So Just Why Does The Easter Bunny Fill Our Easter Baskets?

Ever wonder why a mystical rabbit fills baskets with candy for us on Easter? Or why we run like lunatics, hunting for eggs? I did, too, so I went to an expert. Tom Ryan, Ph.D., director of the Loyola Institute for Ministry, said there are a range of myths or symbols involved with Easter, rooted in the history of the holiday.

First off, Easter is to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. "The Easter Bunny and Easter eggs are both symbols of life," said Ryan. "Rabbits are prolific, and eggs are about new life so they are symbols that represent what Easter is about, and that is that life has conquered death."

The candy is meant to serve as a mark for breaking the Lenten fast. But why do we have ham on our Easter dinner table? "Ham is a more recent development," said Ryan. "But lamb is an important part of Jewish Passover, and Christians associate the Last Supper that leads in to Easter with the Jewish holiday."

As for the Easter bonnet, well according to Ryan, the reason we get all dressed up on Easter is to feel something bodily, to experience the message of Easter, which is that in the end, death does not win, life does.

Tips Before Adopting a Bunny for Easter

What kid doesn't want a bunny for Easter, right? Didn't we all want one when we were kids? It's not that it's a bad idea, but just like getting any new pet for the family, you've got do it after getting fully informed. Clay Humane, a nonprofit veterinary clinic in Orange Park, FL is offering tips to people considering adopting a rabbit this Easter. "Bunnies are adorable and a familiar symbol of Easter, so many children beg their parents for pet rabbits around the holiday," said Dr. Christian Broadhurst, senior staff veterinarian at Clay Humane. "Unfortunately, many rabbits are abandoned and end up in shelters after Easter because people don't understand bunnies need a lot of attention and time." Broadhurst offers five tips to families considering adopting a rabbit:

• Ensure you have time to allow your pet rabbit time to exercise outside his or her cage. Rabbits need lots of exercise every day.

• Make sure you are prepared to clean the rabbit's litter box daily. Bunnies need clean litter boxes each day.

• Keep a special diet of Timothy hay and well-washed dark, leafy green vegetables on hand. Do not feed rabbits food that isn't part of their special diet.

• Rabbits typically don't like to be picked up. Make sure family members understand your pet rabbit most likely will not like being cuddled.

• Prepare for regular trips to the veterinarian. Just like other pets, rabbits need regular checkups to stay healthy.

"Rabbits make excellent pets for people who have the time and patience to care for these beautiful creatures," Broadhurst said. "If you aren't sure if you are ready to adopt a rabbit, try giving your child a stuffed bunny to teach him or her about caring for a pet. Then, when you are ready to adopt a pet rabbit, visit a local animal shelter or rescue group.”

STUDY: Country-Style Dance Can Increase Brain Function

This is why we country fans are so smart! It turns out country dancing, which involves detailed choreography, does more to boost brain functioning than other exercises, according to a new study recently published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. Researchers from the University of Illinois in Urbana and other schools recruited 174 healthy subjects in their 60s and 70s — both sedentary folks and those who already practiced light exercise.

They had the subjects take tests measuring their “aerobic fitness and mental capacities, including processing speed and a brain scan with a sophisticated MRI machine,” the New York Times reports. All subjects proved to have degeneration of their white matter, including “slight thinning of the size and number of connections between neurons.”

The folks were then split into three groups. The first group did brisk walking, the second engaged in stretching and balance training, and the third was invited to hit the dance floor: “These men and women showed up to a studio three times a week for an hour and practiced increasingly intricate country-dance choreography, with the group shaping itself into fluid lines and squares and each person moving from partner to partner.”

After six months of exercise, says the article, participants from all three groups were invited to retake the tests they had taken at the outset of the study. The results were shocking. Participants in the first two groups showed increased degeneration in white matter. But the third group — the dancers — not only avoided that fate, but their white matter actually became more dense, particularly in the “fornix, a part of the brain involved with processing speed and memory,” says the article.

When they were asked to retake thinking tests that they had taken six months prior, though, none of the groups outperformed any other. All did better on the tests, but the dancing group — the ones whose white matter had been beefed up — were at about the same level of cognitive function as their peers, says the article. The researchers’ conclusion? “There could be a time lag between when the brain changes structurally and when we start having trouble thinking and remembering,” said Agnieszka Burzynska, the study’s lead author and a professor of human development and neuroscience at Colorado State University in Fort Collins.

The fact that all participants’ mental performances improved showed researchers that physical activity — especially of the social variety — is healthy for brain function. But “the cognitive demands of the dancing, which required people to learn and master new choreography throughout the six months of the study, affected the biochemistry of the brain tissue in the fornix,” Burzynska told the New York Times.

The general takeaway, says Burzynska, is that exercising and socializing are both crucial for keeping brains healthy and sharp as we age. But learning the contra dance and sashay is a whole other ball game. The intricacies and intense social interaction of country dance was a game changer for participants, which could shed light on choreographed dance as a means of warding off cognitive decline.

More research needs to be done, researchers say, to measure the effects of other kinds of exercise and different types of choreographed dance (foxtrot, anyone?) on mental functioning and the regrowth of white matter. In the meantime, if you’re over 40, or you simply want to keep your brain in shape, then grab your partner and dosey doe!

Yahoo

STUDY: 59% of People Eat a Chocolate Bunny Starting with the Ears!

Easter is just days away, and that means it's almost time to unwrap a chocolate bunny and surrender to your sweet tooth. Unless you've been biting into those bunnies ever since they hit store shelves weeks ago. Of course, no one would judge you for taking an early nibble.But they might judge how you nibble. That's because there's a right way and a wrong way indulge in the seasonal sweet treat.

A recent study published in The Laryngoscope journal found that the vast majority of bunny consumers (59 percent) start with the ears. The study utilized online research to determine the bunny-eating habits of over 28,000 people, and the ears-first method proved to be the norm. Not so normal? You might even say abnormal? The feet-first approach. Yes, there are folks out there who flip their bunnies around and start with old rabbit's foot. But not many of them — only 4 percent start there. As for everyone else, they just enjoy chocolate that happens to be shaped like a bunny without even paying attention to the parts. Researchers found that 33 percent of people indicate no preference at all when going in for the all-important first bite.
Of course, if you happen to be among the "abnormal" crowd, don't worry. While the study is on the up-and-up, the topic is intentionally tongue-in-cheek. Or ear-in mouth.

What to Buy in April: Spring Wear, Garden Gear, Easter Goodies, and More!

Sure, April can be a rainy month. But it's also a great month for shopping! You can find top-notch savings on seasonal apparel, Easter goodies, garden gear and furniture, and deals surrounding Tax Day (April 18), and Earth Day (April 22). Also, a variety of retailers are celebrating Administrative Professionals' Day (April 26) with snazzy discounts. We've rounded up a list of some of the best deals, along with exclusive tips from retail experts.

1. Seasonal Clothing and Shoes

Finally we can ditch those clunky winter coats! And slip into some sweet savings. "The general rule for dressing yourself in deals is to wait about two months after a new season of apparel hits stores before cashing in on sizable discounts," noted Benjamin Glaser, features editor with DealNews. "Many retailers began debuting their spring merchandise in February, which means April is the two-month mark. You'll see the warm weather in full effect with deals like sandals at JCPenney for $15 (discounted by $25), polo shirts for $3 (discounted by $9) at Sierra Trading Post, and lots of deals on linen clothing, shorts, and more." Glaser suggests checking out the Eddie Bauer Spring Sale, the Hollister Spring Sale, and the Michael Kors at Spring sale. Also consider Forever 21's BOGO on sale items, running through April 2. And don't forget some new kicks. Sara Skirboll, shopping and trends expert at RetailMeNot says now is the time to find deals on a variety of shoes. "Shoes, especially athletic/tennis shoes, are upwards of 30 percent off [in some stores]. Winter styles need to be cleared out to make way for new spring and summer styles like sandals. Right now Macy's is offering $10 cash back for online purchases of $50 [or more] and you can score 12 percent off plus free shipping with code RETAILMENOT at New Balance." Brent Shelton, online shopping expert at FatWallet, recommends using Ebates.com to earn up to 20 percent cash back on "nearly any spring fashion purchase imaginable."

2. Garden Tools and Patio Furniture

"Whether just getting out in the yard for the first time, or pushing past lawn prep and into spring projects, April offers savings from huge lawn and garden deals through the month," said Shelton. "Expect 20 percent off and more on lawn seed, fertilizers, perennial bulbs and plants, shrubs and trees, and many of the tools to do the work. Plus, bigger-ticket items like patio furniture, grills and lawn equipment will be on sale with savings that beat May and June prices on these items." Home Depot has slashed the prices on select patio furniture such as the Hampton Bay Pembrey 7-Piece Patio Dining Set, retailing for $629, down from $899, through April 9. Sears has marked down items such as the Craftsman Pro Series 33" 357cc Two Stage Snowblower with Power Steering, available for $1599.98, down from $2199.99. Lowes has launched Spring Black Friday Deals, an event that touts savings for green-thumbed shoppers.

3. Easter Candy, Crafts, Baskets, and Flowers

"Most major retailers bring timely savings on candy, gift baskets, decorations," said Shelton. Kendal Perez, savings expert for CouponSherpa points to See's Candies, which is featuring $5 off in-store purchases of $30 or more through April 16 with this printable coupon. Over at Hobby Lobby, you can save 40 percent on Easter crafts, decor, and party supplies through April 17. At Jet.com, take 15 percent off select candy brands for Easter (with a maximum discount of $30) through April 18 using the promo code EASTERCANDY15. 1800Baskets is touting 20 percent off Easter baskets through April 17 with the promo code BUNNYHOP, and Easter floral arrangements are discounted at FTD, which is offering 20 percent off through May 1. Expect bigger Easter deals to pop up once the holiday has come and gone. Stores will be trying to move all that cute and sugary inventory. "Easter is on April 16, [so] look for clearance sales to start on the 17th," said retail expert Courtney Jespersen at NerdWallet. "Retailers will be motivated to move their plush bunnies and marshmallow Peeps off the shelf, so expect clearance-level prices to kick in toward the end of the month."

4. Tax Day Freebies

Didn't get the tax refund you were hoping for? Don't be blue; retailers have freebies for you! "Each year on tax day, retailers, restaurants and all sorts of other businesses give away freebies," said Jespersen. "In past years, giveaways have run the gamut from cheeseburgers and cookies to shaved ice and paper shredding." Most of these freebies haven't yet been announced, but it's likely that past participants will continue their savings tradition. In the past, Arby's has served curly fries for free on Tax Day, and AMC gave out popcorn at no charge. "Check social media in the days preceding April 18 for promotions and redemption instructions," said Jespersen. Keep in mind that Tax Day is occurring during National Park Week, so consider forgetting all about money and getting some fresh air for free at parks waiving their fees.

5. Earth Day Deals

"Earth Day falls on April 22 and select retailers celebrate with discounts and giveaways to eco-friendly consumers," said Perez, "In the past, we've seen such retailers as Target, Wegmans, The Disney Store and Natural Grocers give out free reusable bags to shoppers who brought in plastic shopping bags for recycling. "Last year, American Eagle hosted an Earth Day Event offering $10 to $40 off orders, depending on how much shoppers spent. Peet's Coffee & Tea offered 15 percent off all organic products while Starbucks and Caribou Coffee have offered free or discounted coffee during previous Earth Days for patrons who purchased or brought in reusable tumblers." As with Tax Day freebies, Earth Day deals crop up close to the actual holiday, so keep in the loop on social media.

6. Administrative Professionals' Day Perks

Administrative professionals exist in all sorts of fields, and fittingly, all sorts of retailers are honoring the day (April 26) with deals. "Many flower and gift companies extend discounts for the event, ranging from 10 percent to 20 percent off," said Perez. Perez expects similar offers to those we saw last year from vendors such as Gourmet Gift Baskets, which touted 10 percent off orders; Gift Tree, which featured 20 percent off select gifts; SpaFinder which touted $10 off gift card purchases of $100 or more, and ClubsGalore which touted $10 off Administrative Professionals' Day orders. Restaurants are also keen on this workers' holiday, motivating companies to take employees out to lunch with special offers. "Last year, Outback offered up to 20 percent off lunch, while Z'Tejas offered a free slice of fudge pie for administrative professionals and Macaroni Express promoted BOGO free on Express Lunch entrees," noted Perez. Yet again, pay attention to social media. And if you're an administrative professional, maybe send a gentle reminder to your boss.

Reese's Mini Peanut Butter Chocolate Eggs Dethrone Peeps as Most Popular Easter Candy

Even though people love to complain about their shape, turns out people can't get enough of Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs this Easter.

According to a recent survey by digital savings destination, RetailMeNot, Reese's Mini Peanut Butter Chocolate Eggs are what people want to find in their Easter baskets the most this year. The bite-size version of the peanut butter-filled treats beat out the former favorite, Peeps, by nearly 20 percent.

Here's what other candies people who took the survey picked as their favorite Easter treats.

Top 5 Easter Treats of 2017, According to RetailMeNot

1. Reese's Mini Peanut Butter Chocolate Eggs (53%)

2. Chocolate bunnies (48%)

3. Jelly beans (48%)

4. Hershey's Eggs (45%)

5. Peeps (34%)

While only 48 percent of the survey responders said they planned on buying candy this Easter, the ones who do plan on spending an average of $57, which will buy you nearly 20 $3 packages of Reese's Mini Peanut Butter Chocolate Eggs.

So what candy do you most want to see in your Easter basket? Drop me a line: john@kicks1063.com

In Case You Missed it!

Country’s biggest acts were honored Sunday night at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena for the 52nd annual Academy of Country Music Awards. Luke Bryan and Dierks Bentley co-host the show for a second year as artists including Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line, Carrie Underwood, and Keith Urban battle for a slew of prizes.

Here's the list of winners at Sunday night's 52nd ACM Awards:

New Male Vocalist of the Year
Jon Pardi

New Female Vocalist of the Year
Maren Morris

New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year
Brothers Osborne

Single Record of the Year
"H.O.L.Y." -- Florida Georgia Line

Songwriter of the Year
Lori McKenna

Vocal Event of the Year
"May We All" -- Florida Georgia Line featuring Tim McGraw

Song of the Year
"Die a Happy Man" -- Thomas Rhett

Vocal Duo of the Year
Brothers Osborne

Vocal Group of the Year
Little Big Town

Album of the Year
The Weight of These Wings -- Miranda Lambert

Video of the Year
"Forever Country" -- Artists of Then, Now & Forever

Male Vocalist of the Year
Thomas Rhett

Female Vocalist of the Year
Miranda Lambert

Entertainer of the Year
Jason Aldean