Shocking Items that can leave guys shooting blanks!

Sperm killers are everywhere. No matter the point of entry, many everyday chemicals are zapping sperm counts and even silently scrambling DNA sperm data for men all over the world.
You might already know that narrow bikes seats have been linked to erectile dysfunction, and maybe you've heard about the study connecting antidepressants to sperm DNA damage. So here's some new ones causing a problem! But they're easier to avoid!

1. Cash register receipts
About 40% of receipts today are coated with the hormone-disrupting chemical bisphenol-A (BPA), which has been linked to fertility problems and heart disease. A new study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility just discovered that men with higher BPA levels in their urine experienced low sperm counts and lower sperm quality than men with lower levels.

Protect yourself: Say you don't want a receipt at the point of purchase. If you do need one, store it in an envelope or folder, not in a pocket or in the wallet you're constantly breaking open. Keep receipts out of the recycling bin, too; their BPA can contaminate water and recycled-paper products.

2. Canned food
Sure, canned food is convenient, but almost all of those metal cans are coated with a BPA resin, which migrates into the food. Acidic canned products, such as tomato paste or sauces, are particularly saturated with BPA.

Protect yourself: Choose fresh or frozen food instead of canned whenever possible, and buy foods like pasta sauce sold in glass jars rather than cans.

3. Your toxic shower
Phthalates linger in scented soaps, shampoos, and cleaners, and in vinyl shower curtains. And the heat from your shower makes it easier for the chemicals to be released.

Protect yourself: Choose a simple soap-and-shampoo-in-one, such as plant-based. Even though it's a kid's soap, it does the job. And it's free of harmful phthalate-containing products. Avoid personal-care products that have a fragrance or scent. Invest in a long-lasting hemp shower curtain instead of buying vinyl curtains every month or two.

4. Chemical-laced produce
Unfortunately, chemical pesticides don't see much difference between your precious seed and a hornworm.

Protect yourself: It's helpful to always wash your produce, but pesticides aren't just on food, they're in the food, too. So eat organic whenever possible, and start planning your 2011 organic garden.

5. Heated car seats
Heated car seats, heating pads, and even prolonged time in a hot tub heats up testicular temperatures just enough to decrease sperm production.

Protect yourself: Direct heat is the problem here, so if you're cold in the car, just boost the heater and let the air circulate around the vehicle.

Found on MSN Lifestyle

Canadian Kids Naughty or Nice Confessions!

On CanadianParents.com you'll find a list of Canadian childrens hilarious naughty-or-nice confessions. So here's some of the best!

I didn't like my dinner, so I gave it to the dog and she threw up. Please don't tell Mommy!

Mommy's cooking is yucky, please bring her a cookbook.

Dear Santa, I love you more then mommy and daddy.

I'm nice, but my sister is naughty.

I threw my brothers socks in the garbage, but other than that, I promise I was nice.

Most annoying word of 2010

For the 2nd year in a row, whatever has topped the poll as the most annoying word or phrase of 2010. 39% of people polled detest the word!

28% of people believe that the #2 most annoying word is like.

The 3rd most annoying phrase is you know what I mean.

Rounding out the top 5 is to tell you the truth and actually.

Least Popular Christmas Movies

It's an Utterly Horrible Life, Charlie Brown

Miracle Whip on 34th Street

Harry Potter and the Marketing Tie-In That All of Your Friends Will Get for Christmas So You'd Better Ask For It, Too

Frosty the Ex-Girlfriend

Silent But Deadly Night

Pay It Forward, with 0% Financing and No Payments Due Until January of 2012

Prancer II: Pass the Steak Sauce

Dude, Where's My Sleigh?

Winona Ryder in "How the Wench Stole Christmas"

and the Number 1 Least Popular Holiday Movie...
Crouching Reindeer, Hidden Yule Log

Best Toys of All Time

Good Housekeeping released this list, of the top 16 toys of all time!

Sega Dreamcast
In 1999, this was the season's to-die-for item. The chip inside this 128-bit system processed graphics four times faster than a Pentium II. Plus, the unit played CDs and had a built-in 56K modem, so kids could surf the Web on the TV with the optional keyboard.

Furby
In 1998, these cute and inexpensive "animatronic pets" came out of the box "speaking" Furbish, a language you could imagine a bunch of third-grade girls invented during a sleepover.

Cabbage Patch Kids
Xavier Robert's handcrafted, limited-edition babies were originally dubbed "Little People" but officially became "Cabbage Patch Kids" in 1982. By 1990, more than 65 million of these tiny tots were "adopted" by kids.

Nintendo
Children began to love video games like Donkey Kong and Super Mario Bros. in 1985, when the Nintendo Entertainment System was introduced. More than 60 million units were sold in its first two years, and it paved the way for high-tech consoles of today.

Etch A Sketch
Uses technology developed in the 1950s by Andre Cassagnes, an electrician in France. Since its invention in 1960, more than 150 million have been sold worldwide.

Lego
Lego is the world's sixth-largest toy manufacturer: Children across the world spend 5 billion hours a year playing with its toys. Founder Ole Kirk Christiansen created the company name by taking the first two letters of the Danish words Leg Godt — meaning "play well" — and putting them together. LEGO bricks are made by heating plastic to 232 degrees Celsius and injecting the doughlike result into molds.

Barbie
Everyone's favourite doll, Barbie, celebrated her 50th birthday in 2009. In the beginning, Barbie was $3, and Ken cost $3.50.

Play-Doh
It was invented in 1955 by Joseph McVickers at the age of 27. He got the idea when he saw his daughter playing with wallpaper paste.

Mickey Mouse
The world's most iconic mouse was born November 18, 1928, in the first Disney cartoon with synchronized sound, "Steamboat Willie." A 12" Mickey Mouse cowboy doll cost $2 in 1935.

Scooter
Children have been cruising the neighborhood in scooters since the 1920s, when this toy first became popular. Tiny versions made of wood and steel evolved into sleek, life-sized scooters in the 1930s that were streamlined, featured mudguards, and cost $4.95.

Teddy Bear
Born in 1906 during the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt, is one of the most-loved toys of all time.

Gifts for Bad Drivers!

So maybe you have a friend or relative who is STILL completely horrible at driving. Well here's some ideas to help them out, and keep others safe!

Driving Lessons
Short of nominating someone for rehab on Canada's Worst Driver, refresher driving lessons can help correct bad driving habits. Instilling proper technique builds confidence. Many driving schools offer refresher courses.

Parking Sensors
For example, Vancouver-based N-Motion Automotive Products sells the Chinese-made Golden Eye system (four or six sensors) for $150-$300, depending on the application, plus installation if your gift recipient is local. A dashboard display goes from green to red as you near obstacles. Sensors not enough? Canadian Tire offers a wireless colour backup camera for $149.99. It mounts on the licence plate and features night-vision capability, an aid to gauge distances and a 3.5-inch monitor.

Paint Repair Kits
Great for those little door dings they get from parking to close to stuff! Dr. ColorChip offers kits with factory-matched paints that it says can deal with chipped paint and "road rash" in three quick steps that involve no sanding. The kits range from US$39 to US$59, (plus $16.75 shipping to Canada). Canadian Tire has Quixx paint scratch-remover kits for $19.99 that includes a tube of repair polish, finish solution, polishing cloths and sandpaper.

Bluetooth Headset
Some are only $20! With the new cellphone ban possibly starting in January (in New Brunswick) these will be much cheaper than the ticket! A good Bluetooth hands-free, either headset or speakerphone, is an essential tool for the distracted driver for whom no call or text message is unimportant. Research the brands to know what you or they would want!

Auxiliary Lights
Vision is a key factor in safe driving and at night that means good lighting. Consider an upgrade for headlights or adding auxiliary lights. Prices for a pair of H4 halogen replacement bulbs are $70-$100, with auxiliary lighting kits ranging to over $1,000.

Electronic No-Doze
Driver fatigue figures in a lot of accidents and there are devices aimed at keeping your eyes open. The latest is the ASP, for Anti Sleep Pilot, designed in Denmark. The dash-mounted device asks you to perform a simple exercise the first time you use it. Once underway the unit tests your alertness periodically with some touch exercises and your responses help it gauge fatigue and warn you when it's time to pull over for a break.

Traffic Ticket Book
Speeding tickets and other traffic infractions can threaten a driver's licence and boost insurance premiums. So your scofflaw pal might appreciate a copy of Fight Your Ticket, a guide to Canada's traffic-court system, available for $19.99 as an ebook or iBook and $24.99 as a paperback at many bookstores and through online outlets such as Amazon. The authors take you through the steps of the process and possible defences when dealing with potentially expensive traffic transgressions.

Found on MSN Autos

The 2nd most popular week to split!

This week, according to 2 journalists who studied relationship statuses on Facebook, is the 2nd most popular week to break up... ahem... with that loser *cough* (after April Fools).

So if you're flying solo this holiday season, here's the top reasons to LOVE being single!

You don't have to tolerate moodiness & nagging
How many times have you been in the doghouse because your significant other was livid for reasons you still don't understand? When you wake up on the couch, you'll know it's because you chose to pass out there.

You can eat what ya want, and gain weight without worrying
Just as you can spend time on your trim figure, you can also just chill and let yourself go for a little while. Go ahead and wear those extra big comfy clothes! Enjoy the pleasure of occasionally being a slob. BUT don't go so far that you can't trim down in time for when you decide to start hunting!

You can appreciate your independence
Being single forces you to do things for yourself, like cook, do laundry and tidy up your pad. Being skilled at many things makes you a more complete, well-rounded person -- a great card to hold when you decide to reenter the dating market. People are attracted to non-needy people!

You can control your finances
If you've ever been in a serious relationship, you know that, sooner or later, a good chunk of your budget goes into a pot. No more buying presents, dinner, events, or anything for 2! However, understand that this does not mean that you will save money -- on the contrary; you might be spending more on partying, buying drinks, dressing well, and so on. But at least you are the master of every single dollar you spend.

You have more time for activities
Want to harden your body at the gym? Play a new instrument? How about watch the Godfather or Twilight trilogy for the 11th time? Who's stopping you? Also, you have more time for your friends (granted that you didn't ditch them while in a relationship.)

You can focus on your career
In the absence of a relationship, you'll have much more time to devote to your work. You can put in those extra hours on a project to impress your boss, and even take on something else. And you don't have to worry about sacrificing your love life, as you'll be single and vigorous.

You can be your own boss
Relationships are synonymous with compromise. You eventually have to sacrifice something you really like for the good of the pair. Use your single time to treat yourself a little more. In small doses, selfishness is good for the soul. Being your own boss also means answering to no one. Enjoy not having to explain your actions.

You can flirt as you please
Nothing is worse than that nagging voice in your head telling you that you shouldn't be talking to this hottie in front of you. So get your mojo back and have fun!

Tips found on Askmen.com

Ways to make flying better

Select a decent carrier
It makes a difference. Really. Sure you can get cheap seats, but you'll soon realize that not all airlines are created equal. Some have more comfortable seats and better air and ground service, but different airlines actually have their own, distinct, personalities. Some are super-friendly and relaxed, others are uptight and employ flight attendants who clearly hate their jobs. Some have TV's, meals or snacks, or more leg room. Ask around!

Try not to check
Bring breakables, valuables and a change of clothes in your carry-on! Just in case they lose your checked baggage, you'll have a spare set of clothes. Also, they definitely don't handle your checked luggage with care! Also, make sure you know the size and weight you're allowed to check because if you're over, it can cost you A LOT of money!

Some people actually ship their luggage with FedEx or UPS rather than checking it. It can actually be cheaper in some cases, and they deliver it right to your door.

Security
Wear shoes without laces that you can kick off and put back on without bending down and wear socks. You don't want to be standing on those filthy floors in bare feet. Keep your pockets empty. And pack liquids, gels, cosmetics and medication in see-through ziplock bags.

Seating
You might want to consider paying a bit extra to pre-select a seat. The seats by the emergency exits are great because you get more leg room. The row immediately in front of the emergency exits is bad because the seats don't recline fully; nor do the seats in last row at the back of the plane. Some people want to sit up at the front of the plane, because they think they can get on and off faster but what they don't realize is that's where the bassinets go, so they'll often find themselves sitting next to screaming infants.

Sleeping
If you're lucky enough to be able to fly business class, check in advance to ensure your carrier's seats recline completely flat. Angled seating is where you hear the snoring. Also, the pillows and blankets provided on overnight flights are used again and again. They don't change them unless they're visibly dirty, so bring your own shawl, pashmina or hoody that you can curl up under. Eat lightly, and refrain from drinking alcohol, one drink in the sky equals two or more on the ground because of the difference in oxygen levels, and if you have a couple drinks before dinner and half-bottle of wine with your meal, you'll feel like the cat's breakfast by the time you arrive at your destination. If you are planning on sleeping, get window seating. If you're in the middle seat you wake up on another passenger's shoulder, and with aisle seats you're always getting bumped by the trolleys. And if you're a light sleeper, invested in a pair of noise-cancellation headphones.

Found on MSN Travel

The season you're born in affects you!

Being born in the summer could give you a sunny disposition for life. While a winter birthday might cast a permanent shadow over your happiness, scientists believe.

Experiments suggest that the season of birth dramatically affects the speed at which the body clock ticks. A winter birth could leave it moving too slowly – affecting health and personality.

Several studies show that people born in the winter months have an elevated risk of mood disorders such as seasonal depression, bipolar depression and schizophrenia – all of which are associated with disruption of normal circadian rhythms.

Previous studies have linked winter births to food allergies, possibly because of lack of the ‘sunshine vitamin’ D.

But being born in the summer can have drawbacks – such as an increased risk of short-sightedness. It's thought that sunshine interferes with the delicate development of the eye, making focusing difficult and distant objects appear blurred.

Another study of more than 1.5million children in the U.S. clearly showed that those conceived in the summer are less clever than other youngsters. It is thought that they receive more exposure to pesticides during the first few months of pregnancy – a critical time for brain development.

Found on Daily Mail

How to not have a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree

Selection
The best way to ensure the most beautiful Christmas tree is to cut your own from a local farm, or have one cut for you. It guarantees freshness, trees will be replenished, and you can choose your size! Not to mention it helps out your neighbour by preserving local jobs and you'll cut down on shipping costs -- not to mention the carbon emissions of cross-country transport.

If you are buying a pre-cut tree from a nursery, store or scout troop, ask them how recently they were harvested, and where they came from. If you aren't impressed with the answers, shop elsewhere. Also inspect them yourself by feeling the needles: they should be flexible, not dry and brittle. The fresher the tree, the longer it will last in your living room.

Handling
Wrap it in a plastic tarp to protect it for the journey home. If you bought a pre-cut tree, it's important to make a cut across the bottom, removing an inch or so off the bottom. That's because once it is cut, the sap in the tree will start sealing over the base, and this will hinder its ability to absorb water. That process takes about three hours. As long as you live reasonably close, you can ask the dealer to make the cut for you.

Watering
As soon as possible, get the tree in water. Either set it up in its stand or place it in a bucket if you aren't going to trim it right away. The base of the cut tree should never dry out, in order to keep the needles fresher. A rough rule of thumb is that a typical tree might absorb a quart of water for each inch of its diameter. This means many stands need to be topped off daily.

To Feed or Not to Feed?
Some people swear by commercial Christmas tree preservatives, which can be mixed into the water in the stand. While others prefer to add a tablespoon of corn syrup or sugar in the basin water as a food source for the tree, some people even use an aspirin (not good if you have animals!)

Setting

Keep the tree away from direct sunlight, heaters or fans, as these will speed up the drying process. Experts suggest using a room humidifier, which can help keep the needles fresher longer, as well as reduce fire risk.

Speaking of fire risk, make sure any lights you put on the tree are in good working order, and are designed for the purpose. Newer LED holiday lights cost only pennies a season to run, so they are a good value, while they also decrease fire risk because they stay cooler. Also make sure to keep any open flames away from the tree.

Found on MSN Lifestyle

Cleanup

Christmas Tree Disposal

The following sites have been set up to receive Christmas trees following the holidays. From December 26, 2009 to January 11, 2010, please bring your tree to one of the following locations: (Signs will be placed to indicate drop-off areas in these parking lots)

Crossman Community Centre-Kay Arena

Ball field of Crowley Farm Road

Dud James Arena

Moncton Coliseum

Mapleton Park (George Rd.parking lot)

Moncton Wesleyan Church ( northwest corner of parking lot)

Fairview Knoll playground (at south end of Fairview Knoll Dr.)

There is also free drop-off at the Westmorland-Albert Solid Waste Corporation beginning December 26. Info: 877-1040

Residents who are not able to bring their trees to one of these drop-off locations may set them out at the curb on their regular garbage pick-up night during the week of January 11 to 15, 2010 only. Info: 859-2643

What your fingers say about you!

Apparently the shape of your hands can tell you about your sexuality, the films you like, your athletic ability and what to watch out for health-wise.

For many decades now, scientists have noticed a link between the ratio of two digits on the hand — the ring and index fingers (2D and 4D) — and a whole host of traits.

This week, for example, strong evidence has emerged of a link between the ‘2D:4D finger ratio’ and a man’s likelihood of developing prostate cancer. Specifically, men whose index fingers are longer than their ring fingers are significantly less likely to develop the disease, according to scientists at the Institute Of Cancer Research.

A long index finger also correlates strongly with a lower risk of early heart disease and, in women, a higher risk of breast cancer and greater fertility.

People with relatively long index fingers are also more likely to suffer from schizophrenia, allergies, eczema and hay fever.

Young boys are more likely to be clingy and anxious than their low-ratio peers but also, ultimately, less attention-seeking and better behaved in school.

People with short index fingers make better soldiers, engineers, speculators and chess players, and are better at solving problems such as crosswords. They are also more likely to be left handed

While a long index finger is considered a more feminine hand, a short index finger relative to the ring finger is a more masculine hand. It correlates with higher male fertility and sperm counts, higher levels of aggression and increased aptitude for both sport and music.

Women who have the masculine finger pattern display higher levels of aggression — as well as enjoy greater professional success.


Found on Daily Mail

Movember Totals

Now that Movember is over, the tallies for how much each country raised for prostate cancer are in! However, some corporate accounts are still rolling in... But this far, more than $60 million has been raised worldwide in Movember!

Here's the top Movember countries...

5. Ireland had over 10,000 registrants and raked in over $1.4 million!

4. This one surprised me, United States had almost 65,000 registrants and raised over $6.4 million

3. United Kingdom was the first country to break the $10 million mark, with over 110,000 registrants and ended up raising almost $12 million

2. Australia... where Movember began had almost 130,000 registrants and made just under $19 million

However, Canada, with the help from CIBC making the biggest team donation, and one Canadian raising the most in the world as an individual... we placed FIRST! in Movember donations at almost $19.5 million!!! And almost 120 thousand registrants!!

GO CANADA!

Why you can't bite your tongue!

I've always been an open book, sometimes my honesty or opinions can get me into trouble though! But sometimes, no matter how hard I try, I just can't keep my mouth shut! And thanks to researchers, I now know why! Blame your brain

People who are stressed, distracted, overwhelmed, or exhausted have less cognitive control. Going too long between meals can also be a problem. If blood-sugar levels are too low, you may literally lack the energy needed to bite your tongue.

Also, trying to not think about something can make you blurt it out! Daniel Wegner, now a professor of psychology at Harvard, conducted the “white bear” study back in 1987. Some participants were asked to try not to think about a white bear, while others were supposed to think about the bear. The ones trying not to think about it thought about it much more!

Well-meaning friends or relatives may suggest that you simply try not to think about troubles, when faced with a distressing situation, for example. Unfortunately, this is pretty horrible advice.The allure of such advice is that it often seems effective … at first.

So how can a person avoid doing the worst thing possible, if avoiding it only makes it more likely to happen? Focus on what you want to think or do, rather than on what you trying to avoid.

Found on globe and mail

Nifty ways to shop on a budget

1. Hit the Big Stores First
Tiny boutiques are awesome for browsing, but if you're looking for the best sales, try the major chain stores first. With so much merchandise to turnover, they're way more likely to mark stuff down, especially around the holidays.

2. Save on Shipping
If a book you're looking for isn't in stock, ask a sales rep if another one of their stores has one. Shipping is often complimentary from store to store.

3. Break Out Those Old Gift Cards
Thanks to sites like plasticjungle.com and swapagift.com, you can turn old crappy cards into something awesome! Prices vary, but expect to get at least 60% of the original value in cold, hard cash.

4. Hang on to Your Receipts
Many stores give a price adjustment within 14 days. This means if you bought a gift today, and tomorrow it goes on sale, they'll give you the money saved back!

5. Suck Up to a Salesperson
Most sales reps work on commission. That means when they look at you, they see dollar bills. Take advantage by asking if she can set a high-ticket item aside for you when it gets marked down.

Top 20 Questions on Ask Jeeves this year

1. Why are England so bad at football? No comment, but you used are instead of is

2. Is the X-Factor fixed? Probably

3. What is the Government going to cut next? Everything you love

4. Who is Justin Bieber? Seriously wish I could ask this question!

5. Did I vote for the right party? Is there a 'right' party?

6. Do all footballers cheat? Probably

7. Should I buy an iPad? Yes

8. What is Glee? Also wish I could ask this question

9. Why didn't Coleen leave Wayne? 'Cause love is blind (have no idea who these people are)

10. Will Big Brother ever come back? Hopefully not

11. Why didn't Cheryl put Gamu through? This doesn't even make sense

12. Where can I buy a micro pig? I'm asking that too!

13. Will I still get child benefit? Sure, why not

14. How are the Chilean miners surviving? Not touching that one

15. Where is the ash cloud? Look up in the sky, if ya don't see it, it doesn't effect you

16. Why did that woman put the cat in the bin? She thought it was a litter box

17. When will the recession end? Never

18. Who killed Archie Mitchell? Don't know

19. Where can I buy a vuvuzela? LOL I don't even have a smart answer to that

20. Where is Raoul Moat? It keeps getting better!

A Jam Packed Weekend!

I'm a hard-worker. I currently have 3 jobs (I extremely dislike winter, so I thought, why not get out of the house and make some extra cash in the gross weather?) so it's rare that I have a moment to myself. But I booked off last weekend for some fun!
Saturday morning woke up early to head to Halifax with my newly acquired friend. Gabby! We gabbed all the way down-over-up whatever it is to Halifax. Once we got there, we found a parking lot that's only $4, and pretty much on the water! SCORE! Then we realized it's free to park on the streets...
We started off in the Barrington Mall, found some sweet deals on scarves and jewellery! Then headed down to the waterfront mall, where there's a place that whitens your teeth for $99! I'm a bit skeptical since at the dentists it's like $800 but we investigated, and it sounded legit. But be wary of them telling you your teeth are a lot darker then they are so they can say you went up more shades! Also awesome, Black Magic. Full of African masks, trendy mirrors, clothes, jewellery and everything I love! Gabby had never had Thai food, so I intro'd her to Bubble Tea and Peanut Sauce on Vermicelli, both of which are my FAV's!
The real reason for the trip was to see Belly Dance Superstars at the casino. So we headed there and the show was amazing! They showcased many types of belly dances, from tribal to turkish, and the guy dislocated his arms to do moves (gross!) but cool!
On the ride home we were obviously tuckered out, and we realized that the Adam Lambert song For Your Entertainment works really well if you substitoot the meaning of the song for passing gas! All in all, it was a fabulous trip!
Sunday, went to a cheese party at my friend Kathleens. Her daughter wanted to have it, so why the heck not? I tried over 10 cheeses and the top fav's were Oka, Baked Brie and Gooda. I used to hate cheese, unless it's smothering a pizza, but how I've grown up now!
Later on checked out the latest Harry Potter... and in my opinion, this is the best one yet! Maybe it's because they're older and the humor is more adult-like, but it kicked butt!
Before the movie though, was a commercial for Coca-Cola with the polar bears, and at the end it says they support the bears being effected by the climate change. Now I'm sure back in 1993 when the first polar bear was in their commercials, they did not foresee the climate effecting them. So of course they have to help them now! I explained this to rommie Annie who then said "Is this what you think about in your spare time?" LMAO

Office Christmas Parties

Tis' the Christmas party season! A time to celebrate food, drink, loved ones and co-workers. Yes I said co-workers! According to recent surveys, a third of employees behave inappropriately at the office Christmas party.

So here's some do's and don'ts to follow!

1. Kissing. If someone deviously put up mistletoe, DO take it down! It'll be awkward on Monday if you don't!

2. Dancing at the party is a 'DO', even if you suck at it (the worse you are, the bigger a hit you are!). However, dirty dancing would be a DON'T.

3. Wobbly Pops. It's a DO in moderation of course. However, if you're table dancing, playing guitar with someones leg, or spilly-talking, you are in a DON'T situation. 1/10 people One in ten people have had some sort of disciplinary action taken against them the Monday after the holiday party, and booze is most often to blame.

Ways to alleviate stress

This time of year is supposed to be jolly, but can be quite stressful! With crowded stores, christmas parties, gift exchanges and holiday deadlines. Experts say December will be a 'perfect storm' of stress because of financial worries on top of everything else.

Some here's some strategies for keeping your cool.

1. Schedule tasks that make you anxious early in the day. If you leave them for later, you'll spend more time worrying and end up snapping at people.

2. Take a coffee break with friends or coworkers rather than going solo. A study found that getting a caffeine fix in a group lowered stress levels. But sipping coffee alone left people feeling more stressed.

3. According to one study, anticipating watching a funny video can reduce stress hormones by up to 70 percent.

4. Practice saying the word no. Saying yes to something when you don't really want to go leaves you bitter and annoyed.

5. Make a budget for gifts, going out, and travel. It's a drag to do and you may not stick to it, but feeling in control of your finances helps squash anxiety.

6. Kiss somebody. Psychologists found that even just a little bit of physical contact is enough to lower your blood pressure and make you feel calmer.

7. Do short, high-intensity workouts. Research found they have a greater effect on stress than slower-paced exercise does. So instead of an hour of yoga, hit the treadmill on high for 20 minutes.

8. Or if you're feeling too beat to work out, skip the treadmill and relax in the sauna at your gym (or take a steamy shower). A study found that pampering yourself — even for a few minutes — calms you down.

9. If you feel ready to snap talk slower. Talking at a calmer pace will chill you out, and you'll be more likely to get what you want.

10. Skip the New Year's resolutions. While you might think that giving yourself goals is a positive thing, they'll make you feel inadequate and pressured rather than hopeful and happy. Instead, make some great plans for January.

Found on Cosmopolitan!

Why women don't like Mama's Boys

Don't get me wrong, we adore when we hear a man talk respectfully about his mother. It let's us know you respect women!

So here's why...

We Like Manly Men!

Just as men fantasize about nurses or French maids, we fantasize about firemen and policemen -- men that display strength, power and masculinity. Why do you think Fireman calendars on the top of our Christmas lists?? Lol. Plus, strong men aren't intimidated or easily influenced by other people, like their mother. Which means you'll talk to her before making a big decision, not us!

We LOVE to be #1

We get it, you cater to your mom on her birthday, Mothers day, and other special holidays. But if you cancel dates with us to have tea with your mom, not cool! We will not/can not compete with your mom for you, it's a losing battle (plus an unwritten rule!). After a while of being ditched, we'll cancel you.
Plus, we like to know we're making you happy. So we definitely don't want to hear we can't cook as good as your mom can!

We're no longer maids

We don't necessarily expect you to be gourmet chefs or Mr. Clean, but we do want you to help out. Mama's boys have their mom do their laundry and cook for them. It is true that some mothers are to blame for pandering to their son's every need, but unfortunately women don't like to date men who need to be served and can't take care of themselves.

We're not fans of in-laws knowing our personal biz-zas!

Mama's boys are usually extremely open with their moms. Often, women expect men to have difficulties talking about intimate issues, so when a woman finds out her man has been speaking to his mother about their problems, she feels betrayed. Eventually it will come out, like when the mom buys us a lingerie gift card, with a note "stop buying plain undies, he doesn't like it." Obviously, we'll be humiliated!

So there's a fine line of a respectful son, and a mama's boy. So if you are a mama's boy... here's some help

Create a new relationship with your mom

If you've ever been called a mama's boy, chances are your mother is too intrusive and you need to learn how to say no to her. She might be a saint, but it doesn't mean that she can't be unreasonable and manipulative. Your mother already knows you love her and would do anything for her, and that is precisely the problem. She knows you can't say no.

So, once in a while, even through her tears and attempts at emotional blackmail, let your mother know how good your girlfriend is to you and how important it is that she remains part of your life. It's OK to tell your mother when you are looking forward to that romantic weekend you have planned for you and your girlfriend. It is also OK to tell her that she doesn't need to make sandwiches for the road.

Remember your girlfriend

Every time you cancel plans with your girlfriend for your mother, make sure you rectify the situation later on (if there is a later on). Never let your girlfriend feel that she comes second and that your mother always has the last word. If your girlfriend witnesses you giving in to your mother's unreasonable requests, make sure that she also witnesses you saying no to your mother.

If you're a mama's boy, chances are your mother will think that no other woman will ever be good enough for you. So when your mother tells you that she will not break your heart but your lover will, remember that if you love and respect both the women in your life fairly.

Found on Askmen.com

Wicked cool things to do with Kool-Aid!

Lipgloss! Blend a package of the drink mix with 3 tablespoons vegetable shortening, then microwave for one minute. Transfer to a 35mm film canister and refrigerate overnight.

Clean rust from concrete. Mix unsweetened lemonade Kool-Aid with hot water. Scrub and the rust stain, should come right out.

Make a non-toxic hair dye that washes out easily with Kool-Aid. Mix two packets of unsweetened Kool-Aid. Add enough water to make a paste. Add a few drops of hair conditioner to make the paste stick to the hair. Put on a pair of gloves and apply the Kool-Aid to your hair. Wrap your head in plastic wrap and wait. The longer you leave the plastic on, the brighter the colour.

Color your paint! Mix any flavor of unsweetened Kool-Aid into water-based latex paint to alter its color. Or mix unsweetened Kool-Aid with water to create your own watercolors, but don't give them to the kids -- Kool-Aid stains can be tough to remove.

What a hug means!

The Sneak Attack, when they come up behind you and puts their arms around your chest. Someone who grabs you like this is in love. It displays their strength and dominance. They could also be avoiding hugging face-to-face because they're worried you're not into them.

The Rub Gentle strokes on your back. This affectionate gesture signifies that they care deeply about you and shows that they want to nurture and protect you. It's also possible that they're upset and need comforting, subconsciously, that's what they're desiring.

The Pat Thumping your upper back during an embrace. This hug is loaded! It could mean they're not into you. They could be secretly mad at you. If they pat you when you're about to do something scary, that's a gesture of encouragement. If you're in public, it could simply mean they don't like PDA. If they're preoccupied don't take it personally.

The Waist Wrap They encircle you their hands and pull you tightly in. They definitely want you. If they touch their head with yours, then they want to merge your thoughts.

Scientific ways stores trick you into buying crap!

1. The way we move in a store

Studies show that we like to shop counter-clockwise. Over time, they've found that stores that put the door on the right do better business, stores with the door in the center do okay and stores with doors on their left are worse off! Grocery stores are laid out to lead you around a set path you didn't even know you were following. Knowing you'll head right, they place the freshest, best-looking stuff they've got right in your path. That's why they usually lead off with the produce, which actually makes the best impression on you. The idea is that you'll associate the rest of the store with the freshness, bright colors and nice smells you got from the nicely laid-out produce.

2. SHINY things!!!
Humans automatically assume something that gleams is fancy and valuable. Most people subconsciously think their car runs better after it's been washed and waxed! A study found that we slow down for a shiny store front! Researchers came up with a theory back in 1990, saying that it's due to an ability that evolved to help us find clean, drinkable water back when we had to worry about that sort of thing.

3. Shopping gets you naturally high!
Look around your place. Do you have any items you bought but have never used? Thanks to dopamine, we LOVE a sale! Research shows dopamine increases when you visit a new store or go out of town, which is why we buy stupid things when we're travelling!

4. Numbers

Humans are really bad with numbers, and it manifests itself in a whole bunch of different ways in the world of retail. They jack up prices and THEN put things on sale to show us the sale sign! Example, the iPad's pleasant surprise price of $499? That was due to rumors leading up to the launch that it would cost $1,000. Then in the unveiling, suddenly $499 looks like a steal.

5. We fall for brands

Back in the 1970s Pepsi built an entire ad campaign around taste tests they called the Pepsi Challenge. Most chose Pepsi, so the campaign was a complete success. However Coca-Cola went on outselling Pepsi around the world, to this day, despite people admitting repeatedly that they liked Pepsi better. Even worse, in a test where they could see the labels, the results were completely reversed: people loved Coca-Cola, when they could see the familiar logo and red can. This became known as the Pepsi paradox.

Found on cracked.com

Keep these in mind when booking an all-inclusive trip!

Book during the off-season
You’ll get the best deals in the Caribbean and Mexico from the end of May through October, for obvious reasons. But if you want to enjoy the sun when it’s in scarce supply in Canada, your best bet is to travel in October or November, when prices are still low. They soar around Christmas, drop again after New Year’s and rise steadily through January and February, peaking in March.

Check out the 'cheaper' destinations
Cuba and the Dominican Republic qualify as the least expensive destinations and have some truly lovely four-star resorts with lots of activities to keep both the young and the old happily occupied.

Take advantage of early booking bonuses
Lock in your vacation plans earlier and you’ll pay less. Early booking bonuses can sometimes save several thousand dollars on the cost of a vacation package for your family. You’ll also likely have your pick of resorts and dates.

Contrary, last minute is good too!
If you’re not traveling at peak times (like Christmas or March Break) and you’re flexible about where you go, you can get some terrific last-minute deals.

5 Things to know for Movember!

Here are five things you didn’t know about moustaches: Found on Askmen.com!

1- Moustache experts rank Sam Elliott’s the best ever

2 writers researched moustaches to pick only the top-notched lip sweaters for their book Sweet 'Stache: 50 Badass Moustaches and the Faces Who Sport Them. Their highly scientific ‘stache analysis considers a moustache’s cultural relevance, hair quality, style, length, and creativity.

Sarsaparilla-loving actor Sam Elliot's graying mutton-chop lip scores the book’s only perfect 10.

2- The oldest portrait of a moustache is from 300 B.C.

While shaving with stone razors dates back to Neolithic times, the oldest image of a man with a moustache is a Scythian horseman from 300 B.C. The art piece, appropriately titled “Horseman,” is a Pazyryk felt artifact of a horseman with a wonsal-style moustache and partially shaved head. The Pazyryk people lived in southwestern Siberia, near the borders of China, Kazakhstan and Mongolia. Permafrosted mummies from this era have also been dug up with tattoos! Moustaches and tattoos? They were prehistoric hipsters!

3- Mark Spitz caused the Russian swim team to grow moustaches

Seven-time Olympic gold medal winner Mark Spitz grew a moustache in college because his coach told him he couldn’t. Spitz planned on shaving his for the 1972 Munich Olympics; however, people gave him so much attention about it, he decided to keep it. He’s quoted as saying: “I had some fun with a Russian coach who asked me if my moustache slowed me down. I said, 'No, as a matter of fact, it deflects water away from my mouth, allows my rear end to rise and make me bullet-shaped in the water, and that's what had allowed me to swim so great." The following year every Russian male swimmer had a moustache.

4- The World Beard and Moustache Championships has a “freestyle” category

The World Beard and Moustache Association holds a world competition to honor top international facial hair! This year’s competition was held in Anchorage, Alaska. Competitors can enter the moustache categories: Natural Moustache, English, Dali, Imperial Moustache, Hungarian, and Freestyle.
There is also a Partial Beard division: Natural Goatee, Chinese, Musketeer, Imperial, Sideburns Freestyle, and Partial Beard Freestyle.
And a Full Beard category: Verdi, Garibaldi, Natural Full Beard, Natural Full Beard with Styled Moustache, and Full Beard Freestyle.
This year’s overall World Beard Champion won with a beard woven in a snowshoe design.

5- Indians dominate moustache growing

According to the Guinness World Records 2009, Badamsinh Juwansinh Gurjar of India holds the record for longest moustache. His moustache measures a staggering 12.5 feet and as of 2004 he had been growing it for 22 years.
Another Indian, Ram Singh Chauhan of Rajasthan, registered a moustache at 11.5 feet and Kalyan Ramji Sain started growing his in 1976. By 1993, it reached a span of 11.1 feet.

Under Vegas, Tunnel People!

Deep beneath Vegas’s glittering lights lies a 200 mile labyrinth (flood tunnels) inhabited by poisonous spiders and over 1,000 people!

One couple have furnished their home with considerable care - their 400sq ft 'bungalow' boasts a double bed, a wardrobe and even a bookshelf. They have been there for five years, fashioning a shower out of a water cooler, hanging paintings on the walls and collating a library from abandoned books. Their possessions, however, are carefully placed in plastic crates to stop them getting soaked by the noxious water pooling on the floor.

Many of the people living in the tunnels have lost their homes and jobs due to drug addictions, divorces, and even people who moved their to find a job.

One reporter said, ‘These are normal people of all ages who’ve lost their way, generally after a traumatic event, many are war veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress. It’s not known how many children are living there, as they’re kept out of sight, but I’ve seen evidence of them – toys and teddy bears.’

The reporter, O’Brien, has published a book on the tunnel people called Beneath The Neon.

Ways Your Laptop is Slowly Killing You!

The news that laptops can negatively impact male fertility--even when a cooling pad is used--has been capturing headlines this week.

So here's some ways that are thought to shorten your life if you use a laptop.

Male Infertility. There is a biological reason that the testes are stored in the scrotum--outside of the body. Sperm production requires a lower temperature than the standard internal body temp. Tech gadgets generate heat--a lot of heat in some cases. There are even Android and iPhone apps specifically designed to max the processor and heat the smartphone up to use as a hand warmer in colder climates. A recent study found that the temperature generated by placing a laptop on your lap--even when using a laptop cooling pad--results in temps that can impact male fertility. Men looking forward to fathering children may want to think twice about using a laptop on their lap.

Hearing Loss. The laptop fan is generally spinning away, and there is the general hum of the inner workings of the laptop. This relatively moderate white noise is not a significant health risk, but can result in impairment or partial hearing loss over time. Users who routinely use headphones with the laptop may subject themselves to significantly higher decibels and be at even greater risk.

Vision Strain. Staring at a laptop screen for extended periods of time can strain your eyes. It can result in headaches, or dry and itchy eyes--and over time it could permanently affect your vision.

Carpal Tunnel. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a concern for extensive typing in general. However, space is often more cramped when using a laptop, and the ergonomics are not optimal when trying to type while balancing a laptop on your knees.

Back Pain. Some laptops are quite hefty and when placed in a brief case or shoulder bag it can put a significant strain on back muscles as you lug it around town.

Nifty tips for thrifty women

We’re all feeling the pinch. Here’s how to save time and money by making everything last longer.

HANDWASH

Put liquid soap into a Foaming Soap ­Dispenser to make it go four times further. Pour in, top up with the recommended amount of water then pump for a rich, creamy foam.

CANDLES

For a longer lasting glow, think round and squat rather than tall and thin, because it has a wider wax pool.

LINGERIE

Hand wash anything with an underwire. Machine washing can shrink fabric, misshape wires and push them through the fabric — wrecking your bra and machine if they come loose. Put delicates into wash bags to prevent snagging and tearing.

CLOTHES

Ensure seasonal clothes are extremely clean before storing. The smallest speck of food or sweat will attract moths and mould. Plus, pack clothes in vacuum seal bags to ensure nothing gets on them!

FLOWERS

Double their lifespan by ­‘hardening’ them in warm water. When flowers are cut their food and water ­supply stops. Make fresh cuts in the stems, plunge into a vase of warm water containing flower feed, then allow to cool. Top up the water and food regularly and keep away from heat, draughts and fruit.’

SWIMSUIT

Shower in your swimsuit before hitting the pool, as fabrics saturated with fresh water absorb less damaging chlorinated water. Afterwards, rinse in cold water and roll briefly in a towel to absorb moisture, then air-dry out of direct sunlight.

NAIL VARNISH

To breathe new life into old nail ­polishes, add a drop of pure acetone (from chemists) or nail varnish remover. Store the polish in the fridge to keep it in good condition.

OVEN

Keep a clean oven spotless; a sheet of wipeable ‘magic oven liner’ will catch cooking drips and spills.

HAIR COLOR

Leave your hair unwashed for two days before having it coloured. Hair absorbs colour best when there is little product in the follicles. Well-conditioned hair is also more colour-absorbent. Then, avoid shampooing in the first three days as this is when ­colour is most prone to washing out.

CARPETS

Preserve your carpets by ­vacuuming slowly once a week. Zipping over carpets too quickly means dirt deep in the pile may not be dislodged. Have carpets steam-cleaned ­annually to extend their lifespan.

BLOW DRY

Sleep on a silk pillowcase to extend your blow-dry.

WALLPAPER

Use a ready-mixed paste to ­apply wallpaper. Starch in flake-based pastes can swell when warm — causing paper to peel and discolour.

SHOWER GEL

Squirt onto a shower puff, rather than your palm. One 10p-sized blob provides enough foam to cover you all over.

Found on Daily Mail

Scientists believe Orange Juice highers your risk of Gout

First off, what is Gout? Gout (also known as podagra when it involves the big toe) is a medical condition usually characterized by recurrent attacks of acute inflammatory arthritis—a red, tender, hot, swollen joint.

Scientists claim, women who drink just two glasses of orange juice a day are twice as likely to get gout. When you drink 2 glasses a day, you are 2.5times higher at risk of the painful condition – the same as if you drink 2 cans of sugary soft drink. Even 1 glass of juice raises the risk by 40%!

However, men are 4x more likely to suffer from the condition. But the number of female cases has doubled in the last 20 years.

Experts believe the high fruit sugar, or fructose, content of juice causes uric acid – a waste product in the blood – to leach into joints, causing them to become swollen and very painful.

Gout is often linked to an overindulgent diet which includes too much alcohol or red meat. It was common among wealthy, portly gentlemen in the Tudor, Georgian and Victorian eras.

Things to know before buying a computer

RAM: the power to work quickly.

RAM (Random Access Memory) is the memory your computer uses to run software applications and store frequently accessed data. RAM is used for opening and working with files, running graphics, audio, video, and scientific applications. Adding RAM improves the performance of your entire experience! In addition, more RAM speeds up your computer when you have lots of applications open at the same time.

Modern computers use anywhere from 512MB to 8GB of RAM, and the average computer has about 1GB to 2GB of RAM.

Hard drive: room to work and play.

The hard drive is where your computer stores all your data when you’re not using it. The capacity of a hard drive, measured in gigabytes, or GB, tells you how much room you have to store your files and applications. A typical application today may take 10 to 50 megabytes (MB); photos may take up about 2-4MB each; graphics files can occupy more than 100MB; and video files are often many gigabytes in size.

The average hard drive capacity is 100 gigabytes for a brand new desktop computer, and the range runs as high as 160 gigabytes. The average capacity of a laptop ranges from 40 gigabytes to 60 gigabytes. Don't forget about external hard drives! (They're usually cheaper then installing extra hard drives from the manufacturer!)

Processor: the high-speed engine of your computer.

The processor is the brains of your computer. Every second, it completes the billions of calculations needed to perform every computing task. With many models, you can upgrade the processor to a faster speed. If you plan to do processor-intensive tasks such as video rendering, gaming, and working with large, multi-track audio files, a faster processor can improve the performance.

Graphics processor: your world in high resolution.

A graphics processor is simply a processor dedicated to turning huge amounts of data into graphics and video output. By taking this task away from the main processor, a graphics processor also makes the entire system faster and more responsive. For some computers you can add up to four separate graphics cards to power an array of displays simultaneously for visualization projects and large display walls.

Thanks to Apple, I found most of this info on their website :)

10 Strange Alternatives to Gasoline

Found on MSN Auto's

Beer... Apparently the Swedish authorities nab nearly 760,000 litres of alcohol being smuggled into the country each year. So they donate it to public transit! Beer is used to produce a form of biogas which is suitable for powering a variety of vehicles. So far these include public service buses and at least one train, although it has yet to be offered to the public to buy.

Fryer Oil... Pub and takeaway owners have all found a useful source of extra income. If it is for your own use only you can legally avoid paying the tax. Also most cars and vans need little in the way of modification once the oil has been filtered, although some users prefer to mix it with normal fuel rather than using it straight.

Coal Dust... Rudolf Diesel experimented with coal dust as a possible fuel for his patented compression-ignition engine. His backers were particularly keen to find a use for the mountains of dust found in Germany's industrial Ruhr Valley. Getting the mix right proved problematic, and after some unplanned explosions Diesel settled on peanut oil rather than the mineral oil to which his named has since been applied. Interest in coal dust has never entirely disappeared, however, and having been used in power stations it could yet make a return.

Coal Gas... Acute fuel shortages during the WWII encouraged all sorts of experimentation. In London, Edinburgh and other British cities a number of private cars and buses were converted to run on toxic coal gas.

Gravity... In 1911 Isaac Smyth somehow managed to successfully patent the design for a car powered by gravity. A series of weights were hand-winched up to roof level and on being released converted their gravitational potential into forward motion via a series of pulleys and cables. Unfortunately the driven wheels had to be jacked up in order to raise the weights, so the real source of power was the driver's own muscles.

Hamsters... Toyota's fabulous Idea Olympics is an annual event enabling factory staff to show their most outrageous designs. Previous efforts have included a pedal-powered, 22-legged centipede and a giant motorized hand which moves along by bending its fingers. Another was the Hamster Car, which was propelled by amplifying the electric power generated by several on-board rodents running round in their traditional wheels.

High Explosives... In 1919, the Miller 'TNT Special' is a famous American racer, and not to be confused with an extraordinary 1931 attempt on the Land Speed Record. The Miller design used an explosive cocktail which included TNT, dynamite, nitroglycerin and gasoline. Unfortunately the precise details are not known as the car itself is not thought to have survived.

Paint... A 2005 report in National Geographic confirmed that scientists had made a significant breakthrough in their work with spray-on solar cells. A year later staff at the Materials Research Center at Swansea University confirmed that they too could collect the sun's rays using another paint-like material. This could one day be sprayed onto buildings or of course car bodies, turning a vehicle into one vast self-propelled solar cell.

Diapers... Called pyrolysis, involves breaking down the waste products into gas and fuel oil in a sealed container in an oxygen-free environment. In 2007 a power company in Quebec started exploring the possibilities of this technology, spurred on by a seemingly endless supply of disposable diapers pouring into local landfill sites at a rate of 600 million a year. The end result is similar to diesel, and apparently no worse smelling.

Sawdust... The most popular route is by gasification, drawing off the vapours produced when the wood is burned under controlled conditions. The end product, called producer gas, is less efficient than petroleum, by anything from 30 to 50 per cent. But it is also dramatically cheaper - about 1.5 cents a litre - even once the cost of the generating equipment is taken into account and assuming you do not have a local sawmill from which to scavenge the waste.

Other Uses for Toothbrushes

I'm one for finding multiple uses for things... I dislike throwing things out! (However I'm definitely not as bad as people on the hoarder show!)

So that being said, when you find your toothbrush needs to be replaced, there's still other things you can do with it!

Brushing your cheese grater! Give the cheese grater a good scrubbing before you wash the it, this will make it easier to wash and will prevent clogs in your dishwater drain by getting grid of bits of cheese or any other item you may have grated.

Brush away stains. Especially ones that have soaked down into soft fibers. To remove those deep stains, try using a soft-bristled nylon toothbrush, dabbing it gently to work in the stain-removing agent (bleach or vinegar, for example) until the stain is gone.

Brush silk from ears of corn. Take an old toothbrush and gently rub down the ear to brush away the remaining clingy strands of silk. Then you won’t have to brush them out from between your teeth after you eat the corn!

Brush and oil your waffle iron. A clean, soft toothbrush is just the right utensil to clean crumbs and burned batter from the nooks and crannies of a waffle iron. Use it to spread oil evenly on the waffle iron surface before the next use too.

The Perfect Strut for Ladies

We all know how to walk, right? For Ladies, taking a stroll isn't just about getting from A to B now...
Canadian researchers recently had men rate different female walks and discovered that there's one saunter that captivates them. The walk sends a message to on-lookers that you're in touch with and in control of your body, aka SEXY! Plus the walk makes you feel more sensuous. So here's how to do the walk!

Your head is up, shoulders are back, and you lead with your boobs. Your arms swing loosely back and forth while your hips swivel from side-to-side. Your weight is more in your heels. It may take practice to make it your go-to gait, so repeat this mantra to yourself when you walk: "Shoulders, hips, heels.…"

Everything we were taught about stress is wrong!

Since I was a kid, I was told Don't go to bed angry and Don't lose your temper. But now, studies prove those were yesterday's lessons... here's today's lessons

Go to bed angry... We bargain and then fight some more in an effort to resolve the dispute, but the fact is, forcing a discussion by bedtime can actually make things worse. When you're upset, a part of the brain called the amygdala cues the fight-or-flight response, limiting your ability to have a calm, rational discussion. So it's a good idea to hold off on any showdown until you cool off.

Throw a tantrum every now and then... According to a study published in Biological Psychiatry, displaying your anger may actually cause your brain to release less cortisol, the stress hormone associated with obesity, bone loss, and heart disease. And while experts know that chronic anger contributes to hypertension and coronary disease, they've also found that expressing irritation in response to a short-term and unfair frustration, such as being cut off in traffic, can actually dampen the nasty effects of stress.

Cuddle with your pet... According to new scientific evidence the calming effects of spending time with a furry friend trump those obtained by hanging out with friends and family. Why? Probably because they can't talk back!

Don't express, keep it to yourself... Many people who avoid thinking or talking about their sadness have fewer short-term health problems, such as sore throats, diarrhea, and shortness of breath, as well as a lower incidence of long-term psychological problems. What's more, they return to their everyday lives more quickly than those who dwell upon their grief.

Eat chocolate!... Indulging in a little chocolate can actually help. According to new findings published in the Journal of Proteome Research, eating a few pieces of dark chocolate when you're feeling on edge can help calm your nerves. (Unfortunately for you milk chocolate lovers, the researchers believe the flavonoids in dark chocolate are responsible for this soothing effect.)

Do something you love... For some people, meditation is the secret to serenity, but for others, it's a fast track to frayed nerves. So find anything that allows you to disengage from your thoughts to help you relax. While chanting a mantra certainly helps to quiet your mind, if meditating is not your thing, any repetitive activity that keeps your attention in the present moment, including jogging, swimming, painting, scrapbooking, or whatever have you, will work just as well.

Hand Signs

I'm a hand talker, I always get caught doing weird hand gestures in pictures... but I can't help it! But here's a better way to understand someone who is a hand talker! Found on MSN.ca

Self-touching (get your mind out of the gutter!) is meant to settle the speaker’s nerves, signals insecurity.

Emblematic gestures: Culturally specific signs — such as the thumbs-up or hand rocking for "so-so" — are used like words, but watch out for different meanings abroad.

Clenched Hands: Suggests anger, frustration or, on the upside, resolve.

Hands on hips: Communicates defiance, intransigence and independence.

Finger pointing: Or wagging, shows you’re pulling rank (but may be losing control).

Palms down: Signals power or certainty, or the intent to control the audience.

Hidden hands: Hands behind the back or the podium makes you less trustworthy.

Steepling gesture: Hands together show you know this subject inside and out.

Open, angled palms: Suggests candour and openness — literally having nothing to hide.

Palms up: With fingers spread, the gesture indicates you’re making a request.

Over the shoulder: Waving, cheering and other arm moves show enthusiasm, but can make you look erratic.

Vertical palms: Indicates precise measurement or timing, like a visual period or comma.

Skins, Stalks, and Cores you SHOULD be eating!

If you're making dinner, and peeling some veggies... Put down the peeler and walk away slowly...

All fruits and veggies have a bio-synergy, which means the nutritional benefits are reinforced by others. So here's what experts say we should be eating.

Kiwi fruit

The hairy skin of the kiwi fruit is high in antioxidants and thought to have ­anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-­allergenic properties. It also fights off bugs such as Staphylococcus and E-coli, which are responsible for food poisoning.

HOW TO EAT IT: Opt for ‘gold’ kiwi fruit, which is sweeter and less hairy, but has the same benefits.

Pineapple

Thankfully it's the tough core, not the prickly skin! Along with fibre and vitamin C, a pineapple’s real benefit lies in an enzyme called bromelain, which breaks down food and dead human tissues linger in the digestive ­system quickly, ­protecting the stomach.

HOW TO EAT IT: Press and crush the core and add the juice to smoothies. It can be stringy, but the left-over pulp can also be added to soups or casseroles for extra fibre.

Broccoli

­The stalks are notably higher in calcium, vitamin C, and soluble fibre, so you’ll feel fuller for longer.
HOW TO EAT IT: Simply shred the stalks into thin strips and add to stir-fry or serve steamed.

Bananas

The peel extract can ease depression as it is rich in serotonin. It's also good for eyes, as it contains the antioxidant lutein which ­protects eye cells from exposure to ultraviolet light — a leading cause of cataracts.

HOW TO EAT IT: Boil the peel for 10 ­minutes and drink the cooled water or put it through a juicer and drink the juice.

Garlic

Garlic skin contains six separate antioxidant compounds. Peeling garlic cloves removes the ­phenylpropanoid antioxidants which help fight the ageing ­process and protect the heart.

HOW TO EAT IT: Drizzle olive oil over half or even a whole garlic head, then add to your baking tray when cooking a roast dinner or oven-baked Mediterranean vegetables.

Citrus fruits

Orange and tangerine peel is high in powerful antioxidants called super-flavonoids, which can significantly reduce levels of ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol, without lowering the ‘good’ HDL levels. The antioxidants obtained from the peel were 20 times more ­powerful than those from the juice. The white pith ­contains high levels of pectin, a component of dietary fibre known to lower ­cholesterol and colonise the gut with beneficial bacteria.

HOW TO EAT IT: Add grated citrus peel to cauliflower cheese or cakes and muffins for a zesty health kick — or throw the whole, unpeeled fruit into a juicer so you get all the benefits.

Pumpkin, butternut and other squashes

All squashes are high in zinc, which helps promote healthy skin and nails, and the antioxidant beta carotene which protects against heart disease and cancer. The skin itself is obviously too tough to eat, but the closer you scrape it against the skin for the pulp — where it’s more of a rich, orange colour — the more nutrients you’ll get. And don’t ditch the seeds, either — these are an excellent source of Omega 6 and essential fatty acids that keep your brain healthy.

HOW TO EAT IT: Wash the seeds in warm water and bake with a drizzle of olive oil for about 20 minutes. Use to sprinkle on salads and soups.

Potatoes

The skin is a real nutritional powerhouse. Just one fist-sized potato skin provides half your daily ­recommended intake of soluble fibre, potassium, iron, phos­phorous zinc and vitamin C.

HOW TO EAT IT: Bake whole as ­jackets, boil and mash with the skin on, or slice into wedges, toss in a ­little olive oil and bake for potato wedges.

Winter Attire and Washing

- Down jackets and vests should be washed twice per season. Toss your
puffies in the washing machine, using cold water. Skip the detergent,
which can flatten the feathers, and tumble dry on low using a couple tennis
balls to redistribute the feathers.

- Fleece pieces. To keep the fabric from getting crunchy or pilled, wash fleece
goods inside out, and take care not to wash them with other lint-y items, like towels.
Give them an extra-thorough rinse to make sure there’s no detergent lingering on the
fabric before letting them air dry.

- Hats, gloves, and scarves should be washed three to five times each season,
especially considering all the makeup and skin oils that tend to rub off on them.
Handwash all the knit items, and if you have structured hats or leather pieces,
take them to the dry cleaner.

- Sweaters. did you know that wool sweaters don’t need to be washed as frequently
as your cashmere or cotton pieces, since the material naturally repels dirt and dust?
Cool eh!

- If you’re in a pinch and need a quick refresher for something you’ve already
worn, you can toss them in the dryer for ten minutes with a dryer sachet. Like
Refresh’n Dryer Towel, or make your own - just take some cotton muslin bags,
fill ‘em with lavender and a couple drops of lavender essential oil, and sew them
shut

FWD

Everyone knows there are certain things you just can't do while driving:
drink, text, shave, put on make-up... But here's a new one to add to that list..
flirting. According to a recent British poll, FWD (flirting while driving) has led
to one million collisions. And that's just in Great Britain! The survey also found
that 36% of women and 46% of guys are guilty of flirting behind the wheel.

Men are louder flirters with horn-beeping, cat calls, and waving, while most women
keep it low key with a cute smile.

The bottom line:
wait till you get out of the car to flirt. Because driving requires your undivided
attention. And so does flirting! 

Fruit Flies

I don't know about you, but I've been battling with fruit flies lately. I don't even know where they came from, but I have found a way to get rid of them!

1 part water, 1 part apple cider vinegar, 3 drops of dish soap in a small bowl. The cider attracts them, the dish soap keeps them from flying away. Voila! No more pesky little fruit flies!

Halloween Safety

Weiser Locks gave me some Home Safety tips to pass along for Halloween....
- Don't leave your door unlocked while trick-or-treating with your kids, even if it's only on your block.
- Stick close to home as vandals target homes where everyone is clearly away
- Keep your door locked after each group of trick-or-treaters
- Don't allow anyone in your house, big or small, even for an 'emergency' phone call. Offer to make it for them if you feel compelled to do so
- Don't feel you have to answer the door to late night trick-or-treaters, or you may be getting a nasty treat
- Make sure your address is clearly visible, incase you do need the police to come to your aid
- Is your backyard secure? Think of a fence and bushes if you don't feel secure
- Make sure all exterior doors have deadbolts that have at least a 1" throwbolt

Phobias

Phobias are quite common and occur in more than one in every 10 Canadians.
There are 4 main types of phobias:
animal type (e.g., spiders, dogs, and rodents)
natural environment type (e.g., storms, lightening, and water)
blood-injection-injury type (e.g., seeing blood, getting a needle, having a medical procedure)
and situational type (e.g., enclosed places, flying, driving).
Phobias that do not fit into these four categories fall into a fifth category referred to as "other type" (e.g., fears of choking or vomiting).

Blood-injection-injury and animal phobias typically begin in early childhood whereas situational and natural environment phobias begin later, usually in the late teens and 20s. Approximately 75% of individuals with a blood-injection-injury phobia report a history of fainting in response to the phobic stimulus.

Here's phobias from the alphabet
Acousticophobia- Fear of noise.
Barophobia- Fear of gravity.
Cacophobia- Fear of ugliness.
Dishabiliophobia- Fear of undressing in front of someone.
Ephebiphobia- Fear of teenagers.
Frigophobia- Fear of cold or cold things.
Gamophobia- Fear of marriage.
Hobophobia- Fear of bums or beggars.
Ithyphallophobia- Fear of seeing, thinking about or having an erect... well you know
Japanophobia- Fear of Japanese.
Kosmikophobia- Fear of cosmic phenomenon.
Levophobia- Fear of things to the left side of the body.
Mythophobia- Fear of myths or stories or false statements.
Nomatophobia- Fear of names.
Oenophobia- Fear of wines.
Paraskavedekatriaphobia- Fear of Friday the 13th.
Rhytiphobia- Fear of getting wrinkles.
Scriptophobia- Fear of writing in public.
Tremophobia- Fear of trembling.
Uranophobia or Ouranophobia- Fear of heaven.
Venustraphobia- Fear of beautiful women.
Walloonphobia- Fear of the Walloons.
Xanthophobia- Fear of the color yellow or the word yellow.
Zemmiphobia- Fear of the great mole rat.

I can't even make this stuff up!

Top 10 Haunted Places in Canada

According to Trip Adviser, here's the Top 10!

10. St. Francis Xavier University, Mount St. Bernard College, Antigonish, Nova Scotia

This hosts tales of mysteriously moving objects, phantom elevators moving around with no passengers, inexplicable voices and shadows.9. Mirimichi, New Brunswick
From a headless nun walking the French Fort Cove footbridge to the haunted St. Michael’s church, Miramichi is rich with phantom folklore, and is also, incidentally, a beautiful wharf city to visit on vacation.8. Old Montreal, Quebec
This provides the setting to many of Montreal’s most famous ghost stories, from the ghosts of a prostitute looking for her head to the spirits of families lost in a great hotel fire. If you’re out in Old Montreal looking for a quaint boutique or an interesting restaurant, keep your eyes open also for the wandering reminders of the area’s history.7. HI Ottawa Jail Hostel, Ottawa, Ontario
Find restless souls in the halls and former cells of the Ottawa Jail Hostel, which once served as the Carleton County Gaol and housed the last working gallows in Canada! The hostel regularly celebrates its macabre past with “parties with the ghosts” on special occasions and is featured along the Haunted Tour of Ottawa.
6. Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, Toronto Islands, Toronto, Ontario
This lighthouse played host to some foul play in the nineteenth century when the lighthouse keeper at the time was murdered one evening. Accounts of exactly how the death occurred and who committed the crime have varied, but the mystery draws many intriguing stories about the former lighthouse keeper’s ghost.5. Fort Garry Hotel, Winnipeg, Manitoba
This castle-like hotel is rumored to be haunted by a number of ghosts. Even a Canadian Member of Parliament was so convinced of a presence in her room that she fled from her room in the middle of the night.4. Government House, Regina, Saskatchewan
Howie, the affectionately named ghost, has been credited with the opening and shutting of doors, unaccounted-for footsteps on the stairs and the mysterious movement of items from one location to another. Some theories hold that “Howie” is actually the ghost of the former cook of Lieutenant-Governor McNab, who died in the house. However, others claim that there are more than one ghost inhabiting this historical mansion which once served as home to Lieutenant-Governors of the Northwest Territories.3. St. Louis Ghost Train, St. Louis, Saskatchewan
Llate at night, be on the lookout for the phantom lights out on the dirt road where the train tracks used to be. Whether these lights are a paranormal phenomenon or a perfectly natural occurrence, the curious appearance of these lights nearly every night has attracted curious onlookers for over thirty years. Some say the light is a ghost train, others the lantern held by the spirit of a conductor who lost his head on the tracks and searches eternally to find it. The realists claim that it is simply a refraction of headlights from the highway a few miles off.
2. Banff Springs Hotel, Banff, Alberta
A blocked off stairway, said to be haunted by a tragic bride, and a mystery missing room, rumored to be locked forever to contain the family of ghosts that inhabits it, give rise to multiple tales of hauntings and eerie events in this historic and beautiful chateau hotel.1. The Old Spaghetti Factory, Gastown, Vancouver, British Columbia
If you are looking for eerie eating, check out the Old Spaghetti Factory in the Gastown neighborhood. You may hear stories of inexplicable cold drafts and moving table settings, shenanigans attributed to the ghost of a certain train conductor who met his end during a tragic collision on the underground railway track upon which the restaurant is built.