Conversation – 31

July 2025 has been a heartbreaking month with the loss of nine beloved stars: wrestling legend Hulk Hogan (71) died of cardiac arrest; Cosby Show actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner (54) drowned while on vacation; tough-guy actor Michael Madsen (67) passed from heart failure; celebrity chef Anne Burrell (54) died unexpectedly at home; rock icon Ozzy Osbourne (76) lost his battle with Parkinson’s; jazz legend Chuck Mangione (84) died peacefully surrounded by family; theater great Tom Troupe (97) passed quietly; trailblazing Black actor Kenneth Washington (89) left a legacy from Hogan’s Heroes and Star Trek; and choreographer Charles Augins (81) departed after decades in dance and stage.

NATIONAL MERRY-GO-ROUND DAY

National Merry-Go-Round Day on July 25 recognizes the amusement ride associated with carnival music. Today, we are inviting you to pick your horse or tiger take and come along for a spin!

NATIONAL THREAD THE NEEDLE DAY

National Thread the Needle Day is observed annually on July 25. Since the phrase “Thread the needle” has multiple meanings, we recognize several ways to celebrate this National Day!

NATIONAL TALK IN AN ELEVATOR DAY

National Talk In An Elevator Day falls on the last Friday in July to encourage everyone to strike up a conversation with someone in an elevator.

SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR APPRECIATION DAY

National System Administrator Appreciation Day on the last Friday in July recognizes the IT professionals who keep organizations of all sizes up and running. This day is also known as Sysadmin Day, SysAdminDay, SAD or SAAD.

NATIONAL HOT FUDGE SUNDAE DAY

On July 25, National Hot Fudge Sundae Day takes a turn representing National Ice Cream Month in delicious style. Feast on this tasty ice cream dessert that combines hot and cold with a cherry on top. Even more important to note, this dessert has been served since 1906.

NATIONAL GET GNARLY DAY

The last Friday in July provides an opportunity to embrace new ideas and toss out old ways on National Get Gnarly Day. Much like surfers challenging the waves, Get Gnarly Day challenges us to put some gnarliness into everything we do.

NATIONAL WINE AND CHEESE DAY

July 25 – Get ready to raise a glass and slice into something delicious! On July 25, we celebrate the perfect pairing—National Wine and Cheese Day. It’s a day to savor classic combinations or discover bold new pairings of rich cheeses and fine wines.

Across the globe, wine and cheese have long been local favorites—each region proudly pairing its unique varietals and dairy delights. In France, for instance, Brie from the Brie region pairs beautifully with Beaujolais, a red wine that complements the creamy texture of the cheese.

But don’t be afraid to go beyond tradition! Whether you’re consulting a sommelier or cheesemonger, they’re trained to help you explore new flavors and develop your palate—no matter your level of expertise.

Although regional preferences may take precedence in distinct areas, don’t hesitate to accept a sommelier’s suggestion. Sommeliers understand a developing palate. Through experience and skill, they guide those new to wine tasting through the basics. In addition, sommeliers keep sophisticated wine lovers abridged of the latest varietals.