In episode 7 of Purposeless Assessments, we dive into the curious origins of the phrase “riding shotgun” and how it evolved from a position of survival in the Wild West to a playful tradition for claiming the front seat in modern cars. The term originated during the days of stagecoach travel, when an armed guard sat beside the driver, ready with a shotgun to defend the coach from bandits. This crucial role became known as “riding shotgun,” and while the need for such protection has faded, the phrase has survived through the years.

Our host takes us through the journey of how “shotgun” shifted from a dangerous job to a lighthearted way to claim a prime seat on road trips, offering fascinating insights into its historical context, how Hollywood romanticized it, and even the unwritten rules of calling shotgun. We also explore fun facts, like how the term has expanded beyond cars and even inspired the name of a style of narrow houses known as “shotgun houses.”

Though calling shotgun may seem trivial today, it’s a quirky remnant of American history that continues to connect us to the rugged days of the frontier. Next time you call dibs on the front seat, remember—you’re carrying on a tradition that started with stagecoaches and outlaws!

Have you ever had a memorable experience calling shotgun, or do you know another phrase with an interesting backstory? We’d love to hear from you! Reach out to us at umvato@deaunnamarie.com.

In our next episode, we’re shifting to a deeper topic: the difference between coffins and caskets, and what these distinctions say about cultural practices around the world. Stay tuned for another fascinating dive into history and tradition! Until then, keep exploring the hidden stories in our everyday lives.

In episode 6 of Purposeless Assessments, we explore a topic that’s near and dear to everyone’s weekly routine—laundry! Specifically, we tackle the question: Can you really wash your clothes in cold water? Our host takes us through the science, history, and practicalities of cold water washing, busting the myth that hot water is essential for clean clothes. With modern detergents and advanced washing machines, cold water can be just as effective, while also being gentler on your fabrics and lighter on your energy bill.

We learn how cold water washing preserves colors and fabric quality, making it a great choice for keeping your favorite clothes in top shape. Plus, the episode dives into the energy savings—up to 90% of the energy used by your washing machine goes to heating water, so washing in cold can drastically reduce both your energy consumption and your bills. We also touch on cold water’s role in reducing microfiber pollution, a growing environmental concern.

Switching to cold water is not just an eco-friendly habit, it’s also a practical way to extend the life of your clothes and cut costs at home. So yes, you really can wash your clothes in cold water—and it might just transform your laundry routine for the better!

Got any laundry tips or experiences to share? We’d love to hear from you! Reach out to us at umvato@deaunnamarie.comand let’s keep the conversation going.

In our next episode, we’ll dive into the history behind a phrase you’ve likely shouted before: “Shotgun!” Why do we call dibs on the front seat with this word, and where did it come from? Stay tuned for more quirky facts on Purposeless Assessments. Until then, keep pondering the small stuff—it might just be bigger than you think!

In episode 5 of Purposeless Assessments, we dive into a question most of us have probably never thought to ask: Why does foil exist on pill bottles? While it might seem like a small, everyday annoyance, that thin layer of foil plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and freshness of your medication. Known as an induction seal, it acts as a tamper-evident barrier that protects your pills from contamination and keeps them in prime condition. Our host walks us through the history of this seal, tracing its origins back to the 1982 Tylenol tampering incidents, which led to significant changes in packaging safety.

The episode also uncovers how the foil works through the process of induction sealing, where electromagnetic fields create an airtight bond between the foil and the bottle. It’s a fascinating glimpse into how something as simple as a foil seal can have such an important job—protecting our health and ensuring the trustworthiness of the products we use.

With fun facts about the environmental advances in foil seals, the wide range of industries that use them, and even the creative ways people repurpose foil, this episode is packed with surprising insights. And while it may be frustrating to open, the foil seal is an unsung hero in everyday safety.

Got a clever hack for opening these pesky seals, or maybe a memorable story about a time you struggled with one? We’d love to hear from you! Reach out at umvato@deaunnamarie.com and share your thoughts.

In our next episode, we’ll be exploring whether you can really wash your clothes in cold water and if it's as effective as using hot water. Stay tuned for more practical wisdom on Purposeless Assessments! Until then, keep questioning the little things—they might just be more important than they seem.