ContestsEvents

LISTEN LIVE

Stupid Little Inventions We Could Not Live Without

Quite the topic this morning talking about those crazy products or things, those little inventions we couldn’t live without! As The Mike & Carla Morning Show talked more and more…

One of those stupid little inventions, the coffee sleeve.

One of those stupid little inventions, the coffee sleeve or ZARF!

Malkovstock via Getty Images

Quite the topic this morning talking about those crazy products or things, those little inventions we couldn't live without! As The Mike & Carla Morning Show talked more and more about it, we just wanted to know.

For example, the little piece of cardboard that goes around the cup of coffee you get at the drive-thru. Some would call it a "sleeve", but did you know it actually has a name? Carla Rea did a little research and according to Reddit, it's called a "Zarf"! Those are the things we were talking about this morning.

Those Little Inventions We Couldn't Live Without

Someone had to think of it, design it, create it, then sell it! Sure enough, someone did and made millions because they are everywhere now! Other things that came to mind, how about that stick you can put in your lid so the coffee doesn't squirt out while your driving. Not sure that it has a name, but again, someone actually came up with this and sold the idea to coffee shops everywhere!

Mike O'Brian wishes that he would have thought of that little crumb stick thing. It's that little stick that waiters use to clean a table cloth of crumbs and stuff. Not sure it has a name, but again, we sure someone made a nice chuck of change coming up with it.

As we all talked about this, the question morphed into another phase of the conversation. Who do you know that came up with a little invention and then made a killing?

One woman called in to say that she knew the family that came up with the deflector dots on the highways. Those dots that remind us to stay in your lane. And they actually have a name! Botts' Dots! However, a story in Sacramento Bee says that the dots are being phased out in California. But quite the story, nonetheless.

We even talked to someone who knew the person that came up with the foam "Cheese" hats worn by Green Bay Packer fans! Oh, it was all quite educational. Listen to the segment below...and enjoy!

20 Best Coffee Shops In Las Vegas

I think it's safe to say that coffee is often a saving grace. And Las Vegas coffee shops have definitely helped us recover after a night out.

It's truly the perfect beverage that's available in multiple mediums. Hot, iced, sweet, bitter, frothy or blended; coffee can quench any type of caffeine craving.

Coffee is also a ritual for many of us, often signifying as the gong that starts our day. When we smell the brewing beans and hear the bubbling noise of the carburetor, memories are often pulled from the back of our minds about cornerstone moments in our lives.

Along with the memories and conversations that are associated with the amazing beverage, coffee is also a symbol in many cultures. Whether it's the brewing method or the type of beans being used, coffee -- like most things -- vary across the world.

There are four types of coffee beans: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa. And according to CoffeeAffection.com, Arabica and Robusta are the most common and popular type of beans.

Arabica is known for having a smooth and complex flavor with a distinct lack of bitterness. Robusta, often associated with Vietnamese coffee, has a stronger and bolder flavor with a higher hint of bitterness laced within the coffee's profile.

The other and less common coffee beans, Liberica and Excelsa, have different flavor notes and are grown in Africa and Asia.

According to CoffeeAffection, Liberica beans "has a controversial and polarizing reputation for wild inconsistency. Those who’ve tried this rare variety either love it or hate it."

Some have described the flavor as nutty, woody and "burnt," with a backbite.

Excelsa beans have qualities that are a mixture of light and dark roast traits. These beans have tart and fruity flavors with a lighter aroma. Yet, these beans still have a depth of flavor.

There's also a science to the coffee brewing process that emphasizes and brings out certain flavors of the beans, which you can read more about here.

To celebrate our love of coffee, here are some of the best shops in Vegas.

Wow Wow Lemonade

Although this establishment focuses on lemonade, Wow Wow Lemonade serves cold brew that's simply to die for. The Blue Hawaii Cold Brew is amazing.

Gäbi Coffee & Bakery

5808 Spring Mountain Rd, STE 104, Las Vegas, NV 89146

MadHouse Coffee

8470 W Desert Inn Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89117

85°C Bakery Cafe

We recommend the sea salt coffee!

Grouchy Johns

8520 S. Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89123 and 6350 W. Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89146

Serendripity Coffeehouse

7795 W Sahara Ave Suite 101, Las Vegas, NV 89117

Coffee Religion

5191 W Charleston Blvd Suite 185, Las Vegas, NV 89146

Bbear Coffee

6850 Spring Mountain Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89146

Matcha Cafe Maiko

Here's a little option for those who still want caffeine with a matcha or tea latte twist.

3400 S Jones Blvd #3, Las Vegas, NV 89146

Royal Coffee Roasting

Multiple locations across Las Vegas.

PublicUs

We recommend getting the death cream or the iced shaken almond milk latte. These two coffee drinks are subtly sweet, creamy and rich.

1126 E Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101

Aware Coffee & Tea Lounge

5590 Painted Mirage Rd suite 130, Las Vegas, NV 89149

Leone Café

400 S Rampart Blvd #10165, Las Vegas, NV 89145

Palm Sugar Coffee Bar

9420 W Sahara Ave suite 107, Las Vegas, NV 89117

Cafe Lola

Multiple locations across Las Vegas.

Viva Cafe

Located inside of the Boulevard Mall, 3528 S Maryland Pkwy #314, Las Vegas, NV 89169.

We recommend the horchata-flavored coffee drinks!

Havana Express Cuban Kitchen & Bakery

Although this eatery specializes in Cuban food, the bakery serves amazing Cuban Cafecito that's the perfect accompaniment to any baked good.

2590 East Tropicana Avenue, Las Vegas, Nevada 89121, United States

Caffeine Machine

4520 S Hualapai Way Ste 109, Las Vegas, NV 89147

Mothership Coffee Roasters

1028 E Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101

Makers and Finders

Multiple locations across Las Vegas.

Let’s be friends! 👍 Follow us on all social media platforms:

Mike O’Brian is the Program Director and Morning Show host on 96.3 KKLZ in Las Vegas, along with Carla Rea. He has been with the Beasley Media Group for almost 23 years. Mike was named one of the “Best Program Directors In America” by Radio Ink magazine. Over the years, “The Mike & Carla Morning Show” have been presented with a number of proclamations for their work in the community and numerous awards. Having lived in Las Vegas for over 35 years, he writes articles on living in Las Vegas, sports, and odd stories happening within the state of Nevada. Mike is the host of the morning show and program director of 96.3 KKLZ/Las Vegas. He has been doing mornings in Las Vegas for the past 38 years. Over the years, he has hosted a numerous amount of community events and has been the P.A. announcer for a number of sports teams in Las Vegas. He has written on living in Las Vegas, the sports teams here, as well as odd & little-known facts about Las Vegas & Nevada.