Is It True? Are Men Really Happier Than We Are?

 

(Microsoft ClipArt)

MEN ARE JUST HAPPIER PEOPLE Needs no explanation...and is fun to read no matter your gender.  Men Are Just Happier People --

   
 What do you expect from such simple creatures? Your last name stays put. The garage is all yours. Wedding plans take care of themselves. Chocolate is just another snack. You can never be pregnant. You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park. You can wear NO shirt to a water park.

  Car mechanics tell you the truth. The world is your urinal. You never have to drive to another gas station restroom because this one is just too icky. You don't have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt. Same work, more pay. Wrinkles add character. Wedding dress $5000. Tux rental-$100. People never stare at your chest when you're talking to them. New shoes don't cut, blister, or mangle your feet. One mood all the time. Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat. You know stuff about tanks.

   A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase. You can open all your own jars. You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness. If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can still be your friend. Your underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack. Two pairs of shoes are more than enough.. You almost never have strap problems in public You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes. Everything on your face stays its original color.. The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades. You only have to shave your face and neck. 

     You can play with toys all your life. One wallet and one pair of shoes -- one color for all seasons.You can wear shorts no matter how your legs look.. You can 'do' your nails with a pocket knife. You have freedom of choice concerning growing a moustache. You can do Christmas shopping for 25 relatives On December 24 in 25 minutes. No wonder men are happier.

   NICKNAMES   
· If Laura, Kate and Sarah go out for lunch, they will call each other Laura, Kate and Sarah.

· If Mike, Dave and John go out, they will affectionately refer to each other as Fat Boy, Bubba and Wildman.

EATING OUT   
· When the bill arrives, Mike, Dave and John will each throw in $20, even though it's only for $32.50. None of them will have anything smaller and none will actually admit they want change back.   
· When the girls get their bill, out come the pocket calculators.

MONEY
· A man will pay $2 for a $1 item he needs.   
· A woman will pay $1 for a $2 item that she doesn't need but it's on sale.

   BATHROOMS   

· A man has six items in his bathroom: toothbrush and toothpaste, shaving cream, razor, a bar of soap, and a towel.   
· The average number of items in the typical woman's bathroom is 337. A man would not be able to identify more than 20 of these items.

ARGUMENTS   
· A woman has the last word in any argument.   
· Anything a man says after that is the beginning of a new argument.

FUTURE
· A woman worries about the future until she gets a husband.
· A man never worries about the future until he gets a wife.

MARRIAGE   
· A woman marries a man expecting he will change, but he doesn't.
· A man marries a woman expecting that she won't change, but she does.

   DRESSING UP   

· A woman will dress up to go shopping, water the plants, empty the trash, answer the phone read a book, and get the mail.

· A man will dress up for weddings and funerals.   

NATURAL   
· Men wake up as good-looking as they went to bed.   
· Women somehow deteriorate during the night.    

   OFFSPRING   
· Ah, children. A woman knows all about her children. She knows about dentist appointments and romances, best friends, favorite  foods, secret fears and hopes and dreams.

· A man is vaguely aware of some short people living in the house.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
A married man should forget his mistakes. There's no use in two people remembering the same thing. 

 (Thanks to Tom Z, Bob A and Mary F for sending this post.) 

 

Holidays=Photos of Friends and Family. Make Sure Pictures of You Show You at Your Best!

This article comes from www.whowhatwear.com/the-worst-poses-to-strike-in-photos/

 

Warning!!  The photos are of professional models/actresses.  So we're not advocating that the fantastic outfits would look great on all of us or that we should go out and splurge on what we see.  But the tips ARE great!

 

 

"The Worst Poses to Strike in Photos (and How to Make Them Better)"
 October 12, 2015

 We’ve shown you several ways to look better in photos—squinching, anyone? But what should you avoid in order to look your absolute best and the most photogenic? Well, we tapped photographer Mike Coppola from Getty Images (which has a talented team of expert photo specialists led by VP of entertainment Roxanne Motamedi) photographer Mike Coppola—who constantly snaps celebrities and knows what works and what doesn’t—to spill on the worst poses you can strike in photos, along with what you should do instead

   by Bobby Schuessler .

Keep scrolling for your dos and don’ts to make your next snaps that much better.

“Do put one or both hands on your waist like Gigi to create negative space between your body and your arms. This also creates a beautiful line up to the face. You can choose to put one hand on your hip or both if you are taking a photo solo.”

1 / 5

Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images

On Hadid: Michael Kors jumpsuit; Atelier Swarovski by Ye Mingzi ring. 

 

“Do like Chrissy and have great posture. By rolling your shoulders back,
you will look more confident. This will also naturally elongate the neck.”

2 / 5

Photo: John Sciulli/Getty Images for go90

On Teigen: Hayley Paige suit.

 

 

3 / 5

“Do like Mindy and keep your feet close together to create a narrow base. You can achieve this look by crossing your feet or just putting them close together. This position elongates the body.”

4 / 5
                                

 

Photo: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic

On Kaling: Diane von Furstenberg dress; Vita Fede jewelry. 

 “Do like Kendall and nail a power pose with your weight on your back foot. If you are wearing a long dress with a slit, this pose works even better because your weightless front leg can peep out the slit,  creating a long, vertical line.  Make sure to add a slight bend to the front knee so the leg looks relaxed.”

5 / 5

Photo: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for NYFW: The Shows

On Jenner: Calvin Klein Chenille and Leather Sleeveless Keyhole Tunic ($2995); Stuart Weitzman Nudist Sandals ($415).

Want more ideas?  Here are two more articles from www.whowhatwear.com

         Is Squinching the Secret to Looking Photogenic? See the Photos

A Great Place in the USA to Visit if You Can Convince the Owners to Guide You to Fly Geyser.

AMAZING...by Justin Majeczky

 

In the early twentieth century, a farmer decided that he needed to improve the agriculture on his  ranch in Nevada. He figured that a well needed to be dug to bring water and nutrients to the soil  above. He lived in a barren desert and the water stored deep beneath the Earth’s crust would have  provided a more sustainable crop for this harsh and dry area. He knew that a well with ample water  was needed to supply bountiful crops. What he didn't know was what was waiting for him deep below the soil . He began to dig a deep well when problems soon arose. After digging deep into the Earth searching for water, he found what he was looking for. The problem was that the water  was incredibly hot. Over 200 degrees in fact, making it impossible to create a well at the time. He capped off his ventures and was forced to forget about supplying the area with a sustainable water source.       A team came to the area with better drilling technology in 1964, in order to create a successful well. Their plans didn’t go as expected as the water was still too hot for them to deal with. The  drilling operation was immediately suspended and abandoned. The team that came in 1964 didn’t  cap their drilling ventures properly and they created a small geyser. Under extreme pressure and at extreme temperatures, gasses, water, minerals, and nutrients flooded to the surface. This small geyser has grown at an incredible rate creating something that nobody expected. It is not a typical geyser at all. This type of geyser is actually called a fly geyser and it pumps the nutrient rich water above ground where these nutrients and minerals have collected, creating a colorful mountain that continues to grow to this day.       The fly geyser in Nevada started out as an attempt to create a well but the drillers got much more than they bargained for when they were faced with scolding hot water. After the operations were abandoned, a beautiful monument created by nature was formed and it has taken on a life of its own, continuously growing and changing. The mineral-rich water has created a mountain of colorful formations that have stunned the world.         The fly geyser in Nevada has created its own unique ecosystem in and around the water.       If you get close enough, you’re able to see small fish swimming in the hot spring waters and many birds flying around feeding on the organisms that have come to call this magical fantasy land, home.         The different nutrients, gasses, and minerals that are expelled from this fly geyser in Nevada react differently to the sun, as well as the oxygen in the air. This reaction creates some magnificent  colors that are constantly changing. The longer this geyser flows, the more beautiful it becomes.  Look out Yellowstone. It looks like you have some serious competition in Nevada.                    The fly geyser in Nevada is located on private land so you would need permission to see the rare sight. Many people have contacted the land owners with offers to purchase the land in order to transform this desert oasis into a tourist attraction. The land owners have no intent of letting that happen. This is their own private oasis and they are happy with keeping it that way. They have refused all offers and keep their property fenced in to prevent the hoards of people that flock to this area to see the geyser from ruining their land. Few people, family and friends, even a few photographers have been allowed access, but this is someone’s land. I can understand the owners not wanting too many strangers trampling the beautiful rural area.       The land owners will give you a guided tour if you can get a hold of them. The price varies on their mood and the time of year, so if you want to make plans to see this place you better be nice to the owner and his family.                Check out this amazing aerial video of the fly geyser in Nevada   Aerial View... Text, photos and video by Justin Majeczky.  See Majeczky's website at justinmajeczky@varient.com   (Thanks to Bob A for giving us a fantastic place to visit n the USA ...if we can convince the owners to guide us to the site.)

Summer's Over. Now What?

(Photo by Dick Bevevino)

OK, we've had our morning coffee.  It's time to face reality.  Summer is almost a memory, and if we've been lucky, we've been able to spend time with those we love best, both at home and on vacation.

So what now?  It's time to think about one of our favorite topics again:  VACATIONS !  Last summer we had some great advice on river cruises from Pam and Alan, Carol and Ray, and Ruthanne and Ted.  Now let's consider other ways to enjoy getaways, both close to home and abroad.

Our friend Terry has just returned from a trip to France, Italy, and Switzerland.  On a tour?  In a manner of speaking.  Terry and friends booked a guided walking tour with www.northwestwalks.co. Their hike covered 112 miles in 10 days.  But wait!  Before you scream, "Yikes, who can do that?" remember that the group hiked 12 miles a day with the following schedule:  Hike/break/hike/lunch/hike/break/hike/dinner with ice-cold beer.  Terry's advice?  Add squats and lunges to your exercise routine for 6 months before the trip. That strengthens your legs for those inclines.  Take your hiking sticks with you, too. A side benefit?  Using those hiking sticks makes the hike more doable and also burns more calories at the same time.   And best of all, enjoy the magnificent vistas all along the way.

Would you rather walk this winter or spring instead of in the summer months?  www.macsadventures.com offers walks in places like Southern Spain and Portugal as well as trips through the British Isles, their base of operations.  You can explore the site by putting in your level of ability (Whew!  There is an "easy" category.), the dates of interest, and other info that will aid in showing you their offerings.

Microsoft ClipArt

Many of us like to stay closer to home.  If you would, consider this.  Bob A. has just returned from a bike trip starting in  Burlington,Vermont and ending in Quebec City. Bob was on a Sojourn tour. And they offer a number of different bike tours to various locations within the USA. The Sojourn tours are in Canada and the USA are ranked:Bob's was an "intermediate tour" covering an average of 55 miles per day. Bob felt the tour guides were very knowledgable, both from a historical standpoint and also about cycling tips. Starting on Sunday, the riders experienced some "rather easy flat ride days along Lake Champlain on lightly traveled roads and some scenic area as well as lots of very green pastures and farm land.  Most breakfasts, a few lunches and several dinners were included in the trip fee. The tour ended in Quebec City, and on Thursday, we had a day off the bike and all of us participated in a Walking Tour of Quebec City with an interesting guide." On Thursday, Bob joined 4 others on he optional  long ride:  85-90 miles."  Since it was Bob's 16th tour, he was well able to finish, but he cautions that this option was "arduous."  There are loads of US bike tours for all levels of riders so there's no need to shy away because of the challenges of his trip.

Other tours?  Walking?  Camping?  Kayaking?  For families?  For couples?  For singles?  Many tour companies serving the USA offer these.  http://grandamericanadventures.com/tourtypes There are even tours for those of us who prefer to amble along at a slower pace.  Now, that sounds great to me!

(Our thanks to Terry and Bob A for sharing their amazing adventures.)



You Think You've Had a Bad Day? Think Again!

Your day hasn't been as bad as this...AND your hair definitely looks better!

(The Chicken Chick)

Living Our Lives Well and Brightening Every Day

                    6 Little stories 

(Microsoft ClipArt)

 

1. Once all the villagers decided to pray for rain.  On the day of the prayer all the people gathered, but only one boy came with an umbrella. That's faith. 

 

2.  When you throw a baby in the air, she laughs because she knows you will catch her. That's trust. 

 

3.  Every night we go to bed, without any assurance of being alive the next morning but still we set the alarms to wake up. That's hope. 

 

4.  We plan big things for tomorrow in spite of zero knowledge of the future. That's confidence. 

 

5.  We see the world suffering, but still we get married and have children. That's love. 

 

6.  On an old man's shirt was written a sentence, "I am not 60 years old...I am sweet 16 with 44 years of experience." That's attitude. 

 

Have a happy day and live your life like these 6 stories!

 

(Thanks to Cheryl who forwarded these six stories from her cousin, Jane.)

On the Road...With Caution

(Microsoft ClipArt)

Sometimes we need to post information on the recent ploys by criminals to stop us on the highway.  Sadly, we all need to be even more aware now.  Careless drivers, inattentive drivers, and impaired travelers are already on our radar, but the three situations below definitely deserve our attention, no matter where we drive.  This applies to drivers in all 50 states and is taken from a message by the Office of Attorney General:  State of Michigan.

Ploy I:  A child's car seat covered with a baby blanket is placed on the side of the highway-usually in a secluded area of the highway.  Thieves hope you will stop.  If you do, the consequences could range from robbery to physical assault to death.  Instead of stopping, call 911 and tell the operator about the car seat.  Do not stop and do not even slow down.  The police will send someone to investigate.

Ploy II:  Thieves will throw eggs at the windshield of a car, hoping the motorist will activate the wiper solution.  That coats the windshield with a smear that can keep you from seeing virtually 100% of what's ahead.   They wait for you to pull over so that you can clear the window.  If it happens to you, don't try to use the wipers/wiper fluid.  Drive carefully, but do not stop.

Ploy III:  Many of us are already aware that thieves are using the unmarked car/flashing lights ploy to make drivers think they are being asked to pull over by a policeman.  The rule is to never pull over for an unmarked car with lights flashing.  Instead, the traveler should keep driving until he or she is able to pull in to a gas station or similar safe place.  But many of us aren't aware that we should use our cell phones to call 112. This number reaches a police dispatcher.  Tell the police dispatcher about the unmarked car with lights flashing and explain that you will not pull over until you find a safe place to do so.  This emergency operator will check to find out if a valid unmarked police car is in the area.  Most of us are unaware that police must respect the motorist's right to continue driving until a safe place like a gas station appears.  The number 112 is a "direct link to state trooper information" and applies to every state.

(Thanks to Joan & Len H for sending this valuable  and potentially life-saving information.)

So Many Ways to Have Fun!

So many ways to have fun.  Here are just a few...

(qwest27,boredpanda.com)

(Thanks, as always, to Bob A for sending these to us.)

 

(imgur, boredpanda.com)

 

Want to see more?  Click on http://www.boredpanda.com/elderly-couples-having-fun/

(Julija K, boredpanda www.reddit.com)

 

Want More Energy, Fewer Hunger Pangs, Better Skin AND a Cholesterol Buster? Three Friends Recommend This Approach.

(MicrosoftClipArt)

Sherry, Trish, and Jerra are taking a natural approach to increasing energy, combating weight, looking healthier, and lowering their bad cholesterol numbers. They retrieved the recipe for this morning detox drink from the website, http://thecrunchymoose.com/my-morning-detox-drink. 
As with any approach to our health, a consultation with our family doc is the first step so that we aren't counteracting some meds that might be on our 'have to take' list.

But one of our friends' sister has been using this detox for 2 years and swears by it.  All three friends are reporting good results. As Sherry says, "From about 2 months' experience, I know it has reduced my appetite and made 'digestive issues' almost unknown.  overall, I have felt better, perhaps a placebo effect, but good nonetheless.  I drink it first thing in the morning-before breakfast and usually my most healthful meal of the day-and follow almost immediately with a banana to cleanse my palate"(email correspondence, April 14, 2015).

As described in the website listed above, the detox is 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar, juice of one lemon, 1 tsp. cayenne pepper, 1 or 2 tbsp. honey, and 1/4 cup of water(more or less to suit your taste).

The author of the CrunchyMoose website lists the benefits of each ingredient in the vinegar/ lemon detox drink:  We list some quoted benefits below, and a review of the website address will fill us in on more detail.

Apple Cider Vinegar (acv) has lots of minerals, vitamins, and enzymes.. ACV is great for digestion. If you suffer from indigestion, don’t get commercial antacids. Drink acv daily instead. Here are some benefits of acv:
 Balances pH levels
Lowers cholesterol.It’s pretty magical stuff
Cleanses your system leaving your skin glowing and clear
Gives you more energy.
Reduces bloating and water weight
Suppresses appetite (because it balances your pH levels and thus your glucose and insulin levels making you feel satisfied longer).
Can help with muscle aches and pains
Lemon Juice: Another acid and works very similar to acv. You can drink either one or mix both together. I mix them both together.
Cayenne Pepper: Lots of good stuff in this little spice.
Improves digestion
Reduces bloating
Increases blood circulation.
Breaks up mucus and toxins in blocked and clogged arteries, making it great for heart health
Honey: It is ideal that you use raw LOCAL honey. It will help tremendously with seasonal allergies. Since you are ingesting what you are reacting to from allergies, you are building an immunity. Raw honey has probiotics which are great for digestion.

He explains, "I do not use all of those every morning. I typically do lemon and/or apple cider vinegar with cayenne pepper."

(Our thanks to Sherry, Trish and Jerra for introducing us to this all-natural healthy alternative.  Once we've run this by our family physician, it could be a real find for many of us.  And of course, thanks to The Crunchy Moose website for providing such detailed info on the detox drink.) 

Strengthen Your Game

(mywomensgolfclubs.BlogSpot.com)

According to Dana Santas in "Swing Like Spieth: 3 Yoga Moves to

(dailyclipart.net)

improve Your Golf Game," current thinking about improving your golf game, emphasizes "the functional movement required to execute the perfect swing, which is why yoga is increasingly appealing to golfers."

Santas is the yoga trainer for numerous pros in golf, baseball, basketball, football, and hockey. He describes Spieth's movement in the Masters as exhibiting "optimal movement in two key areas that enhance swing power and fluid control while decreasing the risk of back and knee injuries: mid-back mobility and internal hip rotation...while maintaining a stable low back and integrated core strength as the foundation for expressing his swing mobility."

 

Want the mobility to swing like Spieth and avoid the back and knee issues that commonly plague golfers? Santas recommends " Three yoga-based moves I use with my PGA clients to address the key areas of the swing."  He points out that the moves will not only help your swing but will also help to alleviate or sidestep altogether problems with knees and back.

• Half child's pose with internal hip rotation   Trains internal hip rotation; stabilizes and lengthens lower back muscles; stretches upper back and shoulders; encourages ankle mobility.
• Sphinx  Promotes proper mid-back extension; strengthens shoulder girdle, opens front of shoulders and chest; lengthens low back.
• Twisting Chair  Promotes thoracic spine rotation and shoulder girdle function; stabilizes low back; activates glutes (primary muscles of the buttocks); encourages ankle mobility, strengthens adductors (groins), core and legs (Santas, April 23, 2015)

Interested?  The moves are explained with detailed instructions and pictures in

 http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/23/health/yoga-for-golf/

 

So You Think You Are Up on All the Golf Info? Maybe Not.

(Bing ClipArt)

Many very famous people have compared golf to the state of the world, to government officials, to God,  to profanity, to business rivals , and to a host of other life experiences.  "The Gospel According to St. Titleist"  will clue you in to all of these and more.  Enjoy and share with your golfing friends!
 

1. Eighteen holes of match play will teach you more about your foe than 18 years of dealing with him across a desk.
~Grantland Rice~

2. Golf appeals to the idiot in us and the child. Just how childlike golf players become is proven by their frequent inability to count past five.
~John Updike~

3. It is almost impossible to remember how tragic a place the world is when one is playing golf.
~Robert Lynd~

4. If profanity had any influence on the flight of the ball, the game of golf would be played far better than it is.
~Horace G. Hutchinson~

5. They say golf is like life, but don't believe them. Golf is more complicated than that.
~Gardner Dickinson~

6. If a lot of people gripped a knife and fork as poorly as they do a golf club, they'd starve to death.
~Sam Snead~

7. Golf is a day spent in a round of strenuous idleness.
~William Wordsworth~

8. If you drink, don't drive. Don't even putt.
~Dean Martin~

9. If you are going to throw a club, it is important to throw it ahead of you, down the fairway, so you don't have to waste energy going back to pick it up.
~Tommy Bolt~

10. Man blames fate for all other accidents, but feels personally responsible when he makes a hole-in-one.
~Bishop Sheen~

11. I don't say my golf game is bad, but if I grew tomatoes, they'd come up sliced.
~ Arnold Palmer~

12. My handicap? Woods and Irons.
~Chris Codiroli~

13. The ardent golfer would play Mount Everest if somebody would put a flag stick on top.
~Pete Dye~

14. I'm hitting the woods just great, but having a terrible time getting out of them!
~Buddy Hackett~

15. The only time my prayers are never answered is playing golf.
~Billy Graham~

16. If you think it's hard to meet new people, try picking up the wrong golf ball.
~Jack Lemmon~

17. Its good sportsmanship to not pick up lost golf balls while they are still rolling.
~Mark Twain~

18. Don't play too much golf. Two rounds a day are plenty.
~Harry Vardon~

19. Golf and sex are the only things you can enjoy without being good at either of them.
~Raymond Willis~

20. May the ball lie in green pastures, and not in still waters or small round sandy region.
~Ben Hogan~

21. If I hit it right, it's a slice. If I hit it left, it's a hook. If I hit it straight, it's a miracle.
~All Us Hackers~

22 The difference in golf and government is that in golf you can't improve your lie.
~George Deukmejian~

AND FINALLY................

23. Remember Golf is a game invented by the same people who think music comes out of a bagpipe.
~Lee Trevino~ 
    

(Thanks to Larry M, Dick's friend, for sending this one.)

 

For All of the Strong Women Around Us...

(Microsoft ClipsOnline)

When we think of strong women, Eleanor Roosevelt's name pops into the minds of many of us.  She said many things that we can remember and enjoy. 

She said, "A woman is like a teabag-you can't tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water."

And "I once had a rose named after me and I was very flattered.  But I was not pleased to read the description in the catalogue:  no good in a bed, but fine up against a wall."

All of us have had a moment of doubt about our abilities. Roosevelt commented, "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."

And for all  of the grandmothers, mothers, aunts, godmothers, and friends of young families everywhere:
 
"I think, at a child's birth, if a mother could ask a fairy godmother to endow it with the most useful gift, that gift should be curiosity

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/e/eleanor_roosevelt.html#cVvOjKz45WrqzVxw.99

(Thanks to Jerra and Joan D. for reminding us that there are strong women all around us and that our history is fortunate to count Eleanor Roosevelt among them.)

A Good Way to Know When to Say When!

 

How do you know when it is time to "hang up the car keys"? 

 I say when your dog has this look on his face! 

 A picture is worth a thousand words!

 

(Photographer Unknown)

 

(Thanks to Bob A for forwarding this to us. The photographer was not identified. If anyone knows who he or she is, please let us know so that we can give credit.)

 

 

Young People In Your Circle of Loved Ones? Be Aware of These Apps.

(ClipsOnLine)

We are always alert to dangers in the lives of the young people that we love.

 Now, so many of them have cells, ipads, kindles, nooks, other tablets  and computer internet access.  And apps are readily available to anyone using this technology.
 
There are seven apps that you should be aware of and be concerned if you see them on your young person's technology device.  Five are reviewed by Kim Komando, America's Digital Goddess. And two additional apps are reviewed by Stacia Naquin in "3 Apps Parents Should Find Out if Their Kids Are Using"(Arizona Republic, March 18, 2015)

Basically, Komando lists 5 apps that could be dangerous for our young loved ones.

1.)  Snapchat:  This app allows users to send and receive photos that disappear in 3 seconds.  So the photos-no matter how risqué-seem safe because they disappear so quickly.  But they aren't safe because another person can take a screenshot of the photo and save it in the 3 seconds before it's deleted. So a young person who posts a photo that he/she thinks will be private and destroyed quickly may find that photo posted somewhere else by someone who has taken that screenshot and saved it.

2.)  Tinder:  No young person should be on this app.  It is a location-based dating app.  The user could come across predators, scammers, or other undesirable people.

3.)  Vine:  This app is dangerous because of peer pressure.  Komando says that the best way to be accepted here is to do something really outlandish.  Komando points to a popular post in August that encouraged users to set themselves on fire.

Komando's advice?  "Keep track of kids' social media profiles. You'll know if they're running with the wrong  Twitter or Vine crowd if you keep track of their presence on the website."

4.)  Whisper:  This is an app that is designed to promote the spreading of  rumors and secrets.  It allows postings to be anonymous, and it can be shared with everyone who is geographically close to the posting person.

Komando notes that apps with GPS tracking to bring users together can facilitate cyberbullying.  She comments that "Cyberbullying from someone next door" can be especially hurtful to the victim.

5.)   9Gag:  All types of photos and pictures can be posted  without any moderating for appropriate content.  The content could come from users that you don't want your young people to be connected to, and the content itself could be objectionable, content that you don't want your loved one to see.

Komando notes that cyberbullying occurs on 9Gag and that most "swatting" occurs on 9Gag. Swatting can mean to strike a sharp blow.  But  in internet terms, swatting can be a prank in which the user calls 911, trying to trick an armed response on someone's house.

Naquin also lists Whisper plus two more:  Yikyak and Kik.

Yikyak  functions as "a local bulletin board" for people in a geographic local.  The danger?  Naquin says "It has led to cyberbullying and teacher bashing in schools."  How bad is it?  " It has been banned by numerous colleges and has been removed from Google app store listings."

Note:  Many are offered free through other well-known app stores which could also be a problem for parents since children might be able to download them with no charge.

Finally, Kik allows information to be shared with usernames only.  So it seems safe because of anonymity.  Because of complaints about "harassment and inappropriate content, the Kik company has installed tools "to prevent child exploitation. 

It is heartening that app developers may be taking steps to prevent the dangers listed above,  but parents, grandparents, relatives and other concerned adults really need to check out the apps that their young people have been using.

(All content is taken from Komando's article, "5 Dangerous Apps You Don't Know Your Kids Are Using" in Kimkomando.com and the Naquin article cited above. )