June 15th is Fly a Kite Day!

Today marks the anniversary of Benjamin Franklin’s infamous kite-flying experiment in which he tested out the electrical components of lightning. This notable moment in history is the inspiration for “Fly a Kite Day”.

Kite-flying is an activity that started over 2000 years ago in China. And while kites have been used primarily for fun and artistic expression, they have been used in a variety of other ways throughout history as well. They’ve been featured in parades, for example, and they’ve also found military use during wars. Kites have also been used to relay messages, measure distances, test wind patterns, and hoist men into the air, among other uses. They’ve even been used competitively in the controversial sport known as “kite fighting.”

When most people think of kites, though, they think of the simple enjoyment that comes from flying one. Children especially enjoy flying kites on a warm, windy summer days. Personally speaking, I have very fond memories of going to the nearby park with my family to fly kites when I was a little girl. Sometimes it’s the simple things in life that bring us the greatest joy.

You can even make your own kite out of fabric or paper as a family activity. For guides and ideas on how to make and fly kites, check out these sites:

How to Make and Fly Kites - A Complete Guide
Kite Builder Plans
Kites, kite flying and fun!

Are there any other fans of kite-flying out there? Feel free to share your thoughts, favorite stories and ideas with other members in the comments section below.

Happy flying!

Celebrate Summer with a Black Cow

Cold root beer, a tall glass, and a heaping scoop of vanilla ice cream… Some call it a “root beer float”, others know it as an “ice cream soda.” And depending on where you live, you may even refer to it as a “black cow”. But no matter what you name it, there’s one thing that’s undeniable: this tasty beverage is an American classic!

Today is National Black Cow Day, a celebration of one of our favorite frozen treats. So, why not grab a 2-liter of your favorite soda, a quart of vanilla and make your very own? Or better yet, top it off with some whipped cream and Maraschino cherries and indulge a bit! Your taste buds will thank you.

Aside from the root beer float, there are a number of other specialty beverages that’ll keep you cool on a hot summer day. For more information, check out any of the links below. You’re sure to find some great recipes that you and your family will love!

Old-Time Soda Fountain Float Recipes
Shakes & Malts
Malt Recipes
Milk Shake Recipes
Frozen Treat Recipes

More Opportunities to Take Surveys

The most common request I receive from MySurvey.com members is to receive more survey opportunities. A few years ago, as a way to accommodate this request, we began partnering with other survey companies. Lately however, you may have noticed an increase in the number of surveys we are offering for other research companies.

There’s a very good reason for this. In October 2008, the parent company of MySurvey.com, TNS, became part of WPP’s information, insight and consultancy division, The Kantar Group. As our companies merge together, we are finding more ways to use one of our most valuable resources – consumers like you who tell us what products and services you want in the market place!

Naturally, we aim for error free surveys, but problems do occur, especially when starting new programs like this. Please bear with us as we work out some of the remaining “kinks”, but please be sure to alert us to any problems so we can get the surveys fixed.

As always, your participation in any survey is completely voluntary. If you prefer to take only MySurvey.com surveys, simply ignore the invitations for surveys sponsored by our partners. Remember, your privacy is protected and your name, email address, or other personal information will never be shared with the other survey companies without your explicit permission.

I hope you enjoy some of the new survey opportunities we have to offer. We look forward to having fun and exciting survey opportunities in the future!