Tips for the Holidays

Here's four can't-miss tips for having a safer and happier holiday season...

Buying a Turkey Got Your Goose?

A plump and juicy turkey is the cornerstone of many a holiday meal. But how do you pick a winning piece of poultry? I recommend a fresh, unfrozen turkey because it's all-natural and ready for immediate roasting. Some frozen turkeys can contain preservatives and flavor enhancers that you don't need. As for sizing your bird, my rule of thumb is to allow 1.5 lbs. of turkey per dinner guest to make sure there's enough to go around.

Hitting the Road for the Holidays?

If you're planning on traveling by car during the holiday season, take note: you won't be alone. The nation's highways are sure to be brimming with motorists eager to get to their holiday destinations. For maximum safety, be sure to allot yourself some extra time to get to wherever you're going. Accidents occur when people are in a hurry. With proper planning, you can avoid trouble altogether.

How to Handle Yourself in a Bar-room Fracas.

The holiday season is a time for good times and good spirits. Unfortunately, some people get a little carried away and feel the need to stir up trouble. Don't let some big lunk disrespect your manhood; teach him a lesson. First, deliver a sharp blow to the bridge of his nose. This will have him seeing stars and give you the opportunity for dealing out more damage. Follow your opening shot with a flurry of fierce groin kicks and brutal kidney punches. For extra emphasis, use inanimate objects such as chairs and whiskey bottles. When it's all said and done, the guy will be sorry he troubled you.

Treating a Fresh Gun-shot Wound.

Whoops, you knocked over the convenience store and caught a souvenir from a minimum wage lackey trying to be Charles Bronson. Going to a legitimate doctor is sure to put you on the receiving end of some uncomfortable questions. Fortunately, most gunshot wounds can be treated with some simple first aid. Clean the wound with some hydrogen peroxide and locate the projectile. Once found, use clean tools (tweezers, x-acto knife, etc.) to remove the bullet. It's important to use clean tools to limit the risk of infection. After the bullet is out, cover and apply pressure to the wound to control bleeding. Note: if the bullet happened to pierce a major organ, you're probably screwed.

Don't Share Your Needle.

When you're tripping out on powerful hallucinogens this holiday season, try not to lose sight of personal health and hygiene. If you're an intravenous drug-user, it's important to keep your needle to yourself. Sharing needles can expose you to a wide range of blood-borne pathogens such as AIDS, hepatitis, and the deadly ebola virus. Don't take any chances, make your syringe off-limits to others.


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