Earthquake!

Major earthquakes are rare across most the U.S. – but that could increase the danger...

U.S. states that are NOT prone to major earthquakes could suffer the most damage. That’s because buildings in regions that are less likely to shake often aren’t built to sustain it – and people who live there don’t know earthquake protocol. Here are the basics if your ground starts shaking:

• Indoors – take cover under a sturdy table or desk if you can. The only time you want to be in a doorway is in an older brick or adobe building. Doorways won’t offer any added protection in most other types of buildings.

• Outdoors is easier – you want to be in as open an area as possible – and stay clear of power lines. If you’re in your car – pull over away from light poles and large road signs and engage the parking brake.

Source: Gavin Hayes, National Earthquake Information Center

Mugging Manners

If you get mugged – should you politely hand over your valuables? Maybe...

Hopefully you’ll never need to use this advice – but criminal analyst Dale Yeager says if you get mugged – consider politely handing over your valuables – and avoid making eye contact. He explains that the theory of throwing your stuff at a mugger is a bad one because many street criminals value respect over everything else. As crazy as it sounds - throwing stuff at them could be interpreted as disrespectful and could trigger more violence.

Just don’t be TOO polite. If the mugger doesn’t take off right away after he’s got the goods – don’t follow additional instructions like “get down on your knees” or “walk into that alley.” This is the time to run for it. Muggers who want more than your valuables often intend to commit murder or sexual assault.

Sucking it In

If you suck in that stomach – cut it out!

Most of us have sucked in that stomach once in a while – and some people do it all the time. According to Dr. Steven Weiniger, author of “Stand Taller – Live Longer,” it can be really bad for us. He explains when we suck in our stomachs it prevents us from breathing properly. That shallow breathing can actually lead to anxiety, poor balance and crummy posture. So stand up straight – and relax those stomach muscles – and consider doing some sit-ups instead.

Pull the Plug

If your phone or computer is like your best friend – you may need to digitally detox...

It’s pretty easy to get a quick fix – electronically. Now experts say a lot of our favorite gadgets have the same addictive quality and pitfalls as drugs or alcohol – and we may need to detox. Moms, dads, kids, even grandparents are getting hooked. When that device, reader, game or social site is getting more attention than the people in your life – it’s probably time to pull the plug.

Technical cold turkey can be tough – but if you’re trying to cut back the first step is setting boundaries and redefining some habits. Start with designated times at home for checking and surfing. It also helps to have a designated space for being plugged in – and leave the gadgets there and out of other rooms.

Playing With Food

Save those orange peels – for the fire!

Go ahead – play with your food. Real Simple Magazine has a list of some creative things you can do with it:

Save those citrus peels. If you let them dry out for a few days – they can be great fire starters when added to kindling.

If you don’t have any extra-long matches to light that fire or hard to reach candle – try lighting an uncooked piece of spaghetti.

If you burn yourself while lighting the fire – grab some fresh ginger and apply it directly to the sore spots.

Booking a Room

If you want the best deal on a hotel room – don’t ask for the cheapest rate...

The hotel world has a lingo all its own. If you’d like the best deal – you’ll have to speak their language. Consumer Reports has some catch phrases to use:

• Asking for a non-refundable rate could save you even more than asking for the cheapest rate.

• Ask for a lock in-rate if you’re planning in advance. The trick here is to get the REFUNDABLE lock-in rate. Once the date is near and you know you’re good to go – call back and ask for the lowest NON-refundable rate.

Also – skip the toll-free booking numbers. Call the hotel directly and speak with a clerk. Ask them about any specials or package deals they’ve got.

Chinese Food

If you want REAL Chinese food – order in Chinese...

Most Chinese food here isn’t much like the food in China at all. According to Chef Ming, a lot of Chinese food here is adapted for the American public – which means it’s sweeter and thicker than authentic Chinese food. Don’t be afraid to ask about their most authentic dishes.

Most Chinese restaurants have the good stuff back there somewhere. Ming says the best way to get the real thing here is to get a Chinese friend. Find a restaurant that specializes in Szechuan or Hunan - and if one of you can order in Chinese – you’ll get more authentic food right off the bat.

Source: Chef Ming Tsai, Blue Ginger Restaurant

Off the Bed!

If you sleep with your pet – you might want to rethink that...

Even if it’s a three-dog night – you might want to keep yours on the floor. A new CDC report says sleeping with your pet – or even letting them lick your face – can put you at risk of getting worms or viruses! The risk is higher with young animals like puppies and kittens.

Experts say be especially careful with pets sharing a bed with young children or anyone with a weakened immune system.

Sourse: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

What's Your Name Again?

About 90% of healthy adults admit they have trouble remembering names...

There are different tricks and techniques that help – but remembering THOSE can be half the battle. Dr. Elizabeth Edgerly, who runs memory clinics says, most people are visual learners – which explains why we remember faces better. When you meet someone new – take a good look at their face. Next, try to link their name to a facial feature. For example, check to see if John has a good jawline – or Lauren has great lips. Finally, make an effort to use that person’s name in a sentence as soon as you can – “Frank, where do you live?”

You Animal!

The day of the week you were born can say a lot about your personality...

If you’d like some personal insight – the ancient monks of Burma have got some for you. Their astrology system was developed around the days of the week instead of the cycles of the moon. Each day has an equivalent animal:

• Monday is a tiger. Intelligent with an eye for detail – you’re a perfectionist.

• Tuesday is a lion. You’re a noble leader with strength, honesty and loyalty.

• Wednesday is the elephant - the independent, passionate type.

• Thursday is a rat – which is a compliment in Burmese. You’re the most clever and witty of the bunch.

• Friday is a Guinea pig. Kind, loving and sympathetic, you’re everyone’s friend.

• Saturday is a dragon. This is a confident quick-minded leader – with a sense of humor.

• Sunday is a Garuda – king of the birds. You’re an inspirational optimist – and super generous.

To find out what day of the week you were born – click HERE for a perpetual calendar.

Pickled Peppers

It turns out Peter Piper probably had pretty good blood pressure...

Pickled peppers can lower your blood pressure! The hot ones have an ingredient which relaxes blood vessel walls. So how many pickled peppers should you pop for pressure? Three slices of one a day should do the trick.

If you’re wondering how many pickled peppers are in a peck – that depends on the size of the pepper. If they’re jalapenos – about 493. Mini sweet peppers – about 139. A peck is 8 dry quarts.

Problem Solving

You can solve any problem in 3 steps...

The next time you’ve got a problem – big or small – there are three steps that can help you solve it. Ken Watanabe, author of “Problem Solving 101,” has developed a technique:

Step 1: Identify the problem AND the root of it. Let’s say you’ve got money problems – is the cause that you’re not earning enough? Or are you spending too much?

Step 2: List as many possible solutions as you can – no matter how probable they are. It helps you get more creative with problem solving.

Step 3: Prioritize the actions you’re going to take – and make a plan. Be prepared to modify it as you go.

Watanabe says a visual graph can really help too. Consider creating a logic tree - writing down the problem – then indicating roots and potential solutions.

Friendly Advice

Are you a good friend?

Chances are you’ve got at least one REALLY good friend. But how good of a friend are you? Jeffrey Zaslow, author of “The Girls from Ames,” says good friends:

• Work at staying connected

• Root for each other

• Don’t gloat

• Show up at important events

• Are flexible and understanding

• Protect confidences

We usually have more in common with our newer friends than childhood friends – but it’s important to keep those old friends in the loop. They see beyond our adult roles and have a unique perspective of us.

Eating Healthy?

Eating healthy actually backfires for a lot of people...

If you’re trying to eat healthy – and getting nowhere – you’re not alone. Opting for healthier choices actually backfires for a lot of people. Cornell researcher Brian Wansink says we typically estimate calories in “healthy” food at about half of what they really are – especially at restaurants. On top of that – we think we can get away with eating bigger portions when it’s “healthy.” And for desert – we reward ourselves for being so good – with something really bad.

Wart Away

Got a wart? Get some duct tape!

You really can kill a wart with duct tape. A study out of Washington’s Madigan Army Medical Center, explains that keeping a wart under wraps with duct tape actually works 9 out of 10 times. The tape causes local irritation and that stimulates the immune system to destroy the wart virus. Leave the tape on the wart for 6 days – uncover – soak for 5 minutes in hot water – then buff with an emery board. Repeat the whole duct tape regiment and the wart should be gone within 6 weeks.