You’re sharing the road with more motorcycles now. Some tips for you - and them...

Motorcyclists are coming out of hibernation now – and we all need to make a few adjustments...  

Consumer Reports’ Jeff Bartlett has a few reminders for all of us:

Tips for drivers:

• Check all mirrors and windows before changing lanes and be sure to signal. A motorcycle can easily be missed by a casual check - an can't predict your every move.

• Back off. Bikes can brake more rapidly than a car and can face more of a challenge braking or avoiding a road hazard.

• Hang up and drive. 

Tips for riders:

• Wear brightly colored, reflective clothing and always have your lights on.

• Your gear and helmet and eye cover are your only protection – wear them.

• Don’t dress for summer. T-shirts and any footwear besides boots without laces are not appropriate for riding.

There is one method that guarantees your email will be read. Put this in the subject line...

Have you ever received an email with EOM in the subject line? 

If so, the body email was probably empty. EOM stands for “end of message” and can be a really effective way to be sure your email will be read. If it’s possible to convey what you’re saying in a few words, by all means, put it in the subject line and stick the EOM at the end. No need to repeat yourself just to fill up blank space in the body. 

Some managers prefer these abbreviated communications between staff when deciding on dates or ideas within a group. Subject line emails are super-streamline, can be copied or pasted easily and don’t even require the recipient to open it up. 

Not everyone knows what EOM means, so you’ll have to give some of your contacts a heads' up the first time you use it. Otherwise you’ll waste the time you were trying to save explaining it to them. Some people will also use NRN at the end of these shout-style emails. That stands for “no reply necessary.”

Some generic versions of everyday items actually work better. Here are two examples...

If you’re buying sunscreen any time soon – buy generic! 

No-name sunscreen costs a LOT less and, in some cases, works even better. Dermatologist Kimberly Salkey says the difference in the cost usually has more to do with the other stuff in there than the actual protection. Costly dyes, fragrances, packaging and advertising does nothing to protect your skin.  

The same can be true with vitamins. You’ll notice that the name brands often come in more elaborate packaging, cuter shapes or more vibrant colors. As long as the generic brand has the same IU, or International Unit, they will be just as effective for a lot less money.

You should really consider eating some grapefruit today...

If you eat grapefruit on a regular basis – you’re less likely to have a stroke...  

That’s what new research on citrus and stroke is suggesting. The protection is in the particular type of flavonoid that citrus has – and grapefruit has the most at 47 milligrams in just one half. A whole orange has about 42 and a tangerine about 18 milligrams of flavanones.

Dr. Kathryn M. Rexrode, author of the new study, says the best way to get that citrus stroke protection is by sticking to whole fruit instead of juices, smoothies or supplements. Most of the flavanones are in the inner membranes and pith or white part of the fruit. 

Did you read the terms of service before downloading that app? What you just agreed to...

If you downloaded an app on your phone without reading the terms and conditions, you’re not alone – most people don’t...

They all start to look the same after a while but you might be surprised at what you’re agreeing to. A new report reveals that a lot of new user agreements actually give the developers permission to read your text messages and emails – and access your contacts and photos. Some can even track where you are and what you’re browsing.

A few popular apps that have access to your text messages are Flickr, Facebook, Badoo and Yahoo! Messenger. Apps that can access your camera include Flicker, YouTube and My Fitness Pal.

Does your handwriting coincide with your career choice?

Doctors are infamous for their illegible handwriting. So what about nurses? 

If their handwriting is large and rounded – it’s an occupational fit! Here are some characteristics of some common styles:

• Large and rounded writing usually reflects someone who is generous, friendly and helpful and a natural problem solver. These writers would make good teachers, nurses or social workers.

• Small and angular print suggests you’re detail-oriented and enjoy complex problems. Albert Einstein wrote like this. Good career choices would be pharmacist, dental hygienist and CPA.

• If your writing leans left – you’re not afraid to buck the status quo. You’d also make a good veterinarian, author or market researcher.

• If you write toward the right, you’re a trendsetter who likes to move forward. Your ideal job might be as a party planner, fashion designer, marketing pro or photographer.

• Handwriting that’s full of flourishes reveals you’re creative and full of ideas. Steve Jobs’ handwriting falls into this category. You might enjoy a career as a chef, hair stylist or graphic designer.

• Those with printed or streamlined penmanship are productive, efficient and usually successful. Good career choices would be entrepreneur, lawyer or paralegal and fitness trainer.

Should we be worried about the toxic fungi growing in our dishwashers?

Have you scrubbed the inside of your dishwasher to kill the toxic fungi growing in there? 

If not, relax. Although some microbiologists did recently determine that potentially dangerous black yeast could be thriving in the rubber seals of our dishwashers – some experts say we shouldn’t panic, unless we have a compromised immune system.

According to Dr. Henry F. Chambers, chief of infectious diseases at San Francisco General Hospital, those types of microorganisms are everywhere. Most of us probably have ten times more of them in or on our bodies right now. Dr. Philip Tierno, an NYU microbiologist, says there are more fungi in an ounce or two of cheese than we’re likely to get from our dishwasher.

Coffee and tea can stain your teeth. How to prevent that...

If you drink a lot of coffee or tea – make sure you add some real milk to it...

According to Dr. Jeff Golub, a cosmetic dentist in New York City, adding milk with at least 2% fat will reduce some of the staining coffee and tea can cause to your teeth. How? The molecules in the milk fat wrap themselves around the dark compounds in coffee and tea and help prevent them from taking hold on your teeth.

Are you suffering from Computer Neck?

Staring at a computer all day is hard on your eyes – and your neck! 

A recent study published in Occupation and Environmental Medicine found that two-thirds of students and adults who spend time on the computer are suffering from “computer neck.” The symptoms include pain and tightness in the neck and shoulders and fatigue. Paul Linden, author of "Comfort at Your Computer," says the neck is extra vulnerable. Not only is it full of bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, muscles and nerves, it also has to hold your head up all day, which weighs about 10 pounds.

To alleviate computer neck, the first step is to adjust your monitor. Ideally it should be slightly below eye level. When your chin is tilted slightly down instead of up, you’ll reduce a lot of strain on your neck. It’s also important that your computer is directly in front of you and not off to one side. Frequently turning or holding your neck even slightly to one side can result in muscle imbalances and spasms in your neck, shoulders and back.

Hold the mayo, add some mustard...

Go ahead, squirt a little mustard on that... 

As far as condiments go, mustard is a great choice. Adding some more mustard to your diet can help you avoid bone loss. The turmeric in there blocks some of the harmful elements that break down bone as you age. Turmeric can also help prevent arthritis by keeping joint inflammation at bay. 

The stronger you like your mustard – the better. Mustard seeds are high in antioxidants and have other nutrients including selenium, magnesium and calcium. It’s also got antiseptic and anti-fungal properties. Mustard has been coming in handy throughout history. It’s been used to ward off evil spirits, in hair tonics, as an aphrodisiac – and, of course, as a hot dog enhancer.

Trying to lose weight? Put these in your kitchen...

If you’re trying to eat less or lose weight – put some photos on your fridge... 

A recent study found that people who had to reach past smiling faces of their friends or families to get to the food ate less. That means you’ll need to strategically arrange those photos at eye level on your refrigerator door or snack cabinet. 

In order for the photo trick to work, you’ll need to rearrange those pictures on a regular basis. We’ll either stop noticing, or start associating those faces with food if we leave them in one spot for too long.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration want Americans to become a “weather-ready nation"...

It’s time to get packing... 

May is peak tornado season and hurricane season is just around the corner. In order to be prepared for rough weather, NOAA says we should all have and emergency preparedness kit packed up and ready to go. Ready.gov has plenty of information about what should be in your kit. Here are the basics:

• One gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation

• Non-perishable food and a manual can opener

• A battery-powered or hand crank radio and extra batteries

• Flashlight and extra batteries

• First aid kit

• Whistle to signal for help

• Filter mask or cotton t-shirt, to help filter the air

• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

• Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place

• Important family documents in a waterproof container

• Items for unique family needs, such as daily prescription medications, infant formula or diapers

It’s also a good idea to have a family picture in there, including the pets. You and your family need to make a plan that includes where everyone will gather or meet if you get separated. It only takes a few minutes to discuss and can save precious time in a crisis situation.

As long as your planting flowers – plant some you can eat!

After you plant your pansies – don’t forget to pick some and throw them in your salad... 

They’re pretty, with a grassy, wintergreen flavor and look great on deserts or in tropical drinks too. Here are a few more flowers worth eating:

• Violets have a perfumed flavor perfect for cocktails, seltzers, or frozen into ice cubes.

• Cornflowers are easy to grow and taste great tossed into pasta. They have an earthy, clove-like flavor.

• Daylilies are bright and sunny and big enough to use as a salad cup – just remove the bitter stamens first. You can munch on the closed buds too.

• Lilacs are in bloom – and add an intense floral flavor to jams and jellies or deserts.

• Rose hips make for delicious tea or jam – but you can also enjoy the petals. Sprinkle them on salads or garnish a special dish or desert with the whole bloom.

Need a career? Here's a list of some good prospects...

If you’re looking for a job, now you’re competing with recent college graduates...  

With or without a degree, there are some good career options out there that require little or no training. Laurence Shatkin, author of “300 Best Jobs Without a Four-Year Degree,” says these industries are hiring:

• Emergency medical technicians (EMTs): Wage range: $24,070 to $39,590.

It varies by state but EMTs typically must complete courses to earn a certificate and then pass a state exam. 

• Pharmacy technicians: Wage range: $23,370 to $34,560.

Training programs are offered by community colleges and technical schools and run from six months to two years.

• Private detectives and investigators: Wage range: $32,630 to $58,130.

There are no formal training requirements; a license is needed in most states. Computer skills are helpful—private detectives often do much of their legwork online.

• Pest-control workers: Wage range: $24,960 to $37,850.

Most training is on the job.

• Septic tank servicers: Wage range: $26,670 to $42,630.

All necessary training typically is provided on the job.

You can make your cheap heels look high-end for just a few bucks...

If you love the look of designer shoes – but don’t want to spend a fortune, grab a paintbrush... 

The new do-it-yourself fashion trend is stepping out – and saving fashionistas some big bucks. By painting the soles of their high heels with a bold color – they’re achieving a look made popular by French designer Christian Louboutin’s (loo-bit-ton) red soled heels, sort of. Any color will do. Some brides are even having their bridesmaid's soles painted to match their theme – while other women prefer the traditional red sole.

The Louboutin look was introduced in 1992 - and the shoes became a status symbol. Oprah Winfrey regularly wore the heels on her show - and Sarah Jessica Parker’s high-end high heels were featured on "Sex and the City.” Jennifer Lopez even sang about the shoes in her 2009 single "Louboutins." If you'd rather not do-it-yourself, you can get the real deal for about $2,000 a pair.