Back to school means back to breakfast. The best and worst cereals for your kids...

What’s in your breakfast bowl? 

The Environmental Working Group wants to be sure you’re not feeding your kids junk before school. Here are their “Hall of Shame” cereals:

• Kellogg’s Honey Smacks

• Malt-O-Meal Golden Puffs

• Mom’s Best Cereals Honey-Ful Wheat

• Malt-O-Meal Berry Colossal Crunch with Marshmallows

• Post Golden Crisp

• Grace Instant Green Banana Porridge

• Blanchard & Blanchard Granola

• Lieber’s Cocoa Frosted Flakes

• Lieber’s Honey Ringee Os

• Food Lion Sugar Frosted Wheat Puffs

• Krasdale Fruity Circles

• Safeway Kitchens Silly Circles

The EWG would rather you pour these into your kids’ bowl:

• Kellogg’s Rice Crispies, Gluten-Free

• General Mills Cheerios

• Post 123 Sesame Street, C is for Cereal

• Kellogg’s Corn Flakes

• Kellogg’s Rice Crispies

• Kellogg’s Crispex Cereal

Are you ready for a bigger, better iPhone?

Rumor has it that the new iPhone will be launched on September 9th. 

It’s a big deal – 5.5 inches big, maybe. Experts say the iPhone 6 to be released first will be the 4.7 inch and that Apple is still working out some production kinks with the 5.5 inch model. Other leaks about the likely features on the iPhone 6: It will be thinner than the 5 with softer corners. The speakers and flash have been redesigned and the power button may be relocated to the side for easier one-handed use. It will also have an imbedded Apple logo like the iPad and a more scratch-resistant screen.

If you can’t wait to buy your new iPhone 6, it’s estimated to be available around September 18th at around $650.

Is your gas grill over the hill?

Now is a great time to buy a new gas grill – but do you need one? 

The experts at Consumer Reports have some tell-tale signs that your grill is over the hill:

A rusty or cracked firebox. A little rust can be removed with a stainless-steel brush. If the box has extensive rust or cracks, it’s time to get a new grill.

• Yellow or uneven flames heat. Those are clues that you need to clean the burner tubes or ports; try using a toothpick. If the flames are blue and even when you turn the heat back on, the burner is fixed. 

• Coated cast-iron grates that are flaking or cracked should be replaced because flakes of coating can stick to your food.

• Cracked hoses and connectors. Replacing a cracked gas hose is a safety must. Do the bubble test: Mix a bit of dishwashing liquid and water in a spray bottle, then spray over hoses and connections to the gas tank. Bubbling is a sign of a leak.

• Iffy igniter. One that’s integrated into the burner controls, such as those on gas ranges, is harder to replace than an igniter that’s separate from the controls.

If you’re grill is over the hill, or you’re just in the mood for an upgrade, now is a great time to buy, as hardware, big box and home improvement stores need to make room for snow blowers, shovels and holiday hardware.

Why is airplane food so bland?

If you don’t enjoy that in-flight meal, it’s not the food – it’s you. 

According to Grant Mickels, executive chef for Lufthansa, at 35,000 feet, the first thing that goes is your sense of taste. He says the cabin atmosphere makes your taste buds go numb, almost as if you had a cold. Once we reach cruising altitude, our perception of saltiness and sweetness drops by around 30%. That’s one reason we may crave something like salted nuts once we’re flying high.

Beware the Ice Bucket Challenge! How scammers are getting in on the fun...

It takes a real skunk to scam others in the name of charity – but something smells in some Ice Buckets. 

While the ALS fundraiser is for real, scammers are trying to get in on the dumps, by sending and posting “must-see” ice bucket video links which may contain malicious software.

The software protection company Thirtyseven4 recently issued an alert warning voyeurs not to click on the “Robin Williams Final Video” and say now that high-profile celebrities are getting in on the Ice Bucket Challenge, related links are easy bait for cybercriminals. 

If you’ve just got to see that funny or famous Ice Bucket Challenge, or if you’d like to donate to any high-profile cause, it’s best to go directly to the source, ie: alsa.org.

What does your last name say about your ancestors? A lot. We’ll meet the Smiths and MacDonalds...

What’s in a surname? Centuries of history for most of us. 

Ancestry.com explains where many of our more common Western European surnames may have come from. A person named Smith is likely the descendent of a blacksmith. The Appleby's ancestors probably lived near an orchard. A Hall’s forefather may have worked in the hall of a medieval nobleman’s house. 

Some other common names are easy to figure out. It’s safe to say there was a son of Robert in the Roberson family tree and the first Mr. MacDonald was likely the Scottish son of Donald. Different regions of the world have different stories and naming strategies. You can try to decipher yours by plugging your last name into an online name translator. If it’s unusual, try separating the syllables.

If one of your good friends is having a baby – you might be next.

It’s true, having babies can be contagious. 

Studies have found that close friends of a woman who has a baby are more likely to have one of their own within two years. Women who were friends in high school seem to have the biggest baby influence on each other. According to the researchers, a woman’s childbearing experience is a very strong one and can help to trigger maternal instincts among her peers. That influence increases after the birth, peaks at about two years, and then begins to decline. 

Experts say men may experience a similar phenomenon but is much harder to document. That’s because it’s difficult to determine that a specific man caused a particular pregnancy without a blood test.

Certain foods are proven to improve your mood. The real happy meal...

If you’re feeling sad – a happy meal or snack may be in order. 

Certain foods really can help to stave off sadness and make you feel better. Feed your moods with these foods:

• Salmon and walnuts are packed with omega-3s, which help fight off depression and mood swings. 

• Spinach is stocked with folic acid, a B vitamin that has been found to boost your mood. It's also an antioxidant that works to protect your brain cells from free radicals, which can lead to low energy and mood swings.

• Chicken has B12 and protein which can help you feel calm, happy and motivated. 

• Avocado tends to cheer people up. It increases serotonin levels and is great for the hair, nails and skin.

• Greek Yogurt can help improve your mood with its probiotics and even give your immune system a boost.

• Blueberries, strawberries and raspberries can brighten up your day with nutrients that help to fight depression.

• Dark chocolate is high in magnesium, a mineral that calms your muscles and reduces anxiety. 

Is your child safe on a school bus?

Is it safe to put your child on that big yellow bus without seatbelts? Yes. 

Statistically, your child is 20 times safer riding to school on that bus than in your car. And older students are 50 times more likely to arrive at school alive on a school bus than in a friend’s car or driving themselves. 

School buses are designed to protect the children on board like little eggs in a carton. The size and color of the buses make them more visible than anything you drive. Each high-back seat is like a padded compartment to protect the passengers from impact. Other lights and safety features in and on that school bus help to ensure your little eggs will get to school uncracked, as long as they follow the rules on board and at the bus stop.

How do YOU count one second? Our favorite filler words...

One locomotive, two locomotive, three locomotive, four. 

Most of have a go-to filler word when counting the seconds is in order. In the United States, the most common one-second words are Mississippi, one-hundred and one-thousand. You can’t play hide and seek without them.

The British have their own set of second words. There, the most popular fillers are Piccadilly and elephant. Some other animal are suitable for counting including the chimpanzee, hippopotamus, alligator and crocodile. 

If you’d like to improve your relationship, do this with your body...

How is your relationship body language? 

Some of the top body language experts have these tips to help you feel closer:

• Watch the lips. If your partner is pursing or puckering while you’re talking, they have something to say. Go ahead and ask what’s on their mind. 

• Use your feet. While your partner is talking, pointing your feet toward them conveys that you’re really listening and that you care.

• If you’re arguing, take a time out to touch your partner. A gentle, loving touch can really help to defuse a tense situation.

There are some bad body moves too. Lacing the fingers behind the neck or putting your feet up can convey the wrong message. Avoid sitting above or below the other person. Making a conscious effort to mirror your partner’s body language can make you both feel closer. 

There is a lot of bad news out there. How it could affect your weight...

If you watch or read bad news – it could lead to weight gain. 

A recent study found that people exposed to bad news tend to crave bad food. It’s a reflex that can be linked to evolution. When bad news or imminent danger is perceived, humans have an instinct to load up on calories and filling food while we can. 

When you feel the urge to binge, take a moment to think about what triggered the craving. Simply identifying the stressors can help you short-circuit that bad news hunger. 

You might not like to think about it – but you'll probably eat some bugs today.

Most of us don’t choose to eat bugs – but we do. 

Daniella Martin, author of “The Insect Cookbook,” says the average person eats about one pound of insects per year without even knowing it. When fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans and grains are harvested and processed, so are the bugs that are hanging around. For example, the U.S. allows for 60 insect pieces per 3.5 ounces of chocolate, 30 pieces per 3.5 ounces of peanut butter and five fruit flies per one cup of fruit juice. 

Don’t worry; many bugs are actually quite good for us. They’re packed with protein, fiber, essential fatty acids and nutrients such as zinc, iron, calcium and vitamin B-12. Some people even choose to chomp down on these creepy crawlers, hoppers and buzzers. Edible insects include beetles, ants, bees and wasps, caterpillars, grasshoppers, locusts, crickets, wax worms and mealworms.

If you opt for turkey instead of beef, beware of the turkey halo.

Turkey burgers and dogs and turkey bacon are healthier than the beef or pork variety – right? 

Not always. If you’re not careful, you could wind up with a product that’s even worse for you. Some turkey bacon contains just as much or more fat and sodium than lean pork bacon. You’ll need to check the labels before choose.

The same is true for turkey burgers. Many are lower in saturated fats but higher in sodium. Your best bet here is to go with organic turkey burgers or dogs and make sure you’re not grilling up a bunch of additives and fillers.

Americans are not as happy as they used to be. What’s bumming us out...

Were you happier ten years ago? Most Americans say yes. 

Studies have found that happiness levels are significantly down. According to the CDC, the rate of antidepressant use has surged 400% over the last decade. So what is the problem? Some of the modern reasons cited include:

• Electronics: Computers, gaming and other gadgets may help us escape – but sixth grade children who spent five days at a summer camp without technology had significantly improved emotional cognition.

• Jealousy: In the old days, we may have envied watching the neighbors drive up in a new car once in a while. Now, we see a constant stream of bragging Joneses, far beyond their driveway.

• Alone time: Americans eat most of their meals alone, with families finding it harder to square away time to eat together and a dramatic increase in single-person households.

There’s someone you need to hug tomorrow and you may or may not enjoy it.

How about giving your boss a great big hug tomorrow? 

Friday, Agust 22nd is national Hug Your Boss Day. It started back in 2008 and thanks to social media; Hug Your Boss Day has gotten a raise in popularity. Whether you plan a sneak attack hug, or a full department group hug, your boss is bound to feel the love. If you plan to participate in the boss hugging, you can check into the event on Facebook. If your boss is a good sport, you can share photos of the hugs and or show them some love with a #hugyourboss on Twitter.

One bad orange can spoil the whole bunch.

If you spot a little mold on one of your oranges – toss the whole bunch. 

Mold spreads fast in citrus fruit and you can’t always see it. Eating this mold could make you ill. With soft fruit, like peaches, plums and nectarines – you have a little more leeway. If it’s a small soft or moldy spot, just cut it away and enjoy the rest. If a large portion of the fruit is too soft, mold has invaded all the way through and you’re better off skipping it. With tomatoes, if you see brown spots on the outside or brown seeds inside, throw it away.

Do you top off your tank at the gas station? Why that’s a really bad idea...

When that gas pump shuts off – your tank is full. 

Resist the urge to top off your tank with an extra squirt or two. Topping off the tank not only wastes money, it could mess up your car. That extra fuel will most likely feed back into the station’s pump through the vapor-recovery system – but you’ll still pay for it. You also risk causing that additional gas to evaporate into your car's vapor-collection system, which can lead to poor engine performance or trigger the check engine light.

Some celebrities are losing their star power – in the fragrance department. Who you’re NOT wearing...

Would you wear a fragrance named Justin Bieber or Taylor Swift? 

Neither would a lot of other people. They both lent their names to Elizabeth Arden and the profits don’t smell so good. Celebrity fragrances overall have been slipping over the past several years and experts say it’s likely because the economy is rough for teens and tweens and they’re competing with other adolescent purchases like smartphones and apps. Some other celebrities you can stink like include:

• Elizabeth Taylor’s White Diamonds: Heavy, rich and seductive

• Bruce Willis: Hints of black pepper and citrus, enhanced with a hint of tobacco

• Derek Jeter’s Driven: Bitter orange and light cedar

• One Direction’s Our Moment: Pink grapefruit, creamy must and white patchouli

• Lady Gaga’s Fame: Crushed heart of tiger orchidea, tears of belladonna and pulverized apricot.

You’re probably drinking your wine the wrong way.

Red wine should be enjoyed at room temperature – but your room is probably too warm. 

According to Jeff Siegel, author of “The Wine Curmudgeon's Guide to Cheap Wine,” reds are best enjoyed at around 64 degrees, think: European stone house room temperature. Jeff says drinking reds too warm means the alcohol covers up the wine flavors. If you store your red at room temperature, put it in the fridge for 20 minutes before serving and it will be just right. 

The same 20 minute rule goes for whites – just the other way around. If the bottle is in the fridge, take it out for 20 minutes before serving. Their nuances peak at around 50 degrees. Jeff also warns us not to skimp on the glass. Glass shape and quality really do affect taste perception. If you enjoy wine, invest in some decent crystal stemware which can be found for about $10 to $12 a glass. 

Do your kids ignore you? There’s an app for that.

The next time you need an answer from your child – unleash the Ignore No More app. 

Created by Houston mom Sharon Standifird, Ignore No More locks the kid’s smartphone until they stop ignoring you. No games and no texting or calling friends until they contact the pre-set number, which will be yours. 

In the event of an emergency, Ignore No More will not interfere with calls to emergency contacts or 911. This app’s not free. It will cost you $1.99 per child or family member to get their attention.

Do you like your neighbors? If not, you may want to move.

How do you get along with your neighbors? 

Your answer can have a big impact on your health. Research from the University of Michigan looked at neighbors and health and found a surprising correlation. The four year study asked participants to score their relationships and fondness of the neighborhood from 1 to 7. Those who scored a 7 had a 67 percent reduced heart attack risk compared to people who gave a score of 1.

People who get along with their neighbors tend to be socially connected, active and enjoy a better overall quality of life. Hug your neighbor today.

Tom Hanks takes the iPad back in time...

Tom Hanks’ new app for iPad was just launched and it’s already one of the most popular apps out there. 

It’s called HanxWriter. Download it and transform your iPad into an old-school typewriter, complete with typing sounds and the satisfying end-of-the-line ding.

So what inspired Hanks to develop HanxWriter? Because everything you write on a typewriter just sounds great, he says, bang bang clack-clack-clack puckapuckapuckapucka, ding.

The app is free but you can add some bling to the ding by purchasing different color HanksWriter ribbon and background colors. Once you’ve typed your document you can print, send and share.

What does one ALS family think of the Ice Bucket Challenge?

A lot of people say their getting tired of seeing the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge on social media. 

So what how does someone living with ALS feel about it? Bo Stern, whose husband is suffering with ALS says go ahead and do it, raise the roof, raise a ruckus. She says they are in for the fight of their lives with this monster, and the very LAST thing she wants is for people to give quietly, anonymously, and then slink away. For those who cringe at the sight of another ice bucket dump, here are some challenges you could take to really feel ALS:

• Pick up a 10-pound weight. Now imagine it’s your fork and move it from your plate to your mouth repeatedly without shaking.

• Strap 25 pounds to your forearm. Now, adjust your rearview mirror.

• Using none of your own muscles, have your spouse or child or friend get you dressed and brush your teeth. Write down some of the feelings you have being cared for in this way.

Bo reminds us, fear not, the Ice Bucket Challenge shall soon pass and your Facebook newsfeed will go back to cat videos and kids singing Let It Go. Until that happens, remember that this level of awareness is like gold to families like hers.

If you get an email from EZ Pass – don’t open it.

EZ Pass may be trying to contact you. 

The problem is, it might not be EZ Pass. The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers not to open email or click on any links that appear to be from EZ Pass. A scam sweeping the nation’s inboxes looks official and asks customers to click on a link to download your invoice. Clicking that link could prompt a download of vicious software onto your computer.

If you do receive an email from EZ Pass, contact EZ Pass customer service through a web search rather than from the email in question. 

If you just got back from vacation, you may be at risk of PVD...

Post-vacation depression is real and you may be at risk. 

After weeks or months of planning that week or two of fun – it’s over – and that’s when PVD can set in. Symptoms include:

• Boredom

• Anxiety

• Guilt, usually from money spent

• Dissatisfaction with work, home life or relationship

While post-vacation blues may seem par for the course, some people really struggle with it. Instead of letting a vacation hangover get the best of you, it’s best to face it head on, sooner rather than later. First, you’ll need to get the laundry and grocery shopping out of the way. Organize your vacation photos and start detoxing from vacation food and drink. Balance your budget and catch up on bills. If there’s anything left over, plan something inexpensive and fun to do in the next few weeks so you’ll have something to look forward to closer to home. 

Do you really need that spare tire? Why most car makers are doing away with them...

Could you change the tire on your car by yourself? 

Most people can’t. That’s one reason nearly all car new car makers are doing away with the spare. According to Consumer Reports, changing a tire is a skill that has largely gone away. Most of us would rather call roadside assistance than attempt the dreaded change. 

The other reason auto makers are ditching the spare is for fuel efficiency. Lugging around a 40 to 50 pound spare and a jack that you’ll never use is a waste of space and gas. Some models will come equipped with a much lighter inflator and sealant kit.

If you plan to “reach out” or “buy in” at work today – don’t say it out loud. The most annoying business jargon...

If you’re tempted to drink the Kool-Aid or open the kimono at work – just don’t. 

Forbes Magazine has the list of most annoying business jargon:

• Core Competency: As opposed to surface competency?

• Buy-In: Expecting support from people who had no say in the matter.

• Empower: Think about it. It’s condescending.

• Drinking the Kool-Aid: Referencing the Jonestown Massacre isn’t cute.

• Open the Kimono: Used instead of “revealing information,” it’s creepy.

• Best Practice: It sounds pompous. And why would you be practicing anything but?

• Think Outside the Box: It’s old and not outside the box at all. Just think.

• It Is What It Is. Thanks. Idiot.

• Take Offline: It’s absurd, unless of course you’re online.

• Reach Out: Unless it’s to grab or punch someone – just contact them.

• 110%. It’s just wrong.

Are your kids still on summer time? How to get them ready for school time...

If your kids are still sleeping in and staying up late, now is the time to get them off summer time and back to school time. 

Kids don’t sleep as much as they used to and sleep debt can lead to weight gain and attention issues. Pediatrician Wendy Sue Watson suggests adjusting their bedtime now, according to their age:

• Preschoolers: 10-12 hours of total sleep – bedtime: 8 pm

• School-age children: 10-11 hours total sleep – bedtime: 8 pm

• 12 year-old to teens: 8.5-9.2 hours total sleep – bedtime: 10pm

Dr. Watson also says parents need to get strict with devices. No screens 1-2 hours prior to bed and no sleeping with cell phones.

Senior citizens are getting younger. Why 50 is the new 65...

How old is a senior citizen? 

That depends on who you ask. According to U.S. News & World Report, there is no defined age when an American becomes a senior citizen. Many people consider it to be age 64. You can start taking Social Security at age 62 and at age 65, most Americans are eligible for Medicare. 

However, you can start getting some senior perks years before that. Some chains offer senior discounts at age 55, including Dress Barn, Hallmark, IHOP and Dunkin Donuts. Amtrak and Greyhound give you a break at age 62. Join AARP, and start enjoying the old-age savings at the tender age of 50.

Do you use a smart watch or activity tracker? Why you may want to reconsider...

Smart watches and activity trackers are pretty cool. 

But they could also be putting your privacy at risk. These wearable devices collect valuable data, including your gender, age, height, weight and whereabouts. That’s a potential gold mine for interested parties such as employers, insurance companies and advertisers. 

While the popular FitBit says it has a policy not to sell personal data, consumers still need to be aware of what they’re storing out there in the event their data is intercepted or hacked.

Back-to-school shopping will cost more this year.

If you’re the average parent, you’ll need $669.28 for back-to-school shopping. 

The National Retail Federation numbers are in and that’s a 5% spike from last year. That grand total includes classroom supplies, electronics and clothes. More schools are asking parents to chip in with classroom supplies like hand wipes and tissues, which puts that the average school-supplies shopping list at 18 items, up from 14 last year.

Back-to-school shopping experts have run some numbers too and say it’s best to avoid office supply stores, drug stores and supermarkets. The best deals on back-to-school supplies are at Wal-Mart, Target and Dollar Days.

If you’re ordering pizza – your delivery guy has some requests...

The next time you order pizza delivery, have a heart - and some clothes on. 

Reader’s Digest has a list of requests from your local pizza place and delivery guy:

• It's a pizza, not a lifetime commitment. My other line is ringing, so choose the toppings before you call.

• Patience, please! It takes about 20 minutes to go from raw dough to fully baked pizza. And then I have to drive to your house.

• Why won't we deliver to some neighborhoods? In some neighborhoods, a kid getting out of a car with a pizza in his hands is like screaming, “Rob me! I have cash!” 

• Have your money ready. When you see me drenched and shivering in the rain, it’s not nice to close the door in my face while you search for some quarters in the sofa cushions.

• Use your manners. When you open the door, please hang up your cell phone or put it down. It’s basic etiquette.

• Before you open the door, I’d prefer that you have a shirt on - and definitely some pants.

Good old blue jeans will never go out of style – or will they? Why people are dropping their denims...

Blue jeans have been the go to leisure-wear for generations now. 

However, the denims are dropping, according to recent consumer data. U.S. jean sales are falling about 6 percent per year – and that’s huge. It seems that leggings, yoga pants and athletic wear are causing denim to fade away as people opt for one-size-fits-all, less expensive alternatives.

Levi Strauss is not too concerned, yet. They say after 161 years, they’ve seen the trends come and go. They’re also seeing a slight uptick in the demand for denim jackets and overalls.

There’s a sleeping trend on the rise. The lucid dreaming craze...

Lucid dreaming, mastering the ability to control your dreams, is going viral, thanks to technology and a new generation in on the craze. 

Psychologist Richard Wiseman, creator of the Dream:ON lucid dreaming app, says his mass participation project is enjoying huge success. The app is a tool designed to assist you in mastering lucid dreaming. Once you do, the app lets you share your dreams Twitter and Facebook. You can even tag the friends who appeared in your lucid dream.

Lucid dreaming has been around for a long time. Tibetan Buddhists in the 8th century practiced “dream yoga,” a form of lucid dreamers. Some famous lucid dream enthusiasts from the past and present include Stephen King, Salvador Dali and Paul McCartney.

Are you a fat-a-phobic? Why you need to get over it...

If you’re afraid of fat, get over it. It’s not as bad as we’ve been told. 

According to a recent high profile study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, saturated fat does not increase the risk for heart disease, as we’ve been told for years. Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, a cardiologist who studies the effects of diet on heart health, says we really need to look at the big picture. In an interview with Bottom Line Health, he says saturated fat by itself does not make a food healthy or unhealthy. Low-fat foods are frequently advertised as being healthier than their full-fat counterparts. But if these low-fat foods are loaded with sugar, they might be worse for your heart than a buttery croissant.

What’s in your child’s backpack? How it could put your identity at risk...

Your child could be a walking identity theft risk. 

It’s a good idea to consider what they are carrying in your backpack before you send them off to school. The contents could be one-stop-shopping should that backpack fall into the wrong hands. Here’s what evil-doers are hoping they’ll find in there:

• Electronic devices: Smartphones, tablets and gaming devices can be a roadmap to your home and your child’s identity. Be sure there are no passwords stored in the notes section and that access to accounts like Amazon, Netflix and iTunes are logged out of and that all devices are password protected.

• Keys & Name Tags: It’s a robbery waiting to happen if that backpack is snatched. It’s best to keep house keys in your pocket. Your home address should not be on anything in the backpack. Label it with your child’s name and the name and address of the school for return if lost.

Four out of five dentists – disagree!

When it comes to brushing teeth – it seems four out of five dentists disagree. 

University College in London set out to determine the most effective brushing technique and surveyed dentists from all over the world. The dentists were split. 19% of them recommend the modified Bass Technique which involves brushing the teeth in small circles, starting with the back teeth. 11% prefer the traditional Bass Technique. This approach focuses on the gum area with a more vibrating motion. 

They were also at odd over how young children should brush. Some suggest horizontal is fine while others feel one of the more difficult Bass methods should be taught from the get-go.

The majority of dentists agreed on brushing time. Two to three minutes is ideal – twice a day. After crunching the dental data, the study determined that we should be holding our toothbrush at a 40% angle. It is also recommended that we use a pencil grip, as opposed to a fist, to avoid brushing too hard.

Go ahead – shake someone’s left hand tomorrow...

Wednesday is National Left-Handers Day. 

Wednesday, August 13th, marks the annual event where left-handers are awarded the right of way. The Left-Handers Club started the day in 1992 to raise awareness of the advantages and disadvantages of being left-handed. Righties can celebrate too. Here are some suggested activities to try, left handed:

• Brush your teeth

• Iron your clothes

• Write your name

• Use a scissors

• Switch your computer mouse

• Play an instrument

Members of the Left-Handers Club have events set up worldwide, including Right vs. Left sporting matches, left-handed tea parties and Lefty Pub Night which requires drinking, playing darts and pool – all with your left hand.

If you’re moving someone into college – here is a preview of how the day should go...

If you’re packing the car for college, don’t’ forget to pack some patience – and some tissues. 

College Parents of America has the following advice for first-time, soon-to-be empty nesters:

• Be prepared for a chaos. No matter how conscientiously the college prepares for an organized move in day, it will probably be confusing. Be prepared. Be flexible. Be patient.

• Don’t forget. Your student will need to do multiple things in addition to physically moving stuff into the room. He may need to check in, pick up keys, have ID pictures taken, fill out paperwork, turn in forms, buy textbooks, set up the computer.

• Let your student take the lead in dealing with questions. Try to take a back seat and let your child do the talking. If a question arises, let them find a Residence Assistant to get the answer. Give them this opportunity to take charge of their new life.

• If it involves a line – do that first. Lines get longer as the day progresses. The unpacking can wait, once you’ve claimed the best side of the room.

• Meet the roommate’s family. You may want to exchange contact information. It’s reassuring to know that you can contact someone else if you ever have trouble reaching your child.

 

• Don’t set up the room for them. Let students make their own decisions – preferably with their roommate. This will be their space so let them work it out. 

• Don’t linger. Some colleges have a farewell ceremony of sorts to help define the moment of leaving. Take the hint and leave afterward. If you want a celebratory last family dinner together, do that the night before. 

• Time to go - be prepared for some awkwardness. This is an important moment and neither you nor your student knows what to expect. Skip the lecture and go with the flow. 

Move-in day is a big step on your college student’s road to independence. You may experience similar emotions to that first day of kindergarten. You’ve done your job, again. Now you can focus on being proud. Don’t worry; they’ll be back – with plenty of laundry.

Is the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge for real?

If you’re on Facebook, you’ve probably seen more than one friend dumping a bucket of ice on their heads. 

So is the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge for real? Yes it is – and it’s making a difference. Here’s how it works. If you’re nominated, you have two choices: Dump a bucket of ice or ice water over your head or donate $100 to the ALS Foundation. Should you opt for the challenge, you’ll need to nominate three friends, videotape and share the whole ordeal.

So what’s the point if folks opt for the ice over the donation, or ignore the challenge all together? According to Carol Hamilton, development director of the ALS Therapy Development Institute, they are seeing 10 times the number of online donations every day since the challenge went viral. Many of the donations are small but they add up. It’s basically the social media equivalent of the mayor agreeing to subject himself to the old-school dunk tank to raise money at the town fair – and you’re the mayor. 

We have a man named Patrick Quinn to thank for the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. Patrick 30 years old from Yonkers, NY and was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease last year.

Do you hate gender stereotypes? If so, watch what you say – or type.

Do you speak man or woman? 

The words and sentiments we use often lean one way or the other. Facebook provides a convenient source for gender word trends and there’s no denying the vocabulary gap between the sexes. For instance, exciting, shopping and love top the list of most common words in female posts. For the males, it’s wishes, the f word and xbox. Rounding out the top 10 frequently female words are:

• You

• Sooooo

• Yay

• Mommy 

• Cute

• Baby

• Boyfriend

More typically male words are:

• He

• Himself

• Wife

• League

• Black Ops

• The S Word

• Government / Football (tie)