Five Sneaky Ways to Save Money on Gas:

Gas has gone up more than 40 cents in the last month, and according to Triple-A, the national average now sits at $3.54 a gallon. You probably know that having enough air in your tires is important, because it can improve your gas mileage by about 3%. But here are five more sneaky ways to save money on gas.

#1.) Buy Gas at Night or Early in the Morning. Gas stations store their gas underground, and it's denser when the ground is cold. So you actually get slightly more gas for your money if you pump before the sun comes up.

#2.) Try to Hit the Pump Midweek. Gas prices tend to rise slightly on Thursday, then drop back down on Tuesday or Wednesday.

#3.) Don't Get Gas Until You Need To. It's heavy, so driving with a full tank burns more fuel. But don't drive around on fumes either . . . it can screw up your fuel pump.

#4.) Don't Use High-Octane Gas If You Don't Need It. It seems obvious, but apparently some people still think high-octane gas is good for their low-octane cars. So just to be clear, unless you're driving a high-performance car, a motorcycle, a truck, or an SUV, the higher octane level won't improve your car's performance, and it's a waste of money.

#5.) Don't Drive Aggressively. According to the Department of Energy, 60 miles per hour is the most fuel-efficient speed on the highway for most cars. And according to a recent article on MSNBC.com, speeding can cost the equivalent of between 21 and 71 cents per gallon.

Stunningly Dumb Warning Labels From Forbes Magazine:

Label: Never operate your speakerphone while driving. Product: Jabra Drive 'N' Talk.
The 2010 winner of the annual Wacky Warning Label contest, which challenges Americans to find the most ridiculous warning labels in the country. The Jabra Drive 'N' Talk is a Bluetooth speakerphone accessory for cellphones to be used in the car. So should it just be called the "Talk"?


Label: This product may contain nuts. Product: Peanuts & Peanut M&Ms.
Often found on bags of peanuts, including those made by Sainbury, as well as on those yellow bags of Peanut M&Ms. All of which makes you wonder what some conspiracy theorists think they're buying.

Label: Do not hold the wrong end of a chainsaw. Product: Chainsaw.
Many chainsaws bear this digit-saver, in sticker form, right on their sides.


Label: Do not use while sleeping. Product: Hair dryer.
Several manufacturers of hair dryers thought it necessary to warn users of the dangers of sleep-drying, an affliction that, apparently, befell somebody

Label: Contents may catch fire.Product: Blow torch gas bottle.
Just let 'em go up in flames.

Label: Do not drive with sun shield in place. Product: Reflective cardboard sun shades for car dashboards. OK, so what is the sun shield for? Presumably, hanging out in your car, alone, sipping a 44-ounce fountain cup of Mountain Dew, air conditioning on, sun shade firmly in place, contemplating where you'll drive when the sun finally goes down. Or you could just take the sunshade out of the window and drive in the blistering sun without it.


Label: This product may contain eggs.Product: A carton of eggs.
So that's what those are!

Label: May cause drowsiness. Product: Nytol sleeping pills.
Let's hope, for GlaxoSmithKline's sake, the warning rings true.

Label: Safety goggles recommended. Product: Staples's letter opener.
Sadly, this was a misprint. According to Amy Sandler, a public relations rep at Staples, "The label is meant for our retractable box cutter, where the blades might slide off. Package redesigns are currently being shipped to Staples and Staples.com with the correct 'Keep out of reach of children' warning." Fair enough.

Label: The Vanishing Fabric Marker should not be used as a writing instrument for signing checks or any legal documents. Product: W.H. Collins' Vanishing Fabric Markers. Well, that sure takes the fun of out it: After all, who doesn't like being handed a blank check?

Label: Never use a lit match or open flame to check fuel level. Product: Jet Ski.
This little ditty can be found on gas caps for personal recreational vehicles such as jet skis and ATVs. Should be followed by: "And if this was news to you, you are not legally permitted to operate this vehicle or, for that matter, leave the house."

Label: Do not put any person in this washer.Product: Huebsch Washing Machine.
First load: towels. Next load: the youngest daughter

Label: This product is not intended for use as a dental drill. Product: Dremel Multipro rotary tools. You can't be too careful in this day and age.

Label (on website): Do not eat. Product: Apple's iPod shuffle.
When Apple introduced its digital music player in 2005, the company added this warning on its website. Parody or paranoia? The company wouldn't comment.

Label: Keep pet birds out of the kitchen when using this product. Product: Bialetti Casa Italiana's nonstick pans. Polly may not have a thing for fancy cookware, and she might not like the fumes potentially given off by hot Teflon, either. "Many animal owners call us inquiring about it," says Richard Duran, a Bialetti consumer relations representative. Solid advice, always.

Four Things Women Are Better At Than Men:

There's a new book out this month called "Man Down" that attempts to prove that women are "BETTER" than men. And each of the 36 chapters details something women do best. Here are four of them.

#1.) Not Dying in a Car Crash. A study at Carnegie Mellon University found that male drivers have a 77% higher risk of dying in a car accident than women do, possibly because men drive more aggressively. And according to a separate study, men are also more likely to run you over when you're crossing the street.

#2.) Gambling. According to a study of 40,000 gamblers, women are better at turning a profit because they tend to act more quickly and be more aggressive with their bets. But here's what's weird: Women are also better at handling finances, because they tend to be more level-headed and focused on saving for the future.

#3.) Working the Room at a Cocktail Party. Women are much better at remembering words, faces, and daily events, which makes it easier to strike up conversations with people they barely know.

#4.) Getting Someone to Reveal a Secret. Some studies have shown that men actually gossip more than women do. And when it comes to getting people to tell them things, women have a few tactical "advantages." Which is also one of the reasons the CIA uses female spies.

THIS explains why I can't dance!

Great news! According to scientists at the University of Montreal, your complete lack of rhythm might not be your fault. They've actually identified a condition called "BEAT DEAFNESS," where a person's brain actually can't PROCESS a musical beat . . . which makes it impossible to properly dance to it. Unfortunately, before you say "Well that explains it, I am a horrible dancer because I have beat deafness" . . . there's only been one documented case of this EVER in the entire history of mankind. That doesn't mean there's only one human in history who had beat deafness . . . he's just the only one who had it diagnosed. He's a 23-year-old who's been identified at Mathieu, and the team at the University of Montreal has been studying his case. They believe that beat deafness comes from a disconnect in the brain between the area that identifies rhythm and the area that controls movement.

The 10 Biggest "Passion Killers" In a Relationship Include Long Work Hours, Snoring, and Not Regularly Buying Better Underwear?

According to a new survey, these are the top 10 things you do that are "PASSION KILLERS." Yes, you. You specifically. Sorry to call you out like this.

#10.) Disgusting bathroom habits, like leaving nail clippings on the floor, or a stained toilet bowl.

#9.) Bad fashion choices, and not regularly replacing your underwear with new, more attractive underwear.

#8.) Snoring.

#7.) Drinking too much alcohol.

#6.) Not bringing the romance anymore.

#5.) Too much time with in-laws or extended family. Especially having one of your parents move in with you.

#4.) Personal cleanliness and hygiene issues.

#3.) Long work hours.

#2.) Becoming too tight or too loose with money.

#1.) Gaining weight, and a lack of exercise.

Four Life Lessons You Can Learn From Charlie Sheen:

Someone on Yahoo posted a list of life lessons we can all take away from the Charlie Sheen meltdown, and some of them are pretty legit. Here are the top four.

Lesson #1 The Things You Do Outside of Work Can Derail Your Career. Obviously you can't show up for work drunk . . . which Charlie claims he never did. But what he DID do was badmouth his boss in public. So make sure you know who's reading your Tweets before you go complaining about your job on Twitter. Your boss might be reading them without you realizing it.

Lesson #2 No One Is 100% Secure in Their Job. If you make a big enough mistake, it doesn't matter how much money you've made for your company. Even the star of America's favorite sitcom got fired.

Lesson #3 Learn to Keep Your Emotions in Check. It's okay to be emotional, but if you make DECISIONS based on your emotions, you'll end up making BAD decisions . . . like going on the radio and saying you're gonna sue all your bosses.

Lesson #4 Take Responsibility for Your Mistakes. If you DO make a mistake, accept responsibility and make sure your apology sounds sincere. So in other words, don't say what Charlie Sheen said a few days after he made fun of his boss Chuck Lorre. He said, quote, "I'm sorry if I offended you. Didn't know you were so sensitive."

Five Ways the Federal Budget Cuts Could Affect Your Health:

According to the Senior Public Health Correspondent for AOL News, the budget cuts being proposed by Republicans in the House AND the Obama administration both put America's health at risk. Here's a list of five federally funded organizations that are likely to get cut, and what it might mean for your health.

#1.) The Consumer Product Safety Commission. This week, they're launching a long-awaited public database of products. For the first time you'll be able to easily find any safety hazards associated with things you buy and things you already own. The database is supposedly huge, but the proposed budget cuts would slash their funding, and they wouldn't be able to keep the database current. The budget cuts would also end a policy that requires manufacturers to have every product tested for safety by an outside company.

#2.) Poison Control Centers. The bill that recently passed the House would cut 93% of the funding, and close 57 centers around the country. Meanwhile, accidental poisoning is one of the top causes of unintentional death in the U.S.

#3.) The Environmental Protection Agency. The House bill aims to eliminate one third of the E.P.A.'s funding, and it would prevent the public from reviewing offshore drilling permits. According to the head of a non-profit called the Environmental Working Group, the cuts would also jeopardize the quality of our air and water. And he predicted a spike in asthma cases around the country.

#4.) The Occupational Safety and Health Administration. They're the people in charge of making sure construction companies and factories don't do things that put their employee's lives at risk. And the proposed 18% cuts in the House bill would result in about 8,000 fewer hazard inspections around the country each year.

#5.) The U.S.D.A. and the Food and Drug Administration. 500 million more pounds of beef and poultry are expected to be processed this year. But in both Obama's budget AND the House budget, the U.S.D.A. isn't getting the money to hire more inspectors. So that means the same number of workers will have to work longer hours to inspect more food. And it'll increase the chances of bad meat and poultry showing up in the grocery store.

Five Reasons You Shouldn't Quit Drinking Coffee:

You've probably seen articles on why drinking too much coffee is bad for you. But if you drink it in moderation . . . and you don't load it up with cream and sugar . . . coffee is actually GOOD for your health. In fact, it has more antioxidants per serving than blueberries do, and it's the top source of antioxidants in the average American's diet. So to help kick off the work week, here's a list that'll help you feel better about your favorite morning addiction. It's five reasons to NOT quit drinking coffee.

#1.) It's Good For Your Heart. Even though coffee raises your heart rate and blood pressure when you drink it, research suggests it might actually LOWER your blood pressure in the long run. And moderate coffee drinkers . . . which means one-to-three cups a day . . . are also less likely to suffer a stroke. Researchers think it's because the antioxidants help protect your arteries from inflammation.

#2.) It Might Help Prevent Diabetes. According to several studies, the antioxidants boost your sensitivity to insulin, and people who drink four or more cups of coffee a day have a lower risk of developing type two diabetes. But here's the catch: If you have too much caffeine, it doesn't work. So you're supposed to switch back and forth between regular and decaf.

#3.) It's Good for Your Liver. The case isn't closed on this one, but some research has shown that the more coffee you drink, the less likely you are to develop liver disease. And one analysis of nine different studies found that for every two cups of coffee you drink per day, your risk of developing liver cancer drops by 43%.

#4.) It's Good for Your Brain. According to at least one study, drinking up to five cups of coffee a day reduces your risk of dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Researchers think the antioxidants protect your brain cells and make the neurotransmitters in your brain work better.

#5.) It Helps With Headaches. 200 milligrams of caffeine . . . which is what's in the average 16-ounce cup of coffee . . . can relieve mild headaches and even migraines. Experts don't know exactly WHY it works, but they do know that caffeine boosts brain cell activity, which causes the surrounding blood vessels to constrict. And one theory is, the constriction helps to relieve the pressure that's causing the pain.

Five Myths About Living Longer That Have Just Been Debunked:

There's a new book out called "The Longevity Project", about a 90-year-long study on what makes people live longer, healthier lives. And some of the results are pretty surprising. According to the study, here are five things people THINK make them live longer . . . but don't.

Myth #1.) Stay Optimistic. In the study, kids who were described as "extraordinarily cheerful and optimistic" were LESS likely to live to an old age. --But being cynical and pessimistic wasn't good either. The people who lived the longest were the ones who felt satisfied with life, but also had enough drive to accomplish things.

Myth #2.) Gardening and Walking Aren't Enough to Keep You Healthy. According to government guidelines, you're supposed to get 30 minutes of moderate exercise at least four times a week. --But that doesn't mean you have to go jogging. The study found that middle-aged people were more likely to live a long life if they stayed active doing something they ENJOYED. And walking or gardening for 30 minutes was enough. -Jogging and going to the gym works too, but most people don't stick with it as they get older.

Myth #3.) Being Too Serious Is Bad for You. In the study, people who were carefree about life in general didn't live as long, because they didn't do as many things to protect their health. And they also engaged in riskier activities. --The people who lived the longest were responsible, persistent, detail-oriented, well-organized, and sometimes obsessive.

Myth #4.) Working Long Hours at the Office Is Killing You. Constant stress isn't good for your health. But apparently, being promoted IS. The subjects in the study who experienced the most career success also lived the longest. --And the ones who moved from job to job without gaining more responsibility were more likely to die young.

Myth #5.) Marriage Makes You Live Longer. It's only half true. The researchers found that women can live just as long if they NEVER get married, as long as they have an active social life.
--But single MEN weren't so lucky. They outlived the guys who got married MORE than once. But the guys who lived longest were the ones who stayed married to the same woman their entire lives.

Take this quiz to see if you're built to make big money:

With so many people either unemployed or looking to change jobs in today's unpredictable economic environment, people are putting a lot of extra thought and time into their job searches, prepping for their interviews and padding their resumes to stand out as "the ideal hire." However, did you know that your fate as an earner could already be determined by your outward appearance and actions? Take the quiz below to find out how many attributes and physical characteristics you have that favor you to make some big bucks, regardless of who your former employer was or how gold-plated your work history may be.


1. How tall are you?

a. 6' 0" (+)
b. 5' 6"
c. 5' 4"
d. 5' 2" (-)
Timothy A. Judge, Ph.D. of the University of Florida and researcher Daniel M. Cable, Ph.D. of the University of North Carolina, found a link between taller height in men and higher salaries. Their findings suggest that a 6'0" tall man will earn over $160,000 more over the course of a 30-year career than a shorter man in that same position.


2. What color is your hair?

a. Blond
b. Red
c. Brown
d. Black
Not only do gentlemen prefer blondes, but women with blond hair make a salary that is 7 percent higher than ladies with darker hair, says the University of Queensland.


3. How do people describe your face?
a. Mature looking
b. Wrinkled and weathered
c. Baby-faced and youthful
d. Pudgy
A Duke University study called "A Corporate Beauty Contest" found that mature-looking Caucasian men were perceived as more powerful in the workplace than their youthful, sprite-looking counterparts.

4. How often do you smile?
a. All the time
b. Frequently
c. Occasionally
d. Seldom
Rice University Professor Rick Wilson's new study found that good looks and success go hand in hand, and that people who smile a lot are seen as more trustworthy -- a major bonus in the workplace if you are trying to advance your career or start a new one.

5. Men, how much hair do you have and where is it?
a. Clean shaven with all your own hair
b. Bald
c. Moustache
d. Beard
In today's workplace, there is a huge emphasis on your image and appearance, because it is believed by many that your outward presentation goes along with your inward personality and capabilities. For example, U.S. News & World Report finds that hair implants and plastic surgery can actually improve your workplace standings.

6. Women, do you wear makeup to work?
a. All the time
b. Sometimes
c. Rarely
d. Never
Research and expert advice shows that women who wear makeup to work are perceived as more professional, and that made-up women get promoted faster than those who go au natural.

7. What's your standard workplace attire of choice?
a. Conservative suits
b. Hips dresses or fashionable ties
c. Casual, relaxed clothes
d. Sexy and tight outfits
The Harvard Business Review found that more than half of professional women believed that conservative attire was linked to higher levels of success. There is something to be said for not wearing distracting or inappropriate clothing to the office; after all, you want people to know you are a worker bee, not a working gal.

8. What is your marital status?
a. Married
b. Separated
c. Divorced
d. Single
Want to climb the corporate ladder? Well then hitch your career-star to your better half and enjoy a greater net worth than your single friends, says Dinks Finance and Richard Niolon.

9. What's your ancestry?
a. Russian
b. Chinese
c. French
d. German
According to 'The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America's Wealthy,' households headed by persons of Russian ancestry tend to have higher net worths.


10. How often do you smoke?
a. Never
b. Occasionally (social smoking, a few cigarettes per month)
c. Frequently (several cigarettes a day)
d. Often (8 or more cigarettes a day)
If you smoke, your net worth may go up in smoke as well. According to 'The Wealth Effects of Smoking' by J.L Zagorsky, non-smokers have a net worth that is 50 percent higher than light smokers.

Calculate your score
To calculate your score, give yourself 20 points for every A answer, 15 for every B, 10 for every C and 5 for every D. (* Please note that while this quiz is based on studies and research, it is in no way scientifically certain and should not be treated as such.)

200 - 170
You are a cut-above the rest and destined to be a top-earner who easily grosses well over six figures each year. Think, law firm partner, investment banker, IT guru and entrepreneurial ninja. For people in this category, the sky is the limit and bonuses are often as big as the bucks you'll earn.

165-135
You are still coming out well above average and will enjoy a comfortable lifestyle thanks to your career. Jobs that fall into this second tier category will most likely be in high-end sales, like real estate or pharmaceuticals, or as a physician or a consultant.

130-100
Your score is right around the average. You make enough to pay bills, but do not enjoy a lavish lifestyle. Many of the jobs suited to employees in this category are standard office positions, such as federal and state workers, human resources personnel and executive assistants.

95-50
You are not destined to make big bucks in your current career situation and may want to rethink your long-term goals for career advancement. Employees in this tier often do shift work or manual labor, and don't seem to make enough to pay their bills.

Clearly getting a job today is just as much about what you look like, as it is about what and who you know.

If you find that your appearance or actions are falling short in certain areas, take the necessary steps to climb the corporate ladder. Regardless of whether the critical factor be shaving, getting hitched or dying your hair -- what do you have to lose?

Some things you have no control over, like your height or eye color; but other things are easily altered (such as how much you smoke), and can be the difference between a six-figure salary and a $50,000 salary.

Cooking with SKH- Country Chicken with Mushrooms and Veggie Stuffed Potatoes

Thanks to Stauffers of Kissel Hill Supermarket for supplying the groceries!

Recipe for Country Chicken with Mushrooms and Stuffed Baked Potatoes can also be found at www.skh.com

Country Chicken and Mushrooms -

Ingredients: 3 Tbs Mrs. Dash® Garlic & Herb Blend, 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 lb mushrooms, wiped or washed, cut in half and 2 Tbs olive oil

Directions: Heat oven to 450 degrees. Place chicken breasts and mushrooms in 2 separate bowls. Toss each with 1 Tbsp. olive oil and 1 1/2 Tbsp. Mrs. Dash® Garlic & Herb Blend. Place each in separate ovenproof casserole dishes and bake 35-40 minutes. Plate chicken and sprinkle with mushrooms and pan juices.

Stuffed Baked Potatoes-

Ingredients: 2 Tbs Mrs. Dash® Original Blend, 2 large warm baked russet potatoes, 2 Tbs olive oil, 1/4 cup red onion, chopped fine, 1 stalk celery, chopped fine

Directions: Bake potato in microwave or oven. Slice potatoes in half. Scoop pulp into a bowl, leaving 1/4 of potato around skin. Heat a small sauté pan over medium heat. Add 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil, sauté onions and celery until cooked. Toss into potato pulp with remaining olive oil and Mrs. Dash® Original Blend. Mix and stuff into the reserved potato skins.

Going on an interview? Things your interviewer wants you to know:

Job seekers spend a lot of time and energy applying for positions, but when invited for an interview many are caught like a deer in the headlights -- unprepared and trying to cram for the interview they worked so hard to win. Here are seven things your interviewer wants you to know and action steps to help you successfully navigate the interview process:

It is tough to hire a quality employee. It's ironic that unemployment is so high, but there is a definite war for talent. Your interviewer is likely tired of looking for someone to hire and rooting for you to be the perfect fit. Focus on how you can be the ideal candidate. Make a list of your qualifications and rehearse answers to, "Why should we hire you?"

No one wants to interview a slob. Dress professionally, even if you're an internal candidate or are interviewing for an entry-level position with no dress code. You don't need a three-piece suit, but if you look like you're on the way to a supermarket, it gives the impression you don't care very much about the opportunity.

Eye contact and body language are important. Studies show interviewees make a defining impression within the first 30 seconds. Don't slouch in your chair or fidget.

No one wants to listen to long, drawn out replies. Keep your answers brief and to the point. If your interviewer is compiling a mental grocery list while you are speaking, you can bet you're not going to be the top candidate. Time yourself speaking for one minute. You may be surprised by how much you can say in a short time. Identify common interview questions, such as, "Tell me about yourself." Don't mistake this for an open invitation to share your entire autobiography!

Directly answering questions is key to successful interviewing. Listen carefully, especially if inquiries have multiple parts. Don't be afraid to jot down some notes, especially if they'll help you address each inquiry succinctly.

It's important to demonstrate what you know about the company. A little research goes a long way.

Have questions for the interviewer. If you have nothing to ask, it makes you seem uninterested in the job. When you prepare, identify some unique questions for your employer. Don't ask anything you could easily find via research. If you come up with a thought-provoking question -- one that isn't found on lists of questions to ask -- it will help you stand out from the competition.

Where the stars stash their Oscars....

The most popular spot to stash an Oscar? The bathroom!

Susan Sarandon (Best Actress, Dead Man Walking, 1995): For years she kept it in the guest bathroom of her home -- along with all of her other award hardware. Now it's on tour with the Gold exhibit organized by The Museum of Natural History. Says Sarandon, "I haven’t seen it in a few years."

Robin Williams (Best Supporting Actor, Good Will Hunting, 1997): He keeps his Oscar in his home in Tiburon, California -- sandwiched between two Screen Actor Guild awards.

Timothy Hutton (Best Supporting Actor, Ordinary People, 1980): He once told USA Today his sister thought it would be a good idea to keep his Oscar in the refrigerator. "She thought that would be kind of funny to put the Oscar in the refrigerator when people would go grab a beer or something ... it's still there."

Reese Witherspoon (Best Actress, Walk the Line, 2005): After winning her Oscar, she told People magazine she considered making it into a door knocker or a necklace, "but neither one of those options was very practical. I just keep it in my living room."

Jodie Foster (Best Actress, The Accused [1988], The Silence of the Lambs [1991]): She used to keep hers in the bathroom "because they looked good with the faucets," she has said. "But when they started getting corroded on the bottom, I had to move them to a trophy case in my den."

Catherine Zeta Jones (Best Supporting Actress, Chicago, 2002): She has kept her Oscar in a hot spot. "He's in our home in Bermuda," she once told InStyle. "I figured that not many Oscars have lived there. Of course, everyone who visits wants a photograph with him."

Holly Hunter (Best Actress, The Piano, 1994): She told Oprah Winfrey earlier this year that she keeps her award at filmmakers Joel and Ethan Coen's office in New York -- along with actress Frances McDormand's Oscar for her Best Actress role in Fargo. "It's all just one big happy family," Hunter said.

Cuba Gooding Jr. (Best Supporting Actor, Jerry Maguire, 1996): "We had a wine cabinet, and it sat behind the glass on one of the shelves. People would say, 'Is that it?' The cabinet was temperature controlled because of the wine, so the Oscar stayed beaming new. Now that I keep it out in the open in my screening room, it has become tarnished -- which is kind of cool. It's starting to age and get character. Like me."

Cate Blanchett (Best Supporting Actress, The Aviator, 2005): She doesn't keep her statue in one place. She once told InStyle, "It's been in the study recently. It moves around a bit like my family and I do. I don't look at it every day though. Life goes on."

Kate Winslet (Best Actress, The Reader, 2009): It's in her bathroom so guests "can sneakily have a little [hold] and put it back down again."

Tom Hanks (Best Actor, Philadelphia [1993], Forrest Gump [1994]): "Where are they now? They are on the family trophy shelf, next to the soccer trophies. I think the World's Greatest Mom trophy from Mother's Day is up there as well."

Hilary Swank (Best Actress, Boys Don’t Cry [1993], Million Dollar Baby [2004]): "They're in the family room -- on a great shelf, next to my books."

Emma Thompson (Best Actress, Howard's End, 1992): Yup, she stores her statue in the bathroom too. "They look far too outré anywhere else. They're great big, gold, shiny things. They're up there tarnishing quietly along with everything else I own, including my body."

Anna Paquin (Best Supporting Actress, The Piano, 1994): Asked where she stores her statue, she told Playboy in 1999, "In the bottom of my closet, gathering dust."

Addictions you didn't know existed!

Addictions are powerful chemical dependencies that don’t always make sense to outsiders, or sometimes even psychologists. What we do know is that if the brain likes what it tastes, feels or sees, anything and everything can become addictive. Here are some addictions you didn’t know existed:

Work Addiction: People joke about it, but work addictions really do exist. People who are addicted to work obsess over work and spend more than the necessary amount of time at work because it gives them a sense of fulfillment. Workaholics often experience broken relationships, emotional disconnection and other health-related problems.

Eating Cigarette Ashes: Addiction to eating cigarette ashes is a form of pica disorder, in which a person craves foods with no nutritional value. People who eat cigarette ashes may have nutritional deficiencies or be anemic. Excessive consumption of cigarette ashes could be toxic and cause gastrointestinal issues.

Eating Chalk: Chalk eating is a common form of pica disorder that affect both children and adults. Even though it is labeled as non-hazardous, excessive chalk eating can be harmful to your health. Chalk may be contaminated during the manufacturing process and could contain metal shavings, rodent droppings and traces of chemicals that may be dangerous to ingest.

Eating Glass: Glass eating, also called hyalophagia, is a pathological and pica disorder that is very dangerous. People who are addicted to eating glass may sustain internal injuries and have serious gastrointestinal issues. Glass eating has been a performance technique for years, and many addicts enjoy the attention that comes with eating glass.

Hair Pulling: Hair pulling, also called trichotillomania, is an overwhelming addiction to pulling, twisting and plucking hair from the scalp or face. People who are addicted to pulling their hair typically have bald spots and may disguise their condition by wearing wigs or hats. The cause of hair pulling is not completely clear, but researchers believe genetic and environmental factors contribute to this painful addiction.

Eating Toilet Paper: Toilet paper is another common non-food item consumed by people with pica disorder. Even though toilet paper may seem harmless because we use it on our skin every day, it can contain trace contaminants and chemicals from the manufacturing process. Not only is it unsafe to ingest these chemicals, but toilet paper is not easily digested by the body.
Eating Soap: Believe it or not, there are quite a few people who not only enjoy having a bar of soap in their mouths, but they like to eat it too. Eating soap is a form of pica disorder that can have some serious health consequences. The toxic chemicals in soap can cause digestive problems, metabolic changes and affect the blood stream.

Eating Laundry Detergent: Eating laundry detergent is a form of pica disorder, in which the consumer retains no nutritional value from the product. This addiction poses a serious danger to one’s health when consumed in excess. Laundry detergent is full of toxic ingredients, such as phosphates, chlorine bleach, corrosive acids and fillers that can make you sick to your stomach and cause several other health complications.

Thumb Sucking: Thumb sucking is an addiction shared by children and adults alike. There are many reasons why people suck their thumbs during adulthood, such as anxiety and security. Aside from public humiliation and embarrassment, adults who are addicted to sucking their thumb might experience dental problems, social isolation and shame.

Bodybuilding: Bodybuilding is something that can start out as normal and healthy, but can become very addictive in no time. Extreme bodybuilding can lead to many unhealthy practices, such as steroid usage. The obsession with being as muscular and strong as possible puts serious strain on one’s body and heart and can lead to disordered eating, as well.

Tattoos: For many people, tattoos are like potato chips — you can never have just one. However, there comes a point where getting tattoos can become a serious addiction. Tattoo addicts may be obsessed with the pain of the needle and the adrenaline response, as well as the attention they get from having tons of tattoos. The more tattoos a person gets the greater their chances are for having allergic reactions, skin infections and contracting blood-borne diseases.

Piercings: Piercings, much like tattoos, can be very addictive. Whether it’s the pain of piercing the skin or the attention it draws, people can become addicted to piercings in an unhealthy way. There are some serious risks involved with excessive piercing, such as bacterial infections, allergic reactions, blood-borne diseases and damage to nerves.

Eating Sugar: Sugar addiction is not just an excuse to eat tons of candy – it’s a real problem.
Sugar addicts consume foods and drinks that contain large quantities of sugar, specifically white refined sugar. This unhealthy diet can lead to many health problems, including diabetes, pancreatic problems, bowel diseases, obesity and dental issues.

Life-Sized Love Dolls: It may sound ludicrous, but there is a large group of individuals who are addicted to life-sized love dolls. These dolls don’t just provide sexual partnership; they also offer companionship and acceptance to these lonely individuals. People who are addicted to love dolls are often socially isolated and disconnected with the real world.

Four Tips That Will Help You Fall Asleep Tonight:

If you didn't sleep well last night, you're not alone. Ten percent of people have chronic insomnia, and most of us experience it at some point in our lives. The best thing you can do is get some exercise. But sometimes even that doesn't help. --So here are four tips from Health.com that will help you fall asleep tonight.

#1.) Don't Look at the Clock. It just reinforces the idea that you'll NEVER fall asleep. If you can't help looking at it, try turning it around so you can't.

#2.) Don't Stay In Bed More Than 15 Minutes. According to Health.com, you have to teach your brain that your bed is for sleeping, not lying awake worrying. So you're supposed to leave the bedroom and do something quiet, like reading.

#3.) Don't Turn on the Overhead Light. Bright light disrupts the production of melatonin and wakes you up. So if you can't sleep, or you get out of bed to go to the bathroom, turn on a lamp instead of hitting a light switch. --And you should use dim lights when you're getting READY for bed too, because the sooner your body starts producing melatonin, the sooner you'll start feeling sleepy.

#4.) Don't Make Your Brain Do Anything. Don't balance your checkbook, catch up on work, or do anything else that's too stimulating. It just tells your brain that you need to stay awake.
--And if you watch TV, turn on the sleep timer, then put something boring on that you don't really care about. If it's something you're interested in, you DEFINITELY won't fall asleep.

The Five Most Common Sleep Positions and What They Say About Your Personality:

These things always seem like nonsense, but according to "Men's Health", the position you sleep in at night could reveal certain things about your personality. --Researchers surveyed 1,000 people and watched them sleep. Here are the five most common positions, and what they mean.

#1.) The Fetus Position. It's the most popular position, and 41% of the people who were studied prefer it. Here's what it means: --If you sleep on your side, people think you're tough, but you're actually shy and sensitive. And it might take a while before you warm up to strangers, but once you know them you're much more relaxed. --There's also one health concern: If you sleep on your LEFT side, it can put stress on your liver, stomach, and lungs. So sleeping on your right side is better.

#2.) Sleeping on Your Side, But Not Curling Up. It means you're social and easygoing. But you also tend to trust people too much, so you're easy to take advantage of.

#3.) The Yearner Position. It's when you sleep on your side with both arms out in front of you . . . kind of the way Frankenstein looks when he walks . . . and it means you're open to new things, but also suspicious and cynical. --It takes you a long time to make decisions. But once you do, you don't change your mind very easily.

#4.) Sleeping on Your Stomach. People who sleep on their stomach with their hands above their head are good at making quick decisions . . . but sometimes that results in BAD decisions. And they tend to take criticism personally.

#5.) The Soldier Position. It's when you sleep on your back with your arms out at your sides, and your legs slightly spread. If that's you, then according to the study you're quiet and reserved, but you expect a lot out of yourself and others. --And there's also a good chance you snore, since sleeping on your back makes it harder to breathe. You'll sleep better . . . and so will the person next to you . . . if you flip over and sleep on your stomach. --Plus, sleeping on your stomach is better for digestion.

Travolta minus the wig!

Everyone pretty much knows that JOHN TRAVOLTA wears a wig. But I would guess that most people have never seen him without it. If you're one of them, consider this an early Christmas present.

Four Bad Things for Your Kids . . . That Are Actually Good:

Parents have to worry about a lot these days, so here's a list to help bring your stress level down: It's four major things parents worry about . . . but they don't actually need to.

#1.) Your Kids Getting Bored. At least one study has shown that boredom is actually good for kids, because it stimulates their imagination and forces them to be creative. Plus, it helps them become more patient and appreciative.

#2.) Video Games. According to separate studies done at Harvard and in Europe, video games help improve innovative thinking, creativity, and cooperation skills . . . even the violent ones. --And that's not just for boys. A recent study showed that girls who play video games are often smarter and better-behaved, and they have a stronger connection with their families.

#3.) Junk Food. Obviously, they can't eat it ALL the time. But you shouldn't keep them on a super-strict diet either. Kids who get an unhealthy treat every now and then are more likely to maintain a healthy weight. --And overweight kids are more likely to stay on a diet if they occasionally get to have something that's bad for them.

#4.) Television. It's bad for them if they only watch crap like "Skins". But kids who watch EDUCATIONAL shows are less aggressive, study more, and get better grades on reading and math tests. --So, if your kids only watch MTV, then sitting in front of the television isn't doing them any good. But if they watch the Science channel, it's okay.

Four Popular Ways to Relieve Stress . . . And Four New Methods That Work Better:

According to the health magazine "Prevention", some of the things people do to relieve stress don't work as well as we think they do. Here are four old methods that don't always work, and four NEW methods that work better.

#1.) If You Like Yoga, Keep Doing It . . . But You Don't Have To. In a recent study, 54% of people said they felt anxious while they were doing yoga, which means it's actually STRESSFUL for a lot of people. --Doctors say you're better off doing basically any repetitive activity you enjoy, including jogging, swimming, painting, walking, knitting, and even praying.


#2.) Talking About Your Problems Isn't Always Helpful. Researchers at Kent State University studied people who'd recently suffered a stressful event, or lost someone they cared about.
--And a lot of them were better off if they avoided thinking or talking about it. Psychologists call it "repressive coping", and for a lot of people, it works better than therapy. --In another study, people who talked about their stressful event ALL THE TIME were more likely to develop depression and anxiety.

#3.) You Shouldn't Eat Away Your Stress, But Dark Chocolate Is Okay. Some people eat throughout the day to relieve stress. But if you start gaining weight, it can mess with your self-esteem and make you even more stressed out. --But the one food you SHOULD eat is dark chocolate. In one study, stressed-out volunteers who ate one-and-a-half ounces of dark chocolate a day for two weeks had fewer stress hormones. --But if you like MILK chocolate, you're out of luck. Researchers think Vitamin P is what reduces stress, and even though milk chocolate has some, they think the milk prevents it from absorbing into your body.

#4.) People Used to Say You Should Control Your Temper. But throwing a temper tantrum every now and then is actually better. --According to at least one study, occasionally showing how angry you are causes your brain to release less of the stress hormone cortisol. --But you can't go overboard because obviously, if you constantly yell at people, you'll get more stressed out, and everyone will start hating you. Just ask Mel Gibson.

Valentine's Day is over, so how do you keep Cupid's magic around all year long?

Redbook magazine discovered seven simple items every married couple must have for long-term bliss.

1. A beautifully framed picture from your falling-in-love days. Not the pretty wedding photo, but something that reminds you of the time when you couldn't get enough of that certain someone. DR. DIANA KIRSCHNER says it can be an instant way of bringing back that crazy chemistry.

2. A movie you both love. Throw out lines from whatever flick you choose and make it "your thing."

3. A unique anniversary to celebrate. There are a lot of milestones that you two can cherish, whether it was your first kiss, first date or when you saw a pregnancy test turn that magic blue!

4. An empty-nest dream. What do you dream of doing when the pressure of raising children is gone? Bonding over your fantasies about life will keep you close and reinforce the message that there are plenty of good times ahead.

5. A fight that never ends. There will be things you just won't agree on --get over it, respect one another's opinions and it will strengthen your marriage.

6. Mad money. Create a fund just for having fun and spend it on a spur-of-the-moment weekend trip, front-row tickets to a concert or expensive bottle of champagne.

7. An oversize beach blanket. This baby ain't for keeping the sand away, but to have on standby so you can make love anywhere in the house. Yowsah!