Was your American flag made in America? How to know for sure...

Does it matter to you if your American flag was made by Americans? 

It matters to the Pentagon. Earlier this year, a bill was passed requiring all flags flown over U.S. Military bases be American made. Unfortunately, that rule doesn’t apply to other federal facilities.

It’s not always easy to find a Made in America American flag. A lot of them don’t have labels and are actually coming from China. Most American flags and other patriotic goodies made in America will proudly display a label saying so. They will probably cost a little more too.

Should your toothbrush have soft, medium or hard bristles?

The next time you buy a toothbrush – make sure it’s labeled “soft.” 

Dental Professor Dr. Mark S. Wolff says NEVER choose hard bristles, they can really do some damage. Medium might be okay but they’re often too harsh. You’ll also want angled bristles. Toothbrushes with bristles going in different directions do a much better job getting into the crevices. A bent neck is better than straight and a smaller head does a better job in the back of your mouth.

Is honey really healthier than sugar? Let’s ask a scientist...

Honey is made mostly of sugar – so is it really healthier? 

Yes. According to nutrition scientist Dr. Keith Kantor, honey is healthier because it’s more complex. Our bodies have to work a little harder to break honey down which means we’re using more energy and accumulating fewer calories than with sugar. There are also trace elements of other nutrients like zinc and vitamins in real honey. Because honey doesn’t contain additives and preservatives, it’s the nutritionally sweeter choice.

Do you dread public speaking? Eating this could help...

If you’re expected to speak publicly, you’ll need to do more than practice your lines. 

You’ll need to prep your mouth. It’s natural to feel nervous, most people do – just don’t SOUND nervous. Dry mouth can strike when you’re feeling stressed or tense and make that speech feel, and sound, like it’s never going to end. You’ll want to skip all dairy products before your big moment and avoid cold drinks too. Those can tighten up your vocal equipment.

Consider eating an apple before you take the stage. It will give your mouth a good workout and help to make it feel and sound clean and fresh. If you find yourself drying up at the last minute, gently bite down on the sides of your tongue. That will unleash the saliva you’ll need to get started.

Should you buy tickets to that theme park online or at the gate?

If you’ll be visiting a theme park this summer – buy the tickets online.

In most cases, tickets cost more at the gate and you’ll be losing valuable time in line. Be very wary of buying tickets from a source other than the park such as Craigslist or eBay. Some parks, like Disney and Universal, use finger scans to identify people with passes. Buying unused ticket days from someone else might leave you in the parking lot.

It’s also a good idea to check the price of an annual pass. In some cases, special deals could get you that pass for less than regular admission, even if you’re only going once. Most annual passes include in-park discounts on food and souvenirs, as well as free or reduced-price parking. Do the math.
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Do you drive a Honda Accord? Keep your eye on it.

Congratulations Honda Accord. 

You’re the most popular car for the fifth year in a row – for thieves. LoJack has released the most desirable cars for crooks to steal and the Honda Accord is their favorite. After that are: 

2. Honda Civic

3. Toyota Camry

4. Toyota Corolla

5. Chevrolet Silverado.

6. Acura Integra

7. Cadillac Escalade

8. Ford F-350

9. Nissan Altima

10. Chevrolet Tahoe

If your car is black, it’s at more risk than other colors. If it’s turquoise, it will probably still be there when you come back. That’s the least favorite color for crooks.

Want to feel happy? Rub this body part...

The next time you need a happy boost, try rubbing your ears.

Ear reflexology can help reduce negative feelings. Work on the outside rim of each ear for about a minute. Here are some other happy tricks:

• Have some beef or lamb. The proteins and omega-3s in grass-fed meat can reduce anxiety and depression.

• Forgive someone. Holding a grudge subconsciously stunts happiness.

• Be grateful. Write down five things you’re truly grateful for. It really does work.

• Wear something yellow. Surrounding yourself in yellow or orange simulates the happy feeling we get from the sun.

• Eat an orange. A dose of citrus can improve mood. Especially if you take the time to peel it.

Does your dog have a little “thumb” on its leg? What that’s for..

If you’ve ever wondered why dogs have an extra pad, like a little thumb, on the back of the leg, it’s an evolutionary leftover.

It’s called the carpal pad. Puppies are born with a dew claw there, sort of like an extra toe, but many have that removed. 

Your dog’s ancestors had four, more pronounced dew claws and carpal pads which helped them climb, tear and hold their prey. With evolution, most breeds lost them from the hind legs but can still use them on the front for added balance when running or turning, or for added grip with that chewable toy.

If you have fluorescent lights at work, you need to know this...

A lot of us are forced to work in an environment of fluorescent light – and that can be a problem. 

A study by researchers at Stony Brook University in New York found that compact fluorescent light bulbs can cause skin damage consistent with ultraviolet radiation, especially if they’re not behind a glass cover. Other studies have found fluorescent lighting can trigger mood disorders, headaches, eye strain and anxiety in some people.

If you’re forced to work in fluorescent lighting, make it a point to get into real sunlight several times during the workday. This can combat some negative side effects. Adding additional non-fluorescent lighting to your work space can help too. 

If you’re looking for brain food – check your gender first.

Men and women should feed their brain accordingly...

Dr. Daniel G. Amen, author of “Unleash the Power of the Female Brain,” says men and women should focus on different foods to enhance their mental well-being. 

Food for thought for women includes:

• Chickpeas, which increase the brain’s production of serotonin.

• Sweet potatoes, because they don’t spike blood sugar as fast as white potatoes.

• Blueberries can reduce inflammation and enhance memory.

• Dark chocolate, which can improve verbal fluency and other mental functions.

Men should be thinking about:

• Salmon, which can improve memory and learning.

• Eggs, because they can reduce age-related brain shrinkage and improve cognitive function.

• Sesame seeds and Brazil nuts which can cut the risk of heart attack in men.

Taking a nap can nice – or it can backfire. How to nap like a pro...

If you wake up from a nap feeling worse than before, you might be overdoing it. 

If it’s longer than 30 minutes – it’s no longer a nap, technically speaking. According to Dr. Michael Breus, author of “Good Night,” you’re probably in a deep sleep if you nap for longer than 30 minutes and it’s a lot harder to come out of that. 

If you’re looking to recharge, try napping for 5 to 20 minutes. That’s a real nap and can give you a shot of energy and mental clarity. If you feel you really need to rejuvenate, then a short sleep is in order. Try 60 to 90 minutes. You’ll need another 5 to 10 minutes to let yourself really wake up from that one. 

Could your driving trigger road rage? The moves that really tick people off...

The next time you’re in the left lane – move over! 

If you’re not going faster than the right lane, you could be asking for trouble. A recent survey on road rage found that left lane hogs trigger aggression in other drivers. What’s worse than that? Texting behind the wheel. That topped the list of most offensive behavior on the road, followed by tailgating, multitasking, driving too slow and not signaling. 

Put your phone to work and earn some money. The apps for that...

You’ve got a money-maker in your pocket. 

Did you know you can actually get paid to use it? You’ll just need to download the right apps:

• Slidejoy pays you just to have it. It displays an add on your lock screen in exchange for a couple bucks a month. More if you swipe to view the ads which are based on what you watch.

• iPoll and Google Opinion wants to know what you think. They send surveys to your phone and will pay about $1 for each one you complete.

• The Viggle app awards you points towards gift cards for “checking in” the TV shows you’re watching or songs you’re listening to.

Need to borrow a fishing pole? Check your local library.

Some libraries are branching out in the lending department. 

Many of them are now lending a lot more than books. Ask your library about gardening supplies, tools, tree trimmers and fishing poles. Some libraries have electronics like laptops, cameras and video equipment available. How about a telescope or a musical instrument? Some will even let you borrow their cooking pans or artwork. If you’re library hasn’t branched out beyond books, check around your neighboring towns. 

Certain content can get you kicked off Facebook.

Have you read Facebook’s rules of conduct lately? Most people haven’t. 

Posting certain words or images is in violation of Facebook abuse standards and can get your account banned. Some of those violations include:

• Any pictures of sexual activity, that includes art and cartoons.

• Nudity – a man’s bare chest is okay, a woman’s is not.

• Anything with people or animals getting hurt, that includes hunting.

• Racial slurs, comments or hate symbols.

• Marijuana imagery is okay, talking about drug use is not.

• Bodily fluids are okay, as long as the photo doesn’t depict them being expelled.

Which shape of sunglasses best suit your face?

If you’d rather not try on every pair of sunglasses on the rack – there’s a formula to fit your face. 

If the shape of your face is:

• Heart-shaped, with a wide forehead and narrow chin, try on some cat-eye or round sunglasses and avoid anything overly embellished.

• Long, with a narrow chin and cheeks, go for oversized or wrap style glasses. Skip the narrow shades.

• Oval and balanced, lucky you. You can pretty much choose any style you like. Aviators are a good choice.

• Square with a broad forehead and jaw, go with large, oval Jackie O frames to soften things up.

• Round with full cheekbones, avoid round frames and balance your face with wide, rectangular frames for a slimming effect. 

Your sunscreen has expired. Should you still use it?

Sunscreen is expensive so do we really need to toss it if it’s expired? 

Not necessarily, according to dermatologist Dr. Karen Burke. Most sunscreens last for a year or two, and will last another six months past that date if they’ve been stored correctly. Sunscreen that has been exposed to heat or light will break down faster. To get the most out of your bottle, be sure not to leave it in a hot car or in direct sunlight. If you squeeze some sunscreen out and it smells odd or looks separated, toss that bottle and get a new one.

If you're new to the job interview scene, don't make these rookie mistakes...

Don’t be late for that job interview. Don’t be too early either. 

The Fresno City College Employment Center has the following advice for new alumni lining up interviews:

• Showing up late is not okay. If you’ll be considerably late, you’re better off calling and asking to reschedule.

• Showing up early is a no-no too. As the saying goes, only fools rush in. It puts pressure on the interviewer and suggests you have nothing better to do.

• Dress carefully. Avoid looking to seasonal or summery and iron your best neutral clothes. Think navy, grey or tan.

• No drinking or smoking before or during the interview. They WILL smell that in a professional environment. If you’re meeting in a social environment, stick to club soda.

• Leave the gum at home. Gum chewing is a huge turnoff to a lot of people.

• Name dropping. Even if you were referred by your uncle’s neighbor’s friend, don’t mention it unless you’re asked.

If you’re really short, you’ve got a leg up on the tall people.

Short men may take a lot of flack in life, but they may also have the last laugh, literally. 

A recent study found that men who are 5 feet 2 inches or shorter are more likely to live longer. The subjects of the study were 8,000 Japanese-American men in Hawaii – and the taller they got, the shorter they lived. Experts believe a protective gene called FOXO3 was responsible for the lack of height and extra longevity.

There’s a big difference between .com, .org and .biz. Which one to choose...

If you’ve ever had to choose a domain name – chances are .com was already taken. 

It’s by far the most popular extension. So what’s the next best choice? GoDaddy has this advice. Choose the suffix that best suits your site. While there is no real regulation governing how they’re used, these are the unwritten rules:

• .co : an abbreviation for company, commerce, and community

• .info : informational sites

• .net : technical, Internet infrastructure sites

• .org : non-commercial organizations and non-profits

• .biz : business or commercial use, like ecommerce sites

• .me : blogs, resumes or personal sites

If .com is available – by all means, grab it. A lot of browsers default to the site or search name followed by .com. - .org and .net are the next most trusted. Keep in mind that newer, lesser known extensions like .expert, .guru and .club tend to be less trusted than the big three, because spammers are known to lurk on them. 

Keep your eyes peeled – for the next blood drive. How it could help your vision...

The next time you hear of a blood drive – do your eyes a favor and give. 

A recent study found that donating blood a few times a year can actually help to slow macular degeneration. An excess of iron in the blood can contribute to the disease as we age – and can even do some damage to other parts of the body. If you’re over the age of 50 and have high levels of iron, ask your doctor how many times per year you should donate blood to help alleviate the problem.

Are you aging while you sleep? How to prevent that...

You know what makes you look old? 

Sleeping on your side. According to dermatologist Dr. Whitney Bowe, sleeping on the same side every night is a sure way to end up with wrinkles. Sleep lines form on the face and chest and just get deeper over time. If you can, Dr. Bowe says sleeping on your back is the best anti-aging position, with your head and neck cradled and a pillow under your knees. If you have to sleep on your side or stomach, do your face and neck a favor and alternate the side you’re squishing.

Should you put club soda on that stain? No! How it could make matters worse...

Club soda is the go-to remedy for stains. 

But according to dry cleaner Myriam Testa, we could be doing more damage than good. She says the sodium just encourages anything left behind to penetrate deeper into the fabric. Sparkling water is a better idea. Whichever stain remover you use, remember to treat the spot from the back side. Dousing, dabbing or blotting from the top of the stain just works in to the fibers more. 

If you spill wine or another stain offender on something you really care about – take it to a dry cleaner. They have special solutions for the job and could save you the trouble and the potential of doing any more damage.

Go ahead and splurge on a fancy restaurant. Why the meal will taste better...

Expensive food usually tastes better – but it’s not necessarily the food. 

A recent study from Cornell University split eaters into two groups at an all-you-can-eat buffet. One group paid $4, the other paid $8. The people who paid double rated their meal as tastier, even though it was exactly the same. 

The same phenomenon was observed when food prices were cut. Suddenly it didn’t taste as good. That’s because we’re conditioned to assume higher prices mean better quality and that there may be something wrong with items that have been discounted.

Tempted to climb into that hot tub? Why you might want to skip it...

Steaming, bubbling hot tubs are inviting – especially to germs. 

They provide the ultimate breeding grounds — especially in spas, hotels, and gyms. That’s because the water in a hot tub isn’t hot enough to kill bacteria. Don’t be fooled by an overwhelming aroma of chlorine. Disinfectants break down faster in hot water and aren’t as effective at killing germs as you might think. 

RWIs, or recreational water illnesses, spread easily in hot tubs. The most common varieties typically result in rashes, respiratory problems or diarrhea. If you’re still tempted to climb in, be sure to avoid getting any hot tub water in your mouth eyes or ears and take a shower after you soak. Young children are especially at risk and should never be exposed to public hot tub water.

What should you wear to bed tonight?

If you’d like a better night’s sleep – lose pajamas. 

According to Dr. Charles J. Bae from the Cleveland Clinic Sleep Disorders Center, the best thing to sleep in is the nude. Dr. Bae says it’s easier to regulate body temperature during the night with sheets and blankets than having to struggle with pajamas. Some studies claim those sleeping in the nude tend to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer – but just one in ten of us admit to sleeping in the buff.

If you’re looking for a summer job - here's what some of them pay...

Looking to make some extra summer cash? 

Here are some options, by the hour:

• Bartender: The pay averages $9 an hour, plus tips – but the late-night and weekend hours can be rough.

• Landscaper: At $11.41 an hour, it’s a good option if you like driving machinery and rearranging stuff.

• Customer Service Rep: You’ll need patience and a good phone demeanor but it pays pretty well at $14.65 an hour.

• Golf Caddy: The average pay on the links starts at $35 a bag, plus tips.

• Lifeguard: Beginners can make around $12 an hour, or more at private beaches and clubs.

• Tour Guide: If you’ve got a point of interest nearby, it’s a good option. Beginners make around $10 to $15 but that pay can go up once you’re really in the know.

• Tutor: Students in summer school might need your help and their parents might be willing to pay anywhere from $10 to $80 an hour depending on your area of expertise.

• Fireworks Crew: If you like to blow stuff up, you might enjoy this seasonal gig. Pay varies from volunteer beginner positions to $2,300 for crew managers during the first half of July.

The votes are in and the best credit card to have is...

If you could only keep one credit card – which one would it be? 

If you’ve got an American Express card, hold onto it. The results of the J.D. Power U.S. Credit Card Satisfaction Study are in and American Express took the gold. For the seventh consecutive year, customers gave American Express the highest scores in six key factors: interaction; credit card terms; billing and payment; rewards; benefits and services; and problem resolution. In second place was Discover followed by the Chase Freedom card.

Have you sworn off whole milk? Why that could be a big mistake

Got whole milk?  

Most Americans have been convinced that whole milk and other dairy fats will make us fat - but it turns out just the opposite may be true. Nutrition scientist Mario Kratz says several studies have shown that people who eat more dairy fat actually tend to be leaner and gain less weight over time. There is more and more evidence showing high fat dairy foods are actually better for us than the low-fat variety – in moderation of course. 

Reduced or non-fat milk is fine for recipes which already have plenty of fat from other ingredients. But if you use milk in your coffee or cereal – whole milk is the way to go. The same goes for full-fat cheese and yogurt.

Do you scalp your lawn? How not to ruin it...

Do you cut your grass - or do you trim it? 

Just don't scalp it. Scalping the grass is when you cut it too short or let it grow too long before mowing it. Cutting off more than 1/3 of the height is super-stressful on grass and will damage your lawn.

It’s best to cut, or trim your lawn once or twice a week to prevent scalping. If you miss a week and your grass is long, it’s better to cut it twice. Adjust the blades up high for your first pass. Wait a day or two and then cut it again to the desired height. 

If you’re planning a vacation – pack your insurance.

Would your medical insurance cover you on vacation? 

A lot of plans don’t. If you’ll be traveling to a different country, it’s really important to check your policy to find out if you’re covered first. Even just travelling out of your network area could reduce coverage. If that vacation will be action-packed with activities like para-sailing, snorkeling or other risky behavior – consider buying travel health insurance.

It’s also a good idea to download or copy and pack your health records too. If something should go awry on the road, you’ll want any doctors tending to you to have instant access to your information. 

Are we really pouring poison on our pancakes?

Pancake syrup has been getting a lot of bad press lately. 

While real maple syrup is good for us, the sweet imitation could be just the opposite. The caramel coloring used in some syrup contains a cancer-causing carcinogen. So how much syrup do you need to pour on to be at risk? Consumer Reports tested the most popular brands, which do have more of the caramel color, and determined you would have to eat pancakes with syrup every day, for life. 

If you really love pancakes or waffles, consider using real maple syrup instead. You also want to watch your intake of certain colas, which contain the same coloring and could compound your caramel cancer risk.

Want to get happy? Find a sad song.

Music can tame the savage beast – and cheer up the sad sap. 

A recent study in the Psychology of Music found that sad people instantly felt better as soon as they heard a sad song they liked. Songs perceived as gloomy or tragic were the most effective. The reason it works is because sad songs allow us to wallow in the lyrics and melody, providing something immediate for us to react to. They let us anticipate the sadness, feel it, participate, then move on. Real life sadness is much less satisfying. 

Do you use those paper toilet seat covers in a public bathroom? Don’t bother.

Paper toilet seat covers may seem like a good idea – but they’re hardly worth the trouble. 

According to Charles “Dr. Germ” Gerba, they really don’t protect us from whatever is on that seat. Those thin paper covers are porous and basically just absorb any moisture on the seat and deliver it to our seat. The only covers that provide any protection are those rotating plastic toilet seat covers.

Still, Dr. Germ says don’t be afraid to sit down. Most of the germs on a public toilet seat pose no more risk than that on the handle you used to get in there. Washing your hands thoroughly is the key to protection.

Can’t stop yawning? Check the temperature.

If you’ve been yawning a lot lately, it could be due to the weather. 

Scientists have figured out that we yawn more when we are warm and the air is cool. 68 degrees is peak yawning temperature. They call it the thermal window for yawning, which occurs when our brains are heating up. The cooler temperature outside the body can trigger a yawn to deliver some fresh air to our warm brain and cool it down. 

So what does yawning have to do with being tired or bored? Sleepiness and lack of stimulation can cause your brain temperature to rise and a shot of cool air could be just what it needs.

Do you go grocery shopping on your way home from work? Why that could backfire...

It’s true – hungry shoppers make some bad choices. 

Cornell University’s Food and Brand Lab put the theory to the test and found that hungry shoppers bought more junk. If we’re hungry, our brains light up when we see photos of high-calorie food and the urge to toss them into your cart can be hard to resist. 

The worst time to go shopping is before a meal. People who stopped on their way home from work, before dinner, tended to wind up with a basket full of fluff. If that’s your routine, try eating a handful of nuts or a piece of fruit to take the edge off before you enter the store. Shoppers who did this had a much more productive trip.

If you’re busy spring cleaning – hold your breath. Products linked to memory loss...

Some of our favorite household cleaners have been linked to memory loss. 

A new study has found inhaling the fumes of products like certain laundry detergents, wall paints, patio furniture varnishes could result in cognitive damage – and that damage could even be permanent. 

The products we should be especially careful with include those with benzene, chlorine and petroleum. If you’ll be using any heavy duty cleaners, solvents, paint or degreasers, be sure your work area is well-ventilated and consider wearing a mask.

Hey guys – last year’s shorts just won’t do!

Men’s shorts have been anything but for the last decade or so. 

Long, baggy cargo-style shorts, or surfer-style down to the knee or below have been stealing the scene. But according to fashion experts, those shorts are rising again. Thanks to the European trend-setters, the inseams for men’s shorts are shrinking from about 15 inches to as few as 5. Swim trunks in particular will be covering less. About mid-thigh length is what you’ll be seeing on more retail racks. 

Do you carry paper money anymore? A cashless society...

How much cash is in your pocket? 

Experts say we’re gradually becoming a cashless society. According to a new report from Bankrate.com, one in ten Americans no longer carry cash on a regular basis. Of those that do have old-school paper money in their pocket, the majority of them have less than $50 at any given time. Women carry less cash than men.

Another study found that most of us have more real money in our sofa cushions and car cup holders than in our pockets. The average amount of change we have lying around comes to about $56, according to Coinstar. 

What’s your password? If you can remember it, that could be a problem.

If you can remember your password – it’s probably not secure enough. 

Most of us revert to patterns when creating new passwords. If you’ve used your anniversary, pet’s name or favorite hobby more than once, you’re passwords are considered predictable. 

Security experts say the best passwords are newly generated with each use. Now, most sites make it pretty easy to reset your password. Another good option is to use a password generator. The Norton password generator will give you an ultra-secure combination of unconventional characters. The odds of anyone finding it are lower than a website suffering a security breach.

identitysafe.norton.com/password-generator/

How do you pack your suitcase? What that says about your personality...

Do you roll, stuff or cram? 

How you pack your suitcase speaks volumes about your personality type:

• Rollers: If you roll everything, you’re probably the serious type with a good reputation.

• Overpackers: These types are full of “what ifs.” What if it rains? What if it’s hot? What if it’s cold?

• Strictly carry-on: You’re an organized, practical minimalist.

• Hacker Packer: These packers are full of tricks including socks rolled into the shoes and jewelry stashed in empty shampoo bottles. They’re great problem solvers.

• Last minute packers: These daredevils live life on the edge and will usually need to borrow something.

Beware of women drivers – if their pregnant.

Women are almost 42% more likely to be involved in a car accident – IF they’re pregnant. 

A recent study found that women in their second trimester were most at risk. Researchers speculate that this strange phenomenon is linked to a false sense of security. They've made it through the risk of the first trimester and their minds are now preoccupied with for the birth of their child. Insomnia, increased back pain and rushing around to get things done can also add to the distracted driving risk.

Do you check Facebook while you’re at work? How that affects your performance...

If your boss frowns on Facebook checks during business hours – he or she might want to reconsider. 

A recent study by the Academy of Management found that workers who were allowed to take a 10-minute Facebbook break were 16% more productive than those who didn’t bother. 

If you’re having an especially busy or stressful day, all the more reason to check Facebook. It can provide a physiological high and reduce stress levels – IF you like what you see. Another study found that passive Facebook users who don’t comment on or like other people’s posts tend to feel lonely and excluded. 

Being hypnotized isn’t what you think. How it really works...

If you think hypnosis involves going into a trance – think again. 

According to psychologist and professor of clinical psychology Dr. Marc Oster, the opposite is true. You are actually more in control under hypnosis than usual – and you won’t do anything you don’t want to do. Dr. Oster says hypnosis-enhanced therapy is a legitimate treatment for various medical problems—and unlike many treatments; it is noninvasive and totally safe.

Conditions that hypnosis has been found very effective for include irritable bowel syndrome, chronic pain, chronic fatigue and smoking cessation. Medical hypnosis can also improve cancer care and reduce surgical pain. Most insurance companies do not cover hypnosis, but they may cover therapy that includes hypnosis. Medicare does cover hypnotherapy for certain conditions. You can check the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis to find a legitimate hypnotist in your area.

Have you ever lost your cell phone? How that usually happens...

Keep a close eye on your cell phone next weekend. 

About 3.1 million of us lost our mobile friend last year they tend to escape on Fridays and Saturdays. Commuting hours between 8 and 9 am and 6 and 8 pm are also prime loss times. 

You’re most likely to lose your phone on public transportation or in a bar or restaurant. In stores, the dressing room and by the cash register are cell phone magnets and in bathrooms, the toilet paper dispenser is a popular resting spot. 

Have you ever left your phone on the roof of your car? So have a lot of other people. A few more of the most common loss scenarios are the dreaded back pocket drop into a toilet and the flying cell phone off a ride at the amusement park. And that leap into a pool, lake or ocean feels great until you remember your phone is in your pocket. 

What do men want women NOT to wear? Let's ask them...

If you’re dressing to please yourself – go ahead and wear mom jeans. 

But if you’d like a man to like you’re outfit, those have got to go. Also on the do-not wear list are:

• UGG boots

• Sweatpants or shorts with words printed on the butt

• T-shirts with words or pictures on them

• Business clothes

• Giant sunglasses

So what do the men surveyed say they like?

• Yoga pants

• Pencil skirts

• The little black dress

• Skinny jeans

• High heels or boots

How are your fly-swatting skills?

There’s a science to swatting flies like a pro. 

Thanks to Professor Michael Dickinson of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, your skills are about to improve. The professor has spent two decades studying flies, using slow-motion video to determine the best strategy of attack. Flies are amazing perceptive. Their field of vision is 360 and they can use different sets of legs to take off in the direction opposite the descending doom. 

Once your fly is poised for swatting, your best bet is to target about an inch and a half in front of or behind the fly. They tend to leap backward from a horizontal surface or forward on the vertical. If you prefer hand-to-hand combat without a swatter, you’ll need to come in slowly from both sides and then pull the trigger with a rapid clap just above where the fly is sitting.