Star 99.9

MUNDANE MYSTERIES: How Did They Come Up With The Name Siri?

I’m sure you’ve seen by now that Apple made their latest big announcement on Tuesday (10/13) revealing the new iPhone 12. Like always it’s better, faster, can do waaaay more things than your current iPhone, blah blah blah, oh and 5G (kinda) this time!

Siri is still a big part of the iPhone world and the new Apple HomePod mini they announced. Which got me thinking… how did they even come up with “Siri”?

In a Q&A on Quora one of the engineers of the original startup company that developed Siri for Apple explained…

As a startup, when coming up with Siri’s name, we wanted something that was easy to remember, short to type, comfortable to pronounce, and a not-too-common human name. And we wanted to be able to get the domain name for not too much money… 😉

Once Siri became the leading candidate, everyone on the team had their own favorite explanation of the meaning. Dag Kittlaus, our Norwegian-American CEO, once considered using Siri as the name of his child, and liked the Norse meaning “beautiful woman who leads you to victory”. For me, Siri, which means “secret” in Swahili, was a tip of the hat to our pre-named days when we began as stealth-company.com. I also liked the fact that it was the reverse of Iris, a software system I helped build as part of the CALO project which Siri spun out of. Some liked the resemblance to SRI, which was the research institute that ran the CALO project. We knew about Siri = beauty in Sinhalese, but missed that SHIRI = “butt” in Japanese (they’re not the same word, but closely pronounced…)

And it was all a big surprise for the team that Apple decided to keep the original Siri name for it’s launch as part of iOS. There were other candidates that were leading, up until the final weeks…

Now you know! I guess I could’ve also just asked Siri that… ha ha.

Photo credit: Getty Images

TELL ME SOMETHING GOOD: Boy From Greenwich Celebrates “SOCKTOBER” With Creative Sock Drive

We got an email from Bill in Greenwich about something his son Jackson has started for a great cause here in Connecticut.

Jackson is hosting what he calls his “Socktober” Sock Drive. I figured we would show some love and feature them in Tell Me Something Good. Jackson has a goal of collecting and donating 2000 pairs of socks throughout the month of October. He feels this is especially important as we enter the winter months. Which is true. He also learned that socks are one of the most needed items in homeless shelters. Donations can be new socks for both adults and children which Jackson will give to Inspirica in Stamford. Socks can be placed in any of the bins around town or can be delivered to Jackson himself.

Jackson’s SOCKTOBER donation bins can be found throughout the Greenwich community and at his house. In addition, socks can be purchased and donated at Threads and Treads.

Please help out our friend Jackson reach his goal of collecting 2000 pairs of socks to help those in need this winter and spread the word about SOCKTOBER!!

Photo credit: Getty Images

MUNDANE MYSTERIES: Why Are Pharmacies Always Located In The Back of the Store?

If you’ve picked up a prescription at CVS or Walgreens lately this thought has definitely entered your head “Why is the pharmacy always way in the back?” As you might expect there are reasons for it.

The first and most believable is that the stores want you to walk by all the other products in the aisles on your way to pick up your order. After all, isn’t the the main goal of retail in general? Get them to buy more. Same reason why you have to walk by all the furniture in Jordan’s before getting to the attractions in the way back. Maybe you’ll by a couch before zip lining!

Another more practical reason is that like most stores the deliveries come in at the loading dock in the back of the building. The Pharmacy is constantly getting items so makes sense to have it in the back. Makes sense. A lot of pharmacies have drive-thru windows. Obviously those are built into the back or side of a building most times.

On the security side of things, it’s unfortunate but also reality that the pharmacy is a big target for thieves. If everything is in the back of the store, it makes for a longer path to escape out the front door. Hopefully tripping them up or buying the authorities a few more minutes getting to the scene.

So the next time you’re standing in line for you prescription, now you know why you’re in the back of the store.

Photo credit: Getty Images

Things to Know Tuesday October 13th

Shelton HS, Intermediate School on full distance learning through Oct. 22 CT Post

Bridgeport man, 23, charged in fatal porch shooting in The Hollow CT Post

‘Zoom bombing’ interrupts Hayes’ call with racial epithets CT Post

8-month-old baby recovering from being left in dumpster, babysitter in custody WFSB

Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz’s Great-Granddaughter Dies of Breast Cancer at Age 31 WFSB

Norwalk reports 38 new coronavirus cases The Hour

Attorney in Dulos case wants autopsy report, financial records and more The Hour

Shots damage cars on Connecticut Avenue in Stamford Stamford Advocate

CT police to hold drug take-back events Stamford Advocate

Arts & Crafts on Bedford this weekend Stamford-Downtown.com

Image: iStock / Getty Images Plus

TELL ME SOMETHING GOOD: High School Honors One Of Their Former Students Just Before His 100th Birthday

Turning 100 is a huge milestone in life. Earning your high school diploma is also a big one. For Albert Montella in Pennsylvania he recently was able to celebrate both at the same time.

Albert was given his his high school diploma right before turning 100 years old. You may be wondering why he never got it in the first place? Don’t worry, he has a really good reason. Albert left school early to help his family pay bills, and to fight in World War II. All these years later the school held a one-man graduation ceremony outside his retirement home the other day.

Congrats Albert!

Photo credit: Getty Images

MUNDANE MYSTERIES: What Is Candy Corn Actually Made Of?

In general this time of year people tend to have a love/hate relationship with Candy Corn. It’s truly a polarizing candy. But one thing I’ve always wondered, and I’m sure you have too, is what they’re actually made of? Because we all know it’s not “Corn”.

Turns out Candy Corn is mostly made of sugar. Shocker, I know. There are actually four sweeteners involved which give it the sweetness. Sugar, corn syrup, dextrose, and honey. Candy corn is then made into a “mellow cream,” which is sugar and corn syrup combined to give it that marshmallow-like flavor.

The ingredient that gives the candy its chewy texture is called gelatin. And that smooth outer shell that you either love or hate is made from confectioner’s glaze.

There are a few real normal ingredients that you may recognize too, like sesame oil, food dye, and salt.

So when you’re either handing out or eating Candy Corn this Halloween now you know exactly what it is.

Photo credit: Getty Images

Things to Know Monday October 12th

Police: Man injured in incident while trying to hang Trump sign on I-95 overpass CT Post

Lakers win brings fireworks show as fans descend on Staples Center chanting ‘Kobe, Kobe!’ CT Post

Remnants of Hurricane Delta will bring rain to Connecticut CT Post

BBB warns of fake Amazon callers using its number WFSB

Here’s what’s open/closed on Columbus Day in Connecticut The Hour

Feds: Former CT man sentenced for tampering with car odometers The Hour

About 25 people march in peaceful Stamford protest for Steven Barrier Stamford Advocate

CT native’s documentary narrated by Helen Mirren premieres this month The Hour

Darien residents: Vandals stealing, damaging Trump and Biden signs Stamford Advocate

When do the Amy Coney Barrett Supreme Court nomination hearings begin? WTNH

Shooting Stars Countdown Friday October 9th: Can Justin & Chance Steal Sam Smith’s Diamonds?!

Here are the top 5 biggest songs in Connecticut this week. Voted by you! Vote anytime by texting what song you want to 800-330-9999.

5 Ava Max – Kings & Queens

4 BTS – Dynamite

3 Shawn Mendes – Wonder

2 Sam Smith Diamonds

1 Justin Bieber featuring Chance The Rapper – HOLY

Photo credit: PR Photos

I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN THAT! Friday October 9th: Halloween Parents Vs. Kids

All week listen at 4:30pm to play I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN THAT! This week you are playing to win four passes to Legends of Fear Haunted Hayride in Shelton.

Here was today’s question…

Q: 48% of parents say kids do this more during Halloween time, than any other time. What is it?

A: Throw tantrums

Photo credit: Getty Images

Tell Me Something Good: Checking In With The 88-Year-Old Man Who Is Attempting To Walk Around The World

You might remember a few weeks ago when we talked about the 88-year-old Massachusetts man named Brad Hathaway who was attempting to walk the circumference of planet earth. 24,901 miles to be exact. Well guess what? Last weekend he completed his goal! After walking every day for 32 years he finally hit the number. He says he’s going to keep walking even though he accomplished what he set out to do.

Good for you Brad. Keep walking and staying healthy!

Photo credit: Getty Images