Is Your Surgeon Drunk? - What do you think is the worst job to be drunk at? or is there such a thing?

Is Your Surgeon Drunk?
Alcohol use disorders are a significant issue among U.S. surgeons, a new survey reveals. The online, anonymous poll indicated that 15% of surgeons appear to suffer from alcohol abuse or dependence: nearly 14% of male surgeons and 26% of female surgeons. Those figures exceed the 8% to 12% figure typically cited for alcohol abuse rates among the public at large, according to the study published in the Archives of Surgery. “But it should be said that a number of studies have shown that direct patient harm associated with impairment due to chemical dependency is very, very rare,” said survey lead author Dr. Michael Oreskovich, a clinical associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Washington in Seattle. “The chance of a patient being injured by an impaired surgeon is really very uncommon. Something like one in 10,000. So it just doesn’t happen very much,” he noted.

Bill Clinton Takes Some Heat - Suprised?

Bill Clinton Takes Some Heat
Former President Bill Clinton knows something about taking heat. He was courtside Sunday as the Miami Heat took on the Orlando Magic. Clinton even caught a deflected ball and flipped it back onto the court. The former prez posed with fans for postgame photos. He also took a snapshot with the officiating crew. Clinton told the refs, “No one in this building, other than me, has been second-guessed more than you guys.” The Heat won 90-78.

White Teacher Sues To Use N-Word In Class - Thoughts?

White Teacher Sues To Use N-Word In Class
A white Chicago public school teacher is suing the Board of Education after he was suspended for using the N-word during a class discussion about racism. Lincoln Brown teaches at Murray Language Academy, where the majority of children are black. He said he used the word during his sixth grade history class after he caught two students passing a note that quoted rap lyrics and included the N-word. “I asked them, what would you feel if I used that word?” he said. “I used the full word, but I didn’t address it to the students. I was very careful about that.” Brown said that the principal – who is black – walked in during the discussion and didn’t seem to mind. But then Brown found out he was suspended five days for violating CPS policy which says that the N-word should never be used in books, movies or any classroom discussions. Brown says if students want to talk about racial issues and slurs, he’d do it again, because that is what educators are supposed to do. Some parents said Brown is a great teacher who did the right thing. Others said he went too far.

Monaco Prince Hurt In Big Apple Bar Brawl

Monaco Prince Hurt In Big Apple Bar Brawl
Monaco’s Prince Pierre Casiraghi, 24-year-old son of Princess Caroline, was briefly hospitalized following a Manhattan nightclub brawl. The grandson of Grace Kelly sustained cuts and bruises on his face when he and his friends got into an altercation with former club owner Adam Hock and his entourage at the Double Seven Saturday. The prince was treated at New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center for his injuries. Hock, 47, was charged with punching Casiraghi and assaulting three of his friends, who Hock and his companions insist were being obnoxious by insulting women in Hock’s party and drinking from a $500 bottle of vodka on Hock’s table. Hock was released on his own recognizance and is ordered back to court next month.

Mardi Gras History And Trivia - What is your favorite part of Mardi Gras?

Mardi Gras History And Trivia

It’s Mardi Gras 2012, and people around the world are celebrating the carnival season that comes before Lent. Here are some things to know about Mardi Gras history and in traditions:

• The phrase “Mardi Gras” means Fat Tuesday in French, referring to the Catholic tradition of eating richer, fatty foods just before the Lenten fast. The ceremony has since come to be associated with all forms of joy and excess. It is the last hedonistic exercise before the meditation and cleansing of Lent, which lasts from February 22nd to April 7, 2012.
  
• Mardi Gras, also known as Carnival season, came to the U.S. from France, where it had been a tradition since the Middle Ages. Meant to coincide with the Lent, the carnival begins on or just after the Christian feast day of Epiphany and culminates the day before Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras’s roots, however, may predate those traditions. Many see the carnival as a descendant of ancient tribal rituals of fertility that welcomed the arrival of Spring.
  
• According to most sources, Mardi Gras arrived in New Orleans by way of French explorer Pierre Le Moyne Sieur d’Iberville, who launched an expedition along the Mississippi River back in 1699. He set up camp on the West Bank of the river, about sixty miles south of the present day Louisiana city on March 3rd, the same day Mardi Gras celebrations happened to fall in France. To honor his native country, Iberville named the site Point du Mardi Gras, and celebrations have been held there ever since.
  
• Throwing trinkets into the crowd at Mardi Gras has been a tradition since 1870, and Mardi Gras beads have long been a staple of that tradition. Although the beaded necklaces thrown from the balconies and passed out at events come in all shapes, sizes and colors, everyone tries for purple, green and gold strands. Purple traditionally represent justice, while green represents faith and gold represents power. They bring good fortune to the person who catches them, but will bring bad luck if visitors pick them up from the ground.
  
• King cake, another New Orleans staple, has its own rituals and superstitions. There are actually two kinds of king cake: one in ring form, and one modeled after the “galette de roi” sold in French bakeries. King cakes usually comes stuffed with cream cheese, pecans or a variety of fruits, and are dusted with purple, green and gold sugar. For many years, king cake came with a plastic baby inside to symbolize Jesus Christ, with good fortune brought to the man or woman who found it. Today, to combat choking hazards, the baby is placed on top of the cake, if it is present at all.
  
• In 1857, the Krewe of Comus was formed, and the term “krewe” was added to the Mardi Gras lingo. Comus started many of the traditions we know today, such as having themed parades with floats and holding after-parade balls.
  

‘Million Mustache March’ - What is the best type of Mustache?

‘Million Mustache March’

The mustache lobby is coming to Washington. The American Mustache Institute (AMI) is planning a “Million Mustache March” on the nation’s capital, part of an ongoing campaign to convince lawmakers to create government incentives to grow facial hair. Rally organizers plan to mobilize their mustache-wearing compatriots on April 1st at the White House and march to Capitol Hill. Their rallying cry: Pass the “Stimulus To Allow Critical Hair Expenses,” or STACHE Act, which would “provide a $250 annual tax deduction for expenditures on mustache grooming supplies.” According to AMI research, mustached Americans earn 4.3% more money than “clean-shaven Americans” on average per year. They say providing incentives for mustache growth would boost the economy. The subsidy, according to the proposal, would cover all products required for any proper mustache-wearing patriot, including:

• Mustache and beard trimming instruments
• Weightless conditioning agents and wax
• Facial hair coloring products (for men and women over 43 years of age)
• Bacon
• Mustache combs and mirrors
• Burt Reynolds wallet-sized photos

The campaign’s backers have recruited celebrities to help support the cause, including guitarist John Oats, Ellie Kemper of “The Office” and Milwaukee Brewers pitcher John Axford. Each will produce videos to inspire mustached activists to support the STACHE Act. The group has also secured a promise from H&R Block to donate to a charity that provides clean drinking water for each person who participates in the march. Find out more at www.americanmustacheinstitute.org.

Dead Presidents On Twitter - Do you follow anyone from the grave?

Dead Presidents On Twitter

In the old days, presidents had to rely on written messages and speeches to get their thoughts across. But what if there had been Twitter? Among the many thousands of fake accounts on Twitter are those for at least 28 dead U.S. presidents. Here are some of the more humorous ones:

John Adams: “Could you imagine if that Target commercial with the girl singing Adele on the bus happened in real life? #myworstnightmare”

John Quincy Adams: “Other peoples’ shoes are the best shoes”

Andrew Jackson: “I will personally deed The Hermitage to my 400th follower! Oh wait, no I won’t.”

Martin Van Buren: “Won two bits from A. Jackson on bet that Gadhafi wouldn’t land up here. Old Hickory still a sentimental fool”

James K. Polk: “I’ve decided to flex my executive powers & give myself a nickname..deal with it. Polkster out.”

Millard Fillmore: “First policy point: Bathtubs in the White House. #millardfillmorescorpse2012”

Franklin Pierce: “Tricky Dick was not in my league.”

Abraham Lincoln: “Oh, big deal. You be dead and see if you don’t miss writing a Tweet or two.”

Ulysses S. Grant: “First man to wear four stars. Deal with it.”

Rutherford B. Hayes: "I will be tweeting my State of the Union from my casket tonight. I will discuss: education, economy, lack of air holes in casket”

James A. Garfield: “Pippa Middleton, meh. Mary Todd Lincoln, now she was a fox.”

Chester A. Arthur: “Spending my day off catching up with the Kardashians. See the one where Kris and his sis walked through the park in NY where my statue is?!”

Grover Cleveland: “Me and Taft are having an #occupythebathtub protest.”

William McKinley: "If there were a Vice Presidents Day, I would of course wish a happy one to @Garret_A_Hobart. But there isn’t, because the VP doesn’t matter.”

Theodore Roosevelt: “Many people wondered why I was so keen on liberating Cuba from the Spanish... have you folks ever drank Cuban coffee?! BULLY!”

William Howard Taft: “Crap. Stuck in the tub again. Not the best way to start my President’s Day.”

Warren G. Harding: “WWWAAAAAAAAAAZZZZZZZZZZUUUUUUUUUUUPPPPPPPPPPPPPP?!?!?!?!?!?! @TeddyRoosevelt8”

Calvin Coolidge: “I once watched @WGHarding defeat the Knicks starting lineup in a hotdog eating contest. Needless to say, he had serious Lin-digestion.”

Herbert Hoover: “AC/DC: I never know if my love of them is ironic or not...”

Dwight D. Eisenhower: “Mamie is Loco for Four Loko”

John F. Kennedy: “Ask not what your cold medicine can do for you, but what you can do for your cold medicine.”

Richard M. Nixon: “Who the hell taught George Romney’s boy to speak?”

Late For Work! - What makes you late?

Late For Work!

Thirty-four percent of employers have terminated an employee for being late to work. How often are you late for work? CareerBuilder conducted a survey and found:

1. 61% are never late for work	3. 12% are late only once a year
2. 16% are late at least once a week	4. 11% are late once a month

The Cost Of Commuting To Work - How do you sut costs in your commute?

The Cost Of Commuting To Work

Forty-two percent of workers say they would like to be reimbursed for transportation/commuting expenses. A new Accounting Principles’ Workonomics Survey ask Americans how much they spend commuting to and from work.

1. $31-60 per month	4. $30 or less
2. $61-$100 per month	5. Nothing
3. $101-$200 per month	6. $201 or more per month

Most Disappointing Holidays - What do you think is the most Disapointing?

Most Disappointing Holidays

Nearly 40% of women who had a significant other last year said their mates pulled off a memorable Valentine’s Day. 1-800-Flowers asked women to pick their most disappointing holiday.

1. Birthday (30%)	3. Anniversary (25%)
2. Valentine’s Day (25%)	4. Christmas (21%)

Teens May Need Less Sleep - Teen parents, do you agree?

Teens May Need Less Sleep
Federal guidelines recommend teens get nine hours of sleep a night, but a new study suggests more sleep can actually hurt a teen’s grades. According to the Brigham Young University study, for older teens, six to seven hours a night was plenty. The optimal amount of sleep for 12-year-olds was higher, about eight hours, while 10-year-olds did best with about nine hours. “So when (parents) read our study and find out that seven hours is really fine, then that makes them feel better about their teenagers sleep patterns,” said Eric Eide, a Brigham Young University economist. The study, the first to analyze the school performance of teens, looked at over 1,700 students.

FDA To Review Inhalable Caffeine

FDA To Review Inhalable Caffeine
U.S. Food and Drug Administration officials plan to investigate whether inhalable caffeine sold in lipstick-sized canisters is safe for consumers and if its manufacturer was right to brand it as a dietary supplement. AeroShot went on the market late last month in Massachusetts and New York; it’s also available in France. Consumers put one end of the canister in their mouths and breathe in, releasing a fine powder that dissolves almost instantly. Each plastic canister contains vitamin B, plus 100 milligrams of caffeine powder, about the equivalent of the caffeine in a large cup of coffee. AeroShot inventor, Harvard biomedical engineering professor David Edwards, says the product is safe and doesn’t contain taurine and other common additives used to enhance the caffeine effect in energy drinks. AeroShot didn’t require FDA review before hitting the U.S. market because it’s sold as a dietary supplement. But New York’s U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer said he met with FDA Commissioner Dr. Margaret Hamburg and she agreed to review the safety and legality of AeroShot. Schumer said he fears the product will be used as a club drug so that young people can drink until they drop.

Text Neck

Text Neck
Do you have shooting pains down your neck and arm, as well as numbness or tingling in your fingers and hand? You could have the fashionable new injury among cell phone users: text neck. Back pain clinics and chiropractors in North America and Europe are reporting seeing thousands of text neck cases. One chiropractor, Dean L. Fishman, has seen so many injuries directly caused by over-texting that he now specializes in their treatment, registering the term and opening the Text Neck Institute. He also trains other chiropractors in how to fix it. Fishman calls text neck a “global epidemic” and claims his youngest patient is three years old. According to the Institute’s website, http://text-neck.com, “Looking down at the screen on their hand held mobile device for long periods of time… will cause changes in the curve, supporting ligaments, tendons, and musculature, as well as the bony segments. Eventually there may be nerve involvement, muscle spasms and pain.”

US Airways Worker Caught In Luggage Conveyor Belts Dies

US Airways Worker Caught In Luggage Conveyor Belts Dies
A US Airways employee died Friday after being caught in luggage conveyor belts, officials said. Robert Demarco, 60, apparently became lodged between the upper and lower belts around noon at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport’s Terminal 4. Phoenix Fire Department personnel were called to the TSA checked baggage inspection area and the man was pronounced dead. Authorities said there was no indication of foul play, but Phoenix police will investigate the death.

Elizabeth Smart Gets Married

Elizabeth Smart Gets Married
Elizabeth Smart, who was kidnapped at age 14 from her Salt Lake City home, married her fiancé in Hawaii on Saturday. Smart, 24, and Matthew Gilmour became engaged in January, initially announcing a summer wedding. Those plans changed a week ago in order to avoid attention to the unscheduled ceremony in the Laie Hawaii Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Oahu. The couple and family celebrated with a private reception and luau, after which Smart and Gilmour left for an extended honeymoon. Smart was kidnapped at knifepoint in June 2002 from her parents’ home by Brian David Mitchell. Smart was held captive and sexually abused for nine months and forced to wander with her captor from town to town for nine months. In March 2003, Smart was rescued when passersby spotted her with Mitchell and his wife, Wanda Barzee, in a Salt Lake suburb. Mitchell was convicted of kidnapping and rape in 2010. He is serving a life sentence and Barzee is serving 15 years in federal prison. Smart is an activist for children who suffer abuse and has formed a foundation on their behalf. She has worked as a commentator for ABC News. Gilmour is from Scotland. The two apparently met while Smart was serving an LDS mission in France last year.

Social Media Saving Endangered Languages

Social Media Saving Endangered Languages
A scientist says digital tools including Facebook, YouTube and text messaging will save some of the world’s endangered languages. More than half of the world’s 7,000 languages are expected to be extinct by the end of this century. Experts said some languages are being preserved through elements of the “modern world,” especially digital technology. “Small languages are using social media, YouTube, text messaging and various technologies to expand their voice and expand their presence,” said K. David Harrison, an associate professor of linguistics at Swarthmore College and a National Geographic fellow. Harrison, along with National Geographic, has produced eight audio dictionaries for languages that are in danger of becoming extinct. Harrison said not all languages can survive, but new digital tools offer a way for some languages to live longer.

ESPN Apologizes For Offensive Headline

ESPN Apologizes For Offensive Headline
ESPN has issued an apology after a racially insensitive headline about New York Knicks star guard Jeremy Lin appeared on their mobile site early Saturday. The headline, “Chink In the Armor,” appeared only on mobile browsers, the network said, and only between the hours of 2:30 a.m. and 3:05 a.m. [ET]. The employee responsible for the headline after the Knicks lost the Hornets on Friday night has been fired. ESPN apologized for that headline, plus a similar reference made recently by ESPNews anchor Max Bretos. Bretos, who uttered the phrase “chink in the armor,” perhaps with no ill-intent, while interviewing Knicks television analyst Walt Frazier, has been suspended for 30 days, ESPN announced. Bretos apologized via Twitter and said he did not mean to offend anyone. “My wife is Asian, would never intentionally say anything to disrespect her and that community,” he added. ESPN said it has been made aware of a third incident, which occurred on ESPN Radio, but the radio commentator is not an ESPN employee.

The Test Tube Hamburger

The Test Tube Hamburger
The world’s first “test tube” meat, a hamburger made from a cow’s stem cells, will be produced this fall, Dutch scientist Mark Post said. Post’s aim is to invent an efficient way to produce skeletal muscle tissue in a laboratory that exactly mimics meat, and eventually replace the entire meat-animal industry. The ingredients for his first burger are “still in a laboratory phase,” he said, but by fall “we have committed ourselves to make a couple of thousand of small tissues, and then assemble them into a hamburger.” Post, chair of physiology at Maastricht University in the Netherlands, said his project is funded by an anonymous private investor motivated by “care for the environment, food for the world, and interest in life-transforming technologies.” Experts say mass-producing beef, pork, chicken and lamb in the lab could satisfy the growing global demand for meat – forecast to double within the next 40 years – and dramatically reduce the harm that farming does to the environment.

Most And Least Toxic Cars

Most And Least Toxic Cars
The new 2012 Civic scored best marks when it comes to the level of toxic materials used. The Ecology Center has released its fourth consumer guide to toxic chemicals in cars at HealthyStuff.org, and the Honda Civic is rated as the least toxic car out of 200 2011- and 2012-model vehicles. The study tested for chemicals that emit from parts such as the steering wheel, dashboard, armrests, and seats – the same chemicals that contribute to that new car smell everyone seems to enjoy. Topping the charts this year for least toxic was the Honda Civic, Toyota Prius, Honda CR-Z, Nissan Cube, Acura RDX, Acura ZDX, Audi S5, Smart Coupe, Toyota Venza and Smart Passion. At the bottom of the list was the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport – the most toxic of the popular models that were studied. The report also showed that Volkswagen, Mitsubishi and Ford were the most improved brands compared to their 2009/2010 model counterparts, while Daimler AG and Volvo both saw declining averages over the same time span.

Smoke-Free Beach

Smoke-Free Beach
Rhode Island State Rep. Richard Morrison wants the Ocean State to be the first to ban smoking on all public beaches. Supporters note that volunteers picked up more than 43,000 cigarette butts in one clean-up day. But opponents say banning open-air smoking goes too far.

‘The Simpsons’ Trivia

‘The Simpsons’ Trivia

“The Simpsons” aired its 500th episode yesterday. It’s only the third primetime scripted series to have reached that milestone. The others are “Gunsmoke,” which holds the record with 635 episodes and “Lassie,” which had 588 episodes. How well do you know the “The Simpsons?” Here are some trivia questions about everybody’s favorite yellow, 4-fingered family:

• In what town does the Simpsons reside? (Springfield)
• What is the name of the Simpsons' next door neighbor? (Ned Flanders)
• Who founded the Simpsons' town? (Jebadiah Springfield)
• How old is Bart? (10)
• What is the name of the clown on Channel 6? (Krusty)
• What is the name of Lisa's jazz mentor? (Bleeding Gums Murphy)
• Who is Mr. Burns' assistant? (Waylon Smithers)
• What is the name of the bar where Homer drinks? (Moe's Tavern)
• What did the Simpsons get for their first Christmas? (A dog)
• What does Bart do in the opening credits? (Write on the blackboard)
• What is the name of the minister at the First Church of Springfield? (Timothy Lovejoy)
• Where does Marge hide the Christmas money? (In her hair)
• Who runs the Kwik-E-Mart? (Apu)
• What is the name of the school bus driver? (Otto)
• What did Bart name his pet elephant? (Stampy)
• What is Chief Wiggum's first name? (Clancey)
• What is Marge's maiden name? (Bouvier)
• What did Homer smuggle on board the space shuttle? (A bag of potato chips)
• What does Smithers collect? (Malibu Stacey Dolls)
• What is the name of Bart's favorite comic book action hero? (Radioactive Man)
• What is Sideshow Bob's middle name? (Underdunk)
• Which famous person does Marge love to paint? (Ringo Starr)
• What insect stars on Channel Ocho? (Bumblebee)
• Who practices medicine without a license? (Dr. Hibbert)
• What is Comic Book Guy's name? (Jeff Albertson)
• What is Grampa Simpson’s first name? (Abraham)

Most Oscar Voters Are Old White Men

Most Oscar Voters Are Old White Men

Have you ever wondered who votes on who wins the little gold men at the Oscars? It turns out it’s mostly old, white men. A study of Academy Awards voters has found that it’s not a very diverse group that hands out Hollywood’s highest honors. The Los Angeles Times found that 94% of the 5,765 voting members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences are white and 77% are men. Blacks and Hispanics account for only 2% each of academy members. The average age is 63-years-old and only 14% are under 50.

Facebook Phone Loses Out To Amazon Phone

Facebook Phone Loses Out To Amazon Phone

Rumors surrounding a possible Facebook phone have been swirling for years, and the social networking giant has repeatedly denied reports that it is planning to launch a brand handset. While a number of industry watchers thought the company would fare well with a Facebook phone, a recent survey suggests that consumers are largely uninterested in a Facebook-branded smartphone. Baird Equity recently surveyed 875 consumers and found that just 12% said they were “very interested” or at least “interested” in a Facebook phone, while 73% said they were “probably not interested” or “not interested.” Meanwhile more than 40% of those polled said they were either “very interested” or “interested” in a smartphone from Amazon, and 29% weren’t interested. Amazon has been rumored on several occasions to have a smartphone in the works.

Top 10 Riskiest Online Cities

Top 10 Riskiest Online Cities

The risk of falling victim to a cybercriminal in Washington, D.C., is the highest in the nation, according to a report from Sperling’s BestPlaces and Norton. The report attributed much of the danger to the growing habit of accessing the Web via smartphones. The gadgets are quickly becoming the new magnet for cybercriminals. Most people have software to protect their computers, but the idea of protecting phones is relatively novel, and the hackers are taking advantage before it catches on. The report determined the rankings by examining several consumer behaviors – from the prevalence of PCs and smartphones to ecommerce, social networking and accessing potentially unsecured Wi-Fi hotspots, among others. The 10 riskiest online cities:

1. Washington, D.C.	6. Denver, CO
2. Seattle, WA	7. Minneapolis, MN
3. San Francisco, CA	8. Sacramento, CA
4. Atlanta, GA	9. Raleigh, NC
5. Boston, MA	10. Austin, TX

Most Desired Brands

Most Desired Brands

According to a survey released by Buyology and uSamp, both men and women rated Southwest Airlines, Google and Dove among the top 10 brands. But the genders disagree beyond those three. The second annual “Most Desired Brands in the U.S.” measures people’s deepest, non-conscious connections to brands. The full report can be found at www.buyologyinc.com. The study tested more than 220 brands across 10 diverse industries. Results:

2012 Most Desired Brands In The U.S.
Men	Women
1. Southwest Airlines	1. Southwest Airlines
2. Cadillac	2. Google
3. BMW	3. Hallmark
4. Dove	4. Dove
5. Bed Bath & Beyond	5. JetBlue
6. Apple	6. Kohl’s
7. Google	7. Lexus
8. Sharp	8. Target
9. GE	9. Neutrogena
10. Macy’s	10. Crest

All Infant Tylenol Recalled

All Infant Tylenol Recalled
Johnson & Johnson is recalling its entire U.S. supply of infant Tylenol after parents complained about problems with a new dosing system. The recall involves about 574,000 bottles of the grape-flavored liquid Tylenol for infants younger than 2 years old. Following earlier recalls, J&J had just returned to the market with the infant Tylenol in November, but will now be out of the market for an indefinite time. The problem involves a new bottle design which was intended to prevent accidental ingestion and ensure accurate dosing. But when parents inserted a syringe into the bottle, some accidentally pushed a protective cover inside. No serious side effects have been reported and the risk of such problems are “remote,” J&J said. The recall is from stores and wholesalers; consumers can still use the product provided that the protective cover at the top of the bottle remains in place, J&J said.

Presidential Trivia For Presidents Day

Presidential Trivia For Presidents Day

In honor of Presidents Day today, here are some fun facts about our nation’s presidents from History.com, InfoPlease.com, National Geographic and WhiteHouse.gov:

• Barack Obama is the 44th president to serve as the United States’ leader. He’s also the first president to write email as president.
  
• President Rutherford Hayes was the first to use a telephone.
  
• President John Quincy Adams was the first to be photographed.
  
• The first president to fly in an airplane while in office was Franklin Delano Roosevelt, in 1943.
  
• Barack Obama is our 44th president, but there actually have only been 43 presidents: Grover Cleveland was elected for two nonconsecutive terms and is counted twice, as our 22nd and 24th president.
  
• President Richard M. Nixon played the most musical instruments.
  
• As far as the most weight gained in office, that would be President William Howard Taft, who gained 50 pounds his first term. Once he left office he lost 75.
  
• The oldest elected president was Ronald Reagan, the 40th president, age 69.
  
• John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, was the youngest to be elected to the office, at 43.
  
• President Theodore Roosevelt, who succeeded William McKinley after McKinley was assassinated, came into office at 42.
  
• Eight presidents were left-handed: James A. Garfield, Herbert Hoover, Harry S. Truman, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama.
  
• John Quincy Adams, Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe all died on the Fourth of July.
  
• 6-foot, 4-inches tall President Abraham Lincoln was the tallest of the bunch. President James Madison, the county’s fourth leader, who stood at 5-foot, 4-inches tall, was the shortest president.
  
• The first president to have a Christmas tree in the White House was Benjamin Harrison in 1889, complete with candles. Harrison was also the first president to attend a baseball game when he saw the Cincinnati Reds beat the Washington Senators in 1892.
  
• The most common religious affiliation among presidents has been Episcopalian, followed by Presbyterian.
  
• The ancestry of 42 presidents is limited to the following seven heritages, or some combination thereof: Dutch, English, Irish, Scottish, Welsh, Swiss or German.
  
• William Taft started the tradition of the Presidential “first pitch” of baseball season. The event took place on April 4, 1910, during an opening day game between the Washington Senators and the Philadelphia Athletics. Since Taft’s first pitch, every president but one has opened at least one baseball season during their tenure. The exception: Jimmy Carter (1977-1981).
  

Leaded Lipstick - What else are you putting on your lips?

Leaded Lipstick
A new study conducted by the FDA found that 400 lipsticks on the market tested positive for lead, according to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, a coalition that advocates for safer cosmetics and hygiene products. Maybelline Color Sensation by L’Oreal USA was the worst-offending lipstick of the group tested, the Campaign said. It contained more than 275 times the amount of lead that was found in the least-contaminated product. Children’s products in the U.S. cannot contain more than 100 parts per million of lead. The highest offending lipstick contained 7.19 parts per million. Oddly, the least contaminated was also the least expensive: Wet & Wild Mega Mixers Lip Balm, showing that cost is not a factor in lead levels, said Stacy Malkan, co-founder of Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. Malkan said women use an average of 12 cosmetic and hygiene products per day. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has launched the Kiss Lead Goodbye contest, where women are encouraged to submit video submissions to hear what they have to say to cosmetic giants that put lead in their products. Learn more at www.SafeCosmetics.org/kissleadgoodbye. Here is a list of the 10 brands and shades that contain the most lead, according to the FDA’s study:

1. Maybelline’s Color Sensation in Pink Petal. (Lead content: 7.19 ppm)
2. L’Oreal Colour Riche in Volcanic. (Lead content: 7.00 ppm)
3. NARS Semi-Matte in Red Lizard. (Lead content: 4.93 ppm)
4. Cover Girl Queen Collection Vibrant Hues Color in Ruby Remix (Lead content: 4.92 ppm)
5. NARS Semi-Matte in Funny Face. (Lead content: 4.89)
6. L’Oreal Colour Rich in Tickled Pink. (Lead content: 4.45)
7. L’Oreal Intensely Moisturizing Lipcolor in Heroic. (Lead content: 4.41)
8. Cover Girl Continuous Color in Warm Brick. (Lead content: 4.28)
9. Maybelline Color Sensational in Mauve Me. (Lead content: 4.23)
10. Stargazer lipstick in shade “c.” (Lead content: 4.12)
A full analysis of all 400 varieties is available at www.fda.gov.

Breakfast With Dessert Helps Weight Loss - Love it or hate it? Ice cream with your pancakes, anyone?

Breakfast With Dessert Helps Weight Loss
Researchers in Israel found having a sweet dessert at breakfast contributes to weight loss. The study involved 193 clinically obese, non-diabetic adults randomly assigned to one of two diet groups with identical caloric intake – the men consumed 1,600 calories per day and the women 1,400. The first group was given a low carbohydrate diet including a small 300 calorie breakfast, and the second was given a 600-calorie breakfast high in protein and carbohydrates, which included a dessert of chocolate. Halfway through the study, participants in both groups had lost an average of 33 pounds per person, but in the second half of the study, the low-carbohydrate group regained an average of 22 pounds per person, while participants in the group with a larger breakfast lost another 15 pounds each. The study found at the end of the 32 weeks, those who had consumed a 600-calorie breakfast had lost an average of 40 pounds more per person than their peers. Though they consumed the same daily amount of calories, the participants in the low-carbohydrate diet group had less satisfaction and felt that they were not full, the study said. “But the group that consumed a bigger breakfast, including dessert, experienced few cravings for these foods later in the day,” researchers said.

 

Man Gives Valentine’s Kidney - What was your best gift ever?

Man Gives Valentine’s Kidney
A Chicago man celebrated Valentine’s Day by giving his girlfriend one of the most precious gifts he has – his kidney. Terry Lee said his girlfriend, Trisha Beckwith, was diagnosed with Lupus after they had been dating for about four months and soon discovered her kidneys were not functioning. Lee said “the decision was easy” when they found out his blood type was a match. “I care about her, love her, and want her to live a normal life,” he said. “The way I measure love is this: If you take the person out of the equation, and don’t like the way your life looks without them, you are probably in love.” The couple traveled to Nashville for the Valentine’s Day surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Football Coach Resigns Over Nude Facebook Photo - Have you ever had an embarrassing photo make it online?

Football Coach Resigns Over Nude Facebook Photo
A Paris, Maine, high school football coach has lost his job after accidentally posting a nude photo of himself on Facebook. Oxford Hills football coach Paul Withee said the photo was only up for about 30 minutes before he discovered his mistake and tried to fix it. Withee said he was embarrassed and humiliated by a mistake he said has probably cost him his career. Withee resigned Monday morning after school officials received a complaint from a parent. Withee also taught mathematics and science at Oxford Hills Middle School. A substitute has taken over his classes. Withee said the picture was intended to be seen by a personal friend but instead was inadvertently posted publicly. No students reported seeing the picture.

Bush’s Socks Get ‘More Outrageous’ - Are you a White sock or Wild sock kina of person?

Bush’s Socks Get ‘More Outrageous’
Staff members at former U.S. President George H.W. Bush’s Houston office said the ex-official’s socks have “gotten more outrageous” in recent months. Jean Becker, Bush’s long-time chief of staff, said the 41st president has long been a fan of socks with bright colors and unusual designs, but recently he has been wearing them nearly all the time, including at functions such as last year’s commencement ceremonies at Dartmouth College, and giving them out as gifts. Becker said the “sock thing” has escalated in recent months, which saw the 87-year-old former president diagnosed with lower body parkinsonism and occasionally confined to a wheelchair.

Cell Phones Make You Selfish - ACell Phones Make You Selfish - Agree or Disagree? gree or Dissagree?

Cell Phones Make You Selfish
A new study found that cell phone use is linked to selfish behavior and may make users less socially minded. Marketing researchers at the University of Maryland conducted a series of experiments involving test groups of cell phone users. They found after a short period of cell phone use subjects were less inclined to volunteer for community service activity when asked, compared with a counterpart control group. The cell phone users were also less persistent in solving word problems even when told their answers would translate to a monetary donation to charity, the researchers said. 

America’s Biggest Storytime Event - Would you sit down and read with Tebow?

America’s Biggest Storytime Event

The stage is set for superstar quarterback Tim Tebow to deliver one of his clutch performances that will benefit young readers across the country. Tim has partnered with BOOK IT, the reading incentive program sponsored by Pizza Hut, to host America’s Biggest Storytime, an annual celebrity webcast to motivate children to read more and to help develop a lifelong love of reading. Beginning today at 8 a.m. [CT], Tim will read his favorite childhood book, “Green Eggs and Ham” by Dr. Seuss. Children, parents, teachers and sports fans alike are encouraged to join the webcast at http://bookitprogram.com/biggeststorytime.

‘Angry Birds’ Now Flingable On Facebook - Do you Flin Birds?

‘Angry Birds’ Now Flingable On Facebook

“Angry Birds” is officially heading to Facebook via an app on the social media network. Game developer Rovio says there will be some added bonuses to playing on Facebook, including levels exclusive to the app and social features so you can give your friends “mystery gifts” and brag about your high scores. A Sling Scope for more accurate flinging and Super Seeds to morph birds into ginormous winged missiles will also be available to purchase or gift to your pals. Rovio also says they’ll hand out free power-ups to Facebook users who play the game between now and February 16th!

Top Video Game Endings

Top Video Game Endings

Guinness World Records has announced the Top 50 Videogame Endings of All Time as voted by online fans. Conducted for the new Guinness World Records 2012 Gamer’s Edition book, the list is sure to cause heated debate among passionate gamers. Here are the top 20:

1. “Call of Duty: Black Ops”	11. “Super Mario Bros”
2. “Halo: Reach”	12. “Pokemon Black and White”
3. “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time”	13. “Halo 3”
5. “God of War”	14. “Halo: Combat Evolved”
6. “Red Dead Redemption”	15. “Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time”
4. “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2”	16. “Assassins Creed: Brotherhood”
7. “Portal”	18. “Grand Theft Auto IV”
8. “Metal Gear Solid 4”	17. “Portal 2”
9. “Final Fantasy VII”	19. “Mass Effect 2”
10. “Heavy Rain”	20. “Super Mario Galaxy 2”

Most Desirable Celebrities

Most Desirable Celebrities

Users of social dating service Mamboo.com have had their say on the most desirable celebrities in a number of categories. Results of the survey show:

Most Desirable:
Male:		Female:
1. George Clooney	33%	1. Katy Perry	26%
2. Ryan Gosling	15.5%	2. Kim Kardashian	20.5%
3. Robert Pattinson	7.5%	3. Scarlet Johansson	7.5%
4. Aston Kutcher	5%	4. Mila Kunis	5%
5. Mark Zuckerberg	3%	5. Rihanna	4.5%

Fantasy Matchup:			Most Admirable Couple:
1. Emma Watson & Daniel Radcliffe	30%		1. Prince William & Kate Middleton	21%
2. Prince Harry & Pippa Middleton	21%		2. Beyoncé & Jay-Z	14.5%
3. Taylor Swift & Kanye West	3%		3. Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt	14%
4. Cristiano Ronaldo & Kim Kardashian	2.5%		4. Kristen Stewart & Robert Pattinson	13.5%
5. Mark Zuckerberg & Katy Perry	2%		5. Justin Bieber & Selena Gomez	6%

Saddest Breakup:
1. Katy Perry & Russell Brand	45%
2. Demi Moore & Aston Kutcher	21%
3. Jennifer Lopez & Marc Anthony	5%
4. Seal & Heidi Klum	4.5%
5. Kim Kardashian & Kris Humphries	3%

Dream Valentine Couple: Emma Watson & Daniel Radcliffe.

Anchor Bitten By Dog Has 70 Stitches To Shut Mouth

Anchor Bitten By Dog Has 70 Stitches To Shut Mouth
The Colorado news anchor bitten by a rescued dog live on air posted on her Facebook page that she received 70 stitches on her face and is unable to speak because her mouth is stitched shut. Kylde Dyer, a veteran anchor for KUSA, was reporting on a story of a dog rescued from a frozen reservoir when the dog bit her on the lip February 8th. When Dyer bent down to kiss the dog’s nose, the 85-pound Argentine Mastiff named Max turned his head and bit into Dyer’s face, as his owner and rescuer watched in disbelief.

Viagra May Be Used To Treat Rare Disease

Viagra May Be Used To Treat Rare Disease
A doctor said Viagra may be useful in treating children with a rare and often untreatable disease. Sildenafil, a drug normally sold under the brand name Viagra as a treatment for erectile dysfunction, has been shown to reduce massive, and sometimes deadly, growths on the faces of children suffering from lymphatic malformation, a disease that causes spongy cysts to swell and clog up the lymphatic system. “Some of these kids have no other hope,” said Dr. Al Lane, a pediatric dermatologist at Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford.

1,663rd 9/11 Victim Identified

1,663rd 9/11 Victim Identified
The New York City chief medical examiner has made the 1,633rd identification of human remains from the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. The remains of Karol Ann Keasler, 42, of Brooklyn Heights, were finally identified Friday. “It’s been almost 11 years,” said Keasler’s younger sister Susan. “And after all this time, I had come to believe that things like this only happen on [the CBS show] ‘CSI.’“ Keasler worked as an event planner for investment bank Keefe, Bruyette & Woods on the 89th floor of the south tower of the World Trade Center. She was identified using new technology that can extract a full DNA profile from a small bone fragment. Of the 2,753 people killed during the terror attack on the World Trade Center, the remains of 1,633 have now been identified. Another 1,120 people were either not recovered or have not yet been identified.

Body Found Near Lincoln Memorial

Body Found Near Lincoln Memorial
A man was found dead near the Lincoln Memorial in Washington yesterday morning, police said. A U.S. Park Service employee discovered the body in West Potomac Park near the Lincoln Memorial. The man’s identity and the circumstances surrounding his death were not made available. A police spokesman said that the investigation is ongoing but that no foul play is suspected and that the death was probably a suicide. The area where the body was found was closed off until about noon while police investigated.

How To Survive NFL Withdrawal - Do you have withdrawals?

How To Survive NFL Withdrawal
With football season over, millions of fans will go through withdrawal symptoms from not being able to watch the pigskin fly. Dr. Angelos Halaris of Loyola University Health System in Maywood, Illinois, says when a person engages in a pleasurable activity, such as watching a football game, a neurotransmitter called dopamine is released in a part of the brain called the nucleus accumbens. However, when the pleasurable activity ends, the person is left with a feeling of deprivation. It’s similar to what a smoker feels when deprived of a cigarette – except there’s no quick fix like a cigarette for the football fan. Here are Halaris’s suggestions for fans suddenly faced with months without football:

• Don’t go cold turkey. Watch football on YouTube, or on recordings, in gradually diminishing amounts.
  
• Share your feelings of withdrawal and letdown with a friend or spouse.
  
• While it can be unpleasant, football withdrawal is not serious enough to require anti-depressants or other medications, so do not self-medicate with drugs or alcohol.
  

Stoned Driving - Better than Drunk?

Stoned Driving
Some people swear that they actually drive better after smoking a marijuana; that it clears their head and helps them focus. But a new study confirms that smoking pot and driving isn’t a good idea. According to Canadia researchers, driving within three hours of smoking pot almost doubles your risk of being in an accident that leads to serious injury or death. They found that recent marijuana use was associated with a 92% increased risk of fatal or near-fatal accidents. The risk for minor collisions, however, was not raised significantly – possibly reflecting the fact that many stoned drivers attempt to be more cautious and can therefore compensate for some risks. That compensation may fail, however, when quick reflexes are most needed.

Someone Just Got A Whole Lot Richer - Wanna share??

Someone Just Got A Whole Lot Richer
A winning ticket was sold in Rhode Island for the $336.4 million Powerball lottery drawing conducted Saturday night, lottery officials said. The winning numbers were 1, 10, 37, 52, 57 and the power ball was 11. No further information about where the winning ticket was purchased or who owns the ticket was available on the Powerball website. Due to increasing sales, the Powerball grand prize has more than doubled from its $173.5 million on February 1st. The top prize for next week is down to $40 million. The largest Powerball jackpot on record was about $365 million, won with a single ticket shared by a group of eight co-workers at a Nebraska meatpacking plant in February 2006.

Website Scaring Auto Dealerships - Do you enjoy car shopping?

Website Scaring Auto Dealerships
A haggle-free auto sales website has some auto dealers concerned the public will become dangerously well-educated on car pricing, an industry expert said. “Dealers are afraid if they give customers their best price, they will just take that price and go to another dealership and see if they can beat it,” said Jeremy Anwyl, the vice chairman at Edmunds.com. The website that has provoked a negative reaction is TrueCar.com, which is aligned with 4,100 auto dealerships and presents car buyers the option of going online to find a guaranteed price from a local dealership. TrueCar actually reveals the dealers’ true cost of a car, which some dealership associations complained is just going too far. The guaranteed prices eliminated the tradition of haggling for a price at the dealership. But TrueCar was seen as potentially something that could drive down profit margins by provoking price wars.

The Least Common Jobs In America - How common is your job?

The Least Common Jobs In America

How cool would it be to have a job that no one else has? MSN found 18 careers that are the rarest in the United States. You’ll note that rare does not necessarily translate into big bucks. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these jobs are the least common in America.

Job:	# of people:	Average annual salary:
1. Astronomers	1,840	$93,340
2. Dredge operators	1,720	$36,580
3. Model makers, wood	1,660	$28,974
4. Timing device assemblers and adjusters	1,560	$32,300
5. Forest fire inspectors and prevention specialists	1,530	$40,200
6. Industrial-organizational psychologists	1,420	$114,040
7. Animal breeders	1,380	$35,620
8. Geographers	1,300	$72,890
9. Patternmakers, wood	1,240	$40,700
10. Locomotive firers	1,130	$47,040
11. Models	1,020	$42,560
12. Mathematical technicians	960	$49,170
13. Radio operators	920	$44,510
14. Farm labor contractors	830	$35,890
15. Fishers and related fishing workers	700	$27,880
16. Fabric menders, except garment	690	$27,370
17. Prosthodontists	670	$139,620
18. Cooks, private household	400	$31,110

Gas Prices On The Rise - How much are you willing to pay?

Gas Prices On The Rise

A sharp increase in the price of North Sea oil helped drive U.S. gas prices up about 12 cents a gallon since late January, according to the latest Lundberg Survey. The average price of regular gasoline rose to $3.51 per gallon. The lowest prices in the latest survey were in Denver, where regular gas cost an average of $3.01 a gallon. The highest price was in Long Island, at $3.82. Average prices in some other cities:

Atlanta, GA	$3.54		Houston, TX	$3.42
Baltimore, MD	$3.52		Jackson, MS	$3.38
Billings, MT	$3.03		Las Vegas, NV	$3.41
Boston, MA	$3.60		Minneapolis, MN	$3.45
Chicago, IL	$3.63		Portland, OR	$3.48

Political Playlist - What song best describes Obama's first 4 years?

Political Playlist

The Obama campaign has released the official soundtrack that will play at President Obama’s 2012 election rallies, revealing an eclectic lineup that includes tracks from across all genres of music. The campaign posted the playlist on the president’s campaign Facebook page and on Spotify, a streaming music service. Obama’s 2012 Rally Playlist:

“Different People” – No Doubt	“Your Smiling Face” – James Taylor
“Got to Get You into My Life” – Earth, Wind & Fire	“Roll With The Changes” – REO Speedwagon
“Green Onions” – Booker T. & The MG’s	“Keep Marchin’” – Raphael Saadiq
“I Got You” – Wilco	“Tonight’s the Kind of Night” – Noah and The Whale
“Keep on Pushing” – The Impressions	“Keep Me in Mind” – Zac Brown Band
“Love You I Do” – Jennifer Hudson	“The Weight” – Aretha Franklin
“No Nostalgia” – AgesAndAges	“Even Better than The Real Thing” – U2
“Raise Up” – Ledisi	“Home” – Dierks Bentley
“Stand Up” – Sugarland	“Everyday America” – Sugarland
“This” – Darius Rucker	“Learn to Live” – Darius Rucker
“We Used To Wait” – Arcade Fire	“Let’s Stay Together” – Al Green
“You’ve Got the Love” – Florence + the Machine”	“Mr. Blue Sky” – Electric Light Orchestra

Celebrity Crushes, Sex And Dating Deal Breakers - What song describes your sex life?

Celebrity Crushes, Sex And Dating Deal Breakers

Love is in the air and on the minds of bar-goers nationwide as the country gets ready for Valentine’s Day. TouchTunes Interactive Networks’ third annual Love Survey revealed:

• 29% said “Amazing” by Seal is the song that best describes their sex life.
  
• Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher had the most “shocking” break-up, cited by the majority (31%); Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries came in second (27%), followed by Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony (24%) and Katy Perry and Russell Brand (18%).
  
• (29%) of women named Bon Jovi the sexiest man in music, beating out Usher (26%), Blake Shelton (24%) and Justin Timberlake (21%).
  
• Honesty and trust outranked all other choices as the most valued relationship quality (46%), followed by hot sex (27%), a sense of humor (17%) and money (10%).
  
• 47% of all participants have cheated on a partner, with 47% of men and 46% of women confessing to not being faithful in a relationship.
  
• Bad breath was voted the top dating deal breaker overall (29%), followed closely by a lack of skills in the bedroom (27%) and bad manners (27%).
  

‘Forgotten’ On Valentine’s Day - Have you ever forgotten your better half on V-day?

‘Forgotten’ On Valentine’s Day

Expedia.com has revealed the results of a Valentine’s Day study. The study revealed that among those who celebrate Valentine’s Day, planning is often done within a few days of the holiday, and with imperfect results. Nearly half of U.S. adults report that they have had loved ones who had forgotten the date entirely or canceled plans. Over a third of those forgotten reported they have taken action in response, ranging from a guilt trip to the silent treatment:

• 10% “tried to make [their significant other] feel guilty for not caring enough.”
  
• 3% reported planning an actual “guilt trip” with friends – they took matters into their own hands and made travel plans, leaving their significant other behind.
  
• 8% gave the silent treatment
  
• 8% stopped planning or celebrating Valentine’s Day in future years.
  
• 4% said: “I lost my cool/composure/temper.”
  
• 10% spent the evening with friends, leaving their significant other behind.
  

What Singles Are Doing On Valentine’s Day

What Singles Are Doing On Valentine’s Day

With Valentine’s Day coming tomorrow, the folks at the dating site AreYouInterested.com polled men and women to hear their views on dating and mating. Interesting insights include:

• About one-third of singles expect to end up in bed with their significant other on Valentine’s Day.
  
• 33% have checked the Facebook status of an ex to see if they had plans on Valentine’s Day.
  
• 74% of singles feel that a first date on Valentine’s Day is a good idea, indicating singles are not intimidated by the romantic pressure the holiday typically brings.
  
• 58% believe the man should be the one to pay for Valentine’s Day dinner.
  
• 67% said that if they were in a relationship that was rocky, they would end it BEFORE Valentine’s Day, rather than after.
  

How Hubby Can Get More Lovin’ - Any ideas??

How Hubby Can Get More Lovin’

iVillage’s Married Sex Survey debunks the idea that marriage stifles the libido. The survey revealed married women want and need good sex with their spouse. Husbands will be happy to know they can woo their wives simply by sharing loving feelings with her, which got 67% of women in the mood, as well as saying nice things, which nearly half of wives say turns them on. Wives say these actions are much better aphrodisiacs than receiving a gift, seeing their spouse naked or in sexy clothes, or having dinner made for them by their husband. And one third of married women say they would rather have sex with their spouse than watch a movie, go to a spa, get on Facebook, or chat with friends.

Dating Deal Breakers - What is yours?

Dating Deal Breakers

Cupid’s arrows are ready to fly this Valentine’s Day, but a new survey reveals that some daters would benefit from dating etiquette classes. The survey, conducted by coupon site CouponCabin.com, reveals the biggest dating deal breakers, with poor hygiene, (e.g. body odor, bad teeth, and dirty hair) topping the list. While poor hygiene is the biggest dating deal breaker for 84% of U.S. adults, a variety of other dating missteps made the list:

• Using their mobile phone too much; constantly texting, checking email – 75%

• Being rude to a server or host/hostess – 73%

• Talking too much about an ex – 70%

• Flirting with the server or host/hostess – 61%

• Date drinking too much alcohol – 60%

• Aggressive driving – 49%

• Not offering to pay for the whole date, or at least to pay for their share – 33%

• Being too expensive of a date (e.g. ordering the most costly food and drink) – 31%

• Talking about a potential long-term future together – 30%

• Using websites or social media (e.g. Facebook) to find out information before the date – 26%

When asked what was the worst Valentine’s Day gifts they’ve ever received, adults said:

• Bathroom scale

• Birthday card. Valentine’s Day is not my birthday.

• Pooper-scooper

• Dead butterfly mounted in a plastic case. It was our second date.

• Break-up text

• Card stating a donation was made in my name for a charity I don’t support.

• Laundry basket

• Pair of silk boxers that had someone else’s name on the gift tag.

• Stuffed animal that looked like it was won out of one of those claw games.

• Electric can opener

• Lottery tickets

• Tupperware

• Snowshoes

Prepping For Doomsday - Do you think you will see it in your life time?

Prepping For Doomsday

With tsunamis, earthquakes and financial concerns dominating the headlines over the past year, National Geographic Channel and Kelton Research have released the results of a survey gauging Americans’ preparedness levels and mind-set related to a potential “Doomsday” scenario. Most Americans are fearful of catastrophes, yet are poorly prepared, according to the survey released to time with the new National Geographic Channel show “Doomsday Preppers.” The show focuses on Americans with an unshakable certainty that the world soon faces tougher times – when grocery stores are empty, water is in short supply and electricity is unavailable – and are stockpiling for survival. When asked, “Which of the following, if any, do you think might happen in the United States in the next 25 years?” respondents said:

Earthquakes	64%	Significant blackout	37%
Hurricanes	63%	A pandemic	29%
Terrorism	55%	Nuclear fallout	14%
Financial collapse	51%

Other findings:

• 85% of the nation is not ready for a devastating event.

• More than 62% of Americans think the world will experience a major catastrophe in less than 20 years.

• 71% envision a major disaster in their lifetime as an act of God, not man.

• 27% believe that the Mayan calendar’s prediction about a calamitous event in December 2012 will be at least “somewhat true.”

• 52% believe that if Mitt Romney or one of his Republican counterparts overtake Barack Obama, a manmade catastrophe is more likely.

• Among those who feel unprepared, 40% cite the lasting effects of the recession as the reason for their unpreparedness.

• The same number (40%) say “to hell with a 401(k)” to save money for catastrophe arrangements.

• If doomsday were to arrive, 39% think they would not last two weeks based on the supplies they have on hand.

Electronic Divorces - What is your favorite?

Electronic Divorces

People are using their smartphones for almost everything these days, and the evidence is now following them into divorce court. A whopping 92% of the nation’s top divorce attorneys say that they have seen an increase in the number of cases using evidence taken from iPhones, Droids, and other smartphones during the past three years, according to a recent survey of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML). In addition, 94% of the respondents have cited an overall rise in the use of text messages as evidence during the same time period. As far as the most common forms of evidence taken from smartphones, text messages hold the top spot at 62%, followed by emails (23%), phone numbers and call histories (13%,) with GPS and Internet search histories each sharing 1%.

What’s HOT With College Students?

What’s HOT With College Students?

Hot off the press for Valentine’s Day is the Hot Tamales 3 Alarm Report on “What’s HOT with College Students,” which shares a lighthearted look at what is hot with young college students between the ages of 18 and 24. Some of the findings:

Hottest TV celebrity:
Ashton Kutcher – “Two and A Half Men”	34%	Jason Segel – “How I Met Your Mother”	21%
Zooey Deschanel – “New Girl	24%	Blake Lively – “Gossip Girl”	17%
Hottest Reality TV Show:
“American Idol”	33%	“X-Factor”	18%
“Dancing with the Stars”	28%	“The Voice”	16%
Hottest Movie Celebrity:
Ryan Reynolds	32%	Emma Stone	21%
Mila Kunis	25%	Robert Pattinson	17%
Hottest Celebrity Trend:
Hair color and style changes	36%	Showing off kids and small pets	21%
Tattoos and piercings	27%	Extreme plastic surgery	14%
Hottest Musician:
Katy Perry	35%	Lady Gaga	23%
Rihanna	29%	Chris Brown	10%
Hottest Athlete:
LeBron James	39%	Serena Williams	17%
Michael Phelps	23%	Derek Jeter	17%
Hottest Game:
“Modern Warfare 3”	36%	“Words with Friends”	23%
“Angry Birds”	27%	Cards, Poker, Black Jack, etc.	12%
Hottest Drink:
Coffee	35%	Rum or Vodka	25%
Energy Drinks	28%	Beer	10%
Hottest Food Trend:
Fresh or Supporting Local Growers	43%	Food trucks	13%
Yogurt (Greek, Frozen etc.)	36%	Sexy foods (oysters, nutmeg, etc.)	7%
Hottest Spring Break Spot:
Florida	35%	Mexico	23%
Bahamas	27%	South Padre Island, TX	13%