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Sunday, May 12, 2013


Check your pockets for quarters. Some are worth a lot more than .25 cents...
Got any quarters? Check the dates on those before you give them up. We still have a lot of old quarters in circulation and some of them are worth a lot more than .25 cents. Quarters minted between 1932 and 1964 contained 90% silver. Each one is worth about $4.29 cents today. That old quarter could be worth even more depending on the condition and rarity.

If you do happen upon one of these lucky quarters, you might want to hang onto it. The longer you don’t spend it, the more it will buy.



You can improve your mood with coffee - if you drink it right....

A recent study found that drinking coffee can actually improve mood and lower your risk of depression. At least three cups a day is the recommended dose. If you’re counting on coffee to perk you up, you’re best bet is to drink it black. Sweetened beverages have the opposite effect and can actually increase levels of depression.




What color are your eyes?
A survey by CyberPulse and CIBA Vision found that people tend to associate different eye colors with specific personality traits. Here is what others see in your eyes:

* Brown: You’re trustworthy and kind, not to mention intelligent. You’re least likely to be perceived as shy or creative. Brown-eyed people tend to be the most uncomfortable with eye contact.

* Blue: You must be sweet. We won’t assume you’re smart and we expect you to be friendly.

* Green: You’re not to be trusted. What you lack in sweetness, you make up for with intelligence. You’re also the sexiest and most creative eyes out there.

* Hazel: You’ve got a short temper and won’t back down from a fight. You’re also outgoing and the romantic type.


If you or someone you know is over the age of 50 - get your game on...

The Road Tour brain train game was designed specifically for aging brains and experts say it really works. Men and women over the age of 50 were asked to play Road Tour for 10 hours and the results were remarkable. Tests on the aging gamers scored their brains three to seven years younger than before they played.

The Road Tour brain training game challenges players to on a virtual road with other cars and trucks to identify signs for Route 66, rabbit crossings and other memory and peripheral vision challenges. You can access Road Tour for a fee online through the developer at PositScience.com.



That headache didn’t come from nothing...

While stress, eyestrain or allergies could be to blame, some foods can trigger them too. Too much tyramine can go to your head. It’s a natural substance found in foods and overdoing it with one of these could make your head hurt:

* Aged cheese - especially blue, brie, parmesan, stilton and swiss.

* Peanuts and peanut butter

* Pizza

* Potato chips

* Bread and crackers

* Aspartame and other artificial sweeteners
The next time you get a headache, think back to what you may have eaten a lot of. Identifying your triggers could help you not let those snacks go to your head.



Thursday, May 9, 2013

Would you name your twin boys Mario and Luigi? The latest trend in naming babies


Actor Robin Williams was way ahead of his time...

He named his daughter Zelda in honor of his favorite video game at the time, the Legend of Zelda, which he admits he was addicted to. According to Laura Wattenberg, author of “The Baby Name Wizard,” video game characters are a growing trend in naming babies these days. 

While the more traditional Jacob and Sophia still top the list overall, some gamer favorites making an appearance on the extended list include Raiden from the game Mortal Combat, Dante from Devil May Cry and Kairi, which means sea child from Kingdom Hearts.


Those As Seen On TV shrinking hoses are pretty neat - but do they work?


You’ve probably seen the amazing shrinking garden hoses on TV infomercials and on the shelves. So should you buy one?

That all depends on how you plan to use it. Consumer Reports put the lightweight, expandable hoses to the test and found some pros and cons. They really are better than traditional hoses with less folding and kinking issues. They’re also much lighter and a lot easier to handle and store.

Now the bad news. If you get a tear or hole in your new fancy hose, you won’t be able to repair it with a simple duct tape patch, like you would with your old hose. They shouldn’t be left out in the sun or elements. Also, as promised, they start to retract with less water pressure. That can be a problem if you don’t plan to use your hose on full blast. They’re great for washing cars but may come up short in the trickle department and can’t really be used on timed sprinklers. 

Are you graduating with a business degree? Good pick! Degrees employers really want...

Congratulations business and technology graduates!


Those two degrees top the list of most sought-after in the job market right now. CareerBuilder has the hottest majors for new-hires:

* Business: 31 percent

* Computer and Information Sciences: 24 percent

* Engineering: 17 percent

* Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences: 10 percent

* Engineering Technologies: 9 percent

* Math and Statistics: 9 percent

* Communications Technologies: 7 percent

* Education: 7 percent

* Science Technologies: 6 percent

* Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities: 6 percent

According to Matt Ferguson, CEO of CareerBuilder, more than half of employers are planning to hire new graduates this year. If your major didn’t make the list, don’t be discouraged. Most new graduates can gain a little more bargaining power by staying flexible with their schedules, salaries and location.

If you really need a response to that email - include the word “stupid”...


If your business emails aren’t getting noticed - maybe you’re being too nice... 

Engineers from the communications company Contactually scoured thousands of business emails in an effort to determine which styles were most effective. They found that emails including negative words got much more attention and a quicker response. Words like “missed” and “stupid” were considered negative, while words such as “care” and “amazing” were dubbed positive. The response was clear. The negative senders got more replies in a timely manner.

Those results coincide with the recipient's state of mind. Unhappy or stressed workers are much more likely to respond ASAP, and your nasty email might just put them in that frame of mind. 

Hey kids - go play outside! How it helps your eyesight...

Sending your kids outside to play could do wonders for their eyesight...

A new study found that exposure to daylight can make a big difference in myopia, or nearsightedness, in the developing eyes. More exposure to daylight in childhood can also reduce risk for diseases such as glaucoma and retinal detachment later in life. 

We have children in Denmark to thank for this valuable data. Their daylight hours fluctuate dramatically with the seasons - from seven hours in winter to 18 in summer. 

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Binge drinking is nothing new - and now there’s another binge activity parents need to worry about...


Is your teen getting tanner?

Binge tanning is on the rise and it’s a big problem. It tends to get worse at this time of year with young people cramming in a lot of tanning leading up to events such as proms, graduations and vacations. Dr. Susan Swetter, of the Stanford Cancer Institute says tanning is bad but binge tanning can be deadly. She says repeated tanning sessions are an extreme assault to our DNA and that it triggers harmful changes in cells that result in melanoma, the most fatal form of skin cancer.

Consider this: Tanning beds emit twelve times as many UVA rays as the noonday sun and twice as many UVB rays. Lying in a tanning bed once a day for a week increases your risk by 75% - and that damage will NOT fade with your tan.

Here’s something to celebrate: We should be drinking more champagne!


When is the last time you popped a bottle of champagne? 

If you can’t remember, you might want to do that soon. A study from Reading University says drinking three glasses of champagne a week will boost our memory and could even help stave off dementia and Alzheimer's. They say the phenolic acid content in the grapes used for champagne is what helps combat forgetfulness and improve spacial memory. 

They tested their theory on some lucky rats. Those who indulged in daily champagne outmaneuvered the non-bubbly rats in a maze every time. For their next experiment, the researchers will be asking a group of humans over the age of 65 to take a three year champagne challenge. 

Have you watered your weeds lately? Why you should...


Don't forget to water your weeds...

It’s a good idea if you plan on pulling them out anytime soon. Weeding can be backbreaking and giving the ground a good soak the day before will make pulling them out much easier. The same trick will work for any digging you might have to do. You want the water to have a chance to soak down deep and moisten the ground and root system well below the surface. 

Remember, pulling young weeds is much easier, as their root system is not as well established. One more reason not to put it off until next week.

Do you cater to your kids at meal time? Why that’s a bad idea...


If you want healthy children, make sure they eat what you eat...

A recent study found that parents who serve kid-friendly food are doing them a disservice. The nutritional researchers determined that children who ate adult meals were significantly healthier. They say that dumbing down the meal for kids with selections like chicken nuggets, macaroni and cheese or pizza is robbing them of a balanced diet and of developing healthy habits.

It wasn’t just the food that factored into the study. How and where the kids ate made a difference too. They should be required to sit at the table with the grownups and not be allowed to eat or snack in front of the TV or in the back seat of the car. 

What drives YOU crazy at work? The number one office pet peeve - in the world...


And the number one office pet peeve in the world is: 

Not taking ownership for your actions. LinkedIn surveyed workers around the world and that peeve was picked most often on an international basis. Breaking it down by nation revealed some differences in what drives us crazy at work:

* Brazilians can’t stand excessive workplace gossip.

* German workers are disgusted by dirty common areas such as the kitchen.

* Check your cell phone in India - they hate loud and annoying ring tones.

* The Japanese workforce are NOT amused by office pranks.

* American workers are fed up with taking someone else's food from the fridge.

Aside from stealing food from the fridge, U.S. workers have some other common gripes which include too many meetings, constant complainers, noisy or chatty co-workers and stinky food. 

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Breaking up is hard to do - but there’s an app to help you through...


Ending a relationship can require a lot of willpower...

Here are some apps out there to help you through the break-up process:

* Killswitch will help delete him or her out of your social networking life. It will wash any wall posts, status updates, photos and videos that have you tagged together.

* Ex-Lover Blocker will help help you through those weak moments by preventing you from calling or texting your ex. Ignore the warning and it will notify your friends that you cheated on breaking up.

* Breakkup lets you know you’re not alone. It connects you with other broken hearts out there who need to vent or can offer advice.

* WotWentWrong can help you find some answers and maybe even prevent you from repeating relationship mistakes.

Once you’re over the breakup hump, you might want to visit NeverLikedItAnyway.com. They’ll help you turn that heartache into cash by selling off your sentimental gifts, jewelry and relationship reminders.

Generation Y is entering the workforce. So are they ready?

There’s a good chance you’ll be working with Millennials soon - and you might want to be ready to pick up the slack...

A new study by Sage Journals reveals that Generation Y, born between 1982 and 1999, are the least likely to want to work hard and pay for things. According to Jean Twenge, author of “Generation Me,” Generation Y is more confident, assertive and entitled - but they’re also more miserable than their predecessors Generation X and the Baby Boomers.

There’s something growing in the field of green energy. Really green lighting...

Would you consider lighting your home with plants?

It may sound sci-fi but glow-in-the-dark household plants could become a reality in the near future. Scientists have been experimenting with them for decades and synthetic biologists at State University of New York are making some real progress. They’re already growing glowing plants and hope to be harvesting some sustainable lighting equivalent to a typical household lamp. No word yet on how you'd turn your plant off.

What number of kids is the most stressful?


If you've got three kids, congratulations...

You’re the most stressed parents out there! A recent survey by TODAYMoms.com polled over 7,000 U.S. moms and determined that those with three children really had their hands full. Several mothers reported that transitioning from one to two children was not too difficult. Those who went from two to three often felt overwhelmed, financially strapped and under-appreciated. 

Power in numbers: According to the survey, mothers of four or more tend to take parenting in stride, with stronger survival skills and less focus on parenting perfection. 

Your handwriting can reveal a lot. How it could get you hired...


How’s your handwriting?

If you’re interviewing, it could reveal whether or not you’re right for the job. Professional head-hunter Geoffroy Desvignes, says he uses graphology, or handwriting analysis, to help him place 100 or so people every year in senior international positions. A graphologist can use your handwriting to judge aspects of your professional potential including willpower, intellect and honesty. 


A right slant could indicate you’re a friendly or manipulative applicant. Straight up suggests your independent. You’ll want to apply some pressure on that application - those with a light touch tend to lack confidence.

Monday, May 6, 2013

Clicking “Like” on Facebook to support causes might feel good - but does it DO any good?

Will clicking “Like” on Facebook help vaccinate kids?

No, according to UNICEF  That “Like” campaign has gone viral and UNICEF wants people to know that’s NOT what they need. Clicking “Like” to support causes is known as slacktivism. It makes people feel like they’re supporting or helping a cause, without really doing anything. In some cases, this can actually harm a cause which desperately needs real help in the form of donations or manpower. Raising awareness is nice - but if you want to make a difference, keep in mind it will likely require a little more effort than “Liking.”

Your coworkers are gossiping again - via email...


You’ve got gossip...

A recent study by researchers at Georgia Tech found that 15 percent of office e-mail is none of your business. They say the average corporate email user sends 112 emails a day - and one in seven of those contain some inside scoop. 

So which workers are the biggest gossips? All of them. The study also found that big wigs were just as likely to be trading inside information about their coworkers as the rest of us. Don’t worry, those top secret emails aren’t always negative. Some gossip can be good and sharing social information can actually help us feel more connected to each other. 

Are you a mobile enthusiast - or a mobile minimalist? Smartphone personalities...


How many apps are on your smartphone?

If you need to scroll to count them all, you’re a mobile enthusiast. Consumer Reports has revealed the most common smartphone personalities:

* The minimalist doesn’t care how smart his phone is, and uses it primarily for calls, texts and emails. 15% of smartphone users fall into this category and have installed fewer than nine apps.

* The mobile enthusiast downloads tons of apps and likes to try new ones. If you’ve tried between 10 and 29 apps in the past year, this is you.

* The mobile daredevil can’t get enough of their device. They tend to take mobile risks and love jailbreaking or modifying their phone's operating system. They’re also the best at deleting or removing apps they don’t use, unlike mobile minimalists who didn’t know you could do that. 

Do you buy cruelty-free cosmetics? Why that’s no guarantee..


If you love animals - and makeup - look for more than “cruelty-free” on the label...

That phrase doesn’t guarantee that the product wasn’t tested on animals. Believe it or not, the same is true for the phrase “no animal testing.” Neither of those are legally defined. There’s also a chance the suppliers of the ingredients are less than humane.

There is one way to know that those cosmetics, personal care or household products are animal friendly. Look for the Leaping Bunny logo on the label. That lets you know that product adheres to the standards developed by a coalition of several animal-protection groups.

If you haven’t noticed, beards are all the rage these days. How much beard is best...

What is up with all the beards?

They’re back in style and women like them - to a point. A recent study had women look at groups of men with beards at different growth stages. The results found that the perfect beard was about 10 days old. The clean-shaven to light stubble guys won second favorite. Full beards didn’t go over as well, nor did the five-day growth beard, for lack of density. At the bottom of the beard bunch were those sporting a soul patch. According to the women surveyed, those were considered outdated, with a touch of evil. 

Is "til death do we part" outdated?

The majority of married couples still include the phrase "til death do us part" in their vows - so do they mean it?

According to a recent study by marriage sociologists, yes they do. 60% of married couples surveyed said they intended to stick it out, no matter what. 

The study also found that men are significantly more likely than women to fall in love at first sight. 48% of the guys were ga-ga from the get-go, compared to just 28% of the more finicky females.

If you're in the market for a mattress - don't pick a pillow-top...


Pillow-top mattresses sure do seem comfy at first - but you may regret it later...

According to Ronald Czarnecki, author of "Shop for Sleep," they are not the best choice, especially for heavier people. He says pillow-top mattresses feel great in the store, but over time most will develop deep body indentations and lose that new mattress feel. the heavier you are, the sooner this will happen.

Ronald says, if you love pillow-top, opt for plush-top instead. Not only are they less prone to developing body indentations, these mattresses are typically about $200 less than the pillow-tops.

Is forgetting stuff cause for concern? Memory red flags...


Most of us forget names or where we parked from time to time - and that's no big cause for concern...

More frequent forgetfulness is normal as we age - but more than minor memory loss could be problem. Dr. Aaron P. Nelson, author of "The Harvard Medical School Guide to Achieving Optimal Memory," says if you forget something significant, like your normal commute home or how to operate a simple appliance in your home, you need to be evaluated. 

Severe or frequent memory loss could be an early sign of Alzheimer's disease or dementia, or it could indicate something more treatable like sleep apnea, depression or a nutritional deficiency. If forgetfulness starts to interfere with your day-to-day life, see a doctor.

Do you dream of going viral? How to do that...


If you'd love to get some attention, raise awareness for a cause, or even make some money - a viral video could be the way to go...

Kevin Nalty, author of "Beyond Viral," says anyone can do it. Here are his tips:

* Don’t imitate videos that already are popular—copycat content tends to be ignored. A better strategy is to find a niche you haven't seen much of.

* Music and dance-related videos often are popular, but take care—you must have written and performed the music yourself or have permission to use the music from whoever did. Even music parodies sometimes can be contested by rightful owners.

* Videos featuring babies or animals doing cute or funny things can attract lots of views. When they're spontaneous, they're automatically original.

* Videos featuring surprising “how did they do that?” moments do well. Viewers tend to rewind and rewatch these trying to figure out how the trick was done, which boosts the video’s YouTube ranking.

* Shoot multiple takes, then edit together the best moments from each. 

* Keep videos to 90 seconds or less when possible, and include something to grab the viewer’s attention within the first 10 seconds. 

* Use the tags wisely. It's how your video will be found. Include the word "video" in your tags.

* Post videos to YouTube as often as you can—posting regularly increases the odds that you will develop a loyal following. 

Thursday, May 2, 2013

You know those coin-operated rides at the mall? They’re dangerous...


Those colorful coin-operated rides in malls and restaurants are cute and fun - but they’re also more dangerous than amusement park rides...

A recent study found that more injuries occur to children on these seemingly harmless rides than on roller coasters and log flumes. Dr. Gary Smith, director of the Center for Injury Research and Policy, says these rides pose a particular hazard for a couple of reasons. They are usually on hard surfaces, with nothing to cushion a fall. They also don’t typically have restraints to keep the little rider in. Most of these injuries occur when the child is getting in or out of the ride or unexpectedly tries to stand up.

Young children have larger heads, and they’re thrown off balance much easier than bigger kids and adults. If you plan to use a coin-operated ride, remember to stay within close reach of your child for the duration and be sure to help them get on and off of that ride.

Save that banana peel! What it’s good for...


Bananas are chock full of good stuff - and their peels have appeal as well...

The inside of that skin is really good for YOUR skin. Here are few ways to apply the peel:

* Acne: Rub a banana peel on the affected area and let dry for 30 minutes. Do this daily and you’ll see an overall improvement in a few days.

* Poison Ivy: Rub the rash with your banana peel twice a day. It helps to relieve swelling and itching.

* Banana band-aid: Wrap your minor cuts and scrapes in a banana peel. It helps to take the sting out and promotes healing.

* Splinter: Apply banana peel to a splinter before you attempt to remove it. The enzymes in the banana will help dislodge the offender.

If you know someone looking for a summer job - we found one...


Help wanted:

If holding a gun and yelling a lot is your forte, the northern island of Svalbard, Norway could use your help this summer. They’re taking applications for polar bear spotters. The job starts July 8th and lasts for three weeks. Job requirements for the polar bear spotting position include previous experience with the outdoors, good eyesight and competence with firearms. Applicants will also need strong yelling skills. You won't be required to shoot the bear, but you will need to scream and yell to scare them off and alert researchers working in the area.

Svalbad has a population of about 2,400 people - and roughly 3,000 polar bears. You’ll also want to pack a sweater. The island is in the Arctic Ocean, halfway between Norway and the North Pole.

Did you know you can O.D. on carrots? Edible overdoses...


There are some healthy foods that we really can get too much of...

Beware of these potential overdoses that can really do some harm:


* Carrots: Eat too many of them and you’ll wind up with cartonemia, excess blood carotene which can discolor the skin. 

* Sushi: Too much raw tuna delivers too much mercury. This can do some serious damage, especially to pregnant women and young children.

* Coffee: Symptoms of caffeine overdose can range from headache and nausea to irregular heartbeat and muscle tremors.

* Star fruit: Most Americans don’t eat enough of them to do any harm, but Southeast Asians and South Americans know too many can cause hiccups and damage to the nervous system.

* Water: Water intoxication can dilute the concentration of sodium in the blood. It’s not necessarily the amount you drink but how fast you drink it.

* Nutmeg: Excessive quantities can lead to anxiety, fear and psychosis.

Don’t look now - but your politics are showing. Political purchases...

Your next light bulb purchase may shed some light on your political views...

A recent study found that political bias influences both conservatives and liberals when choosing a bulb. For the experiment, consumers were given a choice of buying a .50 cent incandescent bulb or a longer lasting, more expensive CFL bulb. Both liberals and conservatives opted for the CFL, suggesting that both parties are in favor of energy efficiency. However, when they added another CFL option which was labeled with “Protect the Environment,” both moderates and conservatives shied away, while that bulb turned liberals on the most.

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

If you fly for business, don’t make any big decisions up there...


Most business travelers try to make the most of their frequent flights...

...but new research suggests working in the air could be a bad idea. In flight, our brains don’t work like they do on the ground. Professor Gradwell, of King’s College London, says our thought process becomes impaired at high altitudes due to the reduced air pressure and oxygen levels. Long flights are a good opportunity to catch up on sleep or reading but we’re better off making important decisions with our feet on the ground.

Bundle up - there’s a big chill in the forecast...

Global warming?  Nyet!

Just when things were warming up, temperatures may be plummeting again - in about 17 years...

Russian climate experts have released a long-term forecast and predict we’ll have another little ice-age on our hands starting around 2030. They say solar activity dies down a bit every 200 years or so and that the last cooling off peaked around 1750. Back then, people even crossed the Thames river on ice skates.

So how low can we go? You’ll need a sweater. The Russians predict the average global temperature will drop several degrees and will last for about 250 years.

There’s no excuse for speeding - that the officer hasn’t already heard...


What’s your excuse?

If you’re going to blame your GPS for that traffic stop, they’ve heard that one before. Insurance.com has the most predictable list of excuses people give the cops:

* I didn’t see the sign

* I’m lost

* Everyone else was doing it

* I’m having an emergency in my car - such as spilled coffee

* I missed my turn

* I’m on my way to an emergency

* I have to go to the bathroom

* My GPS told me to do it

Most women default to the “I’m lost” or “I have to go to the bathroom” excuse, while men tend to blame someone else like the GPS, a passenger or other drivers.

If you’d like to grill the perfect steaks - freeze them first...

If you’ll be throwing steaks on the grill this weekend - throw them in the freezer first...

A good steakhouse steak has a dry, flavorful crust and freezing your steak before grilling can help you achieve that. Cook’s Illustrated magazine has the recipe. Generously salt both sides of your steaks first. Put them in the freezer, unwrapped, for 30 to 45 minutes while you prepare the grill. The salt and cold temperatures evaporate the moisture from the surface of your steak which will result in a crispy, brown crust. You’ll want those steaks to go straight from the freezer onto your hot grill to sear the surfaces and lock in the juices. 

Tempted to quit Facebook? You’re not alone...


Facebook users are on the rise - but personal use may be waning...

A recent study from Cornell University found that the trend of quitting or cutting back on Facebook continues to grow. ⅓ of users now admit taking a break and one in ten say they’ve completely quit. User numbers continue to rise because deactivated accounts still count.

The study also found that quitting is contagious. Of those taking a break, more than half reported that a friend or significant other had gone cold turkey first. Common reasons cited for leaving included addiction, problems with productivity and fatigue of shallow social interaction. Others reported deactivating their account due to concerns about privacy, especially where a boss or former romantic partner was concerned. 

Eat your age - not your shoe size!


Is your diet age appropriate?

Our bodies crave different nutrients as we age and we should be customizing them by the decade:

* In your 20's, eat salmon. Cold-water fish helps to prevent depression which is most likely to strike at this age. 

* In your 30's, have some eggs and spinach. These are prime choices to enhance your fertility.

* In your 40's, order the beef and broccoli. You need your veggies and iron.

* In your 50's, try some fabulous low-fat yogurt. You need to watch your calcium and vitamin D levels.

* In your 60’s, have some beans. They really are good for your heart and can help keep your blood pressure in check.

Ear flapping fun...


What is so great about riding in a car with your head out the window?

If you’re a dog, you already know. Veterinary Behaviorist Dr. Kelly Moffat says the deluge of sights, sounds and smells are irresistible to some dogs. Their senses are a lot more keen than ours and dogs who like it experience an auto-high that’s tough to top.

Now for the bad news. Indulging your dog ear-flapping fun is dangerous. We don’t let our kids ride unrestrained in the car and the same rules should apply to our pets. Road debris poses a real hazard to your dogs sensitive eyes, ears and nose.  Dr. Moffat suggests belting your dog in the back seat and opening the window for a safer exhilarating experience. Good luck with that.

If you’ll be reading a bedtime story with your child tonight - choose a book without words...


If Goodnight Moon is getting old, find a new bedtime story - without words...

Researchers put some storybooks to the test and found that those without words, just pictures, were actually more effective at developing language skills in young children. 

Professor Daniela O’Neill, author of the study “First Language,” says looking at storybooks with kids exposes them to the kind of talk that is really important as they transition to school. Simplistic language in some favorite bedtime stories can limit the interaction. Parents and children who look at picture books together are more likely to develop their own story which encourages more complex thought and conversation skills. 

Are you tempted by bite-size treats? Why you shouldn’t fall for that trick...


Supersizing our stuff is going out of style...
Mini and bite-size portions are in and a lot of us are falling for that marketing trick. Manufacturers of hand-to-mouth food have discovered that we tend to eat more mini-sized snacks than we would with traditional sized treats. 
Some manufacturers are opting for smaller versions or bags of their best sellers, hoping we’ll feel less guilty about indulging and that we can’t eat just one.

Are you an experienced team-player? Why you need to take those words OFF your resume...


Pick through any pile of resumes and you’re sure to find plenty of experienced team-players applying for the position...
Here are some common cliches that should come OFF of your resume:
* Career Objective: The top of your resume is prime real estate. That line is boring and self serving. You’re better off grabbing someone’s attention with a list of your accomplishments.

* Experienced: Anyone who’s ever done anything is experienced in something. Determine what you’re really good at and promote yourself to Specialist.

* Team Player: Lose the play and use that line for something more substantial. Resist the teamwork talk unless you can back it up with some team leadership.

* Dynamic: The word is overused on resumes. Stick to the facts and accomplishments. The same goes for energetic and enthusiastic.

* References Available Upon Request: If a company wants to hire you, they will ask you for references—and they will assume that you have them. There’s no need to state the obvious.