At Occano, the Sound is a gift we unwrap day after day—and share with the ones we love most. And we look forward to sharing it with you.

Observed annually on September 11th, Patriot Day honors and remembers those who were injured or killed during the terrorist attacks on the U.S on September 11, 2001. During these terrorist attacks, almost 3,000 people were killed and over 6,000 people were injured. It is considered to be one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in world history and one of the most devastating attacks on the United States since the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The September 11th Terrorist Attacks The terrorist attacks on September 11, as known as 9/11, consisted of four coordinated terrorist attacks performed by the… Read More »

We understand that you place a high priority on your family’s safety, but have you considered their electrical safety? Your home has enough electricity flowing through it to electrocute someone and kill them. Applying a few basic precautions to your cords and plugs, outlets, and circuit breakers may help you avoid injuries or house fires. #1 Plugs & Cords Every electrical appliance has a cord, and since we frequently use them, we frequently overlook any wear and tear that could endanger the safety of your family and home. Make it a habit to check the cords and plugs on every… Read More »

Prior to the beginning of the Labor movement, conditions in American factories and mines were often deplorable during the 18th and 19th centuries. While some states had passed laws that prevented children from working, in some states children as young as 5 years old were working. For many workers, conditions were also extremely unsafe and there were very few laws that limited how long a workday should be. The labor movement began as a way to address these issues. During the 18th century, the labor movement began fighting for better wages, safer working conditions, and end to child labor and providing health benefits… Read More »

Are you getting ready to make an addition to your house or fence in your backyard? Perhaps you want to change the color of the paint on your door? Before you break out the miter saw or your new can of paint, make sure to get your plans approved by our association’s architectural review board. While it may seem arbitrary from an individual homeowner’s standpoint, the architectural review board looks out for the entire community. Aside from stopping residents from painting pink polka dots on their houses, the committee’s job is to make sure that the size and style of… Read More »

Is your dishwasher in danger of catching fire? Do the outdoor lighting fixtures on your home pose a shock hazard? Will the peanut butter in your pantry send you to the hospital? Every year in the United States, countless products ranging from power tools to plush toys are recalled by manufacturers. In the first half of 2010, major recalls included several million vehicles and 43 over-the-counter children’s medicines. In December 2009, virtually every Roman blind and roller shade on the market was recalled due to strangulation hazards posed by their cords. To help consumers stay aware of unsafe, hazardous or… Read More »

It unavoidable when living in a closeknit community, some neighbors just won’t get along, and it’s not because either one is considered “bad” people. We all can just get along. The key? Communication. It’s often the best way to prevent and resolve conflict before it escalates out of control. You don’t have to be friends or spend time together to achieve a peaceful coexistence, but you should try to be a good neighbor and follow these tips: Say hello. Out gardening, while walking the dog or when you see a moving van arrive, introduce yourself. Learn your neighbors’ names and… Read More »

National tell a joke day is observed on 16th August every year. This national tell a joke day has to be filled with laughter from the morning till night. The joke is not just an easy thing; it has to have humorous stories, and often it will end with a punchline; usually, best jokes will be short. You can try to deliver a good joke to your friends on this national tell a joke day, remember joke comes in many forms, so try your favorite one on this beautiful occasion. Timing and delivery are the two essential things for a… Read More »

National Gooey Butter Cake Day is celebrated on August 12 every year. The holiday is dedicated to the tasty treat that is loved by many. Gooey butter cake is a dessert or pastry delicacy. It has a yeast cake foundation with a ‘goo’ mixture on top, sprinkled with powdered sugar. It’s a sticky, chewy dessert and can be found at most bakeries in and around St. Louis. Typically, gooey butter cake is served as a coffee cake. Gooey Butter Cake is a dessert like no other. I’m not even really sure why it’s called a “cake”.  The magic of cream… Read More »

National Spoil Your Dog Day is an annual event and always takes place every year on August 10. It might be a sickness but we’re stupid in love with our dogs!  National Spoil Your Dog Day on August 10, encourages us to buy that $25 “indestructible” toy that we’ve been swearing up and down we would never buy.  Granted, dogs can be a little needy but during times when it seems nobody loves us —they always do. Dogs are hilarious and they don’t hold it against us when we make them wear silly hats and sunglasses. Dogs happily slurp any… Read More »