You won't believe this over-the-top baby tech...

Your infant may be too young for a smartphone - but a smartsock is an option. 

Here is some over-the-top tech for tots:

* Parents won’t miss a beat with the Smart Sock by Owlet, which tracks movement, heart rate, oxygen levels and body temperature from anywhere via mom or dad’s bluetooth device.

* Every baby needs a onesie. The Exmobaby Bio-Sensor Onesie is still in development but will monitor precious activity and sounds like breathing via your smartphone.

* Get your little darling into social networking early - from the womb. Kickbee is a tech belt worn by mom and when baby kicks, it will automatically post to Twitter or send texts to future friends and family.

* Your tot will be a tech pro by potty training time - and may need the 2 in 1 iPotty from CTA Digital. They can learn while they “go” on this portable potty with a built in iPad stand. It even features a removable touchscreen cover to guard against messy hands and smudges.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news - but migraines cause brain damage.

Bad news for those who suffer from migraines. 

A recent review by Danish researchers reports that migraine headaches can result in brain damage - especially for those who suffer from MWA, or migraines with auras.

The researchers analyzed brain scans from those suffering from migraines and compared them with those who don’t. The results showed that participants with migraines were left with tiny lesions in the brain’s white matter. While more research is underway, the impact of the potential brain damage for those who get migraines is still unclear.

What song could actually be dangerous in the car?

If your favorite song comes on the radio while you’re driving, watch out. 

Recent studies have found that drivers tend to get excited when that really great song comes on - and that can result in some aggressive behavior. That surge of excitement can travel right down your leg to the gas pedal. Cranking it up really loud is obviously another hazard and can interfere with warning sounds of potential hazards. Singing and drumming on the steering wheel won’t enhance your driving skills either.

On the other hand, some studies have found that listening to music you like while you drive can help to keep you alert and even improve concentration. Just don’t get carried away when a song you LOVE comes on.

This just in: They’ve discovered the ultimate power lunch.

There is a lot of advice out there on what to eat for lunch at work. 

If you’re hungry for something that will improve energy and focus, Karen Ansel, author of “The Calendar Diet,” says the ultimate power lunch consists of chickpeas and green tea. She says chickpeas are the best food for brain function because they combine protein to keep you alert along with complex carbohydrates to fuel your brain. Because the carbs are digested slowly they give you a sustained energy release that keeps you energized and focused. 

Karen also suggests washing down those chickpeas with iced green tea. It’s also great at improving concentration and focus with a small kick of caffeine.

Why is your line moving slower than the others?

If you feel like you always wind up in the slow lane in traffic or at the store, it may be an illusion. 

According to BBC Future, it’s called illusory correlation. It’s a built in mechanism we have that compares similar situations without considering all the variables. This phenomenon can actually distort what’s really happening. Because we’re naturally a bit self-absorbed, we feel a stronger “why me” sense of bad luck or injustice when things aren’t going our way.

Lyme disease is on the rise. Symptoms and prevention...

Alarming news from the CDC: Their latests reports suggest Lyme disease affects 10 times more people than previously reported. 

Knowing whether or not you have Lyme disease or another tick-borne illness can be tricky. Typically, symptoms include a fever and chills, aches and pains, joint pain and maybe a rash. Unfortunately, symptoms vary which can make it difficult to know for sure. If you’ve been bitten by a tick and suspect you might have Lyme disease, pay close attention and record any possible symptoms. See your doctor immediately and request a test. Here are the CDC tips for avoiding ticks:

* Stay on the path. Avoid wooded or bushy areas, high grass and leaves.

* Wear protective clothing and use DEET repellent.

* Give yourself a full-body check and don’t forget to check your pets and gear as well.

* Shower or bathe once you’re inside.

* Toss any clothing you were wearing in the dryer on high for an hour to kill any remaining ticks.

Once summer is over, you’re not out of the woods. Ticks live well into the early winter months in most areas.

If you’d like to eat less, don’t watch the news tonight.

Do you watch the news while eating dinner? 

That’s a bad idea. You might think bad or unsettling news would cause us to lose our appetite - but just the opposite is true. Scientists say we actually start to eat more and crave fattening comfort food after being exposed to bad news. That’s because harsh realities can trigger our survival instincts. Bad news can subconsciously cause us to doubt the future and start stockpiling calories and resources to improve our chance of survival.

Give your grill a rest. How to cook dinner in your dishwasher...

How would you like a fresh cooked meal, right out of the dishwasher?

It can be done. Poaching salmon in the dishwasher is easy. Los Angeles Chef, Bob Blumer’s recipe calls for salmon, heavy duty foil and the normal cycle. Just wrap the fish tightly in the foil with oil and lemon and seasonings, and put that on the top rack. Run your dishwasher, without the soap, remove and serve.

There are some other interesting dishwasher recipes out there, including bottom rack lasagna, which will require the “heated dry” setting for maximum heat. If you’d like to wash your dishes while you cook, place your dinner in an airtight container first and add soap.

If you’ve got a smartphone - your dog wants you to download these apps.

If you love your dog, you might really like one of these pet friendly apps for your smartphone:

* Off Leash by Eukanuba: This free app lets you locate dog-friendly areas by zip code, no leash required. It even gives you driving directions to get there.

* Cesar Says: This Dog Whisperer app provides training tips and the trademark “tsst!” warning sound when you shake your phone.

* Dog Park: This one is by Dogster.com, which is like Facebook for Fido. The social networking app will help you and your dog meet other locals, send virtual gifts and also has a free messaging feature.

* Petminder: This app will help you tame your busy pet’s schedule, with reminders for vaccinations, grooming, play dates and more.

* DogiDuty: Keep track of every meal, walk and any other business your dog accomplishes. This app is especially handy for dog-walkers and sitters.

* Dog Tricks: From a simple stay to advanced hoop jumping, this app will walk you and your dog through 101 tricks. 

The next time you get a robocall - don’t press 2. What to do instead...

Automated calls can be maddening. 

If you make it through the first five seconds, waiting for an opt-out option, you’ve gone too far. Robocalls often provide you with a choice of hitting “1” to speak to a customer service rep, or “2” to be removed from the call list. Don’t take the bait. In many cases, pressing “2” can actually make matters worse. It lets the caller know they’ve reached an active line and could even land your number on the “call again” list.

Your best plan of action with automated calls is to hang up. Don’t press any buttons. You can file a complaint with the FTC at FTC.gov or DoNotCall.gov.

It’s still hurricane season. A message from the National Hurricane Center...

In the event of a hurricane, don’t tape your windows!

What’s a hurricane without windows criss-crossed with masking tape? Safer, according to the National Hurricane Conference. They say taping windows gives people a false sense of security. While that tape may prevent a window from shattering, it won’t stop it from breaking. Windows which have been taped tend to break into larger, deadlier shards.

Don’t bother cracking the windows open during a storm either. This will not equalize air pressure. Your best bet is to keep all windows and doors shut to keep the wind out.

The smart watch has arrived, right on time. Whether or not you’ll want one...

As promised, smart watches are making their debut in stores and on wrists - and they're pretty handy!

Consumer Reports has reviewed the Pebble smart watch, one of the first wearable computing devices. It sells for around $150 and that may be money well spent if you like to keep in time with tech.

Your Pebble will proudly display the time, date and so much more. You’ll get the weather and notifications right on your wrist so you can check who’s calling, messaging or emailing without dragging out your phone. It’s water resistant and the charge will last a week, which is nice, but the Pebble isn’t subtle. It’s a little on the clunky side.

Consumer Reports warned that it hard to resist checking notifications on your Pebble and you run the risk of repeatedly looking at your wrist, suggesting you’re running late.  

Check it out! http://getpebble.com/

Last week, coffee was bad for us. Why it’s good again...

What can reduce symptoms of Parkinson’s, dry eyes, constipation and possibly even stave off suicide? 

Coffee can. It’s in the news again and the benefits of coffee seem to far outweigh the negatives. Here’s what some experts have found in their coffee:

* The World Journal of Psychiatry reports that those who drink five cups of coffee a day are less likely to contemplate suicide than those who drink just one. 

* German scientists say coffee’s natural laxative effect helps certain patients get bowel function back to normal more quickly after surgery. 

* Parkinson’s patients who were given caffeine equivalent to four cups of coffee reduced symptoms of stiffness and slow movement by as much as 15%. 

Coffee drinkers in general suffer less dry eyes and allergies, fewer headaches and typically live a little longer and are happier than non-coffee drinkers. Go ahead, have another cup.

What would you text about in your sleep?

Sleep texting is the new sleep walking.

 

A recent study of 300 people found that as many as 35% had actually had a text conversation in their sleep. The study also looked at the content of those potentially embarrassing texts and found that the majority of them were relatively harmless gibberish. Of the more detailed texts, the study found that most were innocent. Texts sent by males were often about food. Women were more prone to text romantic in their sleep.

The next time you feel yourself about to nod off, you might want to toss the phone out of reach. Most sleep texting occurred during naps or about an hour and a half into the sleeping process at night. 

Do you use lipstick? Why you need to limit the applications.

You won’t believe what’s in that lipstick. It’s dangerous.

Millions of women are smearing dangerous toxins on their lips several times a day. There are dangerous metals in lipstick, including lead and copper, that have been linked to cancer and alzheimers. Those metals are stabilizers that prevent the lipstick from melting. It’s the accumulation of those metals that can pose a real risk. Some women admit to applying lipstick as many as 10 to 15 times a day. Experts recommend you limit your use to once or twice a day. And for the guys: kiss at your own risk.

Will you be traveling this Thanksgiving? Book your flight now.

It’s time to start planning for Thanksgiving - if you’re traveling by air.

 

According to Hipmunk travel search, the best time to book those November flights are the last week of August, or first week of September. After that, fares will steadily gain altitude week by week. Booking your flight now will likely save you anywhere from 35 to 60% on your ticket.

If you need to ask someone a favor, do that over coffee.

The next time you need a favor, work a cup of coffee into the asking.

 

According to the European Journal of Social Psychology, a dose of caffeine makes most people more flexible and prone to persuasion.  If the person you need a favor from is a man, you might want to ask them via email, after they’ve had their morning coffee. Men are more apt to accommodate a request made in writing, while women prefer you ask face to face. 

If you’re inclined to choose your children’s friends, choose these ones.…

Most of us don’t have much say in who our kids choose to hang out with...

 

...but it couldn’t hurt to nudge them in the right direction.  According to study from Binghamton University, peers have a HUGE impact on how we act as children, adolescents and into adulthood. So, consider inviting the kid with really good grades over for a play date. Kids who hang out with other smart kids typically see a big boost academically and improved study habits, at any age.

If you’d like to read someone’s mind, start with their body.

Would you like to get inside someone’s head?

 

You’ll have to start with the rest of their body. To determine how someone is really feeling, try mimicking any body language you can pick up from them, including facial expressions, posture and stance. Dutch scientists put body mimicking to the test and participants who accurately aped their opponents were able to gauge their state of mind, mood and emotions more accurately than those who just tried to guess. 

Can stress really turn your hair gray? The shocking truth...

Worried about gray hair?

 

 Relax, seriously. It turns out that stress really speed up the graying process. That’s because stress damages the hormones that give our hair its color, and that damage is permanent.

Stress can affect more than just the hair. Chronic stress or a shock to the system can also cause your skin to get darker. The flood of stress hormones disrupt the distribution of our melanin stem cells, causing them to migrate away from the hair and into the skin

If you’d like to be more manly, grab your axe.

 

There’s something you can do to really get the testosterone flowing.

 

Find some wood, and start chopping. A recent study found that the act of chopping wood raises levels of testosterone more than playing competitive sports. Scientists measured levels in Bolivian men and found that those who were lumberjacks had significantly higher testosterone after a day on the job than their soccer playing neighbors. They also found that the woodsmen kept those levels up throughout the course of their life and were likely to have six or more children.

How do those magical cooling towels work? They don’t.

 

You may have seen those handy cooling towels advertised on television or hanging around the necks of some famous or wannabe athletes.

 

 Unfortunately, they don’t really work. Consumer Reports put them to the test and found that they’re no more cooling than any old damp towel. They put the cooling towels, which are supposed to be 30 degrees below body temperature when snap-activated, up against cotton dish towels and measured their surface temperatures. The results: All the towels were cooler when damp, within about one degree of each other.

Does that open office plan boost communication and team spirit? Nope. What workers REALLY think of them...

 

That trendy new open-office space may look cool, but it gets old, fast.

 

According to 42,000 U.S. workers surveyed, workers with private office space were much more productive and satisfied. Open office workers were fed up with distractions, noise and lack of privacy, even when dividing screens were available. Spaces that weren’t too noisy were often too quiet, with workers resorting to headphones with little or no communication or sense of team spirit.

Some companies are beginning to pay heed to staff dissatisfaction with open office setups. While old-fashioned individual space may not be an option, more companies are starting to zone off the open space, offer a quiet or private workspace on demand or allow employees to work off-site on occasion.

Redheads are at risk!

 

If you or someone you love is a redhead - beware of the sun.

 

Not only do redheads tend to have fair skin, experts say they may be as much as 100 times more susceptible to a deadly form of skin cancer. The elevated risk for redheads is due to a gene mutation which leaves DNA in skin cells more prone to sun damage. The gene is called MC1R-RHC, the RHC stands for red hair color, and those who have it lack a protective organism that most people have. The good news is that progress is being made treating melanoma in those with this particular gene mutation - but redheads should continue to take extra precaution in the sun.

A lot of people at the gym aren’t working out. What they’re doing instead...

If you go to a gym, chances are you’re wasting a lot of time there.

 

A recent survey by Harpers Fitness tallied up the time spent on stuff other than working out and found that the average gym-goer only works out for about 39 minutes an hour. So what are they doing for the other 21 minutes? The top distractions reported were chatting, filling water bottles, checking texts and emails, adjusting clothes, fiddling with music playlists and untangling headphones.

If your child is in high school, that senior year is going to cost you.

 

 

If you’re saving up for your child’s college education, put some aside for their senior year of high school - it can cost a fortune! 

 

 

The folks at NewJersey.com tallied up the damage:

* College visits: Depending on where you’re looking, count on spending anywhere from $15 to $1,500.

* College applications: The average fee is around $50. The average student applies to six colleges. $300

* College enrollment fees: Once your kid is accepted, you’ll have to cough up another $150 to $250 to hold the spot.

* Senior pictures: That will be $40 to $500 please, depending on how much primping and packages you’re willing to invest in.

* The yearbook: $35 to $150, depending how fancy it is.

* Yearbook ad: $5 to $200. If you want to keep up with the other parents, you’ll have to pay to prove you love your senior, in print.

* Test prep classes: Some parents wouldn’t dream of sending their senior into the SAT without a private tutor or prep class fist. That could set you back another $1,300.

* Testing cost: The 2013 SAT is $50. Throw in special SATs, the ACT and some APs and you’re out another couple hundred bucks.

* School ring: $180 to $500. Engraving will cost extra.

* School memorabilia: The banners, sweatshirts and “class of” t-shirts add up too.

* Framing the diploma: A bargain at just $10.

* Senior prom: $500 to $3,000, from just tickets, flowers and wardrobe, to the works - limo, party, pictures and more.

* Graduation: The grand finale can get expensive. The cap and gown are not optional. The cost of the celebration is on you, if you have any money left.

Total price range for that senior year: $1,500 to $12,000.

Is Greek yogurt superior to regular yogurt?

 

Greek yogurt is more popular than ever - but is it any better for us?

 

Yes, according to fitness and nutrition expert Amanda Russell. All yogurt is strained. Regular yogurt is strained twice, while Greek yogurt is strained three times. That’s what gives it a thicker consistency. That extra straining leaves Greek yogurt with less whey, lactose, carbs and sugar - and twice the protein, which makes it the healthier choice.

Let us introduce you to the perfect handshake...

 

 

Everyone knows that a firm handshake is the way to go.

 

 But there’s more to it than that. Scientists at the University of Manchester have identified the key factors of the perfect handshake - and here it is:

Right hand, a complete grip and a firm squeeze, not too strong, in a mid-point position between yourself and the other person. You’ll need a cool and dry palm, approximately three shakes, with a medium level of vigor, held for no longer than two to three seconds. Keep eye contact throughout the shake and a good natural smile with a slow offset. You’ll also need to throw in an appropriate accompanying verbal statement.

Who are the jerkiest drivers on the road?

 

 

Do you drive a BMW? Congratulations.

 

You are qualified to be one of the most aggressive driver on the road. Two studies say it’s so, one from the UK and one from U.S. drivers. According to those surveyed, BMW drivers were the most likely to exhibit bad behavior such as road rage, swerving, swearing and cheating at four-way stops. Men, age 35 to 50, driving a blue BMWs, on a Friday at 5:30 pm or in Monday morning rush hour were the most aggressive drivers of them all.

Fun, sun and antibiotics. Why they don’t mix...

 

 

You’ve probably heard that you shouldn’t drink alcohol or go in the sun if you’re on antibiotics, and it’s probably good advice.

 

 As far as alcohol is concerned, the antibiotics increase the amount of alcohol that winds up in your bloodstream, which could lead to nausea and other unpleasantries. Both alcohol and antibiotics are tough on the liver which is another good reason to abstain.

Some antibiotics and sun don’t mix either. Ask your doctor if your prescription leaves you at risk of photosensitivity which could cause burning or other adverse reactions in the sun.

Vegan pets? Seriously?

 

What do vegetarians feed their pets?

 

Hopefully, regular old non-vegan pet food. While forcing clueless pets to go vegan is a growing trend, most vets will tell you that’s a bad idea. Tony Buffington, a professor of veterinary clinical sciences at Ohio State University, says it’s possible to have a vegan pet but he would never do that for his own animal. He says young and pregnant animals are especially at risk on a vegan diet and strongly advises against it.

While dogs theoretically can do okay as vegetarians, they can’t be vegans.They will need special dietary attention from a vet. They’ll also need other animal products like eggs and dairy, which a true vegan diet does not include. Cats, on the other hand, should not go vegan or vegetarian under any circumstances. They are true carnivores and they require nutrients that a vegan diet can’t provide.

The next time you’re trying to sell something, throw in a curse word.

There is an art to selling stuff.

 

Whether it’s a prduct, a service or even yourself, Daniel H. Pink, author of “To Sell Is Human,” has a few tricks to help seal the deal:

* Find a negative. Buyers are more likely to purchase something when they were told about a minor problem. Pointing out an insignificant flaw can also help to build trust.

* Use a mild profanity. It helps to drive home our conviction, especially if we don’t normally sear. Skip the really filthy words, and choose one that proves your damn good.

* Find something they’ve missed. Instead of just trying to solve someone’s problem, point out a benefit they haven’t thought of yet.

If you drink green tea for the health benefits, read this first..

 

Green tea is really good for us - but good luck finding the real thing.

 

 Even if you’re downing several cups a day for the benefits, chances are you’re still getting a lot less than you think. What you want is the group of antioxidants known as EGCG found in green tea. However, because the FDA doesn’t test tea or tea products for this, it’s impossible to know how much is in there.

Loose green tea is your best bet. Tea bags tested contained less of the desired antioxidants, especially if they were decaffeinated. Bottled green tea is the worst choice for good health. Most of them contain unhealthy sugars and much less EGCG than was listed on the label.

Who should pick up the tab on a date - the man or the woman?

 

 

Call them old fashioned - but some guys still pay for the date.

 

A recent survey found that while younger men still typically pick up the tab at first, that chivalry fades fast. 25% of couples wind up splitting the cost a month into the relationship. Another 25% are going dutch by the third month, with the third quarter sharing the burden by six months. The last 25% of gentlemen were still footing the bill after the six month mark. Here are some other findings in the study:

•44% of men said they would stop dating a woman who never pays.

• 64% of men believed women should contribute to dating expenses.

• 57% of women said they offer to pay but 39% admitted they hoped the man wouldn't accept.

• 76% of men said they felt guilty about accepting women's money.

Which side of the car is the gas cap on?

You probably already know which side of your own car the gas cap is on...

 

...but if you’re renting or borrowing a car - or have a REALLY bad memory - there’s a way to check without leaving the vehicle. Almost all cars have a tiny little indicator right in the dash. It’s next to the gas pump icon on the gas gauge. There, you’ll find a tiny arrow pointing to the side of the car with the cap.

While you’re checking to see if that arrow is there, you might want to pull out your owner’s manual and check your other indicators too. A recent survey found that 98% of us couldn’t identify all of our dashboard lights.

If you’ve got a broken heart, there’s a pill for that...

 

Over-the-counter pain relief helps all sorts of aches and pains - including a broken heart.

 

Broken hearts really hurt, and it’s not all in your head. Heartbreak can trigger stress, body aches, headaches and worse. Symptoms of a broken heart can even mimic those of a heart attack, such as chest pain and shortness of breath which can actually damage the heart. The good news is, the overwhelming majority of broken heart victims fully recover and the physical pain will start to subside within a month or two.

Everything tastes better grilled - even cookies.

 

How about some delicious home-made cookies, right out of the… grill?

 

That’s right, according to Mrs. Fields bloggers, fresh-grilled cookies are possible. To grill delicious cookies, you’ll need to really clean your grill, unless you like a hint of hamburger in there. Here’s what you’ll need:

 

• pie tin

• oven thermometer

• cookie sheet

• cookie dough

• timer

After preheating your grill, turn off all the flames except for one on the far side of the grill. You need indirect heat to bake in the grill. Place the pie tin, upside down, on the other side of the grill, and your cookie sheet with raw cookies on top of that. It helps the hot air circulate and bake evenly. Try to maintain your grill heat around 350 degrees for about 20 minutes - and you’ll wind up with fresh-baked cookies, right off the grill.

No two people taste the same. A super-taster test to take...

Our sense of taste isn’t all in our tongue.

 

Our brains, our noses and even our guts get in on the act. A keen or weak sense of taste can even influence what we eat and how much weight we gain. To test your tasting skill, Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia has developed a test to help you determine your strengths and weaknesses. You’ll need to put a tiny sample of saccharin on the very tip of your tongue for the test:

* If it tastes sweet, you’re an under-taster. You probably crave a lot of fatty and salty foods.

* If it tastes sweet AND bitter, you’re an average taster. All you really need to worry about is your portion control.

* If it just tastes bitter, you’re considered a super-taster. You’re super-sensitive and may not like the taste of many fruits and vegetables. You’re also probably thin and need to take your vitamins.

The price of lobster is WAY down. So why do we keep paying so much for it?

 

The price of Maine lobster is great right now, lower than some chicken and beef.

 

So why are we still paying a fortune for that lobster roll? According to The Atlantic Wire, which tracks the prices, fresh lobster off the boat in Maine is selling for around $2.20 a pound. However, a lobster roll still costs anywhere from $15 to $30 - and a whole lobster is still usually listed as “Market Price” which is way above cost.

The reason most restaurants don’t drop the price on their lobster when it’s down isn’t just for profit, although that’s certainly part of it. The sale of lobster meals can actually take a dive if the price is low. That’s because we’ve come to expect it to be expensive. Like other high-ticket items such as diamonds or champagne, the average consumer assumes it’s sub-par if it's too much of a bargain.

How would you like to make $100,000 a year without a fancy degree? Consider one of these careers...

College costs a fortune - but some jobs pay a fortune, without a fancy degree.

 

Here are five career paths that could land you a six figure salary once you get some experience:

* Real Estate Broker: You’ll need a license, but no fancy degree. A high school diploma will do just fine.

* Pastry Chef: You will need an associate’s degree in culinary arts - but if you rise to Executive Pastry Chef, you may be rolling in dough, upwards of $100,00 a year.

* Massage Therapist: The path to this potentially lucrative career will require licensure and training, but massage therapy is feeling really good in the growth department.

* Court Reporter: An associate’s degree will help with this one, but it’s not required. Once you’re skilled and certified, you could be reporting $104,000 on your tax return.

* Air Traffic Controller: A high school diploma or GED is all that’s required to land an average $87,000 a year. It’s a stressful job but you could reach altitudes of $179,000 as long as you’re a U.S. citizen, under the age of 31 - and can pass the FAA course.

There’s yet another reason to tell your teens not to drink. Their brains on booze...

Could early dementia risk be spotted in teens?

 

 A recent study found some common traits in teenage behavior and the onset of early dementia. Several behaviors were determined to increase the risk, with drug and alcohol abuse topping the list.

The average age of early dementia in the study was 54. Other common factors that increased risk in that adolescent group were use of antipsychotic drugs, depression, stroke, being short and having high blood pressure.

You’re STILL married? Why you may have your siblings to thank for that.

If you’re from a large family, that could be good news for your marriage.

 

 New research is suggesting that the more brothers and sisters you have, the less likely you are to get a divorce. To qualify for that added protection, you’ll need to be one of at least four in your family. Having just one or two siblings didn’t provide any more benefit than being an only child.

The authors of the say they found that growing up in a family with multiple siblings helps you develop a set of skills for negotiating and considering other people’s points of view. The more siblings you have, the more you had to practice those skills growing up which is a good foundation for a lasting marriage later on.

Should you freeze your extra virgin olive oil to see if it’s the real deal?

 

There’s a lot of advice about olive oil out there - and some of it is bogus.

 

Here are some olive oil myths, debunked:

* Freeze test: Many oils will turn solid in the freezer, not just extra virgin olive oil.

* Cooking with the best: Skip the extra virgin, and go with refined olive oil. Extra virgin gets destroyed at high temperatures. Plain old olive oil will do just fine.

* Light and extra-light oils: They’re not lower in calories. Those phrases refer to the taste, not the caloric or fat content.

Don’t squeeze the melons. There are better ways to check for ripeness.

 

How do you choose a watermelon? Squeezing it won’t do much good.

 

 The best approach is to check it’s field spot. That’s the side of the melon that was resting on the ground as it grew. A ripe melon has a yellow field spot. The heaviest watermelons are usually at their peak.

When choosing a cantaloupe, you’ll want to give it a good sniff. The stem and blossom ends of a ripe cantaloupe will smell sweet and ready to eat. The same goes for pineapples, mangoes and peaches.

Having debt can be hazardous to your health. How it makes you sick...

If you want to do something really good for your health, try paying down some of that debt.

 

Being in the hole isn’t just bad for our psychological well-being, it can take a serious toll on our health - and the higher the debt, the sicker we get.

Researchers found those with high debt also had high diastolic blood pressure, which puts us at risk of hypertension and stroke. Those who owe a lot are also more prone to depression, stress and heart attack.

Should you be signing up in advance for your Affordable Care Act insurance? NO!

Don’t answer the phone - healthcare is calling.

 

We’re just a little more than a month away from the October 1st health insurance marketplace exchange - and scammers are salivating. The Federal Trade Commission is warning us again that rip-off artists are calling people in advance of the Affordable Care Act exchange launch date, trying to get unsuspecting citizens to sign up for their individual plan. This is NOT how it works. These scammers are after your money and your personal information, so don’t give it up. If you do get such a call, the FTC needs you to report it. You can visit their website at HealthCare.gov or call the scam hotline at 1-877-FTC-HELP.

If you overdid it this weekend, pull your hair today.

 

The next time you have a hangover, forget the hair of the dog - work on your own hair.

 

Gently pulling sections of your hair, one at a time, can help ease the symptoms of a hangover. That tugging stimulates the scalp and releases healing endorphins. Hair pulling also stimulates our body’s natural painkillers and helps to neutralize stress and headaches and reduces nausea.

There is a right way and a wrong way to pack a car for college.

 

Breaking every rule.

If you’re packing up the car to head off to college soon, start with the mini-fridge.

 

 It’s no easy task fitting an entire dorm room full of stuff into the back of a car and these tips will help:

• Heavy stuff first: You want those items as far forward in the cargo area as possible, on the floor if possible. This is especially important if you’re loading an SUV. The extra weight should be in the center of the vehicle to reduce the odds of a rollover.

• Don’t pack the vehicle to the roof. You’ll need that visibility while driving and when backing up to the loading dock. Too much cargo impacts handling, steering, fuel economy and tires.

• Secure your stuff. Blow dryers, lamps and laptops can become deadly projectiles in an emergency.

Now that you’re grown up, should you confront the bully from your childhood?

It’s a lot easier to find someone from the past these days - but it doesn’t mean you should.

 

Duke psychiatry professor William E. Copeland, a psychiatry professor at Duke University Medical Center says it’s not unusual for adults who were victims as kids to fantasize about or even consider confronting that bully today. But the doctor also says that’s NOT a wise idea. He says children who are true bullies generally do not become great people as adults. Your odds of having a positive encounter are slim and you would likely be putting yourself at risk all over again.


If you’ve just got to get something off your chest regarding that childhood bully, it can help to write them a letter - just don’t send it. While it can be therapeutic to get those negative experiences and emotions out of your gut and down on paper, do that for yourself, not for the bully. A true bully will often either deny their actions, have no recollection or just not care. In some cases, they may even relish your continued attention.

Now coffee is bad for us?

 

Coffee has been getting a lot of positive press for the past few years.

 

The more you drink, the better. Not so fast. There’s new research raining on coffee’s parade, which now says that more than four cups a day could kill you, or at least lead to premature death.

The research specifically warns the under age 55 coffee drinking crowd, and says all that caffeine can negatively affect the metabolism, cancelling out all the previously reported health benefits. It also found that heavy coffee drinkers were more likely to smoke, had poor fitness and had less healthy hearts and lungs.

Have you exercised your eyes today?

 

If your vision isn’t what it used to be - your eyes may need a workout.

 

Our vision can start to weaken starting around age 30, and Dr. Marc Grossman, author of “Greater Vision,” says these exercises that can really help strengthen aging eyesight:

* Letter Reading: Type up a chart with four rows of random letters just large enough to see. Make each row a bit more challenging. Now read each row aloud, right to left and then left to right.

* Pencil Pushups: Hold a pencil horizontally at eye level 12 inches from your face. With both eyes, look at one particular letter on the pencil. Keep looking while bringing the pencil closer to your face, until it blurs. Repeat slowly and concentrate on focusing.

Do these exercises for about five minutes each, and you’ve given your vision a little muscle.

How are your social media skills? How to be liked...

 

Do they like you - do they REALLY like you?

 

 Social media friends have different standards than the real deal and you may risk losing them if you make too many of the following faux-pas:

* You don't respond to direct messages. Translation: I’m not interested. Ignoring someone, even on social media, is just plain rude.

* Enough about me, let’s talk about me. Self promoting and one-sided spewing gets old, fast, and you risk coming across as self-absorbed. Go ahead and re-post something about something other than you.

* I swear! Foul language is a big turn off to a lot of people and just suggests you’re lacking in vocabulary and communication skills.

* Too safe. Avoiding anything even mildly controversial gets boring. Don’t be afraid to get a little edgy once in a while to keep them interested. People like to chime in when you open up the dialogue or some friendly debate.

Do you have sad shoulders?

 

Body language speaks volumes and your shoulders are screaming.

 

Joe Navarro, a former FBI counterintelligence agent, says "shoulder speak" is one of the most telling forms of body language. He says clinical depression almost always shows in the shoulders, as if they’re weighed down by sadness. Broad, straight shoulders are likely attached to someone who’s strong, confident and ready to lead. Shoulders can be a valuable tool in spotting deception too. Liars often raise one or both shoulders, ever so slightly, when falsely proclaiming their innocence. 

If you’d like to lose weight while you’re sleeping, eat this for dinner.

How does losing weight while you sleep sound?

 

If you eat protein for dinner, it will help. Chicken, fish or lean beef for dinner are good options because that protein stimulates the release of hormones which burn fat while you sleep. Of course you’ll have to eat sensibly all day long. It’s also important to be sure dinner is the LAST thing you eat for the day. Anything else within three hours of bedtime can actually increase blood sugar that can lead to weight gain in the long run.

Bigger isn’t always the better value when it comes to packaged food. Where to look for the REAL price,...

If you think the bigger box is a better value in the supermarket, think again.

 

According to Consumer Reports, 25% of brand name items aren’t priced that way. In many cases, we end up spending even more per ounce for the “value” pack.

In order to be sure you’re getting the best price for the volume inside, disregard the actual price. You’ll need to look at the unit price which is usually to the left of the item price. Compare that number between sizes to determine which box is really better.

Back to School Drugs. The use and abuse of “smart drugs”...

Teenagers and drug abuse is nothing new - but “smart drug” abuse is on the rise. 

According to the Care Quality Commission’s annual report, prescriptions for ADHD drugs like Ritalin and Adderall continue to spike and are blamed for a smart-drug craze, especially among college students. 

For the record, the Drug Enforcement Administration classifies Adderall, Ritalin and other stimulants as Schedule II controlled substances, the same category as cocaine and methamphetamine, due to their high potential for abuse and dependence.

According to a poll by the University of Michigan Mott Children’s Hospital, 1 in 10 teens misuse ADHD medication. Another study suggests about one-third of parents don’t have a problem with their child using “smart drugs” to improve academic performance, even if they don’t have ADHD.

Are you a night owl - or a morning glory? How that has a BIG effect on your personality.

If you wake up at the crack of dawn, bright eyed and bushy tailed, you’re probably not much fun at night. 

A recent study looked at personality types of early risers and night owls and the personality differences were like night and day:

* Early risers build sleep pressure throughout the day and tire much faster than night owls.

* Morning people can’t wait to eat breakfast, usually within a half hour of waking up. Night owls already had their breakfast - at midnight and couldn’t be bothered once the sun is up.

* Night owls are more likely to demonstrate dark personality traits including narcissism and deceitfulness. They’re also more likely to scheme and steal sexual partners from others, especially morning people who are already asleep. 

* Not surprisingly, night owls tend to accumulate more sexual partners than the early-to-bed types. However, early risers tend to be more fertile.

* Morning people may be more prone to certain types of cancer due to more exposure to light and a lack of melatonin. But night owls are more likely to be sleep deprived, snore and put their health at risk in other ways.

Some people actually enjoy leaving a tip. Why that is...

Do you feel obligated to leave a tip - or do you really mean it? 

A recent study found that some people actually LIKE to leave a tip and might even feel a little disappointed if they can’t. Reasons happy tippers cite include helping a low-wage worker out, showing gratitude for good service or even either liking the opportunity to prove how generous they are. 

Both high and low tippers say they like that added control over their purchase and report experiencing a sense of pride, guilt, obligation or satisfaction via their tip.

If you want the scoop on the latest iRumors, we’ve got a few...

If you just can’t wait for the official iPhone unveiling event slated for September 10th, here are some iRumors floating around. 

Industry experts say that iMoles have leaked pictures of the new iPhone 5S, along with another budget version expected to be dubbed the 5C. Rumor has it that the 5C will be Siri-less to save processing power. As for the 5S, there may be a high-end model, with an 8 megapixel camera for premium video chats, available in a gold color.

If you or your child use an asthma inhaler - you NEED to know this...

If you use an inhaler for asthma - be sure to rinse your mouth out after the treatment. 

The powder in many inhalers is acidic and can erode your tooth enamel over time. They can also cause your teeth to become sensitive and prone to cavities. Some inhalers also contain flavor enhancers that can adhere to and damage the teeth.

If you or your child use an inhaler, take extra care to avoid the contact of the powder with the teeth. Also, be sure to rinse the mouth with water after use and brush with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day. Fluoride helps protect the surface of your teeth.

Have you always wanted to be on a game show?

 

How would you like to be the next contestant on that game show?

 

Carrie Grosvenor, a game show expert, says there are a few things you can do to increase your odds of being picked:

• Find the newest shows: It’s a lot easier to get onto one of those than a classic like Wheel of Fortune or Jeopardy.

• Check out Craigslist in Los Angeles in New York or bookmark websites for game show networks like GSN and NBC and check their game show tabs often.

• Google your favorite game show name and include the word “casting.” You never know which ones are looking.

If you’d like to love your job - choose one of these.

 

 

Who are the happiest workers in the country?

 

Probably not who you’d think. CareerBliss analyzed 65,000 employee-generated reviews and came up with the happiest bunch:

Real estate agents top the list. They make good money, like their bosses and the control they have over the work they do. Rounding out the happy worker list are quality assurance engineers, senior sales representatives, construction superintendents and senior app developers.

If you’re wondering who the unhappiest workers are, they would be associate attorneys, customer service associates and marketing coordinators, citing lack of growth opportunity and workplace culture as their pet peeves.

So you think you’re good in the romance department. We’ll let an app be the judge of that...

How would you rate yourself, romantically speaking?

 

Now there’s an app that will score your intimate skill for you. It’s called SpreadSheets and it will tell all. This very personal app will calculate several factors, from time of day and frequency to movement, sound and other intimate details. If you’re tempted, don’t worry - SpreadSheets can not record or play back the intimate data. The brand new app will cost $2.99 but is on sale this month for $1.99.

Lefties are smarter than righties, sort of.

What’s the difference between right and left handed people?

 

 More than you might think. Social scientists have been studying them both and discovered which have the upper hand:

• Lefties may be more at risk for learning disabilities than righties with higher rates of dyslexia, ADHD and mood disorders.

• Lefties are better at divergent thinking, which make them good candidates for politics and chess players.

• Lefties tend to be better at baseball too because they’re a few steps closer to first base with better momentum after the swing. Southpaw boxers and tennis players may have the upper hand as well.

• Righties make more money than lefties. That’s because they’re more likely to complete college and tend to score higher on math and reading comprehension tests.