Quite possibly the best voice you will hear all day, that’s because when you hear Chris Malone weekdays from 3pm to 7pm, your workday should be about done. Chris keeps your favorite music going strong as you head down the home stretch. Keep 98.5 KTK with you in the car, as hitting the rush hour adds stress; Chris keeps it away with the Stress-Free Drive Home, starting weekday afternoons just before 5.
There are a lot of smart ways to save on gas. For instance, you can use a website such as GasBuddy to find cheaper gas stations in your area, buy a more fuel-efficient vehicle or drive less aggressively so your car uses less gas. These are all proven methods for reducing how much you need to budget for gas, but there are other widely used methods that don't pass the smell test. Here are a few.
Buy gas early in the morning.
Gasoline is denser at colder temperatures, so the theory here is that if you fill up early in the morning while it's still cool out, you'll get more bang for your buck -- a gallon of gas bought cold will expand to be a little more than a gallon when it gets warmer. But , gas at gas stations is stored in underground tanks, where the temperature varies a lot less than it does on the surface. As such, there's going to be little to no perceptible difference in the density of the gasoline whether you buy it in the morning or at night. With that said, it still might be worth it to fill up in the morning because, given how quickly gas prices have been rising, you might find that the price has gone up by a few cents by the time you get back to the station that evening.
Overinflate your tires.
Yes, it's true underinflated tires lead to decreased mileage, so you should make sure your tires are properly inflated for fuel efficiency and safety reasons. But some people have taken that to the logical extreme by inflating their tires beyond the recommended pressure, the theory being that an overinflated tire will have a smaller contact patch with the pavement and thus less resistance. Alas, it turns out that's not really the case: Popular Mechanics tested this one out and found almost no difference in gas mileage between 32 psi inflation and 45 psi.
Turn off the air conditioning and lower the windows.
The theory here is that air conditioning draws energy from the engine, and that lowering the windows reduces drag. Thus, on a warm day you should turn off the air conditioning and lower the windows to boost your gas mileage. Unfortunately, there appears to be little truth to this method: Edmunds tested it back in 2005 and found that the mileage was the same no matter which method they used to cool themselves. If it's hot out, don't hesitate to blast the A/C.
Leave your tailgate down.
Many pickup truck drivers will leave the tailgate down, the idea being that having it up will "catch" the air flowing over the truck, acting as a sail that increases drag and makes you burn more gas. But the Discovery Channel's hit show "MythBusters" tested this one and then retested it and found that fuel efficiency was actually a little better with the tailgate up. That's right, keeping your tailgate open actually made things worse, and putting a cover on the pickup truck's bed had no real impact on fuel efficiency.
Little tiny ants have been spotted around the house! Ewwww! What to do? Of course there are the chemicals that'll do the job, but do you really want to spray these all over the house? Here are some natural remedies that work to repel the little army of invaders.
-Chris Malone
1. Lemon juice
Spray lemon juice where you see them enter your home. Something about the acid messes up their sense of tracking…
2. Cinnamon
Use ground cinnamon or cinnamon oil. Draw borders around everything with a Q-tip dipped in it. They won't cross it.
3. Peppermint
Some people have enjoy success with peppermint essential oil around windows and doors (any entries). Plus it makes your house smell awesome.
4. Borax, water and sugar
A mixture of borax, sugar, water and a touch of peanut butter appears to work too. It takes a couple of weeks but really works. Here is the site where I found the recipe:
http://naturalantkiller.blogspot.com/
Make a thin paste and spread it on little pieces of thin cardboard or stiff cardstock and placed them near where it seems they are coming into the house. They'll eat it and take it back to their colony (just like the Terro liquid you can buy). The paste will dry up in a couple days, so you'll have to make more. But I think I only had to do it twice before they were gone.
6. Diatomaceous earth
Yes … diatomaceous earth (DE) works well . Use food-grade not swimming pool DE. It should be sprinkled around the perimeter of your home and you can also safely sprinkle it inside where you see them. Do not wet the DE or it will not work. DE isn't an instant kill but should resolve the problem within a week or so.
8. Baking soda and powdered sugar
Ants carry an acidic substance with them always for protection. I do a mix of baking soda and powdered sugar in a plastic lid set in strategic places. I think a little volcanic science experiment happens inside their bodies. Over the course of several days it has made a huge difference.
9. Coffee grounds
People have had success with used coffee grounds, I did know where their entry was, after putting it in the cracks they never returned. I also do know it doesn't kill them, it just makes them move homes, (we have put them on beds outside and we just see them pop up a small distance away.
10. Cornmeal
Sprinkling corn meal seems to work with any too. If you google it there are a ton of places where it mentions it. Here's just one link, http://www.ehow.com/how_6395566_kill-ants-corn-meal.html
I've been a fan of Katy Perry ever since hearing her album One Of The Boys. She is one of the hardest working singer/songwriters in the industry and I know that she is very self-conscience of her skin. Now her confidence is allowing her to ditch the heavy make up for a more natural look. This has got to be one of the hardest steps anyone could ever take, especially being a celebrity. I mean we all have something about ourselves we are self-conscious about and the worst fear is someone will exploit it and knock your confidence into the dirt.
I'm sure we are not alone in saying Katy Perry is a beautiful and confident performer and woman!
Call it the power of the piggy bank. Financial literacy -- even for kids -- is more important than ever. Words such as loan default, foreclosure and recession are as common now as savings, bank statements and assets. And if you want your kids to grow up to lead lives where they don't default on loans or experience a home foreclosure, start teaching them now about savings, bank statements and assets. Financial literacy begins at home. Children whose parents teach them about basic finance grow up to be adults who are less likely to suffer financial delinquencies and foreclosures, according to a study published in the journal Social Work Research by Michal Grinstein-Weiss, an associate professor of social work at Washington University in St. Louis. "Nearly all parents agree that making sure children are financially literate is an important task, yet one that they may feel ill-equipped to carry out," Grinstein-Weiss says. "But parents don't need special knowledge or skills to prepare their kids for financial success. Routine family life is rich with opportunities to teach them the ins and outs of money matters."
Here are five ways parents can teach their kids financial literacy:
1. Discuss and explain basic finances
"Parents can and should have this discussion even if you are not saving enough or are deeply in debt. Just cover the basics, and don't scare your kids," she says. "New topics can be introduced as kids mature or the family situation changes. For example, house hunting is a natural time to discuss mortgages, interest rates and buying-versus-renting."
2. Teach kids how to save and set short-term goals (a new toy) and long-term goals (college).
"Kids follow by example, so model this behavior with a grown-up piggy bank on the kitchen counter labeled with a goal, such as 'family vacation,' and save your pocket change each day."
3. Open a savings account for your child as early as possible.
"Take a parent-child field trip to a bank or credit union and open an account for your child. Even if you're used to online banking, visit the bank each month with your child to make a deposit as actions reinforce behaviors," she says. "Review monthly online statements together."
4. Teach kids about budgeting and money-management skills.
"Look at the calendar or newspaper for upcoming events that your child is likely to want to attend and needs to start saving for," she says. "Help them research prices and figure out the time it will take to reach their goal by saving different amounts each week. Pizza night? While munching on a slice, help your child figure out the cost of each serving, adding in all costs, such as delivery, tip or cost of gas."
5. Get kids involved in daily activities and decisions about spending.
"Take them grocery shopping and have them compare prices of different brands," she says. "In a long line at checkout? Let older children estimate purchase cost, count out the cash, and complete the sale with the clerk. And show them how you pay monthly utilities, balance the check book and conduct Internet banking."
I went to see Man of Steel over the weekend and all I can say is...WOW! The story line is completely different and it was a pleasant surprise. It is much more of an action-adventure film with lots of special effects. Defiantly a more violet movie but it does keep you on the edge of your seat. I recommend it but not for little kids.
-Chris Malone
Did you know that Friday, June 21, is the official Take Your Dog to Work Day? While there are numerous benefits to having your favorite furry companion alongside you as you work, there are also some challenges to overcome if you bring your dog to work with you. How you and your company address these challenges can make the difference between a successful Take Your Dog to Work Day event and a disastrous one.
1. Coworkers who are allergic to dogs
What do you do if you want to take your lovely lab to work with you but you have coworkers who are allergic to dogs? Your best bet is to make sure your pooch is freshly bathed and keep him out of your coworker's area. At the end of the day, make sure you or the office's janitorial staff thoroughly cleans all areas that your dog visited.
2. Coworkers who are afraid of dogs
If you have a coworker who is afraid of dogs, make sure you keep your pet away from him for the entire day. Also, never leave your dog unattended. The last thing a fearful coworker needs is an encounter with an unaccompanied dog, no matter how friendly the dog is.
3. Your dog doesn't like your office
You have your dog ready to go on a little trip; you are excited about the day and can't wait to show off your four-legged best friend, but when you show up at work, he tucks his tails and refuses to walk into the building. Even the most outgoing and adventurous dog may decide that he doesn't like the office.
The last thing you want is a fearful and needy dog at work with you – it isn't good for your dog and it isn't good for your productivity. If you can take your dog to the office before the official Take Your Dog to Work Day for a test run, do it. If not, bring a favorite toy and maybe even his dog bed. A little bit of home may be all that he needs to feel comfortable at your office.
4. Potty accidents
Dogs have potty accidents, and even the most well trained pooch may have an oops in a new place. As his owner, you need to keep an eye on your dog, and if he's giving off any of his 'I have to go potty' queues, then you need to get outside pronto. Another way to prevent an office accident is to be proactive and take your dog outside more often than you normally would. While an accident may not be a big deal to you, it can be alarming to someone who doesn't own pets.
5. Distractions
Let's face it, a cute dog in the office is going to be a distraction; both to those who love dogs and those who wish Take Your Dog to Work Day didn't exist. Do what you can to minimize distractions to both yourself and your coworkers. Taking a 3-month-old puppy to work might not be the brightest idea, but a well-trained 6-month-old puppy might be fine.
Happy Friday! As we honor Dad this Sunday here's way to make him proud...making more money! I found this list of weird ways to make money and wanted to share with you. Take a look:
-Chris Malone
1. Sell your body.
for science, that is. You can sell whole blood or plasma. According to American Red Cross standards, you have to weigh at least 110 pounds, be 18 or older, and be in good health. Plasma can be sold monthly, and it takes about an hour and 15 minutes. Whole blood can be sold only every two months, but it takes just 10 minutes, on average. Check with your local hospital or clinic to see if it pays for donations. Each visit can be worth up to $35.
2. Do clinical trials.
Provided you qualify, participating in tests of new medicines and procedures can earn you up to a couple thousand dollars. Two sources for finding clinical trials are the National Institutes of Health database and the Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation, which can also help you over the phone.
3. Show talent. Fiverr.com helps you make money from your ability to do anything from retouching photos to singing. You can net $4 (the site takes a $1 cut) for a wide variety of small tasks. And if you don't have a special skill, try being clever or weird. Recently on the Fiverr front page, someone was offering to do voiceovers in a Power Ranger costume and another was offering to write messages on her lips. While lots of this stuff is silly, this site can theoretically be used as an entree for those with serious ambitions to showcase more traditional work.
4. Sell used goods.
If you have stuff you don't use -- and who doesn't? -- there are plenty of places to sell it, from Craigslist to eBay to Amazon. And if you don't want to wait on a buyer, you can trade in used electronics, books, movies and games at Amazon for credit. While this idea isn't particularly weird, if you need money, it's a good place to start.
5.Sell crafts.
Better than selling used is selling new -- especially if you have something unique to offer. Websites like Etsy.com can help you launch a side business selling your own crafts, from jewelry to painting to custom purses and clothing. Promoting your crafts on a social network like Pinterest can help drum up business.
6. Work online.
One of the most-asked questions: Is there legitimate work from home? Technically, yes. But finding a legitimate work-at-home job isn't easy, and there are a lot of scams. Still, you can use the Internet to make extra cash. You can provide product research on sites like SurveySavvy.com for anywhere from $1 to $15 per survey, or perform quick menial tasks like tagging images for a few cents each on Mechanical Turk. You can also use the Internet to find offline jobs in your area (like bartending or short-term work as a personal assistant) at Zaarly, where some gigs are worth $100 or more.
7. Find missing money.
"Finding unclaimed cash" explains how to check with government agencies for cash you didn't know you had, like tax refunds, retirement accounts from old employers, abandoned paychecks, and unclaimed life insurance proceeds.
8. Try apps.
As smartphones become more popular, some startup businesses are based entirely on apps that get you to use them in certain ways while you're out and about. There are even apps that reward you for trying and reviewing other apps.
Watching television can make you smarter. Gossiping can make you less critical of yourself. And coffee can help prevent type 2 diabetes. Yes, some bad habits -- in moderation -- may actually be good for you. Ladies Home Journal reports that some bad habits can have surprisingly good effects. Here are five that get a bad rap, but can be good for you.
Television
The good: When you watch shows that exercise your mind, it can actually make you smarter. Some shows can give you a cognitive workout, while others will encourage you to reflect on your marriage and family life. Still others will almost always teach you something new. The bad: If you turn into a couch potato and watch TV excessively while your family does other things, it's a problem. Sitting in front of the TV for too long can drain your energy. If you watch more than two hours a day, it's time to dial down the habit.
Facebook
The good: Facebook can help you deepen relationships and connect with people from your past with whom you long ago lost touch. It can be a valuable resource for information, too. Posting a message that you need the name of a good plumber or tips for planting a vegetable garden can result in information you would not have otherwise received. The bad: When you spend so much time on Facebook that you neglect your work, family or household chores, you may need to restrict your use by building it into your schedule. Be disciplined and only check in at those times.
Gossiping
The good: When we gossip about other people, it can make us less critical of our own lives. A celebrity's third trip to rehab or the neighbor's failed marriage can make you realize you're doing just fine. Gossip, which is human nature, also relieves stress and can create a culture of closeness. The bad: If you purposely spread vicious stories about someone else that could be potentially damaging, it's time to stop. Too much gossiping can make you seem insecure or egocentric.
Coffee
The good: Regular coffee consumption is actually good for you! Numerous studies have shown multiple health benefits, including a lower risk for stroke, dementia, Parkinson's disease, type 2 diabetes, liver cancer and gallstones. The bad: If you indulge in fancy, high-calorie java drinks, they can make you fat since they're not only packed with caffeine, but also calories. And pregnant women shouldn't drink coffee at all because it can increase the risk of miscarriage.
Being Messy
The good: So what if your desk is a pile of papers and the junk drawer is so crammed with stuff it won't open? Moderately disorganized people also tend to be more creative and efficient than those who are obsessively neat. The bad: When the boss looks at you like your desk is a fire hazard or you can't find your favorite jeans in your closet, it's time to clean up. Being messy is fine -- to a point. Complete disorder is a problem. Schedule weekly tidy-up sessions to keep things under control.
Father's Day isn't just about kids showing appreciation for their dads. It's about everyone showing some extra love to all the dads in their lives -- including your husband. Although it's cute to help your kids make pop breakfast in bed on that Sunday, here are a few creative ideas for spending the day with the man with whom you've created your awesome family.
1. Walk down memory lane
Whether it's the place you and your husband first met, or the restaurant where you told him that you were pregnant with your little one, a trip down memory lane is always a great way to not just celebrate the past, but the present. It's also a fun lesson for the kiddos to hear your love story.
2. Scavenger hunt
Nothing says fun, like an all-afternoon hunt through clues that will ultimately end at one of dad's favorite places. With cute notes of trivia and funny suggestions (make dad do the "Funky Chicken" before he gets hint #4!), spend the day having dad run in circles just to get him to Yankee Stadium for a game, or some other place he loves.
3. Alone time
Yes, Father's Day has a lot to do with the kids that made your husband a dad, but it did take some alone time. Let the kids have Saturday to celebrate their dad with all their homemade craziness, then get a sitter and take off Saturday night into Sunday. A loungy day in a hotel bed without the fear of the little ones running in is just what you both need.
4. Work on the family tree
It took a lot of dads before to get to the father your husband is today, so why not pay homage to the all the fathers in your family? Break out the old photographs and teach the little ones about their ancestry. Or, if the kids love arts and crafts, start branching out with marker and crayons.
5. Let dad choose the menu of the day
The best way to keep dad happiest is to surround him with his loved ones and keep his belly full. Have dad hand over a list of all his favorite foods and make every single one of them for him.
6. Build something
Even if your husband isn't exactly a whiz when it comes to power tools, having the whole family participate in building something will be a blast. From making a birdhouse for the family of sparrows in your back yard to creating paper-mâche dinosaurs just for the hell of it, anything where there's going to be a mess, there will be laughs.
7. Throw a party
That's right. If you're stressing out as to what to do and how to make the day extra special for dad, host a barbeque -- it's the time of year for it -- invite all his pals and their families and make it a group celebration he'll never forget. Everyone likes a party, especially when it's in honor of them.
I went and saw Avenue Q at the Hippodrome last night and what an amazing performance. Sometimes you forget how many neat things there are to do in our neck of the woods. Kudos to the actors, actresses and performers who did a great job!
-Chris Malone
Did you know that 70% of your longevity is determined by your lifestyle? So, in a way, you are in control of your destiny. Taken together, all of the following lifestyle changes will help you live as much as 30 years longer. Here are tips from Dr. Sanjay Gupta's book "Chasing Life".
5 years: Don't smoke
It's not cool to smoke. You smell, your teeth turn yellow, your skin looks like leather and your voice gets low and raspy. It also gives you lung cancer. Ick.
5 years: Eat power foods
It's all about the antioxidants. Every day you should eat a handful of dark chocolate and almonds, as well as fruits, vegetables, garlic and even a glass of wine.
4 years: Skip the fast food
Drive past the drive thru windows and you'll live a lot longer since you're not ingesting all that fat and cholesterol.
3 years: Get moving
Run for 30 minutes, five days a week and you can live up to four years longer. If you walk, you'll add three years.
3 years: Get married
Numerous studies have shown that married people are happier and healthier. Why? They take care of each other. Face it, most men see a doctor because their wives made the appointment and told them to go.
3 years: Eat salmon twice a week
Eating fatty fish that contains omega 3 fatty acids, such as wild salmon, herring, mackerel and sardines, not only appears to lower your risk of Alzheimer's disease, but also helps control triglyceride levels and inflammation.
3 years: Lose the fat
You'll not only look and feel better, but you'll be healthier if you lose weight. Being overweight increases your risk of death by 20 to 40 percent. Now that's motivation!
3 years: Have sex
Having sex two to three times a week helps you live longer by cutting in half your risk for heart disease and stroke. How? Sex burns about 200 calories, which is the same as running for 30 minutes.
1 year: Floss daily
The greatest benefit of regular flossing is healthy gums. Research has shown that gum inflammation is linked to heart disease. Keep your gums healthy and your heart may follow
OK, common foods that are poisonous?!?! It's true! Take a look at these 8 common foods that are poisonous. The key is know what to eat and how to prepare.
-Chris Malone
1. Lima beans
Like many legumes, the seemingly innocent lima bean should not be eaten raw – doing so can be lethal. (And who wants to die in such an ignoble way as death by lima bean?) Also known as butter beans, the legumes can contain a high level of cyanide, which is part of the plant's defense mechanism.
Here in the U.S. there are restrictions about cyanide levels in commercially grown lima bean varieties, but not so in less developed countries, and many people can get sick from eating them. Even so, lima beans should be cooked thoroughly, and uncovered to allow the poison to escape as gas. Also, drain the cooking water to be on the safe side.
2. Pufferfish
Whoever ate the first pufferfish must have been adventurous. (And most likely died shortly thereafter.) Almost all pufferfish contain tetrodotoxin, a deadly toxin that is up to 1,200 times more poisonous than cyanide. The poison in one pufferfish is enough to wipe out 30 humans, and there's no known antidote.
Yet, many people eat it. Called fugu in Japan, the meat of the pufferfish is a highly prized dish that is prepared by specially trained, licensed chefs. Even so, according to government figures, there were 23 deaths among 338 fugu poisoning cases recorded in Japan from 2000 to 2009.
3. Castor beans
Many a granny came armed with a spoonful of castor oil to heal all ills, and studies show that it does indeed have health benefits to offer. Just be sure not to eat the beans from which the oil came. If castor beans are chewed and swallowed, they can release ricin, one of the most toxic poisons known to man. Eating just one or two castor beans can easily cause the demise of the eater. Ricin has been investigated as a warfare agent, and has even been employed by secret agents and assassins.
4. Almonds
Any reader of old-school mystery novels knows what the smell of bitter almonds signifies: death by cyanide, my dear Watson. And that's because some plants, including apples and bitter almonds, have cyanide in them to discourage herbivores from devouring them.
But don't fret; bitter almonds aren't the same as sweet almonds, the ones we eat in the United States. Since about 20 bitter almonds are enough to kill an adult, they aren't sold here. That said, almond extract is made with the oil of bitter almonds, but rest assured, it can't be used as a murder weapon.
5. Cassava
Also known as manioc or tapioca, bitter casava is native to South America and is the third most important source of calories in the tropics; and like bitter almonds, cassava also harbors cyanide. When properly soaked and dried, and especially when people have protein in their diet, bitter cassava is okay; but when any of the process is skimped on, problems arise.
Due to correct food processing and strict regulations, cyanide-laced cassava poses little threat to Americans who eat the root. But, in Africa, where cassava has become a major part of subsistence diets, many poor people suffer from a chronic and crippling form of cyanide poisoning known as konzo. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is helping in the efforts to breed cassavas with less cyanide, but success has not yet been achieved.
6. Rhubarb
Rhubarb stalks may lend a super tart tang to strawberry pie; but their leaves offer something altogether different. Rhubarb leaves contain oxalic acid, a chemical compound found in bleach, metal cleaners and anti-rust products. The leaves also contain anthraquinone glycosides. Eating the leaves can lead to a burning sensation in the mouth and throat, nausea and vomiting, gastric pain, shock, convulsions and even death.
Although rhubarb sold at the store genrally has most of the leaves removed, be careful if you grow it at home; although using every part of a vegetable is generally great ... in this case, the shock, convulsions and death aren't quite worth it.
7. Tomatoes and potatoes
The leaves and stems of both tomatoes and potatoes, members of the nightshade family, contain a toxic alkaloid called solanine. In potatoes, it is particularly concentrated when the spud starts to sprout and when the eyes and flesh turn green.
Prior to 1820, Americans considered tomatoes to be poisonous, but the chance of suffering symptoms of solanine toxicity from tomatoes isn't that likely. Potatoes have higher concentrations – and a report form the University of New Mexico notes that wild potatoes in the Andes can be more than double that of cultivated potatoes. But even so, a 100-pound person would need to eat 16 ounces of a fully green potato before solanine poisoning would occur. If you happen to have a taste for green potatoes, keep an eye out for excessive salivation, diarrhea, slowed pulse, reduced blood pressure and respirations, and cardiac arrest.
8. Mushrooms
No list of poisonous foods would be complete without mention of mushrooms, and specifically, Amanita phalloides, the deadly (and dastardly delicious) "death cap" mushroom. Responsible for a multitude of mushroom poisonings, along with its cousin, Amanita ocreata, better known as the "destroying angel." The Amanita genus in general is responsible for about 95 percent of all mushroom poisonings, with 75 percent of fatal poisonings attributed to death caps and destroying angels.
Our fascination with funghi goes way back and we continue to poison ourselves with various members of the mushroom family. Why? Because they are amazing to eat, while at the same time, it's hard to differentiate between those that are good and those that are deadly.
Nothing says summer like flip-flops, our number one summer shoe choice -- from the pool to a swanky evening out on the town. "While flip-flops are perfectly fine -- and far better than going barefoot-- in a number of settings, they do have some drawbacks," warns Christina Sigur, a podiatrist and instructor in orthopedics at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. "They really don't offer too much support or protection. Wearing them too often or for certain intensive activities can lead to a variety of foot problems." Here are five smart tips for wearing flip-flops, courtesy of the American Podiatric Medical Association:
1. Purchase flip-flops made of high-quality soft leather. Leather minimizes the potential for blisters and other types of irritation.
2. Gently bend the flip-flop from end to end, ensuring it bends at the ball of the foot. Shoes of any kind should never fold in half. Do not choose shoes that are too flimsy.
3. Make sure your foot doesn't hang off of the edge of the flip-flop. A good shoe fit is vital to healthy feet.
4. Don't wear the same pair of flip-flops year after year. If they show signs of severe wear, discard them.
5. Don't ignore irritation between toes, where the toe thong fits. This can lead to blisters and possible infections.
When it comes to avoiding injury, always use your common sense.
Don't wear flip-flops while walking long distances. Even the sturdiest flip-flops offer little in terms of shock absorption and arch support.
Never do yard work while wearing flip-flops. Always wear shoes that fully protect feet when doing outside activities such as mowing the lawn or using a string trimmer.
Don't play sports in flip-flops. This can lead to twisting of the foot or ankle, as well as sprains and breaks.
Get ready for your mind to be blown! Here are 10 myths that many of us hold as truths.
-Chris Malone
1. Going out in the cold with a wet head will make you sick
"Put a hat on or you'll catch your death of a cold," screeches every micro managing momma as her charges march off into the winter wonderland. But in numerous studies addressing the topic, people who are chilled are no more likely to get sick than those who were not. And a wet or dry head makes no difference.
2. Vikings wore horned helmets
Is there anything more "Viking warrior" than a helmet fitted with horns? Alas, horned hats were not worn by the warriors. Although the style did exist in the region, they were only used for early ceremonial purposes and had largely faded out by the time of the Vikings. Several major misidentifications got the myth rolling, and by the time costume designers for Wagner's "Der Ring des Nibelungen" put horned helmets on the singers in the late 19th century, there was no going back.
3. Sugar makes kids go bonkers
The Journal of the American Medical Association published a review of 23 studies on the subject of kids and sugar, the conclusion: Sugar doesn't affect behavior. And it's possible that it is the idea itself that is so ingrained as fact that it affects our perception. Case in point: In one study mothers were told that their sons had consumed a drink with a high sugar content. Although the boys had actually consumed sugar-free drinks, the mothers reported significantly higher levels of hyperactive behavior. That said, some scientists warn that sugar can make you dumb.
4. You lose most of your body heat through your head
Everyone knows that you lose somewhere around 98 percent of your body heat through your head, which is why you have to wear a hat in the cold. Except that you don't. As reported in The New York Times and elsewhere, the amount of heat released by any part of the body depends mostly on the surface area — on a cold day you would lose more heat through an exposed leg or arm than a bare head.
5. You will get arthritis from cracking your knuckles
It seems reasonable, but it's not true either. You will not get arthritis from cracking your knuckles. There is no evidence of such an association, and in limited studies performed there was no change in occurrence of arthritis between "habitual knuckle crackers" and "non crackers." There have been several reports in medical literature that have linked knuckle cracking with injury of the ligaments surrounding the joint or dislocation of the tendons, but not arthritis.
6. Napoleon was short
Napoleon's height was once commonly given as 5 feet 2 inches, but many historians have now given him extra height. He was 5 feet 2 inches using French units, but when converted into Imperial units, the kind we are accustomed to, he measured almost 5 feet 7 inches inches tall — which was actually slightly taller than average for a man in France at the time.
7. You have to stretch before exercise
Stretching before exercise is the main way to improve performance and avoid injury, everyone stretches … but researchers have been finding that it actually slows you down. Experts reveal that stretching before a run can result in a 5 percent reduction of efficiency; meanwhile, Italian researchers studying cyclists confirmed that stretching is counterproductive. Furthermore, there has never been sufficient scientific evidence that pre-exercise stretching reduces injury risk.
8. Cholesterol in eggs is bad for the heart
The perceived association between dietary cholesterol and risk for coronary heart disease stems from dietary recommendations proposed in the 1960s that had little scientific evidence, other than the known association between saturated fat and cholesterol and animal studies where cholesterol was fed in amounts far exceeding normal intakes. Since then, study after study has found that dietary cholesterol (the cholesterol found in food) does not negatively raise your body's cholesterol. It is the consumption of saturated fat that is the demon here. So eat eggs, don't eat steak.
9. Dogs age at seven years per one human year
Your 3-year-old dog is 21 years old in human years, right? Not according to experts. The general consensus is that dogs mature faster than humans, reaching the equivalent of 21 years in only two, and then aging slows down to more like four human years per year. "Dog Whisperer" Cesar Millan's site recommends this way to calculate your dog's human-age equivalent: Subtract two from the age, multiply that by four and add 21.
10. George Washington had wooden teeth
Our first president starting losing his teeth in his 20s, but contrary to popular belief, his dentures were not made of wood. Although built-in toothpicks would have been handy, Washington had four sets of dentures that were made from gold, hippopotamus ivory, lead, and human and animal teeth (horse and donkey teeth were common components in the day). Also of note: The dentures had bolts to hold them together and springs to help them open, all the better to eat one of his favorite treats, Mary Washington's seriously delicious gingerbread.
Well Tropical Storm Andrea left as fast as she arrived.We got some good rain out of the storm and unfortunately for my neighbor, a tree limb fell on his car right through the windshield! Thank God no one was hurt in that incident.
I recently had a friend down on his luck and feeling sorry for himself. i reminded him that he has the power to shape his life and to think positively. Its cliche to say but you do have your health.
So I thought I'd post these traits of successful people. For most people, success is no accident. Winners are winners for a reason just as losers are losers for a reason. Here are some differences between successful people and those who are not.
1. Winners do things losers won't do.
Oftentimes, it's the people who go to almost unthinkable lengths who manage to make it to the top. Thomas Edison reportedly tried more than 1000 different substances as filaments before he found the right one for the light bulb. Henry Morton Stanley, who was one of the greatest explorers in human history, nearly died time and time again going on expeditions across Africa that took years under some of the most dangerous and miserable conditions imaginable. Ross Perot and his wife both worked and then they lived off his salary while they saved every cent of her salary to fund his new business. These are people who went to extraordinary lengths to reach the top and they did it instead of complaining that life is hard and giving up.
2. Winners fail more often than losers.
The loser tastes defeat and quits. The winner gets knocked down and keeps on getting back up. "I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed." -- Michael Jordan
Winners have "been there, done that, and got the t-shirt" -- so when they're in that same situation again, they've learned from hard experience what to do and what not to do. Losers, on the other hand, fail, decide it's too hard, and they quit before they've ever really gotten started.
3. Winners are optimistic while losers are pessimistic.
Both optimists and pessimists tend to think their view of the world is more "realistic." That's because whether you're optimistic or pessimistic, you're probably right. That makes sense if you think about it. If you expect to fail and have a setback, then it's all too easy to say, "I knew it wouldn't work," and give up. On the other hand, if you expect to succeed and things go badly, then you're much more likely to just shrug it off and keep going forward. As Richard Bach has said, "Sooner or later, those who win are those who think they can."
4. Winners know what they're trying to do while losers go with the flow.
This one is a little trickier than the other items on the list because after all, not every successful person has mapped out his future. Moreover, there are plenty of successful people who ended up taking their first steps toward success and prosperity without realizing the path that they were on. That being said, you don't just show up one day and become a CEO, astronaut, or gold medalist. As a general rule, it takes a lot of effort, planning, and grunt work to be exceptional at ANYTHING. Even if you just want to be a great father or the best friend you can be to another human being, it helps a lot to know that's what you're trying to do. That's because it's very rare that anyone is "accidentally" great at anything over the long haul. People get good at things because they have figured out it's important to be good at them and then they take steps to improve.
5. Winners take responsibility for their own lives while losers point the finger elsewhere.
It's not society's job, Wall Street's job, or the government's job to take care of you. That's YOUR JOB. Winners take responsibility for what happens to them, their own lives, and their future. That gives them a sense of control over their own destiny. It also puts the onus for change on the shoulders of the only person who has any sort of realistic chance to make a difference: YOU! On the other hand, losers evade responsibility and point the finger elsewhere when they fail -- which is a huge mistake because it cedes control of their own life to other parties. If you're waiting for family, "society" or the "government" to show up, fix all your problems, and make you into a success, you're going to be in for a long, long wait.
6. Winners work harder than losers.
Talent Is Overrated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else is an outstanding book. Its central theme is this: What people often think of as natural talent is really the result of a freakish amount of "deliberate practice." Put in 10,000 hours of well-coached focused practice and you, too, can appear to have an extraordinary amount of "talent." There's a lot to this way of thinking. Although hard work alone isn't sufficient to make you into a winner, it's a prerequisite for being a winner. That's why successful people are almost inevitably busy people. Long story short: You're never going to become a champion at anything working 40 hours a week and then spending the rest of the week kicking back in the La-Z-Boy watching TV and playing Xbox.
7. Winners ask. Losers wait to be asked.
As Robert Ringer wrote in his book Action!: Nothing Happens Until Something Moves , asking for what you want is one of the biggest keys to achieving your goals. Perhaps only 45% of success is showing up, while another 45% of success is asking. Asking is the simplest, most efficient, and potentially most rewarding action a person can take.
Here are links to the various utility companies to check on power outages that may effect you. Click on your utility company for a detailed map of outages.
OCALA, Fla. (June 6, 2013) – Due to the weather reports calling for flood warnings in our area, the City of Ocala has established a sandbag pickup location.
Sandbags are available Thursday, June 6, with locations open 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. The locations are as follows:
Tuscawilla Park – North end of N.E. Sanchez Ave. (access from N.E. 9th St.)
MLK Recreation Complex – South parking lot (access from West SR40)
Jervey Gantt Recreation Complex – South parking lot (access from SE 24th St.)
City residents may receive 10 sandbags per resident. The City is unable to make deliveries at this time.
If you had to pick a song for the day I think the Eurythmics's Here Comes The Rain Again would best describe our new Tropical Storm friend Andrea.
The National Hurricane Center is predicting the center circulation of Andrea to make landfall in the Big Bend area this afternoon. For us the means we'll be getting a lot of rain, anywhere from 3 to 6 inches by Friday morning. Coastal storm surge predicted around 2 to 4 feet and a Tropical Storm warning is in effect for the west coast and big bend areas of Florida. Also a Tropical Storm warning on the east coast from Flagler Beach northward to Virginia. And also in the mix is a wind advisory and flood watch through Friday.
Experts say this is going to be a rain maker but it reminds us that Hurricane season is upon us and there's no better time to make your storm kit. Plus the National Hurricane Center has some other great tips at their web site so take a look and be prepared.
We can offer you some mobile information too. Text HURRICANE to 72881 and receive local storm information directly to your cell phone and mobile devices. it's a free service provided by Clay Electric Co-op and SunState Federal Credit Union.
If anything changes we'll let you know about it on 98.5 KTK!
Yes, that's what marketing researchers have concluded after analyzing the personality traits of some 25,000 TV viewers and the results may surprise you. For example, if you think fans of "Glee" and "Dancing with the Stars" are alike because they enjoy watching people doing fancy footwork, think again.
"Glee" viewers are "experimentalist," or folks who are open minded and seek unique and varied experiences.
In contrast, DWTS aficionados are "traditionalists." They respect authority and don't like to rock the boat.
People who enjoy AMC's advertising series "Mad Men" are creative dreamers rather than realists and liberal on the political spectrum.
Conservatives would be more likely to tune in to NBC's "The Biggest Loser" because they tend to be realists who the researchers say, "Live in the present and work with what they have."
It may come as no surprise that "Family Guy" fans are rebels. People who can't get enough of the irreverent Fox animated comedy don't like rules, structure and authority and they tend to have short fuses.
"Real Housewives" devotees are combative. The Bravo show's audience is made up of natural born leaders who are likely to tell you exactly what they think.
Modest folks are fond of the "Deadliest Catch" on Discovery while generous, selfless individuals enjoy Rachael Ray and reality shows with happy endings, like ABC's "The Bachelor."
I'm back from vacation and I had a wonderful time and a gorgeous tan! :) Now the reality of coming back to work sets in...but since I love my job it isn't a difficult transition.
As a guy, the 6 words I dread to hear are "Does this make me look fat?" There is no correct answer! Experts say the ideal solution is to not offer a straight "yes" or "no" answer and kind of step around the question itself. Below are 6 ways to avoid answering, "Does this make me look fat?"
1. "It flatters your figure."
This works either way. How's she going to argue with this logic? Try it and be amazed.
2. "I think you look sexy."
This one is probably closer to the truth than our other ideas; after all, would you still be with your girlfriend or wife if you didn't find her sexy at least some of the time? Phrasing your response this way allows you to evade a direct reaction while letting her know you still find her attractive. It also doesn't specifically address her clothing preferences either -- just her.
3. "You always look beautiful, amazing, etc."
Most people do not correlate being fat with beauty, and this will let her know that no matter how she looks or what she wears, she's still sexy. This one might not work if your woman's just trying to start a fight, though, in which case you're screwed every which way despite how many of these lines you toss at her.
4. "It's nice, but I know what would look better."
This way, you step around the question by saying it looks nice when it might actually not, and then you may want to help her find a combination of clothing that you think makes her look really good.
5. "You would need to be fat to look fat, and you're not fat."
while a little more long-winded and redundant, this is the shortest possible way to say this. Again, this does not attend to her attire-just her. It also supplies a better explanation than "no" without the brevity and open-endedness of "no." Women love when you can explain yourself succinctly... a good skill to develop in the event she catches you banging your secretary and wants to know why.
6. "You make that dress/outfit look good."
Do exercise caution when saying this one because a woman may interpret it as you saying her clothes (and thus her taste in fashion) is bad and she'll start griping. That's why it's at the bottom of the list; not as good as the last five choices, but still a way to avoid answering, "Does this make me look fat?"
Quite possibly the best voice you will hear all day, that’s because when you hear Chris Malone weekdays from 3pm to 7pm, your workday should be about done. Chris keeps your favorite music going strong as you head down the home stretch. Keep 98.5 KTK with you in the car, as hitting the rush hour adds stress; Chris keeps it away with the Stress-Free Drive Home, starting weekday afternoons just before 5.
