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Mike Morgan Gets You Through Your 9 to 5 Workday. Weekday's from 10am-3pm.

Friday, 26 August 2011 15:14

Be Ready for Hurricane

Written by CJ Riddick

Food and supplies checklist for storm preparation

3-day supply kit

Start with an easy to carry, watertight container – a large, plastic trash can will do, or you can line a sturdy cardboard box with a couple of trash bags. Next, gather the following items and place them in your kit:

  • Water: 1 gallon per person per day. Fill plastic containers, such as soft-drink bottles.
  • Water purification kit or bleach (use eight drops of regular bleach per gallon of water.
  • Essential medications
  • First-aid book and kit that includes:
  • 20 emergency bandages of various sizes
  • One 5 x 9 sterile dressing
  • One roll of self-adhering elastic bandage
  • Four various-sized sterile gauze pads
  • One roll of 3-inch cohesive bandage
  • Waterless alcohol-based sanitizer and wipes
  • Medical grade non-latex gloves
  • Adhesive tape, 2-inch width
  • Anti-bacterial ointment
  • Cold pack
  • Small scissors
  • Tweezers
  • CPR breathing barrier, such as a face shield
  • Non-prescription drugs (e.g., aspirin or non-aspirin pain relievers)
  • Ready-to-eat, non-perishable foods, such as canned meats, granola bars, instant soup and cereals, fruits and vegetables, canned or box juices, peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix, bread and any special dietary items you and your family need.
  • Manual can opener
  • Baby supplies: formula, bottle, pacifier, soap, baby powder, clothing, blankets, baby wipes, disposable diapers, canned food and juices
  • Food, water, leash and carrier for pets (If you plan to go to a shelter, remember that most do not allow pets.
  • Sanitary Items:
    • Large, plastic trash bags for waste and to use as tarps and rain ponchos
    • Large trash cans
    • Towelettes
    • Bar soap and liquid detergent
    • Shampoo
    • Toothpaste and toothbrushes
    • Feminine hygiene supplies
    • Toilet paper
    • Household bleach for cleaning
    • Rubber gloves
  • Blanket or sleeping bag per person
  • Battery-powered, portable radio or portable TV and plenty of extra batteries
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Extra pair of eyeglasses
  • Extra house and car keys
  • Fire extinguisher (ABC-type)
  • Cash and change
  • Seasonal change of clothing, including sturdy shoes

Prepare your paperwork

Start with a portable, waterproof (airtight) bag that's brightly colored, so you can quickly find it in the dark. Diving equipment shops stock the ideal bag, but gallon-sized or larger zip-lock bags will do in a pinch.

Print this checklist and keep it inside your waterproof bag to help you collect the items listed below:

  • Driver's License or Photo ID
  • Emergency Contact List or Address Book (even if contacts are stored in a smart phone)
  • Insurance Policies (health, home, auto)
  • Vital Documents: Birth Certificates, Passports, Wills
  • Bank Account Information (account numbers, passwords)
  • Photocopy of Credit and Debit cards (front and back)
  • Stock Certificates, Investment Information
  • Extra Keys (home, safe deposit box, office and car)

Remember: When packing, be realistic about what you can carry. Pack only what is essential for surviving the storm and its aftermath.

Don't forget to hurricane-proof your digital information. Backing up to a portable hard drive leaves you open to the same storm-related dangers your computer faces. Cloud-based backup preserves your data and grants you secure access from anywhere.

 

14-Day Supply Kit

The experiences of Hurricanes Hugo, Bertha and Fran have taught North Carolinians to be prepared to live without utilities and basic services for two weeks or more. In addition to the three-day supply kit, these supplies will be good to have if you find your self going 14 days without electricity or running water:

  • Disposable plates, cups, utensils
  • Plastic garbage bags
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Cooler
  • Ice
  • Toiletries
  • Detergent for dishes and clothes
  • Clothesline and clothespins
  • Games, such as cards, and quiet toys
  • Duct and masking tape
  • Rolls of plastic
  • Lantern and fuel (not candles)
  • Gloves and goggles
  • Small tools
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Brooms and mops
  • Pails and buckets
  • Ladders
  • Plywood and nails
  • Rakes and shovels
  • Chain saw, gas and oil
  • Wheelbarrow
  • Battery-operated clock
  • Butane lighter or matches
  • Axes, hatchets, pruners
  • Rope

 

Source: WRAL.com


Friday, 26 August 2011 15:07

Show Material for Friday 8/26/2011

Written by CJ Riddick

SHOCKER: COUPLES FIGHT

A new study says that couples who fight won't stop just because they get married.

The Ohio State University study suggests couples who bickered at the beginning of their relationships still did so 20 years later, while tranquil couples stayed ... tranquil.

But is it a bad thing? Nope. Couples who fight might just learn to communicate and settle their differences. The study even suggests that a complete lack of conflict might indicate apathy or indifference, which can destroy a relationship in the face of live-altering events (birth, death, etc.).

Source: YourTango.com

 

 

GUYS THINK TALKING ABOUT PROBLEMS IS A WASTE OF TIME

According to a new study from the University of Missouri, guys don't talk about their problems.

And, the reason guys don't talk about their problems -- according to researchers -- is that they think it's a waste of time.

"For years, popular psychologists have insisted that boys and men would like to talk about their problems but are held back by fears of embarrassment or appearing weak," said researcher Amanda Rose.

"But, when we asked young people how talking about their problems would make them feel, boys didn't express angst or distress about discussing problems any more than girls. Instead, boys' responses suggest that they just don't see talking about problems to be a particularly useful activity."

Source: PsychCentral.com

 

 

THE SOCIAL NETWORK: Teen Facebook Users More Likely To Drink And Use Drugs

According to a new study, teens who regularly log on to Facebook and other social networks are more likely to smoke, drink or use marijuana than teens who don't visit the sites.

The researchers believe that the teens who spend time on Facebook see lots of images of their peers drinking or using drugs, and those images convince them that using the stuff is a normal, acceptable activity.

"We're not saying Facebook causes it," said researcher Joseph Califano. "But we are saying that this is a characteristic that should signal to parents that, well, you ought to be watching."

Source: Chicago Tribune

 

 

Ways Young People Can Keep Their Jobs

The economy has been so bad for so long that some young people who have never entered the workforce just don't know anything else.

Researchers from Purdue University had young people in mind as they studied ways to get and keep jobs -- even in a "down" economy.

They found that the three key ingredients to a successful career are:

  1. A drive to constantly educate yourself
  2. A focus on a particular career
  3. Productive job search methods

The study showed that people who maintained high career aspirations and were clear about their career goals from ages 18 to 30 were more likely to be employed when they were 33 to 36 years old and to have higher wages than those who were indecisive about their career goals.

Friday, 26 August 2011 15:05

Show Material for Thursday 8/25/2011

Written by CJ Riddick

THE GEEKIEST CITIES IN AMERICA

Over the past 20 years or so, there has been a nerd revolution. Back in the day, nerds were looked down upon and laughed at. These days, they're billionaires, buying NFL franchises and Caribbean islands.

So, if you're smart, awkward and good at math, embrace your inner nerd. The world is yours for the taking.

According to U.S. National Science Foundation, here are the cities with the highest nerd concentrations -- the geekiest cities in America:

5. Durham, North Carolina -- Part of the "Research Triangle," Durham has Duke University and the third-highest percentage of adults with at least a bachelor's degree.

4. Huntsville, Alabama -- Plenty of pocket protectors all around because of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center.

3. Framingham, Massachusetts -- There are nerd magnets all around, including Bose, Genzyme and Capital One banking offices.

2. Boulder, Colorado -- Boulder features a large state university campus, numerous scientific institutes and a strong tech sector.

1. San Jose, California -- The grand daddy of geek cities, San Jose is the epicenter of Silicon Valley.

Source: Yahoo! Real Estate

 

 

VIDEO GAMES BOOST PARENT-CHILD BONDING

Despite the fact that parents are often railing on their kids to spend less time playing video games, a new survey has shown that video games actually have a positive effect on the bonding between parents and their kids.

The trick is, of course, for parents to actually spend the time playing the games with their kids.

Some survey results:

  • 80 percent of parents who played games with their kids described it as "quality time."
  • 33 percent of parents claimed that playing video games with their kids had a positive impact on their bond with them.
  • 22 percent of parents were happy, claiming that video games increased their child's awareness about technology.

Source: ITProPortal.com

 

 

People Using Cell Phones To Avoid In-Person Contact

According to a new survey, 13 percent of people have faked being on the phone to avoid in-person contact.

That number more than doubled, to 30 percent, among people between the ages of 18 and 29.

Many said they didn't just pretend to use their phones, but instead actually made calls to create "social force fields" in different situations, such as getting away from aggressive sales people and avoiding small talk in elevators.

Source: Denver Post

 

 

Single People Die Younger

If you love being single, you better enjoy it while it lasts -- because a new study has found that single people may die younger.

Researchers found that single men could die about eight to 17 years earlier than married men -- and single women could last seven to 15 years less than married women.

But, lead researcher David Roelfs warns, "The study is all about probabilities -- and not certainties. The last thing we want is for some single person to say, 'Oh my God, I'm going to die young.'"

Source: MSNBC

Friday, 26 August 2011 15:04

Show Material for Wednesday 8/24/2011

Written by CJ Riddick

WOMEN GAIN WEIGHT AFTER THE WEDDING, MEN AFTER THE DIVORCE

According to a new study from Ohio State University, women are likely to gain weight after their wedding -- and men are likely to gain weight after their divorce.

The researchers called the changes in marital status "weight shocks."

"Divorces for men and, to some extent, marriages for women, promote weight gains that may be large enough to pose a health risk," study leader Dmitry Tumin said.

The likelihood of major weight gains following weddings and divorces increases the most for people over the age of 30.

Source: Fox News

 

 

STUDY: Slacking Off Online Is Good For Productivity

According to new study, slacking off at work by surfing the Internet is actually good for productivity.

Researchers found that goofing off by checking stuff out online refreshes tired workers.

But, the results weren't so great for such activities as checking e-mail, sending text messages or making phone calls, which seemed to be mentally taxing for people.

The problem, of course, is getting people to restrict their Internet use to small, controlled breaks -- and avoiding letting Internet use get out of control.

Source: Time

 

 

Trying To Be A Supermom Can Make You Depressed

According to a new study, trying to be a "supermom" can be bad for your mental health.

Researchers found that supermoms have higher rates of depression compared with working moms who let things slide.

The least depressed moms are those who do NOT expect to combine work and family life seamlessly.

"Somewhat ironically, women who don't expect to be able to balance work and family have better mental health than those who do," explained lead researcher Katrina Leupp.

Source: MLive.com

 

 

GALLUP POLL: Republicans Neck-and-Neck with Obama

If the presidential election were to happen today, it would be a tight race no matter which Republican candidate was going up against President Obama.

According to a new Gallup poll released yesterday, Obama's approval rating is now around 40 percent. He leads Michele Bachmann 48 to 44 percent and Ron Paul 47 to 45 percent, but he's tied with Texas Governor Rick Perry with 47 percent each, and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney is ahead of Obama 48 to 46 percent.

Source: NationalJournal

Friday, 26 August 2011 15:02

Show Material for Tuesday 8/23/2011

Written by CJ Riddick

PHONE (OVER) SEX

It's no secret that we all love our cell phones. But do we love them more than chocolate ... or red wine ... or coffee ... or sex?

Turns out -- we do. A recent poll by TeleNav found that a whopping 70 percent of women said that they'd skip a week of sex before going a week without their phone.

More Results ...

  • 70 percent said they would ditch alcohol for their phone
  • 55 percent said they would stop drinking coffee to keep their phone
  • 54 percent said they would give up exercise

Source: TheFrisky.com

 

 

SIZE MATTERS

When it comes to online dating, women seem to really care about height -- and income. An economist at Duke University used online dating statistics to determine that in order to compete with taller guys, short men need to earn at least $30,000 more per year to get as many online dating responses as a guy who's got just one inch on them.

No joke -- the study showed a 5-foot-9-inch man needs to make 30 grand more than a 5-foot-10-inch guy to be as successful in the dating pool.

Source: Charlotte Observer

 

 

DIET & EXERCISE: Nutrition Labels Helping Fast Food Eaters Cut Calories

As the debate about whether or not nutrition labels at restaurants is helping people get healthier, a new study has shown that the information is at least helping fast food eaters make better choices.

The trick is, of course, that the customers have to actually read the information.

Researchers looking at New York City's fast-food restaurants found only one in six customers actually read them.

But, the customers who do look order something healthier -- choosing items with 100 fewer calories.

The researchers also found that women are more likely to use the information when deciding what to order, as were people in wealthier neighborhoods.

The least likely to look were young people.

Source: CBS News

 

 

BALLOON GOWNS

It's no secret that a wedding gown can cost as much as some people's entire wedding. But, if you're on a budget and willing to stray FAR from the beaten path, there could be a really cool alternative for you ... the balloon gown.

There is a whole movement of quirky women who are trading in the lace and beading for rubber and helium -- and some of the dresses are actually incredible. Don't believe us? There was even a Balloon Fashion Show in Las Vegas, so SOMEBODY thinks this is a good idea!

Source: Yahoo Shine

Friday, 26 August 2011 15:01

Show Material for Monday 8/22/2011

Written by CJ Riddick

SHOPPING AROUND HOT PEOPLE

Shopping for clothes can be a really fun experience. We all like to throw on a new, hot piece of clothing that makes us feel sexy and stylish.

But, according to a new study published in the Journal of Consumer Research, if you go shopping with a bad body image, you're more likely to hate the clothes you try on -- especially if you see someone you think is better looking wearing the same outfit.

This can be a real problem for clothing stores that have attractive salespeople wearing the store's brands.

Source: Jezebel.com

 

 

VIDEO GAMERS TRY TO BE THEIR "IDEAL SELVES"

According to a new study published in Psychological Science, people who play video games aren't just doing it for the action and adventure. They're doing it because of a desire to find their "ideal selves."

Researchers traced the dreams of video gamers back to their childhoods, when they used their imaginations to be all sorts of things -- an athlete, a rock star, a superhero, among many others.

The researchers then found that games let people actually live out that fantasy.

"A game can be more fun when you get the chance to act and be like your ideal self," said study author Andy Przybylski. "The attraction to playing video games and what makes them fun is that it gives people the chance to think about a role they would ideally like to take and then get a chance to play that role."

"Players are not escaping to nowhere. They are escaping to somewhere."

Source: Time

 

 

Positive Teens More Likely To Lead Happier Lives As Adults

According to a new study, young adults with a positive outlook on life are more likely to enjoy a happier, safer adulthood.

Researchers at Northwestern University looked at data from teenagers in 1994 and found that those who reported a positive well-being as teens were healthier and less likely to indulge in risky behaviors like drug use and binge drinking as adults.

Source: Chicago Sun Times

 

 

MICHELE BACHMANN: Promises Gas Below $2 a Gallon

The always controversial presidential candidate Michele Bachmann is making some pretty big promises on the campaign trail. Earlier this week, she said if she's elected president, gas will drop below $2 a gallon.

Just how Bachman will accomplish this remains unclear. Her campaign website says that if elected, she'll ease restrictions on drilling and cut federal regulations on the shale gas industry. But experts say that might be good for creating some jobs and reduce our reliance on foreign oil, it wouldn't have a huge impact on gas and oil prices. Besides, oil analyst Tom Kloza says that lower gas prices could spell more trouble. Says Kloza, "You have to be careful what you wish for because the recipe for cheap prices these days is economic disaster."

Source: CNN Money

 

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