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Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Reviewing Benefits Of Sun Protection Hats for Adults and Children

Person Wearing a Sun Protection Wide Brimmed Sun Hat

I always look forward to Spring and summer, It is so lovely to get some sunshine and enjoy lovely weather, but too much or too strong sun exposure can be harmful so I look for ways to enjoy the sun safely.

One way we can protect ourselves is to wear a hat. However although we can wear any ordinary hat, if we want the best sun protection it is better to buy one with added sun protection built in to the fabric. Most are factor 50 which is excellent sun protection.

Sun safety is very important and a Sun Hat with built in sun protection can be very helpful. As summer arrives and the temperatures rise and the Ultra violet (UV) factors also rise we should all be more aware of keeping ourselves safe in the sun.

My husband and I always wear a Sun Protection Hat now and it really makes a huge difference to how we feel when out about about in the sun, we feel much more protected and cooler.

What Are UPF Protection Sunhats?

UPF sunhats are designed with tightly woven materials and special treatments to block harmful UV rays. They are better than a standard hat in this respect and offer more protection.

A short explanation is that we are used to hearing Sun Protection Factor SPF in sunscreens, but in clothing and sun hats you may see UPF which means Ultraviolet Protection Factor.

UPF measures the level of Ultra violet radiation the fabric permits to get through to our skin.

UPF 50 in a sun hat blocks 98% of the sun’s rays and protects us from UVA which are the ones that age us and UVB which are the ones that burn. You may still see them advertised as SPF or UPF and should look for factor 50 ideally.

They are available in a very wide variety of styles for men, women and children. Styles include wide brimmed which are my favourite, baseball caps, bucket hats, beach hats, travel hats, stylish hats and some corded to keep them on in windy conditions. Some are plain, some pretty, others two tone so you can have a two in one hat, some very practical, others more decorative but all offering you added sun protection.

A range of colours are available from blues, pinks, creams, greens, black and many others so there is sure to be a colour that you like.

Women's Travel Beach Hat with Chin Cord - UPF 50 Sun ProtectionCheck Price

Why Do We Need A UPF/SPF Sun HAT?

Most offer sun protection to our scalp, hair and face. If the brim is wide enough it can also give protection to our eyes, ears and neck.

Sunscreen on the face and head needs reapplying often, can cause allergic reactions and can rub off during the day. For many people it is more difficult to apply to your head and not perhaps very comfortable and may be greasy or tacky. If you can wear sunscreen on your face and neck you should. However, by wearing a Sun protection hat as well, we cover all bases by being sun safe and maybe a little cooler. Yes hats can blow off or be taken off, but as long as the person keeps the hat on, perhaps with an adjustable chin strap, it gives all day protection.

Some medications can make your skin very sensitive to sunlight and you may be advised to keep your skin covered while taking them. Always check with your doctor, but if advised to avoid the sun, a wide brimmed SPF sun hat may be a very useful accessory to protect you while going about your day.

Some health conditions make exposure to the sun inadvisable. Your doctor is the best person to advise you, but if they approve wearing a wide brimmed SPF sun hat may be useful to help you go about your day more safely.

Sun Protection hats can really help us by protecting our skin from the sun, helping to shield us from burning or damage by the suns rays and even serious cases of skin cancer on the head and neck. My friend got skin cancer on her head despite having thick hair. She never wore a hat all summer both home or abroad. After having surgery for the skin cancer, she does now.

If you cannot wear sun screen due to allergies and still want to go out during summer, a sun hat is essential to protect your scalp, face and neck. Due to allergic reactions to sun creams and other creams and cosmetics I am unable to apply sunscreen. I have very fair sensitive skin which does not tan easily, so it is vital to me to wear a SPF sun hat at all times when the sun is out from Spring to Autumn to protect my skin.

Many sun creams contain chemicals which not only can irritate the face, eyes and skin but the chemicals may affect marine life too. A UPF/SPF sun hat may be an option if this affects you. Also look for sunscreens kinder to you and the environment.

There is a SPF sun hat for any occasion. Whether its gardening in your own garden yard, going for a walk, days out sightseeing, dog walking, hiking, beach days or exotic holidays.

A UPF/SPF Sun Hat can make enjoying the heat and suns rays a little safer for everyone.

Wallaroo Hat Company Men’s Summit Sun Hat (Stone, Large/Extra Large) – UPF 50+, Wide BrimCheck Price

Sun Hats With SPF Benefits for Teenagers And Adults

A sunhat with added sun protection can be fashionable, sporty, practical, even stylish. You can always add a ribbon or brooch to the hat if its too plain for you or you like to individualise it.

If the brim is wide enough, it can protect your face against sun skin ageing and from the skin going red and sore or getting burns.

A sun hat may help make up look better for longer.

AN SPF sunhat is very helpful for people with fine or thinning hair as it offers protection for the skin on the scalp, as well as the face.

UV exposure can fade hair colour so if you colour your hair it is worth wearing a good sunhat.

If you have short hair or neck coverage is important to you there are styles with back flaps to guard the neck. It is often a difficult place to apply sunscreen thoroughly and can feel tacky or greasy if it gets in your hair.

An SPF sun hat is great for people who like to be active and outdoors. There are hats suitable for hiking, gardening, fishing and many sports. I always wear a Sun Protection hat while I am gardening and out walking in nature in the summer.

I find an SPF sunhat with a wide brim also keeps me cooler.

Solbari Everyday Broad Brim Sun Hat with Pocket UPF50+ Uv Protection, Sun Protective Hat for Women Beige MediumCheck Price

Benefits for Babies And Children

Children have more delicate thinner skin and it is important to protect it from the suns rays.

It might not be the easiest task to keep reapplying sun screen especially to a child's scalp, neck and face, although of course we should try, but a hat with a strap to keep it on may work and be a good double form of protection.

Children generally like to be active and a SPF Sunhat will help to protect their face, eyes, head and neck from sun damage and burning while they have fun, play or watch sport.

If a child grows up to feel that it is normal to wear sun screen and protective hats and clothing, they will hopefully continue to wear them. It keeps their skin protected from damage now and also perhaps guard against serious skin damage and cancers later in life.

Coolibar UPF 50+ Baby Splashy Bucket Hat - Sun Protective (one Size- Aruba Blue)Check Price

Points To Consider In A Sun HAT

Ensure it has UPF factor fabric, ideally Factor 50.

Check the brim width is suitable for your protection needs and your activities.

Choose the colour and style

Choose the size - for this you will likely need to measure around the head above the ears then check with the size charts.

Is the Hat adjustable to your head

Especially if you travel a lot does it fold up or lie flat for packing

Is it reversible - useful for travel, or if you want to buy only one hat.

When it arrives is it comfortable for you to wear for long periods of time.

Does it have a chin strap, a detachable one is useful to make it more versatile.

Is it washable or wipeable to keep it clean.

My favourite features in a sun hat include a wide brim to give some shade and more protection, an adjustable chin strap so that there is less likelihood it blows off in the wind and also gives me the strap to hold it with over my wrist if I don't need it on.

I like a choice of colours and I do like a two tone reversible so I get two hats in one which is great for travel. I like when they are packable and foldable as well or at least lie flat.

There is a Sun Protection Sun Hat that will suit every person and they do make a thoughtful gift.

Saturday, June 14, 2025

National Play Catch Week - A Holiday Review

This interesting holiday is held each year in the third week of June. Begun in 2018, the week always includes Father’s Day. Perhaps this is because of the age-old activity of kids ‘having a catch’ with dad.

Playing Catch

When one hears the term ‘let’s play catch’, one might immediately picture two people with gloves and a baseball. But playing catch isn’t just for baseball. People enjoy tossing around a football just as much. You can also use a softball, a tennis ball or a soft rubber ball. Playing catch builds relationships, especially true of a dad playing with his child.

The History of National Play Catch Week

25,000 Miles to Glory: Football, Freedom, Friendship, And America

25,000 Miles to Glory

The inspiration began with Rhett Grametbauer, filmmaker, writer and passionate sports fan, in 2013. Rhett made an epic road trip in an old VW Bus to visit every one of the NFL stadiums in the U.S. He captured his incredible adventure in a documentary and a book entitled 25,000 Miles to Glory: Football, Freedom, Friendship, And America.

While on his trip, Grametbauer discovered the simple joy of playing catch, simply tossing a ball back and forth with someone. Strangers he met along the way all seemed to enjoy getting involved in a game of catch.

The iconic movie “Field of Dreams” with Kevin Costner centers around baseball and ends with the famous scene of Costner’s movie character asking “Want to have a catch, dad?”

Summary

So, get outside, enjoy some fresh air with family and friends, or even complete strangers at a park during the June Holiday of National Play Catch Week which begins on Father’s Day each year. The delightful pastime of playing catch can be enjoyed all summer long.

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

The Boys From Biloxi ~ John Grisham ~ A Book Review

Sometimes we just need to get away from our daily lives and all the "drama" within and find a new place to call home for a while.

The Boys from Biloxi allowed me to do just that!

Everyone who loves a good drama/mystery/whodunit will enjoy this book! The "Boys" in the title are two best friends who of course come from Biloxi.

Biloxi was known for its beaches and resorts and a bustling seafood industry. Their families are immigrants who are drawn to the area by work that is easy to come by! Of course their hope is to give their families a better life. Hard work in a bustling community is the motto for many of the immigrants that will call Biloxi home.

But there is also a dark underside to the area!

All their dreams are coming true for the next generation of boys who learn to play baseball and hang out together. The next generation was given all of the opportunities that their parents and grandparents had worked so hard to provide.

As Hugh and Keith go through school and their own challenges and disappointments, their lives take a complete different trajectory.

Hugh can't wait to make some really easy money working the darker side of Biloxi. He starts by helping his father with the grocery stores, but his ambitions are bigger than that! Surely getting involved with the darker side and learning how it works will be his ultimate goal.

Keith on the other hand decides that all the drinking, gambling and other nefarious activities are ruining Biloxi for those who really love the area. His father becomes a prosecutor determined to clean up the area and his son Keith is right behind him.

So a long standing friendship becomes a long standing grievance that pits the boys against each other.

The Boys from Biloxi is a great coming of age novel as well as an eye opener for those making choices in their own lives!

John Grisham does not disappoint in this novel! The action is fast paced and you can see how the undercover practices of life can cause many ripples in the fabric of Biloxi's society.

If you are looking for a great page turner of a book, I would recommend The Boys of Biloxi for you! Add it to your summer reading list! Or if you have an Amazon Audible Account you can get it for free! It is an Amazon Best Seller, so you know it's a good story!

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Saturday, May 24, 2025

A Review of Sneaker Collecting

People who enjoy collecting can be called by many names. Collectors of some specific areas have their own particular name. For instance, a coin collector is called a numismatist and a book collector is known as a bibiophile. Whether you collect a particular set of items as simply a hobbyist who enjoys it, or as a connoisseur, becoming an expert in the field, collecting is an interesting pastime.

Did you know that ‘Sneaker Collecting’ is now a THING?

Athletic shoes are called by a variety of names, depending on where you live. Growing up in New York State, our name for these running shoes, gym shoes, trainers, etc. was “sneakers”. Then I went to college in the Midwest and everyone there called them “tennis shoes”.

The name ‘sneakers’ was first used by the Boston Journal in 1887 to describe the rubber soled tennis shoes that allowed wearers to ‘sneak’ around quietly.

Wikipedia helps define Sneaker Collecting as the hobby of acquiring and trading sneakers, particularly those made for certain sports, such as basketball. The name for people who collect sneakers is Sneakerhead!

Sneaker Collecting Beginnings…

part of the sneaker collection of Edgar Alejandro Cortes

Image Source: Wikipedia

We can find the collecting, trading and reselling of sneakers dating back to the 1970s. But Sneaker collecting really became a subculture ‘thing’ in the 1980s, particularly with the release in 1985 of the Air Jordan line of shoes by the popular basketball player Michael Jordan.

Believe it or not, the Hip Hop movement contributed to Sneaker Collecting popularity by giving sneakers their street credibility as a status symbol. So, in addition to shoes designed for particular sports and popularized by well-known sports stars, the sneakerhead culture now overlaps with streetwear trends and styles. Today, the sneaker resale market is worth over $10 billion dollars.

Patrick Mahomes is a Sneakerhead

I currently live in the Kansas City area, so naturally our favorite sports figure is Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs' quarterback. Since much is often written about Mahomes, especially in our local area news, we learned about his interest in collecting sneakers.

Patrick Mahomes began his sneaker collection in 2017, the same year he was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs. Today, Patrick has over 180 pairs of sneakers and keeps them in a custom-designed sneaker closet in his home. His collection is also related to his sponsorship deal with Adidas, which allows him to collaborate on product design and marketing.

*Click here to see images of Mahomes' sneaker closet and collection.

In recent years, I have begun to notice that many MLB baseball players like to wear specially designed sneakers while playing. Some, I’m sure, relate to sponsorship deals with specific manufacturers of sneakers. Some players just like to relate them to certain dates, such as pink sneakers for Mother’s Day games with maybe flowers and/or ‘mom’s’ name on them.

The sneaker ‘trend’ when I was a teenage girl was to wear Keds canvas white sneakers to school and to meet up early before school began to use white shoe polish to make sure our ‘keds’ were completely white and new-looking for the school day! That was our “thing”. LOL.

Summary

Sneaker collectors buy online, but they also attend sneaker events such as swapmeets sneaker parties and exhibitions like Sneakercons. If you like sneakers, consider becoming a Sneakerhead! Happy Collecting!

You can find some online Sneakers to Collect on:

*Sneaker Collecting written by Wednesday Elf

Items related to Sneaker Collecting

Sneaker Freaker. World's Greatest Sneaker Collectors

Sneakerhead - Sneaker Collector Log Book: Organize Kicks: Brand, Editions, Price, Style, Colors, Notes

Pinkpum XXL Larger Shoe Storage Boxes Fit Size 14, Clear Plastic Stackable Shoe Organizer 12 Pack Sneaker Storage for Sneakerheads Shoe Containers

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Saturday, April 12, 2025

Major League Baseball Designates Special Days

A Sports Review of Major League Baseball's Annual Tribute to honor Three Outstanding Baseball Players

In recent years, Major League Baseball has set aside special days to honor the contribution particular players have made to the world of professional baseball. Each of these players are now celebrated on their special day every baseball season.

Jackie Robinson Day

Begun on April 15, 2004, Jackie Robinson Day is now an annual event each season on April 15th. The event commemorates and honors the day Jackie Robinson made his major league debut. The April 15 date was selected, as it was Opening Day of Robinson’s first season in 1947.

On April 15, MLB ballparks throughout baseball, including all teams and the umpires, celebrate this day by wearing Robinson’s number 42, his uniform number. His debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers (today's Los Angeles Dodgers) ended approximately 80 years of baseball segregation and breaking forever what was known as the baseball color line. Additionally, Robinson's number has been retired throughout baseball and no one else will ever again wear #42.

Lou Gehrig Day

Lou Gehrig Day, held annually by MLB on June 2nd, marks the day Gehrig became the starting first baseman for the New York Yankees.

Lou Gehrig Day, an annual event since June 2, 2021, honors the legacy of the legendary "Iron Horse" and raises awareness for ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is commonly known as "Lou Gehrig's disease," because his high-profile battle with the disease helped raise public awareness and recognition of the condition.

Gehrig was diagnosed with ALS in June of 1939, forcing him to retire from baseball. At the “Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day" at Yankee Stadium set up to honor Gehrig for his sportsman-like behavior and dedication to the game, Lou gave his famous speech where he called himself “the luckiest man on the face of the earth.”

Roberto Clemente Day

In 2002, MLB proclaimed September 15th to be “Roberto Clemente Day".

Roberto Clemente played outfield for the Pittsburgh Pirates for 18 seasons. He is remembered for his power on the field, but, more importantly, for his humanitarian work. Clemente died in a plane crash on New Year's Eve 1972 while attempting to deliver supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua.

Each year, teams across the league honor his memory by giving back to their communities. His legacy continues to inspire both players and fans to make a positive impact in their communities.

Summary

The baseball players presented here are recognized for their contributions on and off the playing field. Each year MLB honors these three legendary players with special days to commemorate their lives and contributions to both the game of baseball and to society.

Related Reviews:

Who was Roberto Clemente by Sam Monaco

For more Sports Reviews, click on
ReviewThis Reviews: Sports

*MLB’s Special Days to honor three outstanding baseball players has been written by Wednesday Elf

+Image sources in this article are from Pixabay and Wikipedia

Jackie Robinson: The Inspiring Story of One of Baseball's Greatest Legends (Baseball Biography Books)

Luckiest Man: The Life and Death of Lou Gehrig

Clemente: The Passion and Grace of Baseball's Last Hero

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Saturday, March 15, 2025

Baseball is Back - Seasonal Highlights Review

Reviewing a Summary of Upcoming Major League Baseball Events for 2025.

Major League Baseball involves the regular season of 162 games played among 30 teams, followed by the Playoffs and concluding with the World Series in October.

In recent years, many changes have come to the sport, including having games played in unusual venues outside the regular 30 baseball stadiums. There have been games played at the Field of Dreams in Dyersville, Iowa, the Little League Classic in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and the Rickwood Field Game in Birmingham, Alabama. There have also been several games played over the years in International locations (Japan, Mexico, Australia, South Korea and the United Kingdom) aimed at growing the sport’s popularity. These games have created memorable experiences for fans, as well as the players.

Baseball Experiences for the 2025 Season

Spring Training began on February 20, 2025 and will continue until March 25.

March 18-19, 2025. The MLB World Tour in 2025 will be held in Toyko, Japan featuring a two day-two game series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs. Each of these MLB teams will also play against a Japanese baseball team on these dates.

March 27, 2025 is Opening Day for the Major League Baseball Season

July 15, 2025 - The 95th All-Star Classic will be held in Atlanta, Georgia this year at Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves. The annual Home Run Derby will be held the day before, on July 14th.

August 2, 2025 - This year’s unusual venue for a baseball game will be held at Bristol Motor Speedway, a popular NASCAR track in Bristol, Tennessee. This special regular season contest is between the Atlanta Braves and the Cincinnati Reds.

August 17, 2025 - the eighth annual MLB Little League Classic will once again be played during the Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA. This year’s game features the Seattle Mariners and the New York Mets.

Summary

From Spring Training through Opening Day to the World Series in October, Major League Baseball will keep baseball fans entertained. Mark the dates for the MLB special events in 2025, plus enjoy following your favorite team throughout the season.

Image Source: Pixabay

Baseball is Back!
Let’s Play Ball!

Baseball Books for the 2025 Season:

Baseball Prospectus 2025

Baseball America 2025 Almanac

*Baseball Seasonal Highlights review written by Wednesday Elf

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Saturday, February 1, 2025

National Catchers Day Review

February 2nd is National Catchers Day.

In 2019, Xan Barksdale created National Catchers Day. A minor league catcher for the Atlanta Braves, Xan went on to become a well-known catching coach and author of the best-selling book Catching-101. Xan’s aim in creating National Catchers Day was to celebrate baseball and softball catchers of the past and present.

Is Catcher the Hardest Position in Baseball?

In the very early years of baseball, catchers stood 20 feet or more behind the batter and wore no protective gear. Today, the defensive position of the catcher, crouched down between the umpire and the batter, has become the most important position in the game as catchers have more responsibilities than anyone else on the field. It is also the hardest position in baseball to play.

Well-Known Major League Baseball Catchers

Baseball catcher and batter in a baseball game

Image Source: Pixabay

There are many baseball catchers who have made a name for themselves over the years due to their outstanding achievements in that position. In this article, we will mention just a few of those past and present whose names baseball fans recognize. Every fan will have their favorites, so don’t be surprised if I include MY favorites as we recognize and celebrate baseball catchers on National Catchers Day. :)

Jorge Posada

One of my most favorite catchers, who played 17 seasons with my favorite baseball team ~ the New York Yankees ~ is Jorge Posada. His MLB debut was in 1995 and he retired after the 2011 season. Posada established himself as a mainstay in the Yankees lineup as a solid-hitting catcher (one of the Core Four players) who contributed to the Yankees’ winning seasons.

Posada’s career stats included 275 home runs and 1,065 runs batted in. He played in 4 World Series as the Yankee’s catcher and his #20 has been retired by the NY Yankees.

"If the world was perfect, it wouldn't be."

Johnny Bench

Ranked #1 in most polls of MLB best catchers ever, Johnny Bench played his entire baseball career as the catcher for the Cincinnati Reds (1967-1983). At the time of his retirement, he held the MLB record for number of home runs hit by a catcher. Bench still holds the Red’s team record of 389 home runs and 1,376 runs batted in.

"You wouldn’t have won if we’d beaten you."

Mike Piazza

Piazza played 16 years as a catcher in major league baseball; his first seven years for the Dodgers (1992-1998). I remember him most during his six years (1998-2005) with the New York Mets, especially in the 2000 World Series against crosstown rivals, the NY Yankees. Mike became known as the greatest 'hitting' catcher in the history of baseball.

Piazza is regarded as one of the best offensive catchers in baseball history. His uniform number 31 was retired by the Mets in 2016.

"When you come to a fork in the road.... take it."

Buster Posey

Gerald “Buster” Posey is another MLB catcher who spent his entire career with one team, playing twelve years with the San Francisco Giants from 2009 to 2021. Posey’s career saw him earn many awards, including Golden Glove and Silver Slugger, beginning with being named the 2010 NL Rookie of the Year. His MLB stats included 158 home runs and 729 RBIs and he was a 3x World Series champion.

Buster retired in 2011 and today is President of Baseball Operations for the San Francisco Giants.

“Ninety percent of the game is half mental."

Yadier Molena

“Yadi”, as fans chanted in many games during his career, was one of the most beloved of baseball catchers. Molena played his entire 19-year career for the St. Louis Cardinals.

Molina ranked first in many categories among catchers. He also holds the record, along with pitcher Adam Wainwright, for all-time most games started and won as a battery. He holds many awards and distinctions over his long career, including career stats of 2,168 hits, 176 home runs and 1,022 runs batted in.

Yadier Molina is the product of a baseball family, beginning with his father who played second base as an amateur and was the all-time hits leader in Puerto Rican baseball. Yadi’s two older brothers also had standout major league baseball careers as catchers, Bengie for 4 different teams and Jose for the Cubs and the Angels.

Molina retired in 2022 and today is the team's Special Assistant to the President of Baseball Operations, as well as the manager of the Dominican Republic Professional Baseball League.

“I always thought the record would stand until it was broken."

Yogi Berra

Yogi Berra is a name everyone, fan and non-sports people, most know about, not just for his nearly 20 years as a professional baseball catcher, but also as a manager and a coach. His playing stats and managerial roles aside, what Yogi seems to be most remembered for is his zany use of the English Language. His ‘Yogisms’ have often been quoted and remain so to this day. You will find several of them sprinkled throughout this article.

"I really didn't say everything I said!"

Summary

There you have a few fan favorites of baseball catchers in honor of National Catchers Day celebrated each year on February 2.

Let me know which MLB catcher (or even Little League or softball league catchers in your family) are your favorites in the comments below and enjoy remembering them on this holiday.

"It ain't over till it's over."

Stories of some baseball catchers: