Coffee Talk Archives

Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Thursday, August 5

August 5, 2021 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
TODAY IS:
  • National Blogger Day
  • National Oyster Day
  • National India Pale Ale (IPA) Day
  • National Underwear Day
A recent survey looked into how often we CHANGE our underwear.  Spoiler alert:  Not everyone changes them every day. Only 68% of Americans say they usually wear a pair once and then wash them.  For everyone else, it varies. 13% said twice . . . 6% said three to five times . . . 3% said SIX times or more without washing . . . and another 10% weren’t sure, or said they’d rather not answer. 48% of Americans said they’ve NEVER worn the same underwear more than once.
The twins are taking over … According to new research, the number of twins being born in the U.S. has increased by more than 70% over the last 30 years. Some of the reasons include IVF treatments and moms having kids at an older age.
Has working from home been painful? As much as many people love the flexibility and work-life balance of remote working, some have found the experience painful – literally. A new survey has found that 2 in 3 remote workers have suffered physical pain from working from home – including back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, headaches, and eye strain. Because our living spaces don’t always have designated offices, employees are working in places that aren’t the best for their muscles and joints. And many people working from home are putting in longer hours – which is causing eye pain and headaches from long hours staring at screens.
Speaking of work … Do you find meaning in what you do for a living? While 55% of respondents in a new YouGov poll said their job made a meaningful contribution to the world, 22% said their job was meaningless.
Did you reconnect with an ex during the pandemic? A new study of married couples and those in long-term relationships found that 62% said they kept someone on the “back burner” during the pandemic, in case their current relationship didn’t work out. Ouch. And more than 50% of respondents said the person on the “back burner” was an ex. (Independent)

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Tuesday, August 3

August 3, 2021 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
TODAY IS:
  • Watermelon Day
  • White Wine Day
Which Olympic sports have the highest risk of injury? The answers might surprise you. All sports carry the risk of injury, but according to data from the Rio Olympics in 2016, the Olympic athletes most likely to suffer injuries are BMX cyclists (38%), followed by boxers (30%), mountain bikers (24%) and Taekwondo athletes (24%). (Insider) But, as you might imagine, even with very few incidents in places like the pool, they still have lifeguards standing by…
When the pandemic started and people got stir crazy in their homes, many turned to RVs and conversion vans as a way to get away — but still be safe. And it seems the trend is here to stay – at least for the foreseeable future. Many people made the vans themselves – converting old school buses, delivery vans and work vans into amazing homes on wheels. Some liked it so much they even ditched their real homes for life on the road – especially in these times when you can work from anywhere. (SWNS)
Early in the pandemic Zoom bombings were a thing, interrupting classes and meetings. Some losers even used hate speech when they hacked into meetings. Now Zoom says it’ll pay $85 million to settle a class action lawsuit. Users accused the company of weak security and selling their personal data. The Zoom settlement amounts to a 15–25-dollar refund per subscriber, and the company does not have to admit to any wrongdoing.
Sobering thoughts … Studies have shown that alcohol consumption was way up during the pandemic, particularly among women, whose stress levels soared for a number of reasons – including taking on the bulk of the household tasks, homeschooling, and care giving, among others. But others took a different approach, choosing to drink less during the year of anything goes. (Self)

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Monday, August 2

August 2, 2021 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
TODAY IS:
  • National Ice Cream Sandwich Day
Happy August … and only 22 days till it’s Pumpkin Spice Season. If rumors are true, Starbucks will be rolling out their PSLs on Tuesday, August 24. While nothing has been announced by Starbucks, people think this will be the day because for the past few years, Starbucks has released the popular drink on the third Tuesday in August. (Eat This, Not That)
For the first time ever, U.S. Paralympians will be paid as much as U.S. Olympians for the medals they win. In case you were wondering … It’s $37,500 for each gold medal, $22,500 for silver, and $15,000 for bronze. The Paralympic Games begin August 24th and end on September 5th. (Shape)
Support for a four-day work week isn’t going away … A California congressman has introduced legislation to reduce the standard five-day, 40-hour work week to a four-day, 32-hour work week. In a press release, Representative Mark Takano wrote, in part: “A shorter workweek would benefit both employers and employees alike … Pilot programs run by governments and businesses across the globe have shown promising results, as productivity climbed and workers reported better work-life balance, less need to take sick days, heightened morale and lower childcare expenses because they had more time with their family and children.”  We’ll see how this progresses … (Forbes)
If you spend a lot of time sitting, it could be affecting your mental health in addition to your physical health. A recent UK study claims that too much sitting can cause anxiety, depression, and other health issues. Since lockdown and the rise of remote work, many of us spend lots of time sitting, more than 8 hours a day. The researchers suggest getting 60 minutes of exercise a day, but it doesn’t have to be at the gym. You can take a walk outside or do some gardening.
Eating healthier and exercising, but still not seeing results on the scale? It could be your rosé all day. A study found that the average drinker in the U.S. takes in 16% of their overall calories from alcohol, but rarely takes those calories into account as part of their diet. So don’t forget to count the chardonnay and beer… (Best Life)

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Friday, July 30

July 30, 2021 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
TODAY IS:
  • National Get Gnarly Day: The last Friday of July is celebrated as a day to embrace new ideas and toss out old ways. Maybe time for a summer resolution?
  • National Cheesecake Day
  • International Friendship Day
  • National Paperback Book Day
The end of July is here … and that means summer is quickly coming to an end. Have you done everything you wanted to do this summer? There’s still time to get you summer bucket list done …
According to voters on Ranker.com, these are their top summer bucket list items:
  1. Go on a road trip
  2. Read a new novel
  3. Sleep under the stars
  4. Get as much sunshine as possible
  5. Go camping
  6. Connect with an old friend
  7. Play in the summer rain
  8. Make lemonade
  9. Build a sandcastle
  10. Collect seashells on the beach
It’s bad enough that most American workers don’t take their vacation days, but a new survey has found that 42% of respondents say they their use vacation days for medical appointments. That’s likely because Americans feel they might need their sick days for actual sickness later…
Get ready for cantaloupe juice … Yep, cantaloupe juice is the newest health trend. Cantaloupe is low in calories, because of its high water content; is packed with Vitamin A and potassium; and can boost your immunity because, as an article in the Atlanta Journal Constitution notes, cantaloupe provides 337% of your recommended daily Vitamin C allowance. That’s why scientists are looking for ways to deliver all that cantaloupe goodness in a fresh-pressed juice. (Eat This)
And get ready for potato milk … Because almond milk, soy milk, rice milk, pea milk, and oat milk aren’t enough, potato milk is the next big plant-based milk. It’s currently only available in parts of Sweden and China, and through Amazon in the United Kingdom. But it won’t be long till spud milk hits our shores. (Food & Wine)
Forget waiting for the flight attendant to roll the cart your way … United is now allowing passengers to order their food and drinks before they fly, via the United app. (Food & Wine)

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Thursday, July 29

July 29, 2021 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
TODAY IS:
  • National Lasagna Day
  • National Chicken Wing Day
  • National Chili Dog Day
Speaking of hot dogs … If you want to know how competitive eater and 14-time winner of the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating contest Joey Chestnut feels after eating 76 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes, Chestnut told Insider, “Most people relate to feeling really bloated and tired after Thanksgiving. It’s kind of like that, except really, really bad.” Chestnut also revealed that after the contest he starts sweating profusely, and apparently his sweat smells like hot dogs. Sparing you all of the gritty details, he also said it takes full two days to start feeling normal again after a competition.
Are you and your partner on the same page when it come money, including investments and financial risk? According to new research from the University of California-San Diego, couples who don’t agree about where their money goes, are twice as likely to get divorced.
Workplaces are starting to reopen, but lots of workers don’t want to return. There have been a few of these surveys over the last year, but a brand-new one revealed that 27% of American workers polled said they would look for a new job if they had to go back to the office. “I truly believe we will not be going back to the 5-days-a week in the office” routine, said Andrei Postoaca, chief executive of Ipsos Digital. “That era has stopped.” (Yahoo) Well, apparently no one told my place of work…
Weddings are back, and money is tight for a lot of people.  So is this something ALL brides should do? A 29-year-old woman named Talia Morales got engaged last month.  And she’s getting a ton of love on TikTok after she polled her bridesmaids and asked how much THEY were willing to spend on her wedding. She did it through an online poll, so no one else would see their answers.  And she asked things like how much they could spend on their dresses . . . where they want to stay . . . and if they want their hair and make-up done by a professional. She even asked what style of bridesmaid dress they like best, and included photos.  So maybe they won’t end up with a dress they’ll never wear again. She says a lot of brides get so caught up in planning, they don’t think about how much everyone else has to shell out.  So she’s trying to be as considerate as possible when it comes to money.

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Wednesday, July 28

July 28, 2021 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
TODAY IS:
  • National Milk Chocolate Day
Has your circle of friends gotten smaller? A study published by the Survey Center on American Life found that Americans have fewer friends than they used to. The study revealed that 49% of Americans over the age of 18 said they had fewer than three close friends. In 1990, just 27% of Americans said they had fewer than three close friends. In 1990, 33% reported having 10 or more close friends, while today, only 13% said they had 10 or more good friends.
The pandemic definitely had an effect on friendships. The study found that 47% of Americans said they’d lost touch with at least a few friends over the last year. Women, in particular, said they’d lost touch with friends during the pandemic, with 59% saying they had lost contact with friends in the last year.
But it’s not just the pandemic that has led to fewer close friendships. Things like marrying later, spending more time with their kids than past generations, and working longer hours has also affected friendships. (NY Post)
Why do these things not happen to us when we’re bored? A man in South Carolina who won $375,000 on a lottery scratch-off ticket said he only bought the ticket because he was bored and looking for something to do. (UPI)
Walmart wine … Walmart is launching their own wine collection. The Walmart Winemakers Selection is an international affair, including Malbec from Argentina, Italian Pinot Grigio, French rosé, Cabernet Sauvignon from California, and a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. Each bottle is just $10. (The Drinks Business)
And speaking of Walmart, lots of college freshman will be heading off to school in the next couple of weeks, packed with stuff to fill their dorm rooms. Good Morning America has a list of some of the dorm essentials every college freshman needs, including shower shoes and a shower caddy, a small fridge and a single-serve coffee maker, comfy bedding, a mattress cover, noise canceling headphones, and an LED light.

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Tuesday, July 27

July 27, 2021 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
TODAY IS:
National Scotch Day
Have you been dining out and noticed a few too many people being a bit rude? … According to a recent article, restaurant owners say some customers have “forgotten to be human” during the pandemic. Seems there’s been quite the uptick in rude, demanding, and angry customers as restaurants have re-opened.
Would you give this a try, or would it be a hard pass?  There’s a small-but-passionate group of people online who claim the best snack in the world is OREOS WITH SALSA. People have been hyping it on social media for a while, so it’s not a new idea.  But a writer for the site Delish.com just tried it.  And their verdict is . . . NOT good.  They described the taste as “musty,” and said dunking them in milk is a much better option. Some people claim it’s great though.  If you really want to go all-in, they say to buy a pack of Oreos . . . remove the middle row . . . and fill it to the top with salsa for easy dipping.
Jerry Seinfeld had a classic bit about the Olympics, and said he’d rather win bronze than silver . . . because silver would be a bummer, but bronze would feel like you won SOMETHING at least.  So do you agree with that? Someone polled 2,500 people, and it turns out most of us DON’T agree.  Of the people who answered, 93% would rather win silver.  Only 7% said bronze. If you grew up in the “participation trophy” era though, you might be the outlier.  People aged 18 to 25 were more than twice as likely than older people to say they’d rather win bronze.
If you feel passionately about finding out what Dorito or Cheeto dust would taste like on a potato chip, listen up.  Frito-Lay just debuted a new line of potato chips that taste like OTHER chips and snacks. The three flavors are Cool Ranch Doritos potato chips . . . Cheetos potato chips . . . and chips that taste like Funyuns.  So if you think those snacks would be better in potato chip form, get excited. It’s not clear how many stores have them, but right now Target.com appears to have all three.  And they’re a limited time only thing, so they might only be around for summer.

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Monday, July 26

July 26, 2021 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
TODAY IS:
  • National All or Nothing Day: Everyone has something they would love to do if only they weren’t so scared. Today is the day to just go for it – all or nothing.
  • National Aunt and Uncle’s Day
Have you ever completely unplugged for a day? Longer? Seems most of us haven’t. A new poll found that 73% said they can’t even imagine going 24 hours without looking at a screen. That’s probably because research has found that adults spend, on average, about six hours a day staring at a variety of screens.
Want to be happier, healthier, and have more friends? Join a sports team. A study found that people who are on a sports team are healthier, have more friends, go to more parties, and have a better work-life balance than those not on a team.
Do you have a bunch of unused gift cards stuffed in a drawer somewhere? A new BankRate survey found that 51-percent of us are holding unused gift cards, vouchers, or store credits, to the tune of roughly 15-billion dollars in outstanding value. The study also found that millennials are more likely than older folks to have unused balances and are less likely to believe they’ll ever redeem them. Experts suggest using gift cards, vouchers and credits right away.
Another Zoom effect … Seems younger women are getting more Botox treatments. Doctors have noticed an increase in women in their early 20s coming in for Botox and filler. The reason? All the time they spent looking at themselves during Zoom meetings.
“I would say that my average age of patients shifted down considerably this year, and it’s now early 20s,” said Dr. Dmitriy Schwarzburg of Skinly Aesthetics. “And they’re coming not just for Botox, but for all kinds of procedures that they would otherwise consider at a much later point in their lives.”
Amy Shecter, the CEO of Ever/Body said, “The Zoom effect is real, and it has definitely been a catalyst for increased interest in cosmetic dermatology treatments.” (ABC)

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Friday, July 23

July 23, 2021 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
Today is:
  • National Vanilla Ice Cream Day
  • International Yada, Yada, Yada Day: Feel free to skim over important (and unimportant) details by saying ‘Yada, yada, yada’ instead; just like they did in that famous ’Seinfeld’ episode.
  • Gorgeous Grandma Day: A day to celebrate women of a certain age.
Ever wonder how to get a bear out of your car? Some guy on TikTok found one trapped in his Nissan so, of course, he made a video out of it. Once he pried the door open, the black bear just stood there for a while until him and his buddy scared it away. The car’s interior was totaled but his video has got 20 million views, and in our new economy of likes and shares, isn’t that what truly matters?
What if the universe was shaped like a giant donut? A group of astrophysicists now believe the universe may not be a flat planet after all. They studied leftover light from the Big Bang and determined the universe is actually shaped more like a glazed Krispy Kreme (and we’re the cream filling). The theory would suggest the universe was no longer infinite (or they could just be completely wrong).
Get ready to pay more for everything from soap to ice cream. Unilever says it’s struggling to keep up with rising inflation so they’re gonna start charging extra for stuff like Dove soap, Hellmann’s mayonnaise and Ben & Jerry’s. They already raised their prices in the spring.
Is your savings account looking a little sad? You’re not alone. A new poll finds more than half of us have less than three months of savings stashed away. Millennials are hurting the most with nearly 60-percent admitting they have little to no savings.
Seinfeld fans! The show now lives on in Lego form. A fan created a mini replica of Jerry’s apartment in honor of the sitcom’s 30th anniversary (2 years ago). It’s pretty accurate with Jerry’s green couch and apartment door. Lego loved it so much they’re gonna sell the set online starting August 1st.

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Thursday, July 22

July 22, 2021 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
TODAY IS:
  • Hammock Day
  • Mango Day
No surprise – lots of workers think meetings, whether virtual or in-person, are a waste of time. A new SurveyMonkey poll found that 32% of employees find themselves thinking, “This meeting could have been an email” all or most of the time.
When you think about all the time you spend working, do you include your commute?  It is time that you’re giving up for your job . . . and usually you’re not paid for it, unless it’s specifically PART of the gig. A recent poll asked people if they thought that those hours should count toward a person’s working hours . . . and the results were split.
41% said it SHOULD count . . . 41% said it shouldn’t . . . and 18% didn’t know.
But there are problems with commutes being paid time as a rule.  For one, it might make it harder to find a job if you live in a remote area, or WANT a job closer to your family or a school. And it would be frustrating to lose out on a dream job, just because another applicant lives closer. So the likelihood of it happening en mass is probably pretty low.
As bars and clubs open up again and dating life is returning to normal, we’re reminded that some of the things that are also getting back to normal are people bugging you for your phone number – when you don’t want to give it to them. If saying no doesn’t seem to work, here are some numbers you can give out to get you out of the situation. Fake numbers are one way to do it, but these rejection hotlines will definitely send the message that the person was being a creeper …
  • 719-26-OATES: It’s the Callin’ Oates hotline, where you can listen to a Hall & Oates song

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Wednesday, July 21

July 21, 2021 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
TODAY IS:
  • National Hot Dog Day
  • Junk Food Day
Speaking of junk food … Apparently Cinnamon Toast Crunch Popcorn is now a thing. The 20-ounce bag of popcorn, which is seasoned with “Cinnadust” is available exclusively at Sam’s Club. (People)
What would you do with $100 million? You may have heard that, yesterday, after his space jaunt, Jeff Bezos announced he would be giving $100 million each to Van Jones, founder of Dream Corps, and chef José Andrés, founder of World Central Kitchen to “direct to the charities of their choice as they see fit.” He added, “No bureaucracy, no committees. They just do what they want. They can give it all to their own charity or they can share the wealth. It’s up to them.” Jones and Andres are the first two recipients of Bezos’ new Courage and Civility Award, which “recognizes leaders who aim high and who pursue solutions with courage and who always do so with civility.” (Market Watch)
What do you wish you had learned in college? A survey by Experian Boost found that 81% of respondents said they wish they were taught more life skills in college. Among those skills they wish they had learned — how to invest, how to budget, long-term financial planning, and how to manage their student loan debt. And then there were the more basic life skills … 17% of the college grads surveyed said they still don’t know how to cook or do their own laundry. 26% said they can’t do basic home maintenance — like unclogging a toilet or resetting a Wi-Fi router.
Maybe that’s why, according to the survey, 30% of recent college grads moved back in with their parents.
What motto do you live by? Actor Jaren Lewison, who plays Ben on the Netflix hit Never Have I Ever has a life motto he live by: “Remember the feeling.”
“It’s been a motto on my dad’s side [of the family] for as long as I can remember,” Lewison said in an interview with Elite Daily. “Basically, it means to remember to cherish each and every moment — whether you’re eating an ice cream you love, or filming the [Never Have I Ever] Season 2 finale and feeling an unbelievable amount of gratitude and joy. Because sometimes we’re moving so quickly that we don’t stop and remember how lucky we are.” Seems like a pretty great motto to live by.

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Tuesday, July 20

July 20, 2021 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
TODAY IS:
  • National Moon Day: Commemorates the day man first walked on the moon. On July 20th, 1969, Americans Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to land on the moon. Armstrong, who took the first step on the lunar surface, famously described the event as “one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”
  • National Lollipop Day
  • International Chess Day
What do you and family argue about the most? A survey found that the average household has 21 disagreements a week, with most arguments over trivial things. According to the survey, these are the Top 10 Most Common Family Arguments:
  1. Someone leaving all the lights on when they aren’t in the room
  2. Someone leaving shoes in the middle of the floor/ in the doorway
  3. Messy bedrooms
  4. Someone not doing their fair share of the chores
  5. Not changing the empty toilet roll when the last of it is used
  6. When the heating/air should come on
  7. Squeezing trash into an already full trash can rather than emptying it first
  8. Leaving dirty laundry on the floor
  9. Someone leaving plates and glasses in their bedroom
  10. Leaving dishes in the sink rather than just washing them
Thinking about selling your home? You may want to change the color of your walls. A new survey from Zillow says buyers would pay almost $5,000 more for a home with a bathroom painted sky blue. Bedrooms in a “moody dark blue” could take in $1,500 more. But stay away from trendy colors. A kitchen painted mint green could shave about $1,800 off the price.
We’re in the thick of summer, so a gas company recently commissioned a study to determine what a “typical” road trip looks like. After consulting 2,000 people, the typical road trip lasts just under four hours . . . covers 150 miles . . . features FOUR people . . . who play TWO travel games . . . and who, on average, hear FOUR cries of “Are we there yet?” Families have on average TWO arguments, which involve things like:  Windows being open or closed . . . who sits where . . . and who ate the snacks. A total of SIX snacks are consumed . . . with the most popular being sandwiches . . . chips . . . and sweet stuff. 41% love listening to the radio, and the typical road trip has about 40 songs.  Some favorites include “Dancing Queen” by ABBA . . . “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi . . . “Happy” by Pharrell . . . and “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers. Pit stops last roughly 17 minutes  . . . and we usually go on EIGHT road trips like these per year.

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Monday, July 19

July 19, 2021 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
TODAY IS:
  • National Daquiri Day
  • National Get Out of the Doghouse Day
Yet another reason to avoid a public wedding proposal … especially not one at a baseball stadium. A man in the stands at Polar Park for a Worcester Red Sox minor league game was introduced to the crowd as he got down on one knee to propose to his girlfriend. Only problem? She was clearly not ready and ran off. Oof. Naturally, the video was shared on social media, where spectators can be heard saying, “Oh my god.” (Independent)
The idea of a four-day workweek is really popular … On the heels of that research from Iceland showing that employees working a four-day workweek were happier and just as productive, a new YouGov poll found that 67% of Americans said they would prefer a four-day workweek with 10-hour days. Just 21% said they preferred a five-day workweek with 8-hour days. 12% said they didn’t know.
Cheers to this! A study from Iowa State University found that having wine – particularly red wine — and cheese every day can prevent Alzheimer’s. Of course, moderation is key.
Kids seem to have a superpower for finding all the goodies you’ve stashed in the back of the cupboard, so Oreo is helping you take things to the next level.
They’ve just announced a new “Protection Program,” designed to hide Oreo Thins from your family using camouflaged packaging.  They still say “Oreo Thins” on the front, but the sides look different, so you can stack them wherever you’d want to hide them:  The cupboard, the freezer, the closet, or in the car.
The spines make the Oreos look like:  A cookbook . . . a package of frozen vegetables . . . a pack of t-shirts . . . and a car owner’s manual.  For now, they’re only available through an online sweepstakes.  The deadline is Friday.

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Friday, July 16

July 16, 2021 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
TODAY IS:
  • Guinea Pig Appreciation Day
  • World Snake Day
  • Fresh Spinach Day
It’s the age-old debate … can single straight men and women just be really good friends? Well, here’s more proof that the answer is … not often. A study from the University of Victoria in Canada found that 68% of romantic relationships begin as friendships. And for people in their 20s, that number jumps to 85%
And the study found that the same holds true for those LGBTQ+ community, with 85% of romantic relationships starting off as friendships.
In a big point of Pride for the US, the U.S. Olympic team is sending 613 athletes to Tokyo this month, which is its second-largest team ever. The largest team, with 648 athletes, was in 1996 when the U.S. hosted the Games in Atlanta. And among those hoping to go home with medals this year are 329 women — more than any nation in Olympic history. It’s also actually the third time that Team USA had more women than men. (NBC Sports)
What would you do for a two-week vacation? If you’re the average American, the answer is almost anything. A new survey by Crystal Head Vodka found that these are just a few of the things Americans would do for two weeks completely away from work:
  • Work on every weekend for a year
  • Give up celebrating holidays for a year
  • Take a 10% cut in pay
  • Give up their favorite food
  • Cancel Netflix/streaming service forever
  • Give up social media for a year
Speaking of getting away  … really far away … A YouGov poll found that 25% of Americans surveyed said they would like to live in a colony on Mars for the rest of their lives.

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Thursday, July 15

July 15, 2021 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
TODAY IS:
  • National Give Something Away Day: A good day to give to someone who could use it – whether it’s money, something you don’t use or need anymore, or just your time.
  • National Tapioca Pudding Day
This is very cool … Candace Parker of the WNBA’s Chicago Star has made history by being the first WNBA athlete to be featured on the cover of an NBA 2K video game.
“Representation matters, so this is a special moment of progress for the sport and the series,” Parker said. “To be part of this historic cover is a testament to the growth and rising popularity of the women’s game, and I’m proud to be the first female cover athlete to be the face of NBA 2K.” (Insider)
What emoji do you use the most when texting? If you use the “laugh-cry” one, you are definitely not alone. According to researchers from USC, the laugh-cry emoji is the most popular emoji in the world — though Millennials and Gen Z say the laugh-cry is no longer cool.
Taco ’bout a dream job … McCormick, the spice and seasoning company, has a unique opportunity for one lucky taco lover. They’re looking to hire a Director of Taco Relations who will be responsible for staying on top of taco trends, talking with chefs, developing content for McCormick’s social media channels, working with the McCormick Kitchens team, traveling around the country, and, of course, eating lots of tacos. The temp job is only four months, but it comes with a sweet $25,000 per month paycheck. Interested applicants, 21 and over, have until July 20th to submit a creative video to McCormick.com/DirectorofTacoRelations.
We all have the best intentions when it comes to working out … we also have plenty of excuses for why we can’t. According to a new survey, some of the biggest excuses for not working out include: being too tired, not having enough time during the day, you worked too late, you’re hungry, the weather is bad (too cold, too hot, raining), there’s something you want to watch on TV, and not wanting to workout in front of people. While all of those excuses could be valid for reasons to avoid sweating today, the health benefits should obviously outweigh them if you replace those negative thoughts and think about the people that love you most and want you around more often.

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Wednesday, July 14

July 14, 2021 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
TODAY IS:
  • Shark Awareness Day
  • Mac ‘n’ Cheese Day
In honor of Mac ‘n’ Cheese Day, Kraft has teamed up with Brooklyn-based Van Leeuwen Ice Cream for limited-edition Macaroni & Cheese Ice Cream. And, yes, it apparently tasted like mac ‘n’ cheese. If you’re visiting NYC, L.A., or Houston, you can grab a scoop at all Van Leeuwen ice cream stores. If not, you can get it online at vanleeuwenicecream.com for $12 per pint. (Delish)
Need the right wine for your next Hallmark movie marathon? Hallmark has you covered. The Hallmark Channel already has their own wine, but now they’re launching their own wine club. The wine – with names like “Autumn Dreams” and “Snow Kissed” — will be shipped four times a year, and, of course, are meant to be paired with the movies of the season. (Food & Wine)
A hospital in Ohio has apologized for giving a patient the wrong kidney. It was actually supposed to go to someone else. Luckily, the patient who got it just happened to be a match, so it worked out alright for them. The other patient is still waiting. Two employees at Cleveland University Hospitals are now on an unplanned vacation.
Kids go through periods where they want to skip the expensive clothing stores for the local thrift store.  And now they’re SKIPPING THE MIDDLE MAN. According to a new survey, more kids are raiding their parents’ closets for clothes lately. Three in four kids between the ages of 5 and 18 say they think their parent’s sense of style as a teenager was actually “cool.” And nearly 60% of kids admit to stealing one of their parents’ old outfits to wear to school.
This might not come as a surprise to you.  Four in five parents say they often see their kids wearing an outfit to school that’s similar to one they would have worn when THEY were in school.

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Tuesday, July 13

July 13, 2021 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
TODAY IS:
  • National French Fries Day: French fries aren’t actually French. They’re from Belgium (where they speak French) and where American soldiers found them during World War 1.
Do you have a secret you keep from everyone? More than one? According to a new survey, the average adult keeps two secrets from those closest to them.
Here are the Top 10 Secrets People Keep From Family and Friends:
  1. Mental health issues
  2. Embarrassing incidents
  3. Internet history
  4. Eating/snacking habits
  5. Hygiene habits
  6. Number of past sex partners
  7. Bank/credit card statements
  8. Faking an illness in the past to avoid a commitment
  9. Affairs/infidelities
  10. One night stands
Right along those lines of keeping secrets and mental health issues, therapists are about to get very busy … A new survey found that 70% of respondents are “anxious” about returning to their pre-pandemic lives, and 54% said they want to see a therapist before going back to their normal life.
Has your diet changed a lot in the last five years? Did it change radically in the last year? In a new survey by Modern Table, 20% said their diet today is radically different than it was five years ago. Health concerns (48%), personal taste (35%) and environmental concerns (19%) were the top three reasons for changing how they ate. While most people (48%) identified as omnivores (those who eat plants and meat equally), flexitarians (those who eat mostly plant based but eat meat on occasion) at 14% outnumbered vegetarians (9%) and vegans (3%) combined. Then there are the 17% who identify as carnivores – eating nothing but animal products.
From the kids to the grandparents, everyone felt pressured by the pandemic. A new list ranks the cities that are most and least stressed out. Factors include work hours and divorce rates. Most stressed? Cleveland, Ohio comes in first, Detroit second and New Orleans third. Least stressed? Madison, Wisconsin, Fremont, California and South Burlington, Vermont.

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Monday, July 12

July 12, 2021 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
TODAY IS:
  • National Simplicity Day: The day is in honor of the birthday of author/philosopher/naturalist Henry David Thoreau (July 12th, 1817), who was an advocate for living a life of simplicity.
  • National Pecan Pie Day: Whether you say pee-can or pa-con … Have a slice!
In keeping with the simplicity theme … What’s a great simple pleasure? According to a new survey, getting into a bed with freshly-cleaned sheets, getting a great parking spot, when your favorite song comes on the radio, and a good hair day are just some of the simple things that bring us joy.
If you want to stay motivated and on track with your workout goals, find a workout buddy. According to a Harvard researcher, having someone to work out with makes you accountable and provides the social bonding that will keep you motivated. “Nothing works as effectively as exercising with friends,” said Daniel Lieberman, a Harvard paleoanthropologist.(Insider)
Is online life more important than real life? Seems to be for a lot of people – especially if you’re young. A new study by Squarespace found that 60% of adults under the age of 40 “believe how you present yourself online is more important than how you present yourself in person.” (Best Life)
This gives “flushing money down the toilet” a new meaning:  A university in South Korea is testing a new type of commode that turns your waste into DIGITAL CURRENCY.  Or more simply . . . it pays you for your POOP.
It’s called the BeeVi toilet, and an engineering professor came up with it.  It basically collects everyone’s waste and turns it into methane and manure.  Then the methane powers things in the building, and the manure is used in a nearby garden.
Each time a student uses the toilet, they get paid in a digital currency the professor created called “Ggool,” which means “Honey” in Korean.  Then they can use that Honey to buy stuff on campus, like coffee and snacks.  He says the point is to show how valuable our waste can be if we just think outside the box.

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Friday, July 9

July 9, 2021 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
TODAY IS:
Sugar Cookie Day: A good day for a cookie.
Do you carry cash? Do you use cash? Maybe you should. A new survey found that 51% of respondents said using cash helps them budget their money. Surprisingly, Gen Z (52%) were the most likely to use cash over other types of payment.
Also, the average person has $52 in their wallet right now.  And there’s a limit to how much we’ll use in a single transition.  If something costs more than $31, we’ll almost always use a card. The top things we still use cash for . . .
1.  Tips at restaurants and bars, or for delivery drivers.
2.  Fast food.
3.  Candy and snacks.
4.  Coffee.
5.  Gas.
6.  Groceries.
7.  Drinks at a bar.
8.  Personal care products, like makeup or other small items.
9.  Gifts.
10.  Donuts or pastries.
New Yorkers have long claimed that their pizza reigns supreme, but according to a new book, the best slices are found farther west of the city – a lot farther west.  According to the upcoming book Modernist Pizza, whose authors ate hundreds of pizzas all across the country, the best pizza can be found in Portland, Oregon. (NY Post)
If you’re the kind of person that can’t pass on the sheer delight of holding and popping the bubbles on a strip of bubble wrap, then you might want to check out the newest viral craze for fidgety hands – Popits. Made from silicone in a variety of shapes and colors, Popits feature “bubbles” that you can press for that satisfying “pop,” then turn it over to pop it again. According to Today, the toys are a great tool for those coping with stress, anxiety, attention deficit or hyperactivity issues.

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Thursday, July 8

July 8, 2021 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
TODAY IS:
National Freezer Pop Day: A good day for an ice pop.
Why do dogs circle before they do their business? There are a number of theories. One is that they are giving a 360-degree look at their surroundings before getting in that vulnerable position. Another is that they are spreading their scent to mark their territory – kind of like with pee marking. Then there’s the theory that they are making themselves a nice, clean place to go to the bathroom. And then there’s the magnetic field theory. This one claims that dogs use the force of the Earth’s magnetic fields to choose their pooping place, preferring the north-south axis of the Earth. According to researchers at a university in Prague, dogs prefer to “excrete with the body being aligned along the north-south axis.” Well, there you have it … sort of.
When did you get serious about your finances? A new study has found that, on average, we hit our peak financial recklessness at the age of . . . 22. While they zeroed in on that age, most people said they didn’t think about their finances or budgeting enough when they were younger . . . and that they were 25 before they started “growing up” in terms of handling their money. But by that point, some people suffer dings to their credit score.  The average respondent hit their credit score low point when they were 27. 58% said they don’t think they would’ve EVER gotten their money in order if it weren’t for having a “rude awakening” . . . things like having a child, being cut off from their parents, or applying for a home loan. Or, you know, the pandemic.  45% of people said last year was a financial rude awakening for them.
Speaking of finances, you may be waiting a while for your tax return. There’s word the IRS is a mess! A congressional report says nearly 35 million tax returns still haven’t been processed and only 3 percent of phone calls to the IRS are being answered (sounds like an airline). Millions of Americans are waiting for an average return of about 28-hundred bucks.

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Wednesday, July 7

July 7, 2021 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
TODAY IS:
  • Macaroni Day: A good day for some pasta.
  • Dive Bar Day: A good day to visit your local dive bar.
  • Strawberry Sundae Day: Ice cream!
  • World Chocolate Day: Chocolate!
  • Global Forgiveness Day: A day to forgive and be forgiven.
  • Tell the Truth Day: A good day to be honest.
The device that can do just about anything seems to have a dark side — it’s encouraging the world’s bullies. Parents say their daughters are constantly teased about their name, “Alexa,” with schoolyard bullies taunting them and demanding they play music. One mom, Lauren Johnson, even started an awareness campaign called “Alexa is a human.” Amazon issued a statement saying, “We’re saddened by the experiences you’ve shared, and want to be very clear: bullying of any kind is unacceptable, and we condemn it in the strongest possible terms.” But the company said they won’t be changing Alexa’s name — noting that any user can make their device answer to another name if they wish. (Gizmodo)
More proof that it’s better to give than to receive … A new study found that a really easy way to make yourself happier is to buy a toy for your pet. Researchers from Elmhurst University in Illinois found that buying your pet a gift triggers greater feelings of happiness than buying something for yourself. (Mental Floss)
Finally! It’s an age-old BBQ dilemma … hot dogs typically come in a pack of 10 – but hot dog buns come in a pack of 8, often causing an over-buying of buns. Well, Heinz has had enough. The condiment company has introduced their Heinz Hot Dog Pact – which is  a petition “calling on big bun and big wiener companies to finally sell buns and wieners in even packs.” “We’ve seen our fans through social media express their outrage about the bun-to-hot-dog ratio issue for years, and we know there must be a better way. We believe that the time for change is now and we are hopeful,” said Daniel Gotlib, associate director of brand building and innovation for the Kraft Heinz Company. Now the question becomes — Do hot dog makers drop their package to eight – or do bun makers increase their packages to 10? Time will tell. (Food & Wine)

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Tuesday, July 6

July 6, 2021 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
TODAY IS:
  • Fried Chicken Day
  • International Kissing Day
Adventurous … but clueless? A new survey found that Millennials consider themselves to be the most adventurous cooks compared to other generations. That said, Millennials were also found to cook the fewest meals at home – and know the least about cooking and kitchen safety. And as a “geriatric Millennial” myself, I will confirm all of this.
Stressed out lately? You might want to watch the top of your head. It turns out that stress really does make you go gray … but there’s good news: Reducing stress can reverse the process. Researchers at Columbia University found that eliminating stress can return gray hair, long thought to be permanent, to its “younger, pigmented state.” So try not to get stressed about eliminating the stress in your life…best of luck!
The U.K. celebrates “Thank You Day” on July 4th . . . just as America is celebrating its Independence Day. Which seems a bit…passive aggressive. Anyway…so British researchers conducted a study on how and when we show our appreciation . . . and there are some interesting findings. For starters, the average adult will say “thank you” 207 times a month, which is roughly 6.8 times per day.  That’s a lot of gratitude . . . but some of it is FAKE. On average, 54 of those thank yous are insincere.  That’s 26%. About a quarter of people surveyed think that’s a problem . . . because genuine appreciation is “dying out.”  33% said they’d still prefer to hear the words, even if the person is just saying “thank you” for the sake of it. And 55% of people claim they have become “more grateful” during the pandemic.  (But 26% probably didn’t mean it.)
And now for some useless but interesting information today…If you’ve ever wondered why Ritz crackers have those ridges around them — wonder no more. A video posted on Ritz’s official TikTok revealed that the reason the crackers have those scalloped edges is to … slice through cheese.

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Thursday, July 1

July 1, 2021 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
TODAY IS:
  • Second Half of the Year Day: July 1st is the 182nd day of the year – which means half of 2021 is over.
  • Postal Worker Day: A day to appreciate your mail carrier or post office worker.
  • International Joke Day: A good day to tell a joke.
Feel like you have nothing to wear? You’re not alone. A new survey by Nordstrom found that 36% of respondents said they have “nothing to wear” after almost a year and a half without dressing for social events. The survey also found that the average person has purged seven items from their wardrobe because they no longer fit.
Seems there’s a new box to check when you’re RSVPing for an upcoming wedding – whether or not you’re vaccinated. A new wedding trend gaining traction among brides and grooms is requiring that guests at their wedding be vaccinated – and in some cases, that has meant that even close family members wouldn’t be attending. (Insider)
There’s a reason we’re happier by the water … According to researchers, being near water can boost our well-being in numerous ways, from bringing back happy memories of childhood, to reducing stress, to giving us a sense of peace and calm. (Real Simple)
And, prepare your stomach. Cookouts are coming. Something called the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council says we’ll eat 150 MILLION hot dogs on July 4th, making it the top hot dog-eating day of the year. They did a new poll, and asked people to name the best DRINKS to pair with a hot dog.  And one in 11 Americans must be fancier than I am . . . because 9% said WINE pairs well with them. Soda is #1, with 76% of people agreeing it goes well with hot dogs.  That’s followed by beer, 57% . . . lemonade, 54% . . . iced tea, 48% . . . orange juice, 12% . . . milk, 9% . . . and wine, 9%.
They also looked at America’s most-loved regional hot dog STYLES . . . and New York style is #1.  That’s an all-beef dog, topped with steamed onions and deli-style mustard. Second on the list is Chicago style . . . with mustard, relish, onions, peppers, tomatoes, a pickle, and celery salt all jammed into a poppy seed bun. And third on the list is Detroit-style Coney dogs . . . topped with mustard, onions, and chili.  (The Hot Dog and Sausage Council’s website has a list with another 15 regional style dogs.)

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