Blogs Archives

Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Wednesday, January 6

January 6, 2021 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
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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Music News – Wednesday, January 6

January 6, 2021 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Music News
The show will not go on for the Grammy Awards — which have been postponed until an unspecified date.
This year’s ceremony was scheduled for January 31st, but organizers cited the latest COVID spike as a reason for taking it off the calendar for now. The initial plan was to stage a scaled-down show with no live audience, but even that proved to be too difficult to pull off.
A source tells Rolling Stone that this year’s ceremony is likely to be held in March, but could not confirm whether Trevor Noah would remain signed on as host. The 2021 Grammy nominations were led by Beyoncé who picked up nine nominations, while Taylor Swift followed with six nods.
Dead or alive the IRS wants its money from the estate of Prince. The Internal Revenue Service says the executors of the pop star’s estate under-valued it by about 80-million dollars. The government is looking for back taxes to be paid in the amount of 32-million bucks, with an added penalty in the millions. Prince died nearly five years ago without a will, making it one of the messiest court cases Minnesota has ever seen. His six siblings are waiting for their cut.
The Hockey Writers say the Los Angeles Kings have removed a Taylor Swift banner from the Staples Center because their fans think it is cursed. The Kings have been covering the banner since October 2019. They have not had any playoff success since Taylor’s banner was hung on August 21, 2015.

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The Happy Headline of the Day – Tuesday, January 5

January 5, 2021 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Happy Headline of the Day
Eight years ago, Magdalena Klubczuk was heartbroken when her Shih Tzu, Roxy, disappeared from her garden in the U.K.
Magdalena spent weeks searching for Roxy – to no avail. Roxy even had a microchip and a collar with an ID tag. It didn’t matter. Roxy was gone and Magdalena admitted she gave up hope of ever finding Roxy again.
Well, all that changed on New Year’s Eve when Magdalena received a call from Dawn Taylor – who runs a local animal shelter. Dawn had found Roxy and was able to get the contact details for Magdalena from that microchip.
Roxy and Magdalena were reunited on New Year’s Day – with both of them starting 2021 in a most amazing way.

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The Daily Dish – Tuesday, January 5

January 5, 2021 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, The Daily Dish
Jodie Whittaker is reportedly leaving Doctor Who after three seasons. According to The Mirror, producers are now “gearing up for a regeneration,” which will need to be filmed “at some point over the coming months” to introduce the 14th Doctor.
Emma Stone is going to be a mom!
The actress is expecting her first child with fiance Dave McCary, Us Weekly reports.
A source says, “She seems very happy and very excited about becoming a mother — she’s constantly oohing and cooing. She looks great, she looks healthy, she’s glowing. She’s been keeping up with friends and work lately, she’s always staying active and gets her daily exercise in.”
The actress and the Saturday Night Live writer and segment director got engaged last month.
Good news for Tanya Roberts — she’s not dead. At least according to TMZ, who was also the first to report her death yesterday (Sunday.)
Earlier, the gossip blog said the former Bond Girl had died after collapsing at her home on Christmas Eve and being placed on a ventilator.
Now her rep says she’s alive.
The rep claims that Tanya’s husband, Lance O’Brien, had informed him about Tanya’s passing. Lance even gave TMZ a quote, saying, “As I held her in her last moments, she opened her eyes.”
But the rep, Mike Pingel, tells TMZ, that Lance got a call Monday morning from the hospital saying Tanya was still alive. Pingel insists Lance “truly believed Tanya had died.”
Lance had also reportedly informed Tanya’s friends of the family of her death.
So far, no word from Tanya herself.

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Tuesday, January 5

January 5, 2021 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
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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Music News – Tuesday, January 5

January 5, 2021 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Music News
Barry Gibb is keeping the Bee Gees alive. The last surviving Gibb brother headed to Nashville to redo Bee Gees songs with a folk twang. He teamed up with country stars like Sheryl Crow, Dolly Parton and Keith Urban to perform some of the Bee Gees’ greatest hits. He revealed to “CBS Sunday Morning” that he’d tour if his fans wanted him to. The 74-year-old’s new album, “Greenfields” is out now.
Justin Bieber rang in 2021 with a performance that was his first in more than three years. And he spaced on the lyrics to a couple of songs.
Justin flubbed the opening line of his 2015 hit song, “Sorry.” He apologized to his followers and admitted the obvious, (quote) “I forget the words.”
Something similar happened while singing “Love Yourself.” Either Bieber needed more rehearsal time, or he’s still rusty after a three-year layoff from performing on stage.
The $25 pay-per-view concert streamed from The Beverly Hilton hotel. Bieber built a stage over the hotel pool. (Daily Mail)
It seems actress Olivia Wilde has taken Harry Styles off the market.
The New York Post ran photos of the two walking hand-in-hand at his agent’s wedding this weekend in California. The happy couple, whose ages range by a decade, were seen obeying local regulations by wearing masks, and were also caught hanging with bride and groom Glenne Christiaansen, and Jeff Azoff.
Harry and Olivia have been working together on the new thriller Don’t Worry Darling.

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The Coast Social Network with Cornerstone Alliance – Monday, January 4

January 4, 2021 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Cornerstone Alliance, The Coast Social Network

Zack speaks with Jessica Boyd from Cornerstone Alliance about supporting local businesses in 2021, plus the assistance that the teams at Cornerstone and the Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance can provide to local businesses and entrepreneurs as round two of PPE and other funding becomes available.... [Read Full Story]

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The Happy Headline of the Day – Monday, January 4

January 4, 2021 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Happy Headline of the Day
12-year-old Jacob Laplante of Colchester, Vermont, is battling leukemia. And because of all the coronavirus restrictions, he hasn’t been able to interact in person with other kids going through the same thing. But, that hasn’t stopped him from making an impact in their lives anyway.
Soon after he was diagnosed, his mother, Hillary, started the Facebook group “Jacob Strong” to update family and friends about what was going on. She also started a GoFundMe page to help get Jacob and the family get through these tough times.
As the money poured in, Jacob decided he also wanted to help other young patients at the hospital – so he purchased a bunch of restaurant gift cards to give away.
The generous gesture has been a huge hit. The families impacted by the gifts feel comforted by the delicious food – and get a break from the hospital cafeteria.
Thanks to friends in the community, the fundraising for gift cards continues, which is exciting for Jacob to see as he hopes others will follow in his footsteps.

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The Daily Dish – Monday, January 4

January 4, 2021 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, The Daily Dish
Larry King has been hospitalized with COVID-19.
According to Showbiz411, the 87-year-old broadcaster is in isolation and not permitted to have visits from his family.
A source says the “folks at Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles are giving King odds of 50/50 or better.” But the insider adds that he’s “improving.”
Larry reportedly caught the virus from a home healthcare worker who initially showed no symptoms.
Larry is no stranger to health problems. He had a major heart attack in 1987, a cancerous tumor removed in 2017, an angioplasty in 2019, and a stroke, also in 2019.
A movie based on the invention of the Rubik’s Cube is in the works. According to TheWrap, the film will be about how “Professor Erno Rubik’s toy became a pop culture phenomenon in the ’80s and beyond.”
A record number of women directed movies in 2020. According to Variety, women represented 16% of directors on the 100 highest-grossing films last year, up from 12% in 2019.
Zoë Kravitz is starting the new year off single.
According to People magazine, the actress filed for divorce from actor Karl Glusman on December 23rd.
The same day the Big Little Lies star posted a meme indicating her mood. The image showed a drag queen dumping a bag of trash into a dumpster. The trash bag was labeled, “People, places, and things that no longer serve my greatest and highest good.”
Zoë and Karl wed in June 2019 at the Paris home of her father, Lenny Kravitz. The couple had met in late 2016 at a bar.

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Monday, January 4

January 4, 2021 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
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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Music News – Monday, January 4

January 4, 2021 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Music News
Gwen Stefani may be a TV star and tabloid fixture now, but she hasn’t forgotten where she came from — and she revisits those roots in the video for her new single, “Let Me Reintroduce Myself.” The clip shows present-day Gwen with dozens of her past selves, sporting looks like the classic “Just a Girl” outfit and the retro “Don’t Speak” dress. Everything old is new again.
Songwriter and performer Jessie J is doing well after a recent medical scare. She spent Christmas Eve in the hospital after she went deaf in one ear and couldn’t stand up straight. She was diagnosed with a rare condition that may leave her deaf in at least one ear permanently. But she said on Instagram she’s doing fine and thanked people who reached out to her with advice.
She also took some time to sing to show it hasn’t impacted her talent. She posted a song to Instagram about how she can’t stop eating.
There’s a new documentary out about the Bee Gees on HBO Max. But one person who won’t watch it? Barry Gibb, the last surviving member of the group. In an interview yesterday with “CBS Sunday Morning,” he says it’s very “unlikely” he’ll watch the whole thing because he, quote, “can’t handle it.” His brother Maurice Gibb died in 2003. Then Robin Gibb died in 2012. The iconic trio wrote over 1,000 songs and have 20 Number 1 hits. You can watch Barry Gibb’s interview this Sunday morning at 9 ET on CBS. You can stream “The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart” now on HBO Max.

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Happy Headline from United Federal Credit Union – Thursday, December 24

December 23, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Happy Headline of the Day
In York, Pennsylvania, Jeff Graham and his family went to great lengths this year to brighten the holidays for other families in the community by purchasing and donating Christmas trees to those in need.
Jeff showed up at McPherson’s Tree Farm in a truck with a 22-foot-long bed and asked the employees to cut down 30 trees.
After the employees filled the truck, Jeff drove to a nearby parking lot and worked with his wife and two children to give the trees away, along with gift cards, spending about $1,000 on the trees and even more on the gift cards.
When asked about the event, Jeff explained, “We were all happy. Everybody was happy.” (USA Today)

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The Daily Dish – Thursday, December 24

December 23, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, The Daily Dish
Dave Chappelle is opening his own comedy club.
He’s reportedly finalized a deal to purchase a former fire station in the village of Yellow Springs, Ohio and plans to convert it into a performance space and restaurant.
Chappelle lives on a farm near Yellow Springs, where his late father was a professor at Antioch College. He’s staged outdoor, socially distanced comedy shows in the area throughout 2020. (EW)
So much for those reports that Lori Loughlin might get out of federal prison in time to celebrate Christmas with her family.
The Full House star is finishing out her sentence in that college-admissions cheating scandal. A report last month said that because her release date of December 27th falls on a Sunday, she’d be allowed to go home Friday — Christmas Day.
But now TMZ reports “that was never the expectation.” So instead, she’ll be released Monday.
Hubby Mossimo Giannulli is still quarantined because of a COVID outbreak, after entering a prison in California last month. He’s due for release in the spring.
Donald Trump announced a batch of 15 presidential pardons on Tuesday, but missing from the list of exonerated men was Joe Exotic.
The incarcerated Netflix documentary star Tiger King star has been lobbying the President for a pardon for several months and is still hoping to hear some good news from Trump before he leaves office. Just last week, Joe Exotic actually sued the Department of Justice in hopes of forcing Trump to pardon him, but he later dismissed his own claim because he believes his request for a pardon is sitting on Trump’s desk.
Joe Exotic is currently serving a 22-year sentence for hiring a hitman to kill Carole Baskin. (TMZ)

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Thursday, December 24

December 23, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
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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Music News – Thursday, December 24

December 23, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Music News
Rapper Diddy is making big moves for his mom’s milestone birthday! In honor of Janice Combs turning 80, the hip-hop mogul gifted her with a check for a million bucks and a brand new Bentley. Fun fact, Diddy’s twin daughters share the same birthday with their grandma. Diddy also celebrated his 14-year-old girls on Instagram. But no, they didn’t get a Bentley… or a million dollars. Maybe next year, girls.
Rihanna has been sued for copyright infringement by Canadian musician King Khan and his daughter Saba Lou.
Pitchfork reports that the pair claim Rihanna used one of the 2012 song “Good Habits (and Bad)” in a Fenty Beauty ad without permission. The song was used in an Instagram post by Rihanna advertising her brand’s accessories.
The plaintiffs have requested Rihanna no longer use the song and pay them unspecified damages. The ad was viewed 3.4-million times, according to the lawsuit.
Nickelback have made a parody version of their 2005 hit “Photograph” for a Google Photos ad, and it proves Chad Kroeger has no problem making fun of himself.
This new version pokes fun at Kroeger’s hair over the years, with the lyrics, “Falling down the photo rabbit hole/Is it my hair or just a ramen bowl.”
Kroeger says, “Fifteen years ago, we had no idea that the photos on our mobile devices would become such a ubiquitous part of all of our lives. When Google approached us with the idea about marrying the song with Google Photos we felt like it would be a fun and nostalgic way to give the song a lyrical refresh and share some of our favorite memories.”
Watch the ad on YouTube now.

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The Coast Social Network with Berrien Community Foundation – Wednesday, December 23

December 23, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Berrien Community Foundation, Blogs, The Coast Social Network

Zack talks with Lisa Cripps-Downey from the Berrien Community Foundation, along with Anna Murphy from United Way of Southwest Michigan, about the Southwest Michigan CARES Fund, which has raised over $1.1 Million in 2020 and disbursed over $700,000 in to the community to assist with COVID relief.... [Read Full Story]

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Happy Headline from United Federal Credit Union – Wednesday, December 23

December 23, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Happy Headline of the Day
It was a big year for six-year-old Summer Grace Cernoch. After battling leukemia for almost half of her life, she finished her last treatment in February — and it looks like she beat the disease.
Knowing how scary and painful the surgeries and treatments are, Summer Grace wanted to spread some holiday cheer to other kids who are still going through it, so she and her family started a foundation to help others.
The foundation raised a bunch of money in the community, which was used to buy toys. Then, last week, Summer Grace and her family drove around the area and distributed the gifts to cheer up other children who are battling cancer this holiday season.
The toy drive was a big success. So now, the hope is to use the foundation to continue brightening the days of others throughout the year with a music scholarship program for cancer patients.

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The Daily Dish – Wednesday, December 23

December 23, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, The Daily Dish
Jennifer Lopez may never marry Alex Rodriguez.
On Andy Cohen‘s Deep & Shallow Interviews, J-Lo said that after they canceled their wedding this year, she and A-Rod have thought about staying engaged forever.
Their wedding was supposed to take place in Italy in June, but was canceled because of the pandemic.
Asked if they ever considered following in the footsteps of Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell, who’ve never married, Lopez said, “Oh yeah, we’ve talked about that for sure. I mean at our age, we’ve both been married before, it’s like: Do we get married? Do we not? What does it mean for us? And it’s just, it comes down to like personal [choice], like: What do you want to do?”
J-Lo adds, “There’s no rush. It’ll happen when it happens.”
NeNe Leakes is going to war with Bravo.
Three months after leaving The Real Housewives of Atlanta, the reality star tweeted a link to the #BoycottBravo petition.
The petition, on Change.org, said it’s putting the network “on notice,” claiming Bravo has treated its African-American talent unfairly, specifically NeNe and Mariah Huq of Married to Medicine.
The petition adds, “This action by Bravo network is affirmation of systemic racism and inequality that the African American community faces and struggles with currently in society.”
NeNe has said “systemic racism” played a role in her departure from the show.
She called on her followers to sign the petition, tweeting, “Y’all ready to start this boycott yet? What has happened behind the scenes is WRONG! While others were being promoted, BLACK WOMEN who created shows, created genres, built franchise and built networks were being DEMOTED…TURN OFF YOUR TV’S.”
E! News says Leonardo DiCaprio may soon settle down with longtime girlfriend Camila Morrone. A source tells the network, “Leo and Cami are still going strong and doing really well. He’s very cozy with Cami and they’re serious. He is filming right now, but Leo has been settling into this domestic life with Cami, as opposed to all the time he used to spend out with his boys. He does really like his life with her and they’re a lot more coupley than they used to be.”

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Wednesday, December 23

December 23, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
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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Music News – Wednesday, December 23

December 23, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Music News
A federal judge in Chicago has set a new trial date for the sexual abuse charges against R. Kelly.
The trial has been tentatively set for September 13th, 2021, which is contingent on his New York trial moving forward in April. A status hearing which will confirm the trial start date in fall will be on March 25th. Kelly has served 17 months in jail at the Metropolitan Correctional Facility in Chicago and faces charges in Illinois, Minnesota and New York. (ABC News – Chicago)
Madonna posted a selfie highlighting the “beautiful scar” from hip surgery. It’s high enough on her thigh that only an intimate partner would ever see it.
Also seen in her Instagram Story was the remnant bruising from “cupping” massage therapy on her thighs.
Last month, she repaired damage from her decades of dancing on stage. At this time last year, Madonna was forced to cancel several Madame X concerts due to her nagging injuries.
She’s currently walking with a cane. But apparently is well enough, based on an Instagram post on Monday, to twerk with her adopted children. (People)
In a recent Instagram post, Pink says she was hospitalized after fracturing her ankle. She says, “As if surviving covid wasn’t enough. I was actually running down the stairs trying to see the Christmas star! Ha! 2020 is the gift that keeps on giving!”

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Happy Headline from United Federal Credit Union – Tuesday, December 22

December 22, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Happy Headline of the Day
An anonymous shopper came into a Walmart in Bristol, Tennessee — and donated $65,000 to pay the balance of items placed on the store’s layaway. Amazingly, the donation was enough to pay for ALL the layaway items at the store.
The manager sent out notifications to customers, letting them know that their items had been paid off by this generous secret Santa.
And while the man who donated the money wishes to remain anonymous, he did allow the manager to pass along a message to the customers: “He wants me to tell you that he loves you, God bless you, and Merry Christmas.” (TimesNews)

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The Daily Dish – Tuesday, December 22

December 22, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, The Daily Dish
Who needs a stimulus check when we have Kim Kardashian?
The mogul said on Monday that she’s giving away $500,000.
In a tweet, she wrote, “I know 2020 has been really hard and people are struggling, worried about how they’re going to pay rent, put food on the table, or a gift under the tree for their kids. I want to spread the love by sending $500 to 1000 people.”
For a chance to win, Kim asked fans to reply to her post with their $Cashtag and the hashtag #KKWHoliday.
Standup Comedian and former SNL writer John Mulaney has fallen off the wagon.
The comedian has checked into rehab for alcohol and cocaine addiction. According to Page Six, he’ll spend the next 60 days at a treatment facility in Pennsylvania.
The Big Mouth star, who has said he started drinking at 13 years old, didn’t fight rehab. A source says, “John’s friends and family are happy that he’s finally getting some help and focusing on his health.”
John had been sober for the last 15 years, but the lockdown was apparently too much for him. The insider explains that “unfortunately he has struggled again during the pandemic.”
OK! magazine claims Lori Loughlin’s daughters, Bella and Olivia Jade, have allegedly been partying while she and her husband are in jail. A source tells the magazine, ”The two have been “partying the pain away and have been treating themselves to ‘five-star spa retreats, drinking wine every night and enjoying fabulous dinners at high-end restaurants. Olivia was downing glassfuls of wine while binge-watching The Bachelorette while Bella was focusing on “R&R. They’re more spoiled than ever. They had nothing to do with their parent’s scandal, and figure they have every right to have fun.”

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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Tuesday, December 22

December 22, 2020 *Mornings, *Podcasts, Blogs, Coffee Talk
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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