COULD THEY SEE THE FUTURE?
A time capsule was recently uncovered that included a 106-and-a-half-year-old article from the December 1900 issue of "Ladies' Home Journal". . . where they made predictions on what life would be like in the year 2000. Here are some of the highlights. . .
"There will be from 350 million to 500 million people in America." (--Pretty close.)
"The American will be taller by one to two inches." (--True.)
"Gymnastics will begin in the nursery. Every school, college and community will have a complete gymnasium. (--Pretty close.) A man or woman unable to walk 10 miles at a stretch will be regarded as a weakling." (--False. We're all chubbies.)
"Automobiles will be cheaper than horses." (--False.)
"Man will see around the world. Persons and things of all kinds will be brought within focus of cameras connected electrically with screens at opposite ends of circuits." (--True. They predicted television.)
"Strawberries will be as large as apples. . . peas and beans will be as large as beets are today." (--False. This is probably the strangest of the predictions.)
"There will be no 'c', 'x' or 'q' in our everyday alphabet, they will be abandoned because [they are] unnecessary." (--False.)
"A university education will be free to every man and woman." (--Couldn't be MORE false.)
"We will be able to telephone to China quite as readily as we now talk from New York [City] to Brooklyn. By an automatic signal they will connect without the intervention of a 'hello girl'." (--True.)
"Store purchases by tube. Pneumatic tubes, instead of store wagons, will deliver packages and bundles." (--False. Why do people always think everything's going to get sent around by tubes in the future???)
"Mosquitoes and roaches will have been practically exterminated." (--False.)
"There will be airships, but they will not successfully compete with. . . water vessels for passenger or freight traffic." (--False.)
HOW TO HAGGLE WITH A CAR DEALER
Nobody really likes negotiating with annoying car salesmen. But haggling is still pretty standard at most dealerships, so you might as well go in prepared with these five tips on how to haggle with a car dealer. . .
1) RESEARCH THE PRICE. The sticker prices at car dealerships are usually inflated. Kbb.com will give you the invoice price that the dealership in your area actually paid for the car. Use this to start the negotiation.
2) DON'T LIMIT YOURSELF TO THE DEALER'S FINANCING OPTIONS. You don't have to go through a dealer to finance your car. Shop around at various money lenders like banks and credit unions, where you'll likely get a better deal on a loan.
3) STAY FOCUSED. When you're talking to the salesperson, keep the conversation about the car ONLY. Be friendly, but remember, in most cases when they ask about your life, they're trying to butter you up and break down your defenses.
4) DON'T REVEAL TOO MUCH. If you're planning on trading in your old car, don't discuss that until you've negotiated the price of the new one.
5) REMAIN CALM. Repeat to yourself that you can. . . and should. . . walk away if you're uncomfortable. You're better off leaving than buying something and feeling like you've been cheated.
FIVE TIPS TO KEEP FROM GETTING SICK
Tired of always being stuck home with the flu or a cold? Suck down these five tips to prevent yourself from getting sick. . .
1) WASH YOUR HANDS. You don't have to be obsessive compulsive about it, but keeping your hands clean is the best way to keep yourself from getting sick and prevents spreading illnesses.
2) LAUGH. While it's true that staying healthy and exercising will keep you away from illnesses. . . so does having low stress. When you laugh, you release endorphins. which have been shown to boost immunity, and make you more resistant to disease.
3) GET A PET. When you spend time petting or playing with your dog or cat, it lowers your blood pressure. . . which also has the effect of making you relaxed and stress-free.
4) SLEEP. When you sleep, it gives your immune system time to attack and repair any unwanted germs that have entered your body. Try to get around at least eight hours a night.
5) EAT HEALTHILY. Overeating and excessive drinking weaken your immune system and put you at a greater risk for a lot of illnesses. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables and avoid pre-packaged food when possible. (CBS News)
A HEALTHY DRINK
Strawberries are a good source of antioxidants, but serving them in daiquiri form may make them even healthier, according to researchers. The study found that whipping strawberries up in a daiquiri improved the physiology of the fruit and boosted antioxidant activity. Scientists found similar results with blackberries.
