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Showing posts from September, 2020

Here’s How Words Get Added to the Dictionary

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What’s the deal with new words? Where do they come from and how do they go from obscure to official? First, new words have to circulate in culture to make it into the dictionary. They have to be used and understood. Words have a much better chance of getting added to the dictionary if you see them in print or hear them in conversation. It’s actually a full-time job to scour popular communication to figure out what new words are surfacing in our vernacular. According to Merriam-Webster, America’s oldest dictionary first published in 1806, “dictionary editors read actively, looking for changes in the language.” Inspired to try reading the whole dictionary? Here’s how long it would take you . What’s a lexicographer and what do they do? Are you a logophile, aka someone with a passion for words? If so, being a professional lexicographer may be the ideal job for you. Lexicographers get to decide which words make it into the dictionary, and they do so by reading widely across industries and

Here’s How Words Get Added to the Dictionary

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What’s the deal with new words? Where do they come from and how do they go from obscure to official? First, new words have to circulate in culture to make it into the dictionary. They have to be used and understood. Words have a much better chance of getting added to the dictionary if you see them in print or hear them in conversation. It’s actually a full-time job to scour popular communication to figure out what new words are surfacing in our vernacular. According to Merriam-Webster, America’s oldest dictionary first published in 1806, “dictionary editors read actively, looking for changes in the language.” Inspired to try reading the whole dictionary? Here’s how long it would take you . What’s a lexicographer and what do they do? Are you a logophile, aka someone with a passion for words? If so, being a professional lexicographer may be the ideal job for you. Lexicographers get to decide which words make it into the dictionary, and they do so by reading widely across industries and

24 Golden Rules to Being a Great Boss

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How to be a beloved boss If you’re in a boss role at work, you undoubtedly know that there’s a stigma around bosses, and a stereotype that people complain about their bosses constantly. In fact, you may very well have had a boss that you weren’t wild about yourself. While it’s exciting that you’re in this new role, you’ll surely want to avoid being considered a boss-zilla. Here are some great tips from real bosses to make the people you’re managing appreciate you. Plus, find out things HR people won’t tell you about salaries and raises . The post 24 Golden Rules to Being a Great Boss appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2ENccCF

Our Favorite Coffee Thermos Brands

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Best value $16.97 Shop now This thermos from Contigo is just as at home on your desk as it is in a cup holder. It’s highly rated by reviewers for keeping drinks hot or cold for hours and has an auto-seal lid that prevents drips. Why it made our list: The reviews are packed with praise like “best thermos cup I have ever owned” and “keeps drinks hot for hours.” Find out how much caffeine there is in a cup of coffee . Note: Prices listed were accurate as of press time; pricing fluctuations may occur. The post Our Favorite Coffee Thermos Brands appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/3cJ8Qgy

15 Surprising Benefits of Adopting a Shelter Dog

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That dog’s really going to love you Okay, okay, all kinds of dogs love their people. This is not exclusive to shelter dogs. But it’s easy to project an extra-special feeling of gratitude and joy onto a grateful, happy dog who really needed you . “I think if you adopt a dog who’s had a less than perfect life, they are the ones who appreciate it the most when you give them a wonderful life with the attention, food, love, and training they crave,” says Trish McMillan, a professional dog trainer who spent nearly eight years working with the ASPCA’s New York City shelter and currently co-chairs the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants’ Shelter Division. Don’t miss these 50 secrets your pet won’t tell you . The post 15 Surprising Benefits of Adopting a Shelter Dog appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/3n48Kow

The Most Popular Fast-Food Restaurant the Year You Were Born

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McDonald’s, 1950–1954 McDonald’s is the original fast-food restaurant, and has dominated the fast-food industry throughout history. It was actually founded in 1940 but really began to take off in the early 1950s! It might be because McDonald’s introduced its best-selling menu item in 1949: French fries. Before that, only potato chips were available. Here are 75 more surprising facts about McD’s. The post The Most Popular Fast-Food Restaurant the Year You Were Born appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/3ifJyb1

These Cities (and States) Have Abandoned Columbus Day

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Since it became a federal holiday in 1937, Columbus Day has been celebrated throughout the United States as an observance of the “discovery” of North America. What is Columbus Day? The holiday began in 1792 in New York City when the Society of St. Tammany (also known as the Columbian Order) celebrated the 300th anniversary of Columbus’ landing. However, in recent years, Americans have learned that we’ve been picturing Columbus (and these other historical figures) all wrong. What’s the problem with Columbus? Christopher Columbus may have sailed the ocean blue in 1492, but he never actually stepped foot on the continent of North America. While some claim that Columbus discovered the New World, he actually landed in the already-inhabited Bahamas. Columbus then explored other islands in the Caribbean, soon landing on the island that he would rename “Hispaniola” (home to the Dominican Republic and Haiti, today). Here, Columbus enslaved the Taino natives and sent many thousands of them

Risky Ink: Tattoos May Lead to Body's Overheating

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The study found that tattooed skin on arms "has reduced sweat rates, and thus potential heat loss capacity, during [whole-body heating], compared to adjacent skin without tattoos." from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/3mZej7E The study found that tattooed skin on arms "has reduced sweat rates, and thus potential heat loss capacity, during [whole-body heating], compared to adjacent skin without tattoos."

Bald to Bold, Lockdown Locks Embrace All Styles

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One way to measure the passage of time during the pandemic: our hair. It never stops growing. And people can’t seem to resist playing with it. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/2EMsrjo One way to measure the passage of time during the pandemic: our hair. It never stops growing. And people can’t seem to resist playing with it.

Trump, Biden Face Off in Chaotic First Debate

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During the 90-minute debate, the candidates sparred over the COVID-19 response and the future of the Affordable Care Act. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/2HLDMkX During the 90-minute debate, the candidates sparred over the COVID-19 response and the future of the Affordable Care Act.

Pets Helped People Cope During Pandemic: Study

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More than 90% said their pet helped them cope emotionally with the lockdown and 96% said their pet helped keep them fit and active. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/3iiJmb9 More than 90% said their pet helped them cope emotionally with the lockdown and 96% said their pet helped keep them fit and active.

What to Know About Booking Holiday Travel in 2020

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With so much going on right now, it can be hard to think ahead to booking holiday travel. But thanks to all the new regulations and policies enacted because of COVID-19, it’s not too early to start making plans for any upcoming trips for Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Kwanzaa, or the other festivities of the season. Here’s what you need to know now about booking everything from flights to car rentals, to hotels and travel insurance for the 2020 holiday season. Flights The global pandemic has completely changed the air travel industry, meaning that this year’s holiday travel season will be unlike any other . With COVID-19 outbreaks constantly popping up in different parts of the country, is it even safe to fly this year? (Here’s what one nurse has to say on that matter .) And if so, when should you book your trips? First of all, with so much uncertainty, there’s no way to definitively predict what travel restrictions will look like in November and December . It i

Easy Tips to Theft Proof Your House During Winter

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Thanks to delivery services such as Amazon, shopping for yourself and others has certainly gotten easier. You just order what you need online and wait for it to be shipped to you without having to face the crowds at a store. Yes, it’s much easier, but it’s also easier for theft to take place, one of the many things that can make your home a prime target for thieves . Just a simple grab-and-go situation once your package is placed at the front door. And if you’re not careful, you may never know who took the present you so carefully picked out online. Feeling nervous? Then maybe it’s time to theft-proof your house.   Package theft, also known as “porch pirates,” have been all over the news recently. Especially during the holidays, these thieves travel around to different houses scouting out boxes sitting outside. According to CNBC , residents of rural areas are more likely to experience package theft—especially those in North Dakota, Vermont, Alaska, and New Mexico. Since a whopping 8

13 Cleaning Products You Should Never Use on Your Wood Floors

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Stop before you mop! Wood floors are the crowning glory of any home. They’re beautiful, shiny, and rich in hue and character. As gorgeous as they are, though, wood floors can sometimes be a bit of a challenge to maintain. They require consistent care and routine cleanings , as well as an understanding of which products are OK to use and which are not. For the full rundown of the products you should never use on your wood floors—and what you ought to be using instead—check out this essential advice from cleaning pros. Following these tips will be well worth it since wood floors are the absolute best type of flooring for increasing your home’s value . The post 13 Cleaning Products You Should Never Use on Your Wood Floors appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/36iWv1k

15 Best Vacuum Mop Combos with Near-Perfect Reviews from Amazon

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A simpler way to keep your home clean According to experts, you should be mopping your floors twice a week . However, if that’s a three-step process involving sweeping, vacuuming, and then mopping, who really has the time for that? Actually, you do—if you have a two-in-one vacuum system. These multitasking machines will vacuum and mop your floors, saving you a ton of time, energy, and hassle. Plus, your house will be the cleanest it’s ever been, and as we get ready to enter cold and flu season in the midst of the pandemic, keeping things clean is more important than ever. To help you sort through the options, we’ve rounded up 15 of the best vacuum mop combos with near-perfect ratings on Amazon. Once you’ve found the right one for you, check out these other  products that will clean your house in less than an hour . Note: Prices listed were accurate as of press time; pricing fluctuations may occur. The post 15 Best Vacuum Mop Combos with Near-Perfect Reviews from Amazon appeared

8 Signs You Shouldn’t Accept a LinkedIn Request

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What do LinkedIn scammers want? Sadly, when you’re on the internet there is always a chance scammers will try to take advantage of you and LinkedIn is no exception. Scammers on LinkedIn will try to connect with you to get access to your contact list and take their names, phone numbers, email addresses, and employment history. “Scammers understand that by harvesting this kind of data on Linkedin they gain the opportunity to engage in spear-phishing attacks that are specifically targeted at those individuals,” says Ray Walsh, Digital Privacy Expert at ProPrivacy. “Spear phishing is a technique that uses previously harvested data about users to trick them into clicking on dodgy links or accepting malevolent downloads. Information relating to people’s employment can easily be used to create emails that appear to be of legitimate interest to victims.” LinkedIn offers up a lot of information about people and once scammers get ahold of that information they can use it to seem more trustwor

Was FDA Lax in Approving Opioids Too Easily?

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For at least two decades, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has been approving new formulations of prescription opioids without requiring drug manufacturers to gather important information on safety and effectiveness, a new study claims. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/30CDH9Z For at least two decades, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has been approving new formulations of prescription opioids without requiring drug manufacturers to gather important information on safety and effectiveness, a new study claims.

Positive Coronavirus Tests Shut Down Two NFL Teams

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The Vikings hosted the Titans this past Sunday in Minneapolis but, as of Tuesday morning, had no positive test results for anyone on their club, NBC News reported. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/36lK7hm The Vikings hosted the Titans this past Sunday in Minneapolis but, as of Tuesday morning, had no positive test results for anyone on their club, NBC News reported.

NYC Will Fine People Who Don't Wear Masks

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People in New York City who aren't wearing a mask will first be offered one. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/34g3R3j People in New York City who aren't wearing a mask will first be offered one.

Principal Ballerina Misty Copeland: What Her Mom Taught Her About Being Black in America

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Misty Copeland has broken many barriers in her life, but one thing remains consistent and that is her commitment to highlighting the need for representation in the world of dance. With her new children’s book, Bunheads published by Penguin Random House, Copeland further uses her platform to highlight the importance of young girls of color, especially Black girls, seeing themselves represented in art, theater, and the media while providing true examples of diversity. The lead character in the book, Misty, has never taken a ballet class before. She is inspired to dance after hearing the ballet story Coppelia and overcomes fear and doubt to pursue her dreams. Whether it’s being an ambassador for MindLeaps, a not-for-profit organization that specializes in bringing dance instruction to vulnerable populations, or partnering with brands that support initiatives that benefit the disenfranchised Copeland is very deliberate about using her platform to lift others who need their experiences mag

COVID-19 Vaccine Trial Shows Promise for Elderly

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If the antibody responses seen in the study translate into protection against the infection, the results could mean the elderly -- the population that has been hardest hit by COVID -- could receive strong protection from the shot. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/3mWcMzc If the antibody responses seen in the study translate into protection against the infection, the results could mean the elderly -- the population that has been hardest hit by COVID -- could receive strong protection from the shot.

Closer Look: Trump, Biden Plans on Health Care

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President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden have greatly different plans for improving Americans' health care and for tackling the coronavirus pandemic. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/3cFTGZm President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden have greatly different plans for improving Americans' health care and for tackling the coronavirus pandemic.

End Ban on Cornea Donations from Gay Men: Study

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A corneal transplant can cure some forms of blindness and visual impairment. The United States bans men from donating if they have had gay sex in the past five years; Canada has a 12-month restriction. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/3iel4PA A corneal transplant can cure some forms of blindness and visual impairment. The United States bans men from donating if they have had gay sex in the past five years; Canada has a 12-month restriction.

Pandemic Has More Americans Turning to Alcohol

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Overall, there was a 14% jump in drinking frequency this past spring among U.S. adults over 30 when compared to last year at the same time, researchers found. Among women, drinking frequency went up 17%. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/3mZWsgV Overall, there was a 14% jump in drinking frequency this past spring among U.S. adults over 30 when compared to last year at the same time, researchers found. Among women, drinking frequency went up 17%.

13 Things Shelter Dogs Wish You Knew

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When you make the decision to adopt a shelter dog, it’s hard to contain your excitement. You’re anxious to visit the shelter, scoop up your new pup, and smother him with all the love and attention he deserves. That shelter dog also longs to be in a forever home with you, but it’s not always quite that simple. Embarking on this second chance may be more of a process for your new pet than you realize. Here’s what shelter dogs want you to know (with a little help from some canine experts). I might be super excited to see you Keep in mind that I may have been in a kennel for a long time, and anything that I see or experience is going to be new and excitin g! Hey, did I mention that I’m excited?! While some dogs may be timid when you visit the shelter, others may jump up on you or bark a lot. But don’t let a dog’s unbridled enthusiasm scare you off. Derek Panfil, Senior Vice President of Merchandising at Pet Supplies Plus, which also supports the efforts of its local stores with adoption