Coffee Talk Archives

Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Monday, April 5

coast-coffee-talk-flipper
TODAY IS:
  • Gold Star Spouses Day: This day honors the surviving spouses of military service members killed in the line of duty.
  • Go for Broke Day: A day to get out of your comfort zone and go for that thing you’ve been wanting to do, see, or achieve.
  • National Read a Roadmap Day
  • National Deep Dish Pizza Day
  • National Caramel Day

Will this be the summer of shopping? The president of Rakuten believes that after a year at home, people will be ready for some “revenge shopping” when the pandemic ends. “The advent of revenge shopping will resemble what we saw during the Roaring Twenties — a surging economy that will drive people to shop for more of the finer things that many felt they were deprived of due to the pandemic,” said Kristen Gall. “This last year also acted like a giant savings account for many people, which means they now actually have the means to treat themselves.” (Pure Wow)

Atkins? South Beach? Keto? These low-carb diets are all really popular. Have you tried any of them? Did you hate them? A survey by Health Digest asked respondents about the diets they tried, hated, and quit. Three of the most tried and most hated diets were all low-carb. But one was more hated than others. We’re looking at you, keto. 21% of those surveyed said they tried – and hated – the keto diet. The Atkins Diet was hated by over 16% of respondents, and 11% had no love for the South Beach diet after giving it a try.

Apparently, there are records for everything … including how long it takes to drink a Capri Sun juice pouch. Yep, there’s a Guinness world record for it – set during COVID-19 lockdowns by English college student Declan Evans. Evans has the record at 16.65 seconds, which includes the time it takes to get the attached straw out of the plastic before the drink is consumed. (Food & Wine)
... [Read Full Story]

Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Friday, April 2

coast-coffee-talk-flipper
TODAY IS:
  • Good Friday
  • National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day
  • National Reconciliation Day: A day to try and repair relationships that may be strained.
  • World Autism Awareness Day

Dream job alert … A dog food company wants to pay you 27 bucks an hour to look at pictures of puppies. No joke. ProDog Raw is looking for 10 dog lovers to look at pictures of puppies, as part of a study to test whether looking at dogs on social media can reduce people’s stress level. We can save them a lot of time – the answer is yes. If you’re interested, click here for all the info. But you better hurry – they’re picking the candidates in mid-April. (7News-Boston)

Are you paranoid about sneezing or coughing in public? You’re not alone. A new survey (by Flonase) found that 56% feel “judged” after sneezing or coughing in public. 55% said they experience a slight moment of panic when they feel the urge to sneeze or cough coming on. What thoughts race through people’s minds during this common occurrence? Here are a few, according to those surveyed:
  • “Great, now people think I’m sick.”
  • “I promise I’m NOT sick.”
  •  “Hold it in!”
  •  “I hope I don’t have snot in my mask.”
  • “It’s just allergies, I swear!”

No, bunnies do NOT lay eggs. This comes up every year. Yes, the Easter bunny brings eggs … but it seems a lot of people are confused about whether or not bunnies actually lay eggs. According to Google, the questions “Do bunnies lay eggs?” and “Do rabbits lay eggs?” each receive between 1,000 and 10,000 average monthly searches.
For the record, bunnies don’t lay eggs. They are placental mammals and female rabbits have pregnancies lasting between 31 and 33 days. They give birth to litters of often 12 or more baby bunnies. (Woman’s Day)
So what came first, the bunny or the egg? According to a Wallet Hub report, 52% of Americans say the Easter bunny came before the Easter egg.
... [Read Full Story]

Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Thursday, April 1

coast-coffee-talk-flipper
TODAY IS:
April Fools’ Day
So how do people really feel about April Fools’ Day pranks? Seems there’s a pretty equal divide between people who find them annoying and people who find them amusing.
According to a YouGov poll, 45% of respondents found them amusing and 47% said they were annoying. Those under the age of 30 were more likely to find pranks funny – 50% liked them vs. 40% who found them annoying. And men under 30 were the most likely to appreciate April Fools’ Day jokes — with 60% saying they were amusing vs. 35% who found them irritating.

Do you know how much money you have in the bank? If you don’t, you’re definitely not alone. A survey found that 55% of respondents said they didn’t know how much money was in their bank account … because they were too afraid to find out.

Did you master a hobby in the last year? 60% of people in a recent survey said they had gotten better at one or more of their hobbies since last March and 56% expect to be an “expert” at their hobby when the pandemic is over. Some of the hobbies people surveyed said they’ve gotten better at …
  1. Doing something active (golf, running, yoga) – -35%
  2. Preparing food (baking, cooking) — 34%
  3. Making art (drawing, painting, sketching) — 34%
  4. Fiber arts (knitting, embroidery, sewing) — 28%
  5. Playing an instrument — 28%
  6. Speaking a language — 28%
  7. Scrapbooking or papercraft — 23%
  8. Model or miniature building — 21%
  9. Photography, videography, or editing — 17%
  10. Sculpture or pottery — 17% (SWNS)

Drinking too much wine can cause blurry vision … but the right amount of wine, particularly red wine because of the antioxidants in it, can actually improve your vision. A new UK study found that red wine can prevent you from developing cataracts as you get older. But the key is moderation. According to the research, those who drank wine daily or almost daily actually saw a 6 percent greater risk of needing cataract surgery compared to people who drank in moderation. (PRNewswire)
... [Read Full Story]

Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Wednesday, March 31

coast-coffee-talk-flipper
TODAY IS:
  • National Crayon Day
  • Manatee Appreciation Day
  • National Prom Day: Most schools won’t be having prom (again) this year, but this day might help bring a little bit of the prom spirit. This day isn’t about this year’s prom — it’s about proms of the past. The day encourages all generations to share their prom photos on social media. Use the hashtag #nationalpromday and tag @promgirlxo and @promguytux.

Have you lost this skill during the pandemic? 38% of people in a recent survey (by evite) said they are worried about their ability to do this when the pandemic ends. Can you guess what it is? The answer: small talk. In addition, 34% said they’ve become more awkward since being stuck in their homes for so long. The survey also found that it’s been four months since the average American has had a meaningful conversation. Yikes. But people are ready to party again. As soon as the pandemic is officially declared over …
  • 42% said they plan to throw the biggest party of their lives.
  • 36% said they would go out of their way to attend events they previously avoided … like baby showers, weddings, and bachelor/bachelorette parties.
  • 26% said they are re-doing their birthday – since it “didn’t count” in 2020. (SWNS)

 ... [Read Full Story]

Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Tuesday, March 30

coast-coffee-talk-flipper
TODAY IS:
  • National Doctors Day
  • National Take a Walk in the Park Day
  • National Virtual Vacation Day

Is your Easter tree up yet? Yep, Easter trees have been trending for the last couple of years.  You can buy one, or make your own. It just takes some colorful eggs and pastel colors to turn just about any plant or some branches into your very own Easter tree. (House Beautiful)

If you’ve been down the liquor aisle of a store lately, you’ve no doubt noticed that pretty much everyone is making a hard seltzer … or hard tea … or hard coffee. And it doesn’t show any signs of slowing down, because Pabst Blue Ribbon, commonly known among hipsters as PBR, just launched a line of hard tea seltzers. Last year, PBR introduced a peach-flavored Hard Tea and now they are rolling out a line of hard tea seltzers. There are four flavors to choose from: Raspberry Black Tea, Peach Black Tea, Pineapple Passionfruit Black Tea, and Lemon Black Tea. (Food Beast)

What’s been your biggest headache about working from home? If it was something tech-related, you’re not alone. When it comes to complaints about remote work, tech issues were the biggest work-from-home gripes, according to a new survey. Here are the Top 5 WFH headaches:
  1. Having to use my personal computer for work – 38%
  2. Having a software crash in the middle of a task – 27%
  3. Not having the equipment/software to do my job – 24%
  4. Being stuck on hold with tech support during the day – 24%
  5. Having to start something over because of a software crash – 22%
... [Read Full Story]

Music News – Tuesday, March 30

coast-music-news-flipper
If you’ve ever dreamed of duplicating the looks sported by divas like Beyonce, Cher, Madonna or Whitney Houston, you’ve got a chance — thanks to an auction of outfits those ladies showed off onstage and in videos.
Items up for grabs include:
  • Custom-made costumes from Destiny’s Child‘s “Independent Women, Part 2” video. Those are expected to fetch $5,000-$8,000 per piece.
  • Cher’s Bob Mackie-designed “If I Could Turn Back Time” bodysuit.
  • Whitney Houston’s Flesh Tone Chiffon Atelier Versace Gown, worn in concert in Paris in 1998, expected to draw a bid of $30,000.
  • Madonna’s costumes from the film Evita.
The auction will take place from June 11th through June 13th at Julien’s Beverly Hills showroom and at the auction house’s website.

The Easter Bunny will bring a sweet surprise to American Idol fans on Sunday — when this year’s All-Star Duet show hits the airwaves.
This year’s lineup of stars include Josh Groban, Ryan Tedder, Tori Kelly, Jewel and Katharine McPhee — who finished second in the show’s fifth season.
Each celeb will be paired with two contestants, and will sing with each person separately once the top-24 takes shape this week. (Billboard)

Bryan Adams tells GuitarWorld.com that he knew he had made it as an artist when he could pay his rent by performing. “I knew I had made it the day I could pay my rent for more than a month without having to rely on anyone for support. It may not seem like much, but that was huge to me.”
... [Read Full Story]

Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Monday, March 29

coast-coffee-talk-flipper
TODAY IS:
  • National Vietnam War Veterans Day
  • National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day

Does what you drink on a first date matter? Apparently so, according to a new survey by Jack Daniel’s. In fact, 30% of those surveyed said they’ve ended a date early because of what their date ordered to drink. And it seems this is a bigger deal for men than women. 60% of the guys surveyed said a date’s bad drink order would be a “deal breaker,” compared to 32% of women.
So what drinks are people impressed by?
1. Martini – 60%
2. Gin and Tonic – 46%
3. Manhattan – 45%
4. Old Fashioned – 43%
5. (tie) Cosmo – 42%; Whiskey Sour – 42%
So what drink makes a bad impression? A Long Island Iced Tea.
The survey also found that 37% feel so much pressure for that first-date drink order that they order something “fancy” that they usually don’t drink. (SWNS)

Seems the “never go to bed angry” advice is true … and it extends to all types of relationships. A new study from Oregon State University found that it’s NOT good to sleep on things – whether it’s an argument with your significant other or an argument with a co-worker. According to researchers, it’s best to resolve issues right away, rather than allowing them to fester – which can affect both your mental and physical health. In fact, according to the study, resolving issues right away can lead to a longer, healthier, and happier life.

What’s your go-to midnight snack? If your late-night hunger pangs come in a pint, you’re not alone. According to a recent Health Digest survey, 30% of people choose ice cream as their fav late-night snack. Potato chips are a close second choice of late-night snackers.
... [Read Full Story]

Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Friday, March 26

coast-coffee-talk-flipper
TODAY IS:
National Spinach Day: A good day to take Popeye’s advice and eat your spinach.
And Popeye was right … A new study out of Australia found that just one serving of leafy greens – like spinach — every day increases muscle function. Spinach can even keep you strong as you get older. And it’s not just spinach – broccoli, lettuce, cabbage, and kale – which all included nitrate – will give you muscles like Popeye.

Despite even our best intentions, a new study finds…we really suck at keeping our New Year’s resolutions.  Researchers in Australia tracked a bunch of people who set new personal goals for the New Year and found most of them gave up within the first month. No surprise, most resolutions had something to do with losing weight or getting fit. And nearly half of ‘em had the same resolution as they year before.

Do you like your coffee to taste like… coffee? Coffee mate, which offers more than a dozen different flavors like hazelnut, caramel, and even Cinnamon Toast Crunch, has added coffee-flavored coffee creamer — seriously. Now, you can make your cup of coffee taste like … coffee. In fact, you can even choose from two flavors of coffee-flavored creamers — Classic Colombian and Italian Espresso Roast.

Do you feel tired all the time? New research (by California Almonds) found that lots of us are experiencing “pandemic fatigue” – with 45% saying they feel more tired since all of this started a year ago. And it seems that it’s hitting younger people even harder, with 68% of 18- to 24-year-olds saying they feel more tired than usual. In fact, according to the research, the average adult experiences fatigue about 3 and a half hours a day. And to get through the day, a lot of people are relying on the usual suspects – caffeine and candy. 40% of those surveyed down four or more cups of coffee a day and more than 30% rely on sugary snacks to keep them moving throughout the day. These, of course, cause short spikes in energy … but then lead to more crashes and more tiredness. (SWNS)

And, it appears the pandemic has made ‘Dad bods’ the biggest turn on for singles. Dating.com did a survey and found 75 percent of single people found ‘pudgy’ dad bods turned them on more than any other body type. Good news, considering another study this week found the average American gained 29 pounds during the pandemic.
... [Read Full Story]

Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Thursday, March 25

coast-coffee-talk-flipper
TODAY IS:
National Medal of Honor Day: The Medal of Honor is the U.S.’s highest military honor.  It is awarded only to U.S. military personnel by the President of the United States for acts of valor and bravery beyond the call of duty.

Do you have ‘return-to-normal’ anxiety? While the last year caused plenty of feelings of isolation and depression, it also pretty much got rid of something that causes people lots of anxiety – FOMO, or fear of missing out. And it seems some people would rather FOMO stay gone. Fear of Missing Out – that need to attend every party and event, see every hot spot, conquer all the latest challenges — causes some people lots of stress, and with life slowly coming back to a semblance of normalcy, FOMO is coming back too. (Men’s Health)

So, how much weight did we really gain during quarantine? …  According to a study from the University of California – San Francisco, the Quarantine 15 may be pretty accurate. Researchers found that the average American gained just over half a pound for every 10 days spent in lockdown — or 1.5 pounds a month. So, depending on how long you were home, you can do the math … (Insider)

Can the type of food you eat on a first date make or break your relationship? A UK survey of people who are or had been married found that if you have Italian or French food on your first date, chances are you’ll have a long, happy marriage. But this type of cuisine spells doom for your relationship, according to survey respondents. Sorry, Indian food lovers. The survey found that 67% of divorced couples said they had Indian food on their first date. Other foods to stay away from on a first date, according to the survey, are American food (59% of divorced couples had this on their first date) and Chinese food (55% of divorced couples had this on their first date). (Best Life)
... [Read Full Story]

Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Wednesday, March 24

coast-coffee-talk-flipper
TODAY IS:
  • National Equal Pay Day: This day brings to light the differences in pay between men and women. It represents how far into the year a woman has to work to earn as much as a man doing the same job.
  • National Cheesesteak Day

Can you teach yourself to be happy? Apparently, the answer is yes. A study from Italy revealed that people who took a course in happiness actually learned to be happier. After a nine-month course on happiness, researchers found that the participants were happier with themselves and their life and had lower levels of stress and anger.

As the weather gets nicer, seems a lot of work-from-homers plan to move their “office” outside. A new British survey found that 43% of remote workers said they’re going to move themselves and their laptops outside now that spring has sprung. 62% of those surveyed said that being outside in the fresh air and sunshine would make them more productive. 40% said they were sick of staring at the same four walls and need a change of scenery. 60% said they’ve felt trapped working from home and being stuck inside all winter. (SWNS)

Here’s a good reason to do some spring cleaning … Seems all the clutter around us affects our mood. In a new survey, 40% said their surroundings have a definite impact on how they feel. What had the most influence on them? 52% said how neat and clean their room was influenced their mood, 52% said they were affected by the smell of their surroundings, and 49% said the temperature of the room made a big difference in how they felt. (SWNS)

It’s hard to admit your life already peaked.  Which is why most of us won’t admit it . . . and maybe we never will. A new survey asked people of all ages what age they were when they peaked or when they THINK they’ll peak.  And the average answer is . . . 37. But that doesn’t mean most people who are over 37 are willing to say it’s all downhill from there. Two-thirds of people say they haven’t peaked yet and their best years are still coming.
... [Read Full Story]

Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Tuesday, March 23

coast-coffee-talk-flipper
TODAY IS:
Puppy Day: A great day to adopt a new pup.

Are we less healthy than our parents? An alarming new study from The Ohio State University reveals that younger generations are getting increasingly unhealthy. In fact, Millennials and Gen- Xers are seeing greater risks of disease — including heart disease and diabetes — than their Baby Boomer parents. The reasons why? Researchers believe it’s rising obesity rates, as well as unhealthy behaviors like smoking and excessive drinking. They are also experiencing higher rates of depression and anxiety than older generations.

Well, here’s a great way to see if you really want that tattoo … Ephemeral Tattoo, a new tattoo studio opening in Brooklyn, New York, this week, is offering tattoos made with ink that’s designed to fade. The tattoo artists still use needles to do the tats – but the ink they use, the studio’s own “made to fade” product, disappears after about a year. (NY Post)

It’s easy to watch period dramas like Outlander and Bridgerton and forget about the little things — like lack of personal hygiene and plumbing. But the fact of the matter is, everything and everyone was really stinky back then! In an effort to educate people on how life really was throughout history, a popular Dutch museum is pairing its 17th century exhibit with scents — a sort of smell-and-see experience. It’s designed to give you the full effect of what life was like in the past. This includes both the good odors, like popular perfume from the day, and bad, like the smell of a canal on a hot summer day. (Newser)

If you’re eligible for a COVID vaccine and you get your shot, you will also be eligible to receive a free Krispy Kreme doughnut. The chain announced that anyone who visits a Krispy Kreme location and shows their vaccination card showing that they’ve received at least one shot, can get enjoy one free glazed doughnut — no purchase necessary. And this isn’t a one-time thing. You can show proof of vaccination and get a free doughnut every day – till the end of the year. The company also announced that they will be showing support for health care workers and volunteers by delivering free doughnuts to select vaccination centers across the country in the coming weeks. (Business Wire)
... [Read Full Story]

Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Monday, March 22

coast-coffee-talk-flipper
TODAY IS: National Goof Off Day: Saturday was the first day of spring, and, let’s face it, we probably all have some serious spring fever. So – take some time to good off today.

More and more people are getting their COVID-19 vaccines – which is great news. But when you’re posting your vaccine selfies, you’re better off simply posting a photo of your band aid rather than the actual vaccine card proving you got your shots. According to the Better Business Bureau, those cards pose a huge identity theft risk because there is sensitive information, including your birth date and medical identification number, on the card. With a little digging, scammers can access way too much personal information with what’s visible on the card. On top of that, there’s also a huge market for printing up fake vaccine cards, which are getting sold for lots of money online! (Good Housekeeping)

Speaking of COVID vaccines, the state of Michigan is expanding vaccination eligibility for Michiganders ages 16 and older with disabilities or medical conditions that put them at high risk of negative COVID-19 outcome beginning today. The state is also announced that beginning Monday, April 5, all Michiganders age 16 and up who were not previously eligible will be eligible to receive a vaccine.

NCAA Women’s Basketball finally got a weight room on par with that of the men’s – after being called out on social media. Earlier this week, Stanford University Sports Performance Coach Ali Kershner shared photos on Instagram of a sad, small rack of dumbbells in the tiny women’s weight room compared to the benches, plates, racks and barbells in the massive men’s weight room. “This needs to be addressed,” Kershner wrote in the post. Well, it was. And the women received an upgraded facility. (Today)

How often do you write? Not just typing on a laptop or texting on your phone. How often do you put pen to paper? If you don’t, maybe you should start. Researchers from the University of Tokyo found that actually writing things down on paper helps you remember them better.

Is spring cleaning actually a popular thing now? Apparently it is. A new YouGov poll found that 77% of Americans say they plan to do some spring cleaning this year.  31% say they plan to do their spring cleaning this month. 28% said they’re waiting until April.  17% say they don’t plan to do any spring cleaning.
... [Read Full Story]

Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Friday, March 19

coast-coffee-talk-flipper
TODAY IS:
  • National Let’s Laugh Day
  • National Backyard Day

Dating during COVID hasn’t been easy … but Tinder wants to help. If you’ve been struggling to meet people because of quarantine, Tinder might have you covered. They’ll be sending 500 matched couples a pair of free COVID tests to get people back out into the dating world. Interested? You can claim a code for the tests on March 20th (via the Tinder app) starting at 7 p.m. (ET.) You can get more details here. (The Verge)

Forget cannabis brownies, we’re about to get some high-end cannabis-infused cuisine. Chopped 420 will premiere this spring – on 4/20, naturally, on discovery+. The Chopped spin-off will feature the same theme of chefs competing to impress the judges with their take on the basket of mystery ingredients. What won’t be a mystery, however, is that each basket will include some form of THC. (Food & Wine)

The first day of spring is tomorrow.  Here are some ways the changing season could make you happier and healthier . . .
1.  There’s better light.  We just changed the clocks so it’s brighter later now.  And the sudden jump in the amount of sunshine we get can have a big impact on our mood.
2.  The sky is bluer. It’s not your imagination, the sky actually looks more blue in the springtime.  It’s due in part to the Sun’s position in the sky this time of year.
3.  You might sleep better.  Being exposed to more sunlight during the day can help you sleep better at night.  And if you’re sleeping better, you’ll feel more awake and able to concentrate during the day.
4.  Activities like gardening are a mood-enhancer.  Any activity that gets you outside and moving is probably good for your health and wellbeing.  It can affect everything from your metabolism, weight, and mood, to things like cardiovascular disease and even eyesight.
... [Read Full Story]

Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Thursday, March 18

coast-coffee-talk-flipper
TODAY IS:
Awkward Moments Day: Embarrassing moments happen – today is the day to celebrate them.

How much water do you drink in a day? None? Do you get close to the recommended amount? Do you even know the recommended amount? The “rule” seems to be half your body weight in ounces — more if you’re working out, at high-altitude, or if it’s hot and you’re spending time outdoors. (U.S.News & World Report)
Well, a new survey by Essencia Water reveals that most people are not getting enough water every day; in fact, only 37% even drink water daily. The result? We’re dehydrated. Seems many people are suffering the symptoms of dehydration – headaches, muscle cramps, and dizziness – and don’t even know it. And when they feel those symptoms, instead of reaching for water, they reach for over-the-counter pain relievers. The reason most people don’t drink enough water? According to the survey, they say they forget. (SWNS).
If that sounds like you and you want to drink more water, there are plenty of apps that can remind you. (Healthline)

If you were given $30,000, would you spend it on a wedding or on a down-payment for a house? That’s the premise of Netflix’s new reality series, Marriage or Mortgage. Two hosts, a real estate agent and an event planner, try to persuade couples to spend that 30K on either a fancy wedding or a down-payment on a house. While for many, it would seem like a no-brainer to use the money for a house, plenty of couples are making the choice to spend their budget on an extravagant wedding. (BuzzFeed)

It’s time to start taking more breaks at work.  A LOT more breaks.
A new study from North Carolina State University found you’ll have more energy and actually be better at your job if you start taking lots of “microbreaks” . . . which are each just around five minutes long.
Quote, “It’s in a company’s best interest to give employees autonomy in terms of taking microbreaks when they’re needed.”  So start taking lots of five-minute breaks, and if you get called out by your boss, say you’re slacking off FOR the company.
... [Read Full Story]

Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Wednesday, March 17

coast-coffee-talk-flipper
Today’s St. Patrick’s Day, but obviously saying its full name takes too long. So when you shorten it, which one of these do you go with:  St. Paddy’s Day, with two D’s . . . or St. Patty’s Day, with two T’s? For those of you grammar and spelling sticklers searching for the proper answer, according to a new survey, 49% of Americans go with the T version, 29% go with the D version, and the rest aren’t sure. People with Irish heritage are more likely to use the D version, which makes sense . . . the D version is the original, authentic Irish abbreviation. The patron saint of Ireland is St. Padraig, which has a D in the name.  In English, the name is St. Patrick, which is where the T’s come from.

So, what happens when you are really into a show like Game of Thrones? According to a new study from Ohio State University, which studied Games of Thrones fans, the reason people get so immersed in a show is because they, in essence, “become” their favorite characters. “When they think about a favorite fictional character, it appears similar in one part of the brain as when they are thinking about themselves,” said lead author Timothy Broom. “People who are high in trait identification not only get absorbed into a story, they also are really absorbed into a particular character,” he explained. “They report matching the thoughts of the character, they are thinking what the character is thinking, they are feeling what the character is feeling. They are inhabiting the role of that character.”

Warm weather is definitely coming … and your White Claw summer just got even better. The boozy seltzer company has announced that they are rolling out hard seltzer iced teas in four flavors: peach, raspberry, mango, and lemon. (Food & Wine)

The Spanish government is testing out a program that institutes a four-day work week to boost employee productivity and mental health. The pilot program will last three years and will include around 200 companies so they can study the results. Prediction: Happier employees, greater productivity. (People)
... [Read Full Story]

Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Tuesday, March 16

coast-coffee-talk-flipper
TODAY IS:
  • No Selfies Day
  • Panda Day
  • Freedom of Information Day

Seems people are traveling lighter these days. A new British survey found that there’s been a 50% drop in people taking a bag (purse, briefcase, backpack, or otherwise) with them when they go out. 25% said they try to take fewer things with them when they leave the house now – using their phone as their wallets these days. No surprise, then, that according to the survey, a phone is one of the few essentials people take with them when they leave the house. Other essentials? A face mask and hand sanitizer. (SWNS)

As if spending weeks and months stuck at home due to the pandemic isn’t enough isolation, a group of 15 volunteers are entering a large cave in France and will stay there for 40 days to study the effects of effects of long-term isolation on the human brain. Eight men and seven women will have no access to sunlight, phones, watches, or any other way to tell time. The only devices they will have are special sensors to allow scientists above ground to monitor them. Volunteers will be provided with food and supplies, but they will have to figure out how to draw their own water and generate their own electricity. They are doing this merely for the good of science and are receiving no compensation. This would have been a better experiment a year ago. We kind of already have a good idea about what isolation can do to us. (The Connexion)

Birds who live in the hustle and bustle of major cities like New York have proven that they can adapt to any environment, specifically once the pandemic shut down all that hustle and bustle. Streets grew quieter, noise pollution reduced, and urban birds reverted back to their natural behavior – early morning singing. I just imagine people in New York throwing up their windows and screaming ‘shut up why don’t ya!’ (Insider)
... [Read Full Story]

Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Monday, March 15

coast-coffee-talk-flipper
TODAY IS:
  • National Napping Day: This day is observed every year the day following the return of Daylight Saving Time. You lost an hour of sleep in the morning – so take a nap … and enjoy the extra light at the end of the day.
  • True Confessions Day: Got something you need to get off your chest? Today’s the day to do it …

You may have to go back to the office soon … but corporate execs plan to be much more flexible with work environments – and that means allowing pets in the office. Lots of people adopted animals during the pandemic, and more than 50% of executives in a new survey realize that and said they are planning to allow pets in the workplace when offices open up again. 57% of employees surveyed said they’d be happiest returning to work if their pets could be with them. And 38% said their biggest concern about returning to the office is worrying about their pet having separation anxiety. (SWNS)

Seems Elf on a Shelf has a new springtime helper … The Peep on a Perch. Yep, the Peep, which come with its own storybook, is there to help the Easter Bunny and make sure all kids are being good before its time for Peep on a Perch to fill up the Easter baskets. (Delish)

Have you heard about the TikTok “Nature’s Cereal” trend? Everyone from influencers to celebrities have jumped on the craze — including Lizzo. Instead of your standard cereal, whole food gurus started filling their breakfast bowls with pomegranate seeds and a variety of berries from blackberries to blueberries. Instead of milk, it gets topped with coconut water. Some people even add crushed ice for an added calorie-free crunch. Voilà — “Nature’s Cereal.” Really, it’s just a bowl of fruit for breakfast … but call it whatever you want. (GMA)
... [Read Full Story]

Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Friday, March 12

coast-coffee-talk-flipper
TODAY IS:
  • Girl Scout Day
  • Plant a Flower Day
  • International Fanny Pack Day

In his address to the nation last night, President Joe Biden said that he is directing states to make all American adults eligible to receive coronavirus vaccines by May 1. To be clear — this does not mean every adult will get a shot by May 1, but that they should be eligible for one by then. (USA Today)
When it comes to getting vaccinated, do you have a type of vaccine you want to get – or will you take anything you’re offered?
According to a YouGov/Economist poll, people are choosier than you would think. It seems people really seem to have a preference for the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, with 61% saying it’s the one they want to get. Moderna was the second choice in the poll with 45%, and the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine was the third favorite with 42%.

Do you always edit/filter photos of yourself before you post them? A new survey found that 90% of young women do – changing everything from the shape of their face to shaving off weight  “Posting on social media can produce the intense pleasure of ‘getting likes’ and appreciative attention, but it is also a source of huge anxiety for most young women,” said professor Rosalind Gill of the University of London. “I was struck by young women saying to me again and again: ‘I feel judged.’” (EurekAlert)

Remember going to bed and then not waking up again – at all — till the next morning? Yeah, we don’t either. Seems most of us haven’t had a good night’s sleep since we were kids. A new survey found that 67% of adults said they haven’t had a night of uninterrupted sleep since they were teenagers. (SWNS)
... [Read Full Story]

Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Wednesday, March 10

coast-coffee-talk-flipper
TODAY IS:
International Day of Awesomeness: A day to celebrate everything in your life that is awesome — including yourself!

Think dogs shouldn’t be allowed in stores, or restaurants … or even hospitals? Think again. Turns out that your dog’s paws are cleaner than your shoes. Researchers in The Netherlands examined dogs’ paws and the soles of their owners’ shoes for bacteria, including those found in poop, and it turned out the dogs were cleaner. “The dogs’ paws turned out to be cleaner than the soles of their shoes,” said a researcher at Utrecht University. “This makes the hygiene argument that is often used to ban assistance dogs from public locations invalid.”

A new survey of office workers has found that lots of people aren’t happy with their boss – especially these days. 66% of the workers surveyed said the pandemic has had a negative effect on their relationship with their boss, and 52% said they’re looking for a new job because of their boss or manager. 65% of the office workers polled said they could do a better job at work if they had a better boss. What are some of workers’ biggest gripes about their bosses? 55% said they wish there were fewer “pointless meetings,” 47% said they were tired of all the “last-minute emergencies,” and 40% said they want their boss to stop micro-managing them. And this is interesting … 53% said they wish they got more feedback from their boss.

Escape … to the bathroom? Where do you go in your home when you need to “get away”? For many people, it’s the bathroom. Yep, the bathroom has become our sanctuary during the pandemic, with 22% of people in a recent survey saying it’s the only place they can get some peace and quiet. 33% said they enjoy the “calmness” of the bathroom and 36% said they’ve been spending more time in the bathroom than ever before. And a whopping 68% said the bathroom had a positive impact on their mood. Think about that. Being in the bathroom improved their mood. (SWNS)
... [Read Full Story]

Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Tuesday, March 9

coast-coffee-talk-flipper
TODAY IS:
  • National Barbie Day: It’s Barbie’s birthday. The iconic doll was “born” on March 9, 1959.
  • National Meatball Day: A good day for some spaghetti and meatballs.
  • National Get Over It Day

You know that feeling you get when you don’t get enough time to yourself? There’s a name for it – alonely. Basically, it’s the opposite of lonely. It’s the need to carve out some time for yourself. While the pandemic has led to increased feelings of loneliness – 65% reported feeling lonely in a survey from last year – the other side of it is couples and families spending so much time together that they are in need of some space and time to themselves. (Vice)

Does the temperature you like your coffee reveal your personality? According to a new survey, if you like your coffee cold, you’re probably a Gen Z-er and are into sunny weather and binge-watching science-fiction. Cold brew lovers are also more likely to be introverted, love to travel, and have a water or air zodiac sign.
Hot coffee drinkers, according to the survey, are more likely to be Baby Boomers. In fact, 94% of people over 56 like their coffee hot. They’re also more likely to be extroverts, prefer overcast weather, like comedies, listen to artists like Taylor Swift, and have a fire or earth zodiac sign.
But whether hot or cold, coffee drinkers all agree that they can’t fathom mornings without it. The survey revealed that coffee drinkers would rather give up social media (22%), TV (18%), alcohol (16%), and video games (4%) than coffee.

Who says you can’t celebrate spring break this year? Chili’s is bringing the party to you … with to-go margaritas … available by the gallon. Yep, in celebration of its founding on March 13, 1975, some Chili’s locations are filling up 128-ounce bags of their Presidente Margaritas. The best part? They’re selling them for just $30. According to Chili’s, each bag holds about 30 drinks. While the $30 bags are only available on Saturday, March 13th, that doesn’t mean the party is over. The margarita bags are available now – and will be available after Saturday – they’ll just cost you $40. (Food & Wine)
... [Read Full Story]

Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Monday, March 8

coast-coffee-talk-flipper
TODAY IS:
International Women’s Day: The theme of this year’s IWD campaign is #ChooseToChallenge …
As the official International Women’s Day website says, “We can all choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequality. We can all choose to seek out and celebrate women’s achievements. Collectively, we can all help create an inclusive world.”
You can raise your hand to take the challenge and post your pics to social media using the hashtags #ChooseToChallenge #IWD2021.

Seems with Kamala Harris as vice president, people are more optimistic about gender equality in politics. In fact, according to a new survey, 60% of the women and men polled said having a woman vice president made them more hopeful for the future of women’s equality. 59% said they could easily see a woman president in the next 10 years. 59% said they think more progress will be made toward women’s equality now that more women are in D.C. And 50% of respondents said, regardless of party, it was extremely important to have women in leadership positions in Washington. (SWNS)
 

Legos is celebrating International Women’s Day … by launching a Future Builders ad campaign to celebrate all the girls who love to build with Legos. The new campaign allows parents to load a digital photo of their child holding their proudest Lego build and transform it into an ad-like poster. Parents can simply visit LEGO.com/futurebuilders, answer a few questions about their child’s creative process, upload an image, and they’ll get a unique poster emailed back to them. Parents can then share that poster with the #LEGOFutureBuilders on social media if they want. (The Brothers Brick)

In honor of International Women’s Day, IKEA wants to not only commend women for all that they do, but bring to light the inequalities that still exist in the home. The furniture giant has teamed up with relationship expert Jennie Miller to launch a free online game called FiftyFifty to draw attention to and spark conversations about how evenly, or in most cases, unevenly the household responsibilities are split. It’s also fun. If you’re interested, the game is available free in IKEA’s Instagram Stories. (Creative Boom)

New research has found that more than a third of Americans currently working from home would quit if they were asked to come into the office. And even those who are OK with going back to the office want some remote work flexibility, with 51% saying companies should have work-from-home options available. (SWNS)
... [Read Full Story]

Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Friday, March 5

coast-coffee-talk-flipper
TODAY IS:
  • Day of Unplugging
  • Middle Name Pride Day
  • Employee Appreciation Day
  • Cheese Doodle Day: A good day to get some orange dust on your face and hands. Did you know there’s an official name for that Cheese Doodle dust? It’s called Cheetle. (Today)

Mattel is celebrating International Women’s Day (Monday. March 8) by introducing a special Eleanor Roosevelt Barbie doll. The toy-maker is celebrating the contributions of the nation’s longest-serving first lady, primarily her humanitarian efforts and work for civil rights. The doll, which has Mrs. Roosevelt in a floral dress and pearls, is the newest addition to Mattel’s “Inspiring Women” series, which also includes Maya AngelouRosa ParksAmelia Earhart, and Sally Ride. (CBS News)

Is there one room in your home that is always a mess? You’re not alone. A new survey found that 80% of respondents said they have at least one “cleaning black hole” in their home — an area or room that’s always unorganized and in need of cleaning.

And, do you ever feel like you have trouble getting anything done in a day? Take a listen to the amazingly productive story of Meredith Bates, of Colorado Springs, Colorado. She recently had a baby, saved a life and passed her nursing exam all on the same day. Meredith went to the hospital because she was experiencing contractions. Doctors told her she wasn’t ready to give birth and to go and take her nursing exam. Meredith went to a local Starbucks to study. She encountered a woman there having a heart attack. Meredith stabilized the woman until help could arrive. She then went and took her exam. Meredith later went back to the hospital and gave birth to a baby boy named Jack.
... [Read Full Story]

Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Thursday, March 4

coast-coffee-talk-flipper
TODAY IS:
Grammar Day: Is bad grammar a turn-off for you? A survey of more than 9,000 people by dating app Zoosk found that bad grammar is definitely not sexy. 72% said spelling errors were a turn-off and 48% said bad grammar was a dating deal breaker. (Teen Vogue)

When asked, most women answer that they have a tendency to try and “do it all.” And that has become especially true during the pandemic. A new survey by Conair — in recognition of International Women’s Day — found that 47% of the women surveyed said they feel pressure to “do it all.” And that pressure has only increased, with the average woman taking on nearly double the number of household responsibilities since this time last year.
The survey found that while the typical women had about seven household duties to take care of at the beginning of 2020, she now has close to 14. Not surprisingly, the average woman reported getting only four hours of sleep every night. Of the women surveyed who were in relationships, just 10% felt that their partner took on the same number of responsibilities as they did. Nearly 70% said their partner did fewer things around the house.

Do you have an outfit picked out for your post-pandemic debut? Seems lots of people do. According to a new survey, 45% of respondents said they’re planning to get decked out for their first big post-pandemic event – with more men than women saying they’re planning to go all out — 55% vs. 36% respectively. And 15% of those surveyed said they even have an outfit picked out for that day. And, again, men were more likely to say they had a particular outfit in mind. 21% of men said they an outfit picked out compared to 9% of women.
Some other findings:
  • 41% have started shopping for clothing other than loungewear
  • 20% have made sure their nice clothes still fit
  • 20% have gotten dressed up at home “for no reason” (SWNS)
... [Read Full Story]

Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Wednesday, March 3

coast-coffee-talk-flipper
TODAY IS:
  • National Anthem Day: Commemorates the day (March 3rd, 1931) the United States adopted “The Star Spangled Banner” as its National Anthem.
  • World Wildlife Day: A day to celebrate the world’s wildlife and raise awareness of endangered species.
  • International Irish Whiskey Day: A good day for a shot of Irish whiskey.
  • Canadian Bacon Day: A good day for bacon and eggs.
  • Cold Cuts Day: A good day for a sandwich.

Even though 42% of high school and college athletes are women – and women make up 40% of professional athletes, they only get 4% of sport media coverage. That’s about to change. Star female athletes Alex Morgan (soccer), Simone Manuel (swimming) Sue Bird (basketball), and Chloe Kim (snowboarding) have started their own media company. It’s called Togethxr – pronounced together. (Pop Sugar)

Have you ever played the numbers in your fortune cookie in the lottery? That strategy worked out for Ernesto Sorzano of North Carolina who won $500,000 in the Powerball lottery. (Food & Wine)

The robots are coming … Some fast food places are testing out automated ordering. Basically, when you go through the drive-thru, you will interact with a computer, who will greet you and take your order, rather than a human. (Food & Wine)

How old were you when you finally felt like a grown-up?  1,700 adults were asked that question in a new survey.  And the #1 answer was . . . “I DON’T feel like a grown-up yet.”
13% of people said they still don’t feel like a true grown-up.  The most common answers after that were at age 18, 20, 21, 25, and 30.  Here are the OTHER top ten things that make us feel grown up . . .
1.  Owning a home.
2.  Getting your first a full-time job.
3.  Moving out of your parents’ house.
4.  Worrying about bills and finding ways to save.
5.  Graduating from school.
6.  Getting married.
7.  Knowing your credit score.
8.  Planning out your meals in advance.
9.  Having kids.
10.  Getting your driver’s license.
... [Read Full Story]

Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Tuesday, March 2

coast-coffee-talk-flipper
TODAY IS:
National Read Across America Day: Also known as Dr. Seuss Day, to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Seuss, today is a day to celebrate reading. So, read a book today. Even better, read with a child.
Old Stuff Day: A day to appreciate the old stuff gathering dust in your house … or, a good day to finally get rid of it. If you do plan to use today – or this week – to do a little spring cleaning, here’s what experts say you should toss:
  • Old bed pillows and linens you never use because they’re old and ratty.
  • Beat-up old suitcases and duffel bags.
  • That collection of cheap vases from flower deliveries.
  • Books: Don’t throw them out but donate them. There are even libraries that will take your old books if they are in good condition.
  • The toys your kids never play with: If they are in good condition, donate them. If not, toss them.
  • Exercise equipment you never use: That treadmill that you have been draping clothes over for years needs a new home. (MSN)

We’ve heard of some crazy things on a pizza, but this might take the cake, or, cereal … A pizza place in Des Moines, Iowa, called Fong’s is putting Froot Loops … on a pizza. “Making pizzas that are outside the box has always been a staple of Fong’s,” said owner Gwen Page said. “Now we’re trying things out for breakfast pizzas.” (Des Moines Register)

With spring right around the corner, and after a year without normal styling, everyone is itching for a real haircut. Unfortunately, the trendiest hairstyle for spring 2021 might have you holding on to your grown-out pandemic ’do a little longer. According to InStyle, the mullet is going to be all the rage in the next couple months — thanks Miley Cyrus. Here are the other trends they’re predicting:
  • Bangs — especially ’70s curtain bangs
  • Blunt Bobs
  • Center Parts
  • Natural Hair
  • Blunt, short, and brightly colored
  • ‘90s flip of the ends — ‘The Rachel’ is coming back!
... [Read Full Story]

Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Monday, March 1

coast-coffee-talk-flipper
TODAY IS:
  • Believe it or not … It’s March 1st.
  • World Compliment Day

There’s a reason some people are addicted to social media. A new study found that social media users are driven by “likes” — the same way lab rats are driven by food rewards. It’s basically “reward learning.” Getting a like gives you that reward high — so you crave more.

Are you a double screener? Do you watch TV while also looking at your phone/tablet/laptop? You are definitely not alone. 90% of people in a recent survey said they watch TV while also concentrating on another screen. 25% of those say they text people about what they’re watching. (SWNS)

Speaking of watching TV … ACT II microwave popcorn is releasing a new flavor … mac & cheese popcorn. While some Instagram users have posted pics of the popcorn, there’s still no word on when it will be released. (Delish)

Do you like to work out alone or with other people? Seems the pandemic has led a lot of people to appreciate working out alone. A new survey found that 42% of respondents say they prefer exercising alone. The main reason: You can work out on your own time schedule – where you want and when you want. 33% said working out alone allowed them to focus more on what they were doing, and 37% said they liked to be alone with their thoughts when they worked out. And 20% said they liked working out alone because they don’t feel judged. (SWNS)

Remember the Windows XP default desktop wallpaper, that green hill with the sunny blue skies? The editor of the San Francisco Gate decided to find the actual location in the photo. Turns out it’s across the street from an alpaca farm in Sonoma, California. Photographer Charles O’Rear took the now-legendary shot he called “Bliss” in 1996. Microsoft found it and paid him for the rights, but apparently that didn’t buy loyalty. O’Rear says he’s now hooked on Apple. Ouch.
... [Read Full Story]

Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Friday, February 26

coast-coffee-talk-flipper
TODAY IS:
  • Carpe Diem Day
  • National Tell a Fairy Tale Day

Are you a night owl? It could be affecting your work. A study from Finland found that night owls are more likely to struggle during work hours and actually are twice as likely to perform poorly at work than their early bird counterparts. Why? Because they’re tired!

What sounds have you missed since the pandemic began? A new survey found that among the sounds we miss most are live music (38%), a movie playing in surround sound in a theater (35%) and fans cheering at a sporting event (28%). Another sound people miss? Conversation. In fact, 62% of people respondents said social distancing has put a big dent in “the art of the conversation.” (SWNS)

Can’t go on vacation? Bud Light Seltzer wants to fix that … with their “Out of the Office” variety pack. You may not be able to travel right now, but Bud Light wants you to act like you’re on vacation with their new hard seltzer flavors — Watermelon Mojito, Classic Margarita, Mango Mai Tai, and Strawberry Daiquiri. The “Out of Office” packs will be available on March 1. (Delish)

A scientist at Stanford University has a new theory why Zoom calls feel so EXHAUSTING.  Basically, it’s because they’re too intimate, so they’re triggering the parts of our brain that make us want to either FIGHT or MATE.  And that’s stressful.
“On Zoom, behavior ordinarily reserved for close relationships, such as long stretches of direct eye gaze and faces seen close up, has suddenly become the way we interact with casual acquaintances, coworkers, and even strangers.”
The study suggests a few easy fixes like not using full-screen mode, or occasionally turning off your camera. Even getting up and walking around a bit helps.
... [Read Full Story]

Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Thursday, February 25

coast-coffee-talk-flipper
TODAY IS:
  • National Toast Day
  • National Chili Day
  • National Clam Chowder Day
  • National Chocolate Covered Nut Day

Seems quarantining has changed our bathroom boundaries … With couples spending so much time at home together, bathroom boundaries have pretty much been … well … flushed. A new OnePoll survey found that the average American couple has six conversations a month … while one of them is on the toilet.

Creamy or crunchy peanut butter? Seems crunchy peanut butter lovers are more optimistic than their creamy peanut butter counterparts. A survey commissioned by Jif found that 63% of those who prefer crunchy peanut butter describe themselves as optimists, compared to 56% of those who prefer creamy peanut butter. Crunchy peanut butter fans are also more extroverted and more likely to be night owls. Creamy peanut butter fans tended to be early birds and more introverted. (SWNS)

There are plenty of great stories about bad tattoos … but this one may take the cake. A TikToker asked people to share their stories of their unfortunate tattoos, when a user responded, “I win.” And she pretty much did. “I got this tattoo,” she said in her video. “I’d wanted it for a couple of years. [The saying] basically means like, be true to yourself and real, and not pretending to be something you’re not.” Sounds pretty normal, right? Well, the message wasn’t the problem, the timing was. She got the tattoo on March 4, 2020. The saying she got inked on her forearm says, “Courageously and radically refuse to wear a mask.” She said she’s been wearing long-sleeve shirts all year to hide it. (In the Know)
... [Read Full Story]

Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Wednesday, February 24

coast-coffee-talk-flipper
TODAY IS:
National Tortilla Chip Day: A good day for some chips and salsa.

You hear a lot about all the comfort foods that people have been reaching for over the last year, but it seems just as many people are reaching for healthy stuff  — particularly vegetables. 70% of people in a new survey say they have been eating healthier than ever — and 39% said their stay-at-home time has led to them eating more veggies. 68% said they have been using veggies more in their cooking and in more innovative ways. (SWNS)

Speaking of healthy eating … Move over paleo and vegan diets, there’s a new diet in town … and it’s a combination of both of those popular diets. It’s called the “pe-gan” diet. Created by physician and nutrition author Dr. Mark Hyman, the diet is basically 75% plant-based – with some animal products allowed … like grass-fed meat and butter, organic eggs, and wild-caught fish. (Insider)

We’ve all had that moment when we’re driving and the CHECK ENGINE light comes on.  And then we’ve all ALSO had that moment where we just ignore it, figure it will go away on its own, and keep on driving.
According to a new survey, people will drive around for an average of nine days with the check engine light on before they actually take their car in to the shop.
The survey also found almost half of Americans have been late to an event or missed it completely because of their car breaking down.
The most common things we’ve missed are birthday parties and hanging out with friends.
... [Read Full Story]