Good Stuff!

 

 

 

Ideas, thought starters (and a smile or two) to help us all live a little better....

THERE'S A NEW CELL PHONE APP THAT PREVENTS YOUR KIDS FROM TEXTING OR TALKING WHILE THEY'RE DRIVING:




Meet Darcy Ahl of Concord, Massachusetts (--about 20 miles northwest of Boston).

After witnessing how her teenage son completely ZONED OUT and started swerving all over the road while talking on his cell phone, she came up with the idea for something called the iZup.

The iZup is a brilliant new cell phone app that prevents teens from sending or receiving texts or phone calls when they drive. (--Though it DOES allow calls to 911 and the cell phone owner's parents.)

All you have to do is install the iZup app on your teen's cell phone, and once the car reaches five miles per hour, the software kicks in. And it doesn't turn off if they stop at a red light or get stuck in traffic.

The iZup software starts at $5 a month, or $50 a year.



(--You can download a free 30-day trial of iZup by clicking here . . .)






Are you thinking of losing weight in the new year?  Good for you...just be careful and take a look at...

FOUR MIRACLE DIETS THAT DO MORE HARM THAN GOOD:


If your New Year's resolution was to lose weight, then do it right. A healthy diet and exercise is the only way to lose weight and keep it off. So skip the "miracle diets." They usually do more harm than good. Here are four specific diets to avoid . . .

#1.) THE CABBAGE SOUP DIET. First of all, it's disgusting. But it's also really bad for you. It lacks the protein, carbs, vitamins, and minerals that your body needs. And a lot of people who do it feel light-headed and weak, or they have trouble concentrating.

#2.) THE GRAPEFRUIT DIET. It only works because it deprives your body of calories, just like the cabbage soup diet. But you're also supposed to drink a lot of caffeine with the grapefruit, which can make you dehydrated.
And most people who start the grapefruit diet don't finish it.

#3.) THE MARTHA'S VINEYARD DETOX DIET. You're allowed to drink highly nutritious cocktails of raw vegetables and soup, but that's it . . . no REAL food. And even though vegetables are good for you, eating ONLY vegetables is kind of like living with a mild eating disorder. Plus, as soon as the diet is over, you'll gain it all back.

#4.) THE APPLE CIDER VINEGAR DIET. Sailors drank apple cider vinegar to cure scurvy. But now it's sold as an appetite suppressant. And the acidity level is so high that the recommended dose is just shy of the amount needed to damage your stomach.
Plus, it's so disgusting that it makes you not want to eat. And the REAL reason the diet works is, you're supposed to eat in moderation and work out every day while you're on it.


(Yahoo.com)




FIVE STEPS TO HELP YOU RE-GIFT WITH CLASS:

Most people have less money this year than they did last Christmas. And when you're on a tight holiday budget, re-gifting can be a good way to save a little money . . . but only if you do it right. Here are five steps to help you re-gift with class . . .

STEP #1.) MAKE SURE YOU WON'T GET CAUGHT. Obviously, make sure you never re-gift something to the person who gave it to you. But you also need to make sure they don't find out if you give their gift to someone else.
So don't re-gift within the same extended family, and don't re-gift to a friend of the person who gave you the gift in the first place.

STEP #2.) GIVE IT SOME THOUGHT. Don't re-gift something just to be rid of it. Match your unwanted gifts with people who might actually like them.

STEP #3.) USE NICE WRAPPING PAPER. Don't just put a bow on something and throw it under the tree. You're less likely to get caught if you use nice wrapping paper and ribbon, or a holiday gift bag and tissue paper.

STEP #4.) INCLUDE A CARD. Cards don't cost much, and they make your present seem more legit. Plus, it adds a personal touch.

STEP #5.) PAIR IT WITH SOMETHING ELSE. A recycled gift doesn't have to be the only thing you give the person. If you don't think it's nice enough, buy something inexpensive to go with it.

(eHow.com)


THE 2009 HOLIDAY TIP GUIDE:


Even in a recession, you're expected to tip certain people during the holidays. Your doorman, your trash collector, and your yoga instructor might all be expecting tips. Here's a guide from "Real Simple" magazine to help you give the right amount to the right people.

#1.) YOUR BUILDING SUPERINTENDENT. Anywhere between $20 and $100, depending on how helpful he's been.

#2.) YOUR DOORMAN. $20 to $100. The average tip is $50, but if you have multiple doormen, then $15 each is fine.

#3.) YOUR GARDENER. $20 to $50. But if he comes over all the time and does a lot for you, you can give up to a week's pay.

#4.) YOUR HANDYMAN. $15 to $40, depending on how much you've had him do.

#5.) YOUR TRASH AND RECYCLING COLLECTORS. If it's a private service, tip $10 to $30 total. If it's run by the city, check their regulations on the Internet. They might not allow tipping.

#6.) YOUR DOG WALKER. A week's pay or a gift worth that amount.

#7.) YOUR CHILD'S TEACHER. Don't give money. Assuming the school allows gifts, try to spend $25 or less, and include a handwritten note.

#8.) YOUR DAY-CARE STAFF. If it's just one person, then $50 to $100 is appropriate. If it's a team of people, $20 to $25 each is fine. And pair it with a homemade gift from your child.

#9.) YOUR BABYSITTER. Give cash or a gift that's equal to one or two night's pay. You can give her a present instead, but avoid kid-oriented gifts. In other words, don't buy something for your kid, then try to pass it off as a legitimate gift for your babysitter.

#10.) YOUR NEWSPAPER DELIVERYMAN. If it's an adult, $10 to $30, or the price of one month's subscription. If it's a kid, you can get away with giving less.

#11.) YOUR CLEANING LADY. Up to a week's pay and a small gift.

#12.) YOUR PERSONAL TRAINER, YOGA INSTRUCTOR, OR MASSAGE THERAPIST. Whatever one visit costs. Or give a modest gift, but avoid unhealthy things like chocolate and cookies.

(RealSimple.com)




FIVE SURPRISING USES FOR VICKS VAPO-RUB:


If you've been sick lately, then you might have reached for Vicks VapoRub. It helps if you're congested. But that's not all it can do. Here are five strange uses for Vicks VaporRub that you probably didn't know about . . .


#1.) IT CAN MAKE YOUR CAT STOP SCRATCHING. Cats hate the smell of Vicks VapoRub. So if you rub a little bit on spots they like to scratch, they'll avoid that area of your house. And it also works for animals that haven't been house-broken.
If your dog or cat keeps having accidents in the same spot, rub some Vicks on there.

#2.) IT MAKES RACEHORSES RUN FASTER. Jockeys rub Vicks VapoRub under the nostrils of their horses on race day because the smell covers up the irresistible scent of other horses, and they stay focused on the race.

#3.) IT PREVENTS LYME DISEASE. If a tick bites you, rub some Vicks on it immediately. The strong smell should make it release its grip.

#4.) IT CAN RELIEVE HEADACHES. The next time your head hurts, rub some Vicks on your temples and your forehead. The mentholated scent helps relieve the feeling of pain and pressure.

#5.) IT'S A BUG REPELLANT. Mosquitoes hate Vicks VapoRub. So rub a little bit on your skin and clothes, and they should leave you alone. But if you DO get bitten, you should STILL reach for Vicks. Rub a little on the bite, and it won't itch so much.

(DumbLittleMan.com)



  HERE ARE SEVEN WAYS TO SPEND LESS ON GAS:


You could probably use a little extra cash for the holidays, right? Well, here are seven ways to save money on something you use every day: Gas.

#1.) DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Go to FuelEconomy.gov. It helps you find the cheapest gas in your area. Just make sure it's not too far out of the way. If you have to drive ten miles to get there, obviously it's not worth it.

#2.) DON'T BUY NAME BRAND. Some gas stations claim to have higher quality gas than others. And that USED to be true. Gas that has additives and detergents IS better for your car. But now ALL gas has to have detergents in it. It's required by law.
Name brand gas has MORE detergents it, but it doesn't make much of a difference.

#3.) GO LOW-OCTANE. High-octane gas costs twenty cents more, and most cars don't need it. If you have an SUV or a sports car, you MIGHT need more octane, but most cars don't. To know for sure, check your owner's manual.

#4.) TURN THE NOZZLE UPSIDE DOWN. You don't actually get all the gas you pay for. Some of it runs back down the hose unless you turn the nozzle upside down after the pump stops. It might only be a few ounces, but hey . . . you paid for it.

#5.) CHECK YOUR TIRE PRESSURE. If it's too low or too high, it affects your gas mileage. So check your tire pressure every few weeks, and make sure it's right on.

#6.) GO THE SPEED LIMIT. Your engine has to work harder if you speed, which wastes gas. Plus, people who speed have to have their brakes replaced more often.

#7.) CLEAN OUT YOUR TRUNK. Any extra weight in your car reduces your mileage. So if you're hauling your golf clubs around, it's costing you money.
(AskMen.com)


SIX WAYS TO CUT FAT WITHOUT REALIZING IT:


Dieting doesn't HAVE to be as painful as you think. In fact, you can keep eating some of your favorite foods and still lose weight . . . if you do it right. So here are six ways to be a pig and watch your weight at the same time.

#1.) ORDER STEAK FRIES. They're the big, wide French fries, and they don't absorb as much oil as shoestring or curly fries do, which means they don't have as much fat.

#2.) ORDER YOUR PIZZA WITH LESS CHEESE. Cutting the mozzarella by a third will save you 20 grams of fat per pie, which is roughly the same as a Quarter Pounder from McDonalds.

#3.) SOFTEN YOUR BUTTER BEFORE YOU SPREAD IT. When you try to spread cold butter, you tend to use a lot more. But if you keep it at room temperature or soften it in the microwave, you'll use a quarter of what you usually do.

#4.) KEEP CANNED FOOD IN THE REFRIGERATOR. If it has fat in it . . . which most everything does . . . it'll rise to the top, and you can scrape it off.

#5.) DILUTE YOUR FRUIT JUICE. Fruit juice is loaded with sugar, and a 16-ounce bottle of cranberry juice has 275 calories. So dump half of it out and store it, then refill the bottle with water. You'll barely notice.

#6.) MAKE LOW-FAT CHEESE TASTE BETTER. Low-fat cheese kinda sucks, and when you microwave it, it basically turns to rubber. But it's much better for you than regular cheese. So try this. Spritz it with Pam before you nuke it.
That gives it just enough fat to make it gooey and delicious.
(Men's Health)





HERE ARE FIVE ITEMS YOU SHOULD NEVER PAY FULL PRICE FOR:


Times are tough right now, and everyone's trying to save a few bucks wherever they can.


--With that in mind, here are five items you should NEVER pay full price for, because you can almost always get them at a discounted rate:


#1.) Cars: Most car dealers get incentives for selling a certain number of cars each month, so there's a good chance the sales team is trying to meet quotas. That can translate into a great bargain for you, especially if it's near the end of the month.


#2.) Large appliances: New models appear in early fall, so that's when you can usually get a pretty good deal on last year's model. And seasonal appliances like air conditioners and gas grills generally go on sale in the opposite season.


#3.) TVs: Every year, TVs go on sale before the holidays and right before the Super Bowl. In other words, you should wait to buy your new TV in December or January.


#4.) Jewelry: The only time of the year you can't get jewelry on sale are the two months leading up to the holidays. But you should be able to snag a pretty good deal the other ten months of the year.


#5.) Bicycles: New bike models typically arrive in February and March. So if you wait until January, so you'll be able to buy last year's model on the cheap.


(Women's Health)





FOUR CRAZY ANIMAL MYTHS WE STILL BELIEVE:


Sure, animals do some amazing things. But not everything you've heard is true. Here are four crazy animal myths that most people still believe . . .

#1.) OSTRICHES STICK THEIR HEADS IN THE SAND. It was in an encyclopedia in the year 79 A.D., but it wasn't true then, and it isn't true now. First of all, it doesn't make sense. If ostriches stuck their heads in the sand when they were afraid, there wouldn't be any left.
Second, the ostrich is the fastest animal on two legs. They can run 45 miles per hour for up to 30 minutes if they need to. And when they get scared, they RUN.

#2.) ST. BERNARDS CARRY BARRELS OF WHISKEY AROUND THEIR NECKS, AND RESCUE PEOPLE. The part about rescuing people is true. But the barrel of whiskey is nonsense. An artist included one in a painting in the 1800s, and the myth stuck.
Plus, the myth doesn't even make sense. Alcohol might make you FEEL warmer when you're cold, but it actually makes you lose body heat faster.

#3.) PIRANHAS CAN STRIP YOU TO THE BONE IN UNDER A MINUTE. They ARE really fast eaters. But they're really small too. And they mostly eat other fish. In cases of EXTREME drought, piranhas CAN turn into swarms of pointy teeth like you imagine them.
But if you fell out of a boat and into a school of piranhas, you'd be able to climb back in before you became lunch.

#4.) CHAMELEONS CHANGE COLOR TO BLEND IN WITH THEIR ENVIRONMENT. They DO change color. In fact, they do it all the time. But it has nothing to do with camouflage. They change color depending on their emotions. Just like a mood ring.

(Cracked.com)



THERE'S A NEW GPS TRACKING DEVICE FOR PARENTS WHO WANT TO KEEP TABS ON THEIR KIDS:


If you're an overprotective parent . . . and you know you are . . . then I'm about to make your day.

The company Insignia has just come out with a new GPS tracking unit called the Little Buddy Child Tracker. And it was specifically designed to help overbearing parents like YOU keep tabs on your kid 24 hours a day.
All you have to do is place the GPS device into your kid's backpack or lunchbox, and then monitor Junior's whereabouts from a computer or cell phone.

The Little Buddy can even be programmed to set up specific times and locations where the kid is supposed to be, like in school or at home. And if the kid leaves, the device sends a text message to let their parents know.

The Little Buddy Child Tracker sells for $100. That's not including monthly service fees, which haven't been determined yet.

You can buy the Little Buddy here . . .

(Chicago Sun-Times / Switched)



HERE ARE FIVE COMMON BELIEFS ABOUT PSYCHOLOGY THAT ARE COMPLETELY FALSE:


Scott Lilienfeld is a psychology professor at Emory University, and he's just written a book called "50 Great Myths of Popular Psychology". Basically, he looks at how we commonly understand psychology . . . and shows that we're getting it totally wrong.
Here's a look at five of the myths Professor Lilienfeld discusses in his book:

#1.) Opposites attract: The truth is exactly the opposite. Typically, the most successful relationships involve people with SIMILAR personalities, beliefs and attitudes.

#2.) We only use 10% of our brains: People cling to the idea that 90% of their brains go unused because it makes them feel really smart. But the truth is that nearly 100% of our brains are operating at all times.

#3.) Listening to MOZART makes babies smarter: Several years ago, a study found that college students who listen to ten minutes of Mozart ahead of time will perform better on spatial reasoning tests.
But there's absolutely no evidence to show that listening to Mozart . . . or any other type of music for that matter . . . can raise an infant's IQ.

#4.) Low self-esteem leads to psychological problems: It's probably not great for your confidence, but there's nothing to suggest that having low self-esteem leads to mental problems.
If anything, people with the highest self-esteem are at greater risk because they could be considered narcissistic.

#5.) Full moons make people act crazy: Sorry, the moon has no effect on your behavior. If you already believe that the moon can impact a person's behavior, then you're probably more likely to notice when something unusual happens during a full moon.

(Yahoo Health)



HERE ARE NINE FOODS THAT COULD HELP YOU AVOID SWINE FLU:


It's taken five months, but the swine flu vaccine will finally be available this Tuesday. There should be 200 million doses by the end of the year, and another 50 million by May. Kids, pregnant women, and health care workers are first in line.
Which means you might not be able to get YOUR vaccine for a while. So until then, here are nine things that can boost your immune system, and help keep you from getting the swine . . . sorry, "H1N1" virus.


#1.) WATER. First off, make sure you're drinking eight to ten glasses of water a day, minimum. If you're drinking less than that, it can compromise your immune system.


#2.) YOGURT. It has "probiotics," which are healthy bacteria that keep your intestines germ-free. In a Swedish study, 181 factory workers took a probiotic supplement, and they ended up using 33 percent fewer sick days than their co-workers did.


#3.) CHICKEN SOUP. Researchers have found that almost every type of chicken soup is good for a cold. Except chicken-flavored ramen noodles. It's because an amino acid in chicken mimics a bronchitis drug called acetylcysteine (--pronounced a-set-ill-SIS-teen).
And the salty broth keeps mucus thin, the same way cough medicine does.


#4.) OATS AND BARLEY. When ANIMALS eat it, they're less likely to get the flu, herpes, and even anthrax. When WE eat it, it boosts immunity, makes injuries heal faster, and might even help antibiotics work better.


#5.) FISH. Oysters, lobster, crabs, and clams help white blood cells produce proteins that kill flu viruses. And salmon, mackerel, and herring are rich in omega-3 fats, which help increase airflow in your lungs, and prevent respiratory infections.


#6.) GARLIC. An ingredient in garlic called "allicin") fights off infections and bacteria. In a British study, people who took a garlic extract for three months were two-thirds less likely to catch a cold.
And other studies show that garlic lowers your risk of certain types of cancer.


#7.) MUSHROOMS. They force your body to make more white blood cells, which fight off infectious disease. Plus, those cells your body makes then tend to be more aggressive than normal. That means they'll be more efficient in ridding your body of a nasty virus.


#8.) TEA. In a Harvard study, people who drank five cups of black tea every day for two weeks were ten times less likely to get the flu. It's because black and green tea both have a certain amino acid that boosts the amount of something called interferon in your blood.


#9.) SWEET POTATOES. Your skin is your largest organ, and it covers an impressive 16 square feet. It's also your first line of defense in the fight against bacteria and viruses. To stay healthy, your skin needs vitamin A. And sweet potatoes are loaded with it.

(Prevention.com)


HERE ARE 18 THINGS TO TEACH YOUR SON ABOUT WOMEN:


Guys . . . at some point, your son will come to you for advice about WOMEN. The only problem is men know NOTHING about women.
Fortunately, a website affiliated with CNN called TheFrisky.com, has compiled a list of 18 things that you should teach your son about women. Check it out . . .


#1.) Pick your battles.


#2.) Always walk on the "street" side of your girlfriend, so YOU'RE the one closest to traffic.


#3.) Telling your girl she's being "crazy" . . . even if she IS . . . will only cause more problems.


#4.) Cooking, cleaning, and taking care of the kids AREN'T just women's work.


#5.) Always have backup supplies of chocolate in the house for her to raid.


#6.) It isn't a big deal if she earns more money than you.


#7.) Women like compliments and gifts.


#8.) Be on time, even if she usually isn't.


#9.) Buying tampons shouldn't be embarrassing . . . everyone knows they're not for you.


#10.) Don't pout when your girl makes you go shopping with her.


#11.) Find out what her favorite flower is.


#12.) Never buy shoes for a woman. (???)


#13.) Smiling and nodding aren't the same as listening.


#14.) It's okay to cry in front of her . . . but keep it to a minimum.


#15.) Personality goes a long way.


#16.) At some point, your girl will be more important than your mother.


#17.) You'll never completely understand women.


#18.) Your parents will never think anyone is good enough for you. (CNN)


SIX WAYS TO STRETCH YOUR DINING-OUT DOLLARS:

An easy way to save money is to make dinner at home instead of eating out. But that doesn't mean you should deprive yourself of going out altogether. Here are six ways to save money at restaurants so you can go out more often . . .


#1.) DO LUNCH, NOT DINNER. The menu is a lot cheaper. And you don't always have to order a sandwich. A lot of restaurants offer an abbreviated version of their dinner menu. And you can save as much as 50 percent on entrées.


#2.) SKIP THE EXTRAS. Drinks, appetizers, and desserts have a much higher markup than entrées do. And they can easily double the price of your dinner. Plus, entrees at most restaurants these days are ENORMOUS. So you don't really need extra food.


#3.) LEARN TO SHARE. Since the portions are so big, try SHARING an entrée. If that's not enough food, share an appetizer or a dessert too. You'll still save money.


#4.) GET IT TO GO. It's not REALLY going out to eat, but at least you don't have to MAKE dinner. You don't have to tip anyone, and you can open a bottle of wine or crack a beer for half the price.


#5.) FIND PLACES WHERE KIDS EAT FREE. A lot of chain restaurants offer a free kids meal when you buy an entrée. To find the restaurants in your area that offer kids deals, check out MyKidsEatFree.com.


#6.) EAT ETHNIC. Small, ethnic restaurants have lower prices than major chains. So instead of going to P.F. Chang's or The Olive Garden, take a chance on a local eatery.


(Investopedia.com)



FOUR WAYS TO MAKE SURE YOU'RE NEVER LATE:


There's no way around it: being late makes you feel like an ass. Whether you're at work, picking up a friend, or showing up for a date. And if you're CHRONICALLY late, it makes you look like a jerk. So here are four ways to make sure you're more punctual . . .

#1.) MAKE IT WORTH YOUR WHILE. Ask yourself: "What will I gain by getting there on time?" Will you beat traffic? Will you make progress towards getting a raise? If nothing else, at least you won't have to come up with another ridiculous excuse.

#2.) STOP DOING "ONE MORE THING." A lot of people are late because they always try to do "one more thing" before they leave the house . . . like checking email or throwing in a load of laundry. Instead, make that the FIRST thing you do the minute you get home.

#3.) DON'T MESS WITH YOUR CLOCK. Have you ever set your clock ahead ten minutes to force yourself to be on time? Then you know it doesn't work. It might make you FEEL like you're doing something about your lateness, but it only changes one thing:
You show up when your watch says 9:15, instead of 9:05 . . . but you're still not there at 9:00.

#4.) PLAN TO BE EARLY. Some people would rather sprint to their gate at the airport than get there an hour early and wait. And if they ARE ever early, they kill time by reading magazines or playing cell phone games . . . instead of doing something worthwhile.

nstead, plan ahead and bring something that IS worthwhile. Try going over bills or checking your kid's homework while you wait. Time will fly. Plus, you'll check things off your list, and create more time in your day. (AskMen.com)


The human body is a fascinating system of complex structures. But . . . if you know how it works . . . you can trick it into doing what you want it to do.
Here are nine easy tricks you can use to manipulate your own body:

#1.) Improve your hearing: If you're talking to a mumbler at the bar, turn your RIGHT ear toward them, since that ear is better at picking up the rapid rhythms of speech. But if you're trying to identify a song that's playing softly, you should turn your LEFT ear toward the music, since that one's better at picking up musical tones.

#2.) Improve your memory: Most of our memory consolidation happens during sleep, so anything you read right before bed is most likely to be encoded as long-term memory.

#3.) Cure a toothache: Canadian researchers found that rubbing ice between your thumb and index finger can reduce toothache pain by as much as 50%, because the nerve pathways in the area stimulate a part of the brain that blocks pain signals.

#4.) Stop a nosebleed: Instead of pinching your nose and leaning your head back, try stuffing some cotton on your upper gums and pressing against it hard.

#5.) Reduce your pain: Researchers have found that coughing can have a numbing effect on pain. Why? Because coughing causes a sudden, temporary rise in pressure in the chest and spinal canal, which inhibits the pain-conducting structures of the spinal cord.

#6.) Cure brain freeze: Press your tongue against the roof of your mouth, covering as much of it as you can. The more pressure you apply with your tongue, the faster the headache will go away.

#7.) Clear your stuffed nose: Alternate between thrusting your tongue against the roof of your mouth, and using your finger to press between your eyebrows. This causes the bone that runs through the nasal passage to rock back and forth, clearing your sinuses.

#8.) Cure a tickling throat: Stimulating the nerves in your ear creates a reflex in the throat that can cause a muscle spasm, which relieves the tickle.

#9.) Hold in a NUMBER ONE: If you really have to go, try thinking about SEX. Why? Because thinking about sex preoccupies your brain, and helps make the feelings of discomfort more tolerable.

(AOL Health)


FIVE THINGS YOU SHOULDN'T BUY AT THE DOLLAR STORE

Dollar stores are great places to find bargains on dozens of household items. But sometimes you're just being duped and getting less of a bargain than you might think. Here are five things you SHOULDN'T buy at the dollar store . . .


1.) SALT. A 2.2-pound box of salt is only a buck at the dollar store, but at a discount store like Costco, you can buy in bulk and spend $2.49 for three times as much. So, you end up spending 37 cents per pound instead of 45 cents per pound at the dollar store.



2.) BROWN SUGAR. At the dollar store, it's sometimes labeled "Golden Yellow Sugar", which is what it's called in Canada. It's one dollar for just under a pound at the dollar store, but at Costco or Sam's Club you can get a 4-pound bag for $3.40.



3.) ALUMINUM FOIL. Dollar stores sell 25-foot rolls for a buck, but it's usually thinner and lower-quality than what you'd buy at the grocery store. At Costco or Sam's Club, you can get three 100-foot rolls of name-brand aluminum foil for about 10 bucks.


--You'd have to spend $12 to get that much at a dollar store . . . plus, it's lower quality.



4.) COMET. At Walmart, you get a 21-ouce can of it for $1.23. At the dollar store, it's a buck for 14 ounces. That means, at Walmart, you pay FIVE CENTS an ounce. And at a dollar store it's about SEVEN CENTS.



5.) PET FOOD. You can get two cans of Friskies cat food for a buck at the dollar store. But the selection is usually pretty limited. At Walmart . . . or even at your local grocery store . . . you can get a variety pack of 12 cans for around $5.17, saving you 14 cents a can.


(WalletPop.com)



Even though men tend to be bigger and stronger than women, they don't rule at EVERYTHING. Here are nine things women do better than men . . .


1.) WOMEN EVOLVE PRETTIER. A study showed that women are getting better and better looking every decade. After following 2,000 people for 40 years, the researchers found that ATTRACTIVE women had 16 percent more children.
And they were 36 percent more likely to have a daughter as their first child. And all those good genes get passed down.

2.) WOMEN SURVIVE CAR ACCIDENTS. According to a study by Carnegie Mellon University, men are 77 PERCENT more likely to DIE in a car crash.

3.) WOMEN TALK ABOUT THEIR PROBLEMS. A survey of 2,000 people showed that 53 percent of women talk to their friends about what's stressing them out. But only 29 percent of men do.

4.) WOMEN ARE MORE RECESSION-PROOF. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 80 percent of the people who have lost their jobs since December of 2007 have been men.
It's because the male-dominated fields . . . like manufacturing and finance . . . have been hit the hardest.

5.) WOMEN GRADUATE FROM COLLEGE MORE OFTEN. Not only do more women ENROLL in college, but they're also more likely to graduate. And MEN are more likely to take longer than five years.

6.) WOMEN EAT HEALTHIER. A survey of 14,000 people done by the University of Minnesota showed that men are more likely to eat things like frozen pizza and red meat. While women are more likely to fill up on fruits and vegetables.

7.) WOMEN HAVE STRONGER IMMUNE SYSTEMS. Estrogen gives women an edge when it comes to INFECTIONS. That's because estrogen fights off a certain enzyme that weakens your body's defense against bacteria and viruses.

8.) WOMEN LIVE LONGER. Yes, it's true. Women generally live five to ten years longer than men do. But they can also live A LOT longer. 85 PERCENT of people who make it to 100 are women.

9.) WOMEN COMMUNICATE MORE. Women can actually process more words than men can. A study by the University of California at San Francisco showed that men can process about 7,000 words per day . . . compared to 20,000 words for women.


(Cosmopolitan.com)



HERE ARE 12 SIGNS YOU'LL LIVE TO BE 100 YEARS OLD:


Let's face it . . . we all want to live as long as we can, and making it to the age of 100 seems like a pretty good goal. But that begs the question: What are my chances of actually living that long?


--Well, here are 12 signs that you'll live to be 100 years old:


#1.) You're the life of the party: A study from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden found that outgoing people are 50% less likely to develop dementia than introverts.


#2.) You run for 40 minutes a day: Researchers from Stanford University found that middle-aged people who jog for 40 minutes a day, or about five hours a week, function better both physically and mentally as they get older.


#3.) You put raspberries on your oatmeal: A Dutch study found that eating 24 grams of fiber a day cuts your risk of heart disease by 17%. If you eat just one bowl of oatmeal with raspberries, you're already halfway there.


#4.) You feel 13 years younger than you are: A study from the University of Michigan found that people who "feel" younger than their actual age are less stressed and have better immune systems than people who feel their age.


#5.) You started menopause after age 52: Studies have found that women who experience menopause later in life live longer than women who go through it earlier.


(--Continued on next page . . .)

STUPID NEWS - 10 of 10



HERE ARE 12 SIGNS YOU'LL LIVE TO BE 100 YEARS OLD: (. . . continued . . .)


#6.) You embrace techie trends: Twitter and Facebook may be stupid, but they help you keep in touch with family members and friends, as well as help keep your brain cells young and healthy.


#7.) You make your calories count: A study from Washington University found that people who take in 1,400 to 2,000 calories a day (--which is about 25% fewer than the average person) have hearts that function like those of people 15 years younger.


#8.) You had a baby later in life: Researchers from the University of Utah found that women who gave birth after the age of 44 are 15% less likely to die in any given year than women who gave birth earlier in life.


#9.) Your heart beats once per second: The average person's heart beats between 60 and 100 times per minute. But the closer you are to 60 beats per minute, the healthier your heart is.


#10.) You don't snore: Snoring is a major sign of obstructive sleep apnea, which is a disorder that can cause high blood pressure, memory problems, weight gain and depression.


#11.) You have a relatively flat belly after menopause: According to the National Institute on Aging, women with relatively flat bellies after menopause are 20% less likely to die than women who are just a little more delicious.


#12.) You get your blood tested for Vitamin D levels: Vitamin D helps ward off osteoporosis and may reduce your risk of cancer, heart disease and infection. Unfortunately, a study from the University of Colorado found that FOUR in FIVE Americans are Vitamin D deficient. (MSNBC)



FIVE BACK-TO-SCHOOL RULES FROM TEACHERS

The school year is starting back up again. Last year, "Good Housekeeping" magazine went to classrooms around the country and asked teachers how parents can help their kids be better students. Here are the top five things they said . . .


1.) DON'T BE A STRANGER. Parents that are actively involved in their kids' education tend to see better results. So stay in touch with your child's teacher. Five minutes at parent-teacher night isn't enough. If you can't talk face to face, try email.

2.) LEARNING SHOULDN'T STOP AT 3:15. One of the reasons you should ask your kids what they did at school is . . . it gives them another chance to go over the material. PLUS, it boosts their confidence. Remember, if YOU show an interest, your child will too.

3.) LET YOUR KIDS MAKE MISTAKES. Teachers don't want PERFECT students. They want students who TRY HARD. But some parents become so worried about GRADES that they review their kids' work for mistakes before they let them turn it in.
But teachers need to see those mistakes so they know what your child is struggling with.

4.) YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A GENIUS. Even if you FLUNKED algebra, you can still help your kids study it. Just paying attention can motivate your child. And if you don't understand the material, try having THEM teach YOU.

5.) REMEMBER, THE TEACHER IS ON YOUR SIDE. Some parents trust their kids WAY too much. When kids complain about a teacher, it's easy to go into attack mode. But remember, your kids might just be blowing off steam.
Most teachers DO have the student's best interests in mind.


(Good Housekeeping)





You think you can decipher what your obnoxious teenagers are saying to their friends over text message? Let's see how many of these fairly common text-message abbreviations you're familiar with . . .



--UG2BK: You've got to be kidding


--PAW: Parents are watching


--4COL: For crying out loud


--HAND: Have a nice day


--WOMBAT: Waste of money, brains and time


--^5: High five


--GNOC: Get naked on camera


--IWSN: I want sex now


(Wall Street Journal)

 

Even if you wash your hands and wipe down the counters, there are probably a few spots in your house that don't get cleaned very often.  And when things don't get cleaned, they gather germs.  Here are nine things in your home that might be making you sick . . .

 

 

1.)  YOUR KITCHEN SPONGE.  There could be as many as 20 MILLION microbes on it right now.  And cleaning it with soap and water . . . or even soaking it in BLEACH . . . won't kill them all.

The best way to clean a sponge is to run it through the dishwashwer first, then MICROWAVE it on high for one minute, which should kill 99.9 percent of the germs. 

 

2.)  YOUR BED.  The Environmental Protection Agency says BEDBUGS are on the rise.  And you're more at risk if you travel.  They can be tough to get rid of, so if you start noticing mysterious bites, you might want to call an exterminator.

 

To make sure you DON'T get them, wash everything in your luggage after you travel, and scrub out the inside of your suitcase.

 

 

3.)  YOUR LAPTOP.  The average TOILET BOWL contains 41 germs per square inch.  The average KEYBOARD contains 20,000 GERMS PER SQUARE INCH!  That's because toilets get cleaned, and keyboards generally don't.

 

 

 To keep it clean, wipe down the keys with disinfecting wipes every day.  Just make sure the wipes you use are computer-friendly.

 

 

 

 

 

4.)  YOUR SHOWER CURTAIN.  It can get moldy and gather germs, but the shower curtain ITSELF might be making you sick.  One study suggests that curtains made of PVC . . . which stands for poly-vinyl chloride . . . release harmful chemicals into the air.

 

 

 

It hasn't been proven, but just to be safe, check the tags on your shower curtain and liner to make sure they're made of vinyl, not PVC.

 

 

 

5.)  YOUR LAUNDRY.  If the water doesn't get hot enough, washing machines can become germ magnets . . . especially the ones at laundromats.  Viruses like HEPATITIS A might be lurking, so make sure you use water that's at least 155 degrees.

 

 

Also, wash your underwear and towels separately, and use bleach whenever you can.

 

 

 

 

6.)  YOUR HUMIDIFIER.  If it's not cleaned properly, it can GIVE you a respiratory infection.  So, two or three times a week, mix one part bleach with 19 parts water.  Pour it in, let it soak for a few minutes, then rinse it out really well.

 

 

 

 

7.)  YOUR DOORKNOB.  Everyone carries germs on their hands, and everyone uses doorknobs.  Just think of all the people who come to your front door on any given day.  You don't know where those hands have been, so wipe it down as often as possible.

 

 

Also, researchers say COPPER doorknobs collect 95 percent fewer germs.

 

 

 

 

8.)  YOUR SALT AND PEPPER SHAKERS.  When was the last time you cleaned them?  NEVER?  Well, you SHOULD.  You use them while you're cooking AND when you're eating, which means things like salmonella can easily make it to the dinner table.

 

 

 

(Glamour Magazine)

 
Recently, the people over at "Forbes" compiled a list of the biggest RIP-OFFS on the market. Here's a look at nine items that made the list:


#1.) Electronics warranties: They're expensive, sometimes costing as much as 80% the device's purchase price. Plus, by the time you need the warranty, it's probably run out.


#2.) Car rentals: Renting a car is always expensive. But prices vary so much from one rental place to another, and the difference can cost you several hundred dollars.


#3.) ATM fees: If you withdraw money from an ATM machine belonging to another bank, not only will they charge you a fee, but your own bank will tack another fee on top of that.


#4.) Movie theater candy: If you've ever gone to a movie theater, you know this is true.


#5.) Caskets: They cost several thousand dollars. But, at the end of the day, it's just a wooden box that holds your dead body that ends up buried underground.


#6.) Bogus anti-spyware programs: A lot of these programs are actually spyware themselves and, instead of "cleaning up" your computer, they clog up your operating system and steal personal information that can be used to steal your identity.


#7.) Cable TV: All you really want is a few channels which you know you'll watch. But in order to get those channels, the cable companies make you buy "packages" that cost more and include a bunch of other useless channels nobody wants.


#8.) Male "enhancement" pills: Guys . . . there is NO MAGIC PILL that will make you "enhanced"...PERIOD!. If you buy a product that claims it will, you're getting ripped off.


#9.) Guacamole: Normally, the ingredients of a food item account for 30% to 40% of its menu price. But the ingredients in guacamole only account for about 19% of the price.

(Yahoo Finance)



 
When it comes to your credit score, you probably understand the basics . . . If you pay bills on time, you'll have better credit. But it's more complicated than that, and not everything you've heard is true. Here are four credit score myths most people believe . . .

1.) CHECKING YOUR CREDIT SCORE WILL MAKE IT GO DOWN. There are two types of credit checks: soft and hard. A hard check is done by a potential creditor . . . like a bank, a credit card company, or a car dealership. A hard check DOES lower your credit. But a SOFT credit check . . . which is what you do on FreeCreditReport.com . . . doesn't.

2.) HAVING TOO MANY CREDIT CARDS WILL HURT YOUR CREDIT SCORE. It's not true. You just shouldn't APPLY for a new card too often, because each time a potential lender runs a hard credit inquiry, your score goes down. But HAVING a bunch of cards doesn't hurt your score at all. And consider this . . . when you CANCEL a card, your credit score can drop by as much as 150 points.

3.) YOU HAVE TO USE YOUR CARDS TO BUILD MORE CREDIT. At some point, you were probably told to use your credit card once a month, then pay it off immediately. But in reality, maintaining a ZERO balance is actually better.

4.) IF YOU PAY YOUR UTILITIES ON TIME, YOUR SCORE WILL GO UP. Sadly, utility bills can only make it go DOWN.
Paying things like cable, phone, gas, and electric bills on time won't help your credit score. But LATE payments WILL hurt it.

(AskMen.com)

YOU CAN SAVE NEARLY $40,000 JUST BY . . . PACKING YOUR OWN LUNCH???

 

 

According to a recent survey, the average person spends just over $4 a day on lunch. 

 

 

Now, that might not seem like a whole lot.  But if you packed your own lunch every day over the course of your entire 40-year career, you'd save yourself nearly $40,000.  (!!!)  
(Sky News)

 

 

 

 

 

HERE ARE SIX FOODS THAT WILL KEEP YOU FULL AND HELP YOU LOSE WEIGHT:


The hardest thing about dieting is that you never feel full. But we found this list of six healthy foods that can help you FEEL full and satisfied, so you can stick do your diet.


#1.) Eggs: A recent study found that women who ate two eggs at least five times a week lost 65% more weight than dieters who didn't.


#2.) Almonds: A recent study found that after six months, dieters whose eating plan included almonds lost 63% more weight and 50% more body fat than dieters whose plan didn't include almonds.


#3.) Avocados: Avocados aren't fat free, but they're loaded with nutrients and a few slices will help make a salad or sandwich much more satisfying.


#4.) Apples: A recent study found that people who ate an apple before every meal lost 40% more weight than those who didn't.


#5.) Oatmeal: Oatmeal has lots of soluble fiber, which slows digestion and keeps you full for hours. Meanwhile, one study found that people who had oatmeal for breakfast and walked 15 to 30 minutes every day lost about TEN pounds in 12 weeks.


#6.) Peanut butter: Peanuts and peanut butter are high in monounsaturated fats, which help fend off cravings. And research has shown that, overall, people who snack on peanuts or peanut butter lose more weight than those who don't.


(Yahoo Shine)




Nine Words To Change Your Attitude:
What Are You Doing To Prepare For The Recovery?

We asked what  types of things you're doing to make some extra money to "Get Ready for The Recovery"
Use the link below to tell us what you're doing or to see what people are up to and maybe find a deal or two.
Business Board 

  
 

ARE YOU DATING MORE BECAUSE OF THE ECONOMY???


Several recent studies have shown that when times are HARD . . . people tend to look for romantic relationships. If you don't believe me . . . just listen to THIS . . .

According to company officials, membership on eHarmony.com is up by 20% . . . since the economy turned to crap.  And another dating website . . . called OKCupid.com . . . says that member activity is up by 50% since last September.

Meanwhile, the owner of a Chicago wine bar called In Fine Spirits says he's seeing 30% more tables-for-two since last fall.

And the organizer of a monthly dating event called Nerds at Heart says attendance has DOUBLED . . . since just April.


(ABC News)



WOULD YOU BUY SHOES FROM A VENDING MACHINE???


Ladies . . . how many times has this happened?
You've spent all night dancing in high-heels. But now your FEET are killing you and all you really want to do . . . is slip on a pair of comfortable FLATS for the ride or walk home.

Well, a company called Rollasole has come out with a solution to just that problem. Get this . . .

The SHOE VENDING MACHINE.

According to Rollasole's website, quote, "When you're all danced out, just slip one of our vending machines a fiver and it'll sort you out with a pair of roly poly pumps and a shiny new bag to slip your slingbacks in.
"Rollasoles are fun, fashionable and fabulously comfy, so bag yourself a pair and get home in style."

That's right. You can now buy SHOES . . . from a vending machine.

(WKMG News 6 - Orlando)

To see the website click here

IN A BAD ECONOMY  

So, You Wanna Live to 100?

 

 

 

Researchers have discovered that people who live to be 100 years old share certain traits in how they eat, sleep, exercise, and deal with stress.  Here are nine things they do to stay healthy that can help you make it to the century mark too . . .

 

#1.) DON'T RETIRE. People tend to gain weight after they retire, which makes the risk of chronic disease skyrocket. People who live to be 100 retire later in life and stay active afterward by volunteering and working outdoors.

 

#2.) FLOSS EVERY DAY. A 2008 study showed that daily flossing reduces the amount of bacteria in your mouth. This bacteria is thought to enter the bloodstream and trigger inflammation in the arteries, which is a major risk factor for heart disease.

 

#3.) KEEP MOVING. Exercise is the only real fountain of youth that exists. It's like maintaining your car: You don't have to do it, but your car will definitely run better if you do. You don't need to be a body builder to see the effects.

 

In fact, people who see the biggest payoffs from exercise are the ones who go from doing nothing to taking a 30-minute walk once a day.

 

#4.) EAT A FIBER-RICH CEREAL FOR BREAKFAST. Getting a serving of whole-grains each morning helps maintain stable blood sugar levels throughout the day. And that can drastically lower your chances of developing diabetes.

 

 

#5.) GET AT LEAST SIX HOURS OF SLEEP. Instead of skimping on sleep to add more hours to your day, get enough sleep and add years to your life. Six hours a night is the bare minimum. And people who reach the century mark make sleep a top priority.

 

#6.) CONSUME WHOLE FOODS, NOT SUPPLEMENTS. People who eat fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain breads age more slowly. There's no evidence that vitamins and supplements have the same anti-aging effect.

 

#7.) BE LESS NEUROTIC. People who live to be 100 years old don't internalize stress or dwell on things. They're great at rolling with the punches. It's hard to change the way you react to stress, but things like yoga, exercise, meditation and deep breathing can help.

 

#8.) BE A CREATURE OF HABIT. Centenarians tend to live by strict routines. They maintain a healthy diet and take part in the same kinds of activities their whole lives. Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day is a good start.

 

#9.) STAY CONNECTED. Being social helps people avoid depression, which can lead to premature death. In fact, some experts think that the biggest benefit elderly people get from exercise is the social interaction that often comes with it.

 

Whether that's going for a walk with a friend or taking a group exercise class, staying connected to other people will keep you around longer . . . maybe even a hundred years.

 

 

(U.S. News & World Report)
 

 

THE SIX THINGS YOU *ACTUALLY* NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SWINE FLU:

 

 

 

Yesterday, the federal government declared a public health emergency to deal with SWINE FLU . . . which begs the question: Just what the hell is swine flu? 

 

With that in mind, we dug up the six things you REALLY need to know about the swine flu outbreak. 

 

 

#1.) What is swine flu and how do you get it? 

Swine flu is a respiratory disease caused by the Influenza virus . . . also known as the flu . . . that's common in pigs. People can become infected with swine flu by interacting with infected pigs or with other people who are infected . . . but it's pretty rare.

 

You CANNOT contract swine flu by eating infected pork.

 

 

#2.) How many people are infected with swine flu?
As of last night, 20 cases of swine flu had been detected in five U.S. states . . . California, Texas, New York, Ohio and Kansas. Only one of those people required hospitalization.

 

In Mexico, where the outbreak started, more than 1,600 swine flu cases have been detected . . . and 103 people have died. Swine flu infections have also been reported in Canada, Israel, Spain, France, Colombia and New Zealand . . . but not yet confirmed.

 

 

 

#3.) What happens when you get swine flu?

The symptoms of swine flu are similar to regular flu symptoms . . . including fever, coughing, loss of energy and lack of appetite. Some people also get a runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

 

 

#4.) How likely is it that swine flu will turn into a pandemic?

According to the World Health Organization, swine flu is NOT a pandemic . . . meaning a worldwide epidemic . . . because there haven't been that many cases, relatively speaking. And the cases that have been detected have been pretty isolated. 

 

That said, viruses can be unpredictable . . . and officials still don't know all that much about this particular strain. It could become a pandemic . . . or it could go away in a matter of days. They just don't know. 

 

 

#5.) How likely are you to DIE if you get swine flu?

Not that likely. But just to be safe, the federal government has released roughly 12 MILLION doses of the antiviral drug Tamiflu. 

 

 

#6.) Why is everyone so worried about swine flu? 

Because people worry about EVERYTHING they don't understand. Since we don't know that much about swine flu, people are losing their ever-loving minds over it. You should know this by now. 

(Yahoo News / ABC News / London Times / Sky News)

IT TURNS OUT LAUGHTER REALLY *IS* THE BEST MEDICINE:**THREE WAYS YOU CAN USE THE STIMULUS BILL TO FIND A JOB

 

 

 

 

Mornings are hectic for most people, which is why cereal is the perfect breakfast. A lot of kids' cereal is coated with sugar, but HEALTHY, whole-grain breakfast cereal has a lot to offer. Here are five reasons YOU should be eating more of it . . .

 

#1.). YOU CAN SKIP THE PRODUCE AISLE. Well, maybe not completely. But whole-grain cereals are essentially plants. Which means they're filled with nutrients and compounds that fight cancer and other diseases.

 

 

#2.) YOU'LL DRINK MILK. Nobody ever drinks a glass of milk anymore, especially not with breakfast. But you will if you eat a bowl of cereal. And the milk in one bowl of cereal provides you with about one-third of your recommended daily allowance. 

 

 

#3.) YOU'RE LESS LIKELY TO GAIN WEIGHT. When overweight people eat a low-calorie diet that includes whole-grain cereal, they lose more weight. One reason is that whole grains are high in fiber, and foods that are high in fiber make you feel full.

 

 

#4.) IT'S GOOD FOR YOUR HEART. One study found that for every serving of whole-grains you eat in a day, you lower your risk for heart failure by SEVEN PERCENT.

 

 

#5.) IT'S JUST AS GOOD FOR LUNCH OR DINNER. Just because it's called BREAKFAST CEREAL doesn't mean you can't enjoy it later in the day. Having a bowl of cereal for dinner every now and then is GOOD for you.

 

 

Plus, there's no prep time, so it's great if you're running late or just feeling lazy.

 

 

(Yahoo.com)




 

Volunteering doesn't have to be a chore. If you just figure out the right way to do it, it can be fun and fulfilling. Summer is here, so if you want to get out there and lend a helping hand, here are three tips to make volunteering easy . . .

  

 

#1.) FIND A CAUSE THAT'S CLOSE TO YOUR HEART. There are a lot of ways to volunteer, and figuring out WHERE and HOW to help out can be a little overwhelming. So figure out which cause YOU care about the most. Once you do that, figuring out which volunteer opportunities match your skill set will be pretty straightforward.

 

#2.) MAKE VOLUNTEERING A FAMILY AFFAIR. Volunteering as a family is a great bonding experience. A website called VolunteerMatch.org can help you find worthy causes in your area that your whole family can be a part of.

 

#3.) FIND A CAUSE THAT DOESN'T REQUIRE COMMITMENT. If you're short on time, or you have an ever-changing schedule, try volunteering for ONE-DAY events a few times this summer. Local churches, senior centers, the Red Cross, and the Salvation Army all have terrific one-day volunteer programs. To find more volunteer opportunities, check out Serve.gov, which lets you search volunteer programs by keyword and zip code.

 

 

(Yahoo.com)

 

HERE'S HOW LONG YOU'D HAVE TO EXERCISE TO BURN OFF CERTAIN KINDS OF JUNK FOOD:

 

 

It's a pain to keep track of all the things in food that can kill you.  That's why it's so great that nutritionists have finally figured out what we REALLY need to know:   EXACTLY how many minutes of EXERCISE it takes to burn off JUNK FOOD.  

The exercise times I'm about to tell you are based on a person who weighs 155 pounds, exercising at an average rate. 

But the good news is that if you ARE heavier then you'll actually burn off the calories FASTER . . . because the exercise is HARDER for you.  Got it?  Here we go:
 

To burn off a DUNKIN' DONUTS Chocolate Frosted Donut . . . that's 230 calories . . . you would need to WALK for 59 minutes.
 

For a McDonald's Egg McMuffin . . . which is 300 calories . . . you're looking at 32 minutes of RUNNING.
 

One Chocolate Chip Cookie from Panera Bread . . . 440 calories(!!!) . . . 62 minutes of BIKING.
 

A slice of Pizza Hut Cheese Pizza . . . 320 calories . . . 39 minutes of SWIMMING.
 

A Cinnamon Roll from Starbucks . . . 500 calories . . . 85 minutes of DANCING.  (???)
 

A Burger King Whopper with cheese . . . 770 calories . . . 94 minutes of SWIMMING.
 

A Brownie from Au Bon Pain . . . 380 calories . . . 129 minutes of YOGA.
 

Wendy's Large Fries . . . 540 calories . . . 77 minutes of BIKING.
 

Haagen-Dazs Vanilla Ice Cream Cone . . . 270 calories . . . 29 minutes of RUNNING.
 

Taco Bell Beef Burrito Supreme . . . 410 calories . . . 70 minutes of DANCING.

 (Yahoo! Food)

 

HERE ARE NINE RELATIONSHIP TIPS FROM A COUPLE WHO'VE BEEN MARRIED FOR 80 YEARS:

 

 

There's a couple named Bill and Marie DeCaro who live in Springfield, Pennsylvania (--about 10 miles west of Philadelphia) . . . and they've been married for 80 years.  That makes them the world's SECOND-LONGEST MARRIED COUPLE. 

Marie is 99 years old, Billturned 100 in March, and their 80th wedding anniversary is June 20th.  They got married in Philadelphia in 1929 . . . lost their money in the Great Depression . . . travelled the Vaudeville circuit . . . and danced in theaters during the silent movie era. 

 Here are NINE tips from the DeCaros about how to make your relationship last:

 

#1.)  FORGIVENESS:  Bill says the relationship has lasted so long because Marie, quote, "never gets mad at anything.  If we have a little dispute . . . which we have . . . in about 5 minutes she'll come over, or I'll do the same thing to her.  Forget the disputes!"

#2.)  CUDDLE:  Bill says that when Marie can't get to sleep, quote, "I turn around, put my hands on her stomach, and she falls asleep."

#3.)  BE INDEPENDENT:  Marie says she likes a man who's an independent thinker . . . so according to her, quote, "Don't just gobble everything that I say . . . you got a head of your own . . . use your own head."  (???)

#4.)  DON'T OVER-SPEND:  Marie says, quote:  "Where do couples go wrong? They spend too much money."

 #5.)  TALK A LOT

 #6.)  LOVE A LOT

#7.)  LAUGH A LOT

#8.)  EXCERCISE A LITTLE

#9.)  HAVE A LITTLE FUN

 (ABC)

 

HERE ARE SOME DO'S AND DON'TS FOR WEARING MEN'S SANDALS:

 

 Guys . . . summer's almost here, and that means it's just about time to break out the sandals again. With that in mind, we tracked down a list of DO's and DON'Ts for wearing men's sandals . . . so you won't embarrass yourself in front of the ladies.

 

 

--DON'T wear those specially-designed hiking sandals. They're hideous and unnecessary. If you want to take a hike . . . just wear real boots.

 

 

--DON'T wear Birkenstocks or Tiva sandals. These things are only made for dorks in their teens and early 20s who haven't outgrown their hippy phase yet. You have. And if you haven't . . . throwing away your old Birkenstocks is a good place to start. 

 

 

--DON'T wear socks with sandals. Why? Because sandals are meant to be worn with bare feet. If you want to wear socks, then you need to wear shoes too. Plus, it looks ridiculous.

 

 

--DON'T wear Dr. Martens sandals. In fact, don't wear Dr. Martens boots either. Just forget this company ever existed.

 

 

--DON'T wear those athletic "slip on" sandals . . . at least not out in public. You know what I'm talking about . . . the kind that Nike and Adidas make. You'll look like you just left soccer practice . . . which isn't an appealing look for an overweight, 45-year-old dad.   

 

 

--But DO wear those simple "cross-strap" sandals. They're not too flashy, and they won't make you look like a total fool.

 

 

--DO wear those Brazilian flip-flop sandals. These are the ones with the single strap between your big and second toes. Brazilian flip-flops are comfortable and versatile . . . plus, you can pick them up on the cheap.

  

--DO splurge on quality. You don't need to break the bank. But a quality sandal can become your go-to shoe for the summer . . . and that's got to be worth a few extra bucks. 
(Ask Men)



 

THERE'S A NEW PRODUCT THAT CAN TELL WHETHER YOU HAVE BAD BREATH:

 

 

Researchers at Tel Aviv University in Israel have just invented a new, disposable BREATH TEST . . . called the Okay-To-Kiss kit . . . which can tell you if your breath stinks.

So how does this baby work?

 

According to one of the product's inventors . . . a guy named Mel Rosenberg . . . quote, "All a user has to do is dab a little bit of saliva onto a small window of the Okay-To-Kiss kit.

 

"Okay-To-Kiss will turn blue if a person has enzymes in their mouth produced by the Gram-positive bacteria. The presence of these enzymes means that the mouth is busily producing bacteria that foster nasty breath."

 

And if the Okay-To-Kiss doesn't detect Gram-positive bacteria . . . meaning your breath doesn't stink . . . the window will remain CLEAR. 

 

Right now, the Okay-To-Kiss kit's patent is still pending. 

 

 

 

(Live Science / Top News)

 

HOW TO SURVIVE BANKRUPTCY

 

 

 

Chances are, more people will file for bankruptcy this year than any other year in U.S. history. The process can get ugly, so if you're considering it, here's some advice on how to get through a bankruptcy filing and start rebuilding for the future . . .

  

 

#1.). TALK TO EXPERTS. Before you do anything, get some advice. You're required to go through credit counseling before you file for bankruptcy. You can meet with a counselor in person, or in most cases, you can do it over the phone for free.

To find an expert in your area, check out the National Foundation for Credit Counselors at NFCC.org. Also, groups like Debtors Anonymous can help you address your bad spending habits. With their help, you might even be able to avoid bankruptcy altogether.

 

#2.) ADDRESS YOUR MISTAKES. If you're filing for bankruptcy, chances are you made some BIG ONES. After you file, you won't have any credit to fall back on, so it's important to address your bad habits and rid yourself of them as soon as possible.

 

#3.) START REBUILDING. Bankruptcy is tough, but life goes on. So start applying for credit again. You won't be approved for a while, and when you are, your interest rates will be through the roof. But eventually, you'll need credit to buy a computer, a car, or a home.

So don't bury your head in the sand and resolve that credit cards are evil. Credit isn't the problem. Overspending is.

 

#4.) DON'T DO IT AGAIN. Learn to make better financial decisions and stay within your budget. Use a computer program like Quicken, or pick up some self-help books. Filing for bankruptcy the second time is even harder . . . so make sure you never have to do it again.

 

(AskMen.com)


HOW TO ASK FOR A RAISE

 

 Do you think you deserve a little more money for a hard day's work? Forty percent of U.S. companies have announced a freeze on pay raises this year, so if you're thinking about asking for a raise, here are eight things to consider . . .

  

#1.) PERFORMANCE. Think about why you deserve more money, so you'll be able to explain it clearly to your boss. Be ready with examples of how you've helped the company and how you'll do so in the future.

 

#2.) PAY. Knowing how your salary stacks up to others can help you decide if a raise is warranted. Websites like PayScale.com let you look up salary ranges by job title, experience level, and geographic area.

 

#3.) SKILL LEVEL. Do you perform at a higher level than coworkers with similar job duties? If so, you have a MUCH better chance of getting a raise. If not, you should probably put in a few extra hours before you ask for more money.

 

#4.) COMPANY CLIMATE. If your company has announced layoffs, salary freezes, or wage cuts, you CAN still ask for a raise. But if you do, be prepared to show how you make your company stronger and more profitable. If you don't, forget about it.

 

#5.) TIMING. If you just did something spectacular at work, it might be the perfect time to ask for a raise. If you performance has been GOOD, but not GREAT, you should probably wait until your performance review.

 

In the meantime, sit down with your boss and ask what you can do to help your company thrive. It's even okay to ask how you can increase your chances of getting a raise in the near future.  

 

 

 

#6.) POPPING THE QUESTION. If you DO ask for a raise, focus on selling yourself and your value to the company. Present your case in a humble manner and rehearse what you're going to say before you say it to your boss. And whatever you do, DON'T BEG. 

 

#7.) THINK OF ALTERNATIVES. If a raise is completely out of the question, think of other ways you can be compensated. Your boss might be willing to give you more vacation days, or a better title, which can eventually lead to more money.

 

#8.) KNOW WHAT TO AVOID. Don't get angry, and don't talk about your financial issues. Concentrate on your performance, which is the only REAL leverage you have. Also, don't threaten to quit unless you're prepared for that threat to become a reality. 

 

 

(PayScale.com)

 

NEARLY 8,000 KIDS WERE SENT TO THE HOSPITAL IN 2007 . . . AFTER A TV FELL ON TOP OF THEM???

 

 Don't you just love those cool flat-screen TVs? I do. Unfortunately, like everything else that's fun in this world . . . they're DEATH TRAPS. Observe . . .

 

 According to researchers at the Nationwide Children's Hospital in Ohio, nearly 17,000 kids were rushed to the hospital in 2007 . . . after unstable furniture fell on top of them. And 47% of those injuries . . . or nearly 8,000 overall . . . were the result of falling flat-screen TVs. 

 

 Since 1990, the number of kids injured by falling TV sets . . . is up 41%. 
(MSNBC)

 

This isn't just limited to TVs.  Chldren have died when bookcases or entertainment centers, that were a little wobbly, fell on them!  Secure that furniture people!!

 

 

***FIVE WAYS TO AVOID BEING LAID OFF***

 

 

 

Just because you're not the most senior person at work DOESN'T mean you have to be the first to go when people start getting laid off.  Here are five things you can do that will make you look a lot more valuable to your employer . . .

 

 

#1.) GO IN EARLY ONCE A WEEK. Get there before the boss does. If you can, get there before ANYONE does. It doesn't have to be the same day each week, and it doesn't have to be by much, but a little extra effort can go a long way.

 

#2.) STAY LATE ONCE A WEEK. Later than your boss, and later than everyone else too. Again, it's all about putting forth extra effort and making sure people notice. Stay on the office radar, and show them that you're a dedicated employee.

 

#3.) LOOK BUSY. If you have a desk job, it's not hard. Just don't get caught playing around on Facebook. If you're NOT at a desk job, then make sure you look like you have plenty to do, even it that means refolding the t-shirt display a million times a day.

 

#4.) BE BUSY. Take on extra work if you can. A few months ago, you might have thought to yourself, "Well, they don't pay me enough to do that." But when people start getting laid off, you need to be thankful that you're still getting paid at all.

 

#5.) EXPAND YOUR SKILL SET. Find something that isn't part of your job duties, and add it. You'll show your boss that you have skills above and beyond the ones he hired you for. And you'll look a lot better than your co-workers who are slacking off.

 

Remember, you're essentially competing for the job you already have. So act like it.

 

(Yahoo.com)


 

 When do you take the kids to the hospital?

Parents worry a lot. It comes with the job. So it's hard to know if you're overreacting to your child's stomach ache or if it warrants a trip to the doctor. If in doubt, always see a doctor, but here are five times you should go to the ER right away . . .

 

#1.) NECK STIFFNESS OR RASH WITH FEVER. Your child should see a doctor immediately. A stiff neck, rash, and fever could equal MENINGITIS, which is extremely dangerous, especially in kids.

 

#2.) HEAD INJURY. Kids bump their heads all the time, but if your child seems confused, loses consciousness, develops a headache, or starts vomiting, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests a trip to the emergency room.

 

#3.) BURNS. A burn should receive emergency care if it's larger than your child's palm, if it's deep or discolored, or if it was caused by a chemical. First-degree burns are red, and second-degree burns produce blisters.

 

A third-degree burn looks waxy white, brown, or . . . if it's really bad . . . black.

 

#4.) FEVER IN A NEWBORN. Any child three months old or younger who has a temperature over 100.4 needs to be seen by a doctor. The fever can be a sign of an infection . . . or meningitis.

 

#5.) SEVERE ABDOMINAL PAIN. Most stomach aches are minor, but if your child's stomach is swollen and tender to the touch, see a doctor immediately. Pain in the lower right side of the stomach could also be a sign of appendicitis.

 

 (CNN.com)

We've all heard that "laughter is the best medicine", right? Well, according to a new study . . . there might actually be some truth to that. Listen to this . . .

 

 Researchers from Loma Linda University split 20 high-risk diabetes patients into two groups . . . and gave each the exact same treatment.

 

 The ONLY difference was that one group was ALSO asked to watch comedy of their own choosing for at least 30 minutes a day, usually sitcoms or funny movies. So what happened?

 

 After just two months, the comedy-watching group had already lowered their stress levels. And after a year, their levels of GOOD cholesterol had risen by 26%.

 

 Meanwhile, the group that DIDN'T watch comedy boosted its levels of good cholesterol too . . . but only by 3%. 

 

 And in the comedy group, the risk of inflammation and cardiovascular disease decreased by 66%. But it only decreased by 26% in the group that didn't watch comedy.

 

 A guy named Lee Berk led the study. He says, quote, "The best clinicians understand that there is an intrinsic physiological intervention brought about by positive emotions such as mirthful laughter, optimism and hope." 

 In other words, laughter really is good for your health. 
(Live Science)

 

 

 FIVE WAYS TO STAY ORGANIZED

 

When little chores pile up, they become overwhelming. But if you find ways to keep those chores in check, you'll be less stressed and more capable of tackling bigger, more-important issues. Here are five practical ways to take care of the little things in life . . .

 

 

#1.) FOLLOW THE "ONE-MINUTE RULE". Don't postpone any task that can be done in less than a minute. Throw all your dirty laundry in the hamper, or sort through junk mail as soon as you get it. Doing little tasks like that quickly adds up in the long run.

 

#2.) TIDY UP BEFORE BED. Take five to ten minutes before bed each night and pick up around the house. Putting things in order is calming, and it can help you sleep better. Plus, waking up to a tidy house is a great way to start your day.

 

#3.) DO A DAILY ERRAND. Keep a list of things that need to be done but aren't urgent. Then do one every day. One errand is manageable, and if you keep at it, you'll end up running through your list.

 

#4.) BEFORE YOU KEEP ANYTHING, ASK YOURSELF, "DO I NEED THIS?". Most people accumulate junk. But if you throw out and recycle your old bill stubs and magazines, your house will remain clutter free, and you'll have less tidying to do. 

 

#5.) KEEP A DAILY NOTEPAD. Instead of writing notes and phone numbers on whatever scrap of paper happens to be closest to you, train yourself to write them all in one place.

 

--At the end of the day, copy anything you need to keep, then toss the list so you can start fresh the next day.

(Yahoo.com)


HERE ARE TEN THINGS YOU DID WHEN YOU WERE 20 . . . THAT YOU'LL REGRET WHEN YOU'RE 40:

 

 

 

 

#10.) Body piercing: It might seem cool to have crazy stuff sticking out of your face when you're 22. But when you're 42, and you have a half-inch ring stretching your earlobes, you'll feel like a moron at a business meeting . . . if you can get a job where there are business meetings.

 

#9.) Sexy Internet photos: Here's a scenario for you . . . 20 years from now, your kids are surfing the Interweb, and they stumble across pictures of YOU, their mother, doing body shots off a random, sweaty Latin guy. Need I say more?

 

 

#8.) Tattoos: Remember how much you loved "Sesame Street" . . . before you got older and outgrew it? Well, that's how you're going to feel in 20 years about all the stuff you like now. Think about that before you run out and get your next tat.

  

#7.) Choosing the "ho" over the "bro": Yes, she was smoking hot . . . and she actually let you have sex with her. But when she cheats on you in 20 years, you're going to wish you'd chosen your buddy . . . who is now long gone . . . over the slut.

 

 

#6.) Getting married too young: You can get married any time. But your days of violating 20-something ladies who still groom their down-there hair has a shelf life. So you might as well live a little . . . before you throw it all away. 

 

 

#5.) Not traveling enough: It's hard to travel in your 20s . . . because you're so poor. But do you really think it's going to be any easier when you're 40 with three kids, two mortgages . . . and a 50-hour-a-week job? Don't fool yourself.

 

 

#4.) Not finishing school: You thought you were smart pulling down a fat paycheck while your friends were paying off student loans. But you won't feel so smart when you're still making the same amount at 45 . . . and your friends are cruising around in new BMWs. 

 

 

#3.) Smoking: It's the coolest thing in the world when you're young. Too bad you may be dead by the time you're 50. 

 

 

#2.) Bad credit: That 50-inch plasma TV was pretty sweet in your bachelor pad. But you won't think it's so sweet when you're still paying it off . . . in the year 2025.

 

 

#1.) Not spending more time with your parents: Hanging out with your parents isn't that hip when you're 20. But let's face it: Your parents love you WAY more than they should, they're always there for you . . . and they aren't going to be around forever. (Coed Magazine)

 

 

 

 NEARLY HALF OF ALL WORKERS LAID-OFF IN THE PAST THREE MONTHS . . . HAVE ALREADY FOUND NEW JOBS:

 

 

In the past several months, hundreds of thousands of Americans have been laid-off from work. Now, obviously . . . that's bad news. But there's a silver lining . . .

 

According to a recent survey, 41% of workers who were laid-off in the last three months . . . have already found a new, full-time job. And another 8% have already found a part-time job. 

 

59% of laid-off MEN have been able to find another job . . . as have 49% of laid-off women. 

 

Meanwhile, 68% of workers in the 35 to 44-year-old age range have found a new job. And listen to this . . .

 

15% of laid-off workers say they're making MORE MONEY at their new job than they were at their old one . . . while ONE in FIVE say their new job requires them to work fewer hours. 

 

Overall, ONE in FOUR laid-off workers who still haven't found another job . . . say they're seriously considering starting their own company. 

 

 

(PR Newswire)

 

HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO HELP YOU BECOME A BILLIONAIRE:

 

 

We all want to be billionaires, right? Of course we do. Why wouldn't we?

With that in mind, here are some tips to help you become a billionaire . . . based on an unscientific study of the world's 657 billionaires conducted by "Forbes". 

 

 

#1.) Have parents with a math-related career: A significant percentage of the world's billionaires come from parents who had math-related jobs, like an engineer, an accountant, or a small-business owner.

 

#2.) Be born in September . . . but NOT December: More American billionaires were born in the fall than any other season . . . and the MOST were born in the month of September. Meanwhile, relatively few billionaires were born in December. 

 

#3.) Get a graduate degree: More than 55% of American billionaires hold a graduate degree. And NINE in TEN who got their MBA attended either Harvard, Columbia or the University of Pennsylvania.

 

#4.) Or don't go to college at all: More than ONE in FIVE self-made American billionaires never went to college . . . or dropped out early (--including BILL GATES, STEVE JOBS and MICHAEL DELL).

 

#5.) Join the secret society Skull and Bones: A bunch of billionaires were members of the secret society at Yale called Skull and Bones . . . before going on to earn their fortunes.

 

#6.) Work at Goldman Sachs: At least 11 current or recent billionaires worked for Goldman Sachs early in their careers. 

 

#7.) Suffer a bitter professional setback: Why? Because it will heighten your fear of failure . . . just like it did for so many of the world's billionaires. 

 

 

(Yahoo Finance)

6 Ways To Relieve Stress
 

Did you know that 90 PERCENT of doctor visits are due to stress-related problems? It's true. Anxiety affects almost every aspect of your health. Trying to make huge life changes can be stressful itself, so here are five of the easiest ways to relieve anxiety . . .

 

 

#1.) FIND A RYTHYM. According to researchers at Stanford University, listening to music that has a steady beat can cause your brain waves to function rhythmically and relax you. Try loading your iTunes with a list of songs that get your foot tapping.

 

#2.) PHONE A FRIEND. Pouring your heart out can help you cope with stress AND it helps you come up with new ways to solve problems. Just don't forget to return the favor. Offering support can make you feel needed, which also reduces anxiety.

 

#3.) CHANGE YOUR LIGHT BULBS. Outfit your desk lamp with an old-fashioned incandescent bulb . . . especially if you're surrounded by fluorescent lights. Combining the two types of light can trick your body into thinking it's actually sunshine.

--And sunshine . . . or the perception of it . . . regulates your body's biorhythms. If you don't have enough, your immune system can get weak and mood swings can get worse.

 

#4.) DINE BY CANDLELIGHT. Low levels of light tell your brain to release melatonin, which gives you a better night's rest. Making sure you get enough sleep is the best way to keep your stress level down and your immune system up.

 

#5.) ANTICIPATE SOMETHING FUN. It doesn't have to be something HUGE. It just has to be something you look forward to each day. Maybe that's your mid-morning coffee break or the vacation you're taking in a few months.

--Whatever it is, focus on something fun, and it will keep your mind from drifting to all the things that COULD go wrong each day.

 

#6.) COMPLIMENT SOMEONE. When someone deserves a compliment, give them one. Research shows that the more personal connections you make, the better you body is at dealing with all kinds of stress.

--Plus, making someone else feel good will make you feel good too.

 

 

(SELF.com)

SIX DATE IDEAS FOR DATING DURING A RECESSION:

 

 

Dating is a nerve-wracking business at the best of times. But dating when the economy is in the crapper can be even more difficult. Here are six tips to keep your dating life alive while you're short on cash.

 

 

#1.) COOK DINNER TOGETHER. All this requires is a presentable apartment with a well-stocked kitchen and the ability to cook, or at least follow a recipe.

 --Add a romantic . . . but inexpensive . . . bottle of wine and some candles, and you'll save a ton of money over your typical fancy restaurant.

 

 #2.) TAKE A WALK IN THE PARK. Since it's spring now, the weather should be nice enough to spend the day outdoors. Go for a walk in the park and bring a couple loaves of bread to feed the ducks, or bring peanuts to feed the squirrels.

 

 #3.) SAMPLE SOME ETHNIC CUISINE. Try an Indian, Chinese, or Thai restaurant . . . your date will feel more exotic AND the bill will usually be cheaper.

 

 #4.) GO ON A BIKE RIDE. If you and your date already own bikes, a long bike ride won't cost you anything but calories. Or if you don't own a bike, spend a Saturday afternoon renting a tandem bike.

 

 #5.) USE A COUPON. Using coupons can be a good way to have your dating cake and eat it too. Look in your newspaper or online for a coupon to a nicer restaurant. Once you're at the restaurant, slip your waiter the coupon when your date isn't looking.

 

 #6.) JUST HAVE COFFEE AND DESSERT. By just going out for coffee and dessert, you save on the big costs of eating at a restaurant, but still get the restaurant experience. 

 --The tricky part is scheduling a coffee-and-dessert date without actually having dinner. If all else fails, you can always combine this with tip #1 and go out for coffee and dessert after making dinner at home.

 

 

(Happen Magazine)

  

Some people support the $787 BILLION stimulus plan that Congress passed in February . . . and some people are still FUMING about it. But if you can't find a job, politics don't matter much. The good news is, some of the stimulus money is starting to be spent.

So if you're looking for work, there might be new opportunities out there . . . as long as you know where to look. Here are three ways to take advantage of the stimulus bill and find a job . . .

 
#1.) VISIT A ONE-STOP CAREER CENTER. The stimulus bill provides $3.5 BILLION for job training and another $400 MILLION for employment services. So check out CareerOneStop.org. 

 
--It offers information on 3,000 career centers around the country where you'll be most-likely to see the stimulus money at work.

 

 #2.) APPLY FOR GOVERNMENT JOBS. They're always hiring at state and federal levels. A lot of the stimulus money will go to government agencies . . . from the State Department to the state parks, and everything in between.

 
--Go to this website address . . . It's JobSearch.USAjobs.gov. You can search different areas of interest and expertise. Plus, you can usually apply online.

 

 #3.) FIND OUT WHO'S GETTING THE MOST MONEY. Officials estimate that 90 PERCENT of the jobs created by the stimulus plan will be in the private sector. Federal and state governments will PLAN projects, but they'll contract out the work.

 

 

--Here are some of the industries that will be getting a big chunk of the money . . .

 

--THE CONSTRUCTION AND ENGINEERING INDUSTRIESare getting billions of dollars to rebuild roads and bridges . . .

 

--About $50 billion is going toward NEW ENERGY INITIATIVES . . .

 

--Much of the $4 billion going to LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES will be used to hire more police officers . . .

 

--And $155 MILLION has been sent to the Department of Health and Human Services to open 100 NEW HEALTH CENTERS and create 5,500 jobs across the country.

 

 (AskMen.com)
 

***FOUR WAYS TO GET FREE TAX HELP***

 

 

 

If you have less money than usual this year, but aren't comfortable doing your taxes by yourself, you CAN get help with your tax returns without hiring a high-priced accountant. Here are four low-budget options you should consider at tax time . . .

 

 

#1.) COMMUNITY PROGRAMS. They're usually set up at libraries, shopping malls, and other public locations. They're generally staffed with volunteers who CAN'T answer complex questions, but who CAN help guide you through a simple return.

 

 

 

#2.) FREE HELP FOR LOW-TO MODERATE-INCOME FILERS. The IRS sponsors the "Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program," which is available to people who earn $42,000 a year or less. To find out more, call 1-800-829-1040.

 

 

 

#3.) AARP ASSISTANCE FOR ALL AGES. The AARP program gives special attention to people over 60. But with 7,000 locations nationwide and 33,000 volunteers, they'll help anyone who brings in a simple tax return. To find out more, visit AARP.org.

 

 

 

#4.) GET HELP ONLINE. The IRS has deals with 19 tax software companies, and if you made $56,000 or less last year, you can use online versions of programs like TurboTax for free. Look for the "Free File" icon on IRS.gov to find out more.

 

 

(Associated Press)



 

HAVE YOU EVER CONSIDERED WORKING ON THE WEEKEND???

 

 

Who doesn't love the weekend?  It's the time of the week that we can do things for ourselves.  There are advantages to working through the weekend though, take a look:

 

 

#1.) You can work on your own schedule: During the week, you're at the mercy of your co-workers and your boss. But during the weekend, there's no one telling you what to do . . . or getting in your way. 

 

 

#2.) You'll learn to manage your time better: Nobody wants to spend their entire weekend in the office. But if you go in early one morning . . . knowing full well that you want to be done by noon . . . you'll use your time more efficiently to make it happen. 

 

 

#3.) You'll earn extra money: If your job pays overtime for weekend shifts . . . working weekends can be a great way to earn some extra cash. And if it doesn't, getting a part-time weekend job can help you earn money . . . while gaining new skills and experience. 

 

 

 

#4.) You'll get a good reputation: You probably don't want to be known as the office workaholic. But if you put in a few extra hours here and there . . . your efforts will be recognized and, hopefully, rewarded. (CNN)
 

Top 5 Ways To Save Money Without Noticing

by Jim Wang

What’s better than saving some money? Saving money without really noticing that you’re saving money. How do you do this? Take a look at some of the less important things in your life and see if you can cut back. Or, take a look at some of the things you take for granted and cut back. Or, just trim something you don’t even use much anymore but still pay for… all these things can be removed to save you a little bit of money without you noticing one bit.

1. Cancel that Netflix Account.
How many movies do you really watch? Cancel that Netflix account and instead go with something like Redbox where you pay $1 a night (often times free with a promotional code) and save yourself that $20-$30 a month you’re paying now. I know I’ve been at my friends’ places and seen the same Netflix envelopes month after month.

2. Drink more water.
Get a water bottle, fill it up and drink from it during the day. Get used to drinking water and you won’t drink more expensive stuff like soda and coffee. Get used to drinking water and you’ll likely eat less, cutting out those expensive snacks. Get used to drinking water and improve your health, which means less in health care costs down the road that will be difficult to quantify. As a corollary, when you go out to eat, ask for water instead of your beverage of choice. This is a directly quantifiable savings because do you really want a $2 soda?

3. Visit the library.
Books are expensive and I’ve done a scientific experiment that has definitively proven that the only reason why you would ever buy a book is so that you can put it on your bookshelf to prove how educated you are. Seriously, I have done such an experiment because I know that after I read through a book once, there is a 99.99999% chance that I will never open it again and thus the only logical reason to ever buy a book is to show off. Okay, I’m being facetious but let the library be your bookcase and not only will you save money, you’ll save space, and even some trees. DVDs are available at the library too… so you can scratch off #1 too if you just do #3.

4. Switch to CFL.
Switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs will save you huge on your electricity bills since the bulbs use about a quarter of the electricity of their regular light bulb equivalents. Now, the bulbs will be more expensive but the lowered electricity bill plus the longer lifespan overcomes the initial price hit without minimal cost to you.

5. Reduce your phone, television, internet package or just threaten to cancel it.
Do you really need 23094820394238 minutes on your cell package? How about 290384029 channels? Heck no, I have like 500 channels and all I watch are ESPN, The History Channel, and maybe Oxygen (okay, not really Oxygen); but if you don’t want to give up all those options, consider just calling up your cable company and demanding a better rate. Verizon is coming into the neighborhood soon so I think I’ll be calling up Comcast and asking them to reduce my rate or I’m jumping ship. Either way, paying less for the same service is certainly an invisible way to save money!

(Bargaineering.com)

***FOUR WAYS TO MAKE THE BAD ECONOMY GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH***

 

 

 

The economy is in bad shape, but that doesn't mean YOU have to be. You don't need to have a lot of money to take care of your body. So here are four ways you can make the bad economy GOOD for your health . . .

  

 

#1.) WATCH LESS TV. Cable companies are losing a lot of subscribers. And at $100 a month, it's no wonder. Maybe you should cancel YOURS: research shows that people who watch more than two hours of TV a day are much more likely to be overweight.

 

 

 

#2.) GET A BETTER WORKOUT. Canceling your gym membership can save you $50 a month, but it DOESN'T mean you have to stop working out. Running on a treadmill is good, but when you run outdoors, you actually get a better workout.

 

 

--Plus, breathing fresh air and soaking up the sun increase your endorphin levels, which makes you feel stronger and gives you more energy.

 

 

 

#3.) EAT HEALTHIER. If you have less money, then you're probably not going out for dinner very much. And that's GOOD for your health. Restaurant food is generally higher in salt and fat. And a meal at a restaurant usually has TWICE as many calories.

 

 

 

#4.) INCREASE YOUR WILLPOWER. Research shows that if you start keeping track of your finances and following a budget, you'll gain more willpower at the same time. And that makes it easier for you to stay on a healthy diet and exercise regimen.

 

 

--Plus, learning to make conscious choices teaches you about self-control. And that will help in every area of your life. 

 

 

(Yahoo.com)


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