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by Storm & Chris, posted May 22 2012 8:18AM
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Many of us are unaware that services we assume are free actually have a fee attached. Most of the time we don't even think to ask about the charges. And that can be expensive. Any business that provides a service can tack on fees that may be tough to discover without a magnifying glass. But the most costly by far are hidden charges we pay over and over again for credit cards and bank accounts.
To help you avoid them, we have put together a collection of the most common and surprising charges. We also advise how best to fight them.
Read it all here.
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by Chris Malone, posted May 22 2012 6:23AM
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Couples fight. We all know this. Even the most functional couples have spats now and again. Relationship fights, they happen. However, there are many relationship fights that happen that can be avoided. Because let's face it -- the more stress and fighting a relationship has, the less enjoyable it is. Here are some common relationship fights and how to (hopefully) avoid them.
1. Money
The most common relationship fights are about money. How it's spent. How much you have. How "responsible" you are with it. Finances put a major strain on most relationships. You can prevent (some) of these spats by being upfront about money and making sure you're both working toward the same goals.
2. The past
It's really tempting to pick a fight over the past. Maybe you had unresolved fights. Maybe one (or both) of you cheated. Maybe there are issues with an ex. To avoid this ugly fight, remember the past is unchangeable. In order to move toward the future, you have to let the past go. I mean, really let it go.
3. Jealousy
The green-eyed monster is one of the more common relationship pitfalls. Maybe you're jealous that your spouse was flirting with a coworker. Or that cute waitress. Or the bartender. Jealousy is normal, but also easily avoidable. Remind yourself that your partner is with you because he or she wants to be -- not because he or she has to be.
4. Sex
Often in a relationship, one partner wants to have sex more often than the other. This can lead to all kinds of relationship fights if you're not careful. If sex is a common relationship fight for you, you may want to sit down and examine the underlying issues.
5. Communication
Most fights (relationship or otherwise) are caused by a breakdown in communication. Effective relationships involve effective communication -- which can be hard. So sit back and listen -- really LISTEN -- to what your partner is saying, acknowledge his or her feelings, and work together to be more effective communicators.
-Chris Malone
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by Chris Malone, posted May 22 2012 5:58AM
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First, I want to congratulate and recognize 15 year old Jack Andraka of Crownsville, Maryland. Jack was awarded first place in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF), a program of Society for Science & the Public.He came up with a new method to detect pancreatic cancer based on diabetic test paper. He created a simple dip-stick sensor to test blood or urine to determine whether or not a patient has early-stage pancreatic cancer. His study resulted in over 90 percent accuracy, 28 times faster, 28 times less expensive and over 100 times more sensitive than current tests. Jack received the Gordon E. Moore Award, of $75,000, named in honor of Intel co-founder and retired chairman and CEO. Way to go!
Now on to today's headline. My career has taken me across the country and I've worked with some great people but no matter what office I can home, there are these people. You will instantly be able to finger out those in your work circle based on these annoying habits.
The Hygiene Champion
It sounds great, right? Not if the guilty person is practicing good hygiene at their desk. You know the one. Cutting fingernails, flossing teeth, spraying pungent perfume, cleaning ears… Gross. No one wants to see that.
The Chatty Cathy
On their cell phone all day. Or even worse, on the office line, speaking, dials long-distance relatives, catches up with old friends — on work time. Look, we don't all love to hear about your life (sarcastically) but we have work to do!
The Close Talker
This is the person who seriously invades your personal space. They try to hug you hello each morning, high-five at every opportunity, hover over your shoulders while you work and get within inches of your face when talking to you. Step back!
The Sicko
The Sicko is always coughing and sneezing all over the place without covering their mouth. And they never wash or sanitize their hands. We don't want to catch that disease! And please, if you are sick, STAY HOME!
The Food Thief
Plain and simple, they eat everyone's food. Then, they try to hide the evidence and, if they get caught, they pretend they thought it was their own. Notes don't help and shame doesn't affect them at all.
The Post-it
Instead of actually fixing any office issue, they just stick notes everywhere. “The printer is out of ink,” “Wash your dirty dishes,” “Out of order.” Thanks Tom Brokaw for the memo.
The Stinker
When it's lunchtime, it's time to open the windows. They cook the smelliest food possible in the microwave, from tuna to eggs and asparagus, without apology.
The Do-Gooder
They're always asking for money. Sorry, but it gets annoying. From Girl Scout cookies to magazine subscriptions and funding a charity-sponsored marathon, enough is enough.
The Boozer
They show up late because they're hung over and leave early all the time to catch happy hour. You even catch them mixing a drink with the ill-hidden bottles of booze in the desk drawer. Unless you work at Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce, it's totally inappropriate.
The Child
Hoarding office supplies, making kitchen messes, pouting and never replacing the toilet paper roll is their protocol. You've even witnessed them throwing a fit when they didn't get the desk they wanted.
The Brownnoser
Obviously this entails sucking up to the boss, working late hours when it's not remotely necessary and making sure to always mention when credit is due — to themselves.
The Creeper
Cracking inappropriate jokes, commenting on your wardrobe, hitting on co-workers and unabashedly giving everyone the once-over seems to be a pastime for this creep. Eww!
The Noise Maker
Whether they snort, chew with an open mouth, constantly blow their nose or crack their knuckles incessantly, it's time to put on your headphones.
One trait that was left off this list is the one person on a conference call that never mutes their line. Not only do you hear their office ambience but eventually you will hear their sneeze, cough and annoying breathing! C'mon, unless you are speaking at the time, mute your line!
Happy Tuesday! Talk with you on the radio :)
-Chris Malone
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by Ce Ce, posted May 21 2012 12:26PM
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MASTER GARDENER INFORMATION SESSION
SCHEDULED FOR MAY 30
WHO: UF/IFAS Marion County Master Gardeners
WHAT: Prospective Master Gardener orientation
WHEN: May 30 ▪ 10 a.m.-noon
WHERE: UF/IFAS Marion County Extension Service (2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala)
WHY: Marion County Master Gardeners can tell you the name of those weird bugs that are making a meal of your tomato plants and where the best place in your yard to plant rose bushes is. They learn a lot and enjoy sharing their knowledge with Marion residents through plant clinics, garden seminars, youth activities and other learning opportunities through UF/IFAS Marion County Extension Service.
Sound like fun? Join the Master Gardeners for an informational session on the program to find out if the group is a good fit for you. Are you an amateur green thumb? Don’t worry if you’re not an expert; your knowledge will grow during the comprehensive, 13-week Master Gardener program. Call 352-671-8400 to sign up for the orientation. Don’t miss this opportunity to help educate residents on ways to keep our community beautiful while protecting our environmental resources. Sign up to become a Master Gardener volunteer!
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by Chris Malone, posted May 21 2012 6:14AM
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C'mon 3 day weekend! The long haul of 5 day work weeks are coming to an end with the Memorial Day weekend just a mere 5 days away! Although I'm wondering how to work out the 4th of July which is on a Wednesday this year.
Everyone loves a favor...or do they? There are gestures that appear to be appreciated but when you really think about them it is annoying. Thanks to the folks at Cracked.com and blogger Gladstone for these amusing situations that really make you think.
Holding Doors Open from 30 Feet Away
It's typically a lovely gesture when someone holds a door open for you. But timing is everything. No one likes it when you hold a door open for someone who's like 30 feet away. All it does is create 15 seconds of awkward. A door comes into view somewhere on the horizon, you make out the faint outline of a traveler far ahead of you and then light emerges from the next room as he opens the door to enter. Surely the door will close behind him, but wait, what's this? The door -- it's staying open and he's not entering. He couldn't be waiting for you -- you're like still 20 strides away. Good Lord, he is. Wait. Do you know this guy? Is it your dad? No, it's just a complete stranger staring at you. And waiting. Don't rush, he says. Take your time. But you quicken your pace. How can you not? Don't rush, he says again, and you do an awkward half-waddle with an arm outstretched in the final three steps to signal the impending hand-off, shaving a microsecond of discomfort off this inexplicably awkward and needless exchange.
Offering to Go With You, if You Can Just Wait for Like Five Minutes
It's typically a lovely gesture to offer companionship to someone riding solo. "Hey there, tiger," you say (because apparently you call everyone tiger), "I can come with you!" What better present than giving the gift of you! No need to travel alone, good friend. We shall walk side by side along this road of life! But no one likes it when your offer of companionship comes with a delay. "Oh, you're going to Starbucks for a cup of coffee? I'll go with you ... just give me like five minutes." No. No, I will not give you five minutes. Why? Because despite carrying giant buckets of self-loathing, most of us can stand to be alone with ourselves for the 3.8 minutes it takes to go to the lobby and order a venti latte. And we want our venti latte now, dammit. Not in five minutes. Also, it's never five minutes. Not ever. You say five minutes, but it's a filthy lie, and as awesome as you are, and as horrific as the thought of a lonely elevator ride is, waiting 10 minutes for a coffee-run companion just isn't worth it.
Lending You Books, Music or Movies You Don't Want
It's typically a lovely gesture to share things with friends like favorite books (when books existed) and CDs (when CDs existed) and movies (when movies existed). But no one likes it when you force your crap on them. And don't give me that "Oh, but you asked!" garbage. If you're hanging out in your cubicle jamming out to tunes and someone asks, "Whatcha listening to?" that is not free rein to insist they take home your collection of Lithuanian prayer hymns. We're just being polite.
And what's even worse is that once you force us to borrow it, you follow it up with "Didja listen yet? Didja? Didja?" No. No, we didn't. We're going to stare at it for many weeks until it finally makes us so sick that we skim it for 30 seconds, pick the song we claim to like, say the rest is OK and leave it on your chair when you go on vacation.
Giving You a Shortcut When Your Normal Route Is Totally Fine
It's typically a lovely gesture to share your knowledge with another. We all like behind-the-scenes advice and shortcuts on the road of life. No one in their right mind would complain about such things. But no one likes it when you insist upon shortcuts for journeys that are not particularly problematic. "You took Old Spring Road to the Dairy Barn? Oh man, what are you thinking? You gotta take Old Mill, then get off at Parker Drive and cut through the neighborhood. That way you miss the stop sign by the Taco Bell and the stop light by the public library!"
"But I got here in like 10 minutes," you say. "What's the big deal?"
"The big deal?! You could have gotten here in half the time. I'm telling you. Old Mill Road. It's all about Old Mill Road. Listen to me. I know what I'm talking about."
OK! I GOT IT!
Offering to Teach You Something You Don't Want to Know
It's typically a lovely gesture to teach someone something. After all, that famous proverb goes "Give a man a fish and he eats for a day, teach a man to fish and he can feed himself for life." But no one likes it when you offer and then insist on teaching them something they never wanted to know. "Nice knitted stapler koozie," you say, noticing your boss's knitted stapler koozie prominently displayed on his desk. I mean, what else could you say? It's on his desk. He wants you to see it. But then suddenly it's all, "Yeah, knitting's really relaxing" and "You should try it" and "Here, let me show you how." Next thing you know, you're knee-deep in yarn and needles and your boss is spending lunch with you every day.
Tomorrow (5/22/12) is the final day of registration for the Gator Gauntlet 5K Adventure Mud Run. So if meandering through 20 medieval obstacles while playing in the mud sounds fun this Saturday (5/26/12) make sure to visit gatorgauntlet.com and register. Save $10 by using promo code 985KTK at checkout.
-Chris Malone
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by Chris Malone, posted May 18 2012 5:53AM
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It's getting closer and closer! Of course I'm talking about summer and the unofficial start of it is next weekend with the Memorial Day weekend. I'll be starting summer getting muddy in the Gator Gauntlet 5k Adventure Mud Run. 20 Medieval themed obstacles and lots of mud. The heats are filling up and registration ends Tuesday (5/22). So here is your motivation, visit gatorgauntlet.com, register for the fun run and get $10 off registration by using promo code 985KTK at checkout.
With the Memorial Day weekend approaching and gas prices coming down...slightly... it is time to pile the family in the family truckster and hit the road. Easier said than done you say? Well then I'm glad to share some tops mistakes and their solutions from experts on making a road trip tops!
Mistake #1 You're leaving later than you planned.
When you travel by airplane, you're on someone else's schedule. You have to be on time or they'll leave without you. Taking a road trip gives you lots of flexibility, which is great. However, it can create a lack of urgency to get out the door.
Solution
Save your yelling voice for breaking up your kid's car-ride disputes and pad your departure time by 30 minutes -- even an hour if you have really slow movers or toddlers. And be sure to fill the gas tank the night before!
Mistake #2 Packing poorly
You realize something you really need is stuck in the back of the van or trunk of the car and you can't get to it. Making the situation worse is the trash strewn about and the impending carsickness!
Solution
Give each child three bags that remain close to them. One should include all their toys, books, snacks, etc. (including an extra outfit, so you won't have to unpack the whole car to change them). One is for trash. The last is for queasiness. Explain how to use the last one. Accidents usually happen because you can't get to your little one in time and they don't know where to point their mouth. With their own bags and instructions, these situations can be avoided.
Mistake #3 Expecting kids to be on their best behavior
Everyone is a mess, uncomfortable (and complaining). Someone's nose is running, another just spilled some juice and a third has cookie-crumb hands. Things are getting gross, legs are getting cramped and tempers are getting short.
Solution
Be sure to pack -- in easy reach -- tissues, paper towels, and wipes. You may want to consider toilet tissue and hand sanitizer for those emergency pit stops. Also bring blankets, pillows, and other favorite comfy things from home. It's cool for kids to have that stuff in the car because it's unexpected. It's also helpful when one person is hot and another is cold. And if they are comfy, clean and relaxed … maybe they'll sleep (fingers crossed).
Mistake #4 Not planning your route properly
Traffic is bad but the GPS alternate route is worse. There are times when you'll want to go off the GPS' main route and unfortunately the alternate routes offered can be confusing and frustrating.
Solution
Have a road atlas or at least a printed map of the area. You can then get a big picture of where you are, where you want to go and possible alternate routes.
Mistake #5 Not planning for the unexpected.
Everyone wants to stop but you're completely off schedule.
Solution
You are going to have to stop. You are going to want to stop. You need to let those little beasties out to run around! Map out playgrounds or even fast-food places with playlands ahead of time. Check your GPS -- most can locate parks and rest stops closest to the route you are driving. More important, face this fact: You can't control everything, so don't try. Plan for as much as you can and enjoy whatever happens. You might arrive later than you wanted, you may have gotten lost, you may have gotten sick – who knows – but whatever it was, it will probably wind up being the best story of the trip. Try to enjoy it all – while it's happening and forever after.
It's also a great idea to have your vehicle checked out before hitting the road.
Only one more week to go! Hang in there :)
-Chris Malone
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by Chris Malone, posted May 17 2012 1:38PM
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Disco queen Donna Summer has died, a family spokesperson told the Associated Press. She was 63.
Her family released a statement Thursday saying Summer had died and that they "are at peace celebrating her extraordinary life and her continued legacy."'
TMZ first reported the news, noting Summer had died in Florida on Thursday after a long battle with [lung] cancer. Insiders told TMZ she was recently working on music for a new album.
Known as the "Queen of Disco," Summer was born in Boston, Mass. in 1948, as one of seven children.
The five-time Grammy winner rose to fame in the 1970s, scoring hits with "Last Dance," "Hot Stuff" and "Bad Girls." She co-wrote the single "Love to Love You Baby" in 1975, and went on to co-write several other hits, including "She Works Hard For Her Money."
Summer appeared in the 1978 film, "Thank God It's Friday," which took home the best original song Oscar for "Last Dance."
source: CBS
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by Chris Malone, posted May 17 2012 5:45AM
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Just in time for Father's Day (June 17), Yankee Candle Company introduces the first-ever Man Candles Collection in such he-man scents as Riding Mower and 2x4! A quartet of new “down-to-earth fragrances” are meant to suit basement, garage, car or truck, man cave, or an entire bachelor pad, the Massachusetts-based company says. Now on sale at retail shops and online:
Man Town (the scent of spices, woods and musk)
First Down (orange, patchouli, vetiver and leather)
Riding Mower (freshly cut grass)
2x4 (freshly planed wood and sawdust)
In addition to these manly candles you can get these scents in hanging air fresher for your car too!
Finally today, you know what a photobomb is right? If not, a photobomb is someone or something that sneaks its way into a photo. Well this photo phenomenon was taken to the next level by the Fiat Company and quite possibly starting a prank war with it's rival Volkswagen.
It began with Google and their fleet of camera-topped cars and their Google Maps street view updates. Fiat was tipped that the Google cars were updating the town of Södertälje, Sweden, where Volkswagen's Swedish operations are headquartered. So Fiat took advantage of the opportunity and parked a Fiat 500 right in front of the HQ building just as Google snapped it's photo! SURPRISE! No comment from either company and no word if Google will photoshop this photobomb.
Yep, that red car is a Fiat 500, well played!
-Chris Malone
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by Ce Ce, posted May 16 2012 11:58AM
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You may think that money makes a person powerful, but that's not all it takes to land on the Forbes Celebrity 100 list. You must be an influence-maker in other ways, like through social media or business ventures. Click through to see which stars were important enough to crack the top five on the Forbes list, then check out the full list on Forbes.com.
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by Storm & Chris, posted May 16 2012 7:16AM
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This precious little peanut is a 3 year old Pekingese named Pumpkin. She is sweet natured, affectionate and ready to come snuggle up in your lap! If you would like to make Pumpkin the newest member of your family, contact Kirk at Haile's Angels Pet Rescue, located in the Haile Plantation Village Center just West of I-75 (5231 SW 91st Drive). They are open from 7am-7pm Mon-Fri and 7am-noon on Saturday. Or you can email Kirk at keppenstein65@gmail.com.
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