We're back! Might as well start with this one about cool gadgets for power outages.

Eton American Red Cross Radio

Blackouts aren’t like they used to be...

Doing without lights and TV for a while seemed a lot simpler than frantically searching for Wi-Fi, means to charge cell phones or gas for your generator. Modern day power outages call for modern day gadgets – here are a few must-haves should you lose power for any length of time:

• A radio is still the most critical gadget for your blackout list. The good news is you won’t have to stockpile batteries with the newer models. Solar powered and crank radios are well worth the investment – and will save you a fortune in batteries.

• An LED flashlight is a super handy tool. They use a lot less power and last a lot longer than those old D battery clunkers.

• A lantern is key for shedding some light in a bigger space or bonding over a family board game. There’s no need to deal with dangerous oil or kerosene types anymore – there are some pretty efficient battery powered models available now.

• A solar charger is the newest must-have when you’re powerless. The Solio Classic device has little solar panels and batteries to recharge your phone. It sure beats wasting gas idling or driving around for a charge.

If you're only going to splurge on one gadget - get the Eton American Red Cross radio. It only costs about $30 and you'll have radio, NOAH weather, light and a USB charger - all powered by the sun or by hand crank.

Now it's your turn - leave a comment with your favorite blackout wisdom.

If you’re waging a war on wrinkles – there’s a cream for that...

It’s not nice to fool with Mother Nature – until it comes to wrinkles...

If you’re tempted to try some of those anti-wrinkle creams – I’ve got some expert advice. Dr. Mark A. Stengler, author of “The Natural Physician’s Healing Therapies,” says there is one cream that really does work. The trouble is, you’ll need a prescription for it. The cream is a topical estriol – which is a bio-identical estrogen formula. Dr. Stengler says studies have shown that women AND men who applied .3% topical estriol cream to their face and neck for six months enjoyed reduced signs of skin aging – such as increased elasticity and firmness - and decreased wrinkle depth.

Topical estriol cream is safe for anyone – with no reported side effects. Unfortunately, there is no brand name or generic cream yet, so it has to be custom-made at a compounding pharmacy. If topical estriol is something you’d like to try – check with a dermatologist or holistic doctor.

Have you ever dreamt about a swimming pool?

Falling and being chased are the two most common themes of dreams...

But what about swimming pools? If there’s a swimming pool in your dream - it could be trying to tell you something. Here are some different scenarios:

• An appealing pool in your dream symbolizes relaxation and luxury. That dream could be your subconscious taking a much needed break.

• If you’re trying to get in to the swimming pool in your dream – that suggests you need to dive into something and deal with it – or cleanse some past issues.

• If the swimming pool is empty – chances are you’re feeling that way too and devoid of emotions.

• If the swimming pool is filled with something unappealing – like trash or sludge – take inventory of your lifestyle. You could be living beyond your means, physically or emotionally.

Dreams about swimming are a little different. It could be a sign that you are seeking emotional support. It’s a common theme for people in therapy. To dream that you are swimming underwater suggests you are forcing yourself to deal with your unconscious emotions.

If your dog is itchy – his food could be the culprit...

Food allergies are more and more common in dogs these days...

And by that I mean DOG food allergies. Dog food allergies account for about 20% of itching and scratching in dogs. Unfortunately, the most common food culprits are beef, dairy, chicken, lamb, corn, fish, wheat and soy – just about every ingredient you’ll find in the most popular brands of dog food. There are several alternatives available on the market now for itchy dogs. Foods containing rabbit, venison and rice are often tried first to see if there’s an improvement.

If your dog is itchy – make sure to tell the vet. If an alternate diet is necessary, just remember that goes for EVERYTHING. No table food, no treats, not even rawhide until you’ve determined what the food trigger is.

Guess what could be causing heartburn...

Sure, you might expect to get indigestion from that pepper Panini or garlic grinder...

...but there are some other less obvious triggers for heartburn and indigestion:

• Smoking – it weakens the valve between the esophagus and stomach.

• Pills – taking ibuprofen regularly can trigger heartburn. The same goes for some prescription drugs including antibiotics.

• Fish oil – it’s good for you, but can have gastrointestinal side effects.

• Stress – it doesn’t necessarily cause heartburn – but stressed out people are more sensitive to the symptoms.

• Peppermint – it can calm an upset stomach – but aggravate heartburn in people with GERD.

If you drag around a big purse or briefcase – weigh that thing...

You’ve probably heard – or even felt – that carrying around a heavy purse or briefcase can leave you with back, neck or shoulder pain...

So how heavy is too heavy? Put that bag on a scale – if it weighs more than 10% of your body weight – consider rearranging things. See if there’s anything in there you don’t really need. Any more weight than 10% should really be worn backpack style.

If you do opt for the backpack – keep the straps short so it sits high on your back. A backpack worn low changes your gait and will feel a LOT heavier. Also, avoid carrying it slung over one shoulder which would defeat the purpose.

The days and nights of soft cuddly bedding for babies are over...

It’s hard to resist buying soft and cuddly stuff for a new baby...

Just be sure that cozy item won’t be used for bedding. The American Academy of Pediatrics has been recommending that parents avoid placing their babies on soft sleep surfaces, because that can greatly increase the risk of SIDS – or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Unfortunately, some consumers are not heading that warning. Soft bedding, blankets and bumpers might seem like they would protect a baby – but there are far too many cases of tragic suffocation and strangulation blamed on infant bedding.

A baby’s crib should have a firm mattress and be free of blankets and bumpers, stuffed animals or pillows of any kind. Preventing SIDS goes beyond the crib. Avoid letting an infant lay or sleep on other soft surfaces such as the sofa, sheepskin or foam pads – and keep stuffed animals and other cuddly stuff out of their car seats too.

The next time you buy pasta – spend a little more for the good stuff.

You’re bound to see dozens of choices in the pasta isle at the supermarket...

Michael Wilson, edior of La Cuchina Italiana, says go ahead and splurge on the good stuff. He says the difference between artisanal pasta and the cheap boxed stuff is huge – and well worth the extra money. And that artisanal pasta doesn’t need to be the fresh variety – some of the dried brands, usually in a bag, are actually the best.

When it comes to the right sauce to compliment that perfect pasta – Michael says lighter tomato sauces with olive oil in there are a great choice. If you like creamier sauces, dried pasta is actually better than fresh – you’ll have better texture and it won’t get too gloppy.

Do you know what each of those symbols mean on the care label of that shirt you’re about to wash?

All new U.S. garments sold in the U.S. are required to have a care label...

...and some of them skip the words and just use the symbols. Here’s what they mean:

• The first one is usually a container of water with a temperature in there. That means it can safely be washed in cold, warm or hot water – depending on the number.

• The next one is the triangle – that refers to bleach. You’ll often see an X through that triangle which means SKIP the bleach.

• The 3rd symbol is a square with a circle in it. That represents your dryer. Again, if there’s an X through it – you’ll have to hang it up or lay flat to dry.

• The next symbol is an iron – and indicates whether you’re allowed to use one.

• The last symbol is a circle with a P in there. That lets you know it’s safe to go ahead and let the dry cleaner deal with that garment – assuming there’s no X through it.

If you’d like to avoid food that’s loaded with fat - watch out for these...

If you watch your fat intake by finding labels reading “low-fat” or “no-fat,” here are some other words to watch for...

 “Crispy,” “creamy” and “tempura” – translation – “lots-o-fat.” Some other fat traps to avoid might be less obvious. A coffee Coolata has 46 grams of fat – twice that as a glazed doughnut. That red tomato sauce might have even MORE fat than the Alfredo sauce – you need to check the label. That seemingly healthy handful of banana chips could have more fat than three Oreo cookies. Even salads can be loaded with fat – avoid the ones that have cheese, croutons or creamy dressing on there.

We all have a powerful built in tool that we use every day...

Breathe deep. Now exhale...

Most of us take breathing in and out for granted – but it can actually be a really powerful tool. A few deep breaths can help regulate the mind and body, give us clarity and a jolt of energy and replenish our oxygen supply. And that’s just the breathing IN part. Exhaling relieves stress and helps rid our bodies of toxins.

Breathing is directly connected to our emotions. Each emotion has a specific rhythm where breathing is concerned. Our reflexes usually take over and apply the appropriate breathing to the situation. When we learn to use our built in breathing tool – we can actually use it to counteract unpleasant emotions.

Are you bitter and resentful? Cut that out!

If you know someone who plays the blame game on a regular basis – they could be in for some real health issues...

Blamers tend to be either bitter or resentful – and Carsten Wrosch, one of the authors of the new book “Embitterment,” says feeling bitter interferes with the body’s hormonal and immune systems. He says studies have shown that bitter, angry people have higher blood pressure and heart rates and are more likely to die of heart disease and other illnesses.

We’re all prone to resentment or anger from time to time – but people who feel that way long term keep their bodies primed to fight – and that can take a huge toll on the heart and overall well-being in the long run.

Do you have a busybody at work? Be careful with that one...

Some people just love some juicy gossip in the office...

But what if YOU’RE the subject? Business consultant, Michael Brenner, says dealing with the office busybody can be tricky business. Do it wrong and he or she could become your personal Ambassador of Doom. If you must approach them, tread lightly.

Avoid making accusations or getting hostile. It’s best to have a conversation in a quiet place, away from others. Explain to the busybody that you heard something concerning from various sources. Explain you wanted to ask him or her face to face if it has any merit. Chances are they’ll respond with a “Who told you that?” “It doesn’t matter” is your best response. Tell them you’re trying to get to the source and would like their side of the story. Diplomacy is almost always your best bet to slow the rumor mill.

If you don’t like mushrooms – you might want to develop a taste for them...

If you’re trying to dream something up for dinner tonight...

...consider something that involves mushrooms – they’re really good for you. Mushrooms have a compound that stimulates immune cells to react vigorously when a virus is detected. Eating them daily could actually help stave off the cold or flu. Eat them raw or cooked – either way will do the trick.

 

Mushrooms can also be great for weight loss. In a recent study, people who substituted meat with mushrooms lost weight faster and got a healthy dose of fiber and other nutrients on the side.



If you’ve got some negative feelings you’d like to purge – grab a pen or pencil...

Do you doodle? We all should be doing it!

Doodling can help with focusing and memory – and can even help with mood and productivity. There’s a doodle assignment for every mood:

• If you’d like to feel happier – draw some smiley faces. Just seeing one naturally makes most people feel better.

• To get creative – draw a flower. Don’t stop there, keep adding detail or draw something nonsensical to get the juices flowing.

• If you need to forgive someone – draw a heart. Even if it pains you – write their name in or near the heart.

• If you’re stuck on something – try doodling on the right side of the paper. We naturally associate the left side with a starting point – and it can help get you past a block.

• Need a dose of self-esteem? Practice perfecting your signature.

• If you’ve got negative feelings you could do without – draw a bowl or a vase. Take your time – and as you’re drawing visualize putting bad thoughts or feelings into that vessel.

If you could use a quick pick-me-up, chew on this...

When that afternoon slump kicks in later on today...

Grab a strip of beef jerky and get chewing! Beef jerky is packed with protein and all that chewing and intense taste sensation can really give your system a boost.

Dried fruit is another great choice. Raisins, apricots and prunes could give you that dose of iron you probably need.

When is the last time you REALLY worked up a sweat?

Some of us go to great lengths to avoid sweating – but it’s actually really good for us...

People who sweat excessively tend to have less medical issues. People who can’t work up a sweat are actually prone to more health problems. Sweating maintains our bodies temperature by cooling us off – and if we don’t sweat enough we can actually overheat.

It’s important to stay hydrated so your body can sweat efficiently when it needs to. If it can’t – you’ll be much more prone to inconveniences like headaches or lack of concentration, as well as more serious stuff like heat stroke or kidney problems.

Ready, and... ACTION!

The next time you shoot a video of something – make it count.

Home movies can be really boring – but you don’t have to be a cinematographer to make them look great. Producer and director Steve Stockman, author of “How to Shoot Video That Doesn’t Suck,” has a few simple tricks:

• Think in shots. Instead of just letting the camera roll, shoot the action – such as Grandma blowing out the candles – then hit stop. The next shot should be another action – such as Grandma opening a present.

• Keep it a short film. Two minutes of quick shots is a lot more entertaining and tells a better story than reliving it in real time.

• Treat your video camera like a still camera. Point, shoot, stop, repeat. Excessive zooming or moving the camera around is hard to watch. It’s better to shoot up close when possible instead of using a zoom feature.

• “Cut!” Try to keep each shot about 10 seconds – then move on to your next shot. You will notice most TV and film shots are rarely longer than 10 seconds.

Should you eat your veggies raw – or cooked?

Eat your veggies! But consider cooking them first...

Raw veggies are good – but cooking them is even better in some cases. Our bodies absorb up to 30% more nutrients in certain cooked vegetable, especially the dark green, iron-rich variety. Steaming and microwaving are the best methods to preserve the good stuff.

Most vegetables contain anti-nutrients. Those are the plant’s defense mechanism to keep animals from eating it. In some cases, cooking vegetables can lessen or even eliminate some of the anti-nutrients in there that aren’t good for us anyway.

Could your personality make you fat?

Some people are just more prone to gaining weight than others...

In an ongoing study, researchers are linking specific personality traits to weight gain over time. Those who are prone to anxiety and aggression are much more likely to pack on the pounds. Risk-takers are especially at risk too. Cynical and competitive people are likely to win a weight gain contest against those who are laid back or easy going. The heaviest trait of all was that of compulsiveness. Compulsive people are the most likely of all personalities to battle the bulge.

The next time you get a pedicure – book it in the morning...

Few things feel more indulgent than a relaxing pedicure...

If you’re going to book one for yourself – make it in the morning. Many salons are far from sanitary, regardless of how clean they look. The germ count is usually lower in the morning. Here are a few more disturbing thoughts to ruin your pedicure:

• Avoid those Wednesday specials. There are a LOT more customers on those days – and a lot more germs.

• Don’t shave your legs right before you go. Freshly shaved skin is much more prone to infection.

• If may feel great to soak your feet – but those basins are crawling with bacteria and germs. Soak at your own risk.

• Skip those razors that shave off your callouses – they’re dangerous. Letting someone else go at your heels too hard can reveal deep layers of skin that should never be exposed – and can even lead to fungus, infection or scarring.

If you’re still determined to get that pedicure – give yourself a post-pedicure treatment after the fact. Wash your own feet and legs when you get home.

If you apologize all the time, I'm sorry but I've got some bad news...

Do you apologize too much? Some people do it excessively...

Do you say “I’m sorry” for things you don’t need to be sorry about? If you do – that’s a bad habit that needs breaking. Apologizing unnecessarily makes you look like a pushover. If you bump into someone – go ahead and apologize. If they bumped in to you – don’t. Here are a few more social tics to avoid:

• Cracking knuckles. It might not bother you – but it drives some people nuts.

• Touching yourself. Some people get twitchy when they’re nervous. If you scratch your nose, touch your hair or have to keep adjusting – it will be noticed.

• Touching others. People are sensitive about their personal space. It’s best to keep touching to a minimum until you really know someone.

• Umm. Most of us do it – use a crutch word to fill a pause. If you catch yourself using “umm,” “like” or “y’know” a lot, try slowing down a bit. Chances are you’re either talking too fast or haven’t thought things through.

If you'd like people to like you even more - try these tricks...

You’re probably just naturally likeable – but if you’re not, here are a few tricks that might just help:

• Smile – but do it gradually and wide. Flashing an instant smile looks phony.

• Stare – eye contact is critical. If you have trouble with that, try studying the other person’s eyes. What color are they? What shape? Do they have long lashes? Check out their eyebrows while you’re at it.

• Keep your distance. The average American likes you to be at least 26 inches away. Of course that can vary, so be sure to get a read on their comfort zone body language.

• Ask for a business card and treat it with respect. Take a good long look at it, make a comment, then let them see you put it away carefully.

An attention getting cover letter can be good – but don’t get TOO creative....

Hire me - or else!

Creative cover letters are good - but keep it professional.  If the opening line of your cover letter mentions your astrological sign or your cooking skills – get that out of there! Unless, of course, you’re applying for an astrologer or culinary position. There is a lot of advice out there about making that cover letter stand out, but according to a survey of hiring managers, a lot of people get too personal, or too creative. Rosemary Haefner, VP of human resources for CareerBuilder says job seekers should focus on gaining attention for the right reasons by highlighting relevant skills – and delete the line that is in there for shock value or wit.

A good cover letter will reveal a bit about your personality, just try to make sure it’s an aspect of you that has something to do with the position.

If you think you're a good friend - here's some friendly advice...

If you’d like to be a really good friend...

...here is some friendly advice from Sally Horchow, author of “The Art of Friendship:”

• Stop giving/taking advice. If you’re constantly telling a friend how to fix problems, or if you’re the one with daily drama, the relationship usually ends up unbalanced. Avoid falling into the “know-it-all” or “troubled” roles.

• Keep it fresh. It’s a good idea to show your best friend a different side of yourself once in a while. The easiest way to do that is to plan a get-together with people from different areas of your life such as college, work or family.

• Small gestures can have a big impact. We naturally thank someone we’re not that close to when they do us a favor. A thank you note or small token of appreciation can mean even more in a close friendship that doesn’t really require that.

There's something you should buy right now...

If you want a new refrigerator – you really should have bought that in May.

If you’re tempted to upgrade your computer or laptop – do it now! The same goes for portable music players. Back-to-school time is THE best time to buy. Mark DiVincenzo, author of “Buy Ketchup in May and Fly at Noon,” says you don’t need a student to get a really great deal on some tech stuff in late August. Prices often drop by $50 or more – and you might even find a deal that includes a printer or other accessories.

If you’d like a new lawnmower or grill – hold off another week. The best time to buy those is between Labor Day and November. If you’d rather have a new car – you’re better off waiting until October. That’s when dealers often discount current year’s models by 20% to make room for new models.

If you eat lunch at your desk - I've got a request from your coworkers.

Do you eat lunch at your desk?

People trying to cram a lot into their work days often wind up eating at their desks. If that person is you – here’s a head’s up. Stinky cabbage, fish, microwaved burritos or popcorn can be a real drag for anyone sitting near you. It might be awkward for your coworkers to have to bring it up – and there's a good chance they'll opt to go up to the food chain to your superiors rather than deal directly with you.

Sounds can be a problem too. If you’re chewing, chomping or slurping – you’re probably not very popular. And if you use the community microwave to heat up your lunch – you might want to skip the leftover tuna casserole or garlic mashed potatoes. A coworker hoping to warm up a cup of coffee won’t appreciate the smell and potential mess those will leave in there.

Aspirin is handy for lots of stuff.

Aspirin is handy for aches and pains and...

If you keep aspirin on hand for pain relief or heart health – go ahead and put it to use for some other stuff:

• Keep cut flowers fresh for longer by dissolving an aspirin in warm water for the vase. The aspirin helps the flowers soak the water farther up the stem.

• Rub an aspirin on a bug bite to relieve the itching – just dampen the bite first.

• Aspirin can help remove food, grass and rust stains. Crush up a few tablets and dissolve them in hot water. Rub that mixture right on the stains.

• If you’ve got dandruff – crush up two aspirin and mix it with your blob of shampoo. Work that into your hair and let it sit there a few minutes before rinsing.

If you're tempted to say "That's not my job," don't.

Most of us think that from time to time...

...but according to career experts – it’s one of the worst things you can say out loud. If it’s really not your job – here are a few suggested alternate responses that might help:

• Be candid. Try explaining why you would not be the right person for the task.

• Offer an alternative. Go ahead and ask if there is another task you could take on instead. That lets your boss know you’re willing to help, within your means.

• Redirect the task instead of just saying “no.” That way, the task still gets done, and you helped.

• Think before you write. If the request is in e-mail form, and your knee-jerk reaction is to reply with a “no way!” take a breather - and some time to formulate your answer carefully. You want to be sure anything in writing reflects that you’re cooperative and prepared to work on solutions.

Rake in the cash with your next yard sale!

The end of summer is a great time to have a yard sale...

If you do it right, you can lure in customers and make a lot of cash. Here are some tips that really work:

• Fire up the grill. The smell of food cooking works like a charm – and you can rake in some extra dough selling burgers and dogs or whatever you can cook up. Coffee and doughnuts are hard to resist for the early birds.

• Check the date. Make sure there are no major events happening around town that might draw customers away. And remember more people tend to be out of town on long weekends.

• If you’re selling any electronics – plug them in. Most people won’t just take your word for it. If your selling DVDs or CD’s – go ahead and hit play on a good one.

• Think like a kid. Put brightly colored and fun looking stuff right up front. If you do have toys – make sure children can see and touch them. Their parents are likely to look around more once the kids are happy.

Oh great! No really, sarcasm can be great.

Did you know sarcastic people are actually good for you?

Sarcasm may seem rude or inappropriate at times – but it turns out sarcastic people could be doing us a big favor. In a recent study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology, people who were exposed to others making sarcastic comments were actually better at problem solving. That’s because deciphering the sarcasm challenges us to think a little more than a neutral or straight forward remark does. Yeah, right.

You might be reading to your kids all wrong!

Reading aloud to our kids every day is one of the best tools we have to prepare them for school...

It’s a great way to teach and bond – and the Pediatricians of Reach Out and Read have some coaching advice for the storyteller:

• Work on your voices. You can really make the story come alive by creating different voices for different characters. Don’t be shy – throw some sound effects in there too.

• Share the page turning. It’s fun for the child to turn the pages – and gives them something to look forward to on every page while you’re perfecting your sound effects.

• Ask questions. Challenge the listener by asking them to guess what might happen next.

Increase your odds of winning with these tricks.

Before you mail in that sweepstakes form...

...it could be worth finding an unusual envelope. Nick Taylor, of BestSweepstakes.com says using a large, brightly colored envelope can actually increase your odds of winning. You’ll need to check the contest rules first – some require specific envelope sizes for just this reason. Here are some more winning tricks:

• If you’re buying more than one scratch-off ticket – makes sure they’re from the same game and attached to each other. That increases the winning odds.

• If you’re headed to a casino – play a slot machine near the front, and pick the first one in the row. They typically pay out more to encourage passers-by to play.

• With lottery tickets, opt for lower jackpots. The payout is less – but your odds of winning are MUCH higher.

If you’re looking for a job, get some glasses – even if you DON’T need them.

When it comes to finding a job – appearances count.

That old trick of wearing glasses to make you look smart can actually help. New research found people with glasses get hired more than people without. A British survey of employers revealed photos of applicants wearing glasses were perceived as more intelligent and more professional.

Even if you don’t need glasses – consider having a prop pair on hand for that next interview. And if you’ve got a profile picture on a job networking site – put that prop to work for you.

THIS JUST IN... Potato chips are GOOD for you!

Go ahead – rip open that bag of potato chips and crunch away...

...but only if you’re stressed out. Researchers say munching on a handful of crunchy potato chips can actually help you release some pent up energy – and the carbs in there triggers your body to produce more neurotransmitters, which can put you in a good mood. French fries can do the same thing.

Do you believe in UFOs? God? Astrology?

Do you believe in UFOs?

According to a Harris Poll, 35% of Americans do. Here’s what else we believe in:

• Ghosts: 41%

• Witches: 31%

• Astrology: 29%

• Evolution: 42%

• The devil, hell and angels: 62%

• God: 82%

If you doubt any of those in this lifetime – maybe you’ll believe in your next life. 21% of us believe in reincarnation.

If you'd like to look important - display these items.

If you’d like to look like a real authority...

A few strategically placed items in your workspace can really convey a sense of authority. According to Marc Salem, author of “Marc Salem’s Mind Games,” these 7 objects should do the trick:

• Your diploma. Some people think it looks tacky, but it demonstrates ability, pride and confidence. Don't give it center stage though.

• A family photo. It defines who you are.

• A dumbbell. Set it on the floor in full view. It says to your co-workers, "I take my health as seriously as the company's."

• A map or globe. It demonstrates you're a big picture thinker.

• A signed anything. It conveys importance through association.

• A set of something. Encyclopedias, rare books, whatever. It shows you have a focused and curious mind.

• A ticking clock. It says, "I'm important and busy."

If you're a procrastinator - don't put off reading this.

If you’re avoiding something on that to-do list – consider doing that first...

Piers Steel, author of “The Procrastination Equation,” says doing the worst thing first can be the most effective approach for a procrastinator. He says attacking the hardest task when our energy is fresh gives us the best chance of success. Just having that difficult task on the list can drain us of precious energy each time we think about it.

Another productive approach for procrastinators is to start your day over at 2 pm. It’s easy to feel defeated if the morning has slipped away without accomplishing much. Give yourself that second chance, every day. Just try not to fall into the trap of saving everything for the second start.

How you write your e-mails can lessen the load.

Most of us slog through a lot of e-mail at the start of our day...

According to Kaitlin Sherwood, author of “Overcome the E-mail Overload,” there are six basic rules that can really help to cut back on some inbox clutter:

• Sign off your messages with "No reply needed" to avoid annoying "Great" and "Wow" responses.

• When making a request, finish with "Thanks in advance" to prevent the "Thanks/You're welcome" loop.

• When completing a response to a request, end with a conclusive statement like, "Hope this helped."

• Use "FYI" in the subject line to specify that the message is solely informative.

• Don't write statements phrased like questions, like "Peter and Laura did a great job, didn't they?" Your coworkers will answer them, and you'll have more pointless exchanges.

• When you receive a CC message and you must reply, send your response only to the sender instead of everybody. Use BCC instead of CC as often as possible.

Check your fingernails for potential health problems.

Our fingernails can be important indicators to some serious health problems...

It’s a good idea to give your nails a close inspection from time to time – here’s what to look for:

• Pale nails are normal with aging – but could also indicate anemia, liver disease or malnutrition.

• White nails with dark rims can be a sign of liver problems such as hepatitis.

• Yellow nails are usually a result of a fungal infection. In rare cases it could be something more serious such as thyroid disease, diabetes or lung disease.

• Bluish nails could mean the body isn’t getting enough oxygen due to a lung infection such as pneumonia.

• Rippled nails can be an early sign of psoriasis or inflammatory arthritis.

• Brittle, cracked or split nails can be another indicator of thyroid disease. If they’ve also got a yellow hue – it’s more likely due to a fungal infection.

• Dark lines beneath the nail need to be check right away. They’re sometimes caused by melanoma.

The next time you dress for the occasion, choose the color carefully...

The colors we wear can have an effect on how people perceive us. Here’s how to pick the right hue for you:

• If you’d rather blend in, or not be noticed, wear gray.

• If you’d like to put others at ease, wear a medium or dark blue.

• If you’re turning over a new leaf, wear green – it suggests new growth.

• If you’d like to come across as creative or playful, wear orange.

• If you’re unique, pick purple.

• If you’d like to convey compassion, put on some pink.

• If you’re feeling confident – red or yellow are two great choices.

If you need a good reason to exercise - here are five.

We should all be exercising every day...

Some people need a little more motivation than others to exercise. If you’re looking for a good reason, one of these should apply to you:

• Teenagers who exercise are more likely to graduate – and less likely to develop a brain tumor.

• Men who exercise vigorously are two thirds less likely to experience erectile dysfunction as those who don’t.

• Women who exercise tend to have fewer mood swings and better sex lives.

• Seniors who exercise three times a week are much less likely to develop dementia.

• People suffering from depression can lessen the symptoms by over 40% with aerobic exercise.

The bottom line is, people who exercise for an average of 15 minutes a day generally live longer and enjoy better quality of life than people who don’t.

Should penmanship count?

If you’re under the age of 30 – there’s a good chance your handwriting is really immature...

It’s no surprise, considering 46 states have now adopted Common Core Standards in school that don’t require the teaching of cursive. Of course most students ARE required to learn to type on keyboards, which won’t be helping the handwriting dilemma at all. So does penmanship count? Let’s ask the experts:

• Jan Olsen, founder of Handwriting Without Tears, says if you stop teaching handwriting in second grade, you’ll have a generation of people who write like second graders.

• Michael Sull, master penman and author of “American Cursive Handwriting,” says without cursive, we’re losing important communication skills and motor skill development.

• Steven Graham, professor of education at Vanderbilt University, says sloppy handwriting suggests your thoughts or ideas are not all that great.

Some experts aren’t quite as worried about the loss of cursive. Most workplaces are likely to be dominated by computers and technology anyway - and historical documents such as the Declaration of Independence can always be reprinted in a non-cursive font for future generations to enjoy.

Woot! The Concise Oxford English Dictionary 12th edition is here...

The Concise Oxford English Dictionary is celebrating its 100th birthday!

And woot actually made their list of new words in the 12th edition. For the 2 people out there who don’t know what woot means, it’s used to express elation, enthusiasm or triumph online or on Twitter. Speaking of Twitter, the word retweet is now official – it’s a verb – and it means tweeting a tweet someone else already tweeted. If you don’t know what a tweet is, you’re way behind. Here are a few more new entries in the 12th edition:

• Mankini: n. a brief one-piece bathing garment for men, with a T-back.

• Jeggings: pl. n. tight-fitting stretch trousers for women, styled to resemble a pair of denim jeans.

• Sexting: n. informal the sending of sexually explicit photographs or messages via mobile phone.

Even some old words wound up with new definitions. A “cougar” is no longer just a variety of cat, a “friend” now has social networking implications – and a "follower" could be someone who’s far, far away.

Should college kids do shots? Yes!

If you’re sending someone off to college – there’s something they REALLY need first...

College freshmen have a lot to worry about right before they go. Here’s one more thing to add to the list – shots – and not the type they might be hoping for. Because college students live in such close quarters, it’s recommended they are vaccinated for a variety of things. Most schools either require or strongly recommend some of these - but here is a complete list of vaccines to consider:

• Flu shot

• Measles, Mumps, Rubella

• Chicken Pox, if they haven’t already had the disease.

• Hepatitis B

• Tetanus

• Sexually transmitted HPV

• Pneumonia

• Hepatitis A

• Meningitis

The rates of some of those are a lot higher in a dorm-living environment. Most students have already been vaccinated for several different things – but it could be time for a booster.

It’s a good idea to remind a new college student that their living quarters are more public than they’re used to. It’s now up to them keep their rooms clean and take the necessary precautions to stay healthy. Getting sick at college can be less convenient and more serious than at home.

Look and feel better - with facial yoga!

If you’re not quite ready for prime-time yoga – you could start with your face...

Yoga is great for our bodies – but if the Downward-Facing Dog, Lotus or Upside-Down Tortoise positions are a bit of a stretch for you, you could start with just your face. Facial yoga relieves tension, increases blood circulation and tones things up a bit – and anyone can do it. Here are a few simple stretches:

• The Sphinx Smile: Smile, lifting the corners of your mouth up and across while keeping the eyes neutral, then repeat three or four times.

• The Satchmo: Keep your cheeks firm with this one by puffing them both up with air – and then transfer the air from cheek to cheek until you’re out of breath. Then repeat.

• The Smiling Fish Face: Smile first, then suck those cheeks in to make a fish face. Hold each position for a few seconds - then repeat 5 times.

• The Puppet Face: Smile again - then press your fingertips into the crease between the nose and mouth. Flex those facial muscles while applying some resistance with your fingers.

• The Joker: It’s similar to the Puppet Face. Place the three middle fingers of each hand below each eyebrow. Push your eyebrows up with your fingers - then try to lower them against the resistance of your fingers. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat.

Is it safe to use a public charging kiosk?

There’s a new convenience popping up at malls, cafes and airports – the public charging kiosk....

Few things are as frustrating as a dead or dying battery on your cell phone or laptop – with no way to charge it back up. Help could be just around the corner. Public charging kiosks are popping up in more locations. Before you plug in – there are a few things you should know. According to Krebs on Security, when you take advantage of one of those public charging spots, you could be at risk of losing all your data. A shady kiosk could be configured to download all your photos, contacts and other data – or even be used to install malware on your device.

Charging Kiosks in airports are generally pretty safe. Those found in malls or other places may be a lot riskier. There’s no way of knowing who put them there or how they’re configured. If you REALLY need to use one – turn your phone off first. That could give you some level of protection – but using your own charger is always the safest bet.

If hemlines reflect the economy - where are they headed?

Hemlines have been said to reflect, or even predict the state of the economy...

If you don’t trust the stock market – some say hemlines have been pretty accurate economic predictors in the past. In the roaring 20s – investors were clapping and flappers were flapping – in really short dresses. When the economy went down in the 30s, so did the hemlines. Longer skirts depicting Depression Era modesty were in. When the economy perked up in the 50’s – so did the bobby-soxers - in their knee-high poodle skirts. The economy flat lined in the 70’s – and so did dress sales – pant suits were in. Madonna helped us celebrate the economic rebound in the 80’s with her skirt length, or lack thereof.

Since then, hemlines have been up and down and a lot more varied. So where are they now? All over the place it seems. Stroll through any women’s department and you’ll see floor length casual skirts and dresses on every other rack. It doesn’t get much lower than that. However, super short frocks are really in too! The difference is – they’re usually paired with leggings or worn over pants now.

Kiwi fuzz and pineapple cores are really good for you.

You’re probably throwing away the healthiest part of your food...

If you like fresh fruits and vegetables – you’re probably throwing away the best part. That core, skin or rind could be full of nutrition:

• Kiwi – that hairy skin is good stuff. Eating a kiwi whole will triple your fiber intake. If you don’t like the thought of biting into that fuzzy orb, slice it up – the skin goes down easier in small doses.

• Broccoli – the stalks are packed with antioxidants. Try slicing them into thin strips for stir-fry.

• Acorn squash – most people just opt for the flesh – but the skin is super healthy. If you roast the acorn halves with their skin and eat the whole thing – it adds texture, color and nutrients.

• Pineapple – the core is really good for you. Eating it raw is most effective but might take some getting used to. It’s tougher and less sweet than the rest of the fruit.

• Oranges and lemons – the rinds are a great source of a unique antioxidant. Adding rinds to recipes or zest to any dish adds flavor – and can even lower cholesterol.

Google yourself to protect your identity.

Do you protect your identity – online?

When is the last time you Googled yourself? It’s a good idea to do once in a while, to be sure your online identity is intact. Here are some tips to keep you in your own loop:

• Set up a Google Alert for your name or company. That generates an email or text to you as soon as something is posted containing the name.

• Create a generic, streamlined social networking page for your name or company. This helps you control what information you would like out there directly linked to you.

If you do receive alerts, or stumble across something untrue or unflattering about yourself, don’t panic, take these steps:

• Resist responding. Remember that search engines vary and display different results for different searchers. A negative post will only rank higher if you respond by clicking or adding content.

• Counteract by creating a positive post. This will push anything negative farther down on the search results list.

If a negative post is defamation or libel, contact an attorney who specializes in that field. It can get expensive – but it’s not likely you’ll get very far on your own.