Coffee Talk Archives

Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Monday, January 11

January 11, 2021 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
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TODAY IS:
Step in a Puddle and Splash Your Friends Day: A good day to act like a kid.
National Clean off Your Desk Day: Observed annually on the second Monday in January, this is a day to start the new year fresh … with a clean and organized desk.
So just how stressful was 2020 for people? According to a new survey, nearly 17% went to therapy for the first time last year, and 15% began taking meds for anxiety and depression for the first time in 2020.
We all wish we could just lose weight on our sleep, right? Well, now you can – and, apparently, all it takes is drinking some tea. A study from the University of Tsukuba in Japan found that drinking oolong tea jump starts the body’s fat burning process … even when you’re asleep. According to researchers, just two cups of oolong tea a day increases the breakdown of fat.
And speaking of losing weight, A new study by Anglia Ruskin University reveals that increasing your coffee intake could lead to weight loss. Researchers had women, between the ages of 20 and 43, drink two to three cups of coffee a day. The women lost an average of 3.4% body fat during the study. Women, between the ages of 45 and 69, drank four or more cups per day and lost 4.1% body fat.
If you were able to peek into your own future, would you do it? Seems most people wouldn’t. A study found that 90% said they would not want to find out about any negative things happening to them in the future. But it seems that it’s not just bad news that people don’t want to hear about. 40% -70% said they didn’t want to learn about any future positive things either. Just 1% of those who participated in the research said they would want to know what the future holds for them.
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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Friday, January 8

January 8, 2021 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
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TODAY IS:
National Bubble Bath Day: A good day to soak in a tub.
Can a puppy save you from political differences? We’re more politically divided than ever, but … dogs to the rescue. A new survey found that dogs can bring people of different parties together. 87% of the dog owners surveyed said they’ve been able to bond and find common ground with a fellow dog owner … even if they have political differences. (Best Life)
Are you dealing with a financial hangover this year? You’re not alone. According to a new survey, more than 50% of those surveyed admitted they’re experiencing a financial hangover because of their holiday spending. And it will take them about seven weeks to get their finances back on track after their holiday spending. 64% of respondents said they regret not handling their finances better in 2020.
Have you been doing better during COVID than most? This probably seems like a no-brainer, but a new survey found that people who are more laid back – basically those who take things more slowly than most — are doing better with all of this. And it seems these “chill” people are also more optimistic. One big common denominator with these chill people? Cooking. 71% of those surveyed said they use food and cooking as a way to connect with people.(SWNS)
Bad news if you’re always short on time. Global time officials now want to shorten a minute to 59 seconds. They say the Earth’s rotation is speeding up, making the day slightly less than 24 hours. It’s a tiny change (For example, Sunday lasted only 23 hours, 59 minutes and 59.9998927 seconds) but it’s something we could really start noticing after a few decades. 2021 is expected to be about 19-milliseconds short of a typical year.
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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Thursday, November 7

January 7, 2021 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
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TODAY IS:
  • National Tempura Day: a Japanese dish of fish, shellfish, or vegetables, fried in batter.
  • National Bobblehead Day
Thinking of getting married? Consult with a divorce attorney first. Sounds a little backwards, right. But, according to experts, meeting with a divorce lawyer before getting hitched can help couples understand their relationship better when it comes to make-or-break stressors including money, privacy, pre-nuptial agreements and children, as well as things like property laws. (Insider)
More proof that plant-based may be the biggest food trend of 2021 … Jimmy Dean, yep, the sausage king, is introducing two new breakfast sandwiches featuring plant-based patties: Jimmy Dean’s Plant-Based Patty, Egg & Cheese Croissant Sandwich and Plant-Based Patty & Frittata Sandwich. The egg and cheese kinda defeats the whole plant-based thing – but, hey, at least the patty is plant-based. (The Takeout)
Is 30 the new 60? A new survey found that 64% of Americans between the ages of 25 and 45 feel physically older than their real age. But this is interesting … While they feel physically older, 73% say they feel mentally younger than their actual age.
What makes people feel so old? Aches and pains, apparently. And it seems these aches and pains have a lot to do with how much sitting and looking at devices that we are doing.
According to the survey, these are the top locations of aches and pains:
  1. Neck — 54%
  2. Joints — 51%
  3. Back — 50%
  4. Head — 40%
  5. Legs — 38%
What makes people feel more immature than their age? Not wanting to deal with the “challenges” of being an adult.
According to the survey, these are the biggest challenges of being an adult:
  1. Being responsible for my physical health — 40%
  2. Cooking balanced meals on a regular basis — 36%
  3. Budgeting — 36%
  4. Keeping my home clean — 34%
  5. Buying nutritious food while grocery shopping — 34% (SWNS)
Adulting is hard.
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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Wednesday, January 6

January 6, 2021 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
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TODAY IS:
  • National Cuddle Up Day: A good day to snuggle with someone you love.
  • National Bean Day: A good day to have some beans … but maybe after the cuddling.
Did you make a resolution to go vegan but can’t imagine not having ranch dressing ever again? Well, you’re in luck. Hidden Valley is rolling out a vegan ranch dressing. Hidden Valley Plant Powered Ranch is not only vegan, but also gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free. (Delish)
Speaking of food (and drinks) … Starbucks is debuting two new drinks to help get us through the rest of winter … Pistachio Latte and Honey Almond Milk Cold Brew. (Today)
Here’s a New Year’s health tip for ya … It may be hard to fathom drinking anything before coffee in the morning, but consider starting your day with lemon water instead. According to health and beauty experts, not only is it more hydrating, which is an important way to start your day, but it gives your body a dose of vitamin C to keep you healthy while also promoting clear, glowing skin. The acid from the lemons may also help with metabolizing food, resulting in improved weight loss results and digestion. A win-win-win. You can still have your morning coffee, just have some hot or cold water with lemon first. (Daily Motion)
The NFL is considering packing Raymond James Stadium in Tampa for the Super Bowl with vaccinated healthcare workers. NFL commissioner Rodger Goodell wrote, “We will also use this as an opportunity to promote the importance of vaccination and appropriate health practices, including wearing masks in public settings.” The Super Bowl is scheduled for Sunday, February 7th.
Remember pen pals? Well, it seems that there’s a good reason to revive that old tradition. Seems if you’re feeling down, lonely, or simply want to connect with new people, writing a letter to a stranger can improve your mood. According to Glamour writer Lauren Maxwell, “Having a pen pal changed quarantine — it was like my door cracked open and new light beamed through. Visiting the mailbox became a source of joy, and I was reminded that a little connection can go a long way.” Interested? Just visit pen pal exchange penpalooza to get your very own pen pal. According to the site, “The exchange began in Spring of 2020 to connect people during the pandemic, and now has over 7,000 members from over 50 different countries.”
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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Tuesday, January 5

January 5, 2021 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
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National Keto Day. The diet remains popular among Americans, despite placing second to last place on the US News and World Report list of the Best Diets for 2021. The winner? The Mediterranean Diet
What do you call a pic of someone getting a COVID-19 vaccine? It’s not a selfie, it’s a “vaxxie”. Yep, as vaccine rollouts make their way across the country, people are beginning to see a light at the end of the pandemic tunnel, and to mark the occasion, vaccine selfies have been popping up all over social media. Expect to see a lot more of this new selfie trend, affectionately dubbed the “vaxxie” by influencers and media outlets, as more and more people gain access to the vaccine. Don’t forget to add the #Vaxxie when it’s your turn to post. (Newser)
Ready to take on 2021 well caffeinated? Good news  … Dunkin’ is rolling out Extra Charge Coffee, which features 20% more caffeine. (The Takeout)
Good news, basketball lovers. Yes, there will be March Madness this year. The NCAA has announced that they are going to play all 67 NCAA Men’s College basketball games in the Indianapolis area because of the coronavirus. The games will take place at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indiana Farmers Coliseum, Mackey Arena at Purdue and Assembly Hall in Bloomington
And, it appears clogs are making a comeback. Yep, comfort is not going anywhere it seems. According to fashion trends those chunky slip-ons popular in the ’70s are back in style, with designers like Hermès, Isabel Marant, and more putting their spin on the classic clog. (Bustle)
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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Monday, January 4

January 4, 2021 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
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TODAY IS:
  • Weigh-In Day: The holidays are over and it’s time to face the scale.
  • Spaghetti Day: Maybe the weigh in should start tomorrow …
Did you make a resolution for the year? If your resolution for 2021 was to shed the 2020 pounds and spend less time on the couch, you are not alone. According to a new survey, exercising more/losing weight was the most popular 2021 resolution. 26% of respondents said that was their top goal of the year. This was followed by saving money/getting out of debt, which was a top 2021 priority for 23% of those surveyed. Third was traveling more (17%), fourth was making new friends (9%), and rounding out the Top 5 2021 resolutions was getting a new job (7%). (Best Life)
Here’s an easy resolution to keep – and it will make you happier. Instead of stressing about your resolution, just make an effort to help others. According to a study from the University of Rochester, a resolution to help others will make you happier. “Think of how you can help,” says professor and clinical psychologist Richard Ryan. “There’s a lot of distress out there: If we can set goals that aim to help others, those kinds of goals will, in turn, also add to our own well-being.”
Zoom gloom … Are you sick and tired of Zoom calls, Skyping, and Face-timing? Seems lots of us are. A survey found that 61% of respondents say they are “Zoomed out.” Of those, nearly 70% say their burnout is due to all the time they’re spending on video calls these days.
It used to be that online dating was more about hookups than happily-ever-afters … but things have definitely changed. A new study out of Switzerland found that people who meet online are more likely to get married and have kids than people who meet in-person. In fact, the study suggests that people who meet on dating apps develop stronger bonds than people who meet by chance. “We actually find that in certain ways couples that met through dating apps have even stronger long-term family formation or relationship intentions than other couples that met either offline or through other digital ways of meeting,” said lead author Gina Potarca. (The Guardian)
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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Thursday, December 24

December 23, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
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Today is obviously Christmas Eve, so, you know, maybe check again to make sure you didn’t forget anyone before the world shuts down for the holiday…
The pandemic has been great for the video game business. Gaming is now a bigger industry than sports and movies COMBINED! Video game sales jumped 20 percent this year…that’s 180-billion dollars, beating out Hollywood’s best year ever in 2019. And they think gaming will only get bigger now that everyone’s trying to buy the new PlayStation and Xbox.
Is there anyone out there who DIDN’T find this garbage fire of a year stressful?
Two-thirds of us have had a personal crisis at some point this year.  And 7 in 10 Americans now say 2020 has left them feeling defeated.
Here are the five most stressful things about this year, according to the poll . . .
1.  The stress of COVID-19 in general.
2.  Not being able to enjoy things you used to do.  Like going to bars and movies.
3.  The presidential election.
4.  Having to change up your day-to-day routine because of COVID.
5.  Spending so much time stuck inside.
Misinformation about the virus also made the top ten.  And so did the constant BARRAGE of news we got thanks to the 24-hour news cycle.
Parts of South Florida are under a frost advisory, which can only mean one thing: it’s gonna be raining iguanas! This sorta thing happens at least once every winter. The iguana’s like to sleep in trees, and when it gets cold enough, they kinda freeze and plop to the ground. They’re fine once it warms up. Last year, falling iguana’s caused dented cars and even a few injuries to people.
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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Wednesday, December 23

December 23, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
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TODAY IS:
Roots Day: A day to celebrate your family’s history, heritage, and ancestry.
Festivus Day: Time to celebrate, Seinfeld fans, because today, December 23rd, is Festivus Day.
If you never watched Seinfeld and have no idea what we’re talking about … In a December 1997 episode of Seinfeld, Frank Costanza (played by the late Jerry Stiller) reveals that he created Festivus in response to the commercialism of Christmas. The slogan is: “A Festivus for the rest of us.”
How is Festivus celebrated? Instead of a decorated tree, there is an unadorned aluminum pole. There is also a Festivus dinner – meatloaf on a bed of lettuce – during which you participate in the “Airing of Grievances,” where you tell others at the table how they have disappointed you in the past year. The celebration ends with the “Feats of Strength,” which involves wrestling the head of the household. The holiday is not complete unless the head of the household is pinned.
Hating romantic holiday movies? Holiday rom-coms are a staple of the season, but in this year of challenging dating and season of no holiday parties, is it hard for you to watch them? In fact, would you rather watch anything BUT a cheesy holiday rom-com? If you feel that way, you’re not alone. Clinical psychologist Laurie Betito told Cosmo that it’s because romantic comedies can trigger feelings of loneliness. And because plenty of singles are stuck in their apartments of parents’ home this year because of COVID, those feelings of loneliness are heightened.
Didn’t get around to sending a Christmas card this year? No problem – send a New Year’s card instead. This year, especially, people will be happy to ring in a new year … and hear from you, since being together for New Years isn’t happening anywhere. (Huff Post)
Gifts that don’t cost a dime … It’s Christmas, and we all want to give the people who mean the most to us to something they’ll love and cherish. But for many of us, things are tough this year.
Here are some gifts that are pretty awesome — and don’t cost any money at all:
  • Encouraging (and helping) someone to pursue their dreams.
  • Complimenting someone for a talent they don’t even realize they have.
  • Becoming a peaceful, calming influence in an emotionally charged situation.
  • Repairing a strained relationship.
  • Erasing a debt someone owes you.
  • Tackling a chore that someone important to you is struggling to accomplish.
Though these might seem like strange “gifts” at first, these are the kinds of things that loved ones will remember fondly for years to come. (Lifehack)
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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Tuesday, December 22

December 22, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
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TODAY IS:
National Cookie Exchange Day: A good day to share some fresh-baked cookies.
A new study from Rutgers University found that coronavirus has had a huge impact on the drinking habits of college-age students. Basically, when coronavirus forced college kids to move off campus and back in with their parents, their drinking habits were hugely curtailed.
“Drinking is a social behavior for college students, and without social interaction students are less likely to drink heavily,” says Helene R. White, lead researcher and distinguished professor emerita with the Center of Alcohol & Substance Use Studies at Rutgers University. “Living with parents may especially interfere with social interaction with peers and thereby be protective against heavy drinking.”
Wanna get away? You’re not alone. A survey by Apple Vacations found that 84% of respondents said they’ve really missed traveling this year. How bad to people miss traveling? 63% of the people surveyed said they’d rather spend three hours every day in a TSA line than be stuck indoors for the rest of the year. And maybe this is the reason people are so anxious to travel. The survey found that the average American has gone 14 months without a vacation. For 70% of those surveyed, that’s the longest they’ve ever gone without traveling. (SWNS)
Lots of us have gotten very lax about our eating habits since the pandemic started … but that doesn’t mean we don’t have guilt about it – especially during the holidays. A new survey found that a whopping 63% said they deal with “food guilt” every holiday season. And get this – 48% of the people polled said food guilt was a bigger holiday stressor for them than family drama or finding the right gifts for everyone.
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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Monday, December 21

December 21, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
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TODAY IS:
Humbug Day: Today is a day to release the stress of the season – by embracing your inner Scrooge.
Winter Solstice: It’s the shortest day of the year and officially the first day of winter.
Were you on the naughty or nice list this year? Seems most Americans think they belong on the nice list. A YouGov poll revealed that 75% of people surveyed said they are definitely on Santa’s nice list for 2020. Of course, that was self-identified, so we’ll really see how things go this Friday morning…
Are you a terrible gift giver? Two in five people surveyed admitted that they are terrible gift givers. 60% said they always struggle to find the perfect gift and 51% wait until the last minute to do their Christmas shopping. OK, bad gift givers, your gifts aren’t THIS bad … are they? According to the survey, here are some of the worst last-minute gifts people have purchased:
  • A jar of peanuts
  • An oven mitt
  • Windshield wipers
  • A bottle of shampoo
  • A Chia pet
  • Mouthwash
  • Toilet paper
  • Multivitamins
  • Plastic silverware
How often do you start sentences with “When this is all over …”? A new survey found that 40% of adults said they start at least one sentence every week with those words. 13% of those polled said they say the phrase every day. (SWNS)
And… How often do you tell yourself this is the day, week, or month that you are going to start eating healthy? A new survey found that the average person promises themselves four times a month they are going to start eating healthy … but they never do. So why do people never follow through with their diet plans? 37% of respondents said they quit a diet because they hated cutting out foods they love. 35% said the diet they tried was too restrictive for them to stick with. 69% of those surveyed said not seeing results soon enough made them quit. And 73% admitted that giving in to junk food cravings derailed their dieting attempts.
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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Friday, December 18

December 18, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
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TODAY IS:
Answer the Phone Like Buddy the Elf Day
Here are just some of the ways you can greet people today …
  • “The best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”
  • “I am a cotton-headed ninny-muggins!”
  • “I just like to smile. Smiling’s my favorite.”
  • “You did it! Congratulations! World’s best cup of coffee! Great job, everybody! It’s great to be here.”
  • “You stink! You smell like beef and cheese. You don’t smell like Santa.
  • “We elves try to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup.”
  • “You sit on a throne of lies.”
You really do need to wake up and smell the coffee … As we all know by now, one of the symptoms of COVID-19 is losing your sense of taste and smell. Well, now experts are suggesting you do a little “self test” in the morning – by seeing if you can smell the coffee. According to James Schwob, a professor of developmental, molecular, and chemical biology at Tufts University School of Medicine, “One of the things that can be done pretty easily, pretty objectively by someone at home would be to take some ground coffee and see how far away you can hold it and still smell it.” (Delish)
For those of you looking to get quick and easy access to a COVID vaccine, The Chicago Tribune says Walgreens and CVS believe covid-19 vaccines will be available at their stores beginning this Spring. The shots will be available by appointment only.
Well, here’s one bright spot in what has been an awful year … Seems Americans exercised a lot more in 2020. According to research by fitness tracking app Strava, there were big increases in running and cycling as well as walking, hiking, yoga, weightlifting, and water sports like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. According to the company, 2 million new users joined the free app every month this year, and more than 1 million joined Strava’s monthly 5K challenge in May – that’s the most ever for a single challenge on the app.
And women were the driving force for the uptick in exercise. According to app data, between April and September, women between the ages of 18-29 had a 45% increase in the median number of activities uploaded to the tracker compared to a 27% increase by men in the same age group. Women were also cycling more, with a 72% increase in bike rides logged compared to 2019. (ESPN)
And, in the strangest headline I’ve read today, The NY Daily News says Pepsi is launching a new chocolate soft drink called Cocoa Cola. The company released a statement saying, “There is nothing more classic than hot cocoa on a winter day, but this year has been anything but typical. So why not bring together the delicious taste of a Pepsi with the delicious, wintry taste of chocolate and marshmallow and bring some unexpected joy to our fans this season? We are confident we nailed Pepsi ‘Cocoa’ Cola and can’t wait to get this in the hands of cola fans this winter.”
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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Thursday, December 17

December 17, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
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TODAY IS:
National Maple Syrup Day
National Re-gifting Day
Did you pick up a bad habit (or four) since the pandemic started? You are not alone. In fact, a new survey found that 53% of the adults polled said they’ve been drinking more alcohol than usual since coronavirus started. Nearly 50% of adults working from home said they have secretly clocked off the job early to have a drink. And 45% of respondents admitted they’d had a drink during working hours. It’s no surprise, then, that 60% of respondents said they were making a resolution to drink less in the new year.
Drinking isn’t the only bad habit people have picked up during the pandemic. 40% said they’ve been snacking more throughout the day, 33% said they weren’t eating as many fruits and vegetables as they should, 32% said they were eating more junk food, 32% said they were consuming too much caffeine, 25% said they weren’t exercising, 23% admitted they stayed in pajamas all day, and 11% of those working from home said they had overslept on a workday. (SWNS)
OK, be honest. Are you secretly kinda happy you don’t have to host a holiday party this year? It’s OK. Lots of people feel the same way you do. A survey by Velveeta found that while 56% of respondents said they are disappointed that they’ll miss out on holiday parties this year because of COVID, 70% confessed that they are secretly happy they don’t have to host a holiday party this year. (SWNS)
Here’s a good reason to get your kid involved in sports … A new study out of Norway found that kids who play sports have a lower risk of depression. “Being active, getting sweaty, and roughhousing offer more than just physical health benefits. They also protect against depression,” study author, Dr. Tonje Zahl said.
And, some of us look forward to Christmas Dinners quite a bit each year, but one woman looks forward to them so much, she has them every day! A woman from Bristol, England has eaten a Christmas dinner every day for the past 20 years. Jane Wintringham has eaten 7,300 Christmas dinners over the course of her life.
“A roast is my favorite meal – it’s a classic British dish. I think it’s a balanced meal – you’ve got meat, carbohydrates and vegetables – plus, I’m cooking everything myself fresh, so I know exactly what’s going into my food. I don’t eat takeaways or anything like that, which I think are far more unhealthy. I’m a size 10, and have been for all my adult life, so I’ve not put on any weight through eating so many Christmas dinners.’’
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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Wednesday, December 16

December 16, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
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TODAY IS:
Chocolate Covered Anything Day: ‘Tis the season, after all …
Maybe it’s time to revisit that high school biology class … or at least a game of Operation. According to a new survey, 73% of people said they don’t know what most of their organs do or where they’re located. How bad is it? Only 38% of survey respondents were able to accurately describe what their colon does.
Where there’s a will, there’s a way … A 28-year-old man in Scotland broke lockdown rules by buying a jet ski and riding it for almost 25 miles to go see his girlfriend in the Isle of Man. The guy, Dale McLaughlan, had never even ridden a jet ski before. According to the BBC, it took him four hours to get to the island, where he had to walk another 15 miles to get to his girlfriend’s house. Unfortunately, he didn’t get a break for creativity … or perseverance. He was arrested, charged with illegally entering the island, and put in jail for four weeks. (Insider)
Thinking of ditching meat in 2021? This may be some motivation … A study by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine found that a low-fat, plant-based diet can boost fat burning and weight loss, as well as lower the risk of diabetes.
Speaking of plant-based … You may want to add some beans to your diet in the new year. Seems the people in the world who live the longest and are the healthiest all have one thing in common: They eat beans every day. According to Dan Buettner, longevity researcher and author of The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who’ve Lived the Longest, “Beans reign supreme in Blue Zones and are the cornerstone of every longevity diet in the world: black beans in Nicoya; lentils, garbanzo, and white beans in the Mediterranean; and soybeans in Okinawa.” He says people in these Blue Zones, who live to more than 100, eat at least four times as many beans as Americans do. They also eat mostly plants, lots of olive oil, not much meat or fish, and very little sugar. (Eat This, Not That)
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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Tuesday, December 15

December 15, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
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TODAY IS:
Bill of Rights Day: This day recognizes the significance of the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
National Cupcake Day: A good day for a cupcake.
With fewer people eating in restaurants and a decrease in tourism because of coronavirus, beef producers and suppliers in Japan have a surplus of prime meat. So, they are given the surplus to schools. That means grade school students are getting Kobe beef in their school lunches. Yes, the same Kobe (or wagyu) beef that sells for up to $200 a pound. (Food & Wine)
How do you feel about giving donations in a person’s name as a holiday gift? According to a recent YouGov poll, a majority of respondents thought it was a good idea. 58% said if someone gave them the gift of a donation made in their name, they would consider it a good gift. The survey also found that women (62%) were more likely to say a donation in their name was a good gift compared to men (54% ). And older Americans (55 and older) were more likely to appreciate a donation made in their name than younger Americans (18 to 24) – 63% vs. 49%.
Should parents be responsible when kids make unauthorized online purchases? Connecticut mom Jessica Johnson is stuck with a $16,000 bill after her 6-year-old son, George, went on an online gaming shopping spree, making a bunch of in-app purchases while playing Sonic Forces on her iPad. What started as a few micro purchases at $1.99 graduated to $99 purchases and more that Jessica initially thought were fraudulent. Instead of reporting the charges to her credit card company, Jessica went directly to her bank. But once they found the culprit, the 60-day grace period to contest charges had passed — leaving her without recourse from Apple or PayPal. Seems Jessica didn’t know she had to initiate special settings on the game to prevent this from happening – and reportedly Apple had no sympathy.
“My son didn’t understand that the money was real. How could he?” she said. “He’s playing a cartoon game in a world that he knows is not real. Why would the money be real to him? That would require a big cognitive leap.” Jessica, a real estate broker who works on commission, is now struggling to pay off the debt.
Let Santa drive your sleigh … Waze is letting Santa Claus give you directions through the month of December. From now until December 31st, St. Nick can make sure your sleigh gets over the river and through the woods to its destination. To get Santa as your navigator just hit the search icon and select “Drive with Santa,” then turn on any (or all) of the three features you want. (Mashable)
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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Monday, December 14

December 14, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
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TODAY IS:
National Roasted Chestnuts Day: A good day to roast some chestnuts on an open fire …
Cheers to this … A new study from Iowa State has revealed that regularly eating cheese and drinking wine – particularly red wine – may help reduce cognitive decline as you age – and may help to prevent Alzheimer’s.
Have you been walking through the grocery store or pharmacy looking for cleaning products and noticed the short supply on the shelves seems to be a continuing problem? ABC says Clorox disinfecting wipes are going to continue to be in short supply until mid 2021 because of the coronavirus. Clorox is shipping 1.5 million packages of wipes on a daily basis and they appear to be going quickly the moment they hit shelves everywhere.
One bright spot to the pandemic? People are reaching out to loved ones – even ones they haven’t talked to in a long time. A new survey found that 50% of respondents said they have reached out to a family member or friend they’ve previously lost touch with. Seems that this holiday season there is a stronger desire to put away past differences and reconnect. The survey also found that coronavirus has changed the way people think about the holidays – with 76% saying that this year they just want to be with loved ones and enjoy good food. And 63% said they are looking forward to the holidays more than ever so they can spend time with the ones they love – even if that means spending time together virtually. (SWNS)
CBS says a Secret Santa has been mailing thousands of dollars to essential workers in the U.S.. A nurse in Houston, a sanitation worker from Sarasota, Florida, a server from Pittsburgh and a security guard from Kansas City all received $1,000 in the mail. The Secret Santa plans to send $100,000 to more essential workers before Christmas.
The Santa, who wishes to remain anonymous, tells CBS, “You know kindness, when freely given, with no expectation in return – is, in fact, unconditional love. And that’s really what we’re giving them.”
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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Friday, December 11

December 11, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
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TODAY IS:
  • International Mountain Day
  • Have a Bagel Day
Also … It’s December 11th … exactly two weeks till Christmas. Are you ready?
Seems virtual love isn’t all it’s cracked up to be … Apparently a lot of people who “fell in love” over Zoom had a very different reaction when meeting in real life. The sparks that flew virtually just didn’t carry over to real-life chemistry. “What’s happening is when we meet someone for the first time after video dating, there’s some familiarity already,” said Jacqueline Mendez, an L.A.-based marriage-family and sex therapist. “We feel we know this person, but we really only know the presentation of this person.” (NY Times)
What would we do without our furry friends? A survey by DogTV revealed that dogs really are our emotional support animals – even if they aren’t officially designated that way. 64% of dog owners surveyed said they don’t know where they’d be without their dog’s love and support. And 70% said their dog knows them better than they know themselves. Those surveyed said their pups had helped them get through everything from starting new jobs, to moving, to heartbreak. And a whopping 68% said their dogs are the only reason they’ve stayed sane during coronavirus lockdowns. (SWNS)
Just in time for Christmas, the perfect stocking stuffer: an over-the-counter COVID test has been approved by the FDA. You’ll have to send your nasal swab sample to a lab for testing, but still – no long lines! The kits are already being sold online and should be in stores soon.
Are people busy eating cookies as therapy through these hard times? You bet! And, Pepperidge Farm can’t keep up! The coronavirus has people out sick at Pepperidge Farm production plants. Problem is, their cookies with their unique shape can’t be sent out to another manufacturer, plus with high demand, get ’em while you can in stores. Since the pandemic began, cookie buying is up 25 percent. One in five Americans eat over three cookies per day.
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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Thursday, December 10

December 10, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
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TODAY IS:
  • The first day of Hanukkah: The Festival of Lights begins today at sundown.
  • Human Rights Day
  • Nobel Prize Day
  • National Lager Day
It’s time to start thinking about those New Year’s resolutions … and if you want 2021 to be the year you’re finally successful with your resolution(s), you should start with re-wording your goal. Seems when most people make a resolution, they often vow to “quit” doing something. According to a new study from Stockholm University in Sweden, the key to success is vowing to “start” doing something instead. The researchers found that people are 12% more likely to stick to their resolutions for the year if they avoid making vows like “I will quit …” or “I will avoid …” and instead say, “I will start …”
According to study author Professor Per Carlbring, “In many cases, rephrasing your resolution could definitely work. For example, if your goal is to stop eating sweets in order to lose weight, you will most likely be more successful if you say, ‘I will eat fruit several times a day’ instead.” (Daily Mail)
Is there a book you loved this year? A candle you can’t do without? A bottle of wine you love? When it comes to shopping for holiday gifts, a lot of us are making it so much harder than it has to be. According to a study from the University of Cincinnati, we tend to avoid getting the people on our list the same thing … even if we think more than one person would like this particular gift. Seems we look at buying the same gift for multiple people as taking the “easy way out.” Don’t make yourself crazy. If you think more than one person will love a gift, just get it. (Women’s Health)
Vaccine or vodka? People all over the world are hopeful that new COVID vaccines will lead us all back to a normal way of life soon, but it’s leaving Russians in the tough position of having to choose between vaccine or vodka. Health officials there are warning people that if they receive the Russian-made Sputnik V vaccine, they will have to give up booze for about two months after, because alcohol could weaken the immune system. There’s been no word yet from Pfizer or Moderna whether Americans will also need to stay sober for their versions of the vaccine. (TMZ)
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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Wednesday, December 9

December 9, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
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TODAY IS:
  • Christmas Card Day: A reminder to get your Christmas cards ready to send out.
  • National Pastry Day
Are you the first-born child? How are you doing compared to your siblings? According to a new study by the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and the University of Sydney in Australia, the oldest child tends to be smarter, does better in school, and earns more income than their younger siblings. The reason? Seems the first-born child gets more attention from their parents, especially when it comes to thinking and learning skills. First-borns are often read to more and engaged with more than subsequent siblings.
We may not be going on exotic vacations that take us on airplanes. But perhaps you took a road trip this year. If you did, you’re not alone. In fact, a new survey found that 69% of respondents said taking road trips in 2020 has helped them deal with the stress of the year. (SWNS)
Are you working from home? Are you sitting a lot more than usual? Are you sitting in a less than ergonomic way? Well, it doesn’t take that much to combat the couch potato flab. In fact, according to a new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, it takes just 11 minutes of brisk walking a day to reverse the harmful effects of sitting for hours at a time. Even better? Try to get about 35 minutes of walking or jogging in a day. (Fatherly)
A 100 year-old football tradition has just been cancelled thanks to COVID. It’s one of the biggest rivalries in college football, but this year’s Ohio State-Michigan game has been scrubbed after a bunch of Michigan players were forced to quarantine. COVID cases are spiking within both teams. They’ve faced each other every year since 1918.
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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Tuesday, December 8

December 8, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
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TODAY IS:
Pretend to Be a Time Traveler Day
National Brownie Day
What songs are a must on your workout playlist? According to a survey commissioned by Rock My Run, 65% of respondents said they had “no motivation” to exercise without their workout music. And when it came to top music genres for workout playlists, there were no clear favorites — with most people saying they mixed it up with a little bit of everything. But some songs seem to be a staple on everyone’s workout playlists. Rock My Run has named the 50 Best Workout Songs of All Time. The winning song at the top of the list? “We Will Rock You/We are the Champions” from Queen.
From labor to lawyer … The Chicago woman who made headlines in October when she went into labor during the bar exam, gave birth, and then finished the test, is more than just a new mom. She’s also a new lawyer — because she found out last week that she passed the bar. To refresh your memory … Brianna Hill was supposed to take the exam in July, three months before her due date, but when the pandemic pushed it off to October, she knew it might conflict with her delivery — and she was right. Her water broke during the first part of the two-day exam. She gave birth later that day and then finished the test the next day in the hospital. Congrats, Brianna! (WMAQ-TV)
Forget gingerbread houses, charcuterie houses are all the rage this year. Yep, instead of gingerbread, icing, candy canes and gumdrops, these savory houses are made of cold cuts, cheese, crackers, nuts and veggies. (Shape)
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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Monday, December 7

December 7, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
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National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day: It’s the 79th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941.
How do you string the lights on your Christmas tree? According to multiple TikTok videos, the easiest and best way to put the lights on your tree is to string them vertically instead of going round and round like usual. Apparently, it not only looks just as good, but it’s easier, will take you less time, and you’ll need fewer lights. (House Beautiful)
Not the same ol’ resolutions … New Year’s Resolutions are going to be a whole lot different this year. Seems the last year has had an effect on people’s priorities. A new survey found that the typical resolutions – losing weight, exercising more – are being replaced by things like learning new life skills, having new experiences and saving money.
What do you do to calm down after an argument with your significant other? A 48-year-old man in Italy decided he needed to go for a walk … for 280 miles. The man was walking for more than a week when police finally found him. According to reports, he was “a little tired” but otherwise fine. But that long walk came with a price … he was fined almost $500 for breaking Italy’s coronavirus curfew, which requires people to be off the streets from 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. (Insider)
Yahoo News says Eva Welch, of Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, has created a Totally 80’s Christmas tree. It’s decorated with Cabbage Patch dolls, Yoda, Gizmo, the green slime ghost from Ghostbusters, 80’s video games, New Kids on the Block dolls, 80’s candy, 80’s toys, a View-Master, Teen Beat magazines and a Punky Brewster doll.
Eva says, “It is about going back to simpler times. It made me feel good in a time that is not so good.”
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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Friday, December 4

December 4, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
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TODAY IS:
National Cookie Day: A good day to make some Christmas cookies.
Since we’re talking about sweets… We’ve all been indulging in our fair share of comfort foods and sweets since March, and according to Häagen-Daz’s Flavor of 2020 report, our favorite ice cream flavor of the year has been … vanilla. Coffee came in a close second with strawberry rounding out third place. (Fox News)
How many people are you buying gifts for this year? A new survey by Omaha Steaks found that the average American will spend about $323 on holiday gifts this year — for six different people. Millennials plan to spend the most on gifts this year – with an average budget of $331 — about $12 more than Boomers and Gen Xers. According to the survey, Gen Z will spend the least – about $220. Gen Zers will also exchange gifts with only about four people.
Here are the Top 10 gifts people will buy this year, according to the survey:
  1. Gift card — 51%
  2. Clothing — 43%
  3. Fashion Accessories — 36%
  4. Household Items — 35%
  5. Food/drink — 25%
  6. Smartphone accessories — 25%
  7. Computer accessories — 25%
  8. Books — 23%
  9. Other — 18%
  10. Exercise Equipment — 16% (SWNS)
And then there are the gifts no one wants … A new survey by Vistaprint revealed the five most-hated Christmas gifts to receive, based on the items people say they are most-likely to re-gift.
They are …
  1. Picture frames
  2. Body care products
  3. Scented candles
  4. Beauty gift sets
  5. Box of chocolates
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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Thursday, December 3

December 3, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
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TODAY IS:
Make a Gift Day: It’s a day to celebrate gifts that are made with your hands … and your heart.
National Roof Over Your Head Day: It’s a day to be thankful for what you have, starting with the roof over your head.
Hydrate yourself to happiness … A new survey found that drinking water may be the key to happiness. The survey revealed that 41% of people who drank six or more glasses of water a day said that they were “very happy.” Only 12% of people who drank less than a glass a day said the same. Also, 40% of people who drank six or more glasses of water a day described themselves as optimists. Just 10% of those who drank less than a glass of water a day said they were optimists. (SWNS)
You won’t be able to bring your emotional support pig, possum or peacock  on the plane anymore. Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Transportation ruled that only dogs can be service animals – at least when it comes to flying. You can still bring your support animal with you – but they’ll have to travel in the cargo hold. (CBS)
One of the best things about 2020 was how many dogs were adopted from shelters. And 2020 certainly inspired some of the names for these pups. According to Rover.com’s 100 Most Popular Male and Female Dog Names of 2020, the names Covi/Covie, Rona, and Corona were all trending this year. But they weren’t among the most popular male and female dog names.
Here are the Top 10 Male and Female Dog Names for 2020:
Female
  1. Bella
  2. Luna
  3. Lucy
  4. Daisy
  5. Lola
  6. Sadie
  7. Molly
  8. Bailey
  9. Stella
  10. Maggie
Male
  1. Max
  2. Charlie
  3. Cooper
  4. Buddy
  5. Milo
  6. Bear
  7. Rocky
  8. Duke
  9. Tucker
  10. Jack
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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Tuesday, December 1

December 1, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
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TODAY IS:
Giving Tuesday: Yesterday was Cyber Monday, a day to buy. And today, Giving Tuesday, is a day to give. ‘Tis the season of giving … so give of yourself this holiday season … even if it’s just your time.
Rosa Parks Day: It was on December 1st, 1955, when Rosa Parks made civil rights history when she refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama, bus to a white passenger.
National Pie Day: A good day to bake a pie … or finish off that leftover Thanksgiving pie.
It’s December 1st … Which means engagement season has begun. According to WeddingWire’s 2020 Newlywed Report, December is by far the most popular month of the year for popping the question. In fact, 19% of the entire year’s engagements happen in December (July is the second most popular month at 9%). And 7 out of 10 of the most popular dates to get engaged are in December. According to WeddingWire data, Christmas Day will be the most popular day to get engaged, followed by Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day (yes, technically January – but close enough). (Real Simple)
Hey, remote workers … Hawaii wants you. Yep, paradise is calling. The state of Hawaii wants you to pick up and move to one of their islands right now. If you can handle the early morning work hours (a six-hour time difference for East Coasters), your day will end in the early afternoon — giving you plenty of time for fun in the sun. The statewide campaign, called Movers & Shakas — a reference to the “hang loose” hand gesture — is trying to help the damaged tourism economy by inviting remote workers to move to the beautiful state. According to the campaign, the first 50 applicants receive a free, round-trip ticket to Honolulu, but you must also pledge to “respect Hawaii’s culture and natural resources and help out at a local nonprofit.” And an added bonus … the state has some of the lowest COVID-19 rates in the country. (Newser)
And, celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey has a $106 burger on the menu at his new restaurant in London, which opens this week. What makes this burger worth so much? According to the menu, the burger features an expensive cut of sirloin patty, truffle pecorino cheese, fresh black truffles and mayonnaise made with Cep mushrooms. Oh, and fries aren’t included with the burger. That will cost you another 8 bucks. “I guarantee this will be a burger experience like no other,” Ramsey said. It better be for $106. (Today)
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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Monday, November 30

November 30, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
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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
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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
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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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