loving and high-spirited, you're a ball of fire who lights up any gathering.

·         Yo-Yo -- You're a meticulous problem-solver who enjoys pitting your skills against seemingly formidable odds. Self-confident but never self-centered, you're always there to help loved ones or pals when they need a hand. Your quiet calm and uncanny ability to see all the sides of a situation make you an asset at your workplace. Both your co-workers and your boss are inspired by your creative solutions.

·         Etch-A-Sketch -- You are a deep thinker who enjoys spending time on your own. You're also very organized, allotting each hour of the day to specific tasks. But although you're quite content with your solitude, you are warm and generous with your small circle of pals. You also have a keen interest in community projects, and you believe that one of the joys of being human is contributing to the welfare of others.

·         Hula Hoop -- You're sexy and sassy, and when you enter a room, it's for sure all eyes will be on you. You're the girl who's always in the know, whether it's the latest trend in clothes or a juicy piece of Hollywood gossip. You're also a lively storyteller, regaling your family and friends with the details of your latest adventures. But while you're the life of the party, you also have a compassionate side that makes you a trusted and loyal friend.

      Oh lord. I was an Etch A Sketch kid. I have taken up the Hula Hoop lately though. When I go visit my trainer I hula hoop for 10 minutes. Supposedly this burns the muffin top which I like but I have found the best reason to do it is it makes me laugh and reminds me of being a kid in the driveway barefoot and the heat of the pavement burning your feet as you hula. Good memories.

I had food critic extraordinaire from Minnesota Monthly on the show today.

She suggested we visit Eichtens for string cheese and fresh Buffalo meat.

Listener Jennifer was kind enough to provide directions so here they are:

Take 35 NORTH to the Hwy. 8/Taylors Falls exit and drive about 10 miles or so to Eichten's!!

She also added....

AHhh, amazing cheese, breads, spreads and lots of excellent buffalo meat....plus the drive is nice...

WHAT YOU READ REVEALS YOUR PERSONALITY

A recent study says what you read reveals your personality. Here's what the study found: If you read...

·         Romantic Novels -- You're sensual and extremely intuitive. You're also optimistic and quick to bounce back from disappointments.

·         Biographies -- Inquisitive, cautious and ambitious, you investigate many options before making a decision.

·         Detective Books -- You enjoy mental challenges. An excellent problem solves, you'll tackle problems most people wouldn't touch.

·         Horror Stories -- Everyday life can be boring to you, so you seek excitement.

·         Science Fiction -- Highly imaginative and creative, you are fascinated by technology and like to plan for the future.

·         Westerns -- Extremely nostalgic and patriotic, you take pride in your self-reliance and go for the simple life.

·         The Bible -- Honest and hardworking, you respect authority and find it easy to forgive people.

·         Classics -- If you are well mannered, poised and gracious.

·         History Books -- You're a productive person who dislikes small talk. You'd rather spend time on a constructive project than a party.

·         Coffee Table Books -- If you prefer large, decorative books with color illustrations, you're an excellent host.

·         Poetry -- a lover of nature and animals, you often get in touch with your feelings.

·         Financial Magazines -- You are competitive and enjoy nothing more than outsmarting outer people.

·         Women's Magazines -- You are determined to be come "superwoman," striving for excellence in everything you do.

·         Fashion Magazines -- You are status conscious and you work hard to improve your social image.

·         Tabloids -- Compassionate and upbeat, you're an entertaining conversationalist with a ready supply of fascinating facts, which make you a bit hit in the office and at parties.

·         News Magazines and the Daily Newspaper -- If you like to read up on current events, you're a tough-minded realist who's receptive to new ideas.

I must admit I still love reading a newspaper and a great fiction book. This job has given me an excuse to read my guilty pleasure... those pesky tabloids!

Horray - I love ice cream and packed away a scoop of Izzys Peace Coffee last night!

National Ice Cream Month -- Here are ten fun facts about ice cream:

1. We Americans slurp up the most ice cream per person than folks in any other nation - a whopping 48 pints for each of us per year.
2. Vanilla orders account for anywhere from 20% to 29% of all ice cream sales. Chocolate's second snagging about 9 to 10 percent of the market.
3. A serving of vanilla ice cream was offered to immigrants at Ellis Island, as part of their "Welcome to America" meal.
4. Among the wacky flavors of ice cream manufactured are avocado, garlic, jalapeno, azuki bean and pumpkin. Maybe the nuttiest of all was dill pickle ice cream, marketed to expectant mothers.
5. One out of every five ice cream eaters lets "Fido" and "Fluffy" join in the fun.
6. For reason no one is entirely clear about, the fine folks in Omaha, NE, are the most voracious ice cream eaters, beating out the citizens of California, Florida and other warmer climates.
7. The first ice cream parlor in this country made its debut in New York City in 1776. About 70 years later, the hand-cranked freezer was invented, allowing Americans to make ice cream fairly easily at home.
8. Ice cream was first mentioned in writing in this country in a letter from the 1700s, which admiringly described the ice cream and strawberry dessert a Maryland governor served at a fancy dinner party. Back then, ice cream was enjoyed mostly by a very elite few, including George Washington.
9. Air is a major ingredient of ice cream. Nope, you're not being gypped. Without lots of air, ice cream would be just about as hard as concrete.
10. Such novelties as ice cream on sticks and ice cream bars, introduced in the 1920s, may seem like kid's stuff, but the fact is, adults gobble nearly half of all such treats.

Top 10 Most Popular Ice Cream Flavors:

1. Vanilla (29%)
2. Chocolate (8.9%)
3. Butter pecan (5.3%)
4. Strawberry (5.3%)
5. Neapolitan (4.2%)
6. Chocolate chip (3.9%)
7. French vanilla (3.8%)
8. Cookies and cream (3.6%)
9. Vanilla fudge ripple (2.6%)
10. Praline pecan (1.7%)

Dragon Festival

Phalen Lake Park, St. Paul

July 12-13, 9 a.m.-5 p.m

full of cultural performances, martial arts demonstrations, curry cooking, and most visual of all, dragon boat racing. Having observed these races in Asia, I can report that the hum and spectacle is fun regardless of who wins or loses. Any place with this type of food and entertainment, there won't be losers anyway.

Dances at the Lakes

Rose Garden at Lake Harriet

July 11-12, 7:30 p.m.

The Christopher Watson Dance Company's most popular annual event encourages people to "come with friends and family, bring a lawn chair or blanket and some snacks or a picnic dinner to make it a celebration," Watson says.

"Every year people tell us how much they enjoy the unique opportunity of seeing dance performed in the beautiful setting of the Rose Garden." Hope for good weather, pack some great food and take in a free show.

Blueberry Picking

Bauer Berry Farm

10830 French Lake Road, Champlin, 55316 Strawberry season is just about done, but the blueberries should be in this weekend. Among the numerous places to pick, I had good luck at the Bauer Berry Farm in Champlin earlier this year, but if you have other suggestions, please leave them in the comments. A fun family activity or a great date.

Kaiser Cartel

Bryant Lake Bowl

July 13, 3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m

Jen Paulson's preview

The first time I ever saw KaiserCartel was in the basement of a south Minneapolis coffee shop and it blew me away, as their charmingly understated personalities were in contrast to their passionate sound. The release of their new album, March Forth, released earlier in June, showcases Courtney Kaiser's delicately strong voice, reminiscent of Aimee Mann, beautiful and clear as a bell. She intertwines romantically with musical partner and boyfriend Benjamin Cartel's warm, enveloping voice with a sweet, barely noticeable Southern twang, the two voices lavished with xylophone and sweet flourishes of whistling and slightly poppy handclaps one moment while woeful and moody the next. This duo's approach might seem simplistic, but they have a seemingly effortless ability to produce lovely tunes. So hold on tight, three shows are taking over the Bryant-Lake Bowl this evening