Coffee Talk Archives

Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Monday, November 30

November 30, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
TODAY IS: Cyber Monday: Experts believe this Cyber Monday will be the biggest online shopping day in U.S. history, with projected sales of $10.8 billion to $12.7 billion. (Qz)
The first Snow Storm of Fall / Winter 2020 is … today. The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Warning early this morning to run through tomorrow at 9am due to blowing snow and high winds, and a likely band of Lake Effect Snow that will set up over Berrien and Van Buren counties, dumping snow that could total up to one foot in some places.
For those of you that think getting COVID-19 is no big deal for you personally, the side effects and after effects seem to be worse than the onset. The Sun says some coronavirus patients are losing their teeth. Doctors say this is the newest symptom along with fatigue, hair loss and brain fog.
CBS says all three Denver Broncos quarterbacks were ineligible for yesterday’s game because they had contact with another quarterback, who tested positive for the coronavirus. Drew Lock, Brett Rypien and Blake Bortles all tested negative after coming in contact with Jeff Driskel. They were ruled ineligible because they were not wearing masks. The Broncos lost to the Saints 31-3. Wide receiver-turned-quarterback Kendall Hinton completed one of nine passes for the Broncos.
Sarah Fuller made history on Saturday when she became the first woman to play in a Power 5 college football game when she kicked off to start the second half between Vanderbilt and Missouri. The Vanderbilt University soccer star was asked to step in after a number of players were unable to play due to COVID-19. Fuller had “Play Like a Girl” on the back of her helmet. (ESPN)

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Monday, November 23

November 22, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
An extremely important world figure is immune to the coronavirus — Santa Claus.
Dr. Anthony Fauci says that St. Nick “is exempt from this because Santa, of all the good qualities, has a lot of good innate immunity.” He adds that it’s good news not just because he’ll be able to visit all the good little children on Christmas Eve, but because “Santa is not going to be spreading any infections to anybody.”
Obviously, kids around the world have been concerned. With his age and belly that shakes like a bowl full of jelly, there’s no denying he has numerous risk factors. Nonetheless, children, you’ll still want to stay in your beds and not try to get a close look when he visits. (USA Today)
Military experts in America and England say we’re just 15 years away from having an army made up of robot soldiers.
To be clear … These experts aren’t talking about humanoid robots like The Terminator — at least for now. Instead, they’ll be machines that can make their way over any terrain and beam back information to soldiers to help the military with positioning and decision-making.
But still … scary stuff because that Terminator thing can’t be too far away … can it? Express)
NBC says dentists are seeing a rise in jaw pain and cracked teeth because of the coronavirus. They say people are clenching and grinding their teeth because the pandemic is stressing them.
Dr. Andrea Taliento tells the network, “People tend to clench their teeth more when they are stressed because it actually triggers and makes a happy feeling in the brain. If people aren’t sleeping through the different stages of sleep they are supposed to, they aren’t able to control their body’s pain, and a lot of times it comes out in jaw pain.”

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Thursday, November 19

November 19, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
TODAY IS:
  • World Toilet Day: This day brings attention to the 2.5 billion people worldwide who do not have regular access to indoor plumbing
     
  • Use Less Stuff Day: A good day for some pre-winter cleaning.
  • Play Monopoly Day: A good day for a board game.
How are you handling sick days if you’re working from home? If you’re like most people, you’re working while sick. According to a new survey by ColdCalm, 67% of respondents working from home said they were much less likely to take time off from work when they’re sick. 66% said they believe taking sick days for anything that’s not as serious as COVID-19 would be looked down upon by their boss. 50% said COVID-19 has made other illnesses look “minor” in comparison. 70% of respondents said they have worked while sick since they began working remotely. (SWNS)
Here’s a gift idea for the pizza lover in your life. Pizza Hut has teamed up with Gravity Blankets to make a weighted blanket that look a giant pepperoni pizza. The blanket weights 15 pounds, is 6 feet in diameter, and will run you $150. You can get yours at originalpanblanket.com. (Delish)
No surprise – companies aren’t having holiday parties this year. A recent poll of human resources professionals across the country found that only 23% said their company was going to have an office holiday party this year, and, of those having a party, 75% said the parties would be virtual.
Also not a surprise … Rather than an awkward office Zoom party or a potentially unsafe in-person event, what employees really want is a holiday bonus. A new HuffPost/YouGov survey found that 60% of employees polled said the best gift they could get from their employer was a cash bonus. (Huff Post)
Ready for the BEST Seasonal Job Ever? The Daily Mail says Reviews.org is hiring a Chief Holiday Cheermeister (CHC) whose job is to watch 25 Christmas movies in 25 days. The CHC will earn $2,500. Movies include Home Alone, Elf, The Grinch, Miracle on 34th Street, It’s a Wonderful Life, Jingle All the Way, and A Christmas Carol. The CHC will also get free one-year subscriptions for Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Apple TV+, and Hallmark Movies Now. Applications are available on the Reviews.org website

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Wednesday, November 18

November 18, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
TODAY IS:
  • National Princess Day: A good day to embrace your inner princess.
  • Mickey Mouse Day
Here’s a resolution a lot of people are probably making for 2021 … to get more sleep. A new survey has revealed that 51% of respondents said this year has been their worst year ever for sleep. 42% said they can’t remember the last time they got a good night’s sleep. 60% said they planned to make sleep a top priority in 2021. (SWNS)
What’s better than apple pie for the holidays? Apple pie-flavored Pepsi? No joke. Pepsi just launched Pepsi Apple Pie, a new apple pie-flavored cola that, according to the company website, is “designed to taste and smell like a sweet and comforting apple pie, complete with warm notes of cinnamon, crisp apples, and buttery pastry crust.” Sadly, Pepsi Apple Pie won’t be available to buy in stores. As part of a holiday marketing campaign, Pepsi is asking anyone interested in winning a 2-liter bottle of the limited-edition flavor to post a photo or video of their best baking fail on Twitter or TikTok, and use the hashtag #PepsiApplePieChallenge. They’ll choose their favorites and send the lucky winners a bottle of the dessert-flavored soda. (People)
A new study by the University of Granada reveals that dog owners may face a 78% higher risk of catching the coronavirus. Researchers found that owning a dog is as risky as returning to the workplace because dogs touch so many contaminated surfaces. Experts say dogs should be included in their owners’ social distancing plans. Now, thankfully, most animals do not get seriously sick from the coronavirus, but that also means you’ll never know if they’re carrying any germs with the virus.
Yahoo Sports says the cheapest ticket to this year’s Super Bowl in Tampa could cost $10,102 because of reduced capacity. The NFL is only planning to allow between 10,000 and 20,000 fans into Raymond James Stadium for the game. The average ticket price could jump to $12,858 with limited capacity. The aforementioned prices may include a coronavirus test. The league is considering requiring a negative test to get into the game

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Monday, November 16

November 16, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
TODAY IS:
National Fast Food Day
Dating is hard these days … especially if your name is Karen. The name Karen has become synonymous on the internet and in memes with entitled women wanting to “speak to the manager,” and it seems that this stereotype has affected people named Karen in the dating world. According to the dating app Wingman, users named Karen reported receiving nearly 33% fewer matches this year than last year. (Daily Mail)
Speaking of dating … Have you been hatfished? Hatfishing is when someone wears a hat or otherwise disguises the fact that they have no hair on a dating app profile pic. A new survey revealed that 21% of respondents said they have tried to hide their lack of hair on dating apps or social media. And 16% have used a hat to do so … therefore, the term “hatfisher.” The survey found that 10% of respondents had been “hatfished” and 40% of women said they probably wouldn’t pursue a potential date if they had been hatfished by them.
More than 25% of respondents said when scrolling through dating apps or meeting for a first date, they made a judgment on the person’s hair first. And 56% of women polled said they would prefer to date someone with a full head of hair.
45% of the women surveyed said they would completely lose interest if their date had a comb-over. (SWNS)
Thinking about changing careers? You’re not alone. 42% of respondents to a recent survey said they have had a “career lightbulb moment” during coronavirus. The survey of 18- to 35-year-olds in California, Arizona, Texas, Illinois, Florida, North Carolina, New Jersey and Pennsylvania found that 54% have strongly considered changing their careers in the past six months. 67% said they are actively pursuing a career that makes them happy. 53% said they are looking for a new job that would allow them to never have to go into an office again. 52% of respondents said they would love to have a job where they could work with their hands. (SWNS)
Are Christmas cards making a comeback? Christmas cards – especially personal ones – have fallen out of fashion in recent years. Most people just send out a photo card with a generic greeting to everyone – even their closest friends and family. And most cards get tossed after the holiday season is over — since there is no reason to save a card that has no sentimental value attached to it. But this year might actually be different. According to an op-ed in the New York Times, people are not only taking the time to send meaningful, personalized cards this year, but they are addressing the pandemic as a way to connect and commemorate a year that has been filled with uncertainty. From family photos that include everyone wearing masks, to sentiments of hope, it seems holiday cards will be more meaningful this year — and might provide a real bright spot for everyone missing their loved ones during the holidays.

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Friday, November 13

November 13, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
World Kindness Day: A good day to do something nice for someone.
Forget Friendsgiving … This year, it’s more like Roommates-Giving. With health experts saying the safest way to spend Thanksgiving this year is to celebrate with the people you live with, a lot of single people with roommates may be spending the holiday together, rather than traveling to see family and friends. “We all need to let go of our expectations for a great holiday and start thinking about having a good enough holiday,” family counselor Dawn Friedman, told Bustle.
Seems young adults are terrified of going bald. According to a new YouGov poll, 59% of 18- to 24-year-old men and 57% of 18- to 24-year-old women agreed with the statement that “going bald terrifies me.” And Millennials are also very concerned about thinning hair. 55% of 25-to 34-year-old women and 50% of 25- to 34-year-old men said a thinning hairline is frightening for them.
As we creep closer to a few Christmas traditions, CBS says the Centers for Disease Control is recommending people socially distance during the holidays and avoid Christmas caroling because of the coronavirus. They say droplets will fly if people sing.
NBC says Walmart’s website temporarily crashed yesterday after the Sony PlayStation 5 was released online for sale. The console quickly sold out. The PlayStation 5 costs $400 and is already being resold online for as much as $800. It is expected to be the holiday season’s highest selling gift idea.
And, speaking of Christmas, Home Depot’s pink Christmas trees have become a hot holiday seller among women. The bubblegum pink trees are seven feet tall and have LED lights. The tree contains 826 branches and a star at the top. It costs $149.

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Thursday, November 12

November 12, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
Happy Hour Day: Otherwise known as Thursday.
Are you planning to travel for Thanksgiving to visit family or friends? Other than spending Thanksgiving with just your immediate household, there’s no way to completely eliminate the risk of getting coronavirus, but, according to health experts, if you do plan to gather with others outside your home, one way to reduce the risk is to spend two weeks in quarantine first. Not just you – but every single person you will be spending Thanksgiving with. Thanksgiving is on November 26th, so that means your quarantine would need to start today. (NBC News)
It’s just about time for ugly Christmas sweaters, and now you can not only wear one – you can eat one, too. Ugly Christmas Sweater Cookie Kits are a thing. And they’re pretty amazing. The kits give you everything you need to make delicious sugar cookies shaped like a sweater – after that it’s up to you how you want to decorate them. (Pop Sugar)
The Daily Mail says this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is going to take place along just one block in New York City. The parade will feature pre-taped Broadway performances, the Rockettes and Santa Claus. The streets around the parade are going to be closed off because of the coronavirus. Performers will socially distance.
Is exercise an anti-depressant? A new study from University College London found that people who never or rarely exercise are twice as likely to be depressed than people who regularly exercise.
And, in a sure sign of the holidays, The Daily Mail says the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree is going up on Saturday. The 11-ton Norway spruce is 75 feet tall.

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Wednesday, November 11

November 11, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
TODAY IS:
Veterans Day: This federal holiday honors all those who have served our country in the military. A good day to thank a veteran for his or her service.
Many restaurants and businesses are offering free or discounted menu items for veterans and active duty military personnel. All you have to do is show a valid military ID.
What will dating be like in 2021? A new “Future of Dating” survey by dating app OKCupid tried to answer that question. One big finding: People aren’t really open to dating outside party lines. 64% of OKCupid users said they preferred a date that shares their political views. And when asked the question: “Could you date someone who has strong political opinions that are the exact opposite of yours?” 60% of respondents worldwide said no. That’s a 7% increase from 2019.
Another big trend: Slow Dating. Coronavirus has forced singles to spend a lot more time getting to know each other through digital and virtual dating … and it’s a trend that will most likely continue into next year. 84% of people on OKCupid said it’s important to have an emotional connection before a physical one.
Another trend? Dating in the great outdoors. 59% of respondents worldwide said the pandemic made them want to have more outdoor adventures, and outdoor dates have become a popular option for in-person, socially-distanced meet-ups.
The fast food, plant-based meat options continue to grow … Pizza Hut announced this week that it has teamed up with Beyond Meat for a meat-free Italian sausage topping. According to the company, Pizza Hut’s Beyond Italian Sausage will be available “for a limited time while supplies last.” (Food & Wine)
Is your home cooking missing the essential ingredient of Mountain Dew? Well, you’re in luck, then … and just in time for all that holiday cooking. Mountain Dew has announced that they will be releasing their first ever cookbook. The Big Bold Book of MTN DEW Recipes goes on sale next week exclusively at the online DEW Store. For $30, you can learn how to make MTN DEW brined turkey — just in time for Thanksgiving — or MTN DEW Pancakes with MTN Dew Syrup. And, oh yes, there’s MTN Dew Green Eggs and Ham. (The Takeout)

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Tuesday, November 10

November 10, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
TODAY IS:
  • U.S. Marine Corps Birthday
  • National Vanilla Cupcake Day
Has COVID led to the return of handmade holiday gifts? A new survey found that a third of respondents said they had started a new hobby in 2020 — and 85% of those plan to use that hobby to make homemade gifts for people this holiday season. 68% believe their homemade gifts will be more meaningful than anything they could buy in a store … particularly this year. (SWNS)
Speaking of gifts … We may not all be together around the Thanksgiving table this year, but you can still send your nearest and dearest the gift of … Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits. The seafood chain announced on Monday that, starting November 16th, they will be offering limited-edition Biscuit Gift Boxes for purchase online. They can be picked up from the restaurant or delivered to your door where available. (Taste of Home)
And speaking of Thanksgiving … One of the best parts of the day is the after-meal nap … and Arby’s has you covered with a new Deep Fried Turkey Pillow. You wear the turkey pillow like a hat on your head – and it covers your eyes. It apparently lets you lay your head down comfortably anywhere. They’re $59.95, and you can get one at arbysdeepfriedturkeypillow.com while supplies last. You can also enter for a chance to win one for free. (Food Beast)
Maybe it’s time to add a little spice to your life … New research from the Cleveland Clinic has found that people who regularly eat chili peppers live longer – and  have a “significantly reduced risk of dying from cardiovascular disease or cancer,” according to the study authors. (Independent)

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Monday, November 9

November 9, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
TODAY IS:
  • World Freedom Day: This day commemorates the fall of the Berlin Wall.
  • National Scrapple Day: This Mid-Atlantic regional breakfast favorite is basically leftover pig parts mixed with spices, cornmeal, and flour, which is formed into a loaf and then sliced and pan fried till crispy.
Alex Trebeck passed away at the age of 80 after a brave battle with Pancreatic cancer. The internet was pretty upset about that news all day yesterday. Since Jeopardy tapings were being done in blocks to allow Alex to rest and get treatments, they produced enough shows through the end of the year that Alex’s final Jeopardy taping will be aired on Christmas Day, according to People magazine.
So because of COVID, we know that store and mall Santas can’t do their typical visits and photos with kids. But some stores are finding new ways to have kids still meet Santa with “Contactless Claus.” They are putting Santa inside plexiglass boxes – or even inside a makeshift snow globe. Clever or creepy? (Bro Bible)
Pasta have it … England is going under another COVID lockdown – and one man wanted to make sure he had enough carbs to get him through. According to Britain’s Evening Standard, an unnamed man was seen buying dozens of boxes of pasta at his local Aldi’s grocery store. (The Takeout)
Women with spears … This kinda puts a dent in the whole, men were hunters and women were gatherers version of history. The recent discovery of the burial site of a 9,000-year-old female hunter in the Andes Mountains of South America changes that story, according to research from University of California-Davis. In fact, according to analysis of burials during that time period in North and South America, 30%-50% of the hunters in these populations were women. (EurekAlert)

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Friday, November 6

November 6, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
TODAY IS: National Nachos Day: A good day for some tortilla chips and melted cheese.
How much time would you say you’ve spent on the couch since March? A new survey found that, since March, the average American spent an extra two hours a day sitting on their couch — or 448 hours in the past 32 weeks. And of the respondents working from home, 61% say they are using their couch as their workstation.
Have we hit comfort food overload? According to a new report by the CDC, more Americans are dieting right now than ever before. According to the report, more women than men said they were dieting and more people 40 and over said they were on a diet. (Eat This, Not That)
The nose knows … What’s your biggest first-date pet peeve? According to a survey by dating site Zoosk, for women their biggest first date pet peeve is a guy who smells. 45% of women surveyed said bad body odor was their biggest first-date turn-off. That was followed by a guy who spends too much time on his phone. That was an annoyance for 22% of the single women surveyed.
Guys had similar complaints – but flipped. 55% said their biggest first-date turnoff was someone who spends way too much time looking at her phone, and 21% said a date who didn’t smell nice was a deal-breaker. (Your Tango)
Fortune Magazine says AstraZeneca’s coronavirus vaccine could be ready by the end of 2020. AstraZeneca’s CEO Pascal Soriot tells the magazine, “At the end of the day, we don’t yet know if the vaccine works. We would hope that large-scale vaccinations would be possible starting in January next year—possibly even December.”

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Thursday, November 5

November 5, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
TODAY IS:
National Men Make Dinner Day
National Doughnut Day
National Love Your Red Hair Day
The results are in … for Election Night Google searches. Seems there were three things lots of people were Googling on Election night: “Liquor near me,” Fries near me,” and “Moving to Canada.”
Have you noticed you’re shedding more hair than usual? You’re not alone. According to medical experts, people have been reporting increased hair loss since the beginning of the pandemic … and it has nothing to do with contracting coronavirus. The cause? Stress. Doctors call it “shock hair loss,” but, thankfully, it’s completely reversible. The solution is to lower your stress levels. Yeah, we know – easier said than done. But eating well, exercising, getting enough sleep and making time to relax and tune out for a while go a long way in helping to reduce anxiety. (Real Simple)
The world’s first flying car — the PAL-V Liberty — is now street legal in Europe. It’s a two-seat, three-wheeled, 100-horsepower machine that can reach a top speed of 100 miles per hour on the road and a top speed of 112 in the air.
Unfortunately, it requires a 540 feet runway to take-off, which means when you’re stuck in traffic with this thing, you’re still stuck — wings or no wings. (Science Times)
The Washington Post says cruise ships won’t start sailing again in U.S. waters with passengers until 2021 because of the coronavirus. Carnival, Disney, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean are part of a coalition that has agreed not to sale because of covid-19
A French bulldog has been elected mayor of Rabbit Hash, Kentucky. Wilbur garnered 13,143 votes. The Rabbit Hash Historical Society holds elections for canine mayors every three years as a fundraiser. This year, they raised $13,156

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Wednesday, November 4

November 4, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
TODAY IS:
  • National Stress Awareness Day: A day to breathe and take it easy, even if the currently undecided election results are consuming you!
  • National Candy Day: Which is odd, given that Halloween seems like National Candy Day…
A new study found that adults will ask for help and advice more than 6,000 times in their life. In a typical week, the average adult will ask for help or advice twice – 104 times a year. According to the research, here’s who people are likely to turn to for different help and advice:
  • Help with relationship advice — Friends
  • Help with moving — Dad
  • Help with gardening — Partner/spouse
  • Help with finances — Dad
  • Help with career advice – Partner/spouse
  • Help with cooking — Mom
  • Help with technology — Partner/spouse
  • Help with fixing/buying a car — Dad
  • Help with health issues — Mom
  • Help with parenting advice — Mom
  • Help with fashion advice – Friends (SWNS)
So, apparently, there’s a reason you instantly get in a better mood when your favorite song comes on the radio. Researchers in France say your brain goes into “pleasure overload” when your favorite song starts playing.
There’s always that one person who’s impossible to buy a gift for during the holiday season, but thanks to Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop Gift Guide, you’re saved! This year, in addition to a candle that smells like a va-jay-jay you can also give your loving friends and family a coloring book of the female anatomy. Your nearest and dearest will either get a good laugh out of your gift choice, or a much-needed lesson in the female reproductive system. (She Knows)
Zoom meetings have become the norm these days – and an unexpected result is an increase in demand for cosmetic procedures. Plastic surgeons are calling this the Zoom Effect. People aren’t liking the way they look on video calls, so they are going in for procedures from Botox and fillers to liposuction. (The Ladders) Wouldn’t it just be cheaper to start applying Instagram and Snapchat filters to Zoom calls?

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Tuesday, November 3

November 3, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
TODAY IS:
Election Day: Many companies are offering freebies and discounts to help you get through the day. Here are just some of them:
  • Krispy Kreme is giving away glazed doughnuts and a voting sticker.
  • McDonald’s is giving away new pastry items with the purchase of coffee.
  • Planet Fitness is offering a way to work off the election stress with a free workout and massage.
  • Uber and Lyft are offering discounted rides to the polls.
  • Hertz is giving a free day for a rental car “to perform your civic duty.”
  • Door Dash will have free delivery on all orders of at least $15 placed on Election Day.
  • Chili’s is offering their Presidente margaritas for just $5 (USA Today)
As we reported yesterday, lots of people expect today to be the most stressful day of their lives. And new research from the American Psychological Association seems to confirm that. Their research found that 68% of Americans say the 2020 election is a significant source of stress in their lives — up from 52% in 2016. And it seems the stress is equally felt, regardless of party – 76% of Democrats, 67% of Republicans and 64% of Independents said they had stress related to the election. (NBC)
Well, we now know what has helped us get through this pandemic … butter. Land O’Lakes says their butter sales will likely be up 20% this year over a normal year. And with all the baking, home cooking, and comfort food eating we’ve been doing, we can’t say it’s a surprise. (Food & Wine)
Sick of working from home? Some Marriott hotels are offering “day passes” for members of their Bonvoy travel program. You’ll get a hotel room from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., a desk area and wifi, coffee, water and room service – and you can even use hotel perks like gyms and pools – depending on the location. Currently, Marriott is offering the day pass package at hotels in Atlanta, Dallas, New York, Phoenix, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, London, Singapore and Toronto. They have plan to add more locations in the near future. (NY Post)
A great reason to grab the remote … New research has found that couples who watch TV and movies together are closer and have better relationships. So if you’re arguing more these days, just grab the remote and snuggle up. (People)

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Monday, November 2

November 2, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
TODAY IS:
  • All Souls’ Day
  • Deviled Egg Day
Think you’ve reached peak stress this year? Well, apparently not. According to a new survey, that day will be tomorrow. 55% of Americans polled said Election Day 2020 will be the most stressful day of their lives. And who are the most stressed about tomorrow? Millennials (61%) and Generation X (58%).
Speaking of stress … It seems that Election Day isn’t the only thing giving people anxiety. A survey by HelloFresh found that 53% of respondents say Thanksgiving will be twice as stressful this year because of coronavirus. Seems people are worried about everything from how they are spending the day, to cooking on their own for the first time, to pressure to make things extra perfect. (SWNS)
Since COVID started, virtual dating has gone up 36% — and 60% of video daters say they enjoy the “new dating normal.” In fact, 25% said they would continue to virtual date even when the pandemic ends. So, how long does it take to know if you have chemistry with someone on a virtual date? 30 seconds. Yep, a new study by Virgin Media found that online daters say they can tell if they have a spark with someone just 30 seconds into a video call. (SWNS)
Shaking hands with people has stopped because of coronavirus, but do you think the practice will be gone for good? A YouGov poll asked: “Once the COVID-19 pandemic is over, do you think you will shake hands?” 46% said yes, 26% said no, and 28% weren’t sure.
And, how was the Halloween candy haul for your kids, if they did go trick or treating this past weekend? Perhaps it’s nothing compared to this story. The Asbury Park Press newspaper says four children from Toms River, New Jersey won 1,200 pounds of Halloween candy from the TV show ”Wonderama.” A dump truck delivered the candy to the O’Sullivan children … Sadie, 9, Aiden, 9, Kenley, 7, and Maybre, 5. The foursome won the show’s costume contest with a variety of outfits.

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Friday, October 30

October 30, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
TODAY IS:
  • National Frankenstein Friday
  • National Candy Corn Day
Saturday Is Halloween.
Halloween costumes for pets are on the rise this year … and there’s a good reason why. Because people can’t celebrate the holiday the way they want to or are used to, they are dressing up their furry friends to bring some happiness to an otherwise stressful time. According to the National Retail Federation, sales of pet costumes are not only up this year, but many stores can’t keep dog and cat costumes on the shelves. A spokesperson for the National Retail Federation explained, “People can’t celebrate in person in the ways that they used to, so you’re seeing people try to … have a little joy and share a little joy, in a time when people are dealing with a lot of uncertainty.” (Business Insider)
This brings a whole new meaning to crawling across the finish line … 28-year-old Devon Lévesque of New Jersey will be taking on the New York City marathon this weekend in a very unusual way. He’ll be doing the whole 26.2 miles of the marathon on all fours. Yep, he’ll be bear-crawling the entire length. Devon is starting today and will end his marathon on Saturday. He’s doing it to honor his late father, who committed suicide when Devon was just 16. “It was the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through in my entire life,” he told People. “It was hard to watch because he was a happy-go-lucky person. I haven’t been able to cope with it until about 12 months ago and that is what is driving me to bring awareness to mental health and suicide prevention.”
Devon hopes to raise $200,000 for FitOps, a foundation that helps veterans use their fitness and leadership skills to become personal trainers. “100 percent of the funds raised will go towards the FitOps Foundation,” he says. “They’re dedicated to supporting and empowering veterans for re-acclimation [and] to raising awareness for mental health and suicide prevention.”  You can watch Devon’s efforts on his Instagram page.
Newser says Netflix has raised its prices. Their standard plan is going up by a dollar to $14 a month while their Premium plan is going up by two dollars to $18 per month. The new rates took effect yesterday while we were all probably busy bingwatching Stranger Things.

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Thursday, October 29

October 29, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
TODAY IS:
  • International Internet Day: Otherwise known as Thursday.
  • National Cat Day: A good day to adopt a kitty.
  • National Oatmeal Day: I like mine with blueberries.
  • National Hermit Day: For those that like being alone.
  • World Stroke Day: Do you know the signs? Here’s how to spot a stroke FAST: Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time to call 911.
Do you argue with your partner over where to eat or what to order? A survey by Panera Bread revealed that the average couple argues 156 times a year over where to order dinner from and gets in a fight three times a week over where to eat. It takes the average couple 17 minutes to finally make a decision about where to get dinner and what to order while 16% will take 30 minutes or more to decide. And the arguing doesn’t stop when the decision is made … 32% end up fighting about who’s going to be the one to pick up the food.
How are you dealing with election stress? A new Harris poll found that 65% of respondents are stressed over the upcoming election, with 48% saying that are more stressed about this election than those in the past. And how are they coping with the stress? 46% of those surveyed say they’ll be eating junk food – pizza in particular – as results come in. Others say they will be drinking to get them through election night. 26% say they’ll be drinking beer, 23% will be drinking wine, 15% will be hitting the hard stuff, and 13% say they will be reaching for “cannabis products.” (NY Post)
Can’t say this is surprising … A new survey by streaming service Tubi found that a third of respondents had already watched at least one holiday movie this year. Some began watching as early as August and September. And with all the stress and uncertainty right now, it’s easy to understand why: 72% of those surveyed said watching holiday movies brings them comfort. 64% said they are looking forward to the holidays more than ever this year. (SWNS)

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Wednesday, October 28

October 28, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
TODAY IS:
  • National Chocolate Day: Good thing you’ve probably got a lot of it around the house right now.
  • National First Responders Day: A good day to say thanks to the people who dedicate their lives to saving lives.
  • National Make a Difference Day: A good day to do something nice for someone.
Kids begging for a puppy is nothing new. In fact, according to research, starting at around age 6, the average kid will beg their parents for a dog about 11 times a month – or about 1,600 times before they turn 18. Be prepared, parents: the begging gets even more intense around the holidays. 62% of kids who’ve asked their parents for a dog get even more persistent during the holiday season, asking seven more times per month. And this year, that persistence may pay off. One-third of parents surveyed said they are planning to get their child a puppy this holiday season. (SWNS)
Speaking of pets … Seems people are going to the polls … with their pets in mind. A new survey by Banfield Pet Hospital found that 65% of pet owners said they take their pet into consideration when voting on different issues – like climate change. And when it comes to election night, 53% of the pet owners polled said they’d rather spend the night with their furry friend than with their roommate or significant other. But pets could be the thing that brings a politically divided nation together. 64% of pet owners said they’d be more inclined to engage with someone with different political views if they knew that person had a pet. (People)
Here’s more proof that hard seltzer isn’t just for summer anymore … Bud Light just announced an Ugly Sweater 12-pack of their Hard Seltzers, featuring three new holiday flavors: Gingersnap, Peppermint Pattie, and Apple Crisp. They’ll be available starting November 2nd. (Thrillist)
A new survey by DoorDash reveals that 84% of parents steal Halloween candy from their kids. The most stolen candy by parents … Snickers bar (26%) followed by Twix (16%) and M&M’s (15%).

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Tuesday, October 27

October 27, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
TODAY IS:
  • Navy Day: It’s a day to salute all the men and women who have served, both past and present, in the United States Navy.
  • National Black Cat Day: It’s NOT a day to be superstitious, but, instead, to celebrate these beautiful felines.
  • National American Beer Day: A good day to drink an American beer.
What are the most attractive qualities a person can have? A global study of 14,000 people in 45 countries found that the three most attractive qualities a person can have are: Kindness, intelligence and good health. (Best Life)
Do you miss the office? A new survey found that two-thirds of respondents miss going into the office. And what do they miss most about it? Being face to face with co-workers, office gossip, their desks, and going to lunch. According to the survey, these are the Top 10 Things Workers Miss About Their Workplace:
  1. Being face to face with people
  2. The office banter
  3. Simply asking someone a question out loud rather than messaging
  4. Working in a team
  5. Their office desk
  6. Hearing office gossip
  7. Their office chair
  8. Catching up about people’s weekends
  9. The printer
  10. Lunch breaks with colleagues (SWNS)
Think you’ve seen every pumpkin-flavored product? Think again. Apparently, there is such a thing as pumpkin pie-flavored milk. Yep, a dairy brand called Rutter’s makes a limited-edition pumpkin-pie flavored milk. (Delish)
A new study by Sorbonne University in Paris reveals that drinking Diet Coke could be just as bad as drinking fat. Artificially sweetened drinks and sugary beverages increase the risk of heart disease by 20%. Researchers spent a decade studying the effects of the drinks on the human body.
Lead researcher Eloi Chazelas tells the Daily Mail newspaper, ”Higher intakes of sugary drinks and artificially sweetened beverages were associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, suggesting that artificial sweeteners might not be a healthy substitute for sugary drinks.”

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Monday, October 26

October 26, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
National Pumpkin Day: A good day to carve a pumpkin.
Halloween is this weekend, but that hasn’t stopped the Hallmark Channel. Hallmark’s Christmas movies started over the weekend, and you may have noticed a familiar voice. Gwen Stefani’s “Here This Christmas” will serve as the theme for the channel’s Countdown to Christmas. It’s one of five new songs on Gwen’s re-issued deluxe edition of her You Make It Feel Like Christmas album. (People)
Seems coronavirus has made many people in relationships much closer. A survey by online jeweler Angara.com found that 32% of women said that the pandemic made them realize that their current partner was “the one.” And 46% of those surveyed said that one month of living with their partner during quarantine felt like being in a relationship for a year – which may be why people are seeing their current partner as “the one.” (SWNS)
It looks like working from home is going to be the way of the future … and in order to make a separation between “the office” and home, people are building tiny backyard offices. Basically, they are she-sheds – for work. And a number of companies have popped up that will build these office sheds for you. One such company is Illinois based INshed. The company started making tiny offices in June and expects to fill 20 orders this month. The offices cost between $10,000 and $15,000, depending on customization. (Insider)
We live in a texting world, but according to researchers, if you really want to connect with a person, you should pick up the phone. Seems like a no-brainer, but a new study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology found that calling someone created stronger social bonds than communicating through texting or email. (Best Life)
Yahoo News says too much Halloween candy can have a toxic effect on your brain. Renowned psychotherapist and brain health expert Dr. Teralyn Sell tells Yahoo, “In adults or in children, extensive use of sugar can precipitate mental health problems, Adults might be anxious, fatigued, and irritable while children might be hyperactive, lack focus and concentration, and have a tantrum. Make sure your kids eat higher protein snacks before and after candy, This will help stabilize blood sugar and help to avoid mood issues. In general, avoid using sugar as a reward mechanism. And to prevent the Halloween haul from affecting your sleep cycle, avoid snacking on candy before bed. Instead, opt for a small protein snack.”

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Friday, October 23

October 23, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
TODAY IS: National iPod Day: Apple introduced the iPod on October 23rd, 2001.
So, according to a new study, dogs are more partial to certain kinds of music – specifically, reggae and soft rock. Researchers from the University of Glasgow in Scotland and the Scottish SPCA found that those two genres of music made pups happiest. Other studies have found that classical music has a calming effect on dogs, while heavy metal increases stress and anxiety. So, it sounds like you should keep The Coast on all day in the house to keep yourself, and your puppies, happy.
I’m kinda surprised it took this long, but Bravo is launching a Real Housewives wine. Bravo has teamed up with Washington state’s Nocking Point Wines to create three wines inspired by the show: The Real House Red, The Real House White and The Real House Rosé. (Food & Wine)
The Daily Mail says MIT scientists have developed a battery-powered coronavirus mask that heats up to 194 degrees and kills coronavirus germs on contact. The copper mesh mask is designed to be worn by medical professionals in areas where covid-19 exposure is high.
It’s that time of year … time to start thinking about your ugly holiday sweater. And it doesn’t get any spicier than a Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Ugly Sweater.  For just $60 you can make a fiery statement with a bright orange sweater that features Chester Cheetah inside an orange holiday wreath. Of course, there are flames everywhere. You can find it on BoxLunch.com. (The Takeout)
And, it appears COVID is already ruining Christmas. Macy’s has announced that Santa Claus won’t be seeing children at its flagship store in New York City because of the coronavirus. Over 250,000 people see Santa at Macy’s every year. The tradition started nearly 160 years ago. Santa won’t be greeting guests at the Chicago Macy’s either

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Thursday, October 22

October 22, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
TODAY IS:
  • National Caps Lock Day
  • National Smart Is Cool Day
  • National Make a Dog’s Day
Want to turn your partner on? Do some chores. Yep, a new survey found that 58% of respondents say they’ve been turned on by watching their partner doing chores. According to the survey, men are slightly more turned on by it than women. 61% of men said seeing their significant other do chores was a turn-on as compared to 56% of women. And what chore is the sexiest? 62% said it was watching someone cook.
You know what else is sexy? Doing chores together. 49% of survey respondents said doing chores with their partner had turned into a romp. And no surprise – the chore done together that was most likely to lead to sex was making the bed. (Best Life)
Yes, we are in the middle of pumpkin spice season … and even the Captain has gotten in on it. Captain Morgan has released a Jack-O’-Blast Pumpkin Spiced rum – and it even comes in a pumpkin-shaped bottle. Wonder how Pumpkin Spiced rum tastes in a Pumpkin Spice Latte … (Delish)
Yes, the movies have returned to Southwest Michigan. Celebration Cinema tells MoodyontheMarket.com that they will reopen their Benton Harbor location on Friday. The theater has been closed since the pandemic started in March. And perhaps the best part of the reopening is the news that seats will be socially distanced between patrons in each theater, so those of you who don’t enjoy sitting near or next to people you don’t know will be excited to know you might get half of a row to yourself. Or, you can have the entire theater…Celebration is also offering entire theater rentals for small groups of family and friends to get together, including a movie, pop and popcorn for all, for a couple hundred bucks.

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Wednesday, October 21

October 21, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
TODAY IS:
  • Apple Day
  • Pumpkin Cheesecake Day
  • Reptile Awareness Day
Jeff Bridges has been in the news this week, after revealing the sad news that he has been diagnosed with lymphoma. But Bridges is ready to face the challenge – with his wife of 43 years, Susan Geston, by his side. In a recent interview with Today he revealed that he always carries a photo with him of the moment he and his wife spoke for the very first time. It was taken by the makeup artist on the set of the 1975 movie Rancho Deluxe. Susan, who turned him down when he first asked her out, was a local in the small Montana town where the movie was filmed. 10 years into their marriage, the makeup artist who took the picture sent him a copy … and he’s kept it in his wallet ever since.
Now here’s a costume that really captures 2020 … You can now dress as a Franzia wine box. Franzia is selling the costumes for $25 via their online store. You can choose a Chillable Red or a Sunset Blush. (Delish)
Just when you thought a law school graduate going into labor while taking the bar exam was impressive, along comes Makenna Myler. The 28-year-old ran a mile last week in just 5 minutes and 25 seconds — an impressive feat for anyone — but she did it while nine months pregnant and just a week shy of her due date. Her husband captured her run on video and shared it on TikTok.
47% of engagements happen between Thanksgiving and New Year’s – and if you’re a millennial or gen-z’er looking for an over-the-top proposal, two hotels in Santa Monica, California, are here for you. Shutters on the Beach and Hotel Casa del Mar are offering a “The Sky’s the Limit” engagement package – and when they say the sky’s the limit, they’re not kidding. The packages, which begin at $9,900, include the engagement ring delivered by a drone and the entire proposal filmed by hidden cameras and a second drone, so you can use the footage on your social media later. The package also includes a one-night stay in an ocean-view suite, a bottle of champagne, dinner for two, and a fully-produced engagement documentary. Not enough for you? You can upgrade the package with a number of options – including having a message on the Ferris wheel at the Santa Monica Pier that reads, “Marry Me.” (Travel & Leisure)

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Tuesday, October 20

October 20, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
TODAY IS:
  • International Chef Day
  • Information Overload Day
First there was the sexy hand sanitizer costume … and now … the sexy mail-in ballot costume. You can get them both at Yandy.com. They even have a sexy quarantine banana bread costume. Yes, really … (Mashable)
Speaking of Halloween … Seems there’s a new TikTok trend where people are super-gluing vampire fangs to their teeth. What could go wrong? Yep, superglue is super strong – and they’re having a super hard time getting the fangs off. There are tons of videos of teens yanking on their teeth to try and remove them. No surprise – dentists are warning against this. First, they say to never use superglue or nail glue on your teeth. If you’ve tried it and your fangs get stuck, see a dentist immediately to remove them. If you aren’t able to see a dentist, don’t pull on them – just leave them alone until they fall off on their own. And if you really want to put fangs on your teeth for Halloween, dentists say to use something safe – like denture adhesive. (Insider)
A new study by Maastricht University in the Netherlands reveals that mood lighting in restaurants may make food taste bad. Researchers say, ”Guests dining in a brightly lit restaurant perceive the overall taste of a dish – created for the purpose of the study – to be more intense than guests dining in a dimly lit restaurant. The results thus show that modifying the ambient illuminance level in a restaurant does not only affect the overall ambience, but also changes the overall taste experience of the food being served”
The Daily Mail says brushing your teeth can help ward off the coronavirus because toothpaste contains some of the same antibacterials as hand sanitizer.
Professor Martin Addy tells the paper, ”Toothpaste contains the same detergents as those found in handwash gels recommended. The antimicrobial action of toothpaste in the mouth persists for three to five hours and, thereby, would reduce the viral load in saliva or infection by viruses entering the mouth. For the vast majority, the timing of tooth brushing should be focused when they are about to go out of their homes for exercise or shopping. Ideally, tooth brushing frequency should be increased.”

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Monday, October 19

October 19, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
TODAY IS:
Evaluate Your Life Day: It’s a day to pause and reflect upon your life — where it’s been, and where it’s going.
If you’re lucky enough to be working from home, are you still showering first thing in the morning, before you start work? Or, have you started showering at night? If you’ve changed to a night-time shower … it’s probably a good habit to keep. According to experts, showering at night is better for you. It helps you sleep, washes off the dirt and germs of the day (especially important in these times of COVID-19), and it’s better for your skin – rinsing off all the makeup, oil, dirt, and pollutants built up during the day. (Best Life)
Tech neck is real … and getting worse. A new survey found that 30% of women have suffered “tech neck” – strain on the neck and shoulders — from looking down at their phone too much. And it’s gotten worse during the pandemic. 42% of respondents said they have spent more time than usual looking at their phones over the last several months and 50% admitted they spent too much time staring at their phones – checking them an average of 13 times an hour. 25% said their neck has aged “noticeably” because of all the time looking down. (SWNS)
Hug a cow … So, cow hugging is the latest wellness trend. It originated in The Netherlands and is now becoming popular all over the world, with farms offering cow hugging as stress therapy for people. Apparently, the cow’s large size, warm body temperature and slow heartbeat helps humans relax. (People)
Last week we told you how Hormel was making a bacon-scented mask – and now, here comes the chicken … southern and western fast food chain Jack-in-the-Box has launched a fried chicken-scented face mask to promote their new plant-based offering: the Unchicken sandwich. They are giving away the masks for free on October 23rd, while supplies last, on the company’s website. (People)
You love taking adorable pics of your pup, but what about those not-so-flattering shots? There’s a place for them. Twitter has an #unflatteringdogphotochallenge – and it’s awesome. Find the worst/funniest pics of your pups and post them. We can all use a laugh these days. (Pop Sugar)

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