Tag Archives: Entertainment

Top 5 NY Times self-development books for 2023

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KSN/KODE— It’s one of the most popular lists to date—The New York Times Best-Sellers list. It’s a weekly report ranking the most books sold the previous week. Thousands of locations and vendors report book sales to the New York Times.

A new year often brings with it a time of reflection and a sense of new beginnings. There’s something to be said about pursuing self-development literature as the new year begins. The first list published for 2023 reflects the sales for the week ending December 24, 2022.

The Top 5 are:

5. “Atlas of the Heart” by Brené Brown

This book has been on the list for 46 consecutive weeks.

In the book, Brown writes, “If we want to find the way back to ourselves and one another, we need language and the grounded confidence to both tell our stories and be stewards of the stories that we hear. This is the framework for meaningful connection.” She unpacks the complexities of 87 different emotions and behaviors that are triggered by human experiences to empower the reader to understand their feelings and express them for deep meaningful connections with others.

Brown is a research professor at the University of Houston and has spent decades studying complex emotions and human experiences.

4. “The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*CK” by Mark Manson

This book has been on the New York Times Best-Sellers list for 278 weeks—a little over 5 years in a row. The author, Mark Manson, runs a large personal growth website and is a seasoned blogger.

Manson explores toxic positivity, being honest with oneself, and confronting painful truths—like flaws, loss, unfairness, and being at fault. Readers can learn how to accept those uncomfortable truths, choose what is worth caring about, and let go of what isn’t. He has a blunt tell-it-like-it-is approach to living a contented and meaningful life, as the title implies.

3. “Never Finished” by David Goggins

Goggins is a retired Navy Seal and renowned world athlete that has endured many tribulations. He uses his experiences to provide practical tips to empower others to conquer their minds and limitations by looking deeply at themselves. Readers can expect to learn how to challenge themselves and be vulnerable.

This book has been on the Best-Sellers list for three weeks.

2. “Faith Still Moves Mountains” by Harris Faulkner

This book has been on the list for 6 weeks. It focuses on stories and lessons of Christian faith and hope.

Harris’ storytelling shows readers that prayer is more than a habit, but is an intentional act of hope in times of disaster and darkness. Readers can glean wisdom from the experiences and lessons within the collection of stories.

Harris is an award-winning journalist and FOX News anchor.

1. “Atomic Habits” by James Clear

This book has been on the Times list for 161 weeks—which is equal to a little over three years. James Clear is an expert on habit formation and regularly speaks at Fortune 500 companies. He uses his strategies to help readers reshape their thoughts about progress and success.

Readers can expect to learn how to break bad habits and form good ones with small behaviors that lead to large results of change.

Why your New Year's resolution has already failed

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KSNF/KODE — “New year, new me” is a mindset many take on as the renewal of the calendar year comes. To leave the past behind and start anew is enough motivation for people to envision the future they want, plan some goals, and establish new habits to get there.

Statista says these are the most common New Year’s resolutions for 2023:

  • To exercise more
  • To eat healthier
  • To lose weight
  • To save more money
  • To spend more time with family/friends
  • To spend less time on social media
  • To reduce stress on the job
  • To reduce spending on living expenses

However, studies also show that only 9% of people that set resolutions will feel they were successful in keeping them. In fact, Strava, a social media network for athletes, conducted a study that analyzed data from users’ uploaded exercise activities and found that users are likely to ditch their goals by the second or third week in January.

“Quitter’s Day” is a term that was coined by the fitness app and falls on the second Friday of January. But this doesn’t have to be your reality!

This is why New Year’s resolutions fail:

  • Goal-oriented instead of process-oriented
  • All or nothing approach
  • Unrealistic and unattainable
  • Lack of accountability

The easiest way to reach your goals this year is to get incredibly specific about them and plan the process so that it fits within your current lifestyle. For example, a resolution to “get out of debt” or “lose weight” is too generalized, with no clear direction on how that is going to happen.

Plan the process and break it down into attainable benchmarks, so you can track your progress, check-in, and hold yourself accountable.

To start, get rid of the all-or-nothing mentality to avoid burnout. Going to the gym every day and only eating spinach when you haven’t been in a gym or eaten anything green (besides gummy bears and sugar cookies) in years is a total upheaval and change in lifestyle that is probably unrealistic. Instead, you can work on a few small habits every day or weekly until they become part of your routines—such as eating two meals of whole foods, going on a walk after dinner, or working out Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Remember: it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Real sustainable change isn’t perfect and takes time. Success is upheld through the longevity of seemingly minor habits. You can do it!

The makeover: A girl dad's rite of passage

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KSNF/KODE — It all started with some girls receiving make-up for Christmas in 2020 for the internet dads, brothers, and uncles to chime in with their makeover experiences. The post is making its rounds on social media once again.

The post comes from Brad Cubbie on Twitter. He shares a photo of himself looking nearly defeated as bright rouge is smeared on his cheeks, all over his nose, and dabbed in the middle of his forehead. Blue eyeshadow reaches far past his brow bone into the eyebrows themselves, and the look is completed with a fuchsia glossy lip.

Brad captions the photo with “Welp… my daughters got make-up for Christmas,” accompanied by an upside-down smiling emoji.

The post of wholesome masculinity went viral, reaching Facebook and Instagram, as men across the internet chimed in with their own experiences of time spent with the little ladies in their lives.

Calvin Anthony Jr. shares his gorgeous beard with the world, courtesy of his princess.

One father shared a picture of himself all done up with a top-knot hairdo and wrote “I got the makeup and then a full skincare before bed tutorial. She loved every minute of it and I loved the time with her.”

Another dad rollin’ with the window down while wearing a diamond tiara that spells “Princess” said, “My daughters made me wear this on Christmas day.”

Photo after photo on the thread shows men painstakingly enduring the beautification process, enthusiastically participating in the pampering, or offering support to the men going through it.

One mama wrote her support for the guys calling them “secure” and pointing out that makeup can wash off but the memories last a lifetime. Another shared a similar experience of the memories she had with her dad.

George B Alexander said it best when he shared a picture with his daughter — “The official Girl Dad rite of passage.”

Sometimes there’s no way around it as a dad — you do what you can to keep your kids happy — and often that’s just spending time with them while they take the lead.

You can check out the hundreds of photos and comments on the wholesome post, HERE.

New Year, New Tech: 2023 provides new options

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KSNF/KODE— You may have gotten a new smartphone or tablet for Christmas—which could come in handy in 2023 as digital options continue to grow. 2023 doesn’t just mean a new calendar at your desk, but potentially new options online.

Think virtual reality.

“We see an improvement in that type of technology where the headsets will become smaller, faster, better resolution. Those are fantastic in areas such as gaming, but also fantastic in areas such as medicine, where you can actually literally look at hearts beating in real-time in 3D and turn them around and look at lungs and look at internal parts of the body in real-time, and actually see how those things work,” said John Motazedi, SNC2/Network Dr.

You’re also likely to see more and more facial recognition and voice recognition—especially in social media.

“Furthermore, we also see where they can actually replace faces. So you can actually have actors or actresses or individuals literally say something or do something and then you can put somebody else’s face on it. That is still difficult to do today in 2022 technology but that is becoming so mainstream, where you can literally have anyone do or say anything you want to,” said Motazedi.

Quantum computing is expected to grow as well, meaning technology will be tackling increasingly more complex problems. Also, the growth of 5G, or the 5th generation mobile network, will add more wireless options in the Joplin area.

“5G will open a substantial amount of opportunities. One of those would be basically bringing internet to places that don’t have good quality internet. So high-speed real internet. Traditionally what you’re used to having using like a cable or a wired connection,” he added.

Wearable tech will also find new uses in 2023, everything from your pulse and heart rate to glucose levels and sleep characteristics.

“How well you’re handling stress, all of those things. Ultimately, they’re really trying to find out how much you know about yourself and how much better you can improve your life by knowing all these things that traditionally have been very difficult to get answers to,” he said.

New Year’s superstitions that might be worth trying

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(Image Courtesy: Getty Images)

KSNF/KODE — When it comes to superstitions (even the ones that sound ridiculous) wouldn’t you rather be safe than sorry? Even if that means carefully avoiding cracks on the sidewalk and never walking under ladders — some may say it’s not paranoia, it’s just precaution.

On top of those New Year rituals (and superstitions), there are plenty of popular traditions from around the world that might just bring you good luck and positive energy in the new year. From foods you should eat to garments you should wear, 2023 should be in pretty good shape if you sample some of these practices from traditions around the world. Thanks to Cosmopolitan, you can start visualizing all that happiness you’ll be receiving in the months to come.

Step Only With Your Right Foot

Many cultures think that if you step into the New Year leading with your *right* foot, you’ll start it out, well, on the right foot.

Burn A Scarecrow

Not sure if you have any of these lying around, but if you do, throw them in the bonfire (safely… please). In Ecuador, some “burn” any lingering bad vibes from the previous year.

Throw On Some Polka Dots

Got an outfit with a polka-dotted pattern? December 31st is the day to throw it on. In the Philippines, some believe that the dots, which look like coins, will bring wealth, abundance, and success in the new year.

Keep An Eye On The Weather

Allegedly, if the wind blows from the south in the wee early hours of New Year’s Day, the next year will bring prosperity. But if it’s coming from the north, get ready for a year of bad weather. Meanwhile, wind coming from the east brings famine and calamities. If the wind is from the west, the year will “witness plentiful supplies of milk and fish, but also see the death of a very important person.”

Wake Up Early On New Year’s Day

It’s literally the last thing you want to do on January 1st, but a Polish tradition suggests that waking up early on New Year’s Day means you’ll easily wake up early for the rest of the year.

Kiss Someone At Midnight

I’m guessing you’re already familiar with this superstition since everyone makes such a big deal about it every year. But, apparently, the midnight smooch is more than just an excuse to lock lips. Superstition says that if you kiss someone who gives you goosebumps when the clock hits 12, your love will last all year long.

Carry An Empty Suitcase

If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to use your passport more often, listen up. In Colombia, some walk around with an empty suitcase on New Year’s Eve, as it’s believed to ensure you’ll travel throughout the next 12 months.

Eat Black-Eyed Peas And Collard Greens

Southerners will probably be familiar with this New Year’s Day menu. Eating black-eyed peas and collard greens on the first day of the new year is supposed to bring good luck and prosperity.

Don’t Clean Your House

Looking for an excuse not to tidy up? According to Chinese lore, tidying on New Year’s Day is thought to clean away the good luck you’ve stored up for the new year.

Eat 12 Grapes At Midnight

If you’re in Spain for New Year’s this year, don’t be surprised when everyone tosses back a dozen grapes at 12 a.m. The midnight snack is supposed to bring good luck for every month of the new year.

Toss Some Dishes At Your Neighbor’s House

This Danish tradition encourages you to break dishes on the doorsteps of all your friends and family for good luck. The more doorsteps you have to hit up, the luckier you’ll be. But if you live in America, I’d give your loved ones a heads-up before you bring this custom across the pond — they might not appreciate it otherwise.

Throw Furniture Out A Window

In Italy, people toss their belongings — including furniture — out the window (literally) as soon as the clock strikes midnight on January 1st, as it’s thought to help make room for only positive vibes in the new year.

Snack On Some Soba At Midnight

In Japan, it’s traditional to eat buckwheat soba noodles at midnight because the long, skinny noodles signify prosperity and longevity.

Make Sure You Don’t Loan Your Friends Any Cash

People think that loaning money out on New Year’s Eve serves as a preview of what the rest of your year will look like. So, if you don’t want to be shelling out money to your friends all year long, wait until January 2nd to lend them a few bucks.

Get Loud

Firecrackers and noisemakers became part of New Year’s Eve celebrations around the world because folklore says the loud sounds will ward off evil spirits.

Stock Your Cupboards

Tradition says that empty cabinets on New Year’s Day could indicate you’ll struggle in the next 12 months, particularly financially, so hit up the grocery store before everything closes for the holiday.

Pop The Door Open At Midnight

In the Philippines, some open all the doors and windows in their homes at midnight to clear out the bad vibes and allow good luck to come on in.

Steer Clear Of Lobster And Chicken

As delicious as they are, eating lobster and chicken on January 1st might mess with your luck in the new year. The thinking goes that because chickens have wings, your luck could fly away, and since lobsters walk backward, consuming ’em might hold you back. It sounds a bit kooky but can’t hurt to stick to a vegetarian menu just in case.

Eat King Cake When The Clock Strikes 12

King cake is that delicious doughnut-like dessert famous in New Orleans, and eating it signifies you’re satisfied with the end of the Christmas season and ready for a new year. If you’re lucky enough to get served the slice with a gold coin (or in some cases, a tiny plastic baby) tucked away in the batter, you’ll have an especially wealthy and prosperous new year.

Whip Out Your Red Underwear

If you’re hoping 2023 will be a spicy year for you, make sure to put on red underwear before heading out for any celebrations. In Latin America, wearing red underwear on New Year’s is believed to bring passionate relationships for the next 12 months.

The greatest gift: Bundles of joy

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PITTSBURG, Kan. — What better way to spread cheer than capturing pictures of sweet sleeping newborns? Babies born a few days before Christmas at the Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg were dressed up and photographed.

Volunteers at the hospital hand-made themed outfits for the newest arrivals at the Labor and Delivery Unit. The outfits were themed as Santa, a snowman, and a reindeer.

Rachel Johnson, a registered nurse in the Labor and Delivery unit, photographed the bundles of joy. The photos were given to the parents as gifts.

These holiday plants could harm your pets

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KSNF/KODE — Holidays can be stressful and the last thing you need is an expensive bill from the vet after an emergency visit, or scrubbing your carpets clean after an accident. Beware of these common holiday plants that can be harmful and toxic to pets.

Poinsettias

The iconic Christmas flower comes in many different color variations but is popular for holiday decorating for its classic red and green depictions. However, this flower can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea when ingested, which can lead to severe dehydration.

If your furry-friend happens to nibble on a poinsettia, their mouth and stomach may be irritated from the milky sap of the leaves. It’s unlikely to be fatal, but they may feel abdominal pain, excessive drooling, and exhibit signs of lethargy. Keep an eye on their behavior and always consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

Holly

According to this source here, berries of the holly plant are toxic to most pets and children. As the plant dries out or dies, the berries can fall to areas that are easily attainable for children and pets to reach.

Symptoms of holly poisoning can include excessive drooling, bleeding of the mouth (caused by the sharp pointed edges of the holly leaves), vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, and even seizures.

The best course of action is to avoid bringing the holly inside your home and substitute for faux holly décor instead.

Mistletoe

Mistletoe has often represented romance with the holiday tradition of kissing the person you’re caught under the hanging mistletoe with—but there’s nothing romantic about kissing your dog or cat goodbye if they die from ingesting the little parasitic shrub.

Mistletoe contains toxins that can affect the heart and lower blood pressure. Other symptoms can include an upset stomach, excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, collapse, seizures, incoordination (a behavior that may seem like your pet is drunk), or even death.

Pine

If you happen to have a real Christmas tree, there are many precautions you have to take to avoid a disaster—like your tree catching fire. Here’s something else to be wary of when it comes to living pine décor: pine needles.

Pine needles can puncture the lining of your pets’ esophagus and their stomach, causing severe discomfort and internal bleeding. Not to mention, even in small amounts, the natural oils of pine have been linked to liver damage, kidney damage, seizures, and death in dogs.  

Symptoms of pine oil poisoning can be difficulty swallowing, irritation of the mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth), pawing at the mouth or face, trouble breathing, collapse, dizziness, excessive drooling, panting, muscle tremors, diarrhea, difficulty walking, frequent urination, and vomiting. You can find a full list of symptoms here.

In Conclusion

When it comes to your home and your loved ones, you can never be too safe. The key to preventing a disaster this holiday season is to avoid bringing these dangerous plants inside your home. If you do, take the extra steps to protect your pets and children by keeping these out of their reach.

Often, a healthy pet can recover from ingesting a small amount of these plants, but if you suspect your pet has consumed even a tiny amount, call your veterinarian and let them know. They will be able to guide you on the absolute best route of care for your pet.

Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top to share stage at AMP show

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ROGERS, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — It was announced Monday, Dec. 12 that legendary rock bands Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top will be taking the stage at the Walmart AMP next summer as part of the Cox Concert Series.

According to a release, the two bands will be joined by Uncle Kracker as part of the “Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour” on July 28. Tickets for the show go on sale Friday, Dec. 16 at 10 a.m. with a presale on Dec. 13.

Prices will range from $39.99 to $349.50 plus fees. Tickets can be purchased at amptickets.com, in person at the Walton Arts Center or AMP box offices or by calling 479-443-5600.

New for the 2023 Walmart AMP season is Premier Reserved Parking which reserves you a space in the parking lot across from the Walmart AMP main entrance for $20. The AMP says a limited number of Premier Reserved Parking spots will be available for most shows.

And returning this season, Fast Track for early access to the venue and lawn chair rentals can be added on to your order for $10 each.

Tickets and vouchers for add-ons will be delivered 30 days prior to the show date.

Iron Chef host Alton Brown says this Springfield restaurant has the best cashew chicken

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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Food Network star Alton Brown visited Springfield as a part of his Alton Brown: LIVE! BEYOND THE EATS tour.

Brown has been on the road with his new culinary variety show filled with cooking, comedy, music, and fun science.

On Wednesday, December 7, the Good Eats star came to Juanita K Hammons Hall. During his stay in Springfield, residents suggested Brown try out one of Springfield’s culinary staples: Cashew Chicken.

According to Brown’s Twitter, he stated:

Okay #Springfield, you said to get the #CashewChicken so we got three. And despite the fact that it only included 4 pieces of cashew, I liked the specimen from Hong Kong Inn the best.

@altonbrown

Brown’s post doesn’t specifically state which other restaurants he visited or which Hong Kong Inn, but regardless, he chose Hong Kong Inn as the best.

"Goblin mode" and "gaslighting" are the top words of 2022

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KSNF — The people have declared “goblin mode” and “gaslighting” are the words of the 2022 year.

Oxford Languages chose the Oxford Word of the Year based on a public vote online. “Goblin mode” was declared the word of the year on December 5 according to the Oxford Languages website. “Goblin mode” is defined as “a type of behavior which is unapologetically self-indulgent, lazy, slovenly, or greedy, typically in a way that rejects social norms or expectations.”

The Word of the Year is determined by “a word or expression reflecting the ethos, mood, or preoccupations of the past twelve months, one that has potential as a term of lasting cultural significance,” according to the Oxford website.

“Metaverse” and “IStandWith” were runner-ups to the online Oxford poll.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary Word of the Year for 2022 is “gaslighting” and is defined as the “psychological manipulation of a person usually over an extended period of time that causes the victim to question the validity of their own thoughts, perception of reality, or memories and typically leads to confusion, loss of confidence and self-esteem, uncertainty of one’s emotional or mental stability, and a dependency on the perpetrator.”

Merriam-Webster says “gaslighting” earned its place as the word of the year because it has become a favored word to use when spotting deception with the increase of channels and technologies being used to mislead in recent years.

Where did “gaslighting” come from? Supposedly from a play that was later turned into a movie. The plot involves a man engaging in strange and mysterious activities in the attic causing the house’s gas lights to obscure. He attempts to persuade his wife into believing that the lights are fine, and she cannot trust her own perceptions because she is going insane.

Merriam-Webster selects the Word of the Year based on data regarding what words are being searched the most on Merrian-Webster.com within the last year.