Too Early Trivia Friday, May 29th, 2009

Question: What is the Fahrenheit boiling point for water?

Answer: 212 degrees

Too Early Trivia Thursday, May 28th, 2009

Question: What is the largest of the Great Lakes?

Answer: Lake Superior

Has Bitterness Become a Mental Illness...

In a recent study, psychiatrists identified bitterness as a mental illness.

Experts say that being bitter has become common and people who have developed post-traumatic embitterment can barely function.

Being bitter is a response to a traumatic experience that makes one feel that the world is against you.

These people feel that revenge is the best way to deal with the way they're feeling.

Most people who have gone through a hard experience are generally good people and have lost a job, lost a spouse to divorce, didn't get the promotion and so on.

Doctors say that getting treated is key. The problem with that is that many people who have become embittered feel that the world needs to change.....and not them.

Source: http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-he-bitterness25-2009may25,0,4544029.story

How To Understand What Your Teens Are Texting

If you're wondering what teenagers are texting when they use non English text language, there's a new translation tool online that that helps people understand.

LG Electronics has started "DTXTR," which translates teen text speech into plain English.

You can type in text shortcuts like "OMG!" or "2G2BT" and get back the translation, which is "Oh my God!" and "too good to be true."

"DTXTR" includes a glossary of hundreds of definitions for shorthand text phrases, abbreviations and symbols.

Source: http://tech.yahoo.com/news/afp/20090527/tc_afp/usskoreaittelecominternetoffbeatcompanylg

8 Toxic Personalities To Avoid

Here are the worst of the toxic personalities out there and how to spot them:

1. Manipulative Mary: These individuals are experts at manipulation tactics. As a matter of fact, you may not even realize you have been manipulated until it is too late. These individuals figure out what your 'buttons' are, and push them to get what they want.

Why they are toxic: These people have a way of eating away at your belief system and self-esteem. They find ways to make you do things that you don't necessarily want to do and before you know it, you lose your sense of identity, your personal priorities and your ability to see the reality of the situation. The world all of a sudden becomes centered around their needs and their priorities.

2. Narcissistic Nancy: These people have an extreme sense of self-importance and believe that the world revolves around them. They are often not as sly as the Manipulative Marys of the world, but instead, tend to be a bit overt about getting their needs met. You often want to say to them "It isn't always about you."

Why they are toxic: They are solely focused on their needs, leaving your needs in the dust. You are left disappointed and unfulfilled. Further, they zap your energy by getting you to focus so much on them, that you have nothing left for yourself.

3. Debbie Downers: These people can't appreciate the positive in life. If you tell them that it is a beautiful day, they will tell you about the impending dreary forecast. If you tell them you aced a mid-term, they'll tell you about how difficult the final is going to be.

Why they are toxic: They take the joy out of everything. Your rosy outlook on life continues to get squashed with negativity. Before you know it, their negativity consumes you and you start looking at things with gray colored glasses yourself.

4. Judgmental Jims: When you see things as cute and quirky, they see things as strange and unattractive. If you find people's unique perspectives refreshing, they find them 'wrong'. If you like someone's eclectic taste, they find it 'disturbing' or 'bad'.

Why they are toxic: Judgmental people are much like Debbie Downers. In a world where freedom rings, judgment is sooo over. If the world was a homogeneous place, life would be pretty boring. Spending a lot of time with these types can inadvertently convert you into a judgmental person as well.

5. Dream Killing Keiths: Every time you have an idea, these people tell you why you can't do it. As you achieve, they try to pull you down. As you dream, they are the first to tell you it is impossible.

Why they are toxic: These people are stuck in what is instead of what could be. Further, these individuals eat away at your self-esteem and your belief in yourself. Progress and change can only occur from doing new things and innovating, dreaming the impossible and reaching for the stars.

6. Insincere Illissas: You never quite feel that these people are being sincere. You tell a funny story, they give you a polite laugh. You feel depressed and sad and they give you a 'there, there' type response. You tell them you are excited about something and you get a very ho-hum response.

Why they are toxic: People who aren't sincere or genuine build relationships on superficial criteria. This breeds shallow, meaningless relationships. When you are really in need of a friend, they won't be there. When you really need constructive criticism, they would rather tell you that you are great the way you are. When you need support, they would rather see you fail or make a fool of yourself.

7. Disrespectful Dannys: These people will say or do things at the most inappropriate times and in the most inappropriate ways. In essence, they are more subtle, grown up bullies.

Maybe this person is a friend who you confided in and uses your secret against you. Maybe it is a family member who puts their busy-body nose into your affairs when it is none of their business. Or maybe, it is a colleague who says demeaning things to you.

Why they are toxic: These people have no sense of boundaries and don't respect your feelings or, for that matter, your privacy. These people will cause you to feel frustrated and disrespected.

8. Never Enough Nellies: You can never give enough to these people to make them happy. They take you for granted and have unrealistic expectations of you. They find ways to continually fault you and never take responsibility for anything themselves.

Why they are toxic: You will spend so much time trying to please them, that you will end up losing yourself in the process. They will require all of your time and energy, leaving you worn out and your own needs sacrificed.

Source: http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/life/8-toxic-personalities-to-avoid-461078/

7 Ways To Annoy A Flight Attendant

An anonymous flight attendant has worked for a well-known commercial airline for 12 years. She dishes on what irritates her most in passenger behavior.

1. Bring your pet on the plane and then act like an animal. Over the years, I've seen a pet on a passenger's lap, a pet tucked into a seatback pocket, and a pet loose in the aisle (I nearly hit one with my beverage cart). All of this is against federal regulations. People tell me how well-behaved their pet is, but they can't follow the rules themselves! Your pet must stay in its carrier while you're on the plane. Yes, even if you've paid a "pet-in-cabin" fee.

2. Shove your bag into the first bin you see and then walk to your seat in the back of the plane. You think you're clever, I know. You expect to grab your bag on your way out of the plane, but you're selfishly inconveniencing others. I can't lie and say we flight attendants don't take some small satisfaction when we tell you, "We couldn't identify the bag's owner, so we sent it to cargo."

It's a security issue, for real. Carry-ons need to stay near their owners! So don't look so shocked when we say, "The signs will direct you to baggage claim. You can pick up your bag there."

3. Think that because you're on an airplane you're off-duty as a parent. Stop expecting us to have spare diapers, formula, medicine, toys, playing cards, or batteries for DVD players or Game Boys. It's an airplane, not a 7-11. Take your kid to the restroom before you board. Leave the dry cereal and Legos at home and bring snacks and toys for your kids that won't make a horrible mess.

4.. Drag on an oversize bag that's too heavy for you to lift by yourself. I won't be compensated for any injuries I might sustain if I heft your bag into the overhead compartment for you. (And other passengers shouldn't have to step up and take the risk either.) The guideline is simple: You pack it, you stack it.

Try this at home as a test (and this is to you ladies, especially): After you've packed your bag, put on the shoes you plan to wear on the plane and see if you can lift your bag and place it on top of your refrigerator. You can't? Pay the fee and check the bag.

5. Gripe that you haven't been seated in a roomy exit-row seat. The exit rows weren't created as a reward for people who are tall, overweight, or just plain nice. They were designed to help passengers get out of the plane in an emergency. The people seated in an exit row must be able to see and speak clearly, open the emergency door, and help others. I prefer to see uniformed military, firefighters, law-enforcement officers, or off-duty pilots and flight attendants sitting in those seats.

While the gate agent may assign exit-row seats first, the flight attendant makes the final determination about who gets to sit in them. And the quality of our choices is one of the frequent concerns of Federal Aviation Administration officials when they audit airlines for safety practices. So please don't complain. I'm just doing my job.

6. Act like you don't know the meaning of the words "under the seat in front of you." What is it that you don't understand? To be clear, items should not be stowed behind your calves, under your feet like a footstool, in the open seat next to you, or in your lap. It's under the seat in front of you. And it applies to everything you carry on board. Items stored carelessly can trip others, or dislodge during takeoff and get lost, or inconvenience others.

And while I'm on the topic: Please don't wrap your purse (or umbrella strap) around your ankle to keep from forgetting it. What will happen in an emergency, when every second counts and there's no time to disentangle yourself from your precious bag? Will you drag it ball-and-chain-style down the aisle of a burning plane?

7. Whine about the high price of flying. When I hear people complain about coach airfares, I know they're not keeping up with the news. Fares have rarely been cheaper. In recent years, it's not uncommon for you to be able to cross the continent for under $130 each way, with a maximum of one layover. It's a bargain! At that price, you're barely paying for the fuel to get your body there—never mind the cost of shipping your 50 pounds of gear. You're already on the gravy plane.

People point to first class ticket holders and want to know why they don't get the same treatment. Wake up folks: You're getting a great deal. If you want even more, pay more!


Source: http://www.budgettravel.com/bt-dyn/content/article/2009/05/06/AR2009050603392.html

Too Early Trivia Tuesday, May 26th, 2009

Question: During the summer, how many hours a week does the average family spend grilling?

Answer: 4 hours

Too Early Trivia Friday, May 22nd, 2009

Question: In E=mc2...what does the 'E' stand for?

Answer: energy

GPS Could Fail Next Year

Here's a scary thought, if you rely on GPS to get where you're going... it could fail and blackout as early as next year. A report says the failure would happen because of the "mismanagement and underinvestment by the U.S. Air Force."

According to the Government Accountability Office, the risk of a GPS blackout starts in 2010. The failure would impact both military operations, and the millions of people and businesses who rely on GPS to get around.

The watchdog group says old satellites will begin to fail, and the overall GPS constellation will fall below the number of satellites required to provide the level of service the system needs.

Source: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,520636,00.html

A Ball and Chain For the Kids

Strict parents have a new way of making sure their kids do their homework... a ball and chain has been created with a timer that unlocks after a reasonable amount of study time.

Parents just put in a desired study time on the "Study Ball" and attach the more than 20 pound ball to their kids' ankle. A red digital display counts down the time and the chain unlocks and beeps when time is up.

The ball can't be locked on for more than four hours and there is a safety key that lets parents open the chain at anytime. The Study Ball is for sale online and costs about $90.

Source: http://www.abc2news.com/entertainment/weirdnews/story/Kids-forced-to-wear-ball-and-chain/Pimn2aNzVk2cEAH59EQkIg.cspx

Too Early Trivia Thursday, May 21st, 2009

Question: What percent of U.S. households own a grill?

Answer: 77 percent

Too Early Trivia Wednesday, May 20th, 2009

Question: In the human body what is the hallux?

Answer: Big Toe

Too Early Trivia Tuesday, May 19th, 2009

Question: According to Travelocity the top 5 Vacation Destinations are: 5)Seattle, 4) Las Vegas, 3) San Francisco, 1) Minneapolis. What city comes in at number 2?

Answer: Salt Lake City

Ten Ways To Earn Some Extra Cash

Here are 10 ways you can take home some extra cash:

1. Do freelance work

Nowadays, almost any job can be done on a contract or freelance basis. Check out sites like Sologig, where people looking for a gig can find contract, consulting, freelance, temp-to-hire and part-time project opportunities.

2. Sell your books

If you're a college student or you hung on to your college textbooks thinking you might want to read them again somewhere down the line, Barnes & Noble lets you sell your textbooks for some quick cash.

3. Search circulating coinage

People who search circulating coinage buy rolls of coins from banks and sort through it to find stuff that just doesn't belong. Half dollars were no longer made from 90 percent silver after 1965, but they still had 40 percent silver in them until 1970. That makes you a nice profit. Presidential dollar errors can be worth $50 to $5,000 each and uncirculated state quarters can sell from $10 to $50 per roll. Rare error coins can make you up to $35,000.

4. Start a "business"

Turn your hobby or skills into a part-time business. Sites like Jobvana can help you by giving you free tools to sell your services.

5. Enter local and online sweepstakes

Besides winning money, local and online sweepstakes can also get you things like TVs; a home theatre system; dishwashers and grocery gift certificates.

6. Give your opinion -- and get paid

You can be a part of focus groups. For an hour of your time can earn you up to $100 and sometimes more. Online surveys, phone surveys and product trials can also earn you anywhere from $5 to $150.

7. Sell your junk

You can earn $2,000 - $3,000 per month just by selling junk. Don't just use On eBay. Go to local thrift stores on 99-cent days, garage sales and tack sales, and look for things of value.

8. Join a direct selling company

Direct selling is one of the easiest ways to earn some extra cash, especially if you sell things you love. Avon lets you start your own business for $10 and what you make depends on how much you sell. Some full-time reps can earn six-figure salaries, others can own licensed Avon Beauty Centers and some just sell Avon part time around their schedules.

9. Be a secret shopper

After registering with a secret shopping company, you are paid to basically go undercover and report on a company's operation from the customer point of view.

Depending on the clients you're shopping for, you can earn from $100 to $2,000 per month.

10. Sell your photos to stock agencies

Anyone can submit their photos to stock photo agencies like Shutterstock.com. If your images are accepted, they will be available for download by subscribers. Each time someone downloads your pics, you get 25 cents.


Source:http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/worklife/05/18/cb.earn.extra.money/index.html

1 in 5 Americans Pees...In the Pool

A new study found that one in five Americans pees in a public pool.

The Water Quality & Health Council found that 20 percent of Americans use public pools as a potty place.

The study also found that 47 percent of all Americans admit to one or more behaviors that contribute to an unhealthy pool.

The Centers for Disease Control suggests a few tips if you plan to visit a public pool:

* Don't swim when you have diarrhea

* Don't swallow pool water

* Clean up kids wearing diapers -- especially their rears -- and change the diaper often

Source: http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/weird/Do-You-Pee-in-the-Pool.html

Too Early Trivia Monday, May 18th, 2009

Question: In what month do more Americans celebrate birthdays than any other month?

Answer: August

Too Early Trivia Friday, May 15th, 2009

Question: What does the "Q" in Q-Tip stand for?

Answer: Quick

Too Early Trivia Thursday, May 14th, 2009

Question: A Crystal Wedding Anniversary is how many years?

Answer: 15 years

Daydreamers Might Solve Problems Faster

That co-worker who (at times) seems to be looking at the ceiling, may actually, be a better problem solver.

New research shows that daydreaming is not slacking off because when the brain wanders it is working even harder to solve problems.


Scientists scanned the brains of people lying inside magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, as they alternately pushed buttons or rested.

The scans showed that the "default network" deep inside a human brain becomes more active during daydreaming.

But in a surprise finding the scans also spotted intense activity in the executive network, the outlying region of the brain associated with complex problem-solving.

Docs say the findings suggest daydreaming might be a better way to solve problems than intense focusing.


Source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090512/hl_afp/sciencecanadadaydreaming_20090512191507

Are You Living The "Weisure" Lifestyle?

The line dividing work and leisure time is blurring right before our eyes... one expert says it's creating a phenomenon called "weisure time."

According to the sociologist at New York University who coined the word, those who haven't said goodbye to the old school 9-to-5 workday and hello to the 24-7 life of weisure will probably do so soon. It's the next step in the evolving work-life culture.

The sociologist says activities and social spaces are becoming work-play ambiguous. What it means is more and more Americans are using smartphones and other technology to collaborate with business colleagues while hanging out with their families.

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/worklife/05/11/weisure/index.html

Too Early Trivia Wednesday, May 13th, 2009

Question: Average number of jobs a guy will have in his lifetime?

Answer: 10

Too Early Trivia Tuesday, May 12th, 2009

Question: What's the most popular food to grill in the U.S.?

Answer: Hamburgers

5 Ways To Earn Money...by Blogging

The average American blogger earns $6,000 a year. The top 1% earn $200,000 or more.

Blogging is hard work and requires long hours so pick a subject that you're passionate about. Avoid topics like photography, politics, gadgets and celebrity gossip because competition will be stiff.

1. Advertising

The most obvious way to make money blogging is with advertising. Advertisers pay a few cents when an ad is clicked. Or, they may pay a certain rate for each 1,000 page views. Google's AdSense is the most popular advertising program. It puts ads on your site and anyone can register for AdSense, regardless of traffic.

It's easy to get ads on your site, but difficult to earn from them. You'll need thousands of visitors each month.

2. Affiliate programs

Affiliate programs are similar to advertising. You place a banner ad or a text ad on your site. Or, put affiliate links inside blog posts. You get paid when a visitor clicks an affiliate link. But usually, visitors must need to buy something from the affiliate.

3. Pay-per-post

Some companies will pay you to write about their products and services. Your pay will vary depending on your site. Traffic is a major factor. You can't get started with pay-per-post programs immediately. Some require you to blog for a month or more before enrolling. Or, you may need a specific number of posts or site visitors. Pay-per-post programs pay up to $1,000 per post! But expect to earn much less, more like $10 to $20 per post.

4. Employment

Blogs are becoming more important to businesses. They use blogs to reach out to customers so you might find work as a paid blogger with a company. You need to show companies why they should hire you so that means you need to blog for awhile.

5. Sponsorship

You may be able to land a corporate sponsorship. This works like an advertising deal, but your entire site will carry the company's branding. Landing a sponsorship won't be easier than finding a paid position. And remember that you will need to make a name for yourself first.

Source: http://www.usatoday.com/tech/columnist/kimkomando/2009-05-07-blogging-money_N.htm

Too Early Trivia Monday, May 11th, 2009

Question: What state has more different species of mosquitoes than any other state?

Answer: Texax (85 species)

Too Early Trivia Friday, May 8th, 2009

Question: What percent of your body weight is water?

Answer: 60 percent

10 Scenarios That Aren't Really A Big Deal

1. If You Don't Match Your Shoes to Your Handbag

Most likely: No one will notice if your shoes aren't the same shade of beige as your purse, but their colors and looks should be complementary.

Worst case: If you're a celebrity, you'll wind up on worst-dressed lists. If you're a regular old civilian, you'll just look uncoordinated.

2. If You Wash the Dog's Hair with Shampoo

Most likely: Eight times out of 10, nothing will happen if you and your dog share hair products. In fact, some groomers and breeders prefer human shampoo to dog shampoo. Just make sure your dog doesn't have sensitive skin.

Worst case: If your dog is allergic to ingredients in the human shampoo, he could develop a rash, swollen skin, or breathing problems.

3. If You Eat a Cracked Egg

Most likely: If you cook the egg thoroughly, nothing will happen, especially if it cracked after you got it home and you use it immediately. This is true even if the egg is infected with salmonella.

Worst case: A cracked egg is more susceptible to contamination than an uncracked one because the environment inside an egg is more bacteria-friendly than the shell is. A healthy adult who eats a bacteria-infected egg that's not cooked will get food poisoning at the worst.

4. If You Jaywalk

Most likely: Your chances of getting a ticket are slim. But some cities actually target jaywalkers as a way to raise money.

Worst case: A collision. 3 years ago, more than 1,000 people were killed in the US while they were crossing the street improperly. Delaware, Florida and New Mexico have the highest number of pedestrian fatalities.

5. If You Sneak Food into a Movie

Most likely: Nothing will happen. Your half-finished bottle of water or bag of homemade brownies won't get you booted and you won't have to fork over money for concessions.

Worst case: Humiliation. An usher may ask you to eat your food outside the theater.

6. If You Bounce a Check

Most likely: If you don't have overdraft protection, the vendor and your bank will nail you for charges that range from $20 to $75.

Worst case: You may face other penalties: If you're paying off a credit-card bill, you could be charged a late fee, plus interest. Depending on state laws, it could also go on your credit record.

7. If You Eat a Rare Burger

Most likely: Contamination is more likely with ground beef than it is with other meat, but getting sick from a burger is still uncommon.

Worst case: For healthy adults, the worst that's likely to happen is food poisoning. At its most severe, it could land you in bed for a few days. The US Department of Agriculture recommends that you never eat a rare burger because bacteria may still live in it.

8. If You Swallow a Piece of Gum

Most likely: Gum isn't going to sit in your stomach for seven years or even seven hours.

Worst case: As with anything else you swallow, you risk choking.

9. If You Leave Wet Clothes in the Washing Machine

Most likely: Nothing will happen. You won't get an odor within 8 to 12 hours.

Worst case: If it's very humid, mildew can develop and create an odor or, over a long period, tiny stains in the clothing.

10. If You Don't Change the Oil

Most likely: You know you're supposed to change your car's oil every 3,000 miles, but sometimes you just can't get to Jiffy Lube right away. But even the lube dudes admit that you can get away with changing the oil at 7,000 or 8,000 miles.

Worst case: If you wait until 10,000 miles or so, your oil may turn to sludge and your engine might shut down.

Source: http://lifestyle.msn.com/your-life/bigger-picture/articlers.aspx?cp-documentid=18792052

Where Did Mother's Day Come From?

Mother's Day became a U.S. holiday back in 1914, after Anna Jarvis spent years sending letters to public officials urging them to set aside a day to honor mothers.

Her own mother died in 1905. While Jarvis was happy when the day was finally recognized by President Woodrow Wilson, she became embittered by what it developed into over the years. She voiced her disapproval, saying things like: "Mother's Day has nothing to do with candy. Candy is junk. You give your mother a box of candy and then go home and eat most of it yourself, or else you give her hard candy that breaks her teeth or dentures."

And, "It's really a shame to waste flowers for Mother's Day. Florists have made millions of dollars out of my idea and they don't deserve it."

So, instead of stewing over what to buy Mom during a last-minute shopping trip, why not spend the day with her, and write a thoughtful note? Only don't use a printed greeting card. Jarvis disapproved of those, too: "A printed card means nothing except that you are too lazy to write to the woman who has done more for you than anyone in the world."

Source: http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/552056/?sc=dwhr;xy=5043142

Too Early Trivia Thursday, May 7th, 2009

Question: How much food is thrown away each day per person in the U.S.?

Answer: One pound

Fun Trivia About Deodorant

1. Be thankful for your foul body odor. According to an anthropologist, it might be responsible for man's survival in early times. A theory says that most predators avoided feasting on humans because our body odor was "too repugnant."

2. Egyptians invented deodorants. They were the first to have the idea of applying scents to armpits, which usually were made up of cinnamon and other spices that wouldn't go bad in the heat.

3. The Roman poet Ovid had a better solution to body odor. In Book III of the Art of Love, he warned women against carrying goats under their arms.

4. Antiperspirants are classified as drugs by the FDA. Technically, they affect and/or alter your body's natural functions.

5. The first modern brand of antiperspirant was EverDry and it hit drugstores in 1903. The original formula was so acidic that it ate through clothing.

6. Modern antiperspirants can also ruin your clothing. Aluminum chloride is notorious for turning T-shirts yellow. So, blame your antiperspirant for your pit stains, not your body.

7. Offensive body odor is actually illegal in libraries in San Luis Obispo County, California.

8. One thing modern antiperspirants don't do is cause degenerative diseases. Medical science has found no evidence that absorbing aluminum chloride through the skin can lead to memory loss or slurred speech.

9. A Japanese company known for its menswear developed a deodorant suit that absorbs sweat and neutralizes odors all over the body.

10. The greatest Japanese innovation in the fight against B.O. is Fuwarinka scented gum. The candy has aromatic compounds that cause your skin to release "Fresh Citrus" or "Fruity Rose" smells for up to 6 hours after chewing.

11. When Kurt Cobain wrote the lyrics for Nirvana's song "Smells Like Teen Spirit," he didn't know Teen Spirit was a popular deodorant. The Mennen Company wouldn't say whether the song caused sales to go up, but six months after the single debuted, Colgate bought the company for $670 million.

12. In 2008, Matthew McConaughey said he never uses deodorant or antiperspirant. The next day, he got a year's supply of deodorant body spray from Axe, along with a note on why he might want to start.

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/personal/05/06/mf.deodorant.fun.facts/index.html

Race Car That Runs on Chocolate

A team of British engineers have designed a car that not only runs on chocolate, but is made out of parts from vegetables.

The steering wheel is constructed from carrot fibers, the foam in the seats is from soybeans, and the rear view mirrors and body panels are produced from the starch of potatoes. Even the brakes are based on cashew nut shells.

The World First Racing team says the car is 95 percent biodegradable and mostly conforms to the regulations of the international Formula 3 racing series. It has a BMW turbodiesel engine that is capable of 150 mph and can run on any type biodiesel... including chocolate.

Source: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,518967,00.html

Don't Buy Magazines From Door-To-Door Salesman This Summer

In the last 12 months alone, the Better Business Bureau has received complaints from folks in nearly every state who bought magazine subscriptions from crews of young adults selling door-to-door.

The young sales reps might claim to be raising money for charity, a school trip, or even for troops in Iraq. The victim pays with a check on the spot, but the magazines never arrive.

Here's basically how it works:

• The companies employ "crews of high school and college-age people who are trying to earn money over the summer."
• The youths will claim they're selling magazines for all sorts of heart-melting reasons
• You'll be asked to pay for the subscriptions immediately by check.
• That will be the end of it. You won't receive your magazines.

The BBB has some tips for those of you who want to buy door-to-door magazines but don't want to get ripped off. The most important one is the person selling should always provide the following two things:

• a receipt
• "a completed cancellation form that customers can send to the company to cancel the agreement"


Source: http://consumerist.com/5240963/dont-buy-your-magazines-from-door+to+door-salesmen-this-summer

Could Apple Be Buying Twitter?

Twitter has exploded to over 25 million users and has been growing by 40% a week since that Oprah appearance.

Google tried to buy it but got shot down by Twitter CEO Evan Williams .

But yesterday, rumors popped up that Apple may be looking to buy Twitter.

A source said, "Apple is in late stage negotiations to buy Twitter and is hoping to announce it at their developers conference in June."

The purchase price would be $700 million in cash.

If these discussions are happening, Twitter is keeping them very quiet.


Source: http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/05/05/twitter-mania-google-got-shut-down-apple-rumors-heat-up/

Too Early Trivia Wednesday, May 6th, 2009

Question: On average Americans eat how many eggs per year?

Answer: 100

Old Line Stores Thinking Outside The Big Box To Survive

(Undated) -- There's a new way of thinking among some old line brick and mortar merchants. Americans are becoming accustomed to, even demanding stores allow them to order goods online then retrieve them at the store. Electronics giant Best Buy has been doing that for years. Circuit City tried it but, ultimately, faded from the scene anyway. Sears is taking that theme a step further beginning in Michigan with an experiment with something called MyGofer. The first store was opened last week in Joliet. Shoppers go online, browse and buy literally everything that's in a traditional Sears store from clothing to power tools to barbecues and washing machines then, simply drive to a warehouse to collect their purchase at curbside.

Sears is hoping this far from traditional way of peddling their wares will make consumers happy while substantially reducing overhead. Some older customers might even see it as a throwback to the days when you could browse through a Sears, JC Penny or Montgomery Ward catalog, place your order and pick it up at the store except delivery was usually a week later. Eventually all 39-hundred Sears and K-Mart stores could become part of the MyGofer experience.

###
JQ Lawrence/acm MI)

Copyright © 2009
Metro Networks Communications Inc., A Westwood One Company

Could It Be The Formula For Dr. Pepper?

A guy from Tulsa was poking through antiques stores in the Texas Panhandle when he stumbled across an old ledger book filled with formulas. He bought it for $200, because he could resell it for five times that.

Turns out, the book came from the drugstore where Dr. Pepper was invented and includes a recipe titled "D Peppers Pepsin Bitters."

When the book goes up for auction next week, it's expected to sell between $50,000 and $75,000.

A spokesman for Dr Pepper said the formula in the book is probably a recipe for a bitter digestive that bears the Dr Pepper name. He said the recipe bears no resemblance to any Dr Pepper recipes the company knows of. The drink's 23-flavor blend is a closely guarded secret that only three Dr Pepper employees know.

Source: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/biz/6406361.html

Shamwow Put To A Consumer Reports Test

ShamWow... or just a Sham?

The cloth promises to wow you with its ability to clean spills.

So, Consumer Reports put it to the test.

The testers dunked the ShamWow in cola and in water. Then they weighed them and did the math. Consumer Reports found that the ShamWow held 10 times its weight.

In commercials, the makers used to claim "ShamWow holds 20 times its weight in liquid."

Another informerical says, "ShamWow holds 12 times its weight in liquidl." And still another says, "The ShamWow holds 10 times its weight in liquid."

Testers also ran 14 cent sponges through the same tests. And just like ShamWow, they held about 10 times their weight.

And testers found the ShamWow doesn't mop up spills as well as its infomercial shows on television.

Testers added a little bit of water as though it were spilled on the floor and tried to wipe it up. They found there were quite a few droplets left. And when wiping up water on counters, the ShamWow left lots of tiny droplets behind, too.

The ShamWow claims to last 10 years and is machine washable. Contrary to what the infomercial suggests, sponges can be washed, too. And while they won't last 10 years, they do cost a lot less. An order of eight ShamWows adds up to about $28 with shipping and handling.

Source: http://www.tampabays10.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=105287&catid=8

Why Text Messages Are Limited To 160 Characters

A communications researcher from Bonn, Germany is credited with coming up with the 160 character limit for text messaging.

The man came up with the number in 1985 and because of tight bandwidth constraints of the wireless networks at the time, the message would have to be as short as possible.

To come up with 160 the man sat at his typewriter, tapping out random sentences and questions on a sheet of paper. Each blurb ran on for a line or two and nearly always clocked in under 160 characters.

Source: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2009/05/invented-text-messaging.html

Too Early Trivia Tuesday, May 5th, 2009

Question: What percent of parents plan to throw a birthday party for their child this year?

Answer: 98 percent

Is Our Personality Written In Our Handwriting?

Graphology is the analysis of handwriting.

Our scrawls, whether chicken scratch-like or similar to computer font in their consistent neatness, are unique to us. Not even identical twins with their identical genetic makeup have the same handwriting, so there just might be something to the argument that our writing styles are somehow tied to our personalities.

Handwriting analyst Gary Thomas believes that studying handwriting involves looking at both small details, like the space between letters, and bigger ones, such as the amount of pressure used when writing. Each characteristic implies something different about the writer’s personality.

~~ Spacing
Space can operate in a variety of ways when it comes to handwriting. There are two main things to consider: space between words and space between sentences. That’s why using an unlined piece of paper is essential—just how much space we put between sentences can provide insight.

Spacing Between Words: According to graphology, this represents your comfort level when it comes to socializing. Having very little space in between words suggests that you are a people-person who craves social contact.

A large gap indicates that you have trouble relating to others and might prefer being solo. Those with an average amount of space fall somewhere in the middle.

Spacing Between Sentences in Paragraphs: If it’s difficult to determine one line from another (i.e., there’s almost no space separating them), your thoughts might be a bit jumbled and confused. On the other side of the spectrum, large spaces are associated with sharp perception and meticulousness. Average spaces represent a balance between the two.

~~Line Levels
Supposedly, the baseline tells us about our emotional health.

Straight: Someone who writes in an exactly straight line could be rigid and methodical, to the point where he/she sees being emotional as having a lack of discipline. Mostly straight lines speak well of a person’s level of self-control and success in a variety of trades.

Ascending/Descending: If the baseline slopes upward as you write from left to right, graphologists would say that you have a positive outlook and are generally enthusiastic and determined. If it slopes downward, that suggests depression, lethargy, or a tendency toward moodiness.

Very Wavy: When lines look like the outline of a roller coaster, it might mean that the writer feels emotionally unstable.

However, having a slight wave for a baseline is common and generally indicates a balanced emotional outlook.

~~ Slant of Writing
Whether writing slants toward the left or right, or if it’s fairly vertical, relates to one’s emotional reaction to situations.

Left Slant (\\\): If your writing slants toward the left, it’s possible you have trouble expressing yourself and come off as indifferent and distant to those around you.

Vertical (|||): A lack of slant in writing suggests that you’re guided by logic more than your emotions, but that there’s a fair balance between the two.

Right Slant (///): People who write with a forward slant, follow their hearts and are usually more empathetic and caring than most.

~~Size of Writing
According to graphologists, how big or small one’s font is represents their concentration skills.

Small: This type of writing often belongs to someone with a high concentration level and a superior attention to detail. She operates best when given one task at a time and the ability to tackle it alone.

Average: Those who use average-sized characters can concentrate just enough to be effective, but not so much that they get caught up in the minute details.

Large: Bigger handwriting could point to a fast-moving mind that has trouble focusing on one thing for too long, preferring a variety of responsibilities and tasks.



~~Signature
People who study handwriting, such as life coach Elaine Ness, feel that our signatures demonstrate how we want to be seen by others. They’re indicative of our public identities, but not necessarily our true selves.

Legible/Illegible: This relates to communication, particularly when it follows something the person has written him/herself.

If the signature is legible, the person feels comfortable with what’s expressed and wants to associate with it; an illegible signature implies the opposite. And if the text and the signature are completely different (the text is legible and the signature is not, or vice versa), that means the individual is adopting a public persona that’s different from the private one.

An illegible signature alone possibly indicates that the person isn’t all that interested in being publically recognized. And according to Psychology Today, if part of the signature is crossed through, it could be a sign that the person fears negative judgment or is insecure about public perception.

Elaborate/Understated: A splashy signature with lots of loops or underscores might belong to someone who likes to show off and craves the spotlight. Some say that having a long line or swoop at the end of a signature is another sign of a person wanting to be noticed, especially if it rises above the rest of the signature.

If the signature is small or is almost indistinguishable from the rest of the person’s handwriting, that could mean he is shy and modest.

Spacing: What kind of space lies between the first name and last name (or middle name/initial, if that’s included in the signature)? The bigger the gap, the more a person is attempting to remove him or herself from a familial identity and focus on an individual one.

The large space (between first, last name) in the signature below indicates a tension and separation between the two.

Source: http://www.divinecaroline.com/article/22323/73133-personality-written-handwriting

Couple Saves First Kiss For Their Wedding Day

A woman's wedding day was also the day she had her first kiss.

The 22-year-old woman was married in Brentwood, Tennessee and admitted she was nervous about having her first kiss in front of 200 people.

Some Tennesseans have taken a purity pledge and are calling it the "Virgin Lips Movement."

The 35 year old husband also decided to save his first kiss for his wedding day when he was just in the eighth grade. He hopes his story will inspire other young people who want to do the same.

Source: http://tennessean.com/article/20090503/FEATURES01/905030360

Have A Fear Of Heights? Then This Isn't For You.

Visitors won't have to crane their necks to see straight down from the Sears Tower Skydeck anymore... the building is getting four glass-bottomed balconies.

The new feature is called, "The Ledge."

The Skydeck is on the 103rd floor of the building, and the new balconies are scheduled to open next month.

Four 1-1/2-inch-thick glass boxes are being placed on the building's west side. The retractable boxes will extend 4 feet out from the side of the building at 1,353 feet above street level. Each of the four boxes is made of three layers of half-inch-thick glass.

A Tower spokesman said, "The inspiration for The Ledge came from hundreds of forehead prints visitors left behind on Skydeck windows every week."

Source: http://www.wgntv.com/landing/?A-glass-bottom-Skydeck-for-Sears-Tower=1&blockID=280809&feedID=209

Google Rents Goats For Their Lawn Care

According to their blog, Google has rented a herd of goats to replace the lawnmowers that normally cut the grass in the fields around its headquarters.

This is Google's "low-carbon" approach to maintaining its property.

Apparently, every so often a herder will bring about 200 of them to the campus and they'll roam around for a week eating the grass. Not only that, these goats will fertilize the land at the same time.

Google claims the goats will cost about the same as lawn mowers would.

A Google spokeswoman said: Google takes the wellness of our employees very seriously and we pride ourselves on having a responsive and adaptable culture. The lawn-mowing goats are not, of course, full-time Google employees - but we would certainly respond directly to any concerns about their treatment. I can confirm that during their time in Mountain View, like other Google employees, each goat is entitled to a free organic lunch.

Source: http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/05/01/google-rents-goats-to-replace-lawnmowers-im-not-kidding/

Google Meet Wolfram Alpha

Revolutionary new software will be launched this month, and it could put Google to shame.

Wolfram Alpha will understand questions and give specific, tailored answers in a way that the web has never managed before.

It takes the first step towards what many consider to be the internet's Holy Grail - a global store of information that understands and responds to ordinary language in the same way a person does.

Computer experts believe the new search engine will be an evolutionary leap in the development of the internet.

Wolfram Alpha will not only give a straight answer to questions such as "how high is Mount Everest?", but it will also produce a neat page of related information - all properly sourced - such as geographical location and nearby towns, and other mountains, complete with graphs and charts.

The real innovation, however, is in its ability to work things out "on the fly".

Its British inventor, Dr Stephen Wolfram, says if you ask it to compare the height of Mount Everest to the length of the Golden Gate Bridge, it will tell you. Or ask what the weather was like in London on the day John F Kennedy was assassinated, it will cross-check and provide the answer.

Ask it about D sharp major, it will play the scale.

Type in "10 flips for four heads" and it will guess that you need to know the probability of coin-tossing.

If you want to know when the next solar eclipse over Chicago is, or the exact current location of the International Space Station, it can work it out.

Dr Wolfram is an award-winning physicist. He says the information is "curated", meaning it is assessed first by experts. This means that the weaknesses of sites such as Wikipedia, where doubts are cast on the information because anyone can contribute, are taken out. It is based on his best-selling Mathematica software, a standard tool for scientists, engineers and academics for crunching complex maths.

Source: http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/an-invention-that-could-change-the-internet-for-ever-1678109.html

Tweeters Beware

TWITTER, the microblogging service, has major holes in its security.

An exec from an antivirus firm (Sophos) says the Twitter website is vulnerable to viruses written in the Javascript web-programming language. These viruses can then send out short messages or "tweets" in the user's name, possibly sending their friends to phishing sites.

Another problem he identifies is that deleting an embarrassing or incriminating tweet you have mistakenly sent does not remove it from the Twitter site, where it remains forever searchable.

Source: http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20227065.700-why-tweeters-should-beware-of-worms.html

Too Early Trivia Monday, May 4th, 2009

Question: Jennifer Aniston, Cher, Michael Jackson and Whoopi Goldberg all have a fear of this...what is it?

Answer: Flying

Too Early Trivia Friday, May 1st, 2009

Question: On this date in 1941 this General Mills cereal was introduced..what is it?

Answer: Cheerios