*Mornings Archives

The Happy Headline of the Day – Friday, July 16

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A little boy cooped up in isolation after cancer treatment found a way to make friends – with Post-It notes.
Five-year-old Meyer Mixdorf was recovering from a stem cell transplant in a hospital in Kansas City, and to cheer him up, his mom, Liz, made a smiley face on his window using sticky notes. The next morning, there was another smiley face in a window across the street.
The back-and-forth continued with more and more elaborate designs, like Mario characters and Angry Birds. It turns out that Meyer’s new friend was Johnna Schindlbeck, an employee at a different medical center. Eventually the Mixdorfs, Johnna and some of her co-workers began watching out for each other and waving when they were creating new Post-It artwork. And once Meyer was healthy enough to go outside, the Mixdorfs headed right across the street to meet his new friends.
Liz says when they got to Johnna’s floor, “everybody started crying.” But the best news — Meyer’s latest scan shows no sign of cancer, and he’s headed home soon. (Good Morning America)
... [Read Full Story]

The Daily Dish – Friday, July 16

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ASHTON KUTCHER would have been going on Virgin Galactic’s next mission to space.  But MILA KUNIS stepped in with some reasonable, but downer advice.
Ashton said quote, “When I got married and had kids, my wife basically encouraged that it was not a smart family decision to be heading into space when we have young children.”  The kids are four and six years old.
So, he ended up selling his ticket back to Virgin Galactic.
But Ashton did say at some point he WILL be going to space . . . I’d guess probably when the kids are older.

If you ever wanted Shaquille O’Neal or Melissa McCarthy to tell you the weather, you’re in for a treat. Amazon has added the two stars to its Alexa digital assistant. Starting Thursday, you can have Alexa speak in the voices of Shaq or Melissa, instead of Alexa’s default female voice.
According to Variety, you’ll be able to ask “Shaq or McCarthy to tell them the weather, play songs, tell jokes, read poems or stories, and more (like asking Shaq to rap or soliciting a funny story from McCarthy).”
In a statement, McCarthy said, “That’s right folks, get ready for the vocal stylings of this nasal Midwestern gal! I am so excited to join the Alexa family. It’s been such a fun experience working on this project. I hope you all enjoy all my dad jokes! Fun fact — if you hear a slide whistle, it’s my personal one that I brought with me to the recording studio!”
O’Neal and McCarthy join such Alexa celeb voices as Samuel L. Jackson, Baby Groot and Gordon Ramsay.

Antonio Banderas has joined the cast of Indiana Jones 5.
The actor will star alongside Harrison Ford, who returns as the whip-cracking hero, along with Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Mads Mikkelsen and Boyd Holbrook.
No word on who Antonio will play.
Production has been delayed as Harrison recovers from an on-set injury.
Indiana Jones 5 is still set to hit theaters on July 29th, 2022.
... [Read Full Story]

Furry Friends Friday with Bon Bon from Animal Aid of Southwestern Michigan – July 16

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Animal Aid would like to introduce Bon Bon! She has a fluffy light grey Tabby Cat coat with a white under-belly, is only 8 weeks old, and is ready for a wonderful home. Bon Bon is healthy and playful. She is litter box trained, and has received her first vaccination. Please contact Animal Aid at 269-934-7729 to schedule a meet-and-greet with Bon Bon. Sweet Bon Bon is guaranteed to brighten your day!... [Read Full Story]

Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Friday, July 16

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TODAY IS:
  • Guinea Pig Appreciation Day
  • World Snake Day
  • Fresh Spinach Day

It’s the age-old debate … can single straight men and women just be really good friends? Well, here’s more proof that the answer is … not often. A study from the University of Victoria in Canada found that 68% of romantic relationships begin as friendships. And for people in their 20s, that number jumps to 85%
And the study found that the same holds true for those LGBTQ+ community, with 85% of romantic relationships starting off as friendships.

In a big point of Pride for the US, the U.S. Olympic team is sending 613 athletes to Tokyo this month, which is its second-largest team ever. The largest team, with 648 athletes, was in 1996 when the U.S. hosted the Games in Atlanta. And among those hoping to go home with medals this year are 329 women — more than any nation in Olympic history. It’s also actually the third time that Team USA had more women than men. (NBC Sports)

What would you do for a two-week vacation? If you’re the average American, the answer is almost anything. A new survey by Crystal Head Vodka found that these are just a few of the things Americans would do for two weeks completely away from work:
  • Work on every weekend for a year
  • Give up celebrating holidays for a year
  • Take a 10% cut in pay
  • Give up their favorite food
  • Cancel Netflix/streaming service forever
  • Give up social media for a year

Speaking of getting away  … really far away … A YouGov poll found that 25% of Americans surveyed said they would like to live in a colony on Mars for the rest of their lives.
... [Read Full Story]

Music News – Friday, July 16

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Celine Dion is pushing back the remaining North American dates on her Courage World Tour.
The shows, which had previously been rescheduled to August and September of this year, will now be postponed to March and April of 2022 due to continued COVID-19 concerns.
“I know how frustrating it is for my fans, with all the postponements that have taken place these past 18 months,” Celine says in a statement. “My team and I are still concerned about everyone’s safety this summer even though the situation has dramatically improved.”
“We all feel 100% comfortable that things will be very safe next spring, and I want my fans to feel the same way, without any worries,” she adds. “I hope everyone understands.”
The rescheduled dates kick off March 9 in Denver, CO, and wrap April 22 in Washington, D.C.
Tickets purchased for the original 2020 and 2021 tour dates will be honored for the rescheduled 2022 dates.

Ed Sheeran has sold over 150 million records and sold out stadiums around the world, but he says the people who’ve known him the longest associate him with something less lofty — stinky feet.
Ed tells the Aussie radio show Smallzy’s Surgery ,”Looking back at when I wrote it versus where I am now — I had two pairs of socks. I literally never washed my socks and just changed socks. I mean, if you’ve met anyone that knew me back then, the one thing that everyone could agree on is my feet stank.”
Either Ed has changed his ways, or his wife Cherry Seaborn has a lousy sense of smell.
... [Read Full Story]

The Happy Headline of the Day – Thursday, July 15

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Following in his father’s footsteps, 17-year-old Jacob Zimmerman of Martinsburg, West Virginia, stuck with Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts as a boy — and is working toward becoming an Eagle Scout.
Part of this scouting journey involves completing a project that benefits the community in some way.
Jacob decided to organize a food drive — and that food drive was a huge success.
With the cooperation of others in the community, Jacob was able to collect nearly 3000 pounds of food and donate it to a local food pantry that helps those who are dealing with food insecurity.
A manager at the food pantry was thrilled to receive the huge donation, which filled the shelves.
And as excited as Jacob is to complete the process and officially be an Eagle Scout, he was also excited about the support he received from neighbors and companies alike who generously helped him achieve his goal — as well as help those in need. (The Journal)
... [Read Full Story]

The Daily Dish – Thursday, July 15

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A hearing could not have gone much better for Britney Spears. The judge accepted the resignation of her court-appointed attorney. Then granted permission for Britney to select a new lawyer without undergoing a mental evaluation.
Wednesday afternoon, she read from a written statement through her tears. (quote) “The conservator’s goal was to make me feel crazy. I’m not crazy and that was not OK.”
Attorney Mathew Rosengart has a bulldog reputation. His role will be to fulfill Britney’s demands: Oust her father Jamie Spears and ultimately terminate a conservatorship that has constrained her for 13 years.
Britney told the court that Jamie Spears ought to be charged with “conservatorship abuse because he broke down the door and shook my son. Investigate him. I’m here to get rid of my dad.”
Mathew Rosengart requested that Jamie Spears immediately resign as conservator. His lawyer declined. Britney’s dad remains solely in control of her estate valued at $60 million. Rosengart pledged to submit paperwork this month to remove Jamie Spears. (New York Time)
By the end of the day, Britney tweeted a video of her mood, right now — doing cartwheels in the park. She wrote to her social media followers, (quote) “I feel GRATITUDE and BLESSED!!! Thank you to my fans who are supporting me … God bless you all!!!!! #FreeBritney”

Joe Exotic could be out of prison sooner than expected after the Tiger King star’s 22-year sentence was vacated.
Though Joe’s conviction was upheld, according to TMZ, a federal appeals judge has determined the U.S. District Court for the Western District in Oklahoma City made a technical error by not grouping the two murder-for-hire convictions at his sentencing. Now he’ll be re-sentenced, and most likely get a shorter stint. Still, he’s looking at between 17 and 21 years.
But Joe’s confident he’ll eventually be proven innocent. His lawyer, Brandon Sample, tells TMZ, “I am optimistic that the decision today is but one of many more victories to come for Joe—and his eventual freedom.”

Jussie Smollett was back in court Wednesday in his renewed hate crime hoax case.
The former Empire star maintained his innocence, denying he faked the the attack near his Chicago apartment in January 2019. He reportedly called the proceedings a “dog and pony show.”
The hearing was to determine whether one of Jussie’s attorneys, Nenye Uche, has a conflict of interest representing him in the case.
This is the second time Jussie has been indicted on charges of lying to police about the supposed hate crime. The charges were issued from the special prosecutor who was appointed after Cook County prosecutors dropped the original charges in March 2019.
... [Read Full Story]

Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Thursday, July 15

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TODAY IS:
  • National Give Something Away Day: A good day to give to someone who could use it – whether it’s money, something you don’t use or need anymore, or just your time.
  • National Tapioca Pudding Day

This is very cool … Candace Parker of the WNBA’s Chicago Star has made history by being the first WNBA athlete to be featured on the cover of an NBA 2K video game.
“Representation matters, so this is a special moment of progress for the sport and the series,” Parker said. “To be part of this historic cover is a testament to the growth and rising popularity of the women’s game, and I’m proud to be the first female cover athlete to be the face of NBA 2K.” (Insider)

What emoji do you use the most when texting? If you use the “laugh-cry” one, you are definitely not alone. According to researchers from USC, the laugh-cry emoji is the most popular emoji in the world — though Millennials and Gen Z say the laugh-cry is no longer cool.

Taco ’bout a dream job … McCormick, the spice and seasoning company, has a unique opportunity for one lucky taco lover. They’re looking to hire a Director of Taco Relations who will be responsible for staying on top of taco trends, talking with chefs, developing content for McCormick’s social media channels, working with the McCormick Kitchens team, traveling around the country, and, of course, eating lots of tacos. The temp job is only four months, but it comes with a sweet $25,000 per month paycheck. Interested applicants, 21 and over, have until July 20th to submit a creative video to McCormick.com/DirectorofTacoRelations.

We all have the best intentions when it comes to working out … we also have plenty of excuses for why we can’t. According to a new survey, some of the biggest excuses for not working out include: being too tired, not having enough time during the day, you worked too late, you’re hungry, the weather is bad (too cold, too hot, raining), there’s something you want to watch on TV, and not wanting to workout in front of people. While all of those excuses could be valid for reasons to avoid sweating today, the health benefits should obviously outweigh them if you replace those negative thoughts and think about the people that love you most and want you around more often.
... [Read Full Story]

Music News – Thursday, July 15

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A hearing could not have gone much better for Britney Spears. The judge accepted the resignation of her court-appointed attorney. Then granted permission for Britney to select a new lawyer without undergoing a mental evaluation.
Wednesday afternoon, she read from a written statement through her tears. (quote) “The conservator’s goal was to make me feel crazy. I’m not crazy and that was not OK.”
Attorney Mathew Rosengart has a bulldog reputation. His role will be to fulfill Britney’s demands: Oust her father Jamie Spears and ultimately terminate a conservatorship that has constrained her for 13 years.
Britney told the court that Jamie Spears ought to be charged with “conservatorship abuse because he broke down the door and shook my son. Investigate him. I’m here to get rid of my dad.”
Mathew Rosengart requested that Jamie Spears immediately resign as conservator. His lawyer declined. Britney’s dad remains solely in control of her estate valued at $60 million. Rosengart pledged to submit paperwork this month to remove Jamie Spears. (New York Time)
By the end of the day, Britney tweeted a video of her mood, right now — doing cartwheels in the park. She wrote to her social media followers, (quote) “I feel GRATITUDE and BLESSED!!! Thank you to my fans who are supporting me … God bless you all!!!!! #FreeBritney”

While a lot of the U.K. is coming out of the most recent pandemic lockdown, Ed Sheeran is going back in — because of a “close contact” with COVID.
The “Bad Habits” singer is reportedly “self-isolating” after getting a warning that he’d been in contact with someone potentially infected with the illness. A source close to Ed tells Britain’s Sun, “It’s a bit of a nightmare for Ed, but what can you do? He’s obviously followed the rules and headed straight home when he was told to. He has taken several tests which came back negative, but that doesn’t make a difference, so he’s just getting on with whatever he can do from home.”
Though it’s not clear when or where the contact took place, Ed did sit in Wembley’s Royal Box during a recent soccer match between England and Germany — right next to Kate Middleton, who also self-isolated two weeks ago.
... [Read Full Story]

The Happy Headline of the Day – Wednesday, July 14

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Over the Fourth of July weekend, two-time Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman lost her dog, Mylo. It seems Mylo was spooked by fireworks and took off.
Aly posted messages on social media and asked people in her neighborhood to be on the lookout for Mylo.
It worked.
After about a week of running around, two people found Mylo and were able to coax him to safety — and get him home.
Aly called the rescuers “heroes” and — of course — was thrilled to be reunited with her beloved dog, which Aly describes as her “everything.” (ESPN)
... [Read Full Story]

The Daily Dish – Wednesday, July 14

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Tuesday must have been a roller-coaster of emotions for Ted Lasso actor Jason Sudeikis. The Apple+ series earned 20 Emmy Award nominations, which is the most ever for a first-year comedy. (Deadline)
Sudeikis also address yesterday his failed engagement to Olivia Wilde, who has dated pop star Harry Styles throughout the year. They met while she directed Harry in the upcoming movie Don’t Worry Darling.
Sudeikis told GQ magazine how he’s clueless about what caused the split. (quote) “I’ll have a better understanding of why in a year and an even better one in two, and an even greater one in five.”
Olivia and Jason share two children. They continue to co-parent as both work in the States and in England. He seemed philosophical talking about the emotional pain when Olivia left him, (quote) “It’ll go from being, a book of my life to becoming a chapter to a paragraph to a line to a word to a doodle.”

The teenage star of Stranger Things, Millie Bobby Brown, responded to allegations that a former boyfriend “groomed” her for kinky sex acts. Her rep called those social media comments, (quote) “Not only dishonest, but also are irresponsible, offensive and hateful.”
On Monday, 21-year-old Hunter Echo (real name Hunter Ecimovic) crudely claimed on Instagram Live how he dated Millie when she was just 16 years old. He described in lewd details their bedroom passions. Supposedly, her parents approved because Hunter lived “in her home for eight months.”
That’s highly dubious. Now, Millie Bobby Brown’s team threatened Hunter Echo with a lawsuit if he won’t stop talking. For the time being, he’s deactivated his Instagram account. (E! News)

The nominations for the 73rd annual Emmy Awards are in!
The Crown and The Mandalorian each received 24 nominations, followed by WandaVision with 23, The Handmaid’s Tale with 21, and Ted Lasso with 20. Other big nominees include Lovecraft CountryThe Queen’s Gambit, and Mare of Easttown.
As far as platforms go, HBO/HBO Max leads with 130 nominations, followed by Netflix with 129, Disney+ with 71 and NBC with 46.
Mj Rodriguez is the first trans actor to be nominated for a lead role in a drama.
 Cedric the Entertainer will host the live show September 19th on CBS.
... [Read Full Story]

The Coast Social Network with Berrien Community Foundation – Wednesday, July 13

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Zack speaks with Susan Matheny from Berrien Community Foundation and Lyndon Azcuna from LifePlan about the For Good Grants programs at Berrien Community Foundation, and how LifePlan is using their grant to do outreach in local housing communities in Niles. Find out more about For Good Grants at berriencommunity.org.... [Read Full Story]

Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Wednesday, July 14

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TODAY IS:
  • Shark Awareness Day
  • Mac ‘n’ Cheese Day
In honor of Mac ‘n’ Cheese Day, Kraft has teamed up with Brooklyn-based Van Leeuwen Ice Cream for limited-edition Macaroni & Cheese Ice Cream. And, yes, it apparently tasted like mac ‘n’ cheese. If you’re visiting NYC, L.A., or Houston, you can grab a scoop at all Van Leeuwen ice cream stores. If not, you can get it online at vanleeuwenicecream.com for $12 per pint. (Delish)

Need the right wine for your next Hallmark movie marathon? Hallmark has you covered. The Hallmark Channel already has their own wine, but now they’re launching their own wine club. The wine – with names like “Autumn Dreams” and “Snow Kissed” — will be shipped four times a year, and, of course, are meant to be paired with the movies of the season. (Food & Wine)

A hospital in Ohio has apologized for giving a patient the wrong kidney. It was actually supposed to go to someone else. Luckily, the patient who got it just happened to be a match, so it worked out alright for them. The other patient is still waiting. Two employees at Cleveland University Hospitals are now on an unplanned vacation.

Kids go through periods where they want to skip the expensive clothing stores for the local thrift store.  And now they’re SKIPPING THE MIDDLE MAN. According to a new survey, more kids are raiding their parents’ closets for clothes lately. Three in four kids between the ages of 5 and 18 say they think their parent’s sense of style as a teenager was actually “cool.” And nearly 60% of kids admit to stealing one of their parents’ old outfits to wear to school.
This might not come as a surprise to you.  Four in five parents say they often see their kids wearing an outfit to school that’s similar to one they would have worn when THEY were in school.
... [Read Full Story]

Music News – Wednesday, July 14

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Britney Spears has accused her dad of emotional abuse while controlling her affairs — and now it looks like financial abuse might be in the mix, too.
Jodi Montgomery, Brit’s “other” conservator, has filed court papers alleging that Jamie Spears used $2 million of the superstar’s cash to pay for his own legal battles — mostly to fight his daughter’s effort to fire him. In her filing, Montgomery says, “It is ironic that Mr. Spears now wants the conservatorship to ‘reflect her wishes,’ since it is no secret that Ms. Spears has wished her father out of her life for years.”
Montgomery also filed a petition for a temporary guardian to help Britney pick her own attorney, because she cannot legally enter into any contract on her own due to the conservatorship. (Billboard)

Britney may have a new lawyer by the end of the day. (New York Post)
A Los Angeles judge scheduled another hearing for today about the singer’s controversial conservatorship. Among the issues that must be resolved is if Britney gets new representation and whether she’s permitted to select them.
Attorney Mathew Rosengart agreed to fight for Britney’s freedom. He will appear in court. However, under the rules of the conservatorship, Britney cannot make decision about who to visit and when to shop – much less legal arrangements. (TMZ)
Judge Brenda Penny may allow a clever legal maneuver to benefit Britney. Her temporary conservator proposed that the judge names mother Lynne Spears as her guardian, who then selects Rosengart on behalf of Britney.  Jodi Montgomery’s proposal by-passes an evaluation, which is required to determine Britney’s mental capacity and something she never wants to endure again. (The Hollywood Reporter)

Camila Cabello‘s heart is really in Havana right now — as she watches her homeland torn apart by protests.
In a tweet that ended with a photo of the Cuban flag and an #SOSCuba hashtag, Camila made it clear she was on the protesters’ side, writing, “Hey guys, there is a major crisis right now in Cuba and we need your help to spread awareness. Deaths from COVID are rising rapidly and because of the lack of medicine, resources, basic necessities and even food, many people are dying.”
Camila was born in Cuba and moved to the U.S. with her family when she was six years old.
... [Read Full Story]

The Happy Headline of the Day – Tuesday, July 13

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A Labrador retriever in England has adopted a litter of orphaned kittens.
The two-week-old kittens were found on the side of the road with no mother in sight. They were rushed to the Battersea shelter and given an exam. The kittens were found to be in good health but, of course, they were orphaned and needed special care.
That’s where the Labrador retriever — Bertie — stepped in.
Bertie’s mom and Battersea head nurse Rachel volunteered to take the kittens home and look after them until they were ready for adoption.
Bertie was there around the clock for the seven kittens, helping them become confident and sociable.
Thanks to his “incredibly patient and nurturing” care, the kittens grew up to be independent — and were able to move back to the Battersea shelter, where they were adopted by loving families.
And now, Bertie is enjoying some well-earned peace and quiet. (People)
... [Read Full Story]

The Daily Dish – Tuesday, July 13

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It sounds like the plot of an Eddie Murphy – Martin Lawrence movie, but it’s happening in real life. Eddie’s son Eric is dating Martin’s daughter Jasmin.
She broke the news in an Instagram post celebrating Eric’s 32nd birthday over the weekend. Jasmin, 25, writes, “Happy birthday, my love! I’m so incredibly blessed to know you, to love you, and to have you by my side.”
Eric is the oldest of Eddie’s 10 children, and Jasmin is the oldest child of Martin’s three children.
Murphy and Lawrence appeared in two movies together — 1992’s Boomerang and 1999’s Life.

An arrest warrant was issued for Kyle Massey on Monday after the former Disney star skipped the arraignment in his immoral communication with a minor case.
This is actually the second time he’s missed his arraignment. He skipped it in late June, so it was re-scheduled for Monday.
Kyle, best known for the Disney shows That’s So Raven and Cory in the House, was charged with a count of communication with a minor for immoral purposes. Prosecutors allege Kyle sent pornographic material to a 13-year-old girl.

Former Nickelodeon star Drake Bell has been sentenced to two years probation and 200 hours of community service after pleading guilty to a charge of attempted child endangerment and a charge of disseminating matter harmful to juveniles.
The charges against the Drake & Josh star stemmed from an online chat with a 15-year-old minor in 2017 that was allegedly “sexual in nature.”

Paris Hilton has landed her own Netflix show. According to VarietyCooking With Paris “will feature the hotel heiress and business mogul learning her way around the kitchen with the help of her famous friends.” It premieres on August 4th.
... [Read Full Story]

The Coast Social Network with The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber – Tuesday, July 13

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Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber joins Zack to help get you signed up for the Annual Golf Outing & Steak Fry on August 24th at Harbor Shores, plus details on great ribboncutting events at new locations of United Federal Credit Union! Join the Chamber and get more details on these events and others at smrchamber.com!... [Read Full Story]

Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Tuesday, July 13

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TODAY IS:
  • National French Fries Day: French fries aren’t actually French. They’re from Belgium (where they speak French) and where American soldiers found them during World War 1.

Do you have a secret you keep from everyone? More than one? According to a new survey, the average adult keeps two secrets from those closest to them.
Here are the Top 10 Secrets People Keep From Family and Friends:
  1. Mental health issues
  2. Embarrassing incidents
  3. Internet history
  4. Eating/snacking habits
  5. Hygiene habits
  6. Number of past sex partners
  7. Bank/credit card statements
  8. Faking an illness in the past to avoid a commitment
  9. Affairs/infidelities
  10. One night stands

Right along those lines of keeping secrets and mental health issues, therapists are about to get very busy … A new survey found that 70% of respondents are “anxious” about returning to their pre-pandemic lives, and 54% said they want to see a therapist before going back to their normal life.

Has your diet changed a lot in the last five years? Did it change radically in the last year? In a new survey by Modern Table, 20% said their diet today is radically different than it was five years ago. Health concerns (48%), personal taste (35%) and environmental concerns (19%) were the top three reasons for changing how they ate. While most people (48%) identified as omnivores (those who eat plants and meat equally), flexitarians (those who eat mostly plant based but eat meat on occasion) at 14% outnumbered vegetarians (9%) and vegans (3%) combined. Then there are the 17% who identify as carnivores – eating nothing but animal products.

From the kids to the grandparents, everyone felt pressured by the pandemic.new list ranks the cities that are most and least stressed out. Factors include work hours and divorce rates. Most stressed? Cleveland, Ohio comes in first, Detroit second and New Orleans third. Least stressed? Madison, Wisconsin, Fremont, California and South Burlington, Vermont.
... [Read Full Story]

Music News – Tuesday, July 13

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Britney Spears may finally be getting control over one part of her life — by choosing her own lawyer for the first time in 13 years.
According to the New York TimesMathew S. Rosengart, will appear in a California courtroom on Wednesday in order to ask that he be allowed to take over from court-appointed Samuel Ingham, who quit her team after a stormy decade guiding her legal affairs. Rosengart has an impressive client list, including A-listers like Steven SpielbergBen AffleckSean Penn and Eddie Vedder
Britney is expected to attend the Wednesday hearing in person.

Christmas is back, alright!
That’s the message the Backstreet Boys will deliver when they pull into Las Vegas for a special holiday residency later this year. The stand, dubbed A Very Backstreet Christmas Party, will take place at Zappos Theater inside Planet Hollywood hotel-casino starting on November 11th.
The Backstreet Boys previously held their Larger Than Life residency at the same space.

The 1980s-era pattern that was used in the original design of New Kids on the Block bed sheets is now back in a line of more mature merchandise.  Available now at NKOTBStore.com, you can get the pattern on an apron, oven mitt, pint glass, coffee mug, dish towel, coasters and other grown-up items.
In a statement, NKOTB’s Danny Wood says, “My favorite item from the [merch] drop is the oven mitt. It has been put to the test while filming my show The Wood Works in my kitchen. I am very particular about my kitchen accessories and this fits right in.”
There will be two additional merchandise drops in the summer and the fall.
In other NKOTB news, Joey McIntyre will be doing a co-headlining Las Vegas residency with Debbie Gibson this August and September at the Sands Showroom at the Venetian Hotel Las Vegas.  A duet version of Debbie’s #1 hit “Lost in Your Eyes” featuring Joey is out now.
... [Read Full Story]

The Happy Headline of the Day – Monday, July 12

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People in Miami are still dealing with the condo that collapsed last month. And while it was a tragedy, a small miracle emerged over the past few days as a cat named Binx was finally reunited with his family.
Binx was on the ninth floor of the building and — somehow, some way — survived when the condo collapsed.
The black cat was found by a volunteer who had been feeding cats near the site last Thursday. Binx was wandering around — and was eventually brought to the Kitty Campus rescue center.
Thanks to a pet hotline and a Facebook page, the owners of Binx — the Gonzalez family — learned that he was safe and were able to get together with him again.
A friend of the family described the reunion as “a miracle” because “pets are family.” (Miami Herald)
... [Read Full Story]

The Daily Dish – Monday, July 12

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Bill Cosby plans to go on tour following his release from prison, but there’s one club where he’s not welcome.
The owner of New York City’s Comedy Cellar tells The New York Post that he won’t allow the comedian to perform on his stage.
While Aziz Ansari and Louis C.K. played the club after their sex scandals, Comedy Cellar owner Noam Dworman says that “comparing Bill Cosby to these other guys is absurd.” Dworman points out that the other two comedians were not charged with a crime.
Cosby’s rep, Andrew Wyatt, tells TMZ he’s not worried. “That’s one club owner, and in the words of the King of R&B Bobby Brown, ‘It’s his prerogative to do what he wants to do.’ ”

Hilaria Baldwin has more to say about cultural identity.
Alec Baldwin‘s wife shared a long message to Instagram about how the couple explained to their six kids that people can feel like they’re part of more than one culture.
Hilaria didn’t mention her recent scandal where she was accused of faking a Spanish accent and misleading people about her heritage.
In the post, she writes, “When you are multi, it can feel hard to belong. You are constantly going back and forth, trying to be more this or more that. You feel you have to explain why you are the way you are, trying to fit into a world of labels when there might not be one that perfectly defines you. You will never quite fit in because the other parts of you shape and influence all your parts.”
She added that she wants “to normalize the fact that we are all unique—our culture, languages, sexual orientations, religions, political beliefs are ALLOWED TO BE FLUID. What I had to learn through a very painful experience is that many people relate…so, if you are suffering, please know that a loving group see your validity and belonging. We love & accept you, just as you are.”

RICHARD BRANSON made his space flight yesterday . . . basically becoming the first guy to build his own rocket and blast himself into orbit.
At 71, he’s also the second-oldest guy in space.  JOHN GLENN was 77 when he went up on the shuttle in 1998.
Branson’s Virgin Galactic flight went 53 miles above the New Mexico desert, achieving weightlessness for three to four minutes.  The ship had five other crew members.
Branson was originally supposed to go up later this summer, but he moved his flight up after JEFF BEZOS announced HE was going up there on July 20th.  Branson claims he was NOT trying to outdo Bezos, but . . . yeah.
Bezos sent his congratulations to Branson on Instagram and said, quote, “Can’t wait to join the club.”
Branson live-streamed the event with STEPHEN COLBERT as master of ceremonies.
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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Monday, July 12

coast-coffee-talk-flipper
TODAY IS:
  • National Simplicity Day: The day is in honor of the birthday of author/philosopher/naturalist Henry David Thoreau (July 12th, 1817), who was an advocate for living a life of simplicity.
  • National Pecan Pie Day: Whether you say pee-can or pa-con … Have a slice!

In keeping with the simplicity theme … What’s a great simple pleasure? According to a new survey, getting into a bed with freshly-cleaned sheets, getting a great parking spot, when your favorite song comes on the radio, and a good hair day are just some of the simple things that bring us joy.

If you want to stay motivated and on track with your workout goals, find a workout buddy. According to a Harvard researcher, having someone to work out with makes you accountable and provides the social bonding that will keep you motivated. “Nothing works as effectively as exercising with friends,” said Daniel Lieberman, a Harvard paleoanthropologist.(Insider)

Is online life more important than real life? Seems to be for a lot of people – especially if you’re young. A new study by Squarespace found that 60% of adults under the age of 40 “believe how you present yourself online is more important than how you present yourself in person.” (Best Life)

This gives “flushing money down the toilet” a new meaning:  A university in South Korea is testing a new type of commode that turns your waste into DIGITAL CURRENCY.  Or more simply . . . it pays you for your POOP.
It’s called the BeeVi toilet, and an engineering professor came up with it.  It basically collects everyone’s waste and turns it into methane and manure.  Then the methane powers things in the building, and the manure is used in a nearby garden.
Each time a student uses the toilet, they get paid in a digital currency the professor created called “Ggool,” which means “Honey” in Korean.  Then they can use that Honey to buy stuff on campus, like coffee and snacks.  He says the point is to show how valuable our waste can be if we just think outside the box.
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