Job Wanted!

If you REALLY want that job you're interviewing for, should you beg?

If you're interviewing for that dream job, or just a job you really want or need, go ahead and beg, just do it right. Nobody wants to appear desperate, but keeping your cool too much can give the impression you could take it or leave it. According to Catherine Jewell, author of New Resume New Career, some people forget to come right out and ask for that job. It may seem obvious that you're interested, seeing as you're already there, but so are all the other applicants. Leave no doubt in the interviewer's mind that you're REALLY interested. Show some enthusiasm. You could end the meeting by saying, I would really like to contribute to this company, and I'm hoping you select me.

After the interview, don't assume that employer is thinking about you that much. Go ahead and remind them of your enthusiasm in your follow up thank you note. It can really help set you apart from the competition.

Passing Out

If you're feeling faint, should you put your head between your knees? Not if you can do this instead...

If your feeling dizzy, or like you're about to pass out, lie down if you can, right away. A lot of people think they should put their head between their knees, which is a good option if there is absolutely no room to lie down. Fainting is usually caused by a lack of blood flow to the brain, and when we lie down, we get our head on the same level as our heart. The symptoms should usually pass in a minute or so.

In otherwise healthy people, fainting isn't a huge cause for alarm. Teens, especially between the ages of 8 and 18 often experience dizzy spells and fainting due to changes in the nervous system. Common triggers are hot showers, standing in one position for too long, or stressful situations. If it happens more than rarely, or if the trigger isn't obvious, then you should seek medical attention.

Sources: Mayo Clinic, Teens Health

Baby Ruth

For almost a century, there's been a bit of debate over who the Baby Ruth bar was named for. We've got the facts, you make the call...

Ahh, the beloved Baby Ruth bar, chock full of peanuts, caramel and controversy. How the Baby Ruth bar got it's name has has been a subject for debate for 90 years. There are two theories. The makers contend the candy was named for Grover Cleveland's dead daughter Ruth, yum. However, most people believe that Babe Ruth, who was all the rage at the time, was the true inspiration. By using Baby instead of Babe, they wouldn't have to pay the Babe to use his name. In 1921, when the bar was unveiled, Babe Ruth had set a home run record, while Ruth Cleveland had been dead for 17 years. You make the call.

And get this, Babe Ruth came out with his own candy bar named the Ruth's Home Run Candy Bar. But the Babe struck out because the Curtiss Candy Company objected, saying it was too similary to the Baby Ruth name.

Source: BabyRuth.com

Bad Thoughts

Have you ever had a negative thought or worry in your head that won't leave you alone? We'll find out how to shut it up...

(click play to listen)

Not In The Mood For Love?

Everywhere you turn, it seems there's a product out there to help get guys in the mood. But it takes two to tango, so what's a woman to do?

Woman's Day Magazine has a list for that:

Household chores. It doesn't sound sexy, but getting them out of the way and crossing them off that to-do list can put women in a much better frame of mind for other stuff. Guys, feel free to pitch in.

Hit the gym. Most people feel better about themselves after burning some calories, and releasing some endorphins.

But it's not ALL work...

Simply taking note of when your husband is playing with the kids can help. In a recent study, women reported feeling a lot more warm and fuzzy towards that good dad.

The 10 minute rule. Even if you're not in the mood, give it try for 10 minutes. Often, it's your head that's not in the mood, and if you put your body through the motions, the mind will catch up.

Flirt with others? In a healthy relationship, going out together and mildly flirting with others can actually work as an aphrodisiac.

Poisonous Air

Your heat or air conditioning is probably spewing mold and bacteria all over your house!

If you have central air or forced-air heating, chances are it's not filtering out all the junk it should. Less than 10% of us have the right kind of filter, and even shelling out big bucks doesn't guarantee the best kind. The cheapest and easiest way to improve the air quality in your home is to get a really good DISPOSABLE filter. The fiberglass panel filters most of us use aren't enough. The best kind is a pleated filter, rated MERV 8 or higher. You can get them at most big home improvement stores.

Don't pay extra for the filters that are washable and reusable, stick with the disposable. Experts say there is just no way to really get them clean enough. Replacing filters every three months will give you cleaner air, and save you money! Dirty filters force your system to work harder.

Source: Jeff May, author of "My House Is Killing Me!"

Dog Fight

How do you break up a dog fight? You might not need to...

It can be super dangerous to get involved in a dog fight. Naturally we feel an urge to intervene if our own dog is involved. The mutual roaring and snarling kind of scuffle is actually a cue to stand back. It seems much longer to us, but they should resolve it in less than a minute. When panicked, shouting humans get involved, it can escalate matters and add to the frenzy. Of course the dogs are prone to injury in a fight, but relatively minor bites can become a bigger tears if the dogs are pulled apart and happen to clamp down.

In a serious fight, the aggressive dog is often silent. Take this as a cue that he means business. There really isn't a safe way we can intervene, assuming you don't have an air horn or a hose in your pocket. You can try throwing a blanket or jacket over the dogs. Try to stay cool, and call out for help. Trying to separate a serious dog fight could result in severe injuries to anyone within striking distance.

Source: Jolanta Benal, The Dog Trainer

Travel Taboos

That okay sign or thumbs up we make with our hands is just run of the mill sign language, here. Wait until you hear what they mean in other countries...

If you're ordering two of something in England, don't use your fingers, if your palm is towards you, it's the equivalent of that other ONE finger sign we have here. And that okay sign we make here, well it's a much more graphic gesture in Brazil. And the next time you're in Iran, don't give someone a thumbs up, it's NOT a friendly gesture there. And if you're off to Japan, practice NOT smiling. And if you forget to cover your mouth when you laugh there, they may assume you are either rude, or stupid. Remember to always wave goodbye in Japan, and don't STOP waving until you don't see your host anymore.

And if you need to ask for a fanny pack in the UK, it's called a bum bag. The word fanny means something completely different there and will probably get you some weird looks, to say the least.

Source: Paul Eisenberg, author of "Local Taboos That Trip Up Travelers"

Head Lice

If your kid gets head lice, should you keep them home from school?

If your unfortunate enough to wind up with head lice in your child's hair, don't panic. Sure, they're inconvenient, creepy and itchy, but they don't transmit disease. The American Academy of Pediatrics says kids should not be restricted from school, and even discourages classroom screenings. They say that a big part of the head lice problem is the anxiety it creates for the parents and the kids. Often they are embarrassed and quarantined in vain. In one study, two thirds of the suspicious samples, thought to be eggs, turned out to be plain old yucky stuff like scabs, dirt or dandruff. That can also result in unnecessary treatments with insecticides.

Anyone can get head lice. It has nothing to do with social class or hygiene. Kids should avoid sharing combs, brushes and hats as a safeguard, but should never refuse protective headgear for fear of head lice. If you do end up with the dreaded head bugs, wash or dry items that came in contact with that head at temperatures above 130 degrees, and then ask a doctor or search on line for a head lice parents guide to get rid of them.

Workplace Woes

Is there something or someone at work you can't stand?

Opinium Research surveyed 1,800 people, and here are a few of their least favorite things:

10. Too cold, too much air conditioning.

9. People not cleaning up after themselves in the kitchen.

8. Coworkers arriving at work, or a meeting, late.

7. Poor bathroom etiquette.

6. Seminars on topics such as health, safety and harassment.

5. Loud phone talkers.

4. Over use of office jargon or management-speak.

3. Small talk and gossip.

2. Slow computers.

1. Negative or moody colleagues.

Grocery Store Tricks

If you want to save money on groceries, Tightwad Tod of Consumer Reports has some retail tricks to watch out for:

Have a plan. Check on line or read the flyer first, but don't assume every featured product is on sale. Spot the ones that specifically say you'll save. Some of those items are paid placement ads.

Buy the store brand. Most supermarkets now have their own label brand of a lot more products, and they test as well if not better than the name brands. In some cases you can save about 50 percent! But they're not ALWAYS cheaper. Make sure there isn't a name brand running a big special on that same item.

That eye level placement is still a factor. That's where the most popular and priciest items still are. Don't forget to look up, down, and behind. And those items displayed at the aisle ends, aren't always on sale. They are usually either new items at full price, or stuff that's about to expire.

Happy Time

Who wouldn't like to be happier? Well one person spent a year testing out what works best...

We all like to be happy, but we don't all have time to test out different methods. That's where Gretchen Rubin comes in. She spent a year on The Happiness Project, and some of the things that worked surprised even her:

Trying new things. As simple as it sounds, a lot of us don't step out of our comfort zone or routine enough. Challenging yourself with a new project, skill or hobby that has always looked interesting, can work wonders.

Go back in time, to when you were 10. Think of something you really liked doing then, and give it a whirl again. Drawing, a board game, a favorite song or riding a bike. It can really trigger the happiness.

Celebrate little steps instead of big ones. A lot of us think, I'll be happy when I accomplish that, whatever that goal may be. But why wait? Remind yourself to be happy each time you get a step closer.

Save At Starbucks!

If you like Starbucks, and would like to save a little money when you go, we've got some advice from the Baristas:

Keep your cup! Take it back any time for a 50-cent coffee refill.

Take your own reusable cup and Starbucks with take 10 cents off the price.

Poor Man's Latte. Order espresso over ice in a big cup instead. Fill the rest up with the free milk or half and half.

Skip the flavor in your order, and use the free syrups or spices they leave out for everyone.

Buy your food somewhere else. The bananas and bagels are cheaper elsewhere. In a lot of big cities, fruit vendors set up as close to Starbucks as they can.

Chemical Detox

If you're worried about some of the toxic chemicals we're all exposed to, there is a way to detox...

 

No matter what we do, we're all exposed to toxic chemicals. There's just no avoiding them ALL. Dr. Walter Crinnion, author of Clean, Green and Lean, says we're soaking up dangerous toxins all the time, but we can show them the way out:

Drink three cups of unsweetened organic green tea a day. It helps flush out the toxins.

Eat organic brown rice several times a week. That fiber keeps those toxins moving, right out.

Green, leafy vegetables, green drinks such as wheat grass juice, and blue-green algae supplements all have chlorophyll. It's known as nature's cleanser and prevents the buildup of toxins.

The less sugar you eat, the better. It suppresses your liver's ability to purge toxins.

Sweat it out. With your doctor's okay, sauna's and heavy sweating several times a week releases toxins. Use a loofah to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores to keep those exit doors open.

This Is Your Brain. This Is Your Brain On Google!

Want a mental workout? Google one.

Researchers at the University of California conducted a study called Your Brain on Google. Internet searches can stimulate the key parts of the brain, but only if you do it right. The study broke the group into two sections, the net naive, and the net savvy. The net savvy group showed a lot more depth in brain activity during their search session. That group was more comfortable thinking in layers and making decisions on which way to go in their searches.

There was good news for the net naive group though. After they were given a bit of computer training, their brains showed similar strengthening patterns to the savvy for their next search session. Conventional reading is one dimensional compared to the web, and the complex reasoning we use navigating on line helps to strengthen the cognitive brain activity we need for everyday tasks.

Source: Gary Small, MD, author of "iBrain"

What A Jerk!

If you've ever had to deal with a jerk, there is one word that might just stop them in their tracks...

If you've ever had to deal with a jerk, chances are reasoning or arguing didn't work. According to psychiatrist Mark Goulton, there is one word that usually stops them in their toxic tracks. That word is Huh? If you say it in a mild, neutral tone, that jerk will have to stop, regroup and repeat. It suggests that what the jerk is saying makes no sense, and that you are not about to engage. Dismissing a toxic personality is usually the most effective course of action.

An awkward pause can be helpful too. The longer you wait before responding to a jerk, the more you emotionally distance yourself. They may go on and on, but you're less likely to get upset. That silence can work like an echo, and give them time to hear what a jerk they sound like.

Flu Shot or Spray?

Should you get the flu shot or spray? There is a difference...

It's flu prevention season, and you've got a few choices, shot or nasal spray vaccine. The injectable vaccine, or flu shot, has the longest track record. It's very protective for most people, and it's the safest choice for those with a poor immune system, because it contains no live virus. The nasal vaccine is great for healthy people. It is considered a live vaccine, which makes it slightly better for duration and quality. And when flu strains are drifting or shifting, the nasal vaccine provides more cross protection.

Both vaccines are fine choices, however, for young children, age 6 months to two years, elderly people, and for those with poor immune systems, the flu SHOT is the only and best choice.

Source: Dr. James Conway, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

Talking to Yourself Again?

Talking To Yourself

Do you talk to yourself? Most of us do, but don't always listen...

Go ahead, talk to yourself, you've probably got some really valuable advice. New research shows using your inner voice can help control impulsive behavior. A group of people were given two computer tests, one using their inner voice, and one with that voice blocked by repeating one word over and over. The test results revealed much more impulsive responses when that inner voice was muted.

If you're thinking, I really shouldn't have that second piece of cake, that's your inner voice trying to guide you. And who knows you better than you? You'd like other people to listen to you when you have something to say, so consider doing yourself that favor. And saying it out loud packs even more of a punch. The sound of your own voice can make a thought more of a reality.

Source: Alexa Tullet, University of Toronto

Who's Checking Your Wall?

Facebook alert! Can someone really see if you've viewed their profile? We'll get to the bottom of that...



(click play to listen)

Seasonal Purge

Ready to tackle that seasonal purge?

The start of a new season is the perfect time to purge. If you have trouble letting go of some things you know you should, there are some tricks to make it easier:

Does it make you happy? Just because your grandmother liked it, doesn't mean you do. If it doesn't make you smile, or conjures up guilt or stress, it shouldn't be in your house. If you still can't ditch it, put it in a box with similar items and store it for a year. Detaching yourself might help.

Do you have two of those? With jewelry or kitchen utensils, we often accumulate way more than we need. Pick your favorites, and ditch the rest. Something that might be a bourdon to you might be just the thing someone you know could use.

It can really help to have a friend step in when you're trying to clean out. Touching things can trigger an emotional connection. Ask your friend to hold up items you're not sure about. You'll feel less connected AND get a second opinion.

Source: Jamie Novak, author of "The Get Organized Answer Book"

Out-of-bed Bugs

If the thought of bed bugs makes your skin crawl, wait until you hear where ELSE they might be hiding....

Sure, bed bugs like beds, but that's not the only place they hang out. They also like dressing rooms in clothing stores! They could be lurking on benches or chairs in there, or around the mirror, or in any dark crevices. The next time you use a dressing room, be sure to hang up the clothes you're about to try on, AND the clothes you're wearing. Don't throw them in the corner or on any seating. Then, when you get home, be sure to wash any new clothes that you bought before you wear them or put them away.

The good news is that bed bugs can't really hurt you. They don't transmit disease, and only about 30% of us are allergic to their bites. A lot of retailers and movie theaters have gone on the attack though, using bed-bug-sniffing dogs that can detect a single live bug or egg.

Source: Jeffrey White, M.Sc., Bed Bug Central

Cloud 9

If you'd like to be on Cloud 9...

...pack a sweater!

(click play to hear more)

Fruit Flies

Got fruit flies?

If you've got 2 fruit flies, you might as well have 1,000. They seem to magically appear, and can smell food from far far away. They're so tiny that it's much easier for them to get in through a window screen or door jam. Some of them might even ride home with you from the produce isle. And it's not just fruit they like, they LOVE booze. They feed on the alcohol, then lay eggs in there that hatch within hours.

To round them all up, throw a fruit fly party. Leave a few sips wine or beer in a bottle, just an inch or so, along with a few drops of cooking oil or dish soap. Once they hit the surface, they'll be stuck. You can also use a glass or bowl. Just cover it with plastic wrap and poke a few holes in there, the fruit flies will find their way in, but not out.

Allergy Eyes

If you've got itchy watery eyes from allergies, wash your eyelids!

Fall is a peak allergy season, and if you get itchy, watery eyes, there's something you can do to reduce symptoms. Wash your eyelids. Pollen naturally gets stuck to your eyelashes and eyelids, and by gently washing them with baby shampoo twice a day, experts say you'll prevent that pollen from migrating into your eyes.

It's also a good idea to shower at night. Thousands of pollen particles get trapped in your hair daily, and by washing them out before bed you won't be spreading them around and breathing them in while you sleep.

Source: Clifford Bassett, M.D., Allergy and Asthma Care of New York

Classroom Distraction

If you suspect your child has ADHD, you might need to wait a year to find out for sure...

If you suspect your child might have ADHD, it could be temporary. According to David Rabiner, Ph.D., attention problems in the classroom often DON'T carry over into the next school year. In a group of kids rated by different teachers, 50% of them fell in the normal range a year later, and 30% of kids with at least six symptoms of ADHD had NONE the following year. Dr. Rabiner explains, for some children, attention problems at school can be related more to classroom factors such as disruptive peers.

Positive Strides

If you'd like to be in a better mood, there are some steps to take, LONG steps....

If you could use a little pick-me-up, try taking some longer strides when you walk. And stand up straight while you're at it. Studies show that pessimists tend to take smaller steps and slouch a bit too. It's simple body language in motion that really works. By focusing on our posture, and taking long strides, we automatically get more oxygen which translates to more energy. Top it off with a broad smile to a passerby, and if you don't FEEL more optimistic, at least you'll appear to be.

Source: Jason Pegler, author of "The Ultimate Guide to Well Being"

Rent A Friend

Need a friend? You can rent one, really. There's a web site for that...

Everyone needs a friend, and if you're looking for a new way to find one, you can RENT one. It sounds funny at first, but there's a web site called RentAFriend.com, that takes friendship to a whole new level, platonically of course. Let's say you've got a hobby or skill that none of your real friends are particularly interested in, now you can rent someone to do that with. Need a friend to help you move, or check in on your out of state Grandma? You can rent that too. You can also find friends from all over the country, which can come in handy if you're traveling to an unfamiliar place, and would like a friend to show you around.

And if you're not looking to rent a friend, you could always be someone else's friend, and earn some money while you're at it. Once someone connects with you, you negotiate your own price. Most friends start at about $10 an hour.

Slicing Germs

Washing fruits and vegetables before we eat them is important, and that goes for those rinds and skins you're NOT going to eat too...

We know we're supposed to wash that apple or pear well before we take a bite, but it's important to wash produce with a thick rind too. Melons, oranges, and bananas are protected inside, but if you use a knife to get in there, any germs and bacteria on the outside will be sliced right through.

The same rule applies to potatoes, cucumbers and other vegetables that we peel. Eventually, that sharp surface will be touching the part you eat, so be sure to scrub the produce first, and use a really clean knife. Drying fruits and vegetables after you wash them cuts down on bacteria too.

Source: FDA.gov

Sing or Snore

If you, or someone you know, has a problem with snoring, you might be able to sing it away...

If snoring is a problem in your life, it's something to sing about. New research shows some snorers are sawing less wood at night after trying the singing technique. Singing works the muscles in the back of the throat. If they're not used enough, they get lax and flabby, and vibrate with deep breathing during sleep. It also exercises the soft palate, the arch at the back of your throat, works the tongue and opens nasal passages.

Belting out any tune can help, but try replacing the lyrics with these: Oooon gong gong oon gaa gaa. Those long Os, soft Gs and soft As work all the right muscles.

Source: Alise Ojay, Music Teacher, Creator of "Singing for Snorers"

#1 Interview Mistake

If you're looking or a job, we found the number one interview mistake...

There are lots of mistakes we can make on a job interview, but there's one that trumps even forgetting to turn off the cell phone or arriving late. According to a survey of hiring managers, the number one mistake is not asking THEM any questions. It can make you come across as not interested or passionate about the company or the position.

So what do you ask? Noah St. John, author of The Secret Code of Success, has a good one. What do you expect from the person you hire? This question can apply to just about any position or situation, and shows your interested in the employer's needs, not just your own.

Alarm Clock Blues

Does your alarm clock have a blue light number display? You might want to get a new one...

 

If your alarm clock displays the time in blue light, it could be interfering with your sleep. You might think the blue light is soothing, but it actually has the opposite effect on your sleeping brain. It interferes with the production of melatonin. Some truckers actually use blue lights to keep them awake on the road.

If you'd like to use blue light to your advantage, expose yourself to some first thing in the morning, especially in the fall. It simulates daylight and can help you adjust to the time change. TV's, computers and cell phones all have it.

Source: Dr. Beverly Yates, Naturopathic Family Health Clinic

LOL?

So, you think you know what LOL stand for. Well there are lot's of variations, just ask a doctor...

LOL. What's your translation? Laugh out loud is the most common response, or laughing out loud, or lots of laughs. But some people read it differently. For those who interpret it as lots of luck or lots of love, that LOL at the end of a sarcastic comment or joke could change the tone completely.

And if you're writing to a doctor or nurse, keep in mind they started using LOL long before it's online popularity. In their world, it's a heads up that a Little Old Lady is on the charts.

Source: Brenna Ehrlich, author of "Stuff Hipsters Hate"

Perception of You

Have you ever wondered what other people REALLY think of you? Here's how to find out...

Think for a moment abut how others might describe you, honestly. Life coach Lauren Zander says some people have no idea how they are perceived. She also says, if you've got the nerve, it's in your best interest to find out. You might learn something about yourself that is holding you back, or even find some strengths you didn't know you had. If you've got a close family member, friend or colleague you trust, ask them for an interview and explain to them what you're looking for. Here are a few questions to ask.

What have you never told me that you wish I would change?

Is there something I should be doing on a regular basis that I don't?

Have I ever hurt your feelings?

Am I a good listener?

It can be helpful to ask someone who knows you well to describe how they think strangers would perceive you. It takes the heat off of them. The more people you can interview, the better. Common answers will reveal a lot about what you're putting out there.

Hazardous Horns

Does your kid play a musical instrument? It could be hazardous to their health!

 

If your kid plays a musical instrument, one that involves the putting your mouth on it, you NEED to hear this. A Connecticut trombone player developed a condition called Trombone Player's Lung. Sound scary? It is! He struggled with health problems and a cough for years. Doctors thought he had asthma, but none of the treatments were working. Eventually, one doctor took a culture from inside his horn, and identified mold and bacteria in there that would break off and get into the lungs each time he inhaled. That doctor tested ten more instruments, and they were all contaminated.

Student musicians are lectured on the importance of cleaning their instruments, but often don't take it too seriously. Some of those shiny brass instruments are disgusting inside, a musical petri dish of sorts. When cleaned properly with a rod and alcohol, on a regular basis, they won't be a problem.

Source: Dr. Mark Metersky, University of Connecticut

Beauty Parlor Stroke

If you have your hair washed at a salon, you could be putting yourself at risk...

If you've ever had your hair washed at a salon, it sure can feel good, but it can also be dangerous. The position your neck is in when it's leaned back into that sink can interfere with blood flow to the brain, and lead to some scary stuff. It's known in the medical field as Beauty Parlor Stroke. It's pretty rare, but neurologists see an average of five to six cases a year, and it can easily be prevented. It's important the neck has cushioned support, and that you are elevated to the right height for the shampoo bowl. Salon owner Tony Botticelli uses neck pads and chair cushions, and makes sure his clients don't spend more than three minutes in that position. Having extensive dental work with an awkward neck position can be problematic too.

Symptoms of Beauty Parlor Stroke are dizziness, imbalance, numbing or tingling, or asymmetry in the face or eyes. If you experience any of those symptoms during or after a trip to the salon or dentist, see a neurologist right away.

Source: Dr. Michael Weintraub, The Journal of the American Medical Association

Caroma

Does your car smell funny? I've got some causes of car-oma you might want to check...

For a lot of us, our cars are a home away from home, and if something doesn't smell right, you need to check it out. Here are some common scents and triggers:

Rotten egg or sulfur. Get that checked soon. It could be a problem with the catalytic converter.

Fuel smell. If the smell is strong, it's best not to drive the car at all. It could be a problem with the vapor-recovery system or, even worse, a gas leak somewhere.

Musty moldy smell. Your air-conditioning drainage holes could be blocked. Check for mud or debris under the car on the passenger side front door. Try to wash that off with a garden hose. If not, take the car in for a professional diagnosis. That mold smell can be nasty AND unhealthy.

Burning hair smell. Take note of when it happens. If it's when you're descending a steep grade, it's probably the brakes. If it's when you're accelerating with a manual transmission, it's likely the clutch. Either problem needs to be addressed.

Source: Eric Peters, author of "Automotive Atrocities"

Seven Social Sins

It's time for a refresher course on the 7 deadly sins, of social networking...

The world of social networking is relatively new, and according to Scott Stratten, author of UnMarketing, too many of us are making it up as we go along. He's got the 7 deadly sins of social media to avoid if you're really on there for networking:

Greed. Avoid making tweets and posts self-centered. Use them as a conversational tool. Others are much more likely to read and pass on information that applies to others.

Gluttony. If you're networking, it makes sense to have lots of friends or followers, but accepting everyone can really work against you if they start adding you into feeds.

Sloth. If you initiate conversations via tweets or threads, don't drop the ball. It's frustrating to have someone drop out of a conversation indefinitely. If your feedback could get their faster by messenger, you're taking too long.

Envy. Exhibiting it, or provoking it. Social envy is a big turn off from both perspectives.

Wrath. It only takes one post or tweet to change your reputation from social to anti-social. Refrain from unleashing your opinion on someone else's position, and that goes for the spelling and grammar police too.

Lust. No matter how good that friend looks, most networkers don't appreciate comments laced with sexual innuendo on their profile pictures.

Pride. It can be a good thing, sharing accomplishments, home life, or a career move, but do it in moderation. And pay it back, don't forget to acknowledge some of the pride that other's post.

What Bumper Stickers REALLY Say

If you're behind a car with a bumper sticker, you might want to STAY behind them!

Cars with bumper stickers could be a hazard, REGARDLESS of the message on there. A psychological study out of Colorado State University revealed that drivers with bumper stickers were more aggressive behind the wheel. In the study, the drivers who expressed themselves with bumper stickers and decals had a higher tendency to express themselves in other ways. Honking, road rage, tailgating and flipping the bird was much more prevalent in the sticker group than the clean bumper crowd.

The aggressive results included those with vanity plates and other markers on the car. Even parents of honor students and truck drivers with Confederate flags fit the profile. And political statements had an even broader effect, triggering anger in drivers around them and eliciting dirty looks and gestures. 

Gender Challenge

Is it harder to raise a boy or a girl? It was a close contest...

Generally speaking, boys won the title of biggest challenge. Of course it varies from kid to kid, but here's how the overall genders scored in specific categories:

Discipline: Boys, as a group, are less verbal and more impulsive.

Physical safety: Boys overall, are more aggressive and their brains are wired to take more risks.

Communication: It's a tie! Boys communicate less as babies, while girls tend to be more people-oriented, and learn to talk at a younger age. But starting at around age 8, more boys will be straight forward and more girls will shut you out.

Self esteem: Girls were less confident and more insecure than boys in group studies, and more girls struggled with body image issues.

Statistically, the bottom line is that boys are harder to raise early on, and then girls catch up, or even take the lead in preteen years.

Source: Michael Gurian, author of "Nurture the Nature"

Salt Water

Does adding salt to water really make it boil faster? No, but I'll tell you what it does do...

Adding salt to the water you're boiling doesn't make it boil faster. But adding salt DOES cause the water to boil at a higher temperature, and reduces your overall cooking time. And that's not all it does to help. Eggs boiled in salted water peel more easily, and shaking some salt into greasy pan will make it much easier to clean.

Cold salted water is handy too. If you drop apples, pears and potatoes in cold, lightly salted water as they are peeled they won't turn brown. And if you cut yourself peeling those potatoes, throw the blood stained item in the cold salt water too, that will help prevent staining.

Seasonal Swap

If you'd like to get rid of some old stuff, AND end up with some new treasures, we've got a cool party trend to try...

Clothing and accessory swap parties are on the rise, and a change of season is the perfect time for one. It's a great excuse to get together with friends on the cheap, get rid of stuff you don't want, and end up with some new goodies. It's even easier with accessory swaps, it's one-size-fits-all, with items such as pocket books, jewelry and scarves.

Karen Bussen, author of Simple Stunning Parties at Home, says keep it comfortable. You want at least 5 guests for variety. Work with the space you have, you'll want room for tables for each category, refreshments, and comfortable seating for everyone. Shopping bags, tissue, and boxes can add a nice retail touch.

Talking Legs

Do you sit with your legs crossed? You might be sending the wrong message. This is what your legs are saying:

A lot of people just naturally cross their legs when they sit down. In body language, that translates to: I'm stubborn. And then when your leg gets tingly and you decide to switch, you may as well be announcing you're frustrated or fidgety. Crossing our arms can send the same stubborn message.

If you'd like to appear strong, confident, and open, put both feet comfortably on the floor, sit up straight, and lean slightly forward.

Source: Jeanie Bress, Communispond Inc.

Serve Here, Eat There

If you, or someone in your family should be eating less at your next meal, there's a simple trick that helps:

If you're watching your weight, just eat less. Sounds simple enough, but easier said than done for most of us. There is a simple trick that could help. Leave the serving dishes on the stove or counter, and keep them off the dinner table. In a recent study called Serve Here, Eat There, participants ate significantly less if they had to get up for seconds, especially men.

This theory can work the other way around for healthy food too. If fruits and vegetable are ready to eat and kept in plain sight, we're more likely to munch on those than go for a less healthy snack that needs to be located and prepared.

Hunger For Risk

If you've got an important decision to make, have a snack first!

If you've got a big decision to make, have a snack first. Chances are, you'll make the better choice. That's because people who are hungry are more likely to take risks, especially where money is concerned. In a recent study, people who's appetites were satisfied, were much more careful, and adverse to risk, making the safer financial choice with less of a return. When they were hungry, most of them opted for the bigger risk with a bigger payout.

The authors of the study explain that the state of hunger actually increases our appetite for all sorts of things, including taking chances.

Source: Raymond J. Dolan, Institute of Neurology, University College London

Words That Hurt

Certain words can really hurt, here are a few that might trigger the pain...

Words can hurt, literally. Some of us cringe at phrases like getting a shot, or the words dentist's drill, without even hearing or seeing one. A study in the journal Pain revealed that just saying or hearing words such as hurt, crampy, nauseous, or excruciating can actually stimulate the brain to perceive and intensify pain. Adults are prone to the reaction, but children are even more sensitive.

Choose words carefully for your next trip to the dentist or doctor. Even saying it ISN'T going to hurt can register that pain word. Try using phrases like you'll be fine, or, you'll feel so much better.

Zombie Teen

If you've got a teen who just can't get up in the morning, or acts like a zombie, give this a try:

Waking a teenager early in the morning can be challenging to say the least. There's a good reason for that. Kids who arrive at school early in the morning and spend most of the day indoors, don't get that morning light they need to keep their body clock on track. Consider having those bedroom shades open before sunrise.

That first morning light can actually set a subconscious clock for an earlier bedtime that night, to help them get the sleep they need. Even turning on a bedroom light two hours before they get up can help.

Source: Mariana Figueiro, Ph.D., Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

e-Therapy

You can find just about anything online these days, including a therapist. If you need one, I'll tell you why you might want to do it e-style...   (click link to listen)

Relax!

Americans are considered excellent workers, but a lot of us stink at relaxing...

 

Are you suffering from leisure sickness? It's a term that describes a syndrome that workaholics get when they try to take time off. A sense of guilt about anything that feels good can really ruin that down time, but there are a few things you can do daily to prevent that:

Quietly chill out. Wakeful resting, or just sitting there, can be really helpful. It might be hard at first, but you'll actually be more productive when you work some quick rests into your routine.

Close your eyes. Sit quietly for a few minutes and take some deep breaths through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Twice a day is enough to trigger your reset button.

Get a massage. Even a brief hands on session from a pro can elevate the feel-good brain hormones.

If you have a tendency to be irritated and impatient, or have trouble focusing, then it's time to sit down, breathe deeply, and relax. You'll be doing yourself, and the people around you, a big favor.

Source: James S. Gordon, author of "Unstuck"