If you’re rummaging through your kid’s Halloween cache – I’ll tell you what to skip..

Decisions, decisions...

If there’s a plastic pumpkin or pillowcase full of candy lying around your house – go for the chocolate.  Chocolate can actually lower the risk of developing heart disease and stroke. If the kids accuse you of taking the best stuff, remind them of your health.

If you stumble across some black licorice in there, keep digging. The FDA is warning people over the age of 40 to avoid too much black licorice, citing it could lead to arrhythmia or irregular heart rhythm. Black licorice can also interfere with some medication such as heart drugs and birth control pills.

Counting to 10 is an effective crisis intervention technique...

Does counting to 10 really work? Yes!

But you may need to count to 20. Richard Carlson, author of "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff," says counting to 10 can actually be a very effective strategy for dealing with a crisis. No speed counting though. You’ll need to take a full, deep, cleansing breath between each number. Resist the urge to speed up as you go.

If the situation involves anger, Dr. Carlton suggests you count to at LEAST 20. This is a type of mini meditation that will really diminish that surge of anger and adrenaline that might trigger an irrational response.

Are you driving your co-workers nuts?

Most of us have to deal with annoying personalities at work...

CareerBuilder.com conducted an office-place survey and identified the top 10 co-workers that drive us nuts:

• The gum snapper

• The close talker

• The loud talker

• The Chicken Dance ring toner

• The perfume/cologne offender

• The firefighter (or co-worker who always has to be the hero)

• The “I’ll just touch stuff on your desk until you’re off the phone” –er

• The micro-manager

• The gossiper

• The complainer

You can’t teach old dogs new tricks… or can you?

You CAN teach an old dog a new trick!

Experts agree, age is not a trick learning handicap. Older dogs might actually be better at learning tricks because their attention span is a lot better than those young pups.

Breed, on the other hand, is a BIG factor. The smartest breeds are the border collie, poodle, German shepherd, golden retriever and the Doberman pinscher. These top dogs can learn a trick in 5 reps or less at any age. It will be harder to teach tricks to most basset hounds, bulldogs, bloodhounds and chow chows. They are considered the not-smartest breeds and may require 80 to 100 reps of the same trick before it sticks.

Do you collect stuff like Hummels or Beanie Babies?

If you’re wondering what that treasured collection of Hummel figurines is worth – don’t get your hopes up...

According to Lou Kahn, head of the Bakerstowne Collectibles appraisal and consignment service in west Hempstead, N.Y., they aren’t worth the crates you’re packing them in. That’s because the German company that created them ratcheted up production after World War II. Because people never seem to throw them away, 60 to 70% of them are still out there which keeps their value way down. Here are some other collectibles you might want to STOP collecting:

• Beanie Babies: They’re worthless. Most of them sell for about $2 – that’s a $4 loss.

• Precious Moments: They’re worth precious nothing.

• Franklin Mint Collectibles: Those silver medallions, dolls and such sell for a fraction of their original price – that’s if you can sell them at all.

• Hess trucks: The early models from the 60s and 70s are worth something. If it was produced in the 80s or later – go ahead and play with it – that’s the most value you get.

• Thomas Kinkade paintings: In most cases, the frame is worth more than the print.

Allow me to introduce you to the REAL Count Dracula...

If you’d like to dress as the REAL Count Dracula this Halloween...

Wear a red hat and carry a spike. Bram Stoker’s real-life inspiration was a real prince of a guy. Vlad Dracula, born in Transylvania in 1431, grew up to rule the Romanian region of Wallachia. He proudly took the name Dracula, Son of the Dragon, from his father, Vlad Dracul. He was nicknamed Vlad Tepes, or Vlad the Impaler. It seems Vlad had a real fondness for impaling friends and foes alike. Anyone hoping to invade Wallachia would first have to navigate their way through Vlad’s 2 mile forest - made entirely of corpses impaled on spikes.

Although there’s no evidence that he liked to drink it – there’s no doubt he was one blood-thirsty dude. In 1456, the Count invited local nobility to dine with him. After dinner, the old or frail guests were impaled on the spot. He marched the rest of them to his run down castle and put them to hard labor restoring it. The unfortunate guests who didn’t die during renovations wound up impaled alive on the spikes outside the castle for some creepy curb-appeal.

If you love contests – these odds are pretty good...

For those of you who just can’t get enough of contests – enter to win on social media...

Contest expert, Carolyn Wilman, says Facebook is the new hot-spot for giveaways. Just “like” or “friend” your favorite companies for pretty good odds at winning stuff. Some of those “likes” give you a better than 1 in 200 chance of winning some pretty cool prizes.

Your odds on Twitter are even better -1 in 50! Follow your favorite retailers, restaurants, bands and TV shows and keep an eye out for their tweeted chances to win.

The next time you cook pasta – use the biggest pot you own...

If your spaghetti or noodles seem a little sticky or starch before they’re even done...

...you’re probably not using enough water. Chef Mike Sheerin says it’s one of the most common cooking mistakes people make. When food is added to a pot of boiling water, it lowers the temperature of the water. The less water we have in there, the longer that boil is paused. That will leave you with gummy noodles – even if they’re al dente.

The bigger the pot is, the better. For a pound of pasta we should be using at least a five-quart pot. A continuous rapid boil and room to swim is what keeps pasta from sticking together.

That late-night snack could be a nightmare!

If you’d rather skip the bad dreams, you might want to skip that late night snack too...

 Eating right before bed can trigger nightmares by raising our body’s metabolism and brain activity. A study published in the International Journal of Psychology identifies some specific foods to avoid before bed:

• Spicy food, like hot sauce or mustard, raise the body temperature which can disrupt your first sleep cycle – the one that sets the tone for the rest of the night.

• Junk food like ice cream enhances brain activity and increases the odds of fearful dreams.

• Alcohol can be a nightmare too. You might nod off easier – but when it wears off you’re going through a mini-withdraw which can cause you to wake prematurely or have a bad or disturbing dream.

If you’ve got to have that late-night snack, opt for a banana with some peanut butter. That snack actually encourages your brain’s production of dream-friendly serotonin.

Are you feeling lucky?

Quick – find a good luck charm and USE it.

They really work. Some scientists put luck to the test - and even they were surprised at the results. In their study, people who felt blessed with good luck actually performed better on some mental and physical tests. One of the experiments had participants putt with a plain old golf ball – and then with a “lucky” golf ball. The lucky ball putts were more accurate. They were also asked to cross their fingers on some tests – and scored higher when they did.

Lucky charms give us a boost of confidence, courage and focus, which naturally enhance our performance. If you do designate a lucky charm – don’t leave home without it. People who rely on one report feeling more vulnerable and at a disadvantage when it’s not there.

If you’re having your car serviced – I’ll tell you what to say “No thanks” to these...

Unless you’re a mechanic, you’re probably not sure what your car really needs when you have it serviced...

Here are a few common recommendations you should probably take a pass on:

• Fluid flushes. Brake and power steering fluids last the life of your car. They don’t need to be flushed unless they’re discolored or smell burnt.

• Engine oil flush. Quick-lube places often say you need this when you don’t. It can dislodge sludge and cause more problems. Have your oil CHANGED, not flushed.

• Deluxe car wash. Paint sealants, protectants, waxes and under-car treatments are worthless. They wash off the first time it rains. Stick to the standard wash.

Is your doctor a grouch? That could be hazardous to your health...

Do you like your doctor? Really LIKE him or her?

According to a study by Cedars-Sinai and John Hopkins, grumpy or unfriendly doctors could be a detriment to your health. Patients of friendly and courteous doctors and surgeons had more successful outcomes and were more likely to survive surgery than those being treated by jerks.

The authors of the study explain it’s not just the doctors – it’s the whole team. Medical staff and pharmacists are more comfortable working with a friendly doctor. They are more likely to ask questions or make suggestions – and less likely to make or miss potentially deadly mistakes.

If you think you might be getting sick – fight back while you still can...

Could I be getting sick?

Most of us get that feeling, a tickle, a sneeze or something’s just off. What we do on day-one can make all the difference. Here’s what you need to do – STAT:

• Start drinking water or juice as soon as you feel symptoms. Staying hydrated will lessen the inevitable stuffy nose and sore throat.

• Gargling with salt water reduces inflammation, clears irritants from the back of the throat and flushes out bacteria and viruses.

• Use some saline nasal spray and take a hot shower to keep nasal passages clear before you get clobbered.

• Take one or two teaspoons of honey, straight from the jar. It coats the throat and helps to block the growth of bacteria.

Wrap up day one of your cold with a protein-packed dinner - lean meat, fish or beans, with some whole grains and vegetables on the side. Chicken soup is another great option – it really does help. Take another hot shower, and some medicine if you need it – and hit the sack.

Are you hearing things that aren’t there?

If you thought you heard your phone ring when it didn’t – you might need to cut back on caffeine a bit...

Studies have found that people who have a high intake of caffeine tend to hear things that aren’t there. Researchers tested a group of caffeinated people. The participants were exposed to static noise and asked to press a buzzer when they heard the song “White Christmas” being played. Those who had consumed 5 or more cups of coffee hit the buzzer first. The problem is, the song was never played.



Was it something you ate?

If you think you might have food poisoning, don’t think back to your last meal...

Think back to yesterday or the day before. According to the Medicine Hunter, Chris Kilham, these bugs usually take 12 to 36 hours to kick in. Have you had any shellfish? That’s a likely culprit. The majority of shellfish we eat comes from Southeast Asia and travels on ships in cargo holds with uneven refrigeration. Maybe it was that chicken. If you could witness how chickens are processed commercially – you’d feel sick BEFORE eating them. ALWAYS wash a chicken before preparing it – along with everything it touches.

If you’d like to reduce the risk of food poisoning in your own food, spice it up a bit. Onions, garlic, basil, hot peppers and hot sauce kill bacteria and have antibiotic properties. Cooking meat and fish with these ingredients can really reduce the risk of contamination.

People who like ChapStick are some of the most loyal customers out there...

Where’s my ChapStick?

People who love ChapStick can’t seem to go without it. It’s become somewhat of a generic term referring to any lip balm in a tube – but most purists find it hard to smear anything other than the real deal on their lips. American physician, Charles Browne Fleet, came up with the first lip balm back in the 1800s. The original stick was handmade, wrapped in tin foil and sold locally. In 1910, John Morton bought the rights to ChapStick for $5. In the 1930’s, American Artist Frank Wright, Jr. came up with the simple, script ChapStick logo – one of the most iconic and recognizable logos ever designed. ChapStick has had a pretty famous run so far:

• A tube of ChapStick was used as a spy tool to conceal a hidden microphone during the Watergate break-in.

• Olympic skiier Suzanne Chaffee skyrocketed to fame after being dubbed Suzy ChapStick in one of the most successful ad campaigns of all time.

• Cherry ChapStick flew off the shelves in 2008 – thanks to Katy Perry’s “I Kissed a Girl.”

ChapStick’s Facebook page has close to 3 million fans pondering such topics as lost Chapstick, Chapstick in the washer – and whether or not to use the Chapstick you just found in your coat pocket from last year.

Why are women always telling us what to do?

Please enter your password. Press 1 for English. Recalculating route...

She’s all over the place, telling us what to do. There’s a good reason that guiding voice is usually a female. Clifford Nass, author of “The Man Who Lied to His Laptop,” says it’s much easier to find a female voice that everyone likes than a male voice that everyone likes. He says this phenomenon starts in the womb. Fetuses react favorably to the sound of their mother’s voice – but not to other voices.

Female navigation has been around for a long time. In World War II, women’s voices were used in airplane cockpits because they stood out among the male pilots. Telephone operators have traditionally been female and we’ve become accustomed to getting feminine assistance.

Almost all GPS systems on the market have a female as the default voice. There was one notable exception. In Germany, BMW was forced to recall a female-voiced navigation system on the 5 series in the late 1990s - after being flooded with calls from German men saying they refused to take directions from a woman.

Forget keeping up with the Jones’ – one-up them instead...

The Jones’ might have the biggest house or the best pumpkin – but they might NOT have the newest Halloween candy on the market this year...

Look for these new releases on the candy shelves:

• Jelly Belly Candy Corn: They’re sort of a jelly bean, candy corn hybrid.

• Sun Cups: They’re allergy-proof chocolate butter cups made with sunflower seeds instead of peanuts.

• Tootsie Ghost Dots: They’re like the Dots gumdrops that have been around forever – but they’re little green ghosts – each with a surprise flavor.

• Hershey’s Air Delight: Ultra-light chocolate kisses filled with thousands of tiny air pockets for a creamier melt-in-your-mouth effect and less calories.

• Goody Good Stuff Gummies: All-natural, gluten-free, vegetarian gummies for the Halloween health-nut.

Have you eaten something orange today? You should...

Look around. Do you see something orange and edible?

Go ahead and eat that. Naturally orange food is super-good for us. Most of it is rich in anti-oxidants, vitamins and cancer-fighting compounds. We’ve got a pretty good list of orange foods to choose from like pumpkin, squash, sweet potatoes and carrots - cantaloupe, mangoes, oranges, peaches and peppers. Sorry - Cheetos, Cheez Whiz and candy corn don’t count – but pumpkin pie does!

Worried about something? Good...

“Don’t worry.” Easier said than done, right?

Howard S. Friedman, author of “The Longevity Project,” says go ahead and worry! It can actually be GOOD for us. People who worry tend to be more conscientious. Those people are less likely to smoke or drink too much, and wind up with more stable relationships and work lives. People who were overly cheerful and optimistic were more likely to feel invincible, take risks and ignore medical advice.

Dr. Friedman says “take it easy” and “avoid stress” is actually rotten advice. Productive people who strive to achieve goals on a regular basis live longer than those who are too laid back or prefer to chill out.

Women used to wear them all the time. Then they were out. Now they’re back IN...

Love them or hate them – panty hose are back in style...

In the old days, 10 or 20 years ago – most women ALWAYS wore stockings while wearing a dress or skirt outside of summer. Fashion trends and tanning products gave nylons the boot for a while. Now, according to the fashion industry, the bare-leg look is SO 2010. Just ask Kate Middleton. A royal trendsetter, she ops for super-sheer hose for a young, sleek look. Shows like Mad Men have given stockings a boost too. Vintage style stockings with a seam down the back are all the rage on the fashion runways right now.

Even if you were glad to see them go – you may be pleasantly surprised by newer pantyhose technology. Elastic wastes are more comfortable, shaping and sheerness has improved – and you can even find stockings with shapely enhancements above the hemline if you need it.

The next time you have a vivid dream – watch out for wild animals...

If you’ve ever wondered what that dog, snake or spider was doing in your dream – they were trying to tell you something...

Wild animals can show up in the strangest settings and we should be paying attention to what they represent:

• Birds are a sign of prosperity and happiness. Large birds symbolize freedom on the horizon.

• Cats represent the mysterious elements of our lives. A friendly cat means you’re onto something. If you just HEAR the cat without seeing it, beware of gossip.

• Dogs are the #1 dreamed animal. A friendly dog denotes domestic happiness while a viscous dog is a warning of financial or health struggles. A howling dog warns of separation from a loved one.

• Horses are all about strength and energy. If you’re riding, you’re on a really powerful path. If the horse is sick – you’re probably due for a checkup.

• If insects are crawling around in your dreams, you’ve probably got small, nagging worries on your mind. They can even represent relatives. How you handle the insects in your dream is a suggestion of how to handle those worries.

• A rat in your dream is a warning. Someone close to you may be deceiving you.

• Snakes represent betrayal and enemies. If you’re bitten in your dream, prepare yourself for an argument in your waking life.

• If you’re dreaming of spiders – you’re in luck! Spiders are a symbol of good fortune and money in your future.

If you’re going out to eat at a restaurant – be sure to pre-eat first...

If you’re watching your weight, or your wallet, be sure to pre-eat before you go out to dinner...

Research from Penn State University found that by using the pre-eating technique, we take advantage of how our brains are wired and end up eating less and feeling more satisfied. Here’s how it works: Before going to a restaurant, have a small salad, broth or vegetables. If you do that, you’ll actually decrease the number of calories you eat later by at least 20%.

Pre-eating sends signals to the brain that you’ve already eaten and you’re much more likely to choose something you’ll really savor as opposed to something more appealing to your hunger.

If you’ve got a master’s degree or doctorate – you’re at risk!

Attention smarty pants!

You’re probably a lot more stressed out than other people. A recent study published in Business News Daily, says highly-educated types have a lot more stress to deal with. The study found those who hold a master’s degree or doctorate, not only have to deal with complex workplace problems – but also have more difficulty balancing work and home life.

The authors of the study say companies need to consider what some of their stand-out staff is dealing with. In many cases they’re under a huge amount of stress which can result in a high turnover and burnout in up to 1/3 of their most-valued employees.

The next time you bake a pie – don’t forget the vodka!

It’s peak season for apple pies - and vodka!

The next time you bake a pie, grab the vodka first. Anyone who loves pie knows the crust is just as important as the filling. According to Cook’s Illustrated publisher, Chris Kimball, vodka is the secret ingredient to the best crust you can make. Substituting vodka for the cold water you would normally use keeps the dough pliable to work with – but evaporates more effectively while baking – resulting in an extra flakey, perfect pie crust.

You’ve got less than a week to come up with a Halloween costume...

Chances are, you’ve got some pretty good Halloween costumes just sitting in your closet...

Here are a few good last minute ideas:

• Mime: White face paint and gloves will pretty much say it all, silently. A striped shirt or turtleneck helps and a vest completes the look. You can even make your own face paint out of cornstarch, shortening, flour and water.

• Igor or Quasimodo: A large sweatshirt, and old pillow and messy hair make for a great last minute, warm costume.

• Bunch of grapes: A bag of purple or green balloons, a box of safety pins and a lot of breath is all you’ll need.

• Bat: An old umbrella makes for perfect bat wings. Dress in black and dismantle the old umbrella. Attach the sections at the armpits, wrists and hips with safety pins. If it’s a colorful umbrella, you’re a butterfly.

If you’re the suborn type that doesn’t really want to dress up – Halloween.com has these ideas:

• Carry a quarter and a hammer. You’re a quarter-pounder.

• Carry a CD and a lighter. You’re a CD burner.

• Attach a dollar to each ear. You’re a buccaneer.

• Where a pot on your head. It's self-explanatory

• Dress normally and show up late or not at all. You’re the cable guy.

If you’ve got a digital camera – take this picure first...

What’s the first picture to show up in your digital camera’s review?

It should be an address or phone number. If you lose your camera – it’s your best hope of getting it back. Write out your email address or phone number and take a picture of that with a request of return. If your digital camera has an option to set a photo as a cover shot – that should be it. You also might want to have a bunch of pictures of babies, kids or pets in there – they don’t even need to be yours. Studies have shown people are more inclined to return something that looks family oriented or personal. You can use the same trick on your cell phone.

While you’re losing things – it’s also a good idea to download one of the free GPS locating apps for your smartphone. Blackberry, Android and the iPhone all have one. If your phone is lost, you can log onto a computer and see where it is on a locator map.

Cliques are for kids. So what should you do about the one in the office?

We expect to deal with cliques as a kid in school – but the company you keep at work can get cliquey too.

Corporate trainer and speaker Marlene Chism says cliques can do damage by creating a “tribal mentality” or blind spots toward outsiders. You might be hanging with the D crowd without even knowing it and guilt-by-association could be casting you in a bad light.

If you are part of a clique – beware of a false sense of security. Safety in numbers won’t necessarily apply. Good managers don’t tolerate cliques – and presumably hire and fire individuals based on performance and attitude – not popularity.

Are you alone in your social media profile shot – or with someone else?

Nicole Williams, LinkedIn

If you have an online business identity – your social media profile shot can say a lot about you...

Nicole Williams, connection director for LinkedIn says that picture is a key component to how professional you appear – and it’s crucial to have the right one. A page with a profile picture is seven times more likely to be viewed as a page without one. Details count – so make the most of that shot:

• Alone is best. Avoid being strongly identified with your dog or your significant other unless you’re a vet or a marriage counselor.

• Dress for the occasion. If you're looking for a job in media or fashion, then you can wear more color or jewelry in the picture. Otherwise, nix the glitz.

• Be recognizable. If you look completely different in your profile picture than you would on an interview, it could be awkward. Keep it real.

• Be caught in the moment. The best profile shots are one of you looking happy or confident, doing what you do. Have someone who puts you at ease take a picture of you at work, or in the field.

In most cases, a color shot is better than black and white. Black and white can look creative but can also look dated. Color shots are more realistic and have a lot more energy.

The next time you buy produce – pick from the top...

Do you reach in the back or dig to the bottom to find the best produce?

Don’t bother. The best picks are in the front or on top of the bin. Produce that has been exposed to light are richer in vitamins C, E, K and folic acid. Light exposure is what kick starts the photosynthesis process.

When picking your produce, keep this rule in mind – the brighter the better. Choose pink grapefruit over white, sweet potatoes over white and red apples over green or yellow. The brighter the produce, the more antioxidants you’re getting.

Is your bedroom dark – REALLY dark?

THIS should be your bedroom...

You probably turn the lights off before bed - but most of us miss a few.  Sleep studies show time and time again that total darkness is the best thing we can do for a really good night’s sleep. That means no dim lights, no light from bathroom, hall, the cable box or alarm clock – nothing – pitch black! Blocking out all light keeps melatonin levels high and spurs activity in the brain’s pleasure center.

People who enjoy a really sound sleep have less regrets too. Deep, dark sleep reboots the brain and makes us less prone to feelings of remorse.

The next time you hit the supermarket – don’t use a CARRY basket

Even if you’re just shopping for a few things at the supermarket – push one of the big carts...

Those carry baskets could be trouble. Researchers have determined that carrying a basket makes you more impulsive – especially if your arm is bent. We move faster and make short-term decisions without thinking them through. They say when our arms are outstretched we tend to focus more and take our long-term options and goals into consideration. We might buy a few more items – but chances are they’ll be healthier choices and you’ll save yourself from another quick trip.

If you don’t believe the researchers – ask the hand basket manufacturers. Maxx Hand Held Shopping Baskets pitch their products to stores by promising to stimulate impulse buying by convenience oriented customers.

If you’ve been using Tylenol for years – the rules have changed...

For most of us, Tylenol has been around our whole lives – over 50 years...

The dosage instructions you memorized on the label of Extra Strength Tylenol have been changed now. It used to be 2 pills every 4-6 hours – 8 pills max per day. Now, the manufacturer has lowered that to lessen the risk of accidental liver-damaging overdose. The new recommended dosage on the label is 2 pills every 6 hours – 6 pills max per day.

How many golf balls can fit in a school bus? Think fast - If you’d like to work for Google...

We all expect a few tough questions when interviewing for a job...

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? How would you improve this product or company? How many golf balls can fit in a school bus? Those are a few of the questions you’ll need to field if you’d like to work for Google. Here are a few more – and these were the easy ones…

 

Q: Why are manhole covers round?

A: It prevents the cover from falling through the opening.

Q: How many times a day do a clock’s hands overlap?

A: 22. 11 each, AM and PM.

Q: A man pushed his car to a hotel and lost his fortune. What happened?

A: He landed on Boardwalk.

Q: You have 8 balls. 7 weigh the same, 1 is heavier. How do you determine which ball is heavier using a balance scale with just two weigh-ins?

A: Weigh 6 of the balls – 3 on each side. If that’s balanced, you know it’s one of the 2 remaining balls – weigh them for your answer. If the heavier ball is in one of the first groups of three, weigh two from that group and you’ll have your answer.

If you’re wondering how many golf balls can fit in a school bus – the answer is about 500,000. If you’re asked to explain that – you’re on your own. If you don’t get the job, don’t take it personally. Google receives over 1 million resumes per year – less than half of 1% will land a job there.

Eeek! A mouse! You could have kept him out...

If you’ve got a mouse in the house, they’re bound to invite all their friends over...

You'll need a mouse bouncer - in the form of steel wool. Give your house a thorough inspection – search out any holes, big or small, inside and out. Whenever you come across a potential portal – cram some steel wool in there. Mice hate steel wool so it’s more effective than some other materials that they may try to tamper with.

To get rid of the mouse that got in – you’ll need to set some traps. There are plenty of humane options on the market that really do work. Place traps flush against a wall, that's where mice prefer to scurry. If you’re a traditionalist, go ahead and give cheese a try in your trap – but mice love peanut butter and chocolate too. You’ll need to dispose of your mouse as soon as he’s caught. The smell of a mouse, dead or alive, attracts more mice. 

Some restaurants wash their dishes with bleach – should you?

Have you bleached your dishes lately?

Restaurants do it all the time. Bleach kills far more germs than plain old soap and water – and if you’re washing dishes by hand, a little bleach is a good idea. Melvin Pascall, a professor of food science and technology at Ohio State University, works with restaurants to make sure they meet FDA guidelines. He says the most effective way to do the dishes is to wash with dish soap and water and then add a few drops of bleach to the rinse water. He also says letting dishes sit in the skink is just inviting bacteria and germs. The substance that attracts the most bugs is dried-on milk – so be sure to rinse your glasses right away.

As far as your dishwasher is concerned – you can skip the bleach in there. Some detergents already have dishwasher-safe bleach in there. Regular bleach can actually damage the rubber seals of your dishwasher so save it for the sink.

Yes! Apple seeds ARE poisonous...

If you’ve ever heard that apple seeds are poisonous – it’s true...

Apple seeds contain cyanogenic acids – and if you ate too many of them, you’d have a problem. If you swallowed one or two, relax, you’ll be fine. Our bodies can detoxify small quantities of cyanide compounds. Even if you swallowed several seeds whole, you’d be okay. Chewing the seeds makes them much more toxic.

If you think a child or animal has eaten or chewed several apple seeds – get medical attention right away. Symptoms of poisoning include headache, dizziness, anxiety, confusion and vomiting. Cherry pits, peach, plums and apricot pits and the seeds in the core of a pear can also pose a problem.

If you’d like to be a little less lazy – I’ve got a few interesting apps just for you...

For those of us who HATE getting out of bed in the morning – there’s an app for that...

It’s called Snooze – and they’d LOVE you to keep hitting that button. After downloading the app, you can pick from a list of worthy charities. Every time you hit that snooze button – 25 cents goes to that charity. Who would have dreamed that sleeping late would be productive?

If you’d rather play games than exercise – there’s an app for that too. This one is about to be released and it’s called Zombies, Run! If you don’t get moving – you risk being eaten by zombies. The creepy narrator and physical challenges will keep you active – if you want live.

Good news! Something delicious is actually GOOD for us - for a change...

Real maple syrup is the perfect complement to fall – but we should be eating it year round!

Researchers have found 54 beneficial compounds in there, five of which were never before seen in nature. Real maple syrup is rich in antioxidants and has natural anti-inflammatory properties that help protect against cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and bacterial illness.

Make sure it says “pure maple syrup” on the label – and the darker the better. The darker varieties have more flavor and nutrients. Think outside the pancake box with maple syrup. It tastes great with some fall vegetables, as a glaze for your entrée, as a topping for ice cream or yogurt and even to sweeten your coffee or tea.

If you’re ready to stock up on Halloween candy – check out the best and the worst...

Here’s a shocker – the best Halloween candy is actually the worst for us...

Here are the best worst offenders:

• Butterfinger Minis – they’re packed with fat and calories.

• Reese’s Peanut Butter Pumpkin – anything with peanut butter will have more of the good bad stuff.

• Baby Ruth Fun Size – not so fun if you’re on a diet.

• Mounds Fun Size – that coconut filling will fatten you up.

• Starburst Fruit Chews – you’ll be chewing the FAT with these, unlike other fruit candy.

• Twizzlers – these treats have no fat – but the trick is the sugars in there TURN to fat.

If you’d rather not hand out apples or celery sticks – some popular candy is a little better for you. Musketeers Minis have less fat and calories, as do the York Peppermint Patty, Peeps Pumpkins and Tootsie Rolls. Jolly Ranchers and Charms Blow Pops have no fat and Peanut M&Ms actually have some nutrients in there.

If someone gives you a gift certificate for a fish pedicure, you might want to throw it back...

Have you heard about the new spa trend called the fish pedicure?

Not only is it creepy – it’s dangerous! You’ll be treated to an invigorating foot bath filled with tiny carp that nibble away at your toes and feet. Apparently, these little fish are even better at removing dead skin than the standard scrapers or clippers used for a pedicure.

The problem is there are serious concerns that these fish pedicures could put you at risk of contracting viruses such as HIV and hepatitis. Conventional sterilization of equipment can’t take place because it would harm the fish – and those little nibblers can get vigorous, causing clients to bleed into spa water that isn’t changed before you take the plunge.

Fish pedicures have already been banned in some areas of the U.S. and Canada - and Britain’s Health Protection Agency warns that even with rigorous hygiene procedures, the risk of infection cannot be ruled out.

Is the 7-year itch a myth or fact?

The seven-year itch has been a phrase synonymous with marital disaster since the 1950s...

So is there anything to it? Statistically, yes. Studies have shown that most couples will express some decline of happiness and satisfaction in the first 10 years of marriage. It turns out there are generally two marital humps to get over in that first decade. The first phase usually hits around year 4 when the fireworks and passion start to fade for many couples. The second phase of marital strife usually struck between year 7 and 8.

Some anthropologists have a seemingly logical explanation for these predictable speed bumps. 4 years is the average time-span humans need to meet, birth a child and rear it through infancy. Our stone-age ancestors may have found that a perfectly natural time to move on and do it all over again, elsewhere.

For modern couples who make it past 4 years – statistics show that 7.2 years is the median duration of marriages that ultimately end in divorce. If you make it over the first 2 humps, watch out for year 18. That’s the next common year to call it quits.

If you’ve got another meeting at work today – watch out for the idea killer...

Are you a meeting addict? Hopefully not...

Meeting addicts are more comfortable talking about work than actually doing it. They are a huge drain on time and resources for everyone else in the office. CareerBuilder.com has a few more characters you’re bound to meet in a meeting:

• The meek moderator has trouble exerting any authority. They don’t start until everyone is there, let the most vocal dominate the meeting, then have trouble wrapping it up.

• The idea killer is the perpetual pessimist who usually has no real ideas of his or her own.

• The technology tinkerer spends most of the meeting frantically fiddling with malfunctioning audio or video euqipment - and coulp probably use your help.

• The smartphone fiend has the natural ability to be distracted and distracting – all at the same time.

• The class clown is always good for a one-liner or corny quip – regardless of mood or topic.

If you have to deal with one or more of these characters on a regular basis – you’re not alone. If you ARE one of these characters, by all means, call a meeting with yourself and work on that.

Don’t wait for the doctor - do these tests yourself...

High-tech equipment and tests can make some modern medical miracles possible...

But there are a few low-tech tests we can do right at home which can be just as important. Andrew L. Rubman, director at Southbury Center for Traditional Medicines, says a few simple do-it-yourself tests that can help you determine if there’s a problem – no doctor required:

• Test # 1: A Brain Teaser

You can screen for signs of dementia in older people by asking a few questions. What’s today’s date? What country are we in? Can you repeat this phrase? Can you name some common objects around you such as a pencil or a watch? If these questions pose a problem – let the doctor know.

• Test # 2: Stick Your Neck Out

Measure the circumference of your neck with a tape measure. If it’s larger than 17 inches for a man - or 16 inches for a woman – you’re at high risk for sleep apnea which can be dangerous and you should be tested for it.

• Test #3: Speed Test

Measure out a distance of 30 feet and use a stopwatch to time how long it takes you to walk the distance at your regular, relaxed pace. Ideally, you should cover the distance in no more than 10 seconds. If it takes closer to 20 seconds, discuss that with your doctor. Gait speed is a valuable predictor of physical and cognitive health.

If you’d like to catch someone in a lie – I can help you with that...

Is the person right next to you a liar? Yup...

We’re all liars to some extent. Pamela Meyer, author of “Lie Spotting,” says there are some simple ways to spot a liar – or to avoid being spotted, depending on which you need more:

• Liars are quick to distance themselves from the subject. “I did NOT have sexual relations with that woman.” Two giveaways there – “did not” and “that woman.”

• Liars use qualifying language, like “to tell you the truth.”

• Repeating the question before answering it dishonestly is another common lie indicator.

• Eye contact – liars often overdo it. Extended eye contact with frozen upper body – liar.

• Fake smile – it’s another liar reflex. If it’s the type of smile you’d see in a posed photograph, it’s a fake.

• Too much detail is a hint. Suggesting harsh penalties for the “real culprit” is another favorite tactic of liars.

• Liars are terrible at telling their stories backwards.

• Check the feet. Are they pointed toward an exit? Liar!

Captain Morgan and Jack Daniels have been immortalized in liquid form...

Captain Morgan, Johnnie Walker and Jack Daniels are more than just faces on a label – they were pretty interesting characters in their day:

• Captain Morgan was a feared Welsh pirate who married his own cousin. After plundering the Cuban coast, looting and burning Panama City, he was knighted and became the lieutenant governor of Jamaica.

• Johnnie Walker was a grocer in Scotland. The whisky he sold was all the rage. His son Alexander was the one who actually made them famous by applying his tea-blending expertise to their Old Highland Whisky, which later became Johnnie Walker Black Label.

• Jasper Newton “Jack” Daniel of Tennessee was one of 13 kids. It was not his famous whiskey that did him in, but his bad temper. When he couldn’t get his safe open one morning, he freaked out and kicked it, injured his toe, contracted an infection – and died.

• The original Jose Antonio de Cuervo received a land grant from the King of Spain to start an agave farm in Mexico. The tequila company is now run by the sixth generation of Jose Cuervo’s descendants.

If you’re tempted to call in sick – make it believable...

Should you really call in sick today?

If you feel awful, have a fever or are coughing or sneezing – YES! You’re not doing anyone any favors by spreading it around. You can tell your boss Dr. Aaron E. Glatt, spokesperson for the Infectious Diseases Society of America, said so. He says we have to be conscious that we are not only taking care of our own health, but the health of other people.

When you do call in sick – don’t look like a faker. Avoid sending an email or leaving an early morning message. Ask to talk directly to your supervisor. Explain that you’re sick, apologize for the inconvenience, keep the call short and skip the gory details. Be careful not to oversell it by plugging your nose or forcing a cough – and try to be sick Tuesday through Thursday. Monday’s and Friday’s are the most suspicious.

We’d all like to have youthful, glowing skin...

Our skin takes a real beating every day – from the elements AND in the shower...

To preserve or restore some of your healthy glow – your skin will appreciate some of these basics in your shower routine:

• Limit your shower time to 10 minutes and use warm water, not hot. Hot showers actually dehydrate our skin.

• Skip the soap. Harsh deodorant soaps will strip your skin of moisture and cause itching and flaking. You’re better off with a moisturizing body wash.

• Exfoliate in the shower twice a week with a washcloth or loofah. Healthy skin renews itself every 14 to 30 days and exfoliating encourages that.

• Don’t just moisturize – get into it. Instead of just slapping on some moisturizer after a shower – turn that tedious step into a relaxing ritual. Give yourself a few extra minutes to really massage your entire body in a circular motion with warm lotion.

If you take your weight seriously, check your scale...

Did you weigh yourself this morning?

If you’re trying to lose weight, studies show weighing yourself once a day is the best approach. In order to get it right, you’ll want to be consistent. Here are some basics for using your bathroom scale:

• Calibrate your scale. Put a 5 pound dumbbell or bag of sugar on there to measure accuracy.

• Make sure your scale is on a level floor. Having a scale on a carpet or rug can add 10% to the reading.

• Weigh yourself at the same time every day, preferably second thing in the morning – after you’ve used the bathroom.

• Get naked. Clothes and accessories can add as much as 5 pounds.

• Don’t weigh yourself after working out. You lose water weight from sweating – and it WILL be back as soon as you’re rehydrated.