September 30 FREE PREP

Have a good week everyone!!! 

Today Is September 30

Ask a Stupid Question Day
Chewing Gum Day
Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day
International Blasphemy Rights Day
International Podcast Day
International Thunderbirds Day
International Translation Day
National Hot Mulled Cider Day
National Love People Day
National Mud Pack Day
National PrepareAthon! Day
National Soufflé Potato Day
Orange Shirt Day
The Time for Yoga


Your yoga mat could give you herpes

It's probably the last place you expect to catch herpes. But dirty yoga mats can carry the highly contagious virus, which can cause cold sores around the mouth, an expert has warned.  Dr David Greuner,  is urging people to clean down their mats after using them. 'Bacteria, viruses, and germs love the hot, humid, and sweaty environments that exist in yoga studios,' he said in a blog post. Making skin contact with a dirty yoga mat covered in germs and bacteria can lead to skin infections, acne, toenail fungus and even transfer of the herpes virus and staph and strep infections.If one person is sick and goes to yoga class, chances are those germs are still lingering on the mat and can be passed along to you For those who have to borrow mats, they are advised to thoroughly clean it with a disinfectant before they use it. They should also make sure they lay down a towel on top of the mat to 'minimise direct skin contact', Dr Greuner recommends. 

DailyMail


September 30 Historical Events
Rayon is patented. (1902)
The television sitcom “Cheers premieres. (1982)


Fun Fact
A 35-year study of more than 540 baboons in Kenya finds that males who have close female friends have higher rates of survival than those who don’t.

Trivia
Q: 48% of women wished they looked more graceful while doing this?
A: Opening a bottle of wine!

Tidbits
Try It

Research out of China suggests a little bit of forward thinking when it comes to bone health can help stave off osteoporosis years down the line. Researchers report taking calcium supplements between ages 20 and 35 can help improve bone mass at peak bone mass age.

Glug Glug Glug

According to medical experts and dietitians, chances are  your daily water intake is simply not cutting it. Research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 43 percent of adults drink less than four cups of water per day, while 36 percent drink just one to three cups, and 7 percent drink absolutely none. 


More Glug Glug Glug
Just 20 percent of Americans like their coffee black, and another fifth (19 percent) don’t drink coffee at all. The remaining 60 percent of coffee drinkers like their cuppa somewhere along the tan spectrum. 

Ahhhhhhhhh

A study  revealed some of the most relaxing sounds, with the sea coming out on top with 52 per cent. Thirty per cent of those surveyed love to hear the sound of rain on a window, and 28 per cent are soothed by the sound of waterfalls.

Cough Cough

A surprising new study says that many parents are making dosing errors when giving liquid medicine to their children and may be doing more harm than good. 83% of caregivers that participated in the study made an error when dispensing liquid medicine. Researchers said using a syringe instead of a cup or spoon could prevent many of those errors.

Love and Marriage…..and Kids

A surprising 61 percent of millenials said they value being good parents over having a lasting marriage, with many of them reporting they'd rather get extended family, like grandparents, involved in child-rearing than stay with a bad partner.

And More About Kids

Broken bones and fractures are often a fact of life when you’re a kid. A new study warns that poor nutrition can make these little injuries far worse than they usually are. Specifically, children dealing with vitamin D deficiency heal much slower after a bone fracture.


Entertainment

In History
On September 30, 1967, the UK’s first national pop radio station, BBC Radio 1 was launched. The station was established as a successor to the BBC Light Program, which had broadcast music and other shows since the end of World War II. Radio 1, meanwhile, was created as a direct response to the rabid success of offshore pirate radio stations, such as Radio Caroline and Radio London, which had been outlawed by the UK Parliament. Radio 1 served as the home to such legendary DJs as John Peel, Alan Freeman, Kenny Everett, and Tony Blackburn, while today, it remains one of the most influential music stations around the world.
In 1995, Mariah Carey made chart history when she began an eight-week run atop the Billboard Hot 100 with “Fantasy,” making her the first female act to debut at the chart’s No.1 spot. The enduring track, which heavily samples the Tom Tom Club’s 1981 song, “Genius of Love,” marked the singer’s ninth No.1 hit in the US and became a Top Ten hit around the globe.
In 1978, John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John topped the UK pop chart with “Summer Nights,” their second No.1 from the Grease soundtrack. The track spent seven weeks at No.1, and, combined with an earlier nine-week run with “You’re The One That I Want,” the duo spent 16 weeks at No.1 in 1978. In the US, the song reached No.5.
In 1995, Simply Red scored their first UK No.1 hit with “Fairground.” It was the British group’s only song to top the chart.
In 2006, Justin Timberlake’s second solo album, FutureSex/LoveSounds, topped the US album charts. Prior to its release, it also became the most pre-ordered album on iTunes in the history of the service.
In 1965, Donovan made his US television debut on Shindig!, along with The Hollies, The Turtles, and the Dave Clark Five.
BORN ON SEPTEMBER 30:
1933: Cissy Houston
1935: Johnny Mathis
1947: Marc Bolan (T. Rex)
1964: Trey Anastasio (Phish)
1964: Robby Takac (Goo Goo Dolls)
1984: Keisha Buchanan (Sugababes)
1986: Ben Lovett (Mumford & Sons)

And Elsewhere:

Days of Our Lives icon Drake Hogestyn has died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 70.
"It's with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Drake Hogestyn. He was thrown the curve ball of his life when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but he faced the challenge with incredible strength and determination," a statement from Hogestyn's family posted on the soap opera's Instagram page Saturday.
"After putting up an unbelievable fight, he passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones," the message continued. "He was the most amazing husband, father, papa and actor. He loved performing for the Days audience and sharing the stage with the greatest cast, crew, and production team in the business."

The Indiana native began playing character John Black on Days starting in 1986.
In 1982, he starred in CBS' Seven Brides for Seven Brothers with the late River Phoenix.


Oscar-winning actress Hilary Swank has joined the cast of the TV thriller, Yellowjackets. No details have been released regarding the character she will play. The show is currently filming in Vancouver, Canada. It follows a group of teen-age soccer players who survived a horrific plane crash in a remote area and the dysfunctional adult lives they are trying to lead 25 years later.
The cast includes Melanie Lynskey, Sophie Nélisse, Juliette Lewis, Christina Ricci, Samantha Hanratty, Tawny Cypress, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Sophie Thatcher, Courtney Eaton, Lauren Ambrose, Liv Hewson, Steven Krueger, Warren Kole and Kevin Alves.


The horror-comedy Chucky has been canceled after three seasons.


"I'm heartbroken over the news that Chucky won't be coming back for a fourth season but am so grateful for the killer three years we did have," series creator Don Mancini said Saturday.
The show starred Jennifer Tilly, Alyvia Alyn Lind and Zackary Arthur, with Brad Dourif voicing the titular demon doll. Chucky is the sequel series to the popular horror film franchise that dates to 1988.


According to MSN Poll

Do you ever pay someone to clean your house?
Often 14%
Sometimes 9%
Rarely 13%
Never 64%

What about paying someone to do yardwork?
Often 23%
Sometimes 15%
Rarely 18%
Never 44%

Do you pay people to watch your kids or pets?
Often 4%
Sometimes 23%
Never 31%
Not applicable 42%

For meals, how often do you dine out or order in?
Often 20%
Sometimes 49%
Rarely 29%
Never 2%

When it comes to home fixes, are you DIY or hire out?
DIY 26%
I hire out 18%
A mix of both 53%
Not applicable 3%

Would you rather pay someone or do work yourself?
Pay someone 22%
Do it myself 37%
A mix of both 41%


Health
The Friendly Heart

Having friends is not only important to your happiness, but the friendships you make may actually help your heart in the long run. According to a 2016 study published in the journal Heart, social isolation can significantly increase a person's risk of developing heart disease. Those who reported poor social relationships had a 29 percent greater chance of having CHD than those with healthier ones.


Nearly half of Americans don’t know about their family’s history with cancer

Forty-eight percent of Americans are unfamiliar with their family’s cancer history, according to new research from Talker Research

A survey found that 42% of women and 54% of men were unclear on many of their relatives’ medical history.

Twenty-two percent of the women surveyed felt confident they know who has or hasn’t had cancer in their family but were unsure of the actual type.

A fifth of women surveyed (20%) didn’t know at all their family’s cancer history, and just 46% of the women surveyed felt confident they were up to date fully with all their health checks,

When asked to cite the reasons for not being up to date on health checks, anxiety and fear were the common responses with 30% of women who are not up to date naming this as their driving factor.

Being too busy (24%), and feeling physically uncomfortable with the process 21% were also prominent reasons given for not being up to date on health checks.


Lifestyle

Flex workers are happiest about pay

On average, 44% of U.S. employees feel well-compensated for the work they do. But onsite employees are less likely to feel happy with their pay than their hybrid or remote colleagues, according to LinkedIn’s latest Workforce Confidence survey. Four in 10 onsite employees feel well-compensated for their work, compared to half of remote employees. The survey also found that hybrid workers are about as likely as remote employees to say they are well-compensated at work.


The average adult spends just over 10 years of their lives on 'autopilot'

The average adult spends the equivalent of just over 10 years of their lives on ‘autopilot’ - following the same routines and rituals day in and day out according to NatWest. This equates to 1,396 hours each year, 27 hours a week or nearly four hours a day doing the same things. A quarter of those polled even admitted they drift through five or more hours a day without any real thought on what they are doing. 64 per cent of adults claimed their daily routine hardly ever changes.

The top five things we are likely to do in the same way every day include getting dressed or showering at the same time of day, and eating the same breakfast.

79 per cent of those who feel they are 'stuck in a rut' of repetitive routines feel this holds them back from achieving their goals, including travelling the world, learning a new instrument, and starting to invest.

51 per cent of adults admit they procrastinate instead of acting on tasks that need doing – including managing their finances, organising dates with friends and food shopping.

As a result, six in 10 have bought a self-help book – but half never finished it, with some not even completing the first chapter.

53 per cent of those polled think they should be more proactive about managing their personal finances.



Nearly 20% of Daters are Dating Less Due to Inflation

LendingTree's ®survey found that 77% of dating Americans say dating would be easier if they had more money, with nearly 1 in 5 going on fewer dates due to inflation. 22% of millennials have incurred debt due to their dating habits - the most of any generation.

77% of daters say dating could be easier if they had more money. This is more common among men (83%) than women (73%). Regardless, 32% say they'd still go on a date even if they couldn't pay for it, with men (36%) more likely to do so than women (30%).

Nearly 1 in 5 (19%) of those who are dating say they're going on fewer dates because of inflation. Another 14% are trying to spend less on dates.

Millennials (22%) are most likely to incur debt because of their dating spending habits. Gen Zers are the second most likely to take on dating-related debt, at 19%.

6% of Americans have had their card declined on a first date, but six-figure earners and those with an annual household income between $75,000 and $99,999 are most likely to snag a second date regardless.


Water or Wi-Fi? Half of Americans claim they can’t live without Wi-Fi

Nearly half of Americans can’t live without their electronics (48%) and WiFi (46%), according to new research.

A survey of adults revealed that other essentials – besides food and water – people can’t go without include medicine (55%), electricity (53%) and gasoline/petrol (51%).

The study examined respondents’ perspectives on supply chain issues and found that nearly half say the issues have “somewhat affected” their lives (45%) – from impacting their cost of living, their jobs and finding basic essentials.

On average, Americans buy a third of their essentials online, with respondents 35-44 being the most likely to get at least half of their necessities this way.

A third of respondents predict supply chain disruptions will continue for another two years (34%).

While 30% think supply chain issues will remain the same, the same percentage believe things will only worsen (30%).
Six in 10 adults are always on the search for ways to make their money go further

Consumers are more willing to splash their cash on tech if they know they will see a return on their investment.

As the cost-of-living crisis is set to deepen this autumn, 62 per cent of adults are more inclined to purchase a high value device if they know they’re able to sell it back for a guaranteed price the following year.

The poll of  adults from Vodafone found six in 10 are continually on the lookout for better value when making purchases in a bid to make their money go further.

45 per cent are trying to think more about the future value of their goods since the cost-of-living crisis set in.

52 per cent have become more creative when thinking of ways to get more bang for their buck.

Among the top ways savvy individuals are making saving include a third (32 per cent) shopping around for the best deals and switching where appropriate.

24 per cent are reselling items they no longer need or use, and 23 per cent renegotiating existing contracts when it comes to an end.

Before the cost-of-living crisis, 39 per cent didn’t typically put aside money to spend during peak retail moments, such as end of season sales.

Six in 10 regularly look for the best deals and value when purchasing the latest tech.

45 per cent look for the best offers and how far they can stretch their cash before committing to the purchase of a new smartphone.



Parents spend a total of 1,300 hours playing with their kids during their first five years

A study of parents with kids from  Fisher-Price and Family Action aged up to five found they spend an average of just under 45 minutes a day playing with their child – a total of 260 hours each year.
Over those first five years, 165 hours is spent on painting, drawing and creative activities, and another 185 hours are taken up with reading together. While more than 187 hours are spent on imaginative play – an average of nearly 44 minutes each week. 67 per cent of parents feel regular play sessions are ‘vital’ for their child’s development, with 69 per cent citing it as important for their child’s health and happiness. 53 per cent actively encourage their children to play because they believe it helps them “connect to the world around them”. And four in 10 even believe it can have a direct impact on their child’s future success.

The first five years of play
⦁ PEEKABOO – 22 MINS WEEKLY - 19 HOURS ANNUAL – 5 YEARS = 95 HOURS
⦁ HIDE AND SEEK – 23.5 MINS WEEKLY - 20 HOURS ANNUAL – 5 YEARS = 100 HOURS
⦁ PLAYING DRESS UP – 26.5 MINS WEEKLY - 22.5 HOURS ANNUAL – 5 YEARS = 112.5 HOURS
⦁ PAINTING/DRAWING/CREATIVE – 38 MINS WEEKLY - 33 HOURS ANNUAL – 5 YEARS = 165 HOURS
⦁ READING TOGETHER – 42.5 MINS WEEKLY - 37 HOURS ANNUAL – 5 YEARS = 185 HOURS
⦁ IMAGINATIVE PLAY – 43.5 MINS WEEKLY - 37.5 HOURS ANNUAL – 5 YEARS = 187.5 HOURS
⦁ NURSERY RHYMES – 39 MINS WEEKLY - 34 HOURS ANNUAL – 5 YEARS - 170 HOURS
⦁ DANCING – 35.5 MINS WEEKLY 30.5 HOURS ANNUAL – 5 YEARS = 152.5 HOURS
⦁ EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES – 42.5 MINS WEEKLY - 36.5 HOURS ANNUAL – 5 YEARS = 182.5 HOURS


TOTAL
308 MINS WEEKLY – 260 ANNUAL – 5 YEARS = 1,300 HOURS


Millennials only truly relax for seven hours a week – because they are too wrapped up in their phones.

Millennials only truly relax for seven hours a week – because they are too wrapped up in their phones. A poll of adults found hectic home and work lives mean those aged 18-34 get less than 60 minutes to themselves each day. And around six in 10 even say they ‘never’ truly relax, because they’re always checking their phone for emails and messages. One tenth even admitted they struggle to go longer than 10 minutes without checking their smartphones. Nine in 10 also confess to opening their phone, even though they know they haven’t had any messages, just to look at the screen. But even older generations are struggling to relax, getting just 90 minutes to unwind each day.


SWNS



9 in 10 parents admit they’ll never stop worrying about their child’s wellbeing

Almost nine in 10 parents admit they’ll “never” be done worrying about their child.

According to a new survey of  parents of children ages 0-6, 89% agree that even when their child is grown and out of the house, they’ll never stop worrying about their wellbeing.

Two in five (43%) are concerned about their child every waking moment.

The top worries parents burden themselves with were found to be their child’s emotional well-being (45%), health (43%) and physical safety (38%).

When it comes to parenting style choices, many are concerned about technology use and screen time (43%). This was followed by their finances (41%), being a role model (38%) and work-personal life balance (34%).

But regardless of their own parental anxieties, it only took the average respondent five months to feel confident in their parenting abilities.

Conducted by Safety 1st, research revealed that over the last six months, parents have lost close to two full days of sleep (45 hours) worrying about their child — though 11% admit they’ve lost more than five full days — or over 120 hours.

Almost every parent (84%) had concerns about their baby before even bringing them home from the hospital. Those include how they are going to guide and teach them (48%), their own parenting abilities (47%) and even not having the right items (29%).

But almost two-thirds (63%) of parents felt prepared to address them and spoke to other parents (56%) or to their doctor or health care provider (50%).

Others practiced the tasks they were worried about ahead of time (41%) and baby-proofed their home (38%).

One-third of parents did the basics when it comes to child-proofing, but 26% left no stone unturned and took care of their entire home.

Parents are most concerned about their child’s safety in public places such as stores or restaurants (57%), followed by playgrounds and parks (42%), in daycare or at school (42%) and at events like concerts or sporting events (26%).

The survey also asked each respondent to share some tips and tricks they utilize to keep their kids safe. One parent said, “I write my contact information on the tags in their clothes.”

Another uses the tried and true method of hand holding, but with an added twist, “We both wear a friendship bracelet with a strap attaching them so they don't get lost or kidnapped.”

Of the 63% of parents who’ve traveled out of state or gone on vacation with their infant, 28% admit to packing too much.

The top things to bring on a trip with your child were found to be an infant car seat (37%), full-sized stroller (32%), thermometer (31%), booster car seat (28%) and a compact-sized stroller (25%).


WHAT ARE THE HARDEST PARTS OF TRAVELING WITH YOUR CHILD?

Finding ways to keep them entertained during the trip - 45%
Making sure I had everything they needed - 45%
Choosing which items to bring and which to leave at home - 29%
Having the right amount of snacks/food - 27%
Making sure my child doesn't get lost - 27%
Ensuring safety at the destination - 26%
Packing bulky items (car seat, strollers, etc.) - 21%
Traveling to the destination - 21%
Avoiding sickness - 19%
Losing luggage with my child’s supplies - 8%




Lists

Top 20 occupations with the highest levels of AI vulnerability
1. Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
2. Sound Engineering Technicians
3. Nuclear Medicine Technologists
4. Air Traffic Controllers
5. Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists
6. Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
7. Orthodontists
8. Power Distributors and Dispatchers
9. Neurologists
10. Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators
11. Public Safety Telecommunicators
12. Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
13. Security Guards
14. Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists
15. Machinists
16. Radiologists
17. Atmospheric and Space Scientists
18. Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
19. Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
20. Medical Transcriptionists
Top 20 occupations with the lowest levels of AI vulnerability
1. Pile Driver Operators
2. Dredge Operators
3. Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors
4. Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products
5. Insurance Underwriters
6. Floor Sanders and Finishers
7. Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers
8. Farm Labor Contractors
9. Administrative Services Managers
10. Rock Splitters, Quarry
11. Brokerage Clerks
12. Podiatrists
13. Helpers–Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons
14. Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks
15. Cooks, Short Order
16. Team Assemblers
17. Proofreaders and Copy Markers
18. Butchers and Meat Cutters
19. Door-to-Door Sales Workers, News and Street Vendors, and Related Workers
20. Segmental Pavers


Stats

Do you wish your pet could talk to you?

Almost four in five Americans believe that if animals were able to talk like people, dogs would be the first to do so.

A poll of adults from Healthy Paws revealed that 78% believe that hypothetically, dogs are more likely to start talking like a person, while 60% believe the same about cats.

More than half (53%) of respondents imagine their favorite pet would have a certain tone, accent or pattern of speaking.

Some of the benefits of pets being able to speak are that they could explain their food preferences (61%) and tell their pet parents if something is wrong (58%)

But for all the good chatting with our pets might bring, more than half (53%) are worried their pet would reveal secrets.

On top of that, 49% worry they wouldn’t stop talking and 46% are concerned they’d insult someone.
In general, respondents believe dogs are more likely to say something mean than cats (33% vs 24%), but another third believe they are equally likely to say something callous.

And if pets did start speaking, 22% would record it and 17% would scream or panic, while 15% would simply speak back.
Respondents already feel pretty confident they can understand meows and barks as 23% said they “always” understand what a pet is trying to say and 42% “often” understand.

Respondents look for indicators like “talking” or making noises (61%), “following me around” (54%) and whining (53%).

Half of respondents have worried that they’ll miss an injury or illness because pets can’t speak to us.

But respondents look for ways to tell if their pet isn’t feeling well like lack of appetite (52%), restlessness (51%) and fatigue (50%).

Overall, 82% of respondents agree that those who consistently have pets have a better understanding of them.


More than half agree buying loved ones something they’ve wanted for a long time is their happiest spend

More than half (54%) of Americans agree buying loved ones something they’ve wanted for a long time is their happiest spend.

A survey of  adults from Happy Money aged discovered the definition of happiness hasn’t changed much since pre-pandemic times. Forty-five percent said that before 2019, they associated joy with having free time to spend with friends and family, and a similar amount (46%) continues to do so.

However, Gen Zers experienced a shift in priorities, as more of them associate happiness with their loved ones being healthy now than they did before the pandemic began (45% vs. 33%).

the survey found that overall, more than half (55%) of respondents are outsourcing some of their chores to open up their schedules for friends or family.

Over the past three years, people have hired a cleaning service (56%), ordered groceries instead of shopping in-store (54%), moved closer to work to reduce their commute (52%), and ordered takeout instead of cooking (48%), all in the name of enjoying more time with loved ones.

And with cooking taking up an average of 1.5 hours each day, that’s a potential 1,095 hours gained per year.

That may be why nearly two-thirds (65%) believe money can buy happiness.

Despite the ups and downs of the current housing market, purchasing an apartment or house (52%) was the top milestone people associated with their happiness journey, followed by paying for their child’s education (48%) and buying the perfect gift for a friend or loved one (45%).

When it comes to smaller, recurring purchases, the average person spends about $53 each week on things or experiences that bring them joy.

And if there were a recipe for happiness that included purchasable things, a monthly cleaning service for a house or yard (41%) and a month-long family vacation (40%) were preferred “ingredients” over a spa day (29%) or a book club subscription (28%).

People also shared some of their life’s happiest spends, including “buying new furniture,” “living abroad,” “paying off my loans,” and “finally going on a vacation I’ve always wanted.”
67% are happy at the moment. 29% described themselves as “very happy,” 45% of these respondents said it will take one or a few weeks for them to reach that level.

As for purchases that will make them happy in the future, 59% said paying for their kids’ schooling will put a smile on their face, while 56% look forward to the joy home remodeling brings.


Adults will spend around 13 days a year planning their holidays

The typical adults will spend around 13 days a year planning their holidays. A poll of  holidaymakers found this time includes researching, compiling lists, booking, and talking about their trip – with 59 per cent agreeing budgeting is a 'crucial' step.

On average, their planning to-do list includes 11 different tasks – including sorting out currency, organising travel insurance, and arranging the activities they want to do.

Other important steps for successfully planning a break include planning well in advance (40 per cent) and researching the destination beforehand (30 per cent).

 25 per cent, the research commissioned by M&S Bank found the holiday planning process starts months ahead of their break.

11 per cent will leave the bulk of their organisation until the week before.

53 of per cent of holidaymakers preferring to travel outside of the summer period, it’s likely many of those polled are currently planning an off-season break.

When planning holiday spending, steps deemed ‘vital’ include choosing what payment methods to use (47 per cent) and making a spending budget (45 per cent).

While deciding how much travel money or currency to take (42 per cent) is also important.

A quarter (26 per cent) purchase their currency a week in advance of their getaway, while 19 per cent tend to leave this to the day prior to departure.

The study found shopping (19 per cent), local cuisine (16 per cent), and history tours (15 per cent) are the top things those polled want to spend their money on when away.
More than half (53 per cent) of holidaymakers like to have a holiday booked so they always have one to look forward to.

Nearly six in 10 (58 per cent) said there is an art to planning a holiday and, of those who feel this way, 91 per cent claim to have mastered it.

Motivations for booking a break include fatigue (30 per cent), wanting to spend quality time with loved ones (28 per cent), and a desire to see more of the world (27 per cent).

And reasons those who prefer off-season breaks like them include, they’re ‘often cheaper’ (35 per cent), destinations are ‘less busy’ (32 per cent), and ‘great deals’ are usually available (30 per cent).




More than half of us are now officially ‘bored’ of trying to keep up with the latest releases and ‘must-have’ gadgets

More than half of us are now officially ‘bored’ of trying to keep up with the latest releases and ‘must-have’ gadgets, a survey has found.
Research found three quarters are no longer willing to pay ‘extortionate’ amounts for the newest tech when it’s released.
Eight in 10 don't like to feel pushed by manufacturers into moving with the times – opting instead to get their tech as and when they need it.
62 per cent feel their hands are often forced as they believe the lifespan of tech has become shorter and shorter.
88 per cent of adults think it's financially wasteful buying or upgrading to the latest smartphone the moment they’re released.

Three in 10 of the adults polled intend to spend less on smartphones and other forms of tech over the next two years.
73 per cent are happy to buy older models at a lower price, while nearly half are content to pick-up refurbished or second-hand tech items to reduce cost.

Eight in 10 adults believe new models often aren't noticeably different to older ones, while 71 per cent avoid newer types of tech because they believe there’s a tendency for them to have bugs initially.
And 42 per cent find it difficult to learn how to use new tech and would rather stick to what they’re familiar with.


Style
Consider These Three Clothing Mysteries Solved

Tiny Jean Pockets
There is little that can be squeezed into those unusually tiny pockets that can be found on every pair of jeans. Back in the 1800s, pocket watches were all the rage. They would usually be kept in a man’s waistcoat pocket and attached to a button by a small chain. This design, however, wasn’t practical for the blue-collar workers of the nineteenth century.
Originally called waist overalls, Levis started producing their jeans with this tiny pocket, creating the perfect spot for the working man to put their pocket watch. Not only were jeans more practical than a waistcoat, but it offered more protection for the watch. While it was first called a watch pocket, it has had several names over the decades, including the frontier pocket, coin pocket, match pocket, and ticket pocket.

Hats With Pom-Poms
The furry pom-poms on top of some winter hats may be a fashion staple these days, but it has been used for very different reasons in the past. One of the first records of pom-poms being used was during the Viking era, and is thought to have been attached to the top of hats to hide poor stitching.
They were later used by sailors as an extra layer of protection when waters got rough. It also helped them to gauge the height of cabin ceilings when working below deck. Pom-poms entered the fashion world during the Great Depression, as it was an inexpensive way to add embellishments to clothes. They grew in popularity during the ‘60s and have stayed in style ever since.

Women’s Shirt Buttons
Ever notice that women’s shirt buttons are often on the left even though most people are right-handed? More than a minor inconvenience, the reason for this dates back to olden days, when buttons meant you belonged to high society.
If you were wealthy enough to own clothing with buttons, then you were likely not dressing yourself each morning. The buttons on women’s garments were placed on the left as this made it easier for chambermaids to dress them. Even though times have changed, this dated design has not.


Just for Fun
You Know You’re Over 40 If You Own These Things

A cash stash
Stationery
Physical books
Framed art
An industrial-grade flashlight
Business cards
Drink coasters
A newspaper subscription
A camera that doesn’t make phone calls


Tips
This One Thing Can Cure Your Insomnia, New Study Says

A recent study says that a weighted blanket could be the one thing you need to help you sleep through the night. The good news comes from Swedish researchers, who tested the effectiveness of weighted blankets on 120 adult patients with insomnia for four weeks as part of a randomized, controlled study, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine reports. They found that test subjects in the weighted blanket group were 26 times more likely to experience a decrease of 50 percent or more in their insomnia severity compared with the control group, and were 20 times more likely to achieve full remission of their sleep condition. Patients in the weighted blanket group not only experienced better sleep maintenance, but they also reported a higher daytime activity level and reduced symptoms of fatigue, depression, and anxiety. An open follow-up on the study found that these results were maintained for 12 months.


Did You Know?

Watermelons are popular hostess gifts in China
North Americans aren’t the only ones who appreciate a watermelon. More than 1,200 varieties are grown in 96 countries around the world (ever heard of a yellow watermelon?), and, in terms of production, the United States currently ranks seventh, while China is in first place. Maybe that has something to do with why watermelons are popular hostess gifts in China.

Around 66 percent of Americans like their toast lightly toasted
There’s a strong preference for lightly toasted toast on breakfast plates. According to a 2019 survey from YouGov, 58 percent of respondents are in the “somewhat lightly toasted” camp, with another 8 percent preferring their bread very lightly toasted. On the other hand, 32 percent prefer somewhat to very darkly toasted toast, and 1 percent like their toast burnt

Things of Interest 

Thieves turn up their noses at EVs


Turns out, car thieves prefer gas guzzlers to more expensive and environmentally friendly EVs. More than a million cars were stolen in the U.S. last year. Yet the lowest theft claims were made on 2021 to 2023 versions of the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, the Hyundai Tucson and the Volvo XC90 — all electric vehicles. The theory? The models are more sophisticated technologically, controlled by phones or keycards rather than keys. EVs also tend to be garaged or parked next to owners’ homes for recharging purposes, and their GPS systems may make them easier to find.


Looking Ahead

October 1

CD Player Day
Homemade Cookie Day
International Coffee Day
International Day of Older Persons
International Music Day
International Raccoon Appreciation Day
Less Than Perfect Day
Lincolnshire Day
Model T Day
National Black Dog Day
National BOOK IT! Day
National Fire Pup Day
National Fruit at Work Day
National Green City Day
National Hair Day
National Lace Day
National Pumpkin Spice Day
World Vegetarian Day


Contributors
Cate Chapman
Rachel Cromidas


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Shika Rebecca


Pepper Prep Creator

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