*Podcasts Archives

Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Thursday, March 25

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

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

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

Can the type of food you eat on a first date make or break your relationship? A UK survey of people who are or had been married found that if you have Italian or French food on your first date, chances are you’ll have a long, happy marriage. But this type of cuisine spells doom for your relationship, according to survey respondents. Sorry, Indian food lovers. The survey found that 67% of divorced couples said they had Indian food on their first date. Other foods to stay away from on a first date, according to the survey, are American food (59% of divorced couples had this on their first date) and Chinese food (55% of divorced couples had this on their first date). (Best Life)
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Music News – Thursday, March 25

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Taylor Swift will take her blast-from-the past release effort to a new level this week — by dropping a tune she recorded for her Fearless album, but never released.
Tay took to Twitter to spill the tea about “You All Over Me,” which she just revamped with the help of Maren Morris and her Folklore collaborator Aaron Dessner. She wrote, “One thing I’ve been loving about these From the Vault songs is that they’ve never been heard, so I can experiment, play, and even include some of my favorite artists.”
“You All Over Me (Taylor’s Version)” drops tonight (Thursday) at midnight.

Ed Sheeran got emotional when introducing a new song Wednesday night — because he debuted the tune at a memorial service for a guy who helped him get his career off the ground.
Ed performed “Visiting Hours” before 7000 people who’d gathered at an arena in Melbourne, Australia to remember Australian music business legend Michael Gudinski. He told the group, “In lockdown I was able to have a guitar for quarantine, and I always find the best way to process stuff is to write songs, be it good news, bad news or whatever, and here is a song I finished last week.”
Sheeran, who completed a 14-day quarantine in Melbourne in order to appear at the service, also performed “Castle on the Hill,” which he described as Gudinski’s favorite of his songs. (Billboard)

Madonna fans may want to think twice before complimenting the Material Mom’s hot bod — since she’s been accused of “borrowing” the body of a much younger woman for a social media post.
Artist Amelia Goldie put up a now-deleted TikTok video accusing Madge of photoshopping her own head onto her body during the 2015 run-up to Rebel Heart. Goldie tells Vice, “I’m surprised it’s still up, actually. I told my parents and they still think it’s a joke and can’t comprehend how or why it’s happened. It’s hilarious.”
Goldie says she’s reached out to Madonna’s reps but hasn’t heard back.
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The Happy Headline of the Day – Wednesday, March 24

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Jenna Roman of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, is the mother of 10-year-old Jerico, who happens to be autistic and deals with unique eating challenges.
Well, things got rough for Jerico and he wasn’t eating or drinking for days. The only thing he could stomach were Maple Cinnamon Waffles from the company Nature’s Path.
More bad news here … Nature’s Path had discontinued these waffles.
So, Jenna went online and asked people to help her with his problem. She was asking others to look in their local stores to see if the waffles were there.
This is where things turned around. Nature’s Path found some cases in their warehouse and sent Jenna the last waffles ever made. Then, the company put their development team to work on a recipe that would allow Jenna and Jerico to make their own maple cinnamon waffles at home.
It was a hit. Jenna and Jerico now have the perfect recipe that tastes just like the waffles they used to get in grocery stores. (Surrey Now-Leader)
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The Daily Dish – Wednesday, March 24

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Rebel Wilson is on the mend after falling off her bicycle in London.
The Pitch Perfect star hurt her leg on Monday afternoon while out for a ride. On Instagram, she said, “[Expletive] people who don’t have their dogs on the lead and let them run onto the road.”
She also posted a photo of herself resting on a sofa with several ice packs on her leg.
To keep her company, Rebel’s famous pals have been visiting her – including Matt Lucas.

Bethenny Frankel is wearing a million dollars on her hand — after getting engaged to Paul Bernon.
Soon after the engagement, the former star of The Real Housewives of New York was spotted on the beach flaunting a massive diamond ring. Apeksha Kothari, chief operating officer at RareCarat.com, tells Page Six Style, “It looks like she wore a three-stone ring that features a huge 8- to 10-carat emerald-shaped center stone set with two smaller emerald accent diamonds we estimate to be around 3 carats total.”
She adds that “if it’s a real, natural diamond, I’d estimate its retail value at up to $1 million for a natural emerald-shaped diamond ring of that size.”
Bethenny and Paul began dating in 2018. They split two years later but reconciled a few months ago.

Banksy painting showing a boy playing with a toy nurse wearing a superhero cape sold for more than $20 million on Tuesday, according to Reuters.
That’s an auction record for the mysterious British street artist.
Christie’s said proceeds from the sale of the black-and-white hand-painted artwork will be used to “fund wellbeing projects for staff and patients, and distributed to a wider community of healthcare providers both within [Britain’s National Health Service] and charitable sectors.”
A reproduction of the painting, called “Game Changer,” will hang at University Hospital Southampton.
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The Coast Social Network with Berrien Community Foundation – Wednesday, March 24

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Zack is joined by Lisa Cripps-Downey from the Berrien Community Foundation, alongside Bob Rowe of Renaissance Enterprises, to talk about Grantmaking at Berrien Community Foundation and their Senior Empowerment Endowment fund. To find out more information on Berrien Community Foundation, visit berriencommunity.org.... [Read Full Story]

Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Wednesday, March 24

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

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

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

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

It’s hard to admit your life already peaked.  Which is why most of us won’t admit it . . . and maybe we never will. A new survey asked people of all ages what age they were when they peaked or when they THINK they’ll peak.  And the average answer is . . . 37. But that doesn’t mean most people who are over 37 are willing to say it’s all downhill from there. Two-thirds of people say they haven’t peaked yet and their best years are still coming.
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Music News – Wednesday, March 24

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Katy Perry is betting big on Las Vegas regaining its pre-pandemic sizzle — by signing on for a residency that will kick off later this year.
Katy Kat, who’s been juggling roles as new mom and American Idol judge, will be the first artist to play the brand new Theater at Resorts World. Producers haven’t revealed specific dates for the residency, but the singer is expected to “Roar” into the 5000-seat room towards the end of the year, and hold down the fort into 2022. (NME)

AVClub.com says Meatloaf is developing a new dating show titled ”I’d Do Anything For Love… But I Won’t Do That”. Singles will compete in a variety of comedic physical games in order to find love.

For years, Elton John’s Oscar party has been one of the biggest awards night bashes. It drew the chicest, splashiest and most famous guests. This year, we all get to go! Sir Elton is holding a virtual Oscars party on April 25th. Joining the Rocket Man and his husband, David Furnish, as host will be Neil Patrick Harris. Dua Lipa will perform. Elton and David announced the party on Elton’s Instagram page. Pop singer Dua Lipa dropped by virtually on Instagram to announce her participation. The party will raise funds for the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
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The Happy Headline of the Day – Tuesday, March 23

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Nick Slatten of Sparta, Tennessee, has been through a bit of a roller coaster this month.
He bought a $1 million winning lottery ticket. And then lost it … only to find it again later in the day.
Nick bought the ticket at a grocery store and realized he was a big winner. He was so excited that he shared the news with his fiancée. But, he wasn’t excited enough to take the day off.
Instead, he ran some errands, that included taking his brother to an auto parts store.
Somewhere along the way, Nick lost the ticket. Fear set in.
But, Nick retraced his steps and found the winning ticket in the parking lot of that auto parts store. It was on the ground and, luckily for Nick, nobody thought to pick it up.
Nick says that he and his fiancée plan to continue working, but plan to buy a new house and a car — and invest the rest of the money.
While there were some stressful moments because that ticket was lost, Nick also says he hopes to live a life with “not a whole lot of worries” moving forward. (NBC News)
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The Daily Dish – Tuesday, March 23

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Alex Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez are “putting the work in” to save their relationship, a source tells Page Six.
A-Rod flew back to the Dominican Republic over the weekend to repair the couple’s strained relationship. The insider adds, “You have to be together to do that.”
The former baseball star supposedly jets off to the D.R., where his fiancée is filming a new movie, “every 10 days or so.”
Earlier this month, the couple reportedly broke off their engagement after A-Rod was linked to Southern Charm star Madison LeCroy. But the couple allegedly reconciled after a heart-to-heart.

Angelina Jolie says she can offer “proof and authority” in their upcoming divorce trial that Brad Pitt is guilty of domestic violence.
The claims were made in court documents filed under seal on March 12th, but the allegations have been made public and Brad is said to be distraught over the leak. A source tells Entertainment Tonight, “Brad is heartbroken it has come to this. Those around him feel Angelina’s claims are to sway the court in her favor. Brad has never attacked her.”
The insider adds, “Brad is anxious to get custody worked out so that the family can finally move on. He just wants to spend time with his children and move in a positive direction. His priority has always been his relationship with his children.”
Angie’s claim refers to her 2016 abuse allegations against her ex.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle admit they were not married in a backyard three days before their official ceremony, as they claimed in their big interview with Oprah Winfrey.
A spokesperson for the couple now admits to The Daily Beast that “the couple exchanged personal vows a few days before their official/legal wedding on May 19.”
That backyard ceremony wasn’t an official union.
In the Oprah interview, Meghan said, “You know, three days before our wedding, we got married. No one knows that. The vows that we have framed in our room are just the two of us in our backyard with the Archbishop of Canterbury.”
The Sun got its hands on the couple’s marriage license on Monday confirming that their legal wedding date is May 19th.

In his long and accomplished career, Dr. Anthony Fauci probably never expected to add this to his resume — he’s the subject of a children’s book.
Dr. Fauci: How a Boy From Brooklyn Became America’s Doctor, written by Kate Messner and illustrated by Alexandra Bye, will be out on June 29th. Messner interviewed Fauci for the book, which will document his life from childhood through present day. It’s available for pre-order now. (CBS News)
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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Tuesday, March 23

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TODAY IS:
Puppy Day: A great day to adopt a new pup.

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

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

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

If you’re eligible for a COVID vaccine and you get your shot, you will also be eligible to receive a free Krispy Kreme doughnut. The chain announced that anyone who visits a Krispy Kreme location and shows their vaccination card showing that they’ve received at least one shot, can get enjoy one free glazed doughnut — no purchase necessary. And this isn’t a one-time thing. You can show proof of vaccination and get a free doughnut every day – till the end of the year. The company also announced that they will be showing support for health care workers and volunteers by delivering free doughnuts to select vaccination centers across the country in the coming weeks. (Business Wire)
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Music News – Tuesday, March 23

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Millions of people want to hear Britney Spears get back to singing — and her mom is one of them.
Brit posted a throwback video of herself belting out “You Got It All,” a hit by ’80s hitmakers The Jets, and captioned it with a sweet note from Lynne. She wrote, “Geez … My mom sent this to me and reminded me that I can sing!!!! She said ‘You never sing anymore… You need to again!!!!'”
Talking about the obscure clip, Britney added, “I’ve actually never watched this performance… It’s definitely from a while ago!!!! It’s from one of the first trips I took alone… Mostly I just remember saying ‘WOW Singapore.'”

Meghan Trainor‘s bubbly personality helped propel her up the charts — and that charm just landed her a starring role in a new sitcom.
According to Variety, Meghan has signed a massive deal with NBC, which will bring her to prime-time in her very own show. Details about the series are scarce — there’s no title or plot yet — but it’s said to be the first of many projects featuring the gal behind “It’s All About That Bass.”
Meghan has some experience making people laugh — with voice roles in the animated films Smurfs: The Lost Village and Playmobil: The Movie.

Pop singer Lizzo is looking for a few good — and plus-sized — women for her new reality show.
The star is bringing her body-positivity message to her first project for Amazon — a competition to pick dancers and other performers to work with her on tour. A casting call ad says Lizzo’s team is looking for “full figured dancers and models who have for far too long been underrepresented and under-appreciated.”
As for qualifications? The casting call says “Come as you are and be sure to bring good energy — and that ass. Got the juice? APPLY NOW.”
There’s no word on a premiere date for the series, which will feature Lizzo in front of the camera. (Variety)
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The Happy Headline of the Day – Monday, March 22

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Whenever you’re in need of a little inspiration to make positive change in your life, think about Dave Gilbert.
Dave has Multiple Sclerosis, but he’s never let that get in the way of his goals. He’s an ultra-marathoner who runs close to 50 miles — sometimes more — every weekend. But these aren’t easy miles on flat roads. Dave seeks out rugged, hilly trails for training. And when he does race 30, 40 or 50 miles, he almost always finishes in the Top 5.
And as if that weren’t enough to wear him out, Dave teaches special-needs fifth graders in Howell, New Jersey. He says, “No matter how far or hard I run on the weekends, I make sure that I get up and go to my classroom on Monday. There are no sick days. My students need me!”
What’s Dave’s next challenge? A 100-mile race …
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The Daily Dish – Monday, March 22

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The Talk isn’t returning anytime soon.
The CBS show has extended its hiatus for the second time. According to People, the show was set to be back this week, but the network has decided to hold off on new episodes as it continues to investigate Sharon Osbourne.
The co-host came under fire last week after she defended her friend Piers Morgan, who had criticized Meghan Markle. Things also got heated between Sharon and co-host Sheryl Underwood.
Since then, former co-hosts have accused Sharon of using racist language.
Sharon has expressed her belief that she’ll soon be fired from the show.

An intruder broke into Johnny Depp’s Hollywood home on Thursday — and then raided his liquor cabinet and took a shower.
Police were called to the actor’s residence after his security team was alerted to someone being inside, sources tell TMZ.
The unidentified man was taking a shower when officers arrived. He refused to leave, forcing cops to kick down the door.
Earlier, the man had made himself a drink from Johnny’s stash.
This comes two months after a woman was arrested inside the same property.

Silicon Valley star Thomas Middleditch has been accused of sexual misconduct toward a young woman at a private Goth club in Hollywood in 2019.
In an L.A. Times expose, club-goer Hannah Harding claims the actor made “lewd sexual overtures” toward her and her girlfriend.
The club’s operations manager, Kate Morgan, said she alerted the co-founders of the now-defunct Cloak & Dagger of the incident but felt like “they dismissed it.”
Middleditch allegedly tried to make amends in an Instagram direct message. He supposedly wrote, “Hannah I had no idea my actions were that weird for you … I know you probably want to just put me on blast as a monster … I don’t expect you to want to be my friend or anything … I am so ashamed I made you uncomfortable.”
Cloak & Dagger closed in January.
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The Coast Social Network with the Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance – Monday, March 22

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Zack is joined by Jessica and Kristen from the Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance to introduce the WomanLed virtual empowerment series of speakers, with the first event featuring Charmaine Brown on March 31st. Get details here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/womanled-with-special-guest-charmaine-brown-tickets-143377827943
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Michigan Works! Can Help Businesses & Individuals in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties

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Zack speaks with Norma Devonish from Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren about opportunities for free support for local businesses that need assistance with their most pressing challenges, recruitment, and individual assistance with training, education, food assistance, career services, tuition assistance and other great personalized services. Get more details right now at miworks.org.
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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Monday, March 22

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

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

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

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

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

Is spring cleaning actually a popular thing now? Apparently it is. A new YouGov poll found that 77% of Americans say they plan to do some spring cleaning this year.  31% say they plan to do their spring cleaning this month. 28% said they’re waiting until April.  17% say they don’t plan to do any spring cleaning.
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Music News – Monday, March 22

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Huey Lewis is going to be featured on MTV’s ”Behind the Music.” The show is being rebooted for the Paramount+ streaming service. Jennifer Lopez, LL Cool J and Ricky Martin will also be featured

Taylor Swift tells Elle magazine that she loves to cook. “I’ve always cooked a LOT, but I found three recipes I know I’ll be making at dinner parties for life: Ina Garten’s Real Meatballs and Spaghetti (I just use packaged bread crumbs and only ground beef for meat), Nigella Lawson’s Mughlai Chicken, and Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Fajitas with Molé Sauce. Getting a garlic crusher is a whole game changer. I also learned how to immediately calculate Celsius to Fahrenheit in my head. Which is what I’m pretty sure the Internet would call a ‘weird flex.'”
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The Happy Headline of the Day – Friday, March 19

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Over the past year, Lou Farrell of Hatfield, Pennsylvania, has donated more than 100,000 sandwiches to help homeless.
His secret? Well, his garage … and peanut butter and jelly.
He created a “bread drop” in that garage and did everything he could to let people deliver bread — and turn that bread into peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches.
Lou got so good at this, that bread only spent two days in his garage before being turned into something special that could be shared with those in need.
Things have gotten fast and furious. His garage has turned into a peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwich factory.
Lou has been getting help from 17 groups and 70 volunteers.
And, it’s all working out. People in need have been getting help with sandwiches — hand delivered.
Moving forward, Lou has been able to start collecting coats and hats — and other things needed in the community.
Lou deserves a lot of credit, considering all this started with a good PB&J in his garage. (WPVI-TV)
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The Daily Dish – Friday, March 19

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Oprah Winfrey could have another blockbuster interview in the works. Britney Spears is considering a “tell-all interview with Oprah.”
She’s feeling inspired from an outpouring of support since the release of Framing Britney Spears, streaming now at FX on Hulu. She’s feeling “more understood” and wishing to further reveal her story. Britney wants to share with the world her unique perspective.
A source said Britney would trust a very short list of people to help tell her story, from her pop princess days to becoming a conservatorship recluse. The insider told Entertainment Tonight, (quote) “Britney always hated doing interviews but if she ever takes that step, Oprah would most likely be her first choice.” (Entertainment Tonight)

Sharon Osbourne is convinced CBS will fire her as the network investigates her behavior on the set of The Talk.
In an interview with The Daily Mail, Sharon defended herself, saying the claims against her “are crap.”
She’s accused of using racist language with her co-hosts. But Sharon says, “In situations like this, you’re always going to get people who you’ve had disagreements with in the past, people who’ve got axes to grind, who come out of the woodwork and they’ll come out with their BS and that’s it.”
The Talk was put on hiatus Monday after Sharon mixed it up with co-host Sheryl Underwood last week while defending her friend Piers Morgan over his criticism of Meghan Markle. Now Sharon believes “they’re going use me as a sacrificial lamb and fire me.”
She calls the accusations “revenge” from bitter people.

Armie Hammer has been accused of rape and is under investigation by the LAPD, Variety reports.
The anonymous woman, who first made allegations about the actor on social media, came forward in a press conference on Thursday. Beside her attorney, Gloria Allred, the woman said, “On April 24th, 2017, Armie Hammer violently raped me for over four hours in Los Angeles, during which he repeatedly slapped my head against a wall, bruising my face. He also committed other acts of violence against me to which I did not consent.”
The woman, Effie, had an on-and-off relationship with Armie from 2016 to 2020.
Armie’s attorney denies the allegations. Andrew Brettler says, “Effie’s own correspondence with Mr. Hammer undermines and refutes her outrageous allegations. As recently as July 18th, 2020, [she] sent graphic texts to Mr. Hammer telling him what she wanted him to do to her. Mr. Hammer responded making it clear that he did not want to maintain that type of relationship with her.”
The LAPD later confirmed that Armie “is the main suspect in an alleged sexual assault investigation that was initiated February 3rd of this year.”
Effie did not disclose her full legal name during the press conference. She’s believed to be the woman behind the Instagram account “House of Effie,” which made allegations against the actor earlier this year.
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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Friday, March 19

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TODAY IS:
  • National Let’s Laugh Day
  • National Backyard Day

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

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

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

Music News – Friday, March 19

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If you were watching the Grammys late at night on CBS on Sunday, you might have caught the scandalous performance of “WAP” by Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion. The song’s performance has really stirred up some new controversy.
TMZ reports that there have been at least 80 complaints to the FCC, CBS, and The Grammys so far about their racy *Grammy* night performance of “WAP.” Viewers sounded off about everything from lyrical content to wardrobe to the set design.
Specific complaints included a Colorado viewer saying it looked like “they were dancing in a strip club,” and someone from Texas who was offended by their clothing — or lack thereof, saying Megan was “barely dressed in a thong” with “naked look-alike legs.”
Considering 10 million people watched the show, 80 complaints doesn’t seem to be rattling any of the parties involved. By comparison, when Janet Jackson experienced her wardrobe malfunction showing her breast on the CBS telecast of the Super Bowl halftime performance in February of 2004, over 540,000 complaints were registered.

Taylor Swift tells Elle magazine that she has learned not to judge people based on first impressions. “First impressions actually aren’t everything. It’s impressive when someone can charm people instantly and own the room, but what I know now to be more valuable about a person is not their charming routine upon meeting them (I call it a “solid first 15”), but the layers of a person you discover in time. Are they honest, self-aware, and slyly funny at the moments you least expect it? Do they show up for you when you need them? Do they still love you after they’ve seen you broken? Or after they’ve walked in on you having a full conversation with your cats as if they’re people? These are things a first impression could never convey.”
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The Happy Headline of the Day – Thursday, March 18

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Seven-year-old Mila Diaz saw an opportunity at her parents’ business on the island of Maui to sell bracelets — and she made the most of it by donating some of the proceeds to a local charity.
From an early age, Mila had an interest in jewelry, so she began making bracelets using twine and colorful charms. She sold them at her parents’ store — and also sold them online.
After making and selling over 100 bracelets, Mila decided to donate $100 of her proceeds to Maui Economic Opportunity’s Head Start program, a pre-kindergarten program for children from low-income families in the area.
Mila’s efforts ended up inspiring others in her community. For example, a donor who heard about her work gave her $50 for the cause, which grew her donation even more.
Mila was able to see the power of her idea to help others — and now plans to make donations to a special cause each month. (Hawaii News Now)
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The Daily Dish – Thursday, March 18

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Ten days ago, a federal judge ruled that Kobe Bryant’s widow could learn the names of the four Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies that allegedly shared graphic photos of the deadly copter crash site. (Los Angeles Times)
On Wednesday, Vanessa Bryant Instagrammed copies of amended court documents that reveal the names of four law enforcement officers. Now her 14 million followers know these identities, too. Her lawsuit accuses the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department of failing to “take basic steps to ensure all copies of the improper photos were tracked down and sequestered.”
According to Bryant’s invasion of privacy suit, one of the officers shared crash site pictures with a buddy that “he played video games with every night”. Another showed pictures of Kobe’s body to a bartender, who turned around to describe the graphic images to restaurant patrons.
Internal investigation determined one of the officers “took between 25 and 100 photos … focused directly on the victims’ remains.” Another texted his gruesome photos to a female deputy “for no reason other than morbid gossip.” (New York Post)

Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez are back together and working on their relationship.
Sources tell Page Six say that the two “are back together thanks to a frank, heart-to-heart talk last Friday night and a weekend spent together in the Dominican Republic.”
Last week, A-Rod jetted off to the Caribbean, where J-Lo is filming a movie called Shotgun Wedding, to save the relationship. An insider says, “They had a great couple days in the DR. They continue to work through things. That’s the status quo right now. They’re together.”
Sources said last week that the couple had decided to cancel their wedding plans and end their relationship. Things were apparently complicated by A-Rod’s rumored relationship with Southern Charm star Madison LeCroy.

Entertainment Tonight says Kristen Bell and her family have adopted a three-legged dog named Whiskey. She posted a picture of him along with the caption: “Meet Whiskey! Before he was rescued he got in a fight with a truck and lost (a leg) but who needs four legs anyway? The girls adore him and Dad lovingly tolerates him. No more truck stops for you, buddy. Welcome home.”
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Coffee Talk from Honor Credit Union – Thursday, March 18

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TODAY IS:
Awkward Moments Day: Embarrassing moments happen – today is the day to celebrate them.

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

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

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