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Beware of Cute e-Cards
 Hackers are using Valentine's e-Cards to sneak malicious software onto unprotected computers. According to this article from MSNBC it works like this, "they want you to click on the link in the e-mail or instant message to retrieve your e-card. That will send you to their web site which has malware waiting to be downloaded." The code will then access a user's e-mail address book and send replications of the e-card message to them. One of the scams offers a free development kit that supposedly lets you create your own Valentine e-card. The message features a pair of Shih Tzu puppies (see image of what bogus e-mail looks like). Click on the link to get the kit and you've just infected your computer. So to stay safe, if you don't recognize the recipient don't open the e-mail. If you're searching for an e-Card to send to your spouse, be sure the card is coming from a reputable source or look within your own e-mail system for a template you can use without using a third party. Have a safe V-Day. Labels: advice, holidays, technology
Beware of Cute e-Cards
Hackers are using Valentine's e-Cards to sneak malicious software onto unprotected computers. According to this article from MSNBC it works like this, "they want you to click on the link in the e-mail or instant message to retrieve your e-card. That will send you to their web site which has malware waiting to be downloaded." The code will then access a user's e-mail address book and send replications of the e-card message to them. One of the scams offers a free development kit that supposedly lets you create your own Valentine e-card. The message features a pair of Shih Tzu puppies (see image of what bogus e-mail looks like). Click on the link to get the kit and you've just infected your computer. So to stay safe, if you don't recognize the recipient don't open the e-mail. If you're searching for an e-Card to send to your spouse, be sure the card is coming from a reputable source or look within your own e-mail system for a template you can use without using a third party. Have a safe V-Day. Labels: advice, holidays, technology
Beware of Cute e-Cards
Hackers are using Valentine's e-Cards to sneak malicious software onto unprotected computers. According to this article from MSNBC it works like this, "they want you to click on the link in the e-mail or instant message to retrieve your e-card. That will send you to their web site which has malware waiting to be downloaded." The code will then access a user's e-mail address book and send replications of the e-card message to them. One of the scams offers a free development kit that supposedly lets you create your own Valentine e-card. The message features a pair of Shih Tzu puppies (see image of what bogus e-mail looks like). Click on the link to get the kit and you've just infected your computer. So to stay safe, if you don't recognize the recipient don't open the e-mail. If you're searching for an e-Card to send to your spouse, be sure the card is coming from a reputable source or look within your own e-mail system for a template you can use without using a third party. Have a safe V-Day. Labels: advice, holidays, technology
VDay on the Cheap
 Consulting firm Brand Keys found that Americans will spend an average of 15 percent less this Valentine's Day than they did last year. BIGresearch for the National Retail Federation, found that consumers plan to spend an average of $102.50 on Valentine's Day this year, down from $122.98 last year. This article from MSNBC says this is the first dip in spending in eight years. The article says individuals should expect just a card instead of a gift card. The beauty of this drop is that it will help many couples refocus the importance of the holiday to love, not money or gifts. Do you plan on cutting back? Are you going to visit a cheaper restaurant instead of your usual favorite? If you have any cheap ideas, please share. Labels: date night, holidays, romance, study
VDay on the Cheap
Consulting firm Brand Keys found that Americans will spend an average of 15 percent less this Valentine's Day than they did last year. BIGresearch for the National Retail Federation, found that consumers plan to spend an average of $102.50 on Valentine's Day this year, down from $122.98 last year. This article from MSNBC says this is the first dip in spending in eight years. The article says individuals should expect just a card instead of a gift card. The beauty of this drop is that it will help many couples refocus the importance of the holiday to love, not money or gifts. Do you plan on cutting back? Are you going to visit a cheaper restaurant instead of your usual favorite? If you have any cheap ideas, please share. Labels: date night, holidays, romance, study
VDay on the Cheap
Consulting firm Brand Keys found that Americans will spend an average of 15 percent less this Valentine's Day than they did last year. BIGresearch for the National Retail Federation, found that consumers plan to spend an average of $102.50 on Valentine's Day this year, down from $122.98 last year. This article from MSNBC says this is the first dip in spending in eight years. The article says individuals should expect just a card instead of a gift card. The beauty of this drop is that it will help many couples refocus the importance of the holiday to love, not money or gifts. Do you plan on cutting back? Are you going to visit a cheaper restaurant instead of your usual favorite? If you have any cheap ideas, please share. Labels: date night, holidays, romance, study
Use Common Sense, Be Safe
 I read an article earlier today that suggested not to shoot your guns in celebration of the new year. Seems reasonable. But celebration isn't the only place you should use common sense, the weather is another place to use good judgement. Click here to read an article of a man who used a cutting torch to thaw ice and wound up thawing a lot of ice when he caught his house on fire. Be safe, don't drink and drive, and enjoy your New Year celebrations! Happy New Year everyone and be sure to give your spouse a BIG kiss at midnight--then remember to do the same thing throughout the year. Labels: advice, holidays, real people
Use Common Sense, Be Safe
I read an article earlier today that suggested not to shoot your guns in celebration of the new year. Seems reasonable. But celebration isn't the only place you should use common sense, the weather is another place to use good judgement. Click here to read an article of a man who used a cutting torch to thaw ice and wound up thawing a lot of ice when he caught his house on fire. Be safe, don't drink and drive, and enjoy your New Year celebrations! Happy New Year everyone and be sure to give your spouse a BIG kiss at midnight--then remember to do the same thing throughout the year. Labels: advice, holidays, real people
Use Common Sense, Be Safe
I read an article earlier today that suggested not to shoot your guns in celebration of the new year. Seems reasonable. But celebration isn't the only place you should use common sense, the weather is another place to use good judgement. Click here to read an article of a man who used a cutting torch to thaw ice and wound up thawing a lot of ice when he caught his house on fire. Be safe, don't drink and drive, and enjoy your New Year celebrations! Happy New Year everyone and be sure to give your spouse a BIG kiss at midnight--then remember to do the same thing throughout the year. Labels: advice, holidays, real people
Medical Myths
 Your kid eating sugar will make them hyper, right? Not so says British medical journal BMJ. They say that there is no scientific evidence to support this myth and that some of it is even psychological for the parents. The journal said that when parent were told their kids had sugary drinks, they rated that they were more hyper, even though the drinks were sugar free. Other myths include the one that poinsettias are poisonous, suicides increase during the holidays, eating at night makes you fat, you lose the most body heat through your head, and that their are cures for hangovers. To read the full article with explanations on these myths, click here. So go ahead and eat up at night with that sugary dessert, but don't drink too much because there's no cure in the morning. Happy holidays! Labels: food, health, holidays, kids, study
Medical Myths
Your kid eating sugar will make them hyper, right? Not so says British medical journal BMJ. They say that there is no scientific evidence to support this myth and that some of it is even psychological for the parents. The journal said that when parent were told their kids had sugary drinks, they rated that they were more hyper, even though the drinks were sugar free. Other myths include the one that poinsettias are poisonous, suicides increase during the holidays, eating at night makes you fat, you lose the most body heat through your head, and that their are cures for hangovers. To read the full article with explanations on these myths, click here. So go ahead and eat up at night with that sugary dessert, but don't drink too much because there's no cure in the morning. Happy holidays! Labels: food, health, holidays, kids, study
Medical Myths
Your kid eating sugar will make them hyper, right? Not so says British medical journal BMJ. They say that there is no scientific evidence to support this myth and that some of it is even psychological for the parents. The journal said that when parent were told their kids had sugary drinks, they rated that they were more hyper, even though the drinks were sugar free. Other myths include the one that poinsettias are poisonous, suicides increase during the holidays, eating at night makes you fat, you lose the most body heat through your head, and that their are cures for hangovers. To read the full article with explanations on these myths, click here. So go ahead and eat up at night with that sugary dessert, but don't drink too much because there's no cure in the morning. Happy holidays! Labels: food, health, holidays, kids, study
Less Gifts This Year
 Who on your Santa list is not going to receive a gift this year because of the economy? A Maritz Holiday Poll asked who's off this year's holiday gift list and perhaps surprisingly extended family were the first to go. 67 Percent said extended family were getting chopped, while 55 percent said friends and 50 percent said work associates. Click here to see the poll. Have you removed some people off your gift list who has traditionally been on it in years past? Are you making homemade goodies instead or have other ideas? Let us know what you're doing. Labels: holidays, news
Less Gifts This Year
Who on your Santa list is not going to receive a gift this year because of the economy? A Maritz Holiday Poll asked who's off this year's holiday gift list and perhaps surprisingly extended family were the first to go. 67 Percent said extended family were getting chopped, while 55 percent said friends and 50 percent said work associates. Click here to see the poll. Have you removed some people off your gift list who has traditionally been on it in years past? Are you making homemade goodies instead or have other ideas? Let us know what you're doing. Labels: holidays, news
Less Gifts This Year
Who on your Santa list is not going to receive a gift this year because of the economy? A Maritz Holiday Poll asked who's off this year's holiday gift list and perhaps surprisingly extended family were the first to go. 67 Percent said extended family were getting chopped, while 55 percent said friends and 50 percent said work associates. Click here to see the poll. Have you removed some people off your gift list who has traditionally been on it in years past? Are you making homemade goodies instead or have other ideas? Let us know what you're doing. Labels: holidays, news
12 Days of Christmas Costs $86,609
 Every year PNC Wealth Management compiles a "Christmas Price Index," which rings up the total costs from the first day of Christmas's partridge in a pear tree to the 12 drummers drumming, purchased repeatedly as the song suggests. Last year, the total was was $78,100. This year the total jumped 10.9 percent to $86,609, an increase of $8,508. Interestingly, the five gold rings is down to $350 from $395 last year and many of the birds are cheaper (french hens, turtle doves, geese a-laying). This seems like just good holiday fodder, but these prices are a telling barometer of our current economic conditions. For example, gasoline increases have driven up shipping costs resulting in the pear tree price increase of $5. The aforementioned bird drops reflect the decrease in food prices. While the increase in the price of "swans a swimming" reflect in the pricing increase of luxury items. Click here to read the full article, including how to purchase these items on the cheap (Riverdance DVD instead of "lords a-leaping". Here's a breakdown of the costs and their comparison to last year: Partridge, $20 (last year: $15) Pear Tree, $200 (last year: $150) Two Turtle Doves, $55 (last year: $40) Three French Hens, $30 (last year: $45) Four Calling Birds (canaries), $600 (last year: same) Five Gold Rings, $350 (last year: $395) Six Geese a-Laying, $240 (last year: $360) Seven Swans a-Swimming, $5,600 (last year: $4,200) Eight Maids a-Milking, $52 (last year: $47) Nine Ladies Dancing (per performance), $4,759 (last year: same) 10 Lords a-Leaping (per performance), $4,414 (last year: $4,285) 11 Pipers Piping (per performance), $2,285 (last year: $2,213) 12 Drummers Drumming (per performance), $2,475 (last year: $2,398) Labels: entertainment, holidays, money, study
12 Days of Christmas Costs $86,609
Every year PNC Wealth Management compiles a "Christmas Price Index," which rings up the total costs from the first day of Christmas's partridge in a pear tree to the 12 drummers drumming, purchased repeatedly as the song suggests. Last year, the total was was $78,100. This year the total jumped 10.9 percent to $86,609, an increase of $8,508. Interestingly, the five gold rings is down to $350 from $395 last year and many of the birds are cheaper (french hens, turtle doves, geese a-laying). This seems like just good holiday fodder, but these prices are a telling barometer of our current economic conditions. For example, gasoline increases have driven up shipping costs resulting in the pear tree price increase of $5. The aforementioned bird drops reflect the decrease in food prices. While the increase in the price of "swans a swimming" reflect in the pricing increase of luxury items. Click here to read the full article, including how to purchase these items on the cheap (Riverdance DVD instead of "lords a-leaping". Here's a breakdown of the costs and their comparison to last year: Partridge, $20 (last year: $15) Pear Tree, $200 (last year: $150) Two Turtle Doves, $55 (last year: $40) Three French Hens, $30 (last year: $45) Four Calling Birds (canaries), $600 (last year: same) Five Gold Rings, $350 (last year: $395) Six Geese a-Laying, $240 (last year: $360) Seven Swans a-Swimming, $5,600 (last year: $4,200) Eight Maids a-Milking, $52 (last year: $47) Nine Ladies Dancing (per performance), $4,759 (last year: same) 10 Lords a-Leaping (per performance), $4,414 (last year: $4,285) 11 Pipers Piping (per performance), $2,285 (last year: $2,213) 12 Drummers Drumming (per performance), $2,475 (last year: $2,398) Labels: entertainment, holidays, money, study
12 Days of Christmas Costs $86,609
Every year PNC Wealth Management compiles a "Christmas Price Index," which rings up the total costs from the first day of Christmas's partridge in a pear tree to the 12 drummers drumming, purchased repeatedly as the song suggests. Last year, the total was was $78,100. This year the total jumped 10.9 percent to $86,609, an increase of $8,508. Interestingly, the five gold rings is down to $350 from $395 last year and many of the birds are cheaper (french hens, turtle doves, geese a-laying). This seems like just good holiday fodder, but these prices are a telling barometer of our current economic conditions. For example, gasoline increases have driven up shipping costs resulting in the pear tree price increase of $5. The aforementioned bird drops reflect the decrease in food prices. While the increase in the price of "swans a swimming" reflect in the pricing increase of luxury items. Click here to read the full article, including how to purchase these items on the cheap (Riverdance DVD instead of "lords a-leaping". Here's a breakdown of the costs and their comparison to last year: Partridge, $20 (last year: $15) Pear Tree, $200 (last year: $150) Two Turtle Doves, $55 (last year: $40) Three French Hens, $30 (last year: $45) Four Calling Birds (canaries), $600 (last year: same) Five Gold Rings, $350 (last year: $395) Six Geese a-Laying, $240 (last year: $360) Seven Swans a-Swimming, $5,600 (last year: $4,200) Eight Maids a-Milking, $52 (last year: $47) Nine Ladies Dancing (per performance), $4,759 (last year: same) 10 Lords a-Leaping (per performance), $4,414 (last year: $4,285) 11 Pipers Piping (per performance), $2,285 (last year: $2,213) 12 Drummers Drumming (per performance), $2,475 (last year: $2,398) Labels: entertainment, holidays, money, study
Most Dangerous Holiday Traffic Day
 The most dangerous holiday to drive is New Year's Eve, right? Wrong! According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration the most dangerous holiday to take to the road is Thanksgiving. So be sure to drive safe this week. It seems that Thanksgiving is a perfect storm of event: long distance travel, packed roads, long days of drinking wine and beer, sleepy drivers from the turkey and general stress. Independence Day is the second most dangerous day, followed by Memorial Day and Labor Day. New Year's Eve doesn't show up until number five. The best advice they recommend is to stay home, which isn't an option or most, or to fly. If you must drive, then wear a seatbelt, make a plan for getting home if you're going to be drinking and don't speed. Labels: advice, health, holidays, study
Most Dangerous Holiday Traffic Day
The most dangerous holiday to drive is New Year's Eve, right? Wrong! According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration the most dangerous holiday to take to the road is Thanksgiving. So be sure to drive safe this week. It seems that Thanksgiving is a perfect storm of event: long distance travel, packed roads, long days of drinking wine and beer, sleepy drivers from the turkey and general stress. Independence Day is the second most dangerous day, followed by Memorial Day and Labor Day. New Year's Eve doesn't show up until number five. The best advice they recommend is to stay home, which isn't an option or most, or to fly. If you must drive, then wear a seatbelt, make a plan for getting home if you're going to be drinking and don't speed. Labels: advice, health, holidays, study
Most Dangerous Holiday Traffic Day
The most dangerous holiday to drive is New Year's Eve, right? Wrong! According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration the most dangerous holiday to take to the road is Thanksgiving. So be sure to drive safe this week. It seems that Thanksgiving is a perfect storm of event: long distance travel, packed roads, long days of drinking wine and beer, sleepy drivers from the turkey and general stress. Independence Day is the second most dangerous day, followed by Memorial Day and Labor Day. New Year's Eve doesn't show up until number five. The best advice they recommend is to stay home, which isn't an option or most, or to fly. If you must drive, then wear a seatbelt, make a plan for getting home if you're going to be drinking and don't speed. Labels: advice, health, holidays, study
Zombie Walks
 Have you ever heard of a zombie walk? They've been around for a few years and it's essentially when a group of people (sometimes very large) get together, dress up as zombies and walk with a zombie gait in a public space, like a shopping mall or down Main Street. Seattle Weekly has a slideshow of a recent zombie walk through Seattle. If this sounds like good, creepy fun to you, check out www.zombiewalk.com to find a meeting of the undead in your area. Let us know if you've ever participated or have seen one of these in your area. Happy Halloween everyone, and don't forget to post your costume pictures on the forum (click here). Labels: entertainment, holidays
Zombie Walks
Have you ever heard of a zombie walk? They've been around for a few years and it's essentially when a group of people (sometimes very large) get together, dress up as zombies and walk with a zombie gait in a public space, like a shopping mall or down Main Street. Seattle Weekly has a slideshow of a recent zombie walk through Seattle. If this sounds like good, creepy fun to you, check out www.zombiewalk.com to find a meeting of the undead in your area. Let us know if you've ever participated or have seen one of these in your area. Happy Halloween everyone, and don't forget to post your costume pictures on the forum (click here). Labels: entertainment, holidays
Zombie Walks
Have you ever heard of a zombie walk? They've been around for a few years and it's essentially when a group of people (sometimes very large) get together, dress up as zombies and walk with a zombie gait in a public space, like a shopping mall or down Main Street. Seattle Weekly has a slideshow of a recent zombie walk through Seattle. If this sounds like good, creepy fun to you, check out www.zombiewalk.com to find a meeting of the undead in your area. Let us know if you've ever participated or have seen one of these in your area. Happy Halloween everyone, and don't forget to post your costume pictures on the forum (click here). Labels: entertainment, holidays
Don't Count on Holiday Bonuses
 It may be a little early talking about the holidays, but they are just around the corner. And with the economy going crazy like it has, it's worth planning now than get stuck on December 24th with no bonus check for relief. The AP just came out with a story saying that many who are expecting and have received year-end or holiday bonuses in the past shouldn't expect to get them this year. Obviously if the company you work for is doing well and has been doing well, you may not have anything to worry about. Then again, they may be planning for rougher waters ahead. Either way, here's your friendly reminder that it's not wise to plan on non-guaranteed money. Labels: advice, holidays, money, news
Don't Count on Holiday Bonuses
It may be a little early talking about the holidays, but they are just around the corner. And with the economy going crazy like it has, it's worth planning now than get stuck on December 24th with no bonus check for relief. The AP just came out with a story saying that many who are expecting and have received year-end or holiday bonuses in the past shouldn't expect to get them this year. Obviously if the company you work for is doing well and has been doing well, you may not have anything to worry about. Then again, they may be planning for rougher waters ahead. Either way, here's your friendly reminder that it's not wise to plan on non-guaranteed money. Labels: advice, holidays, money, news
Don't Count on Holiday Bonuses
It may be a little early talking about the holidays, but they are just around the corner. And with the economy going crazy like it has, it's worth planning now than get stuck on December 24th with no bonus check for relief. The AP just came out with a story saying that many who are expecting and have received year-end or holiday bonuses in the past shouldn't expect to get them this year. Obviously if the company you work for is doing well and has been doing well, you may not have anything to worry about. Then again, they may be planning for rougher waters ahead. Either way, here's your friendly reminder that it's not wise to plan on non-guaranteed money. Labels: advice, holidays, money, news
Wine from Faucets
 It's been a tough week and we've been holding onto this one for a few days just because we knew it would put a smile on your face. It's Friday, and the Dow Industrial has just concluded it's worst drop in history! If you've ever needed an excuse to drink, now may be it. In Marino, Italy they hold a grape festival every year and reroute the plumbing to have sparkling white wine flow from the fountains in the main square. In an "error", the plumbing was switched to local homes instead. Which meant that wine was literally flowing from the faucets of local residents. The London Times reported that some locals were able to fill up jugs of wine before the error was corrected. Have a great weekend. Click here to read the full post.Labels: food, fun, holidays
Wine from Faucets
It's been a tough week and we've been holding onto this one for a few days just because we knew it would put a smile on your face. It's Friday, and the Dow Industrial has just concluded it's worst drop in history! If you've ever needed an excuse to drink, now may be it. In Marino, Italy they hold a grape festival every year and reroute the plumbing to have sparkling white wine flow from the fountains in the main square. In an "error", the plumbing was switched to local homes instead. Which meant that wine was literally flowing from the faucets of local residents. The London Times reported that some locals were able to fill up jugs of wine before the error was corrected. Have a great weekend. Click here to read the full post.Labels: food, fun, holidays
Wine from Faucets
It's been a tough week and we've been holding onto this one for a few days just because we knew it would put a smile on your face. It's Friday, and the Dow Industrial has just concluded it's worst drop in history! If you've ever needed an excuse to drink, now may be it. In Marino, Italy they hold a grape festival every year and reroute the plumbing to have sparkling white wine flow from the fountains in the main square. In an "error", the plumbing was switched to local homes instead. Which meant that wine was literally flowing from the faucets of local residents. The London Times reported that some locals were able to fill up jugs of wine before the error was corrected. Have a great weekend. Click here to read the full post.Labels: food, fun, holidays
Green Resources
 April 22nd is Earth Day, so there's understandably a lot of attention on green, like this post for example. Anyway, making a commitment to being green is more than a once a year thing. We thought it would be helpful to give you some resources that will help you think green all year long. Treehugger.comCNet Green Tech BlogAutoBlog GreenThe Lazy EnvironmentalistCity Hippy Great Green BabyEcoFabulousLabels: green, holidays, resource
Green Resources
April 22nd is Earth Day, so there's understandably a lot of attention on green, like this post for example. Anyway, making a commitment to being green is more than a once a year thing. We thought it would be helpful to give you some resources that will help you think green all year long. Treehugger.comCNet Green Tech BlogAutoBlog GreenThe Lazy EnvironmentalistCity Hippy Great Green BabyEcoFabulousLabels: green, holidays, resource
Green Resources
April 22nd is Earth Day, so there's understandably a lot of attention on green, like this post for example. Anyway, making a commitment to being green is more than a once a year thing. We thought it would be helpful to give you some resources that will help you think green all year long. Treehugger.comCNet Green Tech BlogAutoBlog GreenThe Lazy EnvironmentalistCity Hippy Great Green BabyEcoFabulousLabels: green, holidays, resource
Valentine's Day Recipes
 Looking to make a special meal for your sweetheart? The good people at FoodTV has an entire section of their website dedicated to Valentine's recipes for two. They've got it broken down into several sections, including Recipes for Romance, Kids Corner, Five Valentine's Cookies from One Simple Dough, Our Romantic Valentine's Dinner for Two, and more. There's also videos you can watch, including The Freaky Deaky Love Potion. Are you making your spouse a special dinner for Valentine's Day? Click here to go to the FoodTV page. Labels: food, holidays, romance
Valentine's Day Recipes
Looking to make a special meal for your sweetheart? The good people at FoodTV has an entire section of their website dedicated to Valentine's recipes for two. They've got it broken down into several sections, including Recipes for Romance, Kids Corner, Five Valentine's Cookies from One Simple Dough, Our Romantic Valentine's Dinner for Two, and more. There's also videos you can watch, including The Freaky Deaky Love Potion. Are you making your spouse a special dinner for Valentine's Day? Click here to go to the FoodTV page. Labels: food, holidays, romance
Valentine's Day Recipes
Looking to make a special meal for your sweetheart? The good people at FoodTV has an entire section of their website dedicated to Valentine's recipes for two. They've got it broken down into several sections, including Recipes for Romance, Kids Corner, Five Valentine's Cookies from One Simple Dough, Our Romantic Valentine's Dinner for Two, and more. There's also videos you can watch, including The Freaky Deaky Love Potion. Are you making your spouse a special dinner for Valentine's Day? Click here to go to the FoodTV page. Labels: food, holidays, romance
Special Podcast for Valentine's Day
 If you're not a regular listener to our podcast, now's the time to start. For the first time, we have a special podcast in the middle of the week. Dr. Trina Read, our Sexpert, was kind enough to give us a few minutes of her time to explain how couples can use Valentine's Day to initiate fun and play into your sex life. The entire podcast is less than 10 minutes and well worth it. Who knows, you might even become a regular listener. Here's looking forward to a Happy Valentine's Day. Click here to go to and listen to the podcast. Labels: advice, holidays, romance, sex
Special Podcast for Valentine's Day
If you're not a regular listener to our podcast, now's the time to start. For the first time, we have a special podcast in the middle of the week. Dr. Trina Read, our Sexpert, was kind enough to give us a few minutes of her time to explain how couples can use Valentine's Day to initiate fun and play into your sex life. The entire podcast is less than 10 minutes and well worth it. Who knows, you might even become a regular listener. Here's looking forward to a Happy Valentine's Day. Click here to go to and listen to the podcast. Labels: advice, holidays, romance, sex
Special Podcast for Valentine's Day
If you're not a regular listener to our podcast, now's the time to start. For the first time, we have a special podcast in the middle of the week. Dr. Trina Read, our Sexpert, was kind enough to give us a few minutes of her time to explain how couples can use Valentine's Day to initiate fun and play into your sex life. The entire podcast is less than 10 minutes and well worth it. Who knows, you might even become a regular listener. Here's looking forward to a Happy Valentine's Day. Click here to go to and listen to the podcast. Labels: advice, holidays, romance, sex
Buying the Best Chocolate for Your Valentine
 Yahoo! Personals has an article about how to buy the best chocolate. The author defines five characteristics to keep an eye on. The first and noted most important is the freshness of the chocolate. To avoid months old chocolate, the author recommends avoiding supermarkets and instead patronizing specialty chocolate shops. Another item of note is to not worry about any diet! Well, unless your spouse is a diabetic, in which case he says there are few low-glycemic index chocolates. Finally, another item to look out for is flavor. Make sure you get a flavor that your spouse likes. What's wrong with pure dark chocolate? Hitched says not a thing. Labels: food, holidays, romance
Buying the Best Chocolate for Your Valentine
Yahoo! Personals has an article about how to buy the best chocolate. The author defines five characteristics to keep an eye on. The first and noted most important is the freshness of the chocolate. To avoid months old chocolate, the author recommends avoiding supermarkets and instead patronizing specialty chocolate shops. Another item of note is to not worry about any diet! Well, unless your spouse is a diabetic, in which case he says there are few low-glycemic index chocolates. Finally, another item to look out for is flavor. Make sure you get a flavor that your spouse likes. What's wrong with pure dark chocolate? Hitched says not a thing. Labels: food, holidays, romance
Buying the Best Chocolate for Your Valentine
Yahoo! Personals has an article about how to buy the best chocolate. The author defines five characteristics to keep an eye on. The first and noted most important is the freshness of the chocolate. To avoid months old chocolate, the author recommends avoiding supermarkets and instead patronizing specialty chocolate shops. Another item of note is to not worry about any diet! Well, unless your spouse is a diabetic, in which case he says there are few low-glycemic index chocolates. Finally, another item to look out for is flavor. Make sure you get a flavor that your spouse likes. What's wrong with pure dark chocolate? Hitched says not a thing. Labels: food, holidays, romance
Holiday Tipping Tip Sheet
 Kiplinger.com has put together a nice tip sheet on, well, tipping. We've broken out a couple of the tipping guidelines for you. If you want to read all of them, click here. CLEANING PERSONHow much to tip: The cost of one visit if he or she visits weekly or bi-weekly, says protocol adviser Rosanne Thomas. Up the tip amount for a cleaning person who works more often. Exceptions: If you use a cleaning service that works in a team, a box of chocolates for the team is customary. HAIRSTYLISTHow much to tip: The normal cost of a visit for a stylist you've used all year. Exceptions: If your stylist doubles as a confidante, include a small personal gift that speaks to his or her interests as well as a monetary gift. If you don't require as much attention from your stylist or barber, you may prefer to give only about $20 as a tip during your December visit. PERSONAL TRAINERHow much to tip: $50. Exceptions: The key question to ask yourself is whether you have an ongoing, above-average relationship with the professional, says etiquette expert Charlotte Ford. Tip at year end if you feel you've gotten above-average service year-round. BABY SITTERHow much to tip: Nanny or au pair -- one week's pay and a small gift from the child; regular sitter -- one to two nights' pay; day-care provider -- $25 to $70. Exceptions: Only give a holiday tip if you've frequently used the sitter during the year or you had to call on them in an 11th hour emergency, advises Thomas Blaikie, etiquette expert and author of "To the Manner Born." Labels: advice, holidays, money, work
Holiday Tipping Tip Sheet
Kiplinger.com has put together a nice tip sheet on, well, tipping. We've broken out a couple of the tipping guidelines for you. If you want to read all of them, click here. CLEANING PERSONHow much to tip: The cost of one visit if he or she visits weekly or bi-weekly, says protocol adviser Rosanne Thomas. Up the tip amount for a cleaning person who works more often. Exceptions: If you use a cleaning service that works in a team, a box of chocolates for the team is customary. HAIRSTYLISTHow much to tip: The normal cost of a visit for a stylist you've used all year. Exceptions: If your stylist doubles as a confidante, include a small personal gift that speaks to his or her interests as well as a monetary gift. If you don't require as much attention from your stylist or barber, you may prefer to give only about $20 as a tip during your December visit. PERSONAL TRAINERHow much to tip: $50. Exceptions: The key question to ask yourself is whether you have an ongoing, above-average relationship with the professional, says etiquette expert Charlotte Ford. Tip at year end if you feel you've gotten above-average service year-round. BABY SITTERHow much to tip: Nanny or au pair -- one week's pay and a small gift from the child; regular sitter -- one to two nights' pay; day-care provider -- $25 to $70. Exceptions: Only give a holiday tip if you've frequently used the sitter during the year or you had to call on them in an 11th hour emergency, advises Thomas Blaikie, etiquette expert and author of "To the Manner Born." Labels: advice, holidays, money, work
Holiday Tipping Tip Sheet
Kiplinger.com has put together a nice tip sheet on, well, tipping. We've broken out a couple of the tipping guidelines for you. If you want to read all of them, click here. CLEANING PERSONHow much to tip: The cost of one visit if he or she visits weekly or bi-weekly, says protocol adviser Rosanne Thomas. Up the tip amount for a cleaning person who works more often. Exceptions: If you use a cleaning service that works in a team, a box of chocolates for the team is customary. HAIRSTYLISTHow much to tip: The normal cost of a visit for a stylist you've used all year. Exceptions: If your stylist doubles as a confidante, include a small personal gift that speaks to his or her interests as well as a monetary gift. If you don't require as much attention from your stylist or barber, you may prefer to give only about $20 as a tip during your December visit. PERSONAL TRAINERHow much to tip: $50. Exceptions: The key question to ask yourself is whether you have an ongoing, above-average relationship with the professional, says etiquette expert Charlotte Ford. Tip at year end if you feel you've gotten above-average service year-round. BABY SITTERHow much to tip: Nanny or au pair -- one week's pay and a small gift from the child; regular sitter -- one to two nights' pay; day-care provider -- $25 to $70. Exceptions: Only give a holiday tip if you've frequently used the sitter during the year or you had to call on them in an 11th hour emergency, advises Thomas Blaikie, etiquette expert and author of "To the Manner Born." Labels: advice, holidays, money, work
Santa Coming to Town--For Only Microseconds
 Anders Larsson of the engineering consultancy Sweco told AFP that Santa Clause would have to travel 3,604 miles per second in order to jump from house to house to deliver one gift to every child on earth. He would have 48 hours to complete his journey touching on the estimated 2.5 billion homes. Did we mention this would include his cookie breaks too? To accomplish this feat, "he has 34 microseconds at each stop," says Larsson, to slide down the chimney, drop off the presents, nibble on his cookies and milk and hop back on his sleigh. Larsson also says Santa must live in Kyrgyzstan in order to accomplish this feat. You can ready the entire article here. Labels: fun, holidays, study, travel
Santa Coming to Town--For Only Microseconds
Anders Larsson of the engineering consultancy Sweco told AFP that Santa Clause would have to travel 3,604 miles per second in order to jump from house to house to deliver one gift to every child on earth. He would have 48 hours to complete his journey touching on the estimated 2.5 billion homes. Did we mention this would include his cookie breaks too? To accomplish this feat, "he has 34 microseconds at each stop," says Larsson, to slide down the chimney, drop off the presents, nibble on his cookies and milk and hop back on his sleigh. Larsson also says Santa must live in Kyrgyzstan in order to accomplish this feat. You can ready the entire article here. Labels: fun, holidays, study, travel
Santa Coming to Town--For Only Microseconds
Anders Larsson of the engineering consultancy Sweco told AFP that Santa Clause would have to travel 3,604 miles per second in order to jump from house to house to deliver one gift to every child on earth. He would have 48 hours to complete his journey touching on the estimated 2.5 billion homes. Did we mention this would include his cookie breaks too? To accomplish this feat, "he has 34 microseconds at each stop," says Larsson, to slide down the chimney, drop off the presents, nibble on his cookies and milk and hop back on his sleigh. Larsson also says Santa must live in Kyrgyzstan in order to accomplish this feat. You can ready the entire article here. Labels: fun, holidays, study, travel
Best Games of 2007
 Looking for that perfect household gift? Games are always a good play. About.com listed their top games for 2007. We'll spill the beans on five: Cranium Wow - sculpt, draw, act and answer your way to victory. This is an update on the already best-selling game. Luck of the Draw from Gamewright - In this one you draw something based on a subject card that you pull from a stack. Other players vote on which category, among 100 different categories such as neatest, tallest or prettiest drawing, fits the drawing. Not sure exactly how you win the game though. If you've played this, let us know. Hot Spot from ThinkFun - The game pieces are built like robots that can only move in a straight line. The goal is to get the red robot to the “hot spot” which is the red spot on one corner of the board. There are other blue and yellow robots that the robot can jump over to get to his goal. You have to figure out the most economical way to get to the Hot Spot. I Spy Eagle Eye Game from Briarpatch - In this one, match one of the objects from the cards in your hand to the ones on the game board. Whoever finds an object first rings the bell and wins the round. WonderChess and WonderGo - Like chess? What if the chess pieces had prizes in them. That's basically what this is. You can stuff whatever you want inside the chess pieces (as long as they fit) and the person that captures the piece gets the additional prize. If you have another game you think we should know about, let us know. Labels: entertainment, fun, holidays
Best Games of 2007
Looking for that perfect household gift? Games are always a good play. About.com listed their top games for 2007. We'll spill the beans on five: Cranium Wow - sculpt, draw, act and answer your way to victory. This is an update on the already best-selling game. Luck of the Draw from Gamewright - In this one you draw something based on a subject card that you pull from a stack. Other players vote on which category, among 100 different categories such as neatest, tallest or prettiest drawing, fits the drawing. Not sure exactly how you win the game though. If you've played this, let us know. Hot Spot from ThinkFun - The game pieces are built like robots that can only move in a straight line. The goal is to get the red robot to the “hot spot” which is the red spot on one corner of the board. There are other blue and yellow robots that the robot can jump over to get to his goal. You have to figure out the most economical way to get to the Hot Spot. I Spy Eagle Eye Game from Briarpatch - In this one, match one of the objects from the cards in your hand to the ones on the game board. Whoever finds an object first rings the bell and wins the round. WonderChess and WonderGo - Like chess? What if the chess pieces had prizes in them. That's basically what this is. You can stuff whatever you want inside the chess pieces (as long as they fit) and the person that captures the piece gets the additional prize. If you have another game you think we should know about, let us know. Labels: entertainment, fun, holidays
Best Games of 2007
Looking for that perfect household gift? Games are always a good play. About.com listed their top games for 2007. We'll spill the beans on five: Cranium Wow - sculpt, draw, act and answer your way to victory. This is an update on the already best-selling game. Luck of the Draw from Gamewright - In this one you draw something based on a subject card that you pull from a stack. Other players vote on which category, among 100 different categories such as neatest, tallest or prettiest drawing, fits the drawing. Not sure exactly how you win the game though. If you've played this, let us know. Hot Spot from ThinkFun - The game pieces are built like robots that can only move in a straight line. The goal is to get the red robot to the “hot spot” which is the red spot on one corner of the board. There are other blue and yellow robots that the robot can jump over to get to his goal. You have to figure out the most economical way to get to the Hot Spot. I Spy Eagle Eye Game from Briarpatch - In this one, match one of the objects from the cards in your hand to the ones on the game board. Whoever finds an object first rings the bell and wins the round. WonderChess and WonderGo - Like chess? What if the chess pieces had prizes in them. That's basically what this is. You can stuff whatever you want inside the chess pieces (as long as they fit) and the person that captures the piece gets the additional prize. If you have another game you think we should know about, let us know. Labels: entertainment, fun, holidays
"The 12 Days of Christmas"... Not So Cheap
 Think you could afford the cost of the 364 items in the holiday song " The 12 Days of Christmas"? Not unless you have $78,100 dollars to spend. Research conducted by PNC Wealth Management says the prices are up 4 percent from last year. "What's really surprising is that our index follows overall Consumer Price Index trends," Rebekah McCahan, a PNC senior vice president, says in a news release. "To think that the cost of a partridge in a pear tree would mirror what's going on at Target, for example, is pretty interesting." Here is a breakdown of the list: Partridge, $15 Pear Tree, $150 Two Turtle Doves, $40 Three French Hens, $45 Four Calling Birds (canaries), $600 Five Gold Rings, $395 Six Geese a-Laying, $360 Seven Swans a-Swimming, $4,200 Eight Maids a-Milking, $47 Nine Ladies Dancing (per performance), $4,759 10 Lords a-Leaping (per performance), $4,285 11 Pipers Piping (per performance), $2,213 12 Drummers Drumming (per performance), $2,398 Merry Christmas, Right? Labels: commentary, holidays, money, study
"The 12 Days of Christmas"... Not So Cheap
Think you could afford the cost of the 364 items in the holiday song " The 12 Days of Christmas"? Not unless you have $78,100 dollars to spend. Research conducted by PNC Wealth Management says the prices are up 4 percent from last year. "What's really surprising is that our index follows overall Consumer Price Index trends," Rebekah McCahan, a PNC senior vice president, says in a news release. "To think that the cost of a partridge in a pear tree would mirror what's going on at Target, for example, is pretty interesting." Here is a breakdown of the list: Partridge, $15 Pear Tree, $150 Two Turtle Doves, $40 Three French Hens, $45 Four Calling Birds (canaries), $600 Five Gold Rings, $395 Six Geese a-Laying, $360 Seven Swans a-Swimming, $4,200 Eight Maids a-Milking, $47 Nine Ladies Dancing (per performance), $4,759 10 Lords a-Leaping (per performance), $4,285 11 Pipers Piping (per performance), $2,213 12 Drummers Drumming (per performance), $2,398 Merry Christmas, Right? Labels: commentary, holidays, money, study
"The 12 Days of Christmas"... Not So Cheap
Think you could afford the cost of the 364 items in the holiday song " The 12 Days of Christmas"? Not unless you have $78,100 dollars to spend. Research conducted by PNC Wealth Management says the prices are up 4 percent from last year. "What's really surprising is that our index follows overall Consumer Price Index trends," Rebekah McCahan, a PNC senior vice president, says in a news release. "To think that the cost of a partridge in a pear tree would mirror what's going on at Target, for example, is pretty interesting." Here is a breakdown of the list: Partridge, $15 Pear Tree, $150 Two Turtle Doves, $40 Three French Hens, $45 Four Calling Birds (canaries), $600 Five Gold Rings, $395 Six Geese a-Laying, $360 Seven Swans a-Swimming, $4,200 Eight Maids a-Milking, $47 Nine Ladies Dancing (per performance), $4,759 10 Lords a-Leaping (per performance), $4,285 11 Pipers Piping (per performance), $2,213 12 Drummers Drumming (per performance), $2,398 Merry Christmas, Right? Labels: commentary, holidays, money, study
What's Your Halloween Candy Personality?
 We've probably gone a little overboard with all this Halloween coverage. But since we've already gone overboard, one more story can't hurt, right? The Washington Post has put together a personality sheet based on the candy you purchase. Here's a breakdown of some candy personality descriptions. 3 Musketeers: Does well in groups but is somewhat pompous. Prone to fancy costumes and arcane weapons. Wears hats in public that are ill-advised. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups: Generous souls. Those who understand the salty in life, as well as the sweet. Twizzlers: Sickos. Truly demented. Plastic people living plastic lives. Twix: Both brittle and supple in social situations; sort of trapped between personality types. For the full rundown click here.Labels: food, fun, holidays
What's Your Halloween Candy Personality?
We've probably gone a little overboard with all this Halloween coverage. But since we've already gone overboard, one more story can't hurt, right? The Washington Post has put together a personality sheet based on the candy you purchase. Here's a breakdown of some candy personality descriptions. 3 Musketeers: Does well in groups but is somewhat pompous. Prone to fancy costumes and arcane weapons. Wears hats in public that are ill-advised. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups: Generous souls. Those who understand the salty in life, as well as the sweet. Twizzlers: Sickos. Truly demented. Plastic people living plastic lives. Twix: Both brittle and supple in social situations; sort of trapped between personality types. For the full rundown click here.Labels: food, fun, holidays
What's Your Halloween Candy Personality?
We've probably gone a little overboard with all this Halloween coverage. But since we've already gone overboard, one more story can't hurt, right? The Washington Post has put together a personality sheet based on the candy you purchase. Here's a breakdown of some candy personality descriptions. 3 Musketeers: Does well in groups but is somewhat pompous. Prone to fancy costumes and arcane weapons. Wears hats in public that are ill-advised. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups: Generous souls. Those who understand the salty in life, as well as the sweet. Twizzlers: Sickos. Truly demented. Plastic people living plastic lives. Twix: Both brittle and supple in social situations; sort of trapped between personality types. For the full rundown click here.Labels: food, fun, holidays
New Twist on Vacations
 The tourism industry has a new niche. "Why just take a vacation, when you can change your life?" they tout. That's right! Instead of taking the ordinary "fly to your destination, get the hotel room and relax by the pool" concept, vacation planners are promoting more than relaxation, they are promising transformation with yoga and wellness-type itineraries for their customers. And why would you want to do this? The response: people want to have a life changing experience. And for married couples, it's a whole new way to connect with your partner, purveyors of the new vacation style attest. Marketing and research firm Ypartnership said its latest survey of affluent travelers showed 30 percent of respondents named yoga as their favorite spa program or service. Massage was the most popular with 65 percent. Well, duh. Regardless, next time you sit down and plan a getaway, think about the possibility of changing your life with your spouse. Just make sure you don't overextend your yoga posses and come home broken. Labels: advice, health, holidays, resource, travel
New Twist on Vacations
The tourism industry has a new niche. "Why just take a vacation, when you can change your life?" they tout. That's right! Instead of taking the ordinary "fly to your destination, get the hotel room and relax by the pool" concept, vacation planners are promoting more than relaxation, they are promising transformation with yoga and wellness-type itineraries for their customers. And why would you want to do this? The response: people want to have a life changing experience. And for married couples, it's a whole new way to connect with your partner, purveyors of the new vacation style attest. Marketing and research firm Ypartnership said its latest survey of affluent travelers showed 30 percent of respondents named yoga as their favorite spa program or service. Massage was the most popular with 65 percent. Well, duh. Regardless, next time you sit down and plan a getaway, think about the possibility of changing your life with your spouse. Just make sure you don't overextend your yoga posses and come home broken. Labels: advice, health, holidays, resource, travel
New Twist on Vacations
The tourism industry has a new niche. "Why just take a vacation, when you can change your life?" they tout. That's right! Instead of taking the ordinary "fly to your destination, get the hotel room and relax by the pool" concept, vacation planners are promoting more than relaxation, they are promising transformation with yoga and wellness-type itineraries for their customers. And why would you want to do this? The response: people want to have a life changing experience. And for married couples, it's a whole new way to connect with your partner, purveyors of the new vacation style attest. Marketing and research firm Ypartnership said its latest survey of affluent travelers showed 30 percent of respondents named yoga as their favorite spa program or service. Massage was the most popular with 65 percent. Well, duh. Regardless, next time you sit down and plan a getaway, think about the possibility of changing your life with your spouse. Just make sure you don't overextend your yoga posses and come home broken. Labels: advice, health, holidays, resource, travel
Russians Offer Car for Baby
 That's right, if you're a citizen of Russia and you're looking for a new set of wheels, close your curtains and take part in a Day in Conception on Sept. 12. Ulyanovsk Gov. Sergei Morozov wants Russians to procreate--even allowing them to take off work. To do so, the government is offering incentives, like cars, refrigerators and money and other prizes for couples who deliver 9 months later on June 12, Russia's national day. So why the incentives? Since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, the population has also fallen. Russia is the largest country in the world, yet by 2050, it's projected that they may have fewer than 100 million citizens. Signing off: From Russia With Love. Labels: holidays, kids, news, real people, romance, sex
Russians Offer Car for Baby
That's right, if you're a citizen of Russia and you're looking for a new set of wheels, close your curtains and take part in a Day in Conception on Sept. 12. Ulyanovsk Gov. Sergei Morozov wants Russians to procreate--even allowing them to take off work. To do so, the government is offering incentives, like cars, refrigerators and money and other prizes for couples who deliver 9 months later on June 12, Russia's national day. So why the incentives? Since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, the population has also fallen. Russia is the largest country in the world, yet by 2050, it's projected that they may have fewer than 100 million citizens. Signing off: From Russia With Love. Labels: holidays, kids, news, real people, romance, sex
Russians Offer Car for Baby
That's right, if you're a citizen of Russia and you're looking for a new set of wheels, close your curtains and take part in a Day in Conception on Sept. 12. Ulyanovsk Gov. Sergei Morozov wants Russians to procreate--even allowing them to take off work. To do so, the government is offering incentives, like cars, refrigerators and money and other prizes for couples who deliver 9 months later on June 12, Russia's national day. So why the incentives? Since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, the population has also fallen. Russia is the largest country in the world, yet by 2050, it's projected that they may have fewer than 100 million citizens. Signing off: From Russia With Love. Labels: holidays, kids, news, real people, romance, sex
Rejecting B-Day Gifts
 Do you have a little one scampering around your home? When it's time to celebrate their birthday, you know that means cake, party favors and lots of gifts. Or does it? This article from the NY Times highlights a growing movement of kids, teens and adults shunning personal gifts for more philanthropic gratification. For example, the article highlights a 16-year-old teen who used her b-day money to purchase livestock for poor families. The article starts off with a 4-year-old boy who donates his birthday greenbacks to the local fire department. Just curious, would you turn away traditional gifts for your child for a philanthropic endeavor? This makes me wonder if I would have wanted to see The Transformers movie if I didn't get them as a kid. Labels: entertainment, holidays, kids, parenting
Rejecting B-Day Gifts
Do you have a little one scampering around your home? When it's time to celebrate their birthday, you know that means cake, party favors and lots of gifts. Or does it? This article from the NY Times highlights a growing movement of kids, teens and adults shunning personal gifts for more philanthropic gratification. For example, the article highlights a 16-year-old teen who used her b-day money to purchase livestock for poor families. The article starts off with a 4-year-old boy who donates his birthday greenbacks to the local fire department. Just curious, would you turn away traditional gifts for your child for a philanthropic endeavor? This makes me wonder if I would have wanted to see The Transformers movie if I didn't get them as a kid. Labels: entertainment, holidays, kids, parenting
Rejecting B-Day Gifts
Do you have a little one scampering around your home? When it's time to celebrate their birthday, you know that means cake, party favors and lots of gifts. Or does it? This article from the NY Times highlights a growing movement of kids, teens and adults shunning personal gifts for more philanthropic gratification. For example, the article highlights a 16-year-old teen who used her b-day money to purchase livestock for poor families. The article starts off with a 4-year-old boy who donates his birthday greenbacks to the local fire department. Just curious, would you turn away traditional gifts for your child for a philanthropic endeavor? This makes me wonder if I would have wanted to see The Transformers movie if I didn't get them as a kid. Labels: entertainment, holidays, kids, parenting
1 Year Anniversary
Editor's Note: For those of you who aren't subscribers to our newsletters (where we've already mentioned this) or may have missed our special logo this week, we've got another announcement. July 1 marked the one year anniversary of hitchedmag.com. For the last 365 days we have been publishing stories weekly adding more columns and features to the site as the year went on. In the coming year, expect more of just about everything. More columns, more podcasts and most importantly more helpful information. We will also begin making tweaks to the design and structure of the website to better facilitate our growing audience. From everyone who has helped produce hitched, Thank You! Labels: holidays, news
1 Year Anniversary
Editor's Note: For those of you who aren't subscribers to our newsletters (where we've already mentioned this) or may have missed our special logo this week, we've got another announcement. July 1 marked the one year anniversary of hitchedmag.com. For the last 365 days we have been publishing stories weekly adding more columns and features to the site as the year went on. In the coming year, expect more of just about everything. More columns, more podcasts and most importantly more helpful information. We will also begin making tweaks to the design and structure of the website to better facilitate our growing audience. From everyone who has helped produce hitched, Thank You! Labels: holidays, news
1 Year Anniversary
Editor's Note: For those of you who aren't subscribers to our newsletters (where we've already mentioned this) or may have missed our special logo this week, we've got another announcement. July 1 marked the one year anniversary of hitchedmag.com. For the last 365 days we have been publishing stories weekly adding more columns and features to the site as the year went on. In the coming year, expect more of just about everything. More columns, more podcasts and most importantly more helpful information. We will also begin making tweaks to the design and structure of the website to better facilitate our growing audience. From everyone who has helped produce hitched, Thank You! Labels: holidays, news
Interracial Marriage Pioneers
 Forty years ago Tuesday, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Mildred Jeter (a black woman) and Richard Loving (a white man), overturning laws prohibiting interracial unions. Mildred, who took Richard's last name after they got married spoke with the Associated Press about this historic event. The Lovings were living in segregated Virginia when they got married and quickly found themselves in jail. When all was said and done, they had created the foundation for the changing face of America. It's scary to think that just a few decades ago, interracial couples went to jail for their love. We should be thankful for the courage the Lovings have shown. Click here to read the full article.Labels: celebrity, holidays, news, romance
Interracial Marriage Pioneers
Forty years ago Tuesday, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Mildred Jeter (a black woman) and Richard Loving (a white man), overturning laws prohibiting interracial unions. Mildred, who took Richard's last name after they got married spoke with the Associated Press about this historic event. The Lovings were living in segregated Virginia when they got married and quickly found themselves in jail. When all was said and done, they had created the foundation for the changing face of America. It's scary to think that just a few decades ago, interracial couples went to jail for their love. We should be thankful for the courage the Lovings have shown. Click here to read the full article.Labels: celebrity, holidays, news, romance
Interracial Marriage Pioneers
Forty years ago Tuesday, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Mildred Jeter (a black woman) and Richard Loving (a white man), overturning laws prohibiting interracial unions. Mildred, who took Richard's last name after they got married spoke with the Associated Press about this historic event. The Lovings were living in segregated Virginia when they got married and quickly found themselves in jail. When all was said and done, they had created the foundation for the changing face of America. It's scary to think that just a few decades ago, interracial couples went to jail for their love. We should be thankful for the courage the Lovings have shown. Click here to read the full article.Labels: celebrity, holidays, news, romance
Spring Forward This Sunday
 Nope, we didn't get the headline wrong, daylight saving time begins three weeks early this year. In 2005, Congress passed the Energy Policy Act, which extended daylight saving time to help conserve more energy. The thought behind this is simple. By moving the clocks an hour ahead, it stays light outside an hour longer and people will wait to turn on their home lights and other appliances. The problem that some have with this shift is that until 2005, all electronics manufacturers had been programming their gadgets on the old calendar, which means your stuff at home including computer, cell phone, etc. may not auto-correct this year. Sounds like Y2K all over again, huh. Check the website of your device/software for updates. You can also read this article for more tips. Just curious, but if daylight saving time continues to get extended, won't people just change their sleeping habits to accomidate the shift in time? Oh, we should mention that the offiicial time change happens at 2am on Sunday. Labels: advice, holidays, news
Spring Forward This Sunday
Nope, we didn't get the headline wrong, daylight saving time begins three weeks early this year. In 2005, Congress passed the Energy Policy Act, which extended daylight saving time to help conserve more energy. The thought behind this is simple. By moving the clocks an hour ahead, it stays light outside an hour longer and people will wait to turn on their home lights and other appliances. The problem that some have with this shift is that until 2005, all electronics manufacturers had been programming their gadgets on the old calendar, which means your stuff at home including computer, cell phone, etc. may not auto-correct this year. Sounds like Y2K all over again, huh. Check the website of your device/software for updates. You can also read this article for more tips. Just curious, but if daylight saving time continues to get extended, won't people just change their sleeping habits to accomidate the shift in time? Oh, we should mention that the offiicial time change happens at 2am on Sunday. Labels: advice, holidays, news
Spring Forward This Sunday
Nope, we didn't get the headline wrong, daylight saving time begins three weeks early this year. In 2005, Congress passed the Energy Policy Act, which extended daylight saving time to help conserve more energy. The thought behind this is simple. By moving the clocks an hour ahead, it stays light outside an hour longer and people will wait to turn on their home lights and other appliances. The problem that some have with this shift is that until 2005, all electronics manufacturers had been programming their gadgets on the old calendar, which means your stuff at home including computer, cell phone, etc. may not auto-correct this year. Sounds like Y2K all over again, huh. Check the website of your device/software for updates. You can also read this article for more tips. Just curious, but if daylight saving time continues to get extended, won't people just change their sleeping habits to accomidate the shift in time? Oh, we should mention that the offiicial time change happens at 2am on Sunday. Labels: advice, holidays, news
Valentine's Spending
 On average, men and women will shell out $120 on Valentine's day. What may be surprising is that men spend an average of $70 more than women. When BIGresearh crunched the numbers, men spend an average of $156, while women spend $85. So what are they dropping the coin on? 63% purchase cards, 48% buy candy and 45% spend a their money on a night out. Unless it's an expensive card or candy, that sounds like a great night out! We hope you're having a great Valentine's Day. Labels: holidays, money
Valentine's Spending
On average, men and women will shell out $120 on Valentine's day. What may be surprising is that men spend an average of $70 more than women. When BIGresearh crunched the numbers, men spend an average of $156, while women spend $85. So what are they dropping the coin on? 63% purchase cards, 48% buy candy and 45% spend a their money on a night out. Unless it's an expensive card or candy, that sounds like a great night out! We hope you're having a great Valentine's Day. Labels: holidays, money
Valentine's Spending
On average, men and women will shell out $120 on Valentine's day. What may be surprising is that men spend an average of $70 more than women. When BIGresearh crunched the numbers, men spend an average of $156, while women spend $85. So what are they dropping the coin on? 63% purchase cards, 48% buy candy and 45% spend a their money on a night out. Unless it's an expensive card or candy, that sounds like a great night out! We hope you're having a great Valentine's Day. Labels: holidays, money
Valentine's Idea for Every State
 Are you still searching for the perfect Valentine's date idea? USA Today just posted a piece on "50 Dates in 50 States". Since it's the largest national newspaper in the country, these things may be crowded now, but you never know. So what do they suggest? For residents of North Carolina they suggest a private picnic on the grounds of the VanLandingham Estate. In South Carolina they suggest a cooking class for two at Charleston Cooks! In Washington they recommend a sunset kayak tour from Orcas Island in the San Juan archipelago to nearby Obstruction Island. And in California an early morning hot-air balloon ride over Napa Valley wine country. To check out their recommendations for your area or for more details about the above mentioned ideas, click here. Labels: advice, entertainment, holidays, travel
Valentine's Idea for Every State
Are you still searching for the perfect Valentine's date idea? USA Today just posted a piece on "50 Dates in 50 States". Since it's the largest national newspaper in the country, these things may be crowded now, but you never know. So what do they suggest? For residents of North Carolina they suggest a private picnic on the grounds of the VanLandingham Estate. In South Carolina they suggest a cooking class for two at Charleston Cooks! In Washington they recommend a sunset kayak tour from Orcas Island in the San Juan archipelago to nearby Obstruction Island. And in California an early morning hot-air balloon ride over Napa Valley wine country. To check out their recommendations for your area or for more details about the above mentioned ideas, click here. Labels: advice, entertainment, holidays, travel
Valentine's Idea for Every State
Are you still searching for the perfect Valentine's date idea? USA Today just posted a piece on "50 Dates in 50 States". Since it's the largest national newspaper in the country, these things may be crowded now, but you never know. So what do they suggest? For residents of North Carolina they suggest a private picnic on the grounds of the VanLandingham Estate. In South Carolina they suggest a cooking class for two at Charleston Cooks! In Washington they recommend a sunset kayak tour from Orcas Island in the San Juan archipelago to nearby Obstruction Island. And in California an early morning hot-air balloon ride over Napa Valley wine country. To check out their recommendations for your area or for more details about the above mentioned ideas, click here. Labels: advice, entertainment, holidays, travel
Mom Has Son Arrested for Opening X-mas Gift Early
 Kids get real excited around the holidays. They snoop around in the cupboards, look under beds and every once in a while, they'll find and play with a toy before Santa has a chance to drop it off. Well, not in Brandi Ervin's home. She had the cops come and arrest her 12-year-old son for larceny. They put him in cuffs and took him to the police station. I'm guessing they'll need to exchange they Gameboy he was playing with for a new pair of shorts. Read the full article here. Labels: holidays, kids
Mom Has Son Arrested for Opening X-mas Gift Early
Kids get real excited around the holidays. They snoop around in the cupboards, look under beds and every once in a while, they'll find and play with a toy before Santa has a chance to drop it off. Well, not in Brandi Ervin's home. She had the cops come and arrest her 12-year-old son for larceny. They put him in cuffs and took him to the police station. I'm guessing they'll need to exchange they Gameboy he was playing with for a new pair of shorts. Read the full article here. Labels: holidays, kids
Mom Has Son Arrested for Opening X-mas Gift Early
Kids get real excited around the holidays. They snoop around in the cupboards, look under beds and every once in a while, they'll find and play with a toy before Santa has a chance to drop it off. Well, not in Brandi Ervin's home. She had the cops come and arrest her 12-year-old son for larceny. They put him in cuffs and took him to the police station. I'm guessing they'll need to exchange they Gameboy he was playing with for a new pair of shorts. Read the full article here. Labels: holidays, kids
Free SwapThing
 Looking for a great gift for your husband or wife this year but don't have a great budget? There's a website called SwapThing that lets members swap items. Users post what they're willing to swap and what they're looking for. A recent swap that they've announced was a 10 carat diamond bracelet for a Mitsubishi 3000GT 71K Miles (It's an $8,000 Stereo). For the first week of December SwapThing is allowing free swaps for the first week in December. Swaps are normally a couple bucks a swap. If you have items of lesser value than what you're looking for, then you can add money to your offer. Hey, it beats a stocking full of coal. Labels: gadget, holidays, resource
Free SwapThing
Looking for a great gift for your husband or wife this year but don't have a great budget? There's a website called SwapThing that lets members swap items. Users post what they're willing to swap and what they're looking for. A recent swap that they've announced was a 10 carat diamond bracelet for a Mitsubishi 3000GT 71K Miles (It's an $8,000 Stereo). For the first week of December SwapThing is allowing free swaps for the first week in December. Swaps are normally a couple bucks a swap. If you have items of lesser value than what you're looking for, then you can add money to your offer. Hey, it beats a stocking full of coal. Labels: gadget, holidays, resource
Free SwapThing
Looking for a great gift for your husband or wife this year but don't have a great budget? There's a website called SwapThing that lets members swap items. Users post what they're willing to swap and what they're looking for. A recent swap that they've announced was a 10 carat diamond bracelet for a Mitsubishi 3000GT 71K Miles (It's an $8,000 Stereo). For the first week of December SwapThing is allowing free swaps for the first week in December. Swaps are normally a couple bucks a swap. If you have items of lesser value than what you're looking for, then you can add money to your offer. Hey, it beats a stocking full of coal. Labels: gadget, holidays, resource
Wii Love It
 If you've ever wanted to get your lady into video games, now's the time. Already having sold over 600,000 units in its first eight days of availability, the Nintendo Wii is showing consumers where the next generation of gaming is going. Using a revolutionary new wireless controller, the Nintendo Wii is converting non-gamers, like your wife, by the thousands. Used as a handheld pointing device the controller can detect motion and rotation in three dimensions allowing the player to be completely involved in the game. The Wii comes bundled with a five game sports pack. Like golf? Well, stand up (talk about a new generation of gaming right there) and swing the controller like you would a golf club. Boxing? Use the controller and an attachment like boxing gloves and knock your spouse, err opponent out. If you've ever wanted to play video games but are afraid the machine might kill you, and your wallet, check out the Wii.Labels: gadget, holidays
Wii Love It
If you've ever wanted to get your lady into video games, now's the time. Already having sold over 600,000 units in its first eight days of availability, the Nintendo Wii is showing consumers where the next generation of gaming is going. Using a revolutionary new wireless controller, the Nintendo Wii is converting non-gamers, like your wife, by the thousands. Used as a handheld pointing device the controller can detect motion and rotation in three dimensions allowing the player to be completely involved in the game. The Wii comes bundled with a five game sports pack. Like golf? Well, stand up (talk about a new generation of gaming right there) and swing the controller like you would a golf club. Boxing? Use the controller and an attachment like boxing gloves and knock your spouse, err opponent out. If you've ever wanted to play video games but are afraid the machine might kill you, and your wallet, check out the Wii.Labels: gadget, holidays
Wii Love It
If you've ever wanted to get your lady into video games, now's the time. Already having sold over 600,000 units in its first eight days of availability, the Nintendo Wii is showing consumers where the next generation of gaming is going. Using a revolutionary new wireless controller, the Nintendo Wii is converting non-gamers, like your wife, by the thousands. Used as a handheld pointing device the controller can detect motion and rotation in three dimensions allowing the player to be completely involved in the game. The Wii comes bundled with a five game sports pack. Like golf? Well, stand up (talk about a new generation of gaming right there) and swing the controller like you would a golf club. Boxing? Use the controller and an attachment like boxing gloves and knock your spouse, err opponent out. If you've ever wanted to play video games but are afraid the machine might kill you, and your wallet, check out the Wii.Labels: gadget, holidays
Party Excuse Generator
 During this time of year it's common to get together with those you don't normally see. Sometimes, there's a reason you don't normally see some of those people. For the occassions where you wish you had an excuse, visit the Holiday Excuse Generator. The excuse generator asks a few simple questions such as how bad do you want to avoid the get together? Or how do you feel about the host. When it's all said and done, it writes a simple letter, maybe not the most gentle of letters on how you can break the bad news. Labels: holidays
Party Excuse Generator
During this time of year it's common to get together with those you don't normally see. Sometimes, there's a reason you don't normally see some of those people. For the occassions where you wish you had an excuse, visit the Holiday Excuse Generator. The excuse generator asks a few simple questions such as how bad do you want to avoid the get together? Or how do you feel about the host. When it's all said and done, it writes a simple letter, maybe not the most gentle of letters on how you can break the bad news. Labels: holidays
Party Excuse Generator
During this time of year it's common to get together with those you don't normally see. Sometimes, there's a reason you don't normally see some of those people. For the occassions where you wish you had an excuse, visit the Holiday Excuse Generator. The excuse generator asks a few simple questions such as how bad do you want to avoid the get together? Or how do you feel about the host. When it's all said and done, it writes a simple letter, maybe not the most gentle of letters on how you can break the bad news. Labels: holidays
The Truth About Turkey Day
 This week, we posted an aritcle on the truth about Puritans. The good folks at The Chicago Tribune did a little exposing too, revealing that the original Thanksgiving menu back in 1621 probably didn't even include turkey! That's right, back at the original Thanksgiving day table, it was more likely that they were eating duck, geese and/or shellfish. There was also no pumpkin pie, white potatoes and cranberries. Many of you are probably wondering if they had the cream of mushroom and green bean casserole? Probably not. For the real scoop, check out the article here. Have a great Thanksgiving everyone, we'll be taking the day off. Labels: food, holidays, Thanksgiving
The Truth About Turkey Day
This week, we posted an aritcle on the truth about Puritans. The good folks at The Chicago Tribune did a little exposing too, revealing that the original Thanksgiving menu back in 1621 probably didn't even include turkey! That's right, back at the original Thanksgiving day table, it was more likely that they were eating duck, geese and/or shellfish. There was also no pumpkin pie, white potatoes and cranberries. Many of you are probably wondering if they had the cream of mushroom and green bean casserole? Probably not. For the real scoop, check out the article here. Have a great Thanksgiving everyone, we'll be taking the day off. Labels: food, holidays, Thanksgiving
The Truth About Turkey Day
This week, we posted an aritcle on the truth about Puritans. The good folks at The Chicago Tribune did a little exposing too, revealing that the original Thanksgiving menu back in 1621 probably didn't even include turkey! That's right, back at the original Thanksgiving day table, it was more likely that they were eating duck, geese and/or shellfish. There was also no pumpkin pie, white potatoes and cranberries. Many of you are probably wondering if they had the cream of mushroom and green bean casserole? Probably not. For the real scoop, check out the article here. Have a great Thanksgiving everyone, we'll be taking the day off. Labels: food, holidays, Thanksgiving
Flying Turkeys
 It turns out that more people plan on flying on Thanksgiving than last year. According to this article from USA Today, 66% of the turkey-day traffic will be flying, compared to 63% last year. One reason it may be up is because it's cheaper to fly on Thanksgiving than the day before. According to travel consultants Sabre Airline Solutions, travelers will save an average of $36 by flying Thursday instead of Wednesday; making the average ticket $141. When all is said and done, experts predict that this will be the busiest air travel day ever on Thanksgiving. Maybe you should consume some tryptophan before you arrive at the airport. Also, don't miss James Park's article on traveling over holidays.Labels: holidays, Thanksgiving, travel
Flying Turkeys
It turns out that more people plan on flying on Thanksgiving than last year. According to this article from USA Today, 66% of the turkey-day traffic will be flying, compared to 63% last year. One reason it may be up is because it's cheaper to fly on Thanksgiving than the day before. According to travel consultants Sabre Airline Solutions, travelers will save an average of $36 by flying Thursday instead of Wednesday; making the average ticket $141. When all is said and done, experts predict that this will be the busiest air travel day ever on Thanksgiving. Maybe you should consume some tryptophan before you arrive at the airport. Also, don't miss James Park's article on traveling over holidays.Labels: holidays, Thanksgiving, travel
Flying Turkeys
It turns out that more people plan on flying on Thanksgiving than last year. According to this article from USA Today, 66% of the turkey-day traffic will be flying, compared to 63% last year. One reason it may be up is because it's cheaper to fly on Thanksgiving than the day before. According to travel consultants Sabre Airline Solutions, travelers will save an average of $36 by flying Thursday instead of Wednesday; making the average ticket $141. When all is said and done, experts predict that this will be the busiest air travel day ever on Thanksgiving. Maybe you should consume some tryptophan before you arrive at the airport. Also, don't miss James Park's article on traveling over holidays.Labels: holidays, Thanksgiving, travel
Thanksgiving Dinner Costs $38.10
 The American Farm Bureau Federation has been calculating the price of Thanksgiving for 21 years. This year, they say the comma-inducing feast will run $38.10 for a table of 10. That's a $1.32 price increase from last year. Data is collected from a shopping list that includes: turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls with butter, peas, cranberries, a relish tray of carrots and celery, pumpkin pie with whipped cream and beverages of coffee and milk. This article from the Voice of Agriculture breaks down the price of each item and also gives a chart of meal price over the years. Labels: food, holidays, Thanksgiving
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