Many of the misting-type coolers work better in dry climates, not very well in Kentucky. I think in West Texas they actually hang wet sheets in a barn - the evaporative cooling lowers the temperature significantly.

A cousin gave me a "cobber" (cooling bandana) years ago (said they originated in Australia). Mine is the type you can put in the freezer after it's hydrated. They sell them at WalMart now for just a few dollars.

I've been known to take freezer ice packs (the kind used in shipping) to outdoor concerts to place on my ankles and wrists for a continuous cooling effect.

My grandmother swore by drinking hot coffee in the middle of the day. Said she learned it in Mississippi. I never liked that.

Fans are great, but the best thing for me is to just do nothing during the heat of the day, and that's hard.