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by Chris Wells
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posted May 21 2013 7:26AM
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The Red Cross
The Red Cross of Oklahoma has activated its safe and well website for those who are trying to reconnect with loved ones. Red Cross officials and volunteers are also beginning to open shelters. The first is at St. Andrews Church. You can help their efforts by donating to the Red Cross online or by texting REDCROSS to 90999.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army has also jumped into action. It's in multiple locations throughout cities in Oklahoma providing food, hydration and emotional support to first responders and storm survivors. You can contribute to the Salvation Army by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769), online on their website, by texting "STORM" to 80888 to make an automatic $10 donation or by mail:
The Salvation Army
PO Box 12600
Oklahoma City, OK 73157
Read more here. |
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by Chris Malone
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posted May 21 2013 5:19AM
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I apologize if you're tired of hearing about my weight loss, but if you've ever been successful at dropping pounds then you'll understand that it's all you want to talk about! As of today, I am down 15 pounds! These aren't just any 15 pounds, these are pounds that I've been struggling with for months...and I dropped them just in time for summer :)
I owe my success to Heathe Trim. I'm sure you've heard me talk about it on the radio. For me, it gave me the strength to bypass mid afternoon snacking and overeating in general. As skeptical as I was in the beginning, I now am singing a different tune and I'm sure Healthe Trim will work for you. It's guaranteed or your money back! Call 855-600-TRIM and get a bottle free with your order!
Salt, which can cause high blood pressure, is hidden in many foods -- from soup to spaghetti. It's well known that we need to lower our intake of sodium, but you need to do far more than put down the salt shaker. Most of the sodium we consume daily is hidden in processed and other foods. While you know there is sodium in canned tomato sauce, did you ever suspect it would be lurking in a fresh chicken breast? Prevention magazine has helpfully compiled a list of the six sodium bombs -- otherwise healthy foods that are packed with salt:
1. Chicken breasts
Pay attention to the chicken breasts you purchase. Look for the word "enhanced" on the label, because that means it is enhanced with a sodium solution--much like chicken broth--that will make the meat appear to be plumper, juicier and tastier. The bottom line is that a 4-ounce piece of chicken could have between 40 to 330 mg of sodium--sodium you never suspected was there. What can you do? Read labels carefully, because all that sodium is not necessarily listed on the front of the package. You must read the list of all the ingredients. Even if the package says "all natural," beware if you see any of the following: "enhanced with broth," "enhanced with Teriyaki sauce," "sodium" or "sodium phosphate."
2. Bread
Store-bought bread typically contains between 80 and 230 mg of sodium in each slice, so much so that the Centers for Disease Control names bread and rolls the No. 1 source of sodium in our diet. The sodium is added as a preservative to lengthen the bread's shelf life. What can you do? Bake your own bread or purchase it at your grocery's in-store bakery. Fresh bread contains less salt, but remember it will only be fresh for a few days.
3. Deli meat
Even the deli counter's "natural" or "nitrate-free" meats contain salt, which is used as a preservative. And there is a lot of salt in deli meat, ranging from 450 to 1,050 mg of sodium per three-ounce serving. What can you do? Choose reduced- or lower-sodium deli meats, and because even these are still quite salty, eat no more than three ounces a day. Another option is to choose freshly roasted turkey or roast beef and have it sliced thin enough for sandwiches. Because there is very little salt in these meats, they will only remain fresh for a few days.
4. Reduced-sodium soups
It's common knowledge that canned soups (or canned anything) contain lots of sodium, but guess what? Even reduced-sodium soups can have between 280 to 480 mg of sodium per serving. And if you're eating the entire can, that can be as much as 1,000 mg of salt in one meal. What can you do? It's all in the wording. Look for the words "low-sodium" on the label, rather than "less sodium." Low-sodium contains less than 140 mg of sodium per serving. You can also look for "no sodium" soups.
5. Pudding
Wait... what? There is sodium in pudding? Yes, as much as 200 mg of sodium in one cup of low-fat, low-calorie chocolate pudding. Why? It's used to enhance the texture. What can you do? Buy the kind that you cook on the stovetop, which has 100 mg of sodium per serving, compared with the instant pudding that has over 400 mg of sodium. Better yet, skip the pudding entirely and eat one ounce of 70 percent dark chocolate for a nearly sodium-free treat.
6. Breakfast cereal
Before you pour a bowl of your favorite cold cereal, check the label. Some of the most popular cereals, including raisin bran and corn flakes, are packed with sodium. What can you do? Choose a breakfast cereal that has less than five percent of your daily value for sodium, such as puffed rice or shredded wheat. |
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by Chris Wells
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posted May 20 2013 7:00AM
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A Portland, Ore., police officer in pursuit of a speeding car, put the chase on hold to help a duck in distress.
In a dash-cam video released by the Portland Police Bureau, viewers are treated to what looks like the beginning of an exciting high-speed chase. A car zooms past a hiding police cruiser, and then Officer Mark James begins the pursuit.
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by Chris Malone
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posted May 20 2013 6:41AM
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Picking the perfect pooch for your family is both good for you and the dog. The experts have come up with some pointers on which breed will work for you and will ensure your dog has a forever home!
-Chris Malone
Best Breed for Suburban Families: Golden Retriever
If your idea of the perfect Saturday is being outside tossing around a football, then consider the golden retriever. As the name "retriever" suggests, this dog is in its element chasing a Frisbee or playing fetch with the kids. Golden retrievers are easy to train, a bonus for busy moms and dads. Keep in mind, though, the grooming required: "Their coats are thin, fine, and mat easily, so you have to do a fair amount of brushing," Peterson says.
Best Breed for Rural Families: Labrador Retriever
This dog ranks number one in America for good reason -- its versatility. The Labrador retriever is an excellent pick for a family of hikers or campers. Historically, Labrador retrievers were bred as strong hunting companions; for you, that means they're devoted, easy to train, and love the open air. Another plus: The Lab's shorter coat won't attract as many bushes, burrs, and brambles as a longer-haired breed's.
Best Breed for Families with Rambunctious Kids: Beagle
The beagle has serious energy. It follows its nose anywhere and everywhere, which can get it into trouble occasionally. Almost sounds like your teens, right? Peterson recommends a beagle for parents looking to teach their kids responsibility. "This breed is compact enough so that a teenager or tween can walk, groom, and feed it, love it and play with it," she says. "It's not too much dog for your kids to handle."
Best Breed for Multigenerational Families: Brussels Griffon
This breed is small and likes to cuddle, Peterson says. She suggests Brussels griffons for both senior citizens and children who are looking for an affectionate companion pup. They are spunky, inquisitive, and require daily (but not intense) exercise
Best Breed for City Families: Pug
Urban living poses some challenges for a pet, and this breed is a great bet for a family with less room to maneuver. "Pugs are very much people dogs," Peterson says. "They are companion animals and like to stay with their owners at all times." In addition, pugs require a relatively small amount of grooming and exercise.
Pick-a-Pup Checklist
Purebred or mixed breed -- no matter. "Taking time to meet the animal and learn about its personality is really the key to finding the right pet for your family," says Sara Kent, director of shelter outreach for Petfinder.com. Consider these factors before you bring a dog home:
Size
"A fine-boned dog like a Chihuahua might not be the best choice for a rowdy household of kids," Kent says. This breed would be a better fit for, say, a low-key, less-active family.
Temperament
if your dog complements your family's "personality," everyone will be happier. Do you prefer a friendly dog who loves to kiss and snuggle, or a more subdued one?
Age
Puppies are lovable and sweet, but they also require a great deal of attention. Be sure you're prepared to contribute the time and funds necessary for raising a young dog -- think puppy training classes, vet visits, and all of those replacements for chewed-up shoes.
Grooming
Frequent trips to the groomer can be costly and time-consuming. "Do you want to be going to the groomer monthly with your dog?" asks Kent. "Or would you rather have a pet who's maybe a little more wash-and-wear?"
Exercise
Active dogs who don't get to move their bodies become bored and might exercise their brains instead -- in the form of destructive behavior. Assess the level of activity a dog will require, and whether your family can keep up, before you move forward. |
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by Chris Malone
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posted May 17 2013 5:33AM
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I have to gloat for a bit! This is me after reaching my weight loss goal!

I've always heard the last 10 pounds are the hardest to lose and I can add truth to that statement! I was turned on to a product called Healthe Trim and for me, it did what it claimed. I dropped 14 pounds total in 5 weeks and I'm proud of my accomplishments!!! Anyway, if you wan to give it a try, call 855-600-TRIM so that you can get a bottle free with your purchase. It's guaranteed too or your money back.
Recently texting has been front and center to be banned in Florida. Come to find out, texting is not a fatal as you would think. Daydreaming causes more fatalities than anything else!
Being distracted or lost in thought accounted for 62% of fatal accidents caused by a distracted driver, followed by a very distant 12 percent caused by cell phone use, which includes not only talking, but also texting, according to a survey by Erie Insurance. Of the more than 65,000 people killed in car crashes over the past two years, one in 10 were in crashes where at least one of the drivers was distracted, according to police report data analyzed by Erie Insurance in the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), a nationwide census of fatal motor vehicle traffic crashes maintained by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Distracted driving is any activity that takes your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel, or your mind off your primary task of driving safely.
The top 10 driving distractions involved in fatal car crashes are:
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Generally distracted or lost in thought, daydreaming: 62%
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Cell phone use (talking, listening, dialing, texting): 12%
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Outside person, object or event, such as rubbernecking: 7%
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Other occupants (talking with or looking at other people in the car): 5%
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Using or reaching for a device brought into the vehicle, such as navigational device or headphones: 2%
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Eating or drinking: 2%
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Adjusting audio or climate controls: 2%
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Using other device/controls integral to the vehicle, such as adjusting rear view mirrors or using OEM navigation system: 1%
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Moving object in the vehicle, such as a pet or insect: 1%
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Smoking related, including smoking, lighting up, putting ashes in the ashtray: 1%
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by CeCe Taylor
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posted May 16 2013 10:24AM
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Alicia Keys is launching a scholarship program with Blackberry. The scholarship is to inspire women to explore career opportunities in technology and mobile computing. Outstanding students enrolling in different fields of science, technology and engineering are invited to apply for the financial aid. Students accepted with receive a fully-paid, four-year tuition scholarship.
Find out more:
http://venturebeat.com/2013/05/14/alicia-keys-announces-the-blackberry-scholars-program-an-effort-to-bring-more-women-to-tech-jobs/
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by Chris Malone
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posted May 16 2013 5:16AM
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Women's Health raided your closet and came back with the stats:
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34% of women would rather get a dental cleaning than organize their bedroom closet
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10% of women hire a pro to tackle the mess
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25% of average woman's clothing never leaves the hanger, because it doesn't fit
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5% of women ad clothing to their closets every week
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69% of women say the bum economy has kept them out of clothing stores
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19 pairs of shoes are in the average woman's closet
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20% of women will never toss their wedding dress
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23% of women stash sex toys in their closet
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32% of women equally divide closet space with their guy
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24% of women hog most of the closet space
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56% of women admit to snooping in their guy's closet
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12% of women don't snoop in their guy's closet for fear of what they might find
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56% of women would rather have a walk-in closet than a diamond engagement ring
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15 months is the amount of time the average woman would go without set for a closet full of new clothes
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by Chris Malone
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posted May 15 2013 5:37AM
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It's one of modern civilization's greatest conveniences, the sheer number of food choices locally available at your grocery store. Take a look at these bizarre food offerings that may not be available at your local store, but can be ordered online.
-Chris Malone
Bob's Pickle Pops
Are you a lover of pickles and pickle accessories who yearns for the ability to satisfy the craving on a warm summer day? The quest is over. Pick up some of Bobs Pickle Pops, yes, pickle-flavored ice pops, before your next trip to the beach.
Katadyn Canned Cheeseburger
Everyone has heard Jimmy Buffett's "Cheeseburger in Paradise" and imagined eating just that. But what if your paradise is, say, a tent in the wilderness, miles away from any fine hamburger establishments? The canned cheeseburger by Katadyn is your perfect solution.
Canfield's Diet Chocolate Fudge Soda
If you ever find yourself craving chocolate fudge when you are trying to watch your figure, pick up a case of Canfield's Diet Chocolate Fudge Soda, the sugar-free soft drink with no calories and a rich chocolate taste.
Betty Lou's Powdered Peanut Butter
Peanut Butter Searching for a healthier alternative to peanut butter that you can enjoy on the move? Buy some powdered peanut butter from Betty Lou's and you're good to go. Just add water to make this low-fat, low sodium powder into an odd, but theoretically delicious, snack.
Rose Pork Brains in Milk Gravy
On some sort of contrarian diet where you are trying to maximize cholesterol? Pick up a few cans of Rose Pork Brains in Milk Gravy and get approximately 1,170 percent of the daily recommendation in just one serving.
Accouterments Bacon-Flavored Mints
Bacon in the morning, bacon in the evening, bacon at suppertime. With bacon-flavored breath mints, you can taste bacon anytime. Accouterments also makes mints flavored with dill pickle, nacho cheese, and cupcakes.
Dale's Wild West Rattlesnake Meat
if you've always wanted to taste the deadly rattlesnake, but don't have the skills (or the bravery) to hunt one yourself, pick up a few cases of Dale's Wild West Rattlesnake Meat. |
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by Chris Malone
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posted May 14 2013 5:12AM
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There is now a surgery for about everything! The mustache in America has become a diminished art unless you consider yourself a Hipster, Biker or Adult Movie Star. But in other parts of the world, the mustache is king. And for those who need help filling out their upper lip, Turkey has become the go-to place for facial-hair transplants.
The mustache revamping relies on a procedure called follicle-hair extraction, a process in which clusters of hair are removed from other parts of the body and implanted along the lip. The five-hour surgery can cost up to $5,000. Tourism agencies have started offering "transplant packages," combining hair transplants with shopping tours in Istanbul or excursions to seaside resorts.
Read the rest of the story here! |
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by Chris Malone
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posted May 14 2013 5:08AM
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So you've decided to sell the family truckster yourself. Here are some tips I found from SheKnows.com that I'm sure will help you garner top dollar!
-Chris Malone
Fix scratches and scuffs
First appearances matter. Help prospective buyers fall in love with your car by fixing up any minor scratches and scuffs that detract from the overall appearance.
Make it shine
Of course you're going to toss the fast food wrappers and wipe out those sticky cup holders, but if you really want to sell your used car right away, you're going to have to go a little further. Make your car sparkle inside and out by getting it detailed by a pro – or skip the expense and go the DIY route.
Have your vehicle inspected
Be prepared to address any questions about the reliability of your vehicle by taking the car in to a repair shop before listing it on sale. While you're at it, AAA recommends requesting a detailed report that can be shared with prospective buyers.
Price it right
You probably have an idea of what you'd like to get for your car, but the only way to know you're pricing it right is to do the research. Look online for comparable vehicles and use online resources like the Edmunds.com appraisal tool.
Spread the word
Take advantage of social media by using Facebook and Twitter to let friends and family know you're selling your vehicle. Expand your reach by listing your car on Craigslist, eBay Autos, Cars.com and AutoTrader.com.
Use caution when showing the vehicle
Be safe and meet potential buyers at a public location instead of your home. If you choose to show your car at home, make sure you have someone else with you. It never hurts to do an online search of the person interested in your vehicle before scheduling a showing. You might be surprised at how much information you can learn from a simple Google search. If you're not comfortable with what you see or your search comes up blank, you may want to wait.
Complete the transaction
Congratulations – you've found a buyer. Now what? AAA recommends writing up a bill of sale for both you and the buyer to sign and have it notarized. Notaries can be found at a bank or any AAA office. Just make sure you collect your certified check, cash or money order before signing over the vehicle. Avoid being scammed by completing the sale at a bank so you can verify payment.
Find out more by clicking here! |
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