Mix 107.5 "The High Plains Best Mix"

ROONEY AND MOON'S HOT TOPICS:
-Four in five adults believe access to the Internet is a fundamental right.

-Based on analysis of the diets and health of more than 5,000 young adults from 1985 to 2006, researchers (in the U.S.) estimate that an 18 percent tax on pizza and soda can push down adults' calorie intake enough to lower their average weight by 5 pounds per year. The researchers, writing in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine on Monday, suggested taxing could be used as a weapon in the fight against obesity, which costs the United States an estimated $147 billion a year in health costs.
... California and Philadelphia have introduced legislation to tax soft drinks to try to limit consumption.

-A new Stanford University survey confirms what many iPhone users may have long suspected: Apple's smartphone can be addicting. The survey was administered to 200 students with iPhones, 70 percent of whom had owned their iPhones for less than a year. The most interesting trend was how quickly the iPhone became an indispensable part of the students' lifestyles, and how many of them openly acknowledged they would be lost without it. Nearly 85 percent of the iPhone owners used the phone as their watch, and 89 percent used it as their alarm clock. In fact, 75 percent admitted to falling asleep with the iPhone in bed with them, and 69 percent said they were more likely to forget their wallet than their iPhone when leaving in the morning.

-For U.S. troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, they're coming home to a depressed job market and double-digit unemployment. That's why a little Washington state-based software company called Microsoft is ponying up $2 million in cash and $6 million in software to help these new civilians find jobs. The Elevate America's Veterans Initiative will spread the cash around to veterans service organizations, workforce agencies and community colleges. The Initiative also will provide training and help with job placement, child care and housing. The initiative is intended to support active duty service members who are transitioning out of the military as well as members of the National Guard and Reserves who are returning to their civilian jobs.

TAX ON SODA AND PIZZA _ Based on analysis of the diets and health of more than 5,000 young adults from 1985 to 2006, researchers (in the U.S.) estimate that an 18 percent tax on pizza and soda can push down adults' calorie intake enough to lower their average weight by 5 pounds per year. The researchers, writing in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine on Monday, suggested taxing could be used as a weapon in the fight against obesity, which costs the United States an estimated $147 billion a year in health costs.

... California and Philadelphia have introduced legislation to tax soft drinks to try to limit consumption.

TWO-FINGERED PUSH-UPS _ A guy from Egypt has set a new world record for two-fingered push-ups. Mohammed Ali Zinhom did 46 push-ups in 49 seconds on just two fingers in front of the pyramids near Cairo.

NUDE COASTER RIDE _ A British man who raised money for charity by taking a roller coaster ride in the nude said it was his 298th thrill ride in the buff. Richard Jones (of Churchdown), a lifelong roller coaster fan, said his recent nude ride on the Nemesis coaster at England's Alton Towers marked the 298th time he has taken off his clothes and gone for a roller coaster ride for charity. Jones said his rides have included coasters across Europe and North America, including his favorite, the Top Thrill Dragster at Ohio's Cedar Point amusement park. Jones said, "Ever since I was 4 I have been hooked on roller coasters. It's an escape from time because it takes you somewhere you don't normally go. Doing it naked is a lot more difficult because it does get very cold."

SURPRISING EFFECTS OF THE CHILE EARTHQUAKE
Some less-discussed and rather odd consequences of the 8.8 magnitude temblor:

1. Our days on planet Earth will be shorter
The magnitude of the quake was so great it actually tilted the planetary axis — as a result, the world will spin infinitesimally faster and our days will be shorter by 1.26 millionths of a second. "It's interesting," says seismologist David Kerridge in the Wall Street Journal, even if "it has no particular consequence on anything."

2. Volcanoes may become rather common
Chile's earthquake is likely to prompt a "legacy of volcanic explosions," says Kate Ravilious in the New Scientist. Large quakes have historically acted to "resurrect previously inactive volcanoes" and make "active ones" more likely to erupt.

3. Chilean wine just got more rare
Reports from Chile's wine region paint a disastrous picture of "wine casks destroyed; huge vats cracked, their wine spilling out; ruined equipment." One vintner laments that the quake is "a double whammy" — it hit right at harvest time, meaning much of this season's crop will likely rot in the fields.

4. Printer paper may get pricier
Chile is one of the world's largest wood pulp producers and most mills in the country "have been shuttered owing to damage and power outages." Consequently, global paper prices could leap to $40 a ton — a roughly 5 percent bounce — according to analysts' estimates.

5. Virginians may sense a certain dryness
Water levels in a monitoring well in Christiansburg, Va., dropped two feet as a result of Saturday's quake, reports the Baltimore Sun. The only explanation: The site is "well known" for its sensitivity to "seismic waves."

THERE IS NO CONFLICT
(PicktheBrain) We all hate conflict, but sometimes it's impossible to avoid. So, how do you deal with it? Here are seven helpful ways:

-Stay calm -- It's not always easy to stay calm when you're having a disagreement with someone, but if you can remain calm. . . the other person should calm down a lot faster.

-Let them do the talking -- Just chill out and let them spill out whatever it is they have to say. They'll get tired of talking eventually. Sometimes all they're looking for is someone to listen to them.

-Consider what they're saying -- Even if what they're saying is completely ridiculous, put yourself in their shoes. Never say, "You're wrong".

-Let them know you hear them -- Tell them that you understand what they're saying to you. It's possible that all they want is to be validated.

-Don't let them verbally abuse you -- If the conversation comes to this... put an immediate STOP to it. Tell them they're getting into a shady area... and you'll talk to them when they calm down.

-Take responsibility if you're wrong -- If you know you're wrong... let them know that you made some mistakes... and you'll do whatever it takes to fix it.

-Visualize them in a good setting -- This might seem a little weird, but if you deal with them on a daily basis... start visualizing them in a nicer setting... like playing at the park with their kids. It'll be easier to handle them.

COWBOY ETHICS IN WYOMING
The principles of "cowboy ethics" are now part of Wyoming law. Wyoming's governor (Dave Freudenthal) signed legislation last week adopting an official Wyoming state code. The symbolic measure spells out 10 ethics derived from a "Code of the West" outlined in a book by author and retired Wall Street investor James Owen. The ethics code carries no criminal penalties and is not meant to replace any civil codes.

They are:

   1. Live courageously
   2. Take pride in your work
   3. Finish what you start
   4. Do what's necessary
   5. Be tough but fair
   6. Keep promises
   7. Ride for the brand
   8. Talk less and say more
   9. Remember that some things aren't for sale
10. Know where to draw the line

LARGEST TWISTER BOARD _ Between 350 and 400 students from the University College Dublin took part in a game of Twister, which was played on a mat covering a ground area of 4,700 square feet -- setting the new world record for the Largest Twister Board.

USING A CELLPHONE WITHOUT SPEAKING _ One of the problems with cellphones is that they force personal conversations out into the world. Arguing with your spouse? Speaking your PIN and Social Security number to a customer service rep? Having an intimate chat on a cross-country bus trip? Cellphones make all those private details available to anyone who's listening. But a German institute (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology) has invented a soundless phone that lets you hold a conversation in complete silence. The system works using sensors that attach to the face. The sensors measure the movement of facial muscles related to speech, and converts the movements into sound on the other end of the line. Potentially, by recalibrating the sensors to correct for injuries or defects, this technology could allow the speech-impaired to speak again.

TODAY IS MOTHER IN LAW DAY
Here are just a few tips from experts on how to deal with your in-laws:

Treat your spouse well. Nothing pleases parents more than knowing that their son or daughter is being well-loved and pampered.
Present a united front. Never squabble with your spouse in front of his or her parents. If you think hot issues may come up, discuss how you will deal with them ahead of time. If they erupt, stifle yourselves until you can duke it out in private.
Recognize the fact if you were raised in a different family structure. Realize that a proper New Englander may have difficulty being comfortable in an outgoing Hispanic family. Remember, his or her mom believes her baby is perfect.
Ask mom-in-law to teach you how to cook a certain meal that he comments on while visiting her house -- even if it's stewed possum. And if her cooking is terrible, forget about honesty being the best policy.
Pray for your mother-in-law. Do this for two weeks until you are feeling better about her. And remember, you're married to her child, not her.
Frequently ask their advice, even if you don't plan to take it. They'll be glad to feel they still have influence on their child's life -- even if they don't.
Discover what their likes and hobbies are. Even if it's hunting and you're an animal rights activist, show interest and don't start an argument.
Don't clog the toilet. If you stop up their toilet by accident, clean it yourself. Overflowing sewage doesn't impress anyone and they'll be pleased with your effort.

TIGERTEXT _ Tiger Woods, if you're hearing this, remember that you've been through what mothers call a "valuable learning experience" and you're probably a "better man for it" and so on. Having said that, an iPhone app that launched on February 25 could totally have saved your hide. Called, coincidentally enough, TigerText, it allows users to set a time limit for a sent text to hang around after it has been read. When that life span has been exceeded, the message will disappear, say the developers, from the recipient's phone, the sender's phone and any servers. The message cannot be forwarded anywhere, stored anywhere or sold to any tabloid for an undisclosed sum.

RAT OUT A TAX CHEAT: GET A REWARD _ If you knew coworkers, former bosses or exes who cheated on their taxes, would you turn them in? The Internal Revenue Service can make it worth your while. As tax season nears, we all want to get as much money back from the IRS as possible. And while taking advantage of this year's new tax breaks will put some extra money in your pocket, snitching on a tax cheat could make you rich. In a recent poll from the IRS Oversight Board, 13% of those surveyed think cheating is acceptable, up from 9% in 2008. As the recession puts the squeeze on household finances, the lure of fudging on a tax return is even greater.

"In a down economy, the temptation to cheat on taxes is much stronger because people are in more desperate situations more often," said Bill Raabe, a tax expert at Ohio State University's business school.
More people may be just as desperate to turn in a business, rat out an ex–spouse or report a colleague to collect a reward.

Small–time crooks: The IRS's informant program has been around for more than 140 years. If you suspect a person is committing tax fraud and report it, you could receive up to 15% of the amount that has been underpaid, with a maximum award of $10 million.

Informants are required to complete a claim, which is available on the IRS Web site, and mail it to the agency or call the IRS tip line at 1–800–829–0433. While you must reveal your identity to the IRS, your name will not be made public. Because there is no minimum requirement for the amount in question, anyone can file a report in hopes of making an extra buck off of a cheating boyfriend or obnoxious neighbor.
>>>Here's the full story with all the details...

WHAT TO BUY IN MARCH
Lifehacker.com says these are the things we should be buying in March.

-Winter coats & sporting goods: The season to sell people warm coats, gloves, scarves, and other gear is right near the end, and to make room for the spring stock, stores are selling it all off at a discount. The same goes for snowboards, ski gear, and other winter activity accessories.

-Luggage: It's an odd season, halfway between the periods when most cold-weather residents do most of their warm-weather traveling. Luggage makers are getting ready to roll out new wares, and stores are looking to drop the stock they've got.

-Frozen food: Yeah, it's one of those goofy "months" that seem like they don't need a month. But during National Frozen Food Month, your own nearby grocers might be offering discounts and coupons on stuff that can hold for a long time.

-Boats: According to MSN Money/Bankrate.com, March is the tail end of the winter boat show season, so there's a good chance you'll catch a dealer looking to both make a splash with a reasonable price, and see both last year's and this year's models.

... What to buy throughout winter (January, February, March)

-Gas grills & air conditioners: They're a bit cheaper now because it's obviously an off-season time to buy them. The selection might be a bit limited, but, really, there won't be major, life-changing events in the fields of freon-based cooling or flame-based cooking between now and late May.

-Homes: It's actually a mixed bag for those looking to buy a home right now. If you and the seller can sign a "binding sales contract" before April 30, the $8,000 federal housing tax credit can land in your lap. And those looking to sell their homes in winter can be both those with serious intent to move (read: "motivated sellers") and, under the right circumstances, negotiated with for a lower, off-peak price. Then again, the selection and appearance of homes this time of year isn't usually ideal, so you'll have to be willing to dig around and look past the superficial to find a true bargain.

THE MOST ANNOYING SONGS...EVER
A website for guys (Gunaxin.com) has compiled a list of the most annoying songs ever. Here they are, in alphabetical order.
* Achy Breaky Heart - Billy Ray Cyrus
* Barbie Girl - Aqua
* Because I Got High - Afroman
* Cotton-Eyed Joe - Rednex
* Don't Worry, Be Happy - Bobby McFerrin
* I'm Too Sexy - Right Said Fred
* It's A Sunshine Day - The Brady Bunch
* Macarena - Los Del Rio
* Mambo No. 5 - Lou Bega
* Mickey - Toni Basil
* Mmm Bop - Hanson
* Mr. Roboto - Styx
* My Heart Will Go On - Celine Dion
* My Humps - Black Eyed Peas
* Photograph - Nickelback
* Surfin Bird - The Trashmen
* The Lion Sleeps Tonight - The Tokens
* Tom's Diner - Suzanne Vega
* Tubthumping - Chumbawamba
* Who Let The Dogs Out - Baha Men

PARENTAL WARNING: TROUBLE ON THE INTERNET
Parents: On Thursday morning's Showgram, Rooney and Moon talked about this website. It is making the rounds and buzzing big time with tweens and teens and you need to know about it. It's not safe for your children. The site is chatroulette.com. It's free, it's easy, and it's gaining in popularity. Here is the story from Good Morning America:

If you would like to block this site in your home, here is an article we found online about blacklisting sites in your router. Good luck.

HEALTHY FOODS THAT'LL MAKE YOU FAT
Sushi Rolls _ The veggies and seaweed wrap are low-cal, but a lot of the most popular rolls are slathered with cream cheese or mayo (in that spicy sauce that comes on many options). And if the seafood inside is tempura-battered, it ain't good for you.

Dried Fruit _ Cup for cup, dried fruit has five to eight times more calories than the fresh kind because it has been dehydrated and is much denser.

Granola _ Since it's loaded with good-for-you nuts and oats, it's too bad that they add oil to make it crisp and tons of sugar for more yumminess.

Bran Muffins _ Whether it's plain bran or mixed with apples or bananas, the fiber fills you up, sure, but considering all the sugar and butter it delivers, a bran muffin is basically just a round slice of cake.

Half-and-Half _ You put so little into your coffee, it seems like a harmless way to get calcium — especially when compared to full-fat cream. But a few spoonfuls per cup of joe two or three times a day quickly turns into 200 or more calories plus the same amount of fat as a big pat of butter.

Wraps _ The average wrap is a major offender. If you roll it out, it can be 1 foot across — seriously — and pack up to 300 calories. Since the surface area is way bigger than two slices of bread, you coat it with a lot more mayo or dressing than you would a sub or sandwich.

Bottled Teas _ Most store-bought brands are souped up with sugar or honey, which are crazy-caloric sweeteners. And one bottle can contain two or more servings, bringing the calorie count similar to that of a bottle of soda.

Rice Cakes _ These light snacks are fat-free and low in calories, but they're also completely lacking in fiber or protein — ingredients that experts say actually curb hunger. That means downing two or three won't do anything but add more calories to your daily total and leave you craving something with substance.

Veggie Burgers _ Skipping beef in lieu of a meat-free patty may save you a little fat and cholesterol. But depending on the brand and what you put on it, you could easily end up housing more than 1,000 calories. The cheese that often binds the veggies together and the huge size of the burgers are anything but diet-friendly. Add a bun and some ketchup and you might as well have had the quarter-pounder.

Juice _ A 16-ounce bottle of OJ or apple juice has a whopping 12 spoonfuls of sugar.

Tofu _ Order this health food at a restaurant and what you'll most likely get is a plateful of sodium, calories, saturated fat, and even sugar. Tofu itself isn't the issue — the problem is that the white stuff is so bland, it's often served doused in decadent sauces then deep-fried to give it flavor and texture, making it a diet disaster.

WHAT TO DRINK BEFORE AND AFTER A WORKOUT
What you put into your body directly effects what you get out of it. So, if you’re cracking a beer before you grind out an 8-miler, you’re doing yourself a disservice. You should wait and crack that beer when you get back (seriously).

BEFORE
• Caffeine -- A study at Vanderbilt concluded the following: Caffeine’s use ... has been proven to increase physical endurance but has many side effects and precautions. However, caffeine’s use for short-term endurance appears to have no affect on the athlete.

• Water -- If you’re dehydrated, depending on how dehydrated you are, it could take as long as 24 hours to build yourself back to a rehydrated state. Further, on a shorter-term scale, you don’t want to chug a bottle of water 5 minutes before you go running. Water is absorbed by your stomach and small intestine at 5ml per minute and 500ml per hour respectively, so you should be able to fully absorb most of a bottle of water if you chug it one hour before you plan to work out.

• Not sugar -- Whatever you drink, make sure it’s not loaded with sugar. As extreme as some sodas claim to be, they offer only a short burst of energy which burns out and can cause you to "bonk." This happens when your body’s energy stores (glycogen) are burned up and your metabolism isn't able to keep up and produce more. This leaves you with no energy, and a fairly wobbly set of legs to limp home on.

• Half-strength sports drinks -- Sports drinks, like Gatorade, are too concentrated as they are sold to be effectively and efficiently absorbed by your body. The reason it’s effective at all, though, is because it replaces electrolytes that you sweat out during exercise. Just replacing water does not replace those ions (like sodium). And when you have those ions in your body, it is easier for it to retain water. However, to be most effective, dilute your sports drink by one half before drinking it to hydrate (that goes for after your workout as well)

AFTER
• Chocolate Milk -- Milk has water and electrolyte like sports drinks, but also includes protein which is key for helping you to recover after a strenuous workout.

• Protein shake -- A protein shake is potentially a better choice than milk if you’re more concerned with getting the correct number of milligrams of l-carnitine than you are quaffing some chocolaty goodness. However, it’s best if you go old school with protein shakes, too, and make your own using whole foods as opposed to buying prepackaged muscle-milk-type drinks.

• Beer -- Researchers at Granada University in Spain found out something pretty cool a few years ago. When it comes to recovering and rehydrating after a workout, beer is a little better than water.

USELESS TRIVIA
TRIVIA: Roughly 24 people are killed by what animal each year? (Cattle)

TRIVIA: According to a Yale University study, the food scent most recognizable to American adults is coffee. What scent is second? (Peanut butter)