While watching the Game Show Network on TV the other night, I got to wondering what the first TV game show was. To me, game shows are interesting in the fact that they allow the general public to get in on the fun. The also seem very cyclical. I remember a time back in the early 2000′s when Who Wants to Be a Millionaire was on and it seemed that a new game show was coming out every week. Then, game shows went away for a little and now seem to be back the past few years with shows such as Deal or No Deal. However, there is one show that stands the test of time and that is the longest running game show, The Price Is Right, which has been on the air for 38 years.

Spelling Bee

The first televised game show was actually in the United Kingdom and was broadcast on May 31, 1938. The show was called Spelling Bee and like most new TV games shows in that day, it started out as a game show broadcast on the radio.

Spelling Bee was a contest for children in which they would spell words just like they do today in the Scripts National Spelling Bee. I couldn’t really find any videos of the show or soundbites, so I guess we are going to have to take their words for it.

Truth or Consequences

The first game show to air on commercially-licensed television was the popular game show, Truth or Consequences on September 7, 1950. On this game show, contestants were asked odd questions and had to answer correctly before a buzzer sounded. If they didn’t answer the question truthfully, they had to face the consequences. The contestants would then have to do something silly or embarrassing.

Truth or Consequences was also where we got our first in-depth look at Bob Barker as seen here:

Well, as you know, Bob Barker went on to be arguably the best game show host of all time. He hosted the ever popular Price Is Right and has the streak for the longest running game show host.

~ Adam

Additional Reading:

Game Show Hall of Fame

Bob Barker – Wikipedia

UK Game Shows (Spelling Bee)

One of the most frequently asked tax question is how long you must keep tax documents. You want to know the answer? It depends. Isn’t that the answer to everything these days? Anyway, here are some general rules for keeping your records straight with the IRS.

Three Years Might Be Enough

Most tax documents can be shred after three years. Why? Three years is the statute of limitations for tax audits at the IRS. That means that come April 15th, 2012, the IRS can no longer audit you for your 2008 tax return (assuming you filed on time). Why don’t you invite your friends over that day and have a shredding party? You can even have them bring over their papers! However, don’t shred them if you filed for an extension for your 2008 return. You must hold onto those papers until three years after you officially filed the return.

Things to Keep Beyond Three Years

Wait! Step away from the shredder! There are some things that you should keep beyond three years. First, you should keep any records you have on appreciable assets that you currently own. That would include stocks, bonds, antiques, real estate, land, jewelry, etc. Chances are, you will sell these one day and having these documents will be crucial in making sure you are paying the right amount of tax. For example, if you do improvements to your home, it adds to the basis of it. This will end up helping you in the end and may lower your tax on the sale of the asset. Make sure you keep all of the documents that shows the costs of the improvements. The IRS is all about showing the appropriate documentation backing your calculations.

Another thing to remember is that if you “forget” to report income, the IRS can go back up to six years. Also, if you plan committing tax fraud, you might as well get used to metal bars because the IRS will find you and they can do that whenever!

Where to Put Your Documents

Now that you know what to keep, where should you keep it? The best place to keep your files is a bank safe deposit box (which is tax deductible if you itemize by the way). If there is no way you can have a safe deposit box, invest in a fireproof safe. Make sure the fireproof safe can take a few hours of heat that way you know it will survive almost anything.

I know it’s a pain to keep all of these records, but believe me, it’s much better than having to pay penalties and interest on taxes that you have to pay due to not having proper records.

~ Adam

I never really realized this, but I use Post-it notes every single day. First thing in the morning when I am checking my voicemail, I write everything down on a Post-it and then hang it on my computer. They are just so convenient! Well of course my curiosity got the best of me and I had to find out how they were invented!

Art Fry and Spencer Silver

Back in the early 1970′s, Art Fry (who worked at 3M) was in search of a new type of bookmark for his hymnal at church. Everything that he had used in the past would always fall out or damage his book. So, he set out to search for something that would stay put with minimal damage.

As I mentioned before, Art worked at 3M (Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing) where they make a ton of different products such as Scotch tape, sandpaper, dental products, fire protection items, etc. Well, a few months earlier, colleague Spencer Silver invented an adhesive that was strong enough to stick to most surfaces but when removed, it left no residue. Art liked the idea of the adhesive so he applied it to some paper.

After Art started using these “bookmarks” at work to leave himself notes, he noticed that everyone in the office started stopping by to ask for some for themselves. Well after that, he pitched the idea to 3M and they decided to market it. After a few years of little interest, 3M decided to market the product a little differently. They began providing samples to various companies and after that, the idea took off. Post-it notes were now in full production.

Post-it Notes Today

Today, you can find Post-it notes in various shapes, sizes and colors. The patent for the product ran out in the early 1990′s which means that there are multiple companies making their own versions today. However, the Post-it brand is still very popular as 3M is constantly coming up with various styles of the product.

~ Adam

Additional Reading

Wikipedia

About.com

Mmmmm….I LOVE a good hot dog. The smell draws me in every time. Once in a great while, I have someone say to me, “yuck, do you know what that thing is made of?” To be honest with you, I never really cared. I loved the flavor that much. Well, tonight my curiosity has finally caught up with me. I have to know what these things are made of!

Snouts, and Ears, and Tendons! Oh My!

Contrary to popular belief, hot dogs DO NOT contain any of the items mentioned above. They are typically made from beef, pork, turkey, chicken or a combination of those. The food label must specifically state which kind you are eating.

The hot dog usually contains a few more items as well. I mean, what doesn’t these days? Specifically, they usually contain meat (see above), meat fat, cereal filler, egg whites and various spices.

I know what you are asking now! What the heck is cereal filler? Well, it’s usually breadcrumbs, oatmeal or flour.

Well, as you can see, there just isn’t anything too disgusting in these things. I admit, they are not the best for you but they just aren’t the disgusting things that you probably thought they were. They are just a variation of the sausage.

~ Adam

Additional Reading:

Hot Dogs and Food Safety – USDA

The following is a guest post from Mrs. Money who writes at the Ultimate Money Blog. She frequently shares tips on frugal living, how to live green and living a simpler life.

Saving money and living green go hand in hand.  One of the largest budget busters for me was buying all natural beauty products.  They are expensive!  I didn’t want to be putting tons of chemicals on my body though, so I bit the bullet and paid the high price for beauty.  Fortunately, I learned to make the majority of all my beauty products.  It’s so cheap and simple that I’ll never go back to buying conventional shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, and face wash.  Not only am I greening my beauty routine, but I’m also keeping my wallet green!  Here are some simple tips to help you save money on beauty products:

1. Start utilizing the No Poo Method and stop using conventional shampoo.  You’ll eliminate many toxins and chemicals using just baking soda to wash your hair, and vinegar to condition it.  It will help take your hair back to its natural condition, and you’ll notice healthier and shinier hair!

2. Learn how to make deodorant.  Natural deodorant (like Tom’s of Maine) is around $5 for a stick.  I think that’s outrageous.  Make your own deodorant using baking soda, cornstarch, and coconut oil.  It will work just as well as commercial deodorants, cost you pennies, and save you from putting aluminum into your armpits.  It’s a win-win situation!

3. The Oil Cleansing Method is an awesome way to ditch your face cleaner.  You use all natural oils to clean your face.  It sounds crazy, but it really works!  Since I started using the oil cleansing method, I haven’t suffered from breakouts or dry skin.  My skin feels nice and smooth and supple.

It only takes a few minutes to learn how to make your own beauty products.  The ingredients are cheap and can be used across the recipes so you will not only live greener but save your money as well.  Give it a try, and you’ll be glad you did!

As gruesome as it sounds, this is something I always wanted to know about. Personally, I don’t want to sell my kidney so don’t take this post as an offer! I am saving my extra one for a family member if they ever need it.

What Does a Kidney Do?

Basically, the kidney is your body’s natural filter. They (you have two) clean the blood and remove waste that you then expel through your urine.

Kidney.org gets into a little more detail:

The critical regulation of the body’s salt, potassium and acid content is performed by the kidneys. The kidneys also produce hormones that affect the function of other organs. For example, a hormone produced by the kidneys stimulates red blood cell production. Other hormones produced by the kidneys help regulate blood pressure and control calcium metabolism.

So as you can see, they are a vital part of your body. However, you have two and it has been confirmed that you only need one functioning kidney to do all of that work.

Why Do We Need Donors?

There are a ton of diseases of the kidney. A lot of them are not life threatening, but plenty of them are. Many individuals have kidney failure and need dialysis.

Dialysis is a process where an individual hooks up to a machine that basically filters their blood for them. According to most patients, kidney dialysis is not painful. However, it can be rather tiresome as you need to do it frequently depending on the severity of your kidney failure.

However, patients can rid themselves of the dialysis machine forever with the proper donor. Donors must have matching blood types.

Can I Make Some Money?

Well, the answer is no. Selling any type of organ is illegal in this country and all others. India used to allow it on a minimal basis but they have since created a resolution banning it.

However, you can still donate it to a stranger for free. Visit the National Kidney Foundation to find out more about it.

Personally, I am keeping a hold on my extra one in case a family member needs it in the future. You never know!

Happy Labor Day! I hope you all are enjoying your long weekend. We are currently in PA visiting family and relaxing. For a quick little post today, I thought I would give you a brief history of Labor Day and how it got started.

What The Heck Is Labor Day Anyway?

Labor Day is a national holiday that is celebrated on the first Monday of every September. It hasn’t always been a national holiday though. It started way back in 1882 in New York City as part of a large labor movement in the United States. The first Labor Day was actually held on a Tuesday as the initial thought was to have it on September 5th every year. It wasn’t until two years later that they decided to hold it on the first Monday of September.

As the holiday in the city began to take hold, many other municipalities, states, etc. began to observe it. By 1894, 29 states had adopted the holiday to honor workers. In that same year, Congress voted to make the day a national holiday. It passed unanimously.

Today, most Americans view the holiday as the last big thing of summer. The long weekend is usually packed full of trips to the beach or picnics with family. However, you spend it, just make sure you relax.

* * * * *

How do you typically spend your Labor Day?

~ Adam

The following is a stolen article guest post from J Money at Budgets Are Sexy. This was reproduced with his written consent. Honestly!

I am wondering because I may or may not like to draw on ‘em, A LOT. And I’ve never heard of anyone getting arrested or even receiving a firm talking to for drawing on money. My sister once got a nice little visit from the FBI because her friend was passing around *fake* dollars she had made on her dad’s scanner, but I think counterfeiting money is way different than prettying them up. Or making art projects out of them.

When I google it, I get this:

Yes, it is called Mutilation of national bank obligations

United States Code

TITLE 18 – CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE

PART I – CRIMES

CHAPTER 17 – COINS AND CURRENCY

§ 333. Mutilation of national bank obligations

“Whoever mutilates, cuts, defaces, disfigures, or perforates, or unites or cements together, or does any other thing to any bank bill, draft, note, or other evidence of debt issued by any national banking association, or Federal Reserve bank, or the Federal Reserve System, with intent to render such bank bill, draft, note, or other evidence of debt unfit to be reissued, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than six months, or both.”

OMG. I’m going to jail. But what if I never put it back into circulation? What if I have a wall, let’s say, full of dollars I drew all over to show my fellow Americans how proud I am of our George Washingtons and Benji Franklins? If they never see another cash register again, do I get leniency? Could it then be considered “art?” I hope so. Not that I already have this wall or anything…

And what of my J. Money icon? Or my image from yesterday’s post? If it’s digital, it’s not really REAL, right? Could one of these doodled dollars be the same as the other digital dollars when I log onto online banking? I’m kinda perplexed, but I also kinda don’t wanna know the answers either.

I like the idea of expressing myself on federal reserve paper. I don’t know many other places I could get a 2.61″ by 6.14″ canvas for so cheap! I worked hard for those dollars, and I feel like if I don’t want to trade it for something of equal or less value, I shouldn’t have to. But don’t go telling the police. If they were to show up I can’t promise I’d be so brave.

There are 195 countries in the world (or 194 depending on who you ask). Obviously, we all know that Russia is the largest. However, I never really knew what the smallest country was so I set off to find the answer.

What Qualifies As a Country?

Apparently, there are 8 accepted criteria for determining if an entity is an independent country. Here they are:

1. Has space or territory that has internationally recognized boundaries
2. Has people who live there on an ongoing basis
3. Has economic activity and an organized economy
4. Has the power of social engineering such as education
5. Has a transportation system for moving goods and people
6. Has a government that provides public services and police power
7. Has sovereignty
8. Has external recognition by other countries

I am outlining these criteria because I couldn’t believe the answer to this simple question of what the smallest country is.

And The Smallest Country Is…..

…..the Vatican City. Wait, what? A city can be a country? Well, I guess so.

Vatican City

The Vatican City is actually a country inside of Rome, Italy. It is surrounded by a wall and is only the size of a golf course. It is the sovereign territory of the Holy See or the seat of the Catholic Church. If you want to think of it as the government of the Catholic Church, go right ahead.

The Vatican City was created in 1929 by the Lateran Treaty and has quite a few unique features. Here are just a few:

• There isn’t a single street address
• It is ruled by Pope Benedict XVI
• There are no permanent citizens
• The city is guarded by the smallest and oldest regular army in the world
• The ATM’s in the city actually can be read in Latin
• It has it’s own post office
• It has the highest crime rate of any country at 1.5 cases per person

If you look back at all of the criteria for being a country, the Vatican City meets all of them. However, they do rely on Italy for some of the major ones such as transportation. I mean, no country is perfect!

* * * * *

Did the answer surprise you? It really surprised me when I found out the answer. I was sure it was going to be some island in the Pacific but I guess I was wrong! Now, if I am ever on Jeopardy and this question comes up….

~ Adam

Additional Reading:

About.com – Smallest Country

The Vatican City is a Country

Well, I would like to think I am a better driver than my wife!

Kidding aside, I think there has always been the assumption that men are better drivers than women. Whenever you think about a fender bender, most people picture Lindsay Lohan talking on her cell or Paris Hilton holding her tiny dog. So, what is the sex of the person you picture? I would guess that the majority of people would say a woman. So, I figured I would find out if the majority is actually right.

Men Drive Like Maniacs

You probably predicted the outcome of this post before you even started reading it. Well, congratulations to you. Men typically are worse drivers than women.

After scouring the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) website, I found some statistics regarding vehicle crashes based on gender. Here is what the IIHS said:

The number of driver fatal crash involvements per 100 million miles driven in 2001-02 was about 50 percent higher for males (2.5 per 100 million miles traveled) than females (1.7 per 100 million miles traveled). Up to about age 59 rates were substantially higher for males than females. But starting around age 60 rates for males and females were similar.

Well, there you have it. Statistics don’t lie.

To be honest with you, I found the statistics a little surprising. I really didn’t think that the difference would be that noticeable.

I also found some statistics on the amount of drivers that died in a crash based on gender. Here is a graph of the data:

So, what’s the main reason for the difference?

Driving Under The Influence

Digging a little deeper, I decided to look at the fatalities that were a direct result of alcohol. Here is what the IIHS had to say:

Among fatally injured passenger vehicle drivers in 2008, a higher proportion of males than females had BACs at or above 0.08 percent at every age. Overall 40 percent of males and 21 percent of females had BACs at or above 0.08 percent. The percentages were highest among males ages 21-40. The lowest percentages were observed among drivers older than 60 among both men and women. Drivers younger than age 21 who were killed in crashes had far lower percentages of BACs of 0.08 percent or greater than drivers ages 21-30 who died – 27 percent versus 54 percent in 2008.

So, that’s saying that 5,240 of the 12,969 male drivers killed in a vehicle crash in 2008 were under the influence! That is a HUGE amount!

So, I guess it may be time for a brief interruption of this blog post. DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE!

Because Men Are Men

Another reason there is a difference is because men tend to be more aggressive than women. We tend to take on more risk and thus put ourselves in more danger while driving. What can I say, we like to go fast!

* * * * *

I know the data is kind of morbid, but it gives you a good idea on the differences between men and women. I would imagine that this data would transfer over the non-fatal crashes as well. In other words, I would bet that men get in more fender benders.

Additional Reading:

Fatality Facts – IIHS

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration