boiMAG.com "Halloween"

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EDITORIAL Publisher: BOI Magazine, Inc. Editor: Nate Daniels Feature Editor: John Stephens Media: Sylvia Stewart Graphic Design: Titanium Graphics Layout Specialist: Jerry Ellison Social Media: Mike@Night

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COVER

Landonna Rama, Photographer: Nick Coppins, Illustratrated by: Ladonna Rama

VIEW boiMAGazine ONLINE at: www.boiMAG.com BOI Magazine, Inc. © 2000−2021. All rights reserved

Haunted halsted halloween Halloween Parade 2021

Halloween Night $6,000 in Prizes & After Party

Come join the fun for the 24th annual Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade & Costume Contest, featured will be awards for best costume categories and there will be an after parade party festival at the end of the parade, on October 31, starting at 6pm.

First Place Prize is $500, and $250 for the runner up in these 7 categories: Scary, Drag, Creative, Youth, Cosplay, Group less than 6ppl. It’s free to enter.

The prize for Large Group (6+) First Place is $1,000, and Runner Up is $500.

PLEASE NOTE for GROUP PRIZES: There will be ONE prize awarded to the whole group (eg. split 6 ways).

The categories that will be judged from the participants in the parade are; Scary, Drag, Creative, Youth, Cosplay, Group less than 6ppl, Large Group 6+ppl. The parade and festival after party are free to watch or participate, all ages are welcome.

The parade route is from 3300-3700 N. Halsted St. Go to HauntedHalsted. com to register in advance or come early and register on-site. Details on where to go will be on their website at: HauntedHalsted.com. boiMAG.com

The Grand Marshalls of the Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade 2021 are: Matthew Rodrigues, the Host & Producer, Chicago Today, NBC5 and Batty Davis of The Dancing Diva, LIPS Chicago.

Photo Credits: Kyle Knochenhauer, GoPride and Del Nakamura, Northalsted

General Information Date: Sunday, October 31 Halloween Night Spectator Admission: Free, all ages Contest Participation: Free, all ages Location & Registration Details: Visit www.HauntedHalsted.com Weather: The parade will go on, despite rain or snow Pets: Pets are welcome to march in or watch the parade

Street Closure and Parking Restrictions:

12:00pm Sunday, Oct 31 to 3am Monday, Nov 1 on the following streets:

Halsted: Belmont to Addison: 3200N to 3600N Roscoe: 800W to 824W

STREET CLOSURES:

Halsted: Belmont to Addison (3200 N. – 3600 W.) 10/31 12PM – 11/1 3AM Melrose (740 W. – 800 W.) 10/31 12PM – 10PM Aldine (765 W. – 800 W.) 10/31 12PM – 10PM Buckingham (785 W. – 806W.) 10/31 12PM – 10PM Roscoe(735 W. – 814W.) 10/31 12PM – 10PM Newport (800 W. – 814W.) 10/31 12PM – 10PM Cornelia (750 W. – 800W.) 10/31 12PM – 10PM Northalsted Business Alliance is the chamber of commerce working to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in our district through programming, services, and events that celebrate our LGBTQ+ history, promote tourism and foster a welcoming, safe community for all.

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ASK CHAD

Business Marketing Q&A Dear Chad, I’m moving and going to relocating my business to another neighborhood. How do I get my current clientele to follow me to my new store?

From: Sergio Hello Sergio, I would recommend sending out a mailer to your client base offering an incentive to get them to your new location. This helps to show your appreciation for your existing customers, which also creates interest in checking out your new location. Building, then keeping any business relationship is key to the success of the business long-term.

To really ensure this is successful consider integrating a loyalty program that will not only help with your existing customers, but can also entice new costumers to try out your product or services.

Dear Chad, Going into the holiday season, what is the best way to recruit new employees?

From: Monica M. Hello Monica, As I am sure you already know there has been a shortage on employees in just about every industry this year. That being said make sure you take advantage of the High Schools and Colleges around you in addition to any job hiring-fairs in your area.

While posting positions online can be successful if you are potentially just looking for short-term seasonal help this would be the way to go. Make sure your hourly wage is competitive and that you have created a work environment that will entice those looking to find employment.

Dear Chad, How many social media platforms should I be on for my retail business?

From: Jonathan Hello Joe, When having a retail business it is key to ensure you are not lost in the clutter of your competition. Dependent on your targeted DMA (demographic) you will have a better understanding as to which social media platforms fit best with your businesses clientele.

Facebook is seen as a platform for those that are in their mid 20s and up and are primarily interested in their connection to friends and family, while Instagram will likely appeal to an even younger audience and focuses more on image and “whats hot”. Twitter is more news based and focuses on daily rhetoric. TicTok can also be a great platform for an even younger generation, but you must insure you can provide the right video content to be relevant in this space.

Constancy is key you must know your message and what you are trying to accomplish. Each platform speaks to their users in a different way so it it imperative that you know your audience.

Chad Brittian is an experienced industry professional and CEO of NVS Design, Inc. To consult Chad for any of your business needs, call 877-578-2045 (Ext. 700) or email him at chad@ nvsdesigns.com. www.2nvs.com

To submit your question to Ask Chad, email him at: AskChad@boiMAG.com

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ONLINE horror Shopping Safety Tips

Online transactions don’t always go so smoothly. In 2019, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center got an average of 1,300 online theft complaints a day with a total of $3.5 billion in losses to individuals and businesses.

The FBI recently has had more complaints about consumers not receiving goods purchased online. Many of the buyers fell for “deals” advertised on social media or search engine shopping pages. They either got nothing or received a random item like a box of disposable facemasks that could be returned only by paying a high international shipping charge.

Check out the online shopping safety tips so you can avoid becoming their latest victim.

Shop with reputable retailers

in the past year, according to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Remember, if an offer looks too good to be true, then it probably is. The FBI found that many sites at the center of its recent spate of complaints were advertised on social media platforms.

Compare prices before you buy. Unusually low prices could be a red flag that you’ve landed on a fake site that’s been set up to snag your personal information or steal your money.

Don’t browse on public Wi-Fi

Avoid shopping from public Wi-Fi next time you’re sipping a latte at your favorite coffee shop. The guy staring at his phone at the next table could be a hacker spying on your online activity.

It’s best to shop directly with online retailers you know and trust. Bookmark your favorite shopping sites to get there quickly and safely.

Avoid typing the name of the retailer into your browser bar.

And shopping online often requires giving out information that an ID thief would love to grab, including your name, address and credit card number.

That’s because a tiny typo could land you on a fake site that looks just like the real one.

Make a “purchase” on an illegitimate site and you may unwittingly hand the scammers your credit card number and other personal info.

If you ever do use public Wi-Fi, protect yourself with a VPN (virtual private network). A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your computer and the server.

Vet new-to-you businesses

Did you spot an amazing product from a new seller? Do your homework on any business you’ve never purchased from in the past.

Look for online reviews and search the Better Business Bureau website for complaints. Check the “contact us” page on the website for a U.S. address and phone number. Then take it a step further: call the business to verify.

Why? The FBI reported that some scammers hijack the contact info of real U.S. businesses to make their shady site look legitimate.

Beware amazing deals

Did you spot an ad on Facebook or Instagram offering rock-bottom prices or an eye-popping offer of free stuff? Reports of lost money from social media scams have more than tripled

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Use a VPN

Cyber criminals lurking nearby won’t be able to see what you’re doing or intercept your personal information. A VPN is the only way to shop online safely from public Wi-Fi in airports, cafes and other public spaces.

Choose strong passwords

A strong password is like a secure lock that keeps cyber thieves out of the accounts where you store your private information. Here are some quick guidelines on how to choose a good password: Use a complex set of lower and uppercase numbers, letters, and symbols. Or consider a long passphrase that you can remember and others are unlikely to guess.

Avoid dictionary words and personal information, like your kid’s birth date, your dog’s name or your favorite sports team.

TUNING IN

Jackin’ Across the World

by Nicky Roland LADONNA INTERVIEW:

For this month’s edition I thought I’d cast a wider net and talk with and about some of the artists from across the globe that have become essential parts of my music listening and my social circle. My main focus is an incredible queer synthpop artist out of Tokyo, Ladonna Rama, who you’ll be champing at the bit for once you dig your teeth into her music catalogue and art-house bondage flair.

“Extending reflections to something futuristic, almost post-human”, Ladonna Rama produces queer synthpop, campy electro and perverted pop. Originally from Sydney (Australia) and now residing in Tokyo, her electronic debut Ladonna Rama from 2014 “embodies the avant-pop of a pint-sized singing budgie on the edge of acceptability”. Described as “music to wiggle the ding dongs”, Ladonna’s second album Unzip the Chick appeared in 2016 with remixes by UK producer Hectic and Sydney DJ Matt Vaughan for house track I’m on a Mission and dom anthem fan fave I’ll Require Your Full Attention. Early 2021 has seen Ladonna releasing her third album “Animals” described as “feral, frenzied, trangressive disco” and a slew of remixes and other releases monthly!

Teetering between the performance art and queer club scenes, she’s supported Peaches, Christeene, The Blessed Madonna and Chicks On Speed. She’s collaborated with Glitta Militia, The Hoopaholics, Motel Sisters, Gang of She, the Naked Barber, Ben Drayton, Yiorgos Zafiriou, Aaron Manhattan and Bunny Hoop Star.

Ladonna, it’s an absolute pleasure to talk with you and feature you in the month’s issue of boiMAG. As I’m sure you know, I’m a huge fan of your music and art. You have a cutting Aussie sense of humor that seeps into everything you do, giving it a delightful twist of malevolence and cheekiness.

As mentioned in the introduction you originally hail from Australia; what brought you to Tokyo, and how long have you lived there?

It’s always been a hokey dream of mine to live and work in Japan since I was a kid. Twenty years ago I did a teaching degree with the aim of coming here to teach but I ended up in Hong Kong. About four years ago I realized I wasn’t getting any younger, I mean the grey hair was literally starting to show and if I was gonna do this I better get a wriggle on while I was still young enough to enjoy it. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done. My parents and sister

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really pushed me and I wouldn’t have done it without their encouragement. I was too scared. They know me too well. My partner is also Japanese. We met about 9 years ago in Sydney, which was getting a bit boring for both of us, so it only made sense for us to give it a go here. We live in a cute little old apartment close to Shinjuku and I still have to pinch myself sometimes.

Your talent transcends across the audiovisual spectrum, who are some of the biggest influences for music and the visual arts?

I was a major Madonna fanatic from the age of ten in ‘84 when she hit the bigtime.

I’m showing my age here! I mean I was really obsessed for many many years to the point where up until about 2012, which was the MDNA era, I was buying at least one Madonna item a day. My collection was massive and I’ve since sold most of it off as a way to recoup some money, reclaim my life (lol) and say goodbye to her and my obsessive

behavior. It became a bit of a problem actually haha but she’s undeniably my biggest influence and she was foremost a very visual pop star. In my opinion the greatest pop star ever and there won’t be another cos that’s all over now. I feel sorry for the young ones who’ll never get to experience that excitement and magic cos all that stuff was such a big part of growing up and shaping identity for my generation. It’s a different time now with the way we consume media and how celebrity personas have shifted. Anyway, I have lots of other visual influences too, from all kinds of areas but I always go back to the other big charismatic pop stars I was in love with as a kid like Boy George, George Michael, Debbie Harry or Grace Jones. The usual ones for queers I guess.

When you get on stage, you transform into a glamorous, dystopian, rubber-clad vixen. What was the inspiration behind this persona, and how does it make you feel when you’re in character?

When I first started doing drag it was a little softer, then it got glamorous with a touch of ugly for a character I was doing called Cave Grrrl. Then I moved more into a trashy La Toya Jackson phase and the rubber/PVC/SM thing just stemmed from wanting to make that look a little more slick and together.

But for me it’s just fashion and that’s what she likes to get about in. Being in character like that is obviously very empowering and freeing. People talk about it all the time and I can tell you that the very first time I did drag properly in public was one of the most liberating days of my life. I’ll never forget it.

I’d been dressing up since I was very little but there was always a shame attached to it. I think most young queers are scared and insecure growing up and don’t feel like they have enough courage to get out there and really go for it for whatever reason. So to be able to live that dream or fantasy even for an hour or two is really quite something. I would recommend it for everyone, not just queers but for anyone who wants that little taste of freedom or liberation or just a bit of extra attention! I mean let’s be honest.

You seem to have a never-ending supply of new outfits. Do you spend hours trawling through boutiques putting them together, or do you have a designer that you work with?

Ha! I only wish I had a designer who could whip up a cozzie at my whim! I do have one friend Dave who is very good on the machine.

He’s done a few outfits for me. I’ve put together a lot of my own with hot glue and kilt pins but I certainly don’t trawl boutiques all that often. I might pop into the stripper shop from time to time but my secret used to be eBay or as I call it - sheBay. I’d get a lot of inspiration searching for the cheapest and trashiest outfits Chinese factories had to offer!

Aside from your music and art, what are some of the things that you’re passionate about, or that drive and motivate you?

You mean my other hobbies? They’re many and varied and I can be very flippant about it. Tokyo is great for art galleries and I can’t get enough really but at the moment I’m really into collecting cheap and tacky 70s80s Japanese pop and disco on vinyl. This is a hark back to my days as a record collector and satisfies that instant gratification urge but I limit myself to the 100 Yen bargain bin.

Wise move. I’m also very into karaoke since moving to Japan and have a constant supply of throat lozenges at the ready. We managed continued >>

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Jackin’ Across the World continued...

You’ve performed in dozens of venues throughout Australasia, do you have any plans for a US tour?

I can’t say I have any plans to perform anywhere. I did a few live streams over the past year or so. I’ve performed once in Brooklyn a long time ago at a cool queer night. Sasha Velour (before she was famous) and my friend Glace Chase, who introduced me, were also on the bill. The crowd was tough and a little bitchy. That’s all I’m saying!

Your musical output has ramped up Do you have any tips or suggestions for up significantly over the last year, do you and coming artists or performers who may have any new releases or remixes on the be shy about jumping in and following calendar that you can share with our their muse? boiMAGazine readers?

Thank you for noticing! I made a commitment I was shy too. I still am sometimes depending on my mood. But aside from the obvious you this year to release once a month. This just have to switch off the mind stuff cos that’s month I’m releasing a 2 volume album with what holds you back. Do it now. Think about orchestral reworks of tracks from my latest full-length ‘Animals’, which has been hanging it later or not. At the end of the day none of this matters so have as much fun as you can if around for a while. I want to put this era to you’re lucky enough to be able to. bed. After that I’m releasing a concept EP of

“daddy” themed cover songs with a 2021 Last but not least, if you could change one version of an old track of mine called ‘Daddy thing about the world, what would it be?

Daddy’ that I wanted to breathe new life

into because I think it deserves a little more That all artists and creatives wouldn’t need attention and I’ve always loved this theme. to hold down a soul-crushing and time sucking day job to survive.

Do you have any collaborations or new

projects that you’d like to talk about?

I think we can all get behind that sentiment! A huge thank you to Naomi Oliver, a dear artist friend of mine, Ladonarama and to our readers, do yourself contributes vocals on 3 of the new orchestral a favor and check her out on your favorite tracks. Her voice is beautiful. It’s like a mix of Shirley Manson, Tori Amos and Kylie Minogue. social/music platforms.

I just love her and I love working with her. It’s Next up is one of the best so easy and we are on the level. vocalists in decades, Sara,

a.k.a. Suki Soul Singer. In I had an idea recently that my next album collaboration with Sterling would all be collabs so it’s funny you ask.

Void on Over You, Suki I made another commitment this year to (under the name Sara) is one of the featured broaden my network and seek out artists artist on the highly anticipated Jackmaster doing similar things to me. Some of these 7 album from seminal Chicago House label, artists have already approached me about DJ International Records (out now on all collaborating and I can’t wait to hear what major platforms). happens!

continued >> 24 boiMAG.com to find a sneaky karaoke bar that opens illegally during the pandemic. I’m practicing a few old 80s Japanese pop tunes and currently falling in love with my new (old) 80s idol Akina Nakamori.

We’re still in the honeymoon stage.

TUNING IN Jackin’ Across the World continued...

Hailing from the State of Florida, Kevin Based in the North of the UK, Suki Soul is Rosa is a star in the making. He recently an energetic soulful vocalist, songwriter, producer, DJ and highly versatile performer. teamed up with Georgie Porgie to deliver a set of mixes that will be massive in the clubs. Georgie delivers on his signature Her passion, and main influences are sounds of Disco House and Jackin House derived from 70’s-80’s Soul/Funk/Disco/ to deliver mixes that are beyond words!

House, and 90’s Club Classics. With an While David Michael delivers a peak hour extensive background performing, and touring, since her mid-teens, Suki has been Club Anthem that will have every hand in the air! DJ Head delivers a Tribal Circuit mix a member of several original bands, and that will tear the roof off any club, while has graced many festival stages across the Extended Original will take you straight the UK, and Europe, including Cornbury, back to the 80’s! There is a mix for everyone! and Glastonbury. More recently, Suki has Disco House, Jackin, Big Room, Tribal and contributed inspiring lyrics, and superb more ! The remixes are incredible and highly slick vocal tracks (as a featured artist), recommended for all that love House Music! on collaborations with several credible

International DJ’s, and Producers.

Currently, Suki’s writing, recording, and producing her own music. Whilst drawing from her vast influences, she’s certainly creating an exciting ‘Suki sound’ that suits any dancefloor.”

Again, Suki can be found out all major social media and music outlets.

Finally, closer to home, Georgie Porgie’s label Music Plant brings us two up and coming stars, the first is Keven Rosa.

The second upcoming star is Anthony Sprunk, another incredible singer, songwriter and producer to watch closely.

This month he delivers a monster pop hit called “Life Goes On!” The remixes are spot on, with Georgie delivering on his signature sounds of Jackin and House! While, DJ Kue and the Perry Twins give us peak hour play for all dancefloors! There is a mix for everyone, House, Jackin, Big Room, Tribal and more! If you love House, you’ll love this!

That’s it for this edition's round-up. If you have a release you would like featured, find my on Twitter or Instagram.

Nicky Roland is a house music producer originally from the UK, now based in Denver, CO Find me on Spotify, Twitter or IG @nickyrolandmusic.

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HEALTH & WELLness

Suicide: Speak Up and Speak Out About It by: Dr. Charla Waxman BS, MBA, EdD

Director of Business Development

• Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness and worthlessness often identify someone who is ready to give up. Ask about these feelings.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention teaches us that suicide is among the leading causes of death in the United States and that 47,511 Americans died by suicide in 2019. More than 1.3 million suicide attempts were accounted for in 2019 and many more attempts are not even reported.

The only way to make a difference is for all of us to speak out and speak up about it.

• Indications that someone feels like there is no way out or that their presence, their very existence is a burden to others should be a red flag for suicidal thinking.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) tells us that 1 in 5 of us….US, not THEM!....will experience a mental illness in our lifetime. With any mental illness comes the risk of suicide. If you are willing to listen, you will hear people you never expected to have a story about suicide or mental illness, tell about their experiences. Everyone has a connection to someone who needs support for mental illness and many of them have stories of ambivalence about living; many stories never having been shared before.

Your willingness to pay attention, listen and ask questions, might just save a life.

• Moodiness, sleep disturbances, eating issues may all be signs of distress.

Prioritize mental health. Knowing the warning signs can help you recognize someone in trouble. Pay attention to yourself as well. Here are some things to keep in mind that relate to mental health and suicide:

• The reasons for suicide are many. What is trauma to one person may seem like no big deal to another. We are all different and suicidal intentions and discussions about that thinking should have no judgment.

• Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety can lead to higher risk.

• Substance use is a common factor in completed suicides. Decisions made while under the influence are often not based on what is best.

• All talk of suicide may mean that there should be an urgency about speaking with someone about what they are thinking.

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• Substance use or increased substance use may show that someone is trying to bolster themselves to complete the act of suicide. It may also simply prove that there is an addiction or deep, unsettling depression or anxiety that someone is trying to relieve. This person needs help and support.

• Seeking revenge or having intense anger can let you know someone is struggling, too.

• Pay attention to someone who is pulling back from others and isolating. This person may be considering ending their life.

• Excessive worry and fear or extremely low and sad; feeling like this more often than not can signal a mental illness.

• Confused thinking or delusions or hallucinations a is needed.

• Many physical complaints that are not confirmed as a physical illness may show that mental health is a concern.

•Generally not be able to take care of daily routines like bathing and dressing are possible signs of distress and a mental health concern.

We just passed suicide prevention awareness week. One week is just not enough. You can be aware of mental illness and suicidal intentions in others every day; showing care and compassion and a willingness to listen and help others get the help they need.

There is always hope. Be a good listener. Know your community resources and how to help connect others.

Use national hotline numbers like: 1 800 273 TALK. There are professionals ready to reach out. Speak up, speak out. Let people know you are there and ready to help. That is enough to make a difference.

HALLOWEEN

by Jack Santo

Whether you thought about your Halloween outfit, decorating your house, carving pumpkins, trick or treating, technology has changed it all. The time is here when we feel more creative with fantastic Halloween ideas with the latest tech at our disposal.

While searching online for Halloween costumes on Google, we get millions of ideas. All thanks to technology as of now, parents can save memories of their kids and post them on various social platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and more.

Now, we can sit back and buy costumes online any time. Nowadays, the costumes are buzz-worthy and photo-worthy. We can say, technology has put pressure on parents to buy outfits and post on social media.

Halloween technology has put a new twist on traditional Halloween events that make it look more exciting. Let’s take a look at how some Halloween tech trends.

There are several AR apps that offer masks with virtually added Halloween makeup on your face. It’s the best way to make spooky to scary photos of our friends and use it as a reference for party makeup.

Are you worried about how to get carving pumpkins to face precisely, right? Don’t worry, there are high-tech apps available for you. You have to download the app and projecting stencil can give your sharp and precise image.

Instead of roaming around in the stores to buy stuff, you can create a 3D scan and give the best trick or treats to your audience. By using a 3D printer, you can scan any item and create a 3D look physical object. It can help when you want the decoration to be real and can’t find them in stores. It’s simple to scan items and create a replica of that object hassle-free.

One essential Halloween technologies is home-haunted house application. There are several applications that allow for planning out all decorations done in your home.

Mainly the application will give a rough idea about your theme, decoration things you need, and overall colour idea decorations to make the best fit for your party.

Buying online might not give you a chance to try it physically. It can prevent you from purchasing. You might return the item if it doesn’t fit you or dimension doesn’t look better on you. For this, you can use an app and try on a different costumes from your home while shopping online.

Wearable apps have come a long way. It can prevent sports injuries, detect asthma and other diseases. Today’s wearable technology can let you know how much candy you’ve consumed on Halloween night. You need to wear the device and stay fit.

Workable tech costumes: Wearable LED lights make Halloween night beautiful similarly, you can glow in dark man and look classier. Use the technology and become a legendary tech hero like Iron Man. Smartphone tricks: Lately, the smartphone trick performed by Mark Rober. He uses a trick using two iPads on either side of his body, showing a hole through his abdomen. It is the power of technology where he changed the costume game.

Halloween Safety: Wearable tech helps in keeping trick or treaters safe. Technology is doing a great job and used for practical means. Now parents can feel assured by giving their kids GPS trackers and so they can head all night long. boiMAG.com 33

Did you know?

Little Tidbits

The Exorcist film set was haunted: Based on the book by William Peter Blatty, The Exorcist, released in 1973, stirred up quite a bit of controversy in the years surrounding its release. For starters, the set used as the home of Regan MacNeil burned to the ground when a bird flew into a circuit box. The only room left standing was the one used for the exorcism.

Even creepier, not only did actors suffer multiple injuries during the filming of the movie, two of them actually died shortly after filming wrapped, actors that played characters who died onscreen. To make matters worse, according to CBS News, when the film premiered in Rome, lightning struck a 400-year-old cross atop a nearby church.

Monstors In Mirrors?

There’s a mental phenomenon that causes you to see monsters in mirrors, it's called the Troxler effect, and discovered as long ago as 1804, it causes those who experience it to think they see something fearsome in the mirror just on the periphery of their vision, whether they say “bloody Mary” three times or not.

High heels were first designed for men: Though closely identified as a female fashion staple today, high heels were first designed for men. At the end of the 16th century, Persian-inspired style was all the rage in Europe, according to the J. Paul Getty Museum, and heels were seen as being virile and masculine, and a great way to boost your height a few inches.

Throw away the cotton in your medication bottles.

Believe it or not, that little ball of cotton that comes in your bottle of pills, which is there to keep pills safe during shipping, is meant to be removed. It can collect moisture because of its absorbent nature, which makes your pills deteriorate faster.

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Calculate a tip without a calculator: Assuming you want to tip 20 percent for good service, move the decimal point one digit to the left and then double that number. It’s that easy! For example, if a bill is for $35.50, you move the decimal to the left, which gives you $3.55. Double that number, and you’ve got $7.10, a 20 percent tip calculated in seconds.

You’re tallest first thing in the morning: If you’re feeling a bit on the short side, measure yourself when you first wake up.

According to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, This phenomenon may be due to gravity compressing cartilage in our spine and in other parts of our bodies, such as our knees when we stand up or sit down throughout the day. While we are lying down in a resting position, the spine is said to “spread out” or decompress, so when we wake in the morning we are taller after lying in bed all night.

Sleeping in a cold room can help you slim down a little more: Just a single month of sleeping in a 66degree room helped increase subjects’ fat-burning ability by as much as 10 percent, according to research from Commonwealth University.

You can’t breathe and swallow simultaneously: According to registered psychiatric nurse James Steinmetz, “This is because the food and fluids we swallow and the air we breathe in both travel down the same part of our throat,” Pitch darkness has a color name:

If you close your eyes in a completely dark room. When you open them, the color you see is called eigengrau, which means intrinsic gray. It’s the shade of dark gray people see when there’s no light. continued >>

The smell after it rains has a name too: It’s called petrichor. It comes from an oil plants exude that dries on the ground.

When it rains, the oil combines with a byproduct from a type of bacteria to produce the smell.

There are more life forms on your body than people on earth: You are a planet teeming with microbes.

Trillions of them inhabit your body. In fact, 90 percent of the cells in your body are actually composed of microbes.

And microscopic mites live on your face.

Don’t freak out, but your face is crawling with eight-legged, spider-like creatures.

Fortunately, they are microscopic and impossible to see—but, according to the BBC, they’re mites with long, worm-like bodies residing in hair follicles and pores or sebaceous glands.

Craving ice may be a symptom of iron deficiency in your body: If you like crunching ice after you finish your soda, you might be suffering from anemia. Also known as “pagophagia,” the compulsive eating of ice may not just be a nervous tick, but a way of cooling inflammation in the mouth caused by a lack of iron, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Tomato juice won’t fix getting skunked: Instead of dousing yourself in V8, make a mixture of dish soap, peroxide, and baking soda. The skunk spray is an oil, which your grease-fighting dish soap will take care of. Peroxide and baking soda add plenty of oxygen to the mix to help get rid of the smell.

Wikipedia is downloadable: You can actually download the entirety of Wikipedia and keep it on a USB drive. Here’s the link, if you’d like to eliminate the middle man and own the source.

Wikipedia can act as your tour guide: If you allow Wikipedia to know your location, it can provide you with pages about subjects relevant to where you are using its “Nearby” function.

The size of your social circle is related to the size of your brain: A scientist at Oxford discovered that the size of a person’s “orbitomedial prefrontal cortex” (the part of a brain that identifies other people’s moods and personalities) can predict the size of that person’s social circle. The average prefrontal cortex averages out to around 147.8 friends in a social network.

People with friends live longer: People with active social networks and close friends they talk to live longer than people who rely only on family, according to researchers at Michigan State University. So, whenever possible, make time to see the members of your social circle, even if it’s just for a coffee.

Taking aspirin during a heart attack may save your life: Taking an aspirin at the first sign of a heart attack can be a lifesaver. The drug inhibits platelets from forming a clot that can block and artery and cause a full-on heart attack. For the fastest relief (and time is of the essence), chew the aspirin instead of swallowing it to get it in your system faster. Note: Tylenol is not an aspirin, it's a pain reliever and fever reducer, Aleve does not contain aspirin either. Bayer can be the choice aspirin and is a non steroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID.) Talk to your doctor for medical advice.

Women can give birth after they die: It’s very rare, but it has been known to happen. Called “coffin birth,” it’s a phenomenon that occurs when a pregnant woman delivers a child spontaneously after her death, due to gases that built up in the abdominal area, putting pressure on the mother’s uterus and forcing the baby out the birth passageway.

And men can get aroused post mortem: Called priapism, it’s most often seen in the corpses of men who have died by hanging and it’s due to the pressure on the cerebellum created by the noose. boiMAG.com 37