Has your dog mastered the look of shame?

If your dog gives you that sad puppy look when scolded, don’t be fooled. 

According to animal behaviorists, dogs don’t feel shame. That look is more likely just a reaction to your seemingly overreaction of whatever it is your dog has done. Experts say dogs aren’t capable of connecting your behavior to the dirty deed. That look of shame can become learned behavior over time. The canine thinking being “this body language calmed the human down before, I’ll try it again.”

If you don’t believe the experts, take note of your dog’s guilty expression any time you are upset or raise your voice. They’re likely to put on the sad puppy face regardless of what they’ve done or haven’t done. 

Funny stuff: dogshaming.com

Some popular healthy trends aren’t healthy at all. Which ones to avoid...

Do you eat fat-free everything? 

That’s a bad idea. People who don’t eat enough fat can wind up with problems, including nutrient deficiencies, memory problems, skin problems and fatigue. Here are some more health trends that aren’t healthy at all:

• Cleansing with Juice: Many cleanses can have side effects, such as gas, bloating, diarrhea, muscle loss and weak immune function.

• Cutting calories: Going overboard with calorie cuts can throw the body into a starvation response and slow down the metabolism. It can also put you at a greater risk of depression, stress and binging. 

• Too many vitamins and minerals: Supersizing your intake can put you at serious risk. Nutrient toxicity can cause headaches, blurred vision, hair loss and weakness.

• Cutting all carbs: We need carbs for energy. Keep the healthy ones. No-carb diets can result in fatigue, constipation and irritability; long term, you could be putting yourself at risk for heart disease and colon cancer.

• Gluten free: Unless you have celiac disease, don’t fall for this fad. Needlessly going gluten-free could leave you with nutrient deficiencies, constipation and a weakened immune system.

Are you suffering from tech neck? Relief for that, coming up…

If you use a tablet or phone on a regular basis, you’re prone to developing tech neck. 

Looking down at your device for extended periods of time can leave you with neck and shoulder pain, headaches and even enhanced wrinkles across your neck and around the chin. Inventor Matt Franklin to the tech neck rescue. He’s developed a pair of glasses that can stave off tech neck. 

They’re called the i90 glasses and they’re basically little periscopes for your eyes. The prisms are attached to glasses frames that fit comfortably on your face with or without reading glasses. They’ve even got ear buds built in. With your i90 glasses, you’ll be able to keep your gaze at a healthy 90 degrees while viewing something below on a table or your lap. Just don’t forget to take of your i90 glasses when you get up or try to interact with the real world.

i90 glasses aren’t available to the masses yet, but you can preorder a pair for $75 dollars for expected delivery this spring.

You’ve been offered a job you don’t love. Should you take it? Professional advice, coming up…

While it may be hard to turn down a job be careful about accepting one you don’t love.  

Glassdoor has a list of questions to ask yourself before you say yes to the offer:

• ·        Will you be sacrificing goals?  If it keeps you moving forward professionally, consider accepting.

• ·        Is there an opportunity to expand? Even if you don’t love the job, a position that enhances your job skills and experience can be a good asset.

• ·        Does the offer meet most of your needs?  Make a list of lifestyle and career aspirations and weigh them accordingly.  A bad vacation package isn’t as important as good medical benefits or promotion opportunities.

• ·        Can you picture yourself working there?  If you can, that’s a good sign.  If you think you’ll be miserable, keep looking.

• ·        Could this job be a stepping stone?  If you think it will help you shape your career path, go for it.  If not, reconsider.  Avoid taking a job that doesn’t suit your career goals or values.

There are pros and cons to taking an aspirin a day. A new pro - for women...

A lot of people are on an aspirin regimen to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.  

New research is suggesting it may help stave off ovarian cancer too.  Participants in a study taking low-dose aspirin daily experienced a 34 percent reduced risk.  While further research is underway, you may want to consider asking your doctor about a daily aspirin regimen, especially if you have ovarian or breast cancer in the family.

If you have an iPhone, do NOT use it again until you do this...

iPhone Alert!

Have you checked your iPhone settings lately?  There is a new update to iOS and you NEED to install it.  It just came out a few days ago and it fixes a potentially serious security issue.  Apple rushed the release of this latest fix to protect mobile devices.  The installation only takes a few minutes and will prevent hackers from viewing your traffic, emails, financial information and other data.

If you have an iPhone or iPad, you need to download 7.0.6 right away. Apple will issue an update soon for notebooks and desktop machines running Mac OS X. In the meantime, use Google Chrome or Firefox, which aren’t affected.

Burning your tongue is the pits. How to make it feel better...

The next time you burn your tongue with scalding coffee or steaming pizza – there are a few remedies that can help.  

Find some sugar.  A teaspoon of sugar on a burnt tongue soothes the mishap on contact.  Hold your sugary tongue against the roof of your mouth until it dissolves.  If you don’t have any sugar handy, find an ice cube or some cold water to numb the tongue and reduce swelling.  Cooled tea can also soothe a burnt tongue, especially black tea, chamomile or orange pekoe.

If you really did a number on your tongue, stay away from certain foods until it heals.   Tomatoes, citrus fruits, vinegar and salty food such as potato chips will interrupt the healing process.

Do you help pay for your parents living expenses? Don’t forget that on your taxes.

A lot of people don’t realize they may be able to factor their parents into their taxes. 

They don’t even have to live with you. If you and your siblings pay for more than 50% of your parents living expenses, you have a claim, according to CPA Jim Schnell. Only one child can claim the dependent-care exemption and it’s up to that filer to share the wealth with his or her siblings.

To learn more about claiming your parents as dependents, IRS Publication 501 is a great place to start. It includes a worksheet for determining support that will help you and your siblings get started.

You could be eating memory loss.

If you’re worried about memory loss – eat less cheese. 

A recent study found that women over the age of 65 who ate a lot of saturated fat, like that found in meat, cheese and processed food, had the worst memory. Experts believe that consumption of saturated fats contributes to a decline in cognitive function and memory loss.

If you’re not a woman over 65, you’re not off the fat hook. Other studies have found that teens with a high-fat diet also risk impaired memory and learning skills.

If you wear one of those fitness wristbands – you might get more than you bargained for.

Fitness wrist and arm bands are popular gadgets for those who want to track their activity levels and vitals – 

but you could wind up with a nasty rash. Fitbit, one of the leaders in fitness trackers, has recalled their wristbands after several complaints of users experiencing blistering, oozing rashes. They’re also offering a full refund. The blistery rash is a result of contact dermatitis and can occur with any jewelry or watch if the wearer is allergic to any of the metals or ingredients in there. 

Anything strapped to your sweaty skin could pose a problem. If you’d rather not risk the fitness rash, there are some other trackers on the market that don’t come in contact with the skin, such as the FitBit Zip which clips on to clothing instead.

How’s your hearing? How to test it yourself...

When is the last time you had your hearing checked? 

Our generation is experiencing hearing loss at a much younger age than our parents and grandparents. If you find yourself turning up the TV or asking people to repeat themselves, you could have a problem. While it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about your hearing – there are some self-tests available on line, for free, that can help you gauge your hearing ability. 

HearTheWorld.com has a good comprehensive test you can take on your computer, just be sure to hit the “English” tab at the top. The test is under the "Hearing and Hearing Loss" tab.  BelToneHearingTest.com is another option. Both of these online tests are customized to your gender and age. You’ll be asked to identify words while background noise gradually increases.

Who would you thank if you won an Oscar? The tally is in and the winner is...

Thank YOU Meryl Streep! 

When it comes to thank yous at recent Academy Awards, Meryl Streep has gotten the nod more than any other individual over the past 12 years. The runners up to Meryl, in order, were God, Sidney Poitier and Oprah Winfrey.

Also high on the thank you list are directors, agents, producers, co-stars and the Academy itself – followed by spouses, children and writers. Female winners tend to thank more people than the men. Olivia de Havilland thanked a record 27 people in her 1947 acceptance speech and the longest acceptance award goes to Greer Garson who spoke for five minutes and 30 seconds after accepting the award for Best Actress for her role in Mrs. Miniver in 1942.

What is the most dangerous city in the U.S.?

All cities have some crime – but some U.S. cities are far more dangerous than average. 

Here is a list of the ten most dangerous cities based on 2012 data published by the FBI:

10. Cleveland, OH: 84 murders and the second highest robbery rate behind Oakland.

9. Baltimore, MD: Gun crime is down but murders are up – to 219 in 2012.

8. New Haven, CT: Murders are down but aggravated assault and robberies are up.

7. Birmingham, AL: Assault and murders are among the highest and so are property crimes.

6. Stockton, CA: Bankruptcy, violent crimes and robbery puts them on the most dangerous map.

5. Memphis, TN: Murder, robber and aggravated assault: up, up and up.

4. St. Louis, MO: There were 80 fewer violent crimes last year but they’re still in the top ten.

3. Oakland, CA: With the highest robbery rate, murders are up too.

2. Detroit, MI: Their econd highest homicide rate includes murder and justifiable homicide.

1. Flint, MI: The most dangerous U.S. city with the highest rates of violent crime per capita.

Among the safest U.S. cities are Yonkers, New York, Stamford, Connecticut, Santa Ana and Irvine, California, Centennial, Colorado and Naperville, Illinois.

You’ll need to buy another type of dental floss.

There are several different types of dental floss to choose – and you need more than one. 

According to Dr. Victor Zeines, author of “Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body,” flossing daily is the key to good health. Gum disease can lead to all sorts of problems and has even been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s. No one floss is particularly better than another – but Dr. Zeines suggests you experiment with some different types. There are more choices and flavors available now including mint, cinnamon, cranberry and tea tree oil. Switching it up from time for a fresh floss sensation can help make the daily chore a little more enjoyable.

How does your microwave smell? Try cooking this...

Before you use your microwave again, try cooking this easy solution first. 

Add a heaping tablespoon of baking soda to a bowl of warm water and cook on high, uncovered, for two minutes. Wipe the clean steam off the top and the sides with a towel. Residual splatters will slide right off and your microwave will smell like new. 

The lemon trick works well too. Poke several holes in a whole lemon and pop it in the microwave on high for 30 seconds to a minute. The citrus oils will make it easy to wipe clean and it smells great.

What could be good about the infamous polar vortex?

Another polar vortex is looming and slated to strike the Midwest and the Northeast this week. 

That’s really bad news - for stink bugs. In a recent experiment conducted at Virginia Tech, 95 percent of the stink bugs under observation were killed by the recent cold arctic blasts. These beetles regularly stink up the mid-Atlantic states – but have been found in 40 states all together, even in Hawaii. Experts say thanks to this polar vortex laden winter, we’re likely not to see and smell nearly as many stink bugs in the warmer months.

Should married couples file their taxes separately or jointly?

It’s tax time again. 

There can be a benefit to married couples who file jointly, especially if they have children – but don’t assume that’s the way to go. There are some exceptions to that rule. For example, if your little tax deductions have grown up and flown the coop, you may need to change your filing habits. Empty nesters should run the numbers both separately and jointly before they decide how to file. 

Another exception is a married couple whose income was significantly lower or higher last year. Again, you’ll want to run the numbers both ways before determining which way to file. You’ll need to calculate potential savings at both the federal and state levels.

Your next cup of Joe may give you a real jolt – in your wallet.

If you love coffee, you might want to stock up this week. 

Prices are on the rise due to dry weather in Brazil. As consumers, we’re most likely to feel the java jolt in coffee shops so you might want to get in the habit of brewing your own for the foreseeable future. 

The price of raw sugar is also on the rise, as Brazil is the biggest producer and exporter. Coffee shops who have to buy Arabica beans and sugar in bulk will most likely pass those price increases on to the customer, whether or not you take your coffee sweet. The price of Arabica coffee could increase as much as $2 per pound over the next month or so.

Is your hair dry, oily or thinning? What that says about your health...

Are you having a bad hair day? 

The condition of your hair can actually reveal some insight to your health and diet:

• Thinning hair: It’s normal for adult women to lose about 100 hairs a day. If you notice more than usual in the shower drain or on your brush, let your doctor know. Excessive hair loss can be linked to thyroid, autoimmune conditions, low iron or stress.

• Bald patches: If clumps of hair fall out it could be genetic. The condition can come and go and usually improves when stress levels are under control.

• Hair breakage: This could indicate a protein deficiency. Some blood work and diet assessment could help pinpoint the problem.

• Dry hair: You may need more omega-3 fatty acids. Eat more fish and nuts.

• Oily hair. You might have too much saturated fat in your diet. Try cutting back on meat, dairy and processed foods. 

Is your toaster plugged in? Bad habits that put us at risk...

Most of us have some bad habits we might not even be aware of. 

Reader’s Digest has a list of seemingly harmless habits that could be putting us at real risk:

• Falling asleep with the TV on: It stimulates your brain while you’re sleeping, which can trigger sleep disorders or even depression. 

• Sharing your partner’s razor: Skin and hair-growth patterns of men’s faces and women’s legs are quite different. Sharing a razor makes both of you more prone to cuts, irritation and infection.

• Leaving the toaster on: 11 percent of toaster fires happen when they’re NOT in use. Also, get in the good habit of cleaning out the fire-starting crumbs.

• Drinking from sports water bottles: Any bottle that you press shut with your thumb or finger puts you at risk of drinking some nasty germs.

• Sharing ice cream with the dog: It’s not true that a dog’s mouth is cleaner than yours. Dogs can carry salmonella bacteria which can cause severe food poisoning symptoms in humans. Sharing food or letting your dog lick your mouth is a bad idea.

If you like orange juice, skip the fresh squeezed and go frozen.

Back in the day, frozen orange juice was the way to go. 

Fresh squeezed wasn’t really available unless you squeezed it yourself. Despite all the choices now in the orange juice aisle, it’s better to skip that and head for the frozen food aisle. Frozen juice is made from the whole fruit – peel and all. Those orange peels have a lot more of the powerful antioxidant called hesperidin than most “fresh-squeezed” varieties.

Frozen orange juice also costs a lot less than juice in the bottle. It will last several months in the freezer as opposed to the 7 to 10 day shelf life of fresh.

Does a watched pot take longer to boil? Sort of. Why that is...

A watched pot never boils – until you turn your back for a minute. 

That’s when it seemingly fast-forwards into boiling mode. Why is that? There is a scientific explanation as to why it feels a watched pot takes longer to boil. When simply watching something uneventful, our brains become docile and less active and time seems to slow considerably.

When something traumatic is perceived, even mildly like the hissing and spewing of a pot boiling over, our brains are flooded with adrenaline and are jolted into high-speed reaction mode. It’s the same phenomenon accident victims often experience as their lives seemingly flash before their eyes in a few seconds. 

Bathing suit season is here – in the stores. How to make trying them on a little easier...

It may be hard to get in a bathing suit frame of mind right now...

... but like it or not, they’re arriving in stores and it’s a good time to buy for the best selection. If you’re ready to take the plunge and try a few on, do yourself a favor and wear panty hose. This will give you a better idea of what you’ll look like a shade darker and without the bulges of other undergarments. Dressing room lighting is often harsh and not flattering and the panty hose with help with that too. Don’t be discouraged. You’ll look a lot better in that suit in the real seasonal atmosphere with natural lighting and surrounded by others who have suited up for summer. 

Can’t seem to find Mr. or Miss Right? Here’s where you might be going wrong...

If you’re looking for love, lose the mental checklist. 

According to Dr. Ty Tashiro, author of “the Science of Happily Ever After,” most of us have a mental checklist of attributes we’d like to find in a mate. That checklist could be significantly narrowing the playing field. For example, Dr. Tashiro says consider a room with 100 eligible bachelors. If a woman would prefer a taller man, over six feet, 80 men would have to leave the room. If she also requires a college degree, 16 more would be headed for the door. Our bachelorette is now left with just 4 men to choose from before considering personality or chemistry.

Dr. Tashiro says most people SAY they want a great personality or other traits like sense of humor and kindness. They may even believe it. However, in reality, physical attractiveness and wealth tend to subconsciously trump those, for both men and women. His advice: Make a conscious effort to be more open minded and you just might find love where you least expect it. 

Have you got the hiccups again? Here's the rundown of remedies...

Some people are prone to getting hiccups more often than others. 

The average nuisance is about five times per year throughout your life. While there’s no one surefire cure – we’ve been trying these remedies for centuries and some of them will help: 

• Holding your breath: This most common first attempt can help to interrupt the spasm you’re experiencing. It will likely take more than one try.

• Sugar: Overloading the nerve endings in the mouth with a sweet sensation may do the trick. Put the sugar on the back of the tongue.

• Put your fingers in your ears: This stimulates the nerve endings that lead to the culprit – your spastic vagus.

• Fright: It can be effective at distracting your body and reflexes from the spasm.

• Water: Drinking water can interrupt the cycle. Gargling with water might work even better.

• Pull your tongue: It’s not easy, but stick it out and give it a yank. It’s worth a try.

• Tickling: If you can stand it, a laughing attack can throw the rhythmic hiccups off and maybe even stop them.

Scheduled for a job interview? Ask these questions BEFORE you go.

It’s natural to be worried about questions you’ll be asked during a job interview...

...but asking a few of your own questions before you go can take some of the pressure off and help better prepare you for the big day:

• Who are meeting with? It may be your potential future boss or the whole team. Make sure to find out all of their names before the interview.

• What will the interview format be? Will you face a firing squad panel of interviewers? Or will you be grouped together with other applicants? Knowing ahead of time will give you the edge.

• How long will it last? Ask the interviewer how much time you should a lot for. Some one hour interview blocks can unexpectedly take up to three or four hours of your day.

• What should you bring? Extra copies of your resume are a given – but you may also want to have a portfolio of some work examples or recommendations. 

• Is there any trick to getting there? It’s a good idea to do a dry run to get familiar with the route and the parking situation. Don’t rely on your GPS and get thrown for a loop. 

• What’s the office dress code? It’s a perfectly good question to ask. Looking like you fit in will put both you and the interviewer at ease.

You vaccinate your kids – but what about you? What Vaccines you might be due for...

Are you up-to-date on your shots? 

We keep our kids and pets vaccinated but a lot of adults neglect themselves in that department. The shots you got as a kid may have worn off and here are some that you might have missed or need boosters for:

• Tetanus and diphtheria: All adults should get a TD booster every 10 years, or sooner if you get a dirty wound and it has been more than five years since your last dose.

• Measles, mumps, rubella: Adults born in 1957 or later, and those vaccinated before 1968 with the inactivated measles vaccine, which was later withdrawn due to inefficacy, need the MMR II. 

• Shingles. People age 60 and older, except those who are taking immunosuppressive drugs or have medical conditions that make their immune system less effective, should consider Zoster.

• Chicken pox: People who never had chicken pox and haven’t already received the vaccine should get one or two doses depending on their age. It’s called Varivax.

• Shot options: There’s just one licensed for adults, Varivax. 

Happy Presidents' Day! Why you NEED to go shopping...

Whether or not you like to shop – today is the day to do it. 

Presidents’ Day is famous for sales and you can really save some paper Georges, Lincolns, Jacksons and even some Franklins. Here are the best deals of the day:

• Winter apparel: Save an average of 67%.

• Bargain Laptops: Save $100 to $200.

• Home & Garden: Save up to 20% on kitchen goods and tools and 40% on appliances.

• Cars: Look for better financing and leasing offers and special incentives on certain makes and models.

If you’d like to determine if something is good or evil – ask a baby.

Did you know we’re born with a special good and evil detector? 

According to Paul Bloom and his wife, authors of “Just Babies: The Origins of Good and Evil,” humans are born with a hard-wired morality, a sense of good and evil is bred in the bone. They’ve got scientific evidence to back it up. Research from Yale University’s Infant Cognition put some babies to the test with the help of some puppets. In one experiment, a puppet is struggling to open a box. Along comes a “good” puppet that helps to open the box, while another “bad” puppet, slams the box shut. After the puppet show, the babies are offered the puppets, and choose the good puppet more than 80% of the time. 

Does absence really make the heart grow fonder? The answer, in a minute…

Long-distance relationships have come a long way with today’s technology – 

- and a new study is suggesting they really can make the heart grow fonder. Long-distance couples were asked to log their daily interactions, which were compared to short-distance relationships, and the distance did seem to boost the fondness factor. The long-distance couples had greater feelings of intimacy because they tended to communicate more details to each other and worked harder to maintain their romantic bonds. 

The study also found that these long-distance couples may experience a decrease in fondness once reunited. They can idealize their partner from afar and expectations may be too high when faced with some face-to-face. 

This just in: Now you can read Facebook like a newspaper.

There’s a whole new way to look at Facebook – if you have an iPhone. 

Facebook Paper was launched last month and it’s an app that lets you check Facebook and the news on your phone. To find it, you’ll need to go to the app store and find “Paper – stories from Facebook.” Although there’s no version available for the iPad, you can download the phone version on one. 

Once you open your Facebook Paper, you’ll be able to scroll through your own newsfeed, newspaper style, with headlines and all. You’ll also be able to add newspaper sections to your Facebook Paper such as business, tech, life and sports. A truly interactive newspaper, you’ll be able to add your own headlines, in the form of status updates and photos, just like on Facebook.

www.facebook.com/paper 

There’s a cruise for everyone. Some you might never imagine...

Would you like to cruise in the nude? 

You’re in luck. Nudists can shed their clothes with abandon onboard one of the cruises offered by Bare Necessities Tour & Travel. Explore Amsterdam or the Caribbean in the buff and get tan all over. There will also be talent shows and a body paint costume party. Here are some other interesting cruise options:

• Destination Duck Dynasty: Spend four nights at sea—and hit up Miami, Key West and Cozumel—on the Carnival “Duck Commander” cruise hosted by the Robertson family.

• The S.S. Mullett: Music cruises featuring Styx, Kansas, REO Speedwagon, Weezer and Kid Rock have been hits on the high seas. Now there’s a five-night Mullett Bermuda cruise in the works.

• The Bermuda Triangle: Paranormal enthusiasts can tempt fate on the spookiest cruise of all. The Bermuda Triangle is hosted by Chip Coffey of A&E’s Paranormal State, Brian J. Cano from Syfy’s Haunted Collector and medium Edward Shanahan.

Have you ever had the urge to eat clay or dirt? What that might mean...

Some children get the urge to eat some earth – such as clay or dirt. 

It can happen to adults too and it’s more common than you might think. The phenomenon is called geophagy and it can also include cravings for other earth elements such as ice, clay or chalk. There are a few conditions that can trigger the urge, such as early stages of pregnancy and low levels of iron, or anemia. Eating dirt is nothing new – and it’s not unique to humans. There are several species that experience the same urge. Baboons, for example, often eat dirt, especially if they’re pregnant. 

Scientists theorize that dirt and clay cravings during pregnancy and in early childhood are linked to some protective elements in there. Certain types of earth have a soothing effect on the stomach and can deliver a protective barrier against viruses and bacteria. Of course, eating dirt is not recommended. If you or your child experience the urge to do so, let your doctor know. A simple iron test and supplement could bury those dirt-eating urges.

How smart is your home? The latest smart home gadgets...

You don’t have to be Bill Gates or a tech wizard to have a smart home. 

More smart products to simplify our lives and automate our home are hitting the market every day. Here are a few that could do some thinking for you:

• Skydrop Sprinkler Controller: This automated sprinkler takes daily weather conditions into consideration. 

• Petnet: This pet feeder can be controlled from your phone so your best friend won’t have to wait for you to serve dinner. It can also help you control your pet’s weight.

• Canary: It’s a home security system that lets you keep an eye on your home, from your phone. It even alerts you if your indoor air quality or humidity isn’t up to par.

• Sense Mother: This one tracks your daily activities and will let you know if you forgot to water the plants, take your medicine or close the refrigerator door.

• Belkin WeMo: Never leave the lights on by mistake again with this little helper. You can set all your gadgets to timers or schedule when the heat or AC goes on or off.

Some foods can make you more beautiful. What to start eating...

You can look even more beautiful by eating certain foods. 

Here’s are some items on the attractive menu:

• Kiwi: Packed with vitamin C, they slow down the aging process and stimulate collagen production. Eat them regularly and you will see an improvement.

• Green Beans: They’ve got silicon in there which helps to make your hair stronger, thicker and more luscious.

• Watercress: Rich in antioxidants, it helps to reduce inflammation and pore size. The iron in watercress can increase your glow factor.

• Apples: They can do wonders for your smile, buffing away stains left by coffee, tea and red wine.

• Eggs: The biotin in eggs help to strengthen weak and thin nails.

• Spinach: Your eyes will appear brighter and whiter with a regular dose of spinach.

• Carrots: People who eat carrots and other red produce experience a tinted glow in their skin.

• Salmon: It helps to soften your skin from the inside out. The same goes for other vitamin D rich foods such as tuna and fortified milk.

If you’re suffering from winter doldrums – get a flashlight and shine it in your...

Feeling down and sick of winter? 

Get a flashlight and shine it in your ear! It might sound crazy but researchers have found this trick can stimulate the brain. Our ear canal is a light detector of sorts and shining a bright light in there can prompt the release of serotonin. It takes a while to get the full benefit. Any bright light will do and if you can get comfortable and let the light shine in your canal for eight minutes a day, you could reduce or even eliminate the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. There are even some new ear buds and headsets on the market that contain bright LEDs to light up your brain.

Love is in the air. How it’s making you healthier...

Valentine’s Day is all about love – all kinds of love. 

It not only makes the world go round, love makes us healthier on many different levels. Try tapping into one of these warm and fuzzy feelings:

• Puppy love: Loving your pet can actually improve your learning and recall skills. Even just looking at pictures of cute animals can enhance that region of the brain.

• Loving Friends: Spending time with a friend you love can boost immunity and heart health. If you laugh a lot with that friend, you’re getting even more health benefits.

• True love: Loving your partner has some amazing benefits. It can make you look and feel younger, decrease stress and actually add years to your life.

Would you rather get flowers or candy for Valentine’s Day? This year’s gift rankings...

Flowers, candy and cards are flying off the shelves. 

Here is what sweethearts are planning to give each other for Valentine’s Day 2014:

• 61% of men plan to buy flowers, which top the gift list from the guys, followed by cards and candy.

• 58% of women are browsing through the card aisle, trying to find just the right sentiment for Mr. Right. Most of them will be buying candy for their sweetie too.

• An evening out is next in line for both men and women looking to celebrate Valentine’s Day, followed by jewelry for her and clothing for him.

• Gift cards are at the bottom of the romantic heap. They have taken a dive in popularity since last year suggesting they’re not quite as thoughtful or personal.

Valentine’s Day is for the birds! What to do this weekend, single or not...

Here is something to do this weekend – count birds. 

Seriously, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology has teamed up with the Audubon Society and Bird Studies Canada to encourage people to join in the Great Backyard Bird Count. 

To participate, you’ll be asked to count all the birds you see for at least 15 minutes between Friday, February 14th and Monday the 17th. You can count for as long as you like in as many places as you like. You’ll need to register first at BirdSource.org. Once you do, your bird watching and counting will help scientists get a global snapshot of bird populations around the world. 

Your car could RUIN a romantic date. What to get rid of...

If you’re taking someone on a date this Friday – in your car – get some stuff out of there! 

Here is a list of turnoffs that could be lurking in or on your car:

• Cigarette butts or smell. Unless your date is a smoker, your rolling ashtray isn’t going to win you any points.

• Trash or food wrappers. The rolling pantry isn’t any better.

• Loud music. Save that for your solo rides.

• Political bumper stickers. The election's over. Get the razor blade and scrape them off.

• Dents and damage. If it’s bad, you might want to rent or borrow a car.

• Loud exhaust. You might think it’s cool but it’s embarrassing to a lot of passengers.

• The pine tree air freshener. It’s time to raise the car scent bar a bit.

To avoid having your car be the third wheel on that date, make sure it’s clean and reliable. Give it the smell test and go with a subtle, fresh fragrance – preferably under the seat. Be sure to pre-set the radio and volume to be date-friendly. If you’re the guy – go ahead and open the door for her. 

There are over 8,000 varieties of rice. Which ones to eat...

Three billion people on this planet depend on rice in their diet – and we Americans have a lot of choices. 

There are over 8,000 varieties of rice - long grain, short grain, brown, white and wild. So which should we be eating? Brown! Brown rice is the whole grain which still has its healthy fiber and germ which hold most of the nutrients. White rice has been stripped of most of these essentials. Eating brown rice on a regular basis can help with weight loss, lower cholesterol and even help to prevent colon cancer and diabetes. The healthiest varieties are long grain and wild rice.

So why eat white rice? Most of us shouldn’t. However, white rice is preferred for people with sensitive digestive systems. White rice can also last for up to ten years because it’s been stripped of its oils. Brown rice could go bad in about six months.

If you’ll be indulging in chocolate for Valentine’s Day – good for you!

Go ahead and load up on chocolate this Valentine’s Day. 

Quality chocolate is actually very good for us. Dark chocolate and cocoa are chock full of flavanols which can lower blood pressure and improve cognitive function. Here are the best brands from Good Housekeeping:

• Green and Black’s Dark Chocolate: A London-based company that produces high-quality bittersweet dark chocolate packed with 70% cocoa. Buy it at Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods.

• Forever Green’s 24 Karat Chocolate: Pure, organic chocolate made without waxes, fine sugar, dairy products, or artificial flavors. They don’t use heat to compact their cocoa so the chocolate maintains its peak nutritional value. Buy it at myforevergreen.org.

• Fair Trade’s Theo Chocolate: It's not only good for you — it's good for the environment. Their historic Seattle factory is sustained by green energy sources. Find it at Whole Foods or any local supermarket.

• Xocai Nuggets: The cream of the chocolate crop. It’s made from dark Belgian chocolate with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Each nugget has an antioxidant content of a whopping 3,120. Buy it at mxicorp.com.

Did you know you can whiten your teeth with burnt toast?

If you’d like a brighter smile – brush your teeth with toast! 

The charcoal in burnt toast is the active ingredient. To try this technique, you’ll need to really burn the toast, until it’s black. Scrape off that burnt layer and mash it up with the back of a wooden spoon. Now you’ll need to work that charcoal into your teeth with a toothbrush or a clean finger. Gently rub your teeth for a minute or so and then rinse.

Charcoal helps to lift away stains and tannins left on your teeth by coffee, tea and other offenders. Activated charcoal can also be bought in capsule form.