Marital Email

Do you email your significant other too much?

 

If your spouse isn’t replying to your emails – it could be a hint that you’re overdoing it. Some couples get in the habit of emailing or texting every little thing they forgot to mention. It can really erode the romance after a while - there’s just not much to look forward to by the end of the day, according to Paula Szuchman (Shoeman), author of “Spousonomics”. Oversharing erodes at the natural mystique in a relationship - and we’re supposed to refrain from communicating stuff that’s not an absolute emergency to keep that relationship more interesting.

If you’re not getting responses from your partner – make sure you’re not flooding their inbox or phone with information they don’t really need to distract them during their day – you might just have something left to discuss over dinner.

Win Them Over!

In order to REALLY get someone on your side – you first need to win them over!

 

Here's some expert advice on how to do just that:

• Don’t be needy. People smell a sense of urgency and might be reluctant to help. Take a cool and blasé approach.

• Tell the person what they have to lose – it’s more effective. That’s why you hear “Don’t miss it!” in so many ads.

• Throw a curveball. If someone is not responding – change the subject to something they’ll like for about ten minutes – then try again.

• Start with THEIR point of view. For example – “I know YOU feel this way” – then work in your opposing view.

Source: Noah Goldstein, author of “yes!”

Write Your Own Prescription

If you’ve got an ailment – you should consider writing your OWN prescription.

Got a symptom you just can’t shake? Write your OWN prescription. There is new research showing that patients who write about themselves actually heal faster in some cases. In one study, patients with asthma and rheumatoid arthritis had a decrease in symptoms after writing about the most stressful event of their lives. In another study – participants with irritable bowel syndrome wrote about their deepest thoughts and emotions about the condition, and saw a significant improvement after a few sessions.

Writing therapy is really starting to get noticed in the medical field – and it works both ways. Some top medical schools are now using creative writing to help students gain empathy and insight to patients and their symptoms.

Source: Danielle Ofri, author of “Medicine in Translation”

Cooking With Candy

Don’t let that leftover Halloween candy go to waste – cook with it!

There are some pretty creative culinary uses for candy:

• Flavored spirits. Treats like Skittles and candy corn dissolve nicely in vodka.

• Baking. Tootsie Rolls, peanut butter cups and chocolate bars taste great melted into cookies and muffins.

• Warm drinks. Save those peppermint candies for coffee, tea and cocoa.

• Dinner. Pixie Sticks make a great glaze for pork chops - and Smarties or Red Hots can be crushed up and used for sweet and sour or barbeque sauce.

Source: Wisebread.com

Fighting Bullies

The most common school grades that bullying takes place are 6th, 7th and 8th. So should advise your child to fight back?

No. Most schools now have zero tolerance rules for fighting. A student could be suspended or expelled for behavior without the context of the whole situation considered. Experts suggest we teach our kids the first steps to take with a bully.

• Stand up - literally – without getting physical. Stand up straight – look the bully in the eye and remain calm when confronted.

• Speak up. A firm “that’s not cool” or “stop it” is the best approach. Quiet bullies can sometimes be deterred if attention is drawn to them.

• Walk away.

Kids won’t always let an adult know if they’re the target of bullying – but they can safeguard themselves a bit by taking a few steps to reduce the opportunity. Sit near the front on a school bus and stay within sight of an adult at recess and in the cafeteria. If cyber-bullying is an issue – tell your child to save any bullying emails or text messages.

Source: Marji Lipshez-Shapiro, ADL.org

Cranberries Are Back!

Cranberries are back on the shelves – and you should really get some.

The bogs are brimming - and cranberries are back! Don’t wait until Thanksgiving for those tart little treats. Cranberries are a great source of antioxidants and vitamin C and are really good for your urinary tract, your kidneys and even your teeth and gums!

Cranberry juice is fine – but the actual berries pack a more powerful punch. If you’re not a big fan of their bitter bite, blend them up with some sweeter fruit or check the bag they come in for some tasty suggestions.

Source: Dr. Paul Gross, Berry Health Inc.

Legal Advice for Kids

It’s easier than ever to hurt your reputation online and we’ve got some legal advice – for your KIDS!

Your kids could be putting their futures in jeopardy online – and high school and college kids are especially at risk. If they don’t believe you, maybe they’ll take a lawyer’s word for it. Attorney Gloria Alfred has got some free legal advice for them. Don’t vent – a lawyer can use that against you if someone decides you’ve slandered them. If it’s risqué – don’t post it. Consider this; you post a video or picture doing something illegal or unflattering - years later - if you ever have to testify in court, you can be asked about your past. You might forget, or skip that one time - and that post from years ago can ruin your credibility.

Also, remind them that if they violate a social site’s content rules, that Web site can notify local or federal law enforcement agencies about their online activities.

Slippery When Wet

Driving in the rain is no fun – and it’s trickier than you might think.

When the roads are wet – a whole new set of driving hazards float to the surface. Edumds.com has some wet road physics to consider:

• At the onset of rain – oil and grease in the pavement rises up – and you’re driving on it.

• Most American roads are crowned in the middle – avoid the right shoulders.

• Don’t use cruise control in the rain – it could actually cause acceleration if you hydroplane.

• Keep an extra close eye out for pedestrians – they are often distracted or rushing in the rain and may have their vision obscured by hoods or umbrellas.

Killer Leaves

Raking leaves can be downright dangerous!

Did you know 12,000 people are injured each year raking leaves? Heart attack and back injuries top the list of hazards – and dehydration is another risk. Dr. Travis Stork, author of “The Doctor Is In,” has some tips for raking:

• Drink plenty of water. Even if it’s chilly – you’re working up a sweat.
• Switch from side to side to avoid overdoing it with one side of your body.

• Wait until the leaves are dry - wet leaves are a lot heavier and slippery too.

• Keep your piles OFF the road - kids love to hide in them.

• Use a mask – leaves are FULL of mold spores.

• Don’t burn your leaves – that emits toxic carcinogens.

Eye Contact Making

Do you avoid making eye contact with people?

If making direct eye contact with other people makes you queasy – it could be a problem. A lack of eye contact can suggest that you’re not to be trusted, have something to hide, or are just plain insecure. There are some tricks you can do to make eye contact a little more comfortable:

• Practice with TV. A news or talk show where the person is looking directly at you works the best to get in the habit of focusing on someone’s eyes.

• Practice in short bursts with people you will have brief contact with such as cashiers.

• If you feel uncomfortable – take a quiet deep breath – it really helps.

Keep it subtle – there’s a difference between eye contact and staring. If it’s one on one, break the stare by looking at the person’s hands for a moment and then reestablish the eye contact.

Falling Back Early

We turn our clocks back on November 7th this year – but we should be turning them back tonight!


Don’t wait until November 7th to turn your clock back – turn it back tonight - your alarm clock that is. There’s some pretty stunning research showing an increase in heart attack and other bad stuff the week following the fall time change. We can make that transition a lot easier on ourselves – and our kids - by starting 10 days earlier. Ideally, we should be setting our alarm clocks back five minutes each day prior to the change – and don’t forget to go to bed five minutes earlier. Avoid afternoon naps, and expose yourself to some extra light each morning and that falling back won’t hurt as much.

I Quit!

If you’re ready to quit your job – skip the manifesto!

As much as we love THIS quitter - most of us would be better off with a more low-profile approach.  Some of us dream of how we’d like to quit our job – especially if we don’t like it. There are some pretty creative ways to do it, especially with modern access to social media and self-broadcasting. But According to John Beeson, author of “The Unwritten Rules,” it’s best to keep that goodbye face-to-face. He says if you must put your farewell in writing; keep it short, sweet and to the point. There is no way of predicting what might go viral – and others will be looking to read between the lines, so give them fewer lines to read between. Beeson also says a successful exit is usually portrayed as a mutual decision.

It might be less fun – but we’re better off not telling our employers where they can put that job. We’re supposed to avoid emotions, rancor or intrigue – which are BIG red flags to recruiters and prospective employers.

Good Old Vitamin C

In the world of vitamins, good old vitamin C is a classic…

Did you take your vitamin C today? You should. It’s a classic in the vitamin world – with good reason. It builds immunity more effectively than some of the others and is one of the most thoroughly studied of all the vitamins and supplements. Vitamin C is inexpensive – and compared to other vitamins – tastes pretty good.

You can even make your own vitamin water with vitamin C. The powdered form is the least expensive. Add some to bottled water with a touch of juice or honey and sip it throughout the day to get the peak effect.

Source: Dr. Andrew Rubman, Southbury Clinic for Traditional Medicines.

Custom Plates

For a long time, prisoners have made our license plates. You won’t believe who made them before that...

 

The production of license plates has come a long way since the turn of the century. Originally, drivers paid about $2 a year for a number and had to make the plate themselves! It could be made of wood, metal or leather, with the numbers painted on. Once they started being issued by states, they were generally made from wood, leather or porcelain and occasionally tin. It wasn’t until about 1920 that most states started producing the metal variety – behind bars.

Cons are still churning out plates in most states – although some have contracted the job out to private companies.

Source: State of Washington Department of Licensing

Getting Back to Sleep

If you wake up between midnight and 2 am – and can’t get back to sleep – there's something you can do...

Millions of people struggle with sleep – and one of the most common problems is waking up in the middle of the night. There are a few things you can try to prevent that from happening:

• Walking after dinner. It’s best to do it about three hours before bedtime and it could take about two weeks of this routine for it to work.

• Relaxing music. Studies have shown that mellowing out to music for 45 minutes before bedtime induced better quality and longer sleep.

• Melatonin lozenges. Take one 30 minutes before bedtime for three nights to see if it works for you.

If you regularly wake up in the wee hours of the morning – say between 2 and 4 – it could be a hormone imbalance and you should have your levels checked.

Source: Mark A. Stengler, author of “The Natural Physician’s Healing Therapies”

Pumpkin Seeds

If you’re carving a pumpkin this week – don’t toss the seeds!

Save those pumpkin seeds! They’re really good for you – and they’re super easy to bake. Just preheat the oven to 325, rinse the seeds and let them dry. Next, spread the seeds out on a baking sheet, spray them with cooking spray, and let them roast until golden brown – about 25 minutes. If you like them extra salty, simmer them in salted water for about 10 minutes first.

Don’t forget the best part – seasoning them the way you like. You can make them salty, garlicky, or spicy hot with some cayenne pepper. Basically, anything goes, and your custom pumpkin seeds will be way more gourmet than anything you’ll find in the store.

Source: SimplyRecipes.com

New Trick for Old Dogs

If you need to teach an old dog a new trick – get down on all fours.



Some dogs are just better at getting that new trick than others – age and breed are a factor – but so is the teacher. An animal behavior expert in Vienna says he’s found the best way to teach an old dog a new trick – get down on all fours! Now show the dog what you’d like him or her to do using your head and your paws – doggy style.

It’s in a dog’s nature to mimic our movements when we’re down on their level. Verbal commands are effective – but the dog will probably figure them out faster with that visual reinforcement.

Source: Friederike Range, PhD

Too Trusting?

Some people are just too trusting. So are they putting themselves at risk?

If you are the trusting type – and maybe even gullible – I’ve got some good news for you to believe in. A new study from the University of Toronto showed that those honest, trusting types are actually BETTER at spotting liars. Experts explain that people who tend to be suspicious of others end up desensitizing themselves over time. The doubters are more likely to miss subtle cues the deceptive types give us – such as fidgeting or a change in voice. The more trusting types picked those up much faster.

Mouthwash Myths

If you use mouthwash – make sure you’re using the right one. There is a BIG difference between brands...

Mouthwash should do three things for you – Freshen breath, fight gingivitis and reduce the build-up of plaque. All mouthwashes are NOT created equal. Some of them contain harsh chemicals and alcohol that you don’t need. Studies have shown that the alcohol in many of the leading brands of mouthwash can actually dehydrate you. Dehydration increases the production of odor-producing germs – so that can kind of defeat the purpose.

The best way to choose a mouthwash is to check the ingredients. Opt for a brand that contains essential oils such as peppermint or spearmint – they are natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal components. Avoid the brands that contain alcohol, unnecessary chemicals or dyes.

Source: Dr. Tom McGuire, author of “Healthy Teeth, Healthy Body”

Posting In Vain

How do your posts get top billing on Facebook? You might be surprised...

If it seems like some of your Facebook friends post a lot more than others, it could be an illusion. The two options – most recent and top news – are both censored by Facebook. Choosing the most recent DOESN’T show everyone’s recent posts. Top billing goes to those who post external links or photos. That’s because Facebook has determined that those tend to be more interesting, and will deliver more clicks for them. Friends you’ve recently interacted with show up more often too.

You can override Facebook’s choices by manually setting your favorite friends’ feeds. Go to the bottom of your home page and click Edit Options, then type in their names.

Source: Thomas E. Weber, The Daily Beast

Everybody Yawn!

Why do we yawn when we see someone else yawn?

It’s a scientific fact that yawning is contagious – but scientists can’t seem to tell us why. It’s known that people and animals yawn as a reflex to get some oxygen to the brain - but that doesn’t explain why it triggers that chain reaction in others. One theory is that if someone near us is not getting enough oxygen, our brain thinks maybe we need some too. However, that doesn’t explain why seeing images of someone yawning – or even just talking about yawning can trigger one.

Scientists agree – yawning is not just a reflex but a form of communication. Misery loves company and if I’m deprived of oxygen, bored or tired, then you should be too.

Source: Dr. Robert Provine, Encyclopedia of Neuroscience

Desperate For Hire

Are you desperate for a job? Don’t let it show in that interview...

Desperation doesn’t work when it comes to landing a job. Most hiring managers have desperation radar – and listen for key phrases that will give you away. Here’s what NOT to say:

• I’m willing to take any job.

• I’m willing to temp first.

• Money isn’t really an issue.

• Why haven’t you called me back?

Your objective is to convince the company that they would be lucky to have you – not the other way around. Act like you’re ready for the job because it’s the right fit, not just because it’s available now.

Source: CareerBuilder.com

Teen Text Translation

You probably know a bit of your kid’s texting slang – TTYL – talk to you later. But do you know what A-BOOT means?

Most parents have learned to figure out some of those classic text abbreviations – POS means parent over shoulder. But that’s just the tip of the slang iceberg. There are thousands of terms and abbreviations out there that would be really hard to decipher for most of us – and some of them are downright scary. For example, A-BOOT means someone under the influence of drugs, and most of the sexting slang can’t even be defined here.

Text slang has been elevated to a language all its own – with countless encrypted words being used. If you come across text messages that appear to be jumbled letters and symbols, there’s a good chance someone has got something hide. The good news is there are several text translators and decoders available online. Noslang.com is a good resource for parents with a translation device and some terms and phrases to watch for.

Deleted or Not?

If you delete something on your computer – can you get it back?

Once you delete something on your computer – it hasn’t vanished into thin air. Think of a computer file as a book in a HUGE library. When you delete it, all you’re really doing is getting rid of the card from the card catalog for that book. The actual book, or your data, is still somewhere on the shelf in that library. Finding that book can be tricky though – it often takes an expert or an extraction program to locate it.

Once you’ve deleted a file and emptied the Trash bin – you have given your computer permission to use that space or overwrite that data – but the average person can’t tell if that’s happened or not. Even if it is overwritten, portions of the deleted file can still be recovered in some cases.

Source: Berryhill Inc., Computer Forensics

Gender Friendly

We all develop friendships – but men take a different approach than women.

If you’re a man – chances are you made most of your friends by the age of 30. Generally speaking, after the age of 30 men tend to get their emotional needs met by the women in their lives. Women on the other hand – tend to neglect their friends through their 20s and 30s. Once they hit 40 - they often spend the next few decades making up for lost time.

The basis for friendships differs for men and women too. Women build trust by talking about really personal stuff. Masculine friendships are usually less personal – they bond more by DOING things together – not discussing things together.

Source: Jeffrey Zaslow, author of “The Last Lecture”

Hot-Cold Shower

If you’d like to prevent a cold – take a hot/cold shower.

There’s a new way to shower – and it helps protect you against colds and flu! It’s a hot-cold shower that is duel action. The temperature fluctuations jump-start the immune system and stimulate circulation. To take a hot-cold shower effectively, start off by showering normally. At the end of your shower – stand under the hottest stream you can for about 30 seconds. Then, turn the shower cold for about 10 seconds. Repeat the hot-cold intervals three times – finishing with the cold.

Letting the shower get really steamy also helps keep nasal passages clear, so it’s a good idea to start your shower on the hot side to let some steam build up.

Source: Dr. Donielle Wilson, Women’s Wellness Center

Healthy Candy

Did you know some candy is actually GOOD for you? It’s true!

If you’re shopping for Halloween candy this week – pick the healthy kind. Even if candy isn’t exactly health food, some varieties are better for you than others. Check for these ingredients:

• Dark chocolate has heart-healthy flavonoids.

• Peanuts are packed with protein and antioxidants.

• Coconut has that good fat that is burned for energy rather than stored. It can even help boost your immune system.

So what about candy corn? Ok, it’s not exactly full of nutrients and vitamins, but studies show just looking at, smelling or eating those happy little Halloween treats give our psyches a boost – triggering happy childhood memories.

Clean Heat

Before you crank up that heat – be sure you’re not spewing junk into your air.

As temperatures drop, thermostats rise – and you could be blasting all kinds of junk into your air. Vents and baseboards gather up lots of dust, tiny debris and even mold through the summer months, so it’s a good idea to clean them out before you crank the heat. If you can remove the vent covers go ahead and do it. If they’re really grimy, wash them with warm water, mild detergent and a toothbrush – just be sure they’re COMPLETELY dry before putting them back to prevent mold and mildew growth. If they’re hard to get to, try vacuuming them with you brush attachment.

If you notice visible mold growth on or inside your heating vents, you should probably consider having the air ducts in your home professionally cleaned.

Source: Environmental Protection Agency

See a penny, pick it Up?

If you see a penny – do you pick it up? The original good luck rhyme wasn’t a penny.

See a penny, pick it up and all the day you’ll have good luck. That’s the rhyme most of us have heard at one time or another. But the original rhyme did not involve a penny – it was a pin. The Pagans didn’t want a good pin to go to waste when it could be used for casting a good luck spell.

The rhyme has morphed over the centuries, and some have invoked a heads up only rule. And giving that found penny to a friend is supposed to up the luck factor.

You Stink!

You stink! If you know someone who smells really bad - there’s a good chance they don’t even know it.

Let’s face it – some people just smell better than others. And some people smell really bad. Dr. Mark Stengler, Naturopath, has some common odor inducers – and some stink solutions:

• Body odor. A high fat diet or one that’s high in processed foods can interfere with digestion and cause strong body odor. 

The fix – liquid chlorophyll. It’s available at health food stores. Food such as live-culture yogurt can help balance things out too.

• Flatulence. Some people are just naturally gassy regardless of their diet.

The fix – ginger or chamomile. Drink it in tea after a meal or whenever you feel gassy.

• Bad breath. If it’s really bad, don’t be shy. Talk to your doctor about what could be causing it.

The fix – stay hydrated. Dry mouth is a common trigger and plain water really helps. Plaque fighting foods such as carrots and celery can also help fight bad breath.

Information Overload

Is all that electronic information we’re getting now really new? Or is it mostly reruns?

Electronic media is generating a frighteningly large amount of information these days. There’s plenty of electronic space to store it, but our brains are on overload. According to Shelly Palmer of MediaBytes, we really need to start filtering or tuning out some of the overflow. It shortens our attention span and eats up tons of precious time. On top of that, so much of that daily – or even hourly information is not really new or important. More times than not, you’ve already got it, and you’re just getting bogged down by a different version or a rerun. Try to keep in mind that if you recognize the topic – it’s likely just a different version of the same information.

Retail Mirror Trick

The next time you’re in a department store – look AWAY from the mirrors!

There’s a sneaky trick a lot of retailers use to make us buy more – mirrors! If you’ve ever noticed that the shoe department is usually right next to the cosmetics counters, that’s because all those mirrors tend to slow us down. We actually subconsciously see the shoes in the mirrors and may even veer over to that department. That trick works both ways. If we’re there to buy shoes – the mirrors draw our attention to other departments while we wait.

Kitchen Closed

Want to lose some weight? Consider a change of scenery...

 

If you usually eat in the kitchen – a change of scenery could actually help you lose weight. Consider using the dining room a few nights a week – or set a table somewhere other than the kitchen. Marissa Lippert, author of “The Cheater’s Diet,” says that getting out of our routines and eating ruts usually results in eating LESS. Even changing the dinnerware can help. Give that everyday set a rest – and switch up your eating landscape a few times a week.

Cool Herbs

Herbs and spices are good for you – but is there a difference between fresh and dried?

 

Don’t forget to add the herbs and spices – they’re packed with antioxidants. Sage is a natural memory booster, ginger can help prevent stroke, and garlic is good for lots of things. And here’s some more good news – the dried varieties still pack a nutritious punch.

If you won’t be using up those bottles of herbs and spices within three months, consider keeping them in the fridge instead of a spice rack. That helps keep the active ingredients more potent.

Livestrong.com

Pumpkin Prep

If you’re planning on carving your pumpkin this weekend – wait!

 

A lot of people will be finding that perfect pumpkin to carve this weekend – but wait until late next week to carve it. Most pumpkins start to sag a bit after 4 or 5 days once they’ve been hallowed out. Two days prior to Halloween, or your party should be fine if you keep the carved pumpkin in a cool dry spot.

You can double the fun with your pumpkin by drawing faces or designs on it for now, and then washing it off when you’re ready to carve. Don’t forget to put petroleum on all the carved edges to prevent them from shriveling up.

Source: Southern Living Magazine

Roll Your Eyes

Want to feel less stressed? Roll your eyes!

Go ahead – roll your eyes. Now keep rolling them with your eyes closed for about a minute. You’ll feel less stressed when you’re done. The trick is to roll them clockwise for 30 seconds, then switch to counterclockwise for another 30. Doing this actually stimulates connections between the two hemispheres of your brain – which leaves you more focused, balanced and relaxed.

Source: The Relaxation & Stress Reduction Workbook

Super Baby

Babies are born with some amazing powers that we lose with age...

Did you know babies can read lips? It’s one of those special powers we’re born with that wears off with age. Because they can’t understand language yet – they have a special ability to decipher some of what you’re saying by sight. They can even read your mind – sort of. They are so tuned in to your expressions that they notice subtle changes that adults wouldn’t. Six month old babies were able to distinguish pictures of two different chimps that looked alike – even upside down. The adults flunked that test.

Another cool baby superpower is – perfect rhythm. At just a few days old, newborns noticed if a drumbeat was off by just a split second. We have that steady heart beat in the womb to thank for that – but some of us lose that gift once we’re out for a while.

Source: Istvan Winkler, National Academy of Sciences

Skip the Multivitamin

Do you really need to take that multivitamin? Nope - according to some new research...

If you force yourself – and maybe your kids – to take that multivitamin every day, you may be off the hook. New research is suggesting that they don’t really help. According to scientists at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, multivitamins failed to prevent cancer, heart disease, and all causes of death in the group that they studied. Kids who took multivitamins did not perform any better, or have any fewer sick days than kids who didn’t take them. A lot of doctors agree, siting multivitamins may give people a false sense of security – and that they are no substitute for a healthy, well balanced diet.

Some experts even say we’re getting too much of what we don’t need with a multivitamin – and that we’re better off checking with our doctors to determine exactly what we need.

Prevention Magazine

Packing Up Summer

Do you really need to store that patio furniture for the winter months?

As most of our socializing moves indoors for the winter – does the patio furniture need to move with us? It depends. Aluminum patio furniture can be left out year round. Just be sure to drain any water out of the frames before covering it. Wood can stay outside too – but you don’t want to cover it. That traps in moisture which leads to mold and mildew. Here’s what you DO want to move inside: wicker, steel, fabric and stone. Wicker and natural stone will expand and contract with the changing temperature which leads to cracking. Steel products usually rust – and most fabrics will just fade and wear too much if left out year round.

Brace for Impact

Are you prepared for a disaster? Survival skills – from real survivors...

 

Most of us won’t land on the Hudson, or get trapped in a mine – but it’s good to have a plan anyway. In order to increase your odds of surviving a crisis there are some basic steps to take. Dorothy Firman, author of “Brace for Impact,” tells us what they are:

• Take a basic safety or survival class - or find a refresher course online. In a disaster, it’s usually someone with training who stays calm and takes charge.

• Pay attention to your surroundings. Count the rows to the exits on an airplane, train or bus – every time - and take note of emergency postings in hotels or buildings. Have a plan AND a backup plan.

• Keep your plans flexible. Survivors often need to change their strategy throughout a disaster.

• Take action. Most survivors think - What can I do? - as opposed to - Why is this happening to me?

• Reflect on your loved ones – or goals you have yet to accomplish in life. It reduces your odds of panicking or giving up. Most survivors report having a specific image or reason that inspired them to fight for survival.

Compliments to the Pilot

If you’d like to compliment the pilot after your flight – “Nice landing” is the thing to say.

Nice landing is probably the nicest thing to say to a pilot as you deplane. That’s because how they land a plane is a good indicator of a pilot’s skill. Most commercial pilots really appreciate the compliment.

If you’d like to know what NOT to say to a pilot – that would probably be asking them for directions as you walk through the airport. Just because they’re in uniform, doesn’t mean they have all the answers.

Source: Commercial Pilot, Joe d’Eon

Uses for Hair Conditioner

If you’ve got a bottle of hair conditioner you’re not crazy about – don’t throw it away!

 Hair conditioner is a good thing to have on hand – and not just for your hair. If you’ve got a bottle of it you don’t use in the shower, hang on to it. Good Housekeeping has a list of other things it can do:




• Polisher. Hair conditioner is great to shine golf clubs, faucets, even pots and pans or appliances – anything that’s stainless steel. Rub it on, then off with a soft cloth.
• Duster. It’s great for removing dust from the leaves of house plants. It seals in some moisture and gives them a nice shine too.
• Makeup remover. A dab of conditioner on a cotton ball removes makeup just as well as pricey makeup remover.

• Lubricant. Use hair conditioner on a stuck zipper, or to remove a stuck ring from your finger.

• Shoe shine. Applying a coat of conditioner to your shoes and boots protects them from salt and chemicals in the winter – and it’s a great leather conditioner year round.

IRS Calling...

Would you know what to say if the IRS called?

The IRS has a new approach with audit notifications – an unexpected phone call. Notifications used to be sent by mail - and we weren’t caught quite so off guard. Here’s what you need to do if you ever get that call:

Take down the IRS agent’s contact information. Then say that you are represented by - or will hire - a tax preparer or lawyer who will be in contact. That’s it. Say no more.

Handling the call like this protects you in two ways. Some people say more than they should if they are caught off guard. Also, in some cases, calls like this could be a scam. It’s in your best interest NOT to supply the caller with any personal information.

Source: Mark S. Heroux, JD, Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP

Type D Personality

Are you a type D personality? If so – it’s not a good thing...

Type A and B personalities are pretty well defined – but what about those type Ds? A type D personality can have a serious cause for concern. The D stands for distress - and some people are chronically in it. Psychologist Johan Denollet describes a type D personality as Eeyore – the sad, self-conscious donkey in Winnie-the-Pooh. Type D personality traits include social inhibition, negative self-image, depressed mood, anger and hostility. Type Ds also tend to have poor health habits and avoid medical checkups.

If you or someone you know is a type D, then it’s time to seek professional help. Techniques such as guided imagery, meditation and yoga have been found to be pretty effective for managing mood, stress and hostility in type D personalities.

Addicted to Love

Are you addicted to love? Some people really are...

There IS such a thing as love addiction – and it’s not much different than a drug or alcohol addiction. It’s hard to spot at first, in a new relationship when it’s normal to be infatuated with each other. However, if the relationship hits the rocks, someone addicted is bound to struggle more. The symptoms are similar to any withdrawal. If you’re craving that person, experience physical pain being away from them, and it’s taking over other aspects of your life, you’re addicted.

And it’s not just for teenagers - it can happen at any age. Short term chemical therapy can help, but many people stay on it too long – and experts say that can be dangerous with an addictive personality. Conventional psychotherapy is still the safest and most effective way to deal with a love addiction.

Long Hot Bath

When is the last time you took a bath? A good long soak can put a shower to shame…

There’s no doubt that a shower is convenient and can take a lot less time than a bath. But if you’ve got a tub – consider a good long soak. Sitting in a steamy bath for 20 minutes rids your body of 22% more pollutants. Hot water dilates the pores and blood vessels, helping toxins escape. 

A hot bath can also boost your immune system, reduce stress, and improve circulation. Enjoy a good book or some music, add some bath oils or salts and submerge all your senses.

Source: Environmental Health Center, Dallas

Not Just Friends

Are you behaving yourself online? We’ve got a list of things that could mean trouble...

Infidelity is nothing new – but some of the lines have been blurred where online is concerned. So how do you know if you’ve crossed the line? Answer these questions:

• Would you be upset if your partner saw that email?

• Would it be awkward taking that call in front of your partner?

• Do you need to delete your Internet history before signing off?

• Would you be uncomfortable sharing ALL your email addresses and passwords?

According to Shirley Glass, author of “Not Just Friends,” if you answered yes – trouble is brewing. She says, in a healthy relationship there should be nothing to hide, even online. The moment one person starts flirting with secrecy, is the moment the problems begin.

Feline GPS

The whiskers on a cat are pretty high-tech...
A cat’s whiskers are pretty amazing things. They’re like built in navigation, mood indicators and measuring devices. They’ve got the whiskers on their face – and a few more sets on their eyebrows, chin and on the back of their front legs. They’re rooted deep near nerves and blood vessels and are so sensitive that they can detect the slightest directional change in a breeze. The reason a cat can slink through a dark room without bumping into anything is because those whiskers detect a change in air current when an object is near.

The most valuable function of those whiskers to a cat – is as an automatic measuring device. They’re roughly as wide as the cat’s body. You’ll see a cat test a space a few times with its whiskers before determining if it’s a good idea to enter.

Interview Warning!

There are some job offers you might want to consider turning down...

A job interview is not just a chance for a potential employer to like you - it goes both ways. Here are a few interview red flags to watch for:

• Off-site interview. If the company has a local office but the interviewer insists on meeting you elsewhere, there's a good chance they've got something to hide about the work environment.

• The interviewer is late. Most companies treat good candidates with MORE care than actual employees. Someone who has trouble squeezing you in may also have trouble in giving you proper training and feedback once you get the job.

• Group interviews. This can be an indicator of lazy managers who don't take hiring policies seriously. It's easy to overlook quiet, efficient candidates in a group setting that often has a loudmouth or two.

• Badmouthers. An interviewer who openly complains or badmouths the company you're interviewing for, is likely to do the same to you behind your back.

Source: Dimitri A.C. Ly, Career Advisor

Taking Credit from a Baby

Have you checked your child's credit lately? There's a scary new trend in identity theft - and we'll tell you what to look for...

Identity thieves might be posing as your kid. Babies and young children are easy targets because they're usually not using their social security numbers yet - and probably aren't checking their credit. Jeff Lanza, retired FBI special agent, explains that thieves generate numbers that aren't active - those usually belong to kids. They take those numbers and sell them to crooks that rehab their own credit using that number. The frauds then open lines of credit and charge cards to buy big ticket items that your child might not know about for years.

To find out if your child's number has been used, run a credit check on the social security number. You can do it for free at annualcreditreport.com.