Daily Throwback @ The Pie!

September 3, 2025 ~ Pie President ~ Leave a comment

On September 3, 1995, a quiet revolution in online commerce began when Pierre Omidyar launched AuctionWeb, the precursor to what we now know as eBay.

This moment marked the start of a platform that would transform how people buy and sell goods, creating a global marketplace that empowered individuals and small businesses alike.

Legend has it that Omidyar’s inspiration came partly from his fiancée’s desire to trade Pez candy dispensers, though this story has been somewhat mythologized

Regardless, Omidyar coded the initial version of AuctionWeb over a long weekend, launching it as a side project from his home in California. The site was rudimentary, hosted on his personal website, but it laid the foundation for what would become a global phenomenon.

In 1997, AuctionWeb officially rebranded as eBay, a name derived from Omidyar’s consulting firm, Echo Bay Technology Group. The domain echobay.com was already taken, so he shortened it to eBay.com.

The rebranding marked a turning point, as the platform began to professionalize and expand its reach. By 1998, eBay had gone public, and its valuation soared, reflecting its growing influence in the dot-com boom.

By 2025, eBay remains a major player in e-commerce, though it has evolved significantly from its auction-centric roots to include fixed-price sales and a focus on sustainability through secondhand goods.

Pierre Omidyar’s vision of a connected, community-driven marketplace continues to resonate, proving that a simple idea, launched on a quiet day in 1995, could change the world.

Read more about eBay by clicking the link below!

LINK IS HERE

A Global Coffee Craze?

August 28, 2025 ~ Pie President ~ Leave a comment

Every day, the world wakes up to the aroma of roughly 2.5 billion cups of coffee. That’s right—billion with a “B.” This staggering number isn’t just a testament to our collective caffeine addiction but a window into how coffee has woven itself into the fabric of cultures, economies and daily routines across the globe.

From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the cozy cafés of Paris, coffee is more than a beverage—it’s a ritual.

In Ethiopia, where coffee’s story began centuries ago, traditional ceremonies involve roasting beans over an open flame, a practice that’s as much about community as it is about the drink.

In Italy, an espresso shot is a quick, standing affair at the bar, while in the U.S., oversized lattes fuel long workdays.

Despite these differences, the global average of 2.5 billion cups daily shows coffee’s unmatched ability to transcend borders and unite people.

Let’s break it down: 2.5 billion cups a day translates to about one cup for every three people on the planet. That’s roughly 900 billion cups annually, enough to fill over 300,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools. The U.S. alone accounts for about 400 million cups daily, while countries like Finland and Norway lead per capita consumption, with some Finns sipping up to 12 kilograms of coffee per year. Whether it’s a frothy cappuccino, a bold black brew, or an iced concoction, coffee’s versatility keeps it in demand.

So, why do we drink so much of it? Beyond the obvious caffeine kick, coffee is a social glue. It’s the excuse for a first date, a business meeting, or a catch-up with friends. Scientifically, caffeine boosts alertness and focus, making it a go-to for students, professionals and anyone facing a morning slump. Plus, coffee’s rich flavor profiles—nutty, fruity, or chocolatey—offer something for every palate, thanks to diverse growing regions like Colombia, Brazil, and Vietnam.

This massive consumption comes with impacts. Coffee farming supports millions of livelihoods, especially in developing nations, but it also raises concerns about sustainability, fair trade and environmental costs. From deforestation to water usage, the journey from bean to cup isn’t always smooth. Yet, initiatives like shade-grown coffee and ethical sourcing are gaining traction, reflecting a growing awareness of these issues among consumers.

Next time you sip your morning brew, consider this: you’re one of billions sharing in a global tradition. Those 2.5 billion cups represent moments of connection, productivity and joy. So, whether you’re a pour-over purist or an instant-coffee loyalist, raise your mug to the drink that keeps the world spinning!

Daily Prompt @ The Pie!

June 8, 2025 ~ Pie President ~ Leave a comment

Daily writing prompt

What are the most important things needed to live a good life?

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Life’s a wild ride, isn’t it? One minute you’re chasing dreams, the next you’re just trying to figure out what really matters. I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on what makes a life good—not just successful or flashy, but deeply fulfilling. From my perspective, a good life boils down to a few core ingredients: connection, purpose, health and freedom.

Humans are messy, social creatures. We thrive on relationships—whether it’s family, friends, or even a kind stranger who shares a smile. I’ve learned that the quality of your connections matters more than the quantity. One deep, honest conversation over coffee can do more for your soul than a hundred shallow chats.

For me, connection means showing up for people. It’s listening to a partner vent about a rough day, calling your mom just to hear her voice, or laughing with friends until your sides hurt. These moments remind me I’m not alone in this chaotic world. Studies back this up—strong social ties are linked to lower stress and longer lives. But you don’t need data to feel the warmth of a hug or the comfort of someone who gets you. Prioritize your people. Make time for them. It’s the glue that holds a good life together.

Ever wake up and wonder, “What’s the point?” I have. A good life needs purpose—a sense that you’re contributing to something bigger than yourself. It doesn’t have to be grand, like solving world hunger. For me, purpose shows up in small ways: writing something that resonates with someone, helping a neighbor, or even tending to a little herb garden. It’s about feeling like my existence makes a dent, however small.

Purpose is personal. For some, it’s their career. For others, it’s volunteering, creating art, or raising kids. I’ve found mine shifts over time—what drove me at 20 isn’t the same at 30. The key is to keep asking, “What lights me up?” and then chasing that spark. Without purpose, life can feel like a hamster wheel—busy but empty.

You can have all the love and purpose in the world, but if your body or mind is crumbling, it’s hard to enjoy them. Health isn’t just about hitting the gym or eating kale (though those help). It’s about balance—moving your body, eating food that fuels you and taking care of your mental space. I learned this the hard way after burning out from overwork. I was irritable, exhausted and no fun to be around. Prioritizing sleep and cutting back on stress saved me.

Mental health is just as crucial. Therapy, journaling, or even a quiet walk can work wonders. I’m not saying you need to be a fitness guru or meditate for hours—just listen to your body and mind. Small, consistent choices, like drinking water or taking a deep breath before reacting, add up. A healthy you is the foundation for everything else.

Freedom might sound lofty, but I mean the ability to make choices that align with who you are. It’s having enough time, money, or mental space to say “yes” to what matters and “no” to what doesn’t. For me, freedom came when I stopped chasing everyone else’s definition of success. I ditched the hustle for a job that gave me more time to breathe, even if it meant less cash.

Financial freedom helps, too—not riches, but enough to cover your needs without constant worry. I’ve been broke, and I’ve been comfortable; the latter lets you focus on life’s joys instead of bills. Freedom also means owning your choices. Say no to toxic relationships. Set boundaries. Pursue what makes you feel alive. It’s your life—shape it.

A good life isn’t about perfection. It’s messy, imperfect, and ever-changing. But connection, purpose, health and freedom? They’re the threads that weave it all together. They’re not one-size-fits-all—you’ve got to figure out what they mean for you. For me, it’s laughing with friends, writing from the heart, taking care of my body and having the space to choose my path.

Take a moment today to nurture one of these areas. Call someone you love. Reflect on what drives you. Go for a walk. Say no to something that doesn’t serve you. Life’s too short to miss out on what makes it worth living.

Cats vs. Dogs!

June 7, 2025 ~ Pie Reporter ~ Leave a comment

When it comes to pet communication, cats and dogs are in different leagues. Cats, with their repertoire of over 100 vocal sounds, are the maestros of animal expression, while dogs manage with a modest set of about 10. This stark contrast isn’t just a fun fact—it’s a window into the fascinating world of animal behavior, evolution, and domestication. Let’s dive into why cats are so chatty and what this means for pet lovers.

Cats are vocal acrobats. From the soft, pleading meow for treats to the guttural growl of a territorial standoff, their vocal range is staggering. Researchers have identified over 100 distinct sounds, including purrs, trills, chirps, hisses, yowls, and even the eerie caterwaul of a cat in heat. Each sound serves a purpose, often tailored to specific emotions or needs.

Dogs, on the other hand, keep it simple with roughly 10 vocalizations. Their repertoire includes barks, growls, whines, howls, and the occasional yip or whimper. While effective, this limited range reflects their different evolutionary path. As pack animals, dogs rely heavily on body language—tail wags, ear positions, and facial expressions—to communicate within their social groups.

The gap in vocal complexity comes down to biology and lifestyle. Cats, as solitary creatures, developed a broad sound palette to convey precise messages in brief encounters, whether with rivals, mates, or humans. Dogs, evolving in packs, prioritized visual and scent-based communication for group cohesion, with vocalizations playing a secondary role.

Domestication also shaped these differences. Cats, living closer to humans for thousands of years, honed their vocal skills to “talk” to us, adapting sounds to manipulate our responses (yes, that meow at 5 a.m. is no accident). Dogs, bred for tasks like hunting or guarding, leaned on physical signals to work alongside humans, with barking often amplified through selective breeding.

Ever wonder if cats and dogs “get” each other? Their different communication styles can lead to hilarious misunderstandings. A dog’s enthusiastic bark might spook a cat, while a cat’s hiss could confuse a dog expecting a tail wag. Yet, in multi-pet households, they often learn to decode each other’s signals, creating their own quirky interspecies language.

Cats may win the vocal variety contest with their 100+ sounds, but dogs hold their own with expressive simplicity. Both species have evolved to communicate in ways that suit their instincts and environments, and as pet owners, we’re lucky to be part of their conversation. So next time your cat trills or your dog barks, listen closely—they’re telling you something unique about their world.

Daily Prompt @ The Pie!

May 24, 2025May 24, 2025 ~ Kevin Legend ~ 3 Comments

Daily writing prompt

Do you remember life before the internet?

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Let’s take a trip down memory lane to a time when “going online” wasn’t even a phrase.

Back then, life moved at a different rhythm. Without instant access to information, we had to wait for things. Want to know the weather? You caught the forecast on the evening news or checked the newspaper. Curious about a random fact? You’d dig through an encyclopedia (those giant, dusty books on the shelf) or ask someone who might know. There was no Google to settle debates in seconds, so arguments at the dinner table could last for days! (Or at least until someone got to the library)

I remember spending hours at the local library, flipping through card catalogs and scanning microfiche to research school projects. It wasn’t efficient, but there was something satisfying about the hunt. You felt like a detective piecing together clues. And when you found that perfect book or article? Pure victory.

Before social media, connecting with people meant actually seeing them. If you wanted to catch up with a friend, you called their house (and prayed their parents didn’t answer) or showed up at their door. Long-distance friendships? You wrote letters. Actual, handwritten letters. I can still smell the ink and feel the crinkle of paper as I sealed an envelope, wondering when my pen pal would write back. Weeks could pass before you got a reply, but when that letter arrived, it was like Christmas morning.

We hung out in person, too. The mall was our social network, where we’d roam in packs, share gossip over greasy food court fries and check out the latest CDs at the record store. There was no texting to coordinate plans—just a vague “meet me by the fountain at 3.” If someone was late, you waited. Or you left. No one was glued to a screen, so we were fully present, for better or worse.

Entertainment before the internet was a hands-on experience. Without streaming services, we relied on Blockbuster runs for movie nights, flipping through TV channels (all seven of them), or listening to the radio, hoping your favorite song would come on. I’d sit by my boombox with a blank cassette, finger hovering over the “record” button, ready to capture that one song before the DJ cut in. Mixtapes were our Spotify playlists and making one for someone was a labor of love.

Video games existed, but they were simpler. My Nintendo Entertainment System was a prized possession and blowing into cartridges to “fix” them was a sacred ritual. You didn’t have online walkthroughs, so you either figured out that boss level through trial and error or begged your older sibling for tips.

Without the internet, the world felt both bigger and smaller. Bigger because information wasn’t at your fingertips, so faraway places seemed mysterious, pieced together from travel brochures, National Geographic, or stories from that one friend who went on a cruise. Smaller because your world was your neighborhood, your school, your town. News traveled slowly and global events felt distant unless they hit the front page or the nightly broadcast.

There was no 24/7 news cycle to overwhelm you, no algorithm feeding you endless opinions. But that also meant you could miss things. If you didn’t catch the news or hear it through the grapevine, you were out of the loop. Ignorance was bliss, but it could also leave you clueless.

Don’t get me wrong, life before the internet wasn’t perfect. Research was a slog, miscommunication was rampant, and if you got lost driving, you were stuck unfolding a giant map or asking a gas station clerk for directions. But there was a certain magic in the slowness. You had to be patient, resourceful and present. You lived in the moment because there wasn’t a digital escape hatch in your pocket.

I’m not saying I’d trade my smartphone for a rotary phone (okay, maybe for a day), but there’s something about that pre-internet life that feels worth remembering. It was messier, slower, and sometimes frustrating, but it forced us to connect with the world in a way that felt raw and real.

So, do you remember life before the internet? Or if you don’t, can you imagine it? Drop a comment and share your thoughts!

What’s In The Bag?

May 21, 2025 ~ Pie President ~ Leave a comment

Ever wondered what’s in the average woman’s makeup bag?

According to recent insights, women carry around $104 worth of cosmetics on average. That’s a lot of beauty packed into a small space! Let’s break down what this means, why it matters and what’s likely inside those bags.

The $104 figure comes from studies analyzing the contents of women’s makeup bags, reflecting a mix of everyday essentials and a few luxury items. This amount varies depending on personal style, brand preferences and how often someone refreshes their stash. For many, the makeup bag is a curated collection of must-haves, balancing practicality with a touch of indulgence.

So, what exactly makes up that $104? Here’s a look at some common items and their typical costs:

Foundation or BB Cream: A mid-range foundation can cost $20–$30. It’s often the priciest item, as it’s the base for most looks.

Mascara: A good mascara runs around $10–$15, with drugstore brands like Maybelline or high-end ones like Lancôme.

Lip Products: Lipstick or gloss averages $8–$15 per item. Many women carry at least two shades for versatility.

Eyeliner and Eyeshadow: A pencil liner ($5–$10) and a small eyeshadow palette ($15–$25) are staples for quick eye looks.

Blush or Bronzer: These add a healthy glow, typically costing $10–$20.

Tools: Brushes, sponges, or applicators might add another $5–$15, depending on quality.

This mix reflects a practical yet versatile kit, perfect for daily touch-ups or a night out. Of course, some opt for drugstore steals, while others splurge on brands like Charlotte Tilbury or Fenty Beauty, pushing the total value higher.

The $104 makeup bag is a fascinating snapshot of modern beauty culture. It’s a blend of necessity, creativity, and personal style, all packed into a small pouch. Whether you’re a drugstore devotee or a luxury lover, your makeup bag tells a unique story.

So, what’s in your bag? And is it worth more (or less) than $104? Drop a comment and let us know!