"Auld Lang Syne" lyrics

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

And never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

And days of auld lang syne? And days of auld lang syne, my dear,

And days of auld lang syne.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

And days of auld lang syne?



We twa hae run aboot the braes

And pu'd the gowans fine.

We've wandered mony a weary foot,

Sin' auld lang syne.

Sin' auld lang syne, my dear,

Sin' auld lang syne,

We've wandered mony a weary foot,

Sin' auld ang syne.


We twa hae sported i' the burn,

From morning sun till dine,

But seas between us braid hae roared

Sin' auld lang syne.


Sin' auld lang syne, my dear,

Sin' auld lang syne.

But seas between us braid hae roared

Sin' auld lang syne.



And ther's a hand, my trusty friend,

And gie's a hand o' thine;

We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet,

For auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne, my dear,

For auld lang syne,

We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet,

For auld lang syne.

New Years Eve parties

New Year's Eve is almost here, and as always Miami and South Florida have some of the hottest party tickets in town, it just depends on how much money you're willing to dish out.

MIAMI-DADE:

Bayfront Park New Year's Eve, Downtown Miami:
Dubbed the largest free party in South Florida, Bayfront Park in Downtown Miami is hosting free party with the salsa band Grammy Award Winning "Conjunto Progresso" with the Cuban Son. Also performing are South Florida favorites Iko-Iko, and Betty Padgett & Elements of Funk. Gates open at 7p.m. and a fireworks show on Biscayne Bay will top the festivities at midnight.

The Cameo, South Beach:
Actor Chace Crawford will be making a special appearance at this bastion of Miami Beach nightlife; there will be plenty of dancing involved, and VIP tables available.

The 5th, South Beach:
Gerry Kelly and friends invite you to a night of dancing with DJ Victor Calderone. For more info: www.thefifth.com

Lewis Black, The Fillmore, Miami Beach:
If you're looking for comedy in South Beach, you can check out Lewis Black at the Fillmore Miami Beach, Jackie Gleason Theater. 9.p.m. Click Here For More Info.

Venetian Carnival, Touch Restaurant, South Beach:
Touch Restaurant on Lincoln Road is hosting a "New Year's Without Grief". Starting at 7p.m. The entertainment promises to be as extravagant as the food, with models and performers thematically dressed, interacting with guests, live musicians and sexy dancers through the venue, plus a DJ. 910 Lincoln Road, (305) 532-8003.

Mansion Nightclub, Miami Beach:
If you have the spare $200 and the inkling to party as a VIP, you can do it with December Playboy cover girl Kim Kardashian. If you want to be an ultra-VIP, $6,000 will get you an 8 person VIP table in front of the stage. Tickets: www.theopiumgroup.com or 305-531-5535

Privé, NYE Hosted by Nick Cannon, Miami Beach:
The SOBE club known for its VIP's and visiting celebrities will throw a party hosted by Nick Cannon. This party will cost you a pretty penny, and you will have to reserve in advance: www.theopiumgroup.com

King Mango Strut Parade, Coconut Grove:
If you're boss is being a meanie and not giving you the holiday off, you can celebrate early by laughing it off at Coconut Grove's King Mango Strut Parade on Sunday, December 30th. This year's grand marshals are the Chongalicious Girls made famous by their YouTube video. 2-5P.M. Starts at Commodore Plaza and Main Highway. A pre-show starts at noon.

Space Miami, Downtown Miami:
The world famous nightclub is having a Casino Royale themed party, lasting 24-hours. Music by Space's staple DJ's Oscar G. and Ivanno Bellini, among others. Doors open at 9p.m. www.clubspace.com


Spam Allstars at Studio A, Downtown Miami:
If you're looking for a real Miami musical treat, this is the place, DJ Spam and the Spam Allstars will be playing at Studio A. Also idie band Awesome New Republic and ArtOfficial will be performing. The price tag won't hurt your pocket: $15 in advance, $20 at the door. 60 NE 11th Street, Miami. www.studioamiami.com


BROWARD:

Downtown Countdown, Ft. Lauderdale:
The City of Ft. Lauderdale has their free celebration in the Downtown area, along SW 2nd Street, between SW 2nd Avenue and 4th Avenue. The celebration will have activities for the whole family including an "early countdown" for children at 7 p.m. when the ball will be lit. Live musical acts start at 9.p.m. and continue till 3 a.m. A lit ball drop and fireworks will mark the New Year. For more information, call the event hotline at 954-828-5363.



Ocean Dance Hollywood Beach, South of Johnson Street:
The annual OceanDance features Wylliams/Henry Danse Theatre of Kansas City, Mo. Performing at 9:30 p.m., followed by a laser light show simulating fireworks. General admission is free. Fore VIP information call 954-921-3274, www.artandculturecenter.org

Blue Martini, Ft. Lauderdale:
The party features live music. You can reserve a table on the patio, or get VIP seating , including complimentary dinner buffet and champagne at midnight. Doors open at 8p.m. 2432 E. Sunrise Blvd., No. 1008, Fort Lauderdale, 954-653-2583

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood:
You can go cheap or start with empty pockets for the New Year with all the variety the Seminole entertainment complex offers. From a dinner with live music or you can simply buy yourself a spot on the dance floor, and later enjoy the fireworks over their lake. Seminole Paradise, 1 Seminole Way (off U.S. 441 north of Stirling Road), near Hollywood. For info call: 954-583-8335.

Comedian Robert Schimmel, Ft. Lauderdale:
This American Comedy Awards Best Stand-Up Male Comic will make you laugh at the Parker Playhouse. NE Eighth St., Fort Lauderdale; 954-462-0222 or www.parkerplayhouse.com

Isle Casino & Racing at Pompano Park, Pompano Beach:
The Ruby Baker Band performs at the Fling Bar, and there will be a balloon drop, party favors and a New Year's sweepstakes. No cover. 9p.m.-1a.m. 777 Isle of Capri Circle, Pompano Beach 954-972-2000.


Rosey Baby, Lauderhill:
This New Orleans-style restaurant is also celebrating its 18th anniversary. The Joe Friday Band will perform at 9p.m. They offer reserved and non-reserved seating to eat. Includes midnight champagne toast. 4587 N. University Drive, Lauderhill: 954-749-5627

Scandals Saloon, Wilton Manors:
If you like country and you're gay or gay friendly, this is the place to go. No cover, cash prize and a balloon drop. 9 a.m.-3 a.m. 3073 NE Sixth Ave, 954- 567-2432.


Seminole Casino, Coconut Creek:
You can enjoy dinner at the Sunset Grill or buffet at Fresh Harvest for $29.95. After midnight, Nectar Lounge offers a party with entertainment by Alisha, the Cover Girls and C&C Music Factory. No cover. 954- 977-6700.

Watch your mouth tonight

All the chomping you do while celebrating tonight might go right to "waist."

That's the fit fact from a nutrition expert who says a handful of chips contains 155 calories, which will take you 40 minutes to walk off.

Other problematic party foods:

Mini hot dogs, which come stocked with 290 calories per five, and will take 75 minutes to walk off.

Party mix, which, at 240 calories a cup, will have you pounding the pavement for 62 minutes.

A single cracker with salami and cheese contains 160 calories and will take 45 minutes to burn.

But it's not all bad news, especially for posh partiers.

Champagne is the lesser of the evils, only 105 calories per five-ounce glass, while caviar has only 40 calories per tablespoon.

Now, go... enjoy , be responsible and have a Happy New Year!!

Unhappy returns?

10 Tips: Happy returns after the holidays
Don't want that ill-fitting sweater? Check the return policy
By Laura T. Coffey

Whether it’s an unappealing bauble from your Aunt Lucy or an ill-fitting sweater from your grandparents, unwanted gifts may send you running back to retailers after the holidays.

If you do attempt to return a few duds this year, you’re bound to encounter some store policies that will make you smile – and others that will make you grit your teeth and wish you never bothered. The following tips can help you play the returns game successfully or decide in advance to avoid the game altogether.

1. Pray for a gift receipt. Hopefully the person who gave you your third George Foreman Grill included a gift receipt that has the price embedded in its bar code. If you’re armed with the name of the retailer and this unmistakable proof of purchase, rejoice! You’re well on your way to avoiding potential headaches and run-arounds. Without a receipt, though, you might not be able to return the item at all. (More on this in Tip #3.)

2. Engage in tactful reconnaissance if necessary. Didn’t get a gift receipt from your friend or loved one? Then it’s time to do some sleuth work and figure out where the purchase was made. If you’re positive that you won’t hurt the gift giver’s feelings, simply explain that you need to return the item for whatever reason. But if hurt feelings are a concern, try these questions on for size: “Oh my goodness! Where on Earth did you find this?” “This is so unique – where did you get it?” “Where did you do your holiday shopping this year?”

3. Read the return policy online. Once you know the name of the retailer, you can read up on its specific rules and regulations from the comfort of your own home. Just visit the store’s Web site and tool around until you find the policy for returns and exchanges. Be on the lookout for answers to these sorts of questions: Does the retailer provide extra time for consumers to return or exchange unwanted holiday gifts? Or do its return policies become even more draconian around this time of year? (Some stores will only let you pursue returns for seven days after the holidays.) What will the store do for you if you don’t have a gift receipt? If the item was purchased online, who has to pay the return shipping costs? Can shipping costs be avoided altogether if you return the item at a brick-and-mortar store? Is that even allowed?

4. Go easy with the scissors. If you even suspect that you might not want to keep a certain gift, avoid cutting off any tags or throwing away any packaging or accompanying manuals. Otherwise, you might void the store’s return policy or trigger hefty restocking fees. In fact, when it comes to certain kinds of electronics goods, computers and computer accessories, many stores charge a fee if you attempt to return merchandise after the box has been opened.

5. Brace yourself. Here’s yet another detail to clarify: Just how big of a restocking fee might apply? Be aware that it can be as high as 15 percent of the purchase price – and depending on the item, that can equal hundreds of dollars. Sears, for example, charges such a 15 percent restocking fee on certain appliances, tools, sporting goods, automotive items and lawn and garden items that are not returned in their original boxes with all of their original packaging intact.

6. Know when a trip to the store may be fruitless. Many stores will not allow you to return gift certificates, gift cards, grocery products, gourmet gift baskets, plants, bedding or linens that have been opened, software that’s been opened, undergarments or bathing suits. Granted, you might be able to return some of these items, so it pays to check the store’s return and exchange policy. Just be sure to check first in order to avoid unnecessary frustration.

7. Have you been blacklisted? Here’s another little surprise you might encounter this year: More and more retailers are blocking shoppers deemed to be “serial returners” from returning items at all. The return limits vary from store to store, but they might come into play if you’ve tried to make more than three returns within 45 days or five returns within 90 days. If you’ve mistakenly or unfairly landed on one of these “serial returner” lists, ask to speak with the store’s manager about getting the situation rectified.



8. Take a deep breath. It’s common for retailers to direct all shoppers seeking returns to one central counter – where they might be forced to wait as long as 30 minutes for assistance. If you really want to return an item, walk into the store psychologically prepared to wait patiently in line and persevere. For tips on how to time your trip so as to avoid crowds, you can read my past “10 Tips” column on that subject.

9. Be determined. Approach the return desk with confidence about your mission. If the store clerk turns down your request for a refund or exchange, ask to speak with the store manager. Be aware that most companies allow their managers to make exceptions to the usual return policy.

10. Be nice. Store clerks and other customer-service employees endure a tremendous amount of rude and shoddy treatment from customers – and the long hours they’ve likely had to work in recent weeks may have left them exhausted. Bearing this in mind, remember that a smile and good manners can defuse a potentially unpleasant situation and help you as you negotiate your refund or exchange.

Kids helping others

Of course kids love getting presents at the holidays, but what truly makes the season special is the genuine sense of goodwill all around them. That's why now is the best time to show a child how to spread that warmth by helping others. Yes, it's great for the needy, but it's even better for your kid. Children love being helpful (it makes them feel grown-up), and volunteering "gives them the chance to experience the deeply rewarding payoff that comes from making someone else happy," says Deborah Spaide, author of Teaching Your Kids to Care.

Read on to learn all the ways that volunteering boosts your child's self-image, plus strategies for keeping him motivated and projects he can dive into right now.

Bubbly basics

CHAMPAGNE: HOW TO BUY, STORE, SERVE AND TOAST

(Men's Health)

Buy: Louis Roederer's Brut Premier Non Vintage champagne (about $35 a bottle), which is the pick of Monty Waldin, author of Organic Wine Guide. It's a bubbly blend (hence "nonvintage") of French wines, and people with nothing better to do rave about it in wine-snob chat groups.
Store: In a cool, dry place, and don't refrigerate it until party day. Fridge vibrations can damage wine. An hour before you pop the cork, place the champagne in a bucket half-filled with equal parts water and ice.
Serve: Hold the bottle at an angle, grip the cork, and twist. You'll ease it out with a subtle, thoughtful pop -- which is appropriate when you're straddling past and future, reflection and anticipation. Pour a tiny bit of fizz into each champagne flute; revisit when the foam settles.
Toast: John Bridges, author of A Gentleman Raises His Glass, recommends that you... Steer away from trite speeches: Never say, "Out with the old, in with the new." Make it brief: People want to get on with the evening and drink the champagne. Avoid Carrot Top moments: There is a difference between lightheartedness and wit. And not everybody is witty. Connect: Pull other people -- present, or sadly absent -- into the toast.


Cheers!!

__________________________________

Hi Susan,

I just heard your tips for opening Champagne. I have a couple to add:

1) As you said, it is very important to angle the bottle when opening (relieves some of the pressure) but don't try to twist the CORK off. Instead, put a small towel over the cork, hold the cork firmly in your left hand (if your right-handed) and twist the BOTTLE. The towel is to help your grip and catch the cork if you lose hold of it.

2) Never use soap to wash the inside of the champagne glasses. Even the tiniest bit of residual soap will cause all of the bubbles to instantly effervesce out of the wine. That's why you should never put the glasses in the dishwasher. I recommend to wash by hand and only wash the outside of the glass and the rim with a slightly soapy sponge or cloth. The inside of the glass should be washed with only hot water.

Have a Happy New Year!



Jean-Marie

A family New years party

Start the year out right with a New Year's Day open house party (a long-standing Dutch and Scottish tradition) for family and friends. You'll be remembered for throwing the perfect first party of the new year.
For a festive and memorable spread, create a buffet of your favorite sweet and savory crowd-pleasers, with a mix of New Year's traditions thrown in. Children, in particular, love it when certain foods are served at special times of the year and have a "story." Since Roman times beans have been associated with good fortune, so whip up a batch of Hoppin' John, a hearty mixture of black-eyed peas, rice and salt pork or bacon. The kids in the crowd will also love it if you prepare a Japanese favorite, soba noodles. They'll have fun trying to slurp up the noodles without breaking them, thought to ensure a long life. Create fruit parfaits, each containing 12 grapes; in Spain, grapes are traditionally eaten when the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve — one grape per chime for good luck.
Parade watching is always a favorite New Year's Day activity, so start your brunch early, around 10 a.m., so that folks can come and watch. Create a parade game/activity for the children. Those who had to go to bed early the night before will appreciate the chance to hike the commotion with horns, noisemakers and other traditional favors. For a pre-party activity, decorate plastic champagne flutes with guests' names and festive designs. When the time comes (maybe the "ball drops" at your party at noon instead of midnight), young and old can raise their personalized glasses of sparkly (champagne or white grape juice) to the new year.
Hoping for good fortune this year? Hire a fortune-teller to come and read palms or cast fun fortunes. Or practice with a set of tarot cards before the party so you can be the fortune-teller. Another option is to order fortune cookies from Asian markets or make your own fortune bubbles. Write a variety of funny fortunes and sayings on strips of paper that you enclose inside inexpensive clear plastic or glass ornaments. Use a gold pen to write "Happy New Year!" or "New Year's Day '08" on the outside — voila! Your guests have a memento to take home with them. Have guests write down resolutions and make a game of guessing or acting out (resolution charades!) what they're hoping to accomplish.

Got a funny kid?

South Florida's Funniest Kid Contest — Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey. 12 & younger 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. today outside Wannado City, Sawgrass Mills Mall, intersection Flamingo Road & Sunrise Blvd., Sunrise.

For more information call: 888-926-6236, 954-838-7100.

Check out the website.

Make resolutions stick

New Year's resolutions can be both troublesome and rewarding.

Many people make them, but few make a real committment to them. Before
you put the champagne on ice, spend some time pondering exactly
what you hope to achieve in the year ahead and how you plan to do it.

Step One

Be very specific about your resolution. Don't say: "I want to lose weight." Do say: "I want to lose 5 pounds a month so that I look hot in my new swimsuit on the fourth of July." Make realistic, measurable goals and write them down.

Step Two

Limit the number of resolutions you make. It's better to do one thing well than several things poorly (or not at all).

Step Three

Post your list in a visible place to serve as a reminder and encouragement to yourself. It will also allow other people to see your resolutions and provide support. If you want to keep your resolutions private, record them in a journal.

Step Four

Enlist the support of your friends and family. If you're lucky, they'll have similar goals and you can work on your resolutions together. Encourage people to be helpful and supportive.


Step Five

Take action immediately. Make important appointments with a doctor, dietitian or counselor. Sign up for a gym membership or buy any equipment you need.

Step Six

Practice new behaviors that encourage success. If you want to stop smoking, don't hang out in smoke-filled bars or casinos. If you want to lose weight, don't bring desserts, junk food, candy or ice cream into the house. Limit your exposure to people who are likely to encourage resolution-breaking. There's a reason parolees aren't allowed to hang out with known criminals--they're a bad influence. Surround yourself with good ones.

Step Seven

Set incremental goals and reward yourself for partial successes. If you're working on saving more of your income, for example, reward yourself with a small splurge at each significant step. Each time you squirrel away another $1,000, take yourself to a favorite restaurant or get a massage.

Step Eight

Substitute a good habit for the bad one you want to break. If your goal is to eat less junk food, find a healthy food you love. If you want to spend more time with your family, establish a special time during the week when everyone is together.

2007 buzz words

The hip, overused and abused biz buzzwords of ‘07

By Peter Hartlaub
MSNBC contributor

The creation of business buzzwords practically has its own industry. There are books about them, multiple Web sites — buzzwhack.com and buzzwordhell.com are two of the best — and each year it seems as if more have been added to the lexicon than the last.

Here are some of our favorites that were coined or made famous in 2007.

Grass station
This one is Webster New World Dictionary’s word of the year, defined as a future fuel depot that would dispense ethanol and other veggie-based gas substitutes. We’re presuming that the grass station mini-mart will also have a single tofu dog under the heat lamp that everyone is too scared to eat.

Used in a sentence: "I went to fuel up at the grass station, but they wouldn’t accept my medical marijuana card as ID."

Chances we’ll be using this buzzword in 2017: Not so good. We’ll be lucky if we’re mass-producing SUVs that get 30 miles to the gallon, much less ones that run on alfalfa.

Connectile dysfunction
Brought to the masses by a Sprint cell phone Super Bowl advertisement earlier this year, this is the best buzzword that $2.6 million can buy. It’s defined as the inability to get an Internet connection, usually with a roaming laptop computer or cell phone.

Used in a sentence: "After the Geek Squad guys cured my laptop’s connectile dysfunction, everyone smoked a cigarette."

Chances we’ll be using this buzzword in 2017: The joke’s already getting pretty old. Plus, we’re anticipating there will be better wireless connectivity at all the new grass stations.

Meatball sundae
The title of the latest marketing book from Seth Godin. A meatball sundae is described as the unfortunate result that comes from mixing two really good business ideas.

Used in a sentence: "Come to think of it, adding a social networking element to my retail furniture Web site was kind of a meatball sundae."

Chances we’ll be using this buzzword in 2017: A new marketing book comes along every few minutes, but this cool new coinage has some staying power.

Friendquest
A term used by lonely Second Lifers and other social networkers who roam around online in search of friends. Remember when people would just walk down the street to a bar?

Used in a sentence: "No, Mr. Hansen, you have it all wrong. I didn’t come here looking for sex with a minor. I’m just on a friendquest."

Chances we’ll be using this buzzword in the year 2017: Pretty slim. By 2017, the technology should exist so people can have robot friends.

Subprime
This buzzword isn’t exactly new. But the sheer number of stories in the media about subprime mortgages has changed the word from adjective to verb status — loosely defined as the ability to completely dig one’s self into a hole and then expect a bailout.

Used in a sentence: "I completely subprimed my Algebra test yesterday. Instead of studying, I drank beer and played Xbox, and just hoped the answers would come to me. Can I still have an 'A'?"

Chances we’ll be using this buzzword in the year 2017: Slim to none. But you’ll definitely be using it in 2008.


Narcissurfing
Spending a lot of time on the Internet to see how often your name appears and what others are saying about you. It’s another way of saying 'Googling yourself,' although a narcissurfer does it on a daily basis.

Used in a sentence: "You’re such a narcissurfer. You probably think this blog is about you."

Chances we’ll be using this buzzword in 2017: Good. Hopefully by then you’ll have made a bigger mark on the Internet than a half-finished MySpace page and a 142nd-place finish in a 5K fun run.


Disintermediate
We already have enough euphemisms for "firing" (layoff, dismissal, redundancy, downsizing, rightsizing …) but every year we add at least one more. Disintermediate is the process of trimming your company by firing middle managers.

Used in a sentence: "Ever since Initech announced its plan to disintermediate, Bill Lumburgh has been regretting his decision to lease that Porsche."

Chances we’ll be using this buzzword in 2017: We’re not going to remember it next month, much less a decade from now.

Shanghai sneeze
When China’s Shanghai stock market plunged nearly 9 percent in one day this year, other markets around the world dropped as well, reminding U.S. investors how vulnerable they are.

Used in a sentence: "The next time a foreign market drops suddenly, let’s all work together and try to think of a better buzzword than 'Shanghai Sneeze.'"

Chances we’ll be using this buzzword in 2017: Slim to none. If nothing else, it sounds kind of racist.

Ringtone rage
The unfortunate outcome when one person is driven to violence by another person’s pretentious ringtone. Usually the victim is one of those people who lets their phone ring a couple of extra times, just so everyone hears the bridge for "In Da Club."

Used in a sentence: "Your honor, my client would like to plead temporary insanity to these ringtone rage charges. It was caused by a co-worker whose unattended phone kept playing 'Axel Foley’s Theme.'"

Chances we’ll be using this buzzword in 2017: It depends on whether Lil’ Jon & The East Side Boyz are still recording.


Blogola
When businesses court bloggers with trips and other perks, hoping for positive coverage. The word gained prominence in a May 2007 Wall Street Journal article that described mommy bloggers who were invited to the set of the CBS show "The New Adventures of Old Christine."

Used in a sentence: "It had nothing to do with blogola. I really did think 'Alvin and the Chipmunks' was the best movie of the year."

Chances we’ll be using this buzzword in 2017: It depends. Do the business buzzword Web sites take blogola?


Peter Hartlaub writes about pop culture for the San Francisco Chronicle.

Save your recipes

The holiday season is just about done for another year. And if you're finding that your taste buds are getting a wee bit weary of the same recipes each and every year, or if you're looking to put a new wrinkle in your next Christmas or Thanksgiving meal, you can check out a computer program crafted by a woman in Boise, Idaho.

The program helps people record their favorite recipes. Erin Miller says she came up with the idea after realizing she didn't know how to make a holiday cake that both her mother and grandmother had baked when she was a girl. She believes the program can not only help people preserve family recipes, but can also record information about family histories.

For information check out Matilda's fantastic cookbook software.

Matilda’s Fantastic Cookbook Software was created by The Cook Book People, a company based in Boise, Idaho. With the program, users can compile and print copies of family recipes on a home computer using more than two dozen templates.

Read more.

Recycle your tree

In the post-Christmas tree cleanup days to come, various cities will turn that tree into mulch.

In Miami-Dade County, areas such as Aventura, Cutler Bay, Doral, Miami Gardens, Miami Lakes, Palmetto Bay, Sunny Isles Beach and Sweetwater will take undecorated trees at their trash and recycling locations between 7am and 5:30pm.

In Broward County, people you can drop off undecorated trees for chipping at several county parks from 9 am to 5 pm.

Yes Virginia, there is a Santa

Eight-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon wrote a letter to the editor of the New York Sun, and the quick response was printed as an unsigned editorial Sept. 21, 1897. The work of veteran newsman Francis Pharcellus Church has since become history's most reprinted newspaper editorial, appearing in part or whole in dozens of languages in books, movies, and other editorials, and on posters and stamps:

DEAR EDITOR: I am 8 years old.
Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus.
Papa says, 'If you see it in THE SUN it's so.'
Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?

VIRGINIA O'HANLON
115 WEST 95th ST.

Read Francis Church's famous response to little Virginia's letter here -- and Merry Christmas!

Keep kids calm while traveling

If it's over the river and through the woods, to Grandma's house you go -- some ideas on preparing your children for the trip and keeping them engaged while traveling this holiday season:

Read more from MSN Lifestyle

Double-click & track St. Nick

If your kids wanna catch a glimpse of Santa Claus Christmas Eve, click NORAD's online radar tracking feed: NoradSanta.org.

NORAD has been tracking St. Nick for 52 years using military radar, high-definition cameras, jet fighter aircraft and satellites that detect the heat from Rudolph's red nose.

Plus 900 volunteers are on hand to help tykes track Santa Claus by calling 1-877-HI-NORAD.

Hubba hubba holiday

KEEPING ROMANCE ALIVE DURING THE HOLIDAYS
(TheNest.com)

Start a tradition: The night before a big family gathering is the perfect time to reconnect with each other... alone. Plan a preholiday date that is bound to become tradition -- whether it's grilled cheese at the diner, a snowy stroll through the park, or camping indoors with a tent by your fireplace. The point is to enjoy each other -- and only each other -- before you loan yourselves out to relatives.
Get cookin': Neither of you needs to be a chef extraordinaire to have fun in a holiday kitchen. If you're a guest, ask for a task the two of you can work on. It's a great escape, and your help will be appreciated, to boot. In your own home, institute some holiday fun. Bake goodies you loved as kids or make eggnog from scratch.
Present something perfect: There are some gifts that make everyone in the room go "Wow!" and others that are meant for your eyes only. Give each other the cashmere sweater or briefcase to open with the gang, but save one small, heartfelt gift to open alone in bed together.
Deck the halls: Give the bedroom a seasonal boost with white twinkling lights strung on the headboard. You'll both feel like you're sliding under the covers in a whole new room.
Picture your life: Get out your photo albums and reminisce. You will be reminded of how important you are to each other, and the shared memories will come flooding back. If you're at a relative's home, ask to see old childhood photos.
Get a tune-up: The long drive for holiday ham can turn into a traffic nightmare. Come prepared with a CD or iTunes song playlist that reminds you of your courtship or of your wedding and honeymoon. Before you know it, you'll be pulling into the driveway with hoarse voices from all that crooning.
Go for the pass: The office party is a bore, and you both can't wait to leave. To make the hours go faster, pass your spouse a note on your way to the cheese table. Write about exactly what you want to do with him and the leftover gift-wrap and ribbon when you get home.
Give your time: You're fortunate to have each other, but not everyone is so lucky. Sign up to play bingo at a nursing home or distribute gifts to kids at a homeless shelter. Volunteering together will allow you to break from routines that might start to seem selfish, and it will bring smiles to new faces.
Just say no: Parties and get-togethers are great ways to catch up with special people you haven't seen in forever, but they can also leave you feeling too pooped to do anything else. The only solution: Tear up those invites! You just do not need to attend every function you are invited to.

Don't be sad

Sad women may have higher breast cancer risk
But depression isn’t strongly linked to other types of cancer, review finds
Reuters


Depression appears to somewhat heighten the risk of breast cancer, but it has no significant association with lung, colon or prostate cancer, according to a review of the medical literature conducted by Dutch researchers.

“Depression is related to a slightly increased risk of cancer,” investigator Dr. Marjan van den Akker told Reuters Health. “The relation with breast cancer gets stronger with a longer follow-up period.”

Van den Akker, of Maastricht University, and colleagues came to this conclusion after examining data from 13 studies involving more than 127,000 patients. Their findings are published in the journal Clinical Practice and Epidemiology in Mental Health.

Based on eight studies with complete data, the researchers calculated that the overall risk of cancer was increased by 12 percent in individuals with depression.

Based on data from seven studies that looked at a mixture of factors, no significant association was seen between depression and the development of breast cancer.


However, analysis of a subgroup of studies that included at least 10 years of follow-up showed a significant association — patients with depression had a 2.5-fold increased risk of developing breast cancer compared with undepressed patients.

“With the evidence available at this moment, it’s difficult to disentangle the possible effects of depression and antidepressants on the occurrence of subsequent cancer,” continued van den Akker. “It’s not yet possible to translate these results into preventive interventions,” she concluded.

Gifts for men

Christmas is just around the corner so it's time for me to share some gift ideas for those special men in your life! Buying gifts for men is not nearly as complicated as it is for women. Follow these rules and you should have no problems.

Rule #1:
When in doubt - buy him a cordless drill. It does not matter if he already has one. I have a friend who owns 17 and he has yet to complain. As a man, you can never have too many cordless drills. For that matter any power tool is a good choice. He may not need it, or know what it does, but it will look good hung on the peg board in the garage.

Rule #2:
If you cannot afford a cordless drill, buy him anything with the word ratchet or socket in it. Men love saying those two words. "Hey George, can I borrow your ratchet?" "OK. Bye-the-way, are you through with my 3/8-inch socket yet?"

Rule #3:
If you are really, really broke, buy him anything for his car. A 99-cent ice scraper, a small bottle of deicer or something to hang from his rear view mirror. Men love gifts for their cars.

Rule #4:
Do not buy men socks. Do not buy men ties and never buy men bathrobes. If God had wanted men to wear bathrobes, he wouldn't have invented Jockey shorts.

Rule #5:
You can buy men new remote controls to replace the ones they have worn out. If you have a lot of money buy your man a big-screen TV with the little picture in the corner. Watch him go wild as he flips, and flips, and flips.

Rule #6:
Do not buy a man any of those fancy liqueurs. If you do, it will sit in a cupboard for 23 years. Real men drink whiskey or beer.

Rule #7:
Do not buy any man industrial-sized canisters of after shave or deodorant. We do not stink - we are earthy.

Rule #8:
Buy men label makers. Almost as good as cordless drills. Within a couple of weeks there will be labels absolutely everywhere. "Socks. Shorts. Cups. Saucers. Door. Lock. Sink." You get the idea. No one knows why.

Rule #9:
Never buy a man anything that says "some assembly required" on the box. It will ruin his Special Day and he will always have parts left over.

Rule #10:
Good places to shop for men include Northwest Iron Works, Parr Lumber, Home Depot, John Deere, Valley RV Center, and Les Schwab Tire. (NAPA Auto Parts and Sear's Clearance Centers are also excellent men's stores. It doesn't matter if he doesn't know what it is. "From NAPA Auto, eh? Must be something I need. Hey! Isn't this a starter for a '68 Ford Fairlane? Wow! Thanks.")

Rule #11:
Men enjoy danger. That's why they never cook - but they will barbecue. Get him a monster barbecue with a 100-pound propane tank. Tell him the gas line leaks. "Oh the thrill! The challenge! Who wants a hamburger?"

Rule #12:
Tickets to a professional sports game (any team within 300 miles) are a smart gift. However, he will not appreciate tickets to "A Retrospective of 19th Century Quilts."

Rule #13:
Men love chainsaws. Never, ever, buy a man you love a chainsaw. If you don't know why - please refer to Rule #8 and what happens when he gets a label maker.

Rule #14:
It's hard to beat a really good wheelbarrow or an aluminum extension ladder. Never buy a real man a step ladder. It must be an extension ladder.

Rule #15:
Rope. Men love rope. It takes us back to our cowboy origins, or at least The Boy Scouts. Nothing says love like a hundred feet of 3/8" manilla rope.

Rule #16:
Clamps. Men can never have enough quick grip clamps. No one knows why

Rule #17:
Buy your man Duct Tape. This is a man's most universal repair tool. All men know, if you can't fix it, duct it.

Osteoporosis test

Treating and preventing osteoporosis could be as easy as getting the results from one test.

A new study finds a bone density test can reveal if you're at high risk, which could then lead to early diagnosis, and much more.

Give happiness

5 great ways to give happiness

By MP Dunleavy
msn.com

A plastic gift card isn't really going to show your best friend you love her. These smart tips help you beat mall stress -- and pick presents your friends and family really want.

1. Think life, not stuff

There's a temptation to believe that the earrings you give Mom or the wallet you give your brother will hold more meaning over the years than, say, tickets to the theater, a snowboarding tutorial or a trip to a monster truck rally.

In fact, gifts that involve experiences are often treasured far more. Mom may lose those earrings, but will she ever forget the beer falling on your head at the truck rally?

2. Connect the dots -- er, people

A ton of research makes one thing clear: People are happiest when they are connected to their friends, family, community -- or a combination of the above.

Instead of spending that $859 on holiday gifts, what if you spent your money on a big ol' holiday open house? Or maybe a weekend getaway with your spouse or a spa day with your girlfriends?

You decide what will bring you closer to your sister or best friend: exchanging plastic gift cards (the top gift choice for 69% of consumers) or enjoying girl talk while the authentic desert-clay mask dries on your face. Do you really need time to think about it?

3. Make someone feel better

Whether it's a gift certificate for a reflexology treatment, a private session with a personal trainer or yoga teacher, or your own best back rub -- gifts that enhance health or well-being add up to a lot more than the one-time event itself.

That's more than you can say about whatever you picked up frantically at Wal-Mart at 11 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

4. Make time stand still

People are always talking about how little time they have, how much time they waste and how badly they wish they had just one extra hour each day. So take the hint and give those you love the most precious gift of all: free time that they can spend on themselves. Video: Fantasizing about the escape

Give your spouse a week without chores, so he or she can spend time doing more rewarding things.

Give the new parents in your life a day or a night off while you handle the diapers and burp cloths.

Offer to help a friend with a project, or retype her résumé or reprogram his new laptop -- whatever will produce a windfall of time. Video: The gift of 'getting down'

5. Give money

Beth, a former member of the Women in Red group that I write about, says that one of her favorite holiday gifts was a financial-planning session with a pro. A few years ago, her in-laws wanted to give their grown children and their families financial peace of mind, so rather than just give cash gifts, they gave each couple a session with a financial planner.

I know: Financial planning ain't exactly festive. But think how much joy there is in knowing you have a rock-solid financial plan.

Look rich live cheap

Want to look as if you're living a wealthier lifestyle than you actually are? Many frugal women obey the motto: Live well, look rich and never let the world know how little you're really paid. An excellent philosophy, which can be summed up as Live cheap, look rich.
Find out how.

Medical gift cards

We will be spending more than $26 billion on gift cards this year. And just when you thought there's nothing new under the Christmas tree along comes one for "good health." a medical gift card. The card is issued by Visa, so it can be used anywhere Visa is accepted for health-related services. They are not sold in stores and need to be purchased online or over the phone for up to $5,000.

Holiday etiquette for Fido

Holiday Etiquette for Dogs
1. Be especially patient with your humans during this time. They may appear to be more stressed-out than usual and they will appreciate long comforting dog leans.

2. They may come home with large bags of things they call gifts. Do not assume that all the gifts are yours.

3. Be tolerant if your humans put decorations on you. They seem to get some special kind of pleasure out of seeing how you look with fake antlers.

4. They may bring a large tree into the house and set it up in a prominent place and cover it with lights and decorations. Bizarre as this may seem to you, it is an important ritual for your humans, so there are some things you need to know:


- - don't pee on the tree
- - don't drink water in the container that holds the tree
- - mind your tail when you are near the tree
- - if there are packages under the tree, even ones that smell interesting or that have your name on them, don't rip them open
- - don't chew on the cord that runs from the funny-looking hole in the wall to the tree

5. Your humans may occasionally invite lots of strangers to come visit during this season. These parties can be lots of fun, but they also call for some discretion on your part:


- - not all strangers appreciate kisses and leans
- - don't eat off the buffet table
- - beg for goodies subtly
- - be pleasant, even if unknowing strangers sit on your sofa
- - don't drink out of glasses that are left within your reach.

6. Likewise, your humans may take you visiting. Here your manners will also be important:


- -observe all the rules in #4 for trees that may be in other people's houses.
- - respect the territory of other animals that may live in the house
- - tolerate children
- - turn on your charm big time.

7. A big man with a white beard and a very loud laugh may emerge from your fireplace in the middle of the night. DON'T BITE HIM!!

Naughty pets can unleash Christmas chaos!

Mistletoe manners

Mistletoe makes people pucker up, but there are times when it's best to mind your mistletoe manners. An etiquette expert says, "Obviously you're not going to kiss your cousin the way you do your significant other. But if you're under there with someone you really love, why not give them a full lip lock? It's one of the few public places where you can kiss someone the way you want."

If your boss brings you under the smooching sprig, she says to use the cheek kiss, the hand kiss, or the ever-so-safe air kiss.

For more information check out her website.

Police seek 2 men

Police want to question two men in connection with the murder of mother and daughter found dead at the Town Center Mall in Boca Raton.

They believe David Goodman, 40, who is 5 foot 9, and another man possibly known just as "Charles," may have information regarding this case. Both men are known to frequent the Miami area. Authorities said they believe "Charles" had access to the victim's cell phone after the homicide.

If you recognize either of them and know where they are, please call Boca Police at 561-338-1352 or Palm Beach Crimestoppers at 1-800-458-TIPS.

See the photo.

Cheap texting

Any parent who has a teenager with a cell phone is finding out that one of the biggest expenses can be a teen's desire to send text messages to their friends. Now a small South Carolina company says it has come up with a way for you to text as much as you want, without breaking the bank. It's called Zipitwireless.

Sounds relaxing

Did you know that sound has healing properties? From Women's World, studies tell us that sounds have the power to heal broken bones, cure life-threatening heart ailments, and fight depression.

First- the sound of a harp can cure heart problems. The powerful vibrations from harp music can reduce blood pressure, calm the nervous system, and normalize irregular heartbeats. Some operating rooms now play harp music during delicate heart surgeries.

A purring cat can heal broken bones, because they purr at the same frequency already being orthopedists to strengthen bones, and the sound can even help speed the healing of fractures, and studies are underway to see if purring can help to prevent osteoporosis.

When it comes to soothing pain, the sound of waterfalls work. A study found that patients with chronic pain exposed to sounds of rushing water experienced a 30% drop in stress hormones, and confirmed that their pain had diminished.

And what sound helps to ward off depression and anxiety? Ocean waves. It's a very relaxing form of white noise that sub-consciously induces serenity. Students who listened to ocean sounds had less anxiety, less depression, and higher test scores than students who weren't exposed to the sounds of the crashing surf.

In-law advice

5 Ways to Outsmart Your In-Laws
By Dina Koutas Poch

Even if you hit the in-law lottery and won a stellar set of bonus-parents, it's hard to remain sane when you are staying in their home for the weekend -- or, yikes -- a week. But instead of rolling your eyes or escaping to the bathroom for "me" time, try going with the flow. It will make the hours pass more smoothly, and you can always use your model behavior to blackmail your spouse next holiday season.

Bring a Special Dish

This 9 x 13-inch offering is your clever token of gratitude. It shows you appreciate how much effort your in-laws put into hosting the holidays. Aren't you a peach! The real truth is you've guaranteed there's something digestible on the table, and you get to avoid the family specialty of Beef Cups with Pizza Rice. Best of all? Your winter squash gratin will limit the amount of time you'll have to spend in the kitchen.

Embrace How They Do Things

Your in-laws probably don't post a "House Rules" sign on the front door, but you know that their thermostat never rises above 60 degrees, everyone eats dinner at 5:30 p.m., and the whole gang gathers around the TV whenever there's a M*A*S*H marathon. Welcome to clannish behavior!

Rather than recoiling, indulge in at least one family tradition. Remember: Your family's way of doing things isn't necessarily correct, so get over yourself and join in the fun.

Accept Gifts Strategically

No, you can't immediately go on eBay and list the bald eagle bookends your in-laws gave you because they'll look for them on the next visit … unless you tell them you love the gift so much that you brought it to work. This response can be used with a plethora of tacky decorative items. What are the chances your in-laws will see your office?

Throw the Family Pet a Bone

Nobody seems to mind that your in-laws' dog isn't house-trained and bites because "she doesn't like strangers." The way to their hearts is through their best friend. So bring along pet toys. You'll be praised as a thoughtful daughter/son-in-law and may even avoid getting tooth marks in your leg.

Once you make nice with Fluffy or Spot, you'll notice a shift: The dog won't leave you alone. Which is why you'll need to softly repeat these mantras to yourself:

I accept that there will be dog hair on my new J.Crew shirt/Michael Kors sweater.
I accept that their 100-pound, slobbering golden retriever will climb on my lap and refuse to move, even when I need to get up to go to the bathroom.
I accept that after all this tender, loving torture, the dog will probably forget who I am the next time I show up at this house.

Silence Your Inner Cruise Director

Recommending novels, restaurants, or movies can be risky. Sure, you brought the squash gratin, but you chance falling out of favor if your movie rental choice, D3: The Mighty Ducks, bores them to tears, or if your seafood eatery (the one with the rave reviews) gives everyone the Norwalk virus. Sometimes, it's best to be bland, boring, and unopinionated -- for once.

Wii rainchecks

GameStop to sell Wii rain checks
Rain checks will be available for $250 on Dec. 20 and 21
By Peter Svensson
The Associated Press


To deal with frustration among holiday shoppers hunting for its Wii game console, Nintendo Co. and retailer GameStop Corp. are launching a rain check program.

"We expect this to be a great way for consumers who desperately want a Wii to have something to put under the tree," Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime said Friday.

The rain checks will be available at the regular Wii system price, $249.99, on Dec. 20 and 21, and will entitle buyers to get the Nintendo console before Jan. 29. Fils-Aime said "many tens of thousands of rain checks" would be available.

GameStop regularly takes deposits on hot software titles before they launch, which means it has the infrastructure to deal with rain check program, Fils-Aime said. The company is working with other retailers, like Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and Best Buy Co., to push out inventory from the supply chain to shelves as quickly as possible before Christmas, he added.

The Wii has been a startling success for the Japanese company, selling more than 6 million units in the U.S. since it was launched a little over a year ago. In November alone, 981,000 were sold in the U.S., according to NPD Group. That compares to 770,000 Microsoft Xbox 360s sold, and 466,000 Sony PlayStation 3s.

However, Wii sales have been constrained by supply, with units selling out minutes after going on store shelves. Nintendo has repeatedly denied rumors that it's creating an artificial shortage by not increasing production to match demand.

"I get personal calls from people wanting to know why we don't just manufacture more. Believe me, if it were that easy, we would," Fils-Aime told reporters and analysts on a conference call Friday.

"Production depends on components from a wide array of suppliers. If only one can't increase their capacity, then we can't increase ours," the executive said.

After Nintendo raised production twice since April, production for the worldwide market is now at 1.8 million Wiis a month. Fils-Aime held out no hope of an imminent increase.

"We'll keep producing at that level for quite a while," he said. "When will we finally meet demand? There is no way to answer that question until we finally meet it."

What not to give

WHAT NOT TO GIVE YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER FOR THE HOLIDAYS (Yahoo Personals)

Gift to avoid #1: Unless you are planning on proposing, avoid gifting jewelry, especially a ring, as that perceived level of commitment may intimidate your sweetheart.
Gift to avoid #2: While a ring may be considered overboard, anything impersonal, such as a kitchen appliance or gift card can be construed as thoughtless or insincere.
Gift to avoid #3: Avoid gifting lingerie for your first holidays together. It may be considered too intimate and send the wrong message.
Gift to avoid #4: Gifting something selfish, such as sporting event tickets when you know your significant other isn't a sports fan, can relay that you may be more focused on your own interests than that of the person you are getting the gift for.
Gift to avoid #5: Work-related items that promote efficiency at the office should generally be avoided. Why bring up "work" during the holidays, which is a time for relaxation.
Gift to avoid #6: Clothing may be offensive, especially if you aren't sure about what size to purchase.
Gift to avoid #7: Animals as presents are generally bad ideas unless you know the person very well. Pets are huge commitments and way too serious for a "first holiday" together.
Gift to avoid #8: Re-gifting is never a good idea, especially if it's a gift from a past relationship.
Gift to avoid #9: Forget cliches, such as boxes of chocolates or flowers. They show little thought or effort.
Gift to avoid #10: Avoid gifts that may suggest that your significant other needs to change something about himself/herself, such as exercise clothes or gym equipment, which may say that he/she doesn't look good enough as he/she is.

Must have friends

What kind of friends do you have?

Oprah.com
By Michelle Burford

"Friends are the family we choose for ourselves," writer Edna Buchanan once said. I consider the "family" I've gathered—with five kinds of pals I count on for completely different things—among the wisest choices I've made. If you can find even one who embodies any of the characteristics that follow, you can consider yourself fortunate.

1. The Uplifter
This woman's favorite word: yes. You could tell her you're trading your six-figure income for a career in offtrack betting, and she'd barely pause before yelping "Go for it!" Don't you need someone who looks past the love handles to notice the extraordinarily gorgeous you?

2. The Travel Buddy
When the hotel in St. Lucia is a bust, one characteristic becomes all-important: flexibility. This agreeable companion need not be the girl you traded pinkie swears with on the playground; it's enough that she's comfortable with quiet (between gabfests) and is a teensy bit mischievous (as in tequila after midnight).

3. The Truth Teller
Intent is what separates the constructive from the abusive. Once you've established that the hard news is spoken in love (not in jealousy or malice), you'd be smart to seek out this woman's perspective.

4. The Girl Who Just Wants to Have Fun
One Saturday a pal and I—and yes, we're both over age 12—pored over every glitter lip gloss in a drugstore aisle for an entire 45 minutes. Forget the crisis download (for that, see the Uplifter); this partnership is about spontaneous good times.

5. The Unlikely Friend
"Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive," Anaïs Nin wrote. My friends—some twice my age, others half, some rich, others homeless, some black like me, others Korean, Mexican, Caucasian—have added richness to my life that only variety can bring.

Holiday tipping

If you've made your holiday list and checked it twice, chances are you've still forgotten some folks: the service providers who are expecting holiday tips.

End-of-the-year gratuities can show these folks that you appreciate the work they do for you and thank them for helping your life run more smoothly. This extra cash may help foster loyalty and, in a few instances, prevent future problems.

Find out who you should and should not tip.

Barney cam 2007

White House Releases "Barney Cam 2007"

It's looking a lot like Christmas at the White House and the best view of the executive mansion decorations is through the eyes of our nation's four-legged friends. It's the 2007 Barney Cam.

Barney and Miss Beazley are President and Mrs. Bush's beloved Scottish Terriers.

This year, the White House first pets become Junior Park Rangers. The theme of the decorations in the White House this holiday season highlights America's National parks and the decorations were picked out by first Lady Laura Bush.

Mrs. Bush, with Barney and Miss Beasley's help, put up 347 ornaments by artists from parks across the country. For their efforts, the Scotties were awarded junior park rangers.

The video includes President Bush, First Lady Laura Bush, Barbara and Jenna Bush, Barney, Miss Beazley, Kitty, the "Presidents Own" United States Marine Band, Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne, National Park Service Director Mary Bomar, Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and country singer Alan Jackson.

’Twas the flight before Christmas
Sure, Thanksgiving wasn't as bad as past years — but plan ahead, anyway
SEAT 2B
By Joe Brancatelli
Portfolio.com


The airlines ran about 75 percent on time over the recent Thanksgiving holiday, so the major carriers declared victory and claimed they had done a great service for the American traveling public. And since they didn’t find too many wailing families spending Thanksgiving sleeping in chairs at the airport, the major media ran a spate of things-went-better-than-expected stories.

But here’s a better way to look at things: Would you be satisfied if FedEx or U.P.S. delivered one out of every four of your parcels late? How eager would you be to eat at a restaurant that delivered one of your entrées late and cold when your party of four arrived for a meal? What if your dry cleaner returned only 75 percent of your clothes?

The brutal reality of holiday travel is that you run a good chance of being late, missing a connection, and otherwise being inconvenienced by the nation’s air-travel system. So if you’re planning to hit the road during the next month, when inexperienced leisure travelers will far outnumber grizzled business fliers, you need to plan tactically and do ­everything you can to control your destiny.

Fly early in the day
Government statistics show that flights scheduled to depart and arrive early in the day have the best on-time performance. But relative timeliness isn’t the only reason to fly early: If your selected flight is canceled, there are more flights remaining for you to get rebooked on. Conversely, book an evening flight and you’re subject to longer delays, and then you may not get another flight that day if your original one is canceled.

Do more online
Airlines offer online seat selection and check-in up to 24 hours before departure. Use it. Having your seat assignment and boarding pass before you leave for the airport eliminates two of the major stress factors of holiday travel. It will also allow you to bypass a third stress point — the checked-luggage line — because most carriers now offer fast-bag-drop stations for travelers who’ve used online check-in.


Carry-on less
The government imposes a two-item limit for carry-on bags. But airlines reserve the right to force you to check one of the carry-ons on full flights. There’s a good chance holiday flights will be full, so consider traveling with just one carry-on bag.

Check fewer bags
The major carriers are now cracking down on excess-weight bags and charging up to $100 for luggage above the 50 pounds you get for free. Try shipping your belongings instead. U.P.S., FedEx, and specialty bag-handling firms offer cost-effective options. They’ll pick up your bag at your home or office and ship it directly to your hotel or final destination.

Ship your presents
Reduce your load further by sending your gifts by mail, an overnight courier, or a package service. It may cost a few dollars, but the stuff will get there, and you won’t have to carry it. And abandon all hope of taking gifts as carry-ons. First of all, they will count against your carry-on limit. Second, wrapped presents will be unwrapped and examined if their contents can’t be verified by the X-ray machines at security.

Win the ground war
Don’t risk missing your flight because of a ground delay. Roads to, from, and inside the airport and airport parking lots are clogged with traffic during the holidays, so allow more time than usual. And remember: In-airport lots will be filled to overflowing, so use an off-airport private lot instead. All offer shuttle service directly to departure terminals; many offer perks like car washes and oil changes. Alternatively, take a car service or taxi to the airport. And trust me on this: Do not rely on friends or family for transportation. The holiday season is stressful enough. Why dump the extra grief of an airport run on anyone — especially people you care about?

Prepare for the inevitable delays
The long lines — and all the extra time you’ll have if everything goes swiftly — are less annoying if you’re prepared. Bring plenty to read and lots of music and videos. If you’re traveling with kids, make sure you’ve got a supply of games, toys, and snacks. If you’re traveling with infants, have more than enough diapers and food. You won’t find this kind of stuff at most airport shops. And accept the fact that there may be unexpected security delays and diversions: Abrupt closures of terminals or entire airports for real or imagined security breaches have been a regular occurrence during the past several Christmas seasons.

Pack rations
No one likes airline food, so why complain about the carriers’ not giving it away anymore? Instead, pack a sandwich, fruit, and several bags of nuts, or a supply of energy or protein bars. And don’t scrimp on water. Airline travel is dehydrating, and you should drink at least eight ounces of water for every hour of flying. You can’t carry water through security, so pick up several bottles from the shops inside the “sterile” area beyond the screening checkpoints. Do not assume you’ll get all the beverages you need in-flight. Flight attendants won’t come down the aisles often enough to suit your needs.

Hide out in the club
If you’ve got a long layover between flights or are faced with an unexpected delay, consider joining an airline’s club network. The clubs are relatively quiet oases in the maelstrom of airports during the holiday season, and most airlines sell day passes for about $50. Your sanity is worth the relatively small investment.

The fine print
Take a psychic tip from a 30-year veteran of the road: Leave your emotional baggage behind. It won’t clear security anyway. It may sound silly, but if you come to a flight with a positive mind-set, your chances of having a good experience improve. Come to the airport stressed and strung out and you’re almost sure to have a bad flight.

Is fat really bad?

What if bad fat isn’t so bad?
No one's ever proved that saturated fat clogs arteries, causes heart disease according to this article.

Suppose you were forced to live on a diet of red meat and whole milk. A diet that, all told, was at least 60 percent fat — about half of it saturated. If your first thoughts are of statins and stents, you may want to consider the curious case of the Masai, a nomadic tribe in Kenya and Tanzania.

In the 1960s, a Vanderbilt University scientist named George Mann, M.D., found that Masai men consumed this very diet (supplemented with blood from the cattle they herded). Yet these nomads, who were also very lean, had some of the lowest levels of cholesterol ever measured and were virtually free of heart disease.

Soda & Alzheimer's

Drinking too many sugary sodas may increase a person's risk for developing Alzheimer's disease late in life, new research suggests.

The small study was conducted in mice, not humans, and it falls far short of proving a link between the consumption of sugary beverages and Alzheimer's.


My grandpa always told me if I drank too much pop...it would rust my pipes.

Gifts under 20 bucks

If you play secret Santa to a co-worker, here are some great gift ideas that wont break the bank.

Lessons from kids

1. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Even when there's not a prize in the bottom of the box.

2. Sometimes it's best to be completely blunt with people, as you used to be with relatives who wanted you to do something embarrassing or tedious for a shiny quarter.

3. Asking questions is how you figure things out. Lots and lots of questions.

4. An older, wiser Gordie Lachance says in Stand By Me, "I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was 12." Lachance is right. The trick is to try to be the friend you were when you were 12: fun-loving and loyal, with no strings attached.

5. Playing is work. Approach your downtime with all the seriousness of a 5-year-old with a secret treasure map.

6. Real guys don't dip their toes in the water. They jump right in.

7. Girls have cooties. Well, the ones you meet in certain bars do, anyway.

8. You hated it when a grown-up told you, "We'll see." It's still unacceptable. Don't say it yourself.

9. The only way to know how something works is to completely disassemble it. (This is still good advice when tackling a complex problem. Your plasma TV? Not so much).

10. There's a reason they don't give credit cards to 8-year-olds. You're supposed to save up money before you buy a new toy.

11. Your body was designed for throwing baseballs, shooting hoops, and jumping off diving boards and stuff. In the secret language of children, the word "fitness" doesn't exist. It's called "having fun."

12. Your world can be half-real and half-imaginary.

13. Homework blows. Bring work home with you and it'll ruin your night. And your marriage. And your family. And your life.

14. Too much of anything will give you a tummy ache. Like, say, bourbon.

15. If there's even the slightest doubt, hit the potty before you leave.

16. The coolest adults were the ones who took the time to listen to you. You still want to grow up to be a cool adult, right?

17. Treasure Island, Dracula: The best books are consumed after dark with a flashlight.

18. Use adrenaline as your drug of choice. You don't need beer, pot, or cigarettes to have a good time.

19. Kissing a girl on the cheek is a big deal. Kissing her lips is an even bigger deal. Seeing her naked for the first time is a major, life-altering event.

20. Going after a target in the urinal makes the time whiz by.

21. Seeing a thunderstorm roll in is better than watching HDTV. And rain isn't something to curse, but to enjoy. Hurry up, before it clears.

Home Depot recall

Home Depot Recalls Festive Holiday Figurines
Figurines Recalled Due To Excessive Levels Of Lead Paint

Consumers Can Contact Home Depot at 800-394-2064


The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced the voluntary recall of several holiday figurines sold at Home Depot stores.

The CPSC said the recall involving approximately 64,000 Chinese-made figurines was initiated because the products' surface paint contains excessive levels of lead paint.

The recalled figurines were manufactured by Creative Design of Hong Kong. They include:


Holiday Bear Door Greeter: SKU number 894-825
Snowman with "Let it Snow" Sign": SKU number 894-893
Three Snowmen with "Joy" Sign: SKU number 898-964
Snowman Votive Holder: SKU 967-467

The figurines were sold exclusively at Home Depot stores from October through November for between $10 and $20.

The commission said consumers should immediately stop using the figurines and return them to any Home Depot store for a full refund.



Consumers with questions can contact Home Depot at 800-394-2064 or visit the Home Depot Web site at www.homedepot.com.

Really cool gift

IN STORES: COOL IT USB BEVERAGE CHILLER

This is the kind of present that will almost guarantee that the person you give it to will say: "cool." The Cool It USB Beverage Chiller is exactly what it implies -- it's a device that plugs into the USB port of your computer and can keep your beverages nice and cool.

How cool? How about 45 degrees Fahrenheit, considered a pretty nice temperature to hold a brewskie or a can of cola while you're working at your computer. The device starts to get cool seconds after it's plugged in and can keep things cool as long as you need it to. And not to worry about spills, the chiller has a pretty long cord so your beverage isn't right next to your computer or laptop.

Gift wrap tips

Gift wrapping holiday gifts can be a joy -- if done ahead using a generous supply of materials and a little inspiration.

However, it it's left until the last minute and you're scrambling for scissors, tags, and tissue paper, then it's a job that can turn into a stressful chore.

Here are some helpful tips for organizing gift wrapping jobs and some ideas to make gift wrapping easier.

Collect Generic Gift Wrap Materials - Instead of buying Santa gift paper, try going with a plain red, a metallic silver, and a beautiful white. These papers can look wonderful during the holidays by using red, green, or metallic ribbons. And later they can look equally wonderful for Valentine's Day with pink ribbon or for a birthday with blue ribbon.

Cellophane Bags - Clear or printed cellophane bags (like the ones florists use for corsages) can be a lifesaver for small non-fragile gifts, candies, or baked goods. Simply insert the item into the bag (wrapped in tissue if desired) and seal the top with ribbon, raffia, cording, or a twist tie. These bags come in several sizes. Look for them in bulk at a paper warehouse outlet.

Colored Tissue Paper - Tissue can make any gift seem more festive. Collect several colors to use when lining gift boxes, to cushion delicate items, inside cello bags, or even to use as gift paper. Avoid buying a few sheets at a time, as these are particularly expensive. Order in bulk or browse paper warehouses.

Hole Punch - Use an inexpensive hole punch to puncture gift tags (to insert a ribbon) or to punch two holes in the top of a folded gift bag (to insert a ribbon or raffia).

Stickers - Seasonal stickers are a fun way to decorate plain gift bags, tags, or to close cello bagged gifts.

Tags - Beautiful tags are a lovely touch. However, they can sometimes come off and get lost. Try the stick-on types when mailing gifts or for large gatherings when the tag could be inadvertently detached. To and from information can also be written on top of the gift (on the wrapping paper) or on the ends of the ribbon tie. Or, glue or tape the greeting card right to the top of the box.

Making Gift Tags - Craft and stationery stores have blank tags in a variety of shapes. You can also make your own tags in any size or shape using colored paper or cardstock. Scalloped edge scissors will also help create beautiful looking tags.

Recycled Greeting Cards - Cut off the fronts of beautiful holiday cards and attach them to your gifts using double face tape. The picture on the card will dress up your gift and add a bit of color and style. Use a simple cording as ribbon.

Embellishments - Gifts can be made special by tucking in a bit of greenery. Look for artificial leaf or pine sprigs to use on gifts.
Pens - Keep gold, silver, gel, or colored pens available for writing greeting cards and gift tags.

Raffia - Raffia strands are available in natural beige as well as a number of bright dyed colors. They give a homey touch to gifts and are perfect for more country or rustic decors. Use at least 3 strands together when using as ribbon. Knot strands from end to end to make longer lengths for larger gifts.

Ribbons - Passion for beautiful ribbon has increased in recent years. Keep in mind, however, that gorgeous ribbons are often very expensive. Use them for special gifts rather than presents that might be ripped open in the blink of an eye. It will also help to confine the use of special ribbons to smaller items and come up with cheaper alternatives for large bulky gifts.

Glitter Wire - This is a useful item for all sorts of gifts in bags. Glitter wire (or garland) is metallic covered wire with sprays of metallic cutouts (stars, hearts, trees, etc.) bursting out in every direction. Use wire cutters to trim to shorter lengths and use them as "twist ties" to close cello or paper gift bags. Wind the ends around a pencil for a curly finish.

Wired Ribbon - Wired ribbons are becoming widely available. Most offer beautiful colors or sheers with the convenience of wired edges. Making a package look gorgeous is a snap with wired ribbon since you'll be able to "fuss" with the bow to get it looking just right. Trim the ends of wired ribbon on a slant or in a V-shaped "swallow tail" cut.

Alternative gift papers - Many people like the look of using wrapping paper that is homemade. These can be done in brown craft paper (plain or rubber stamped with designs), using the comics as wrapping paper, origami papers for small gifts, wallpaper scraps, old scarves, or even pieces of fabric.

Cording - Metallic cording is a simple but elegant touch on a package. In addition it can be reused easily later on another gift. Collect several colors.

Paper Sleeves - Interesting effects can be made by using wrapping paper strips as ribbons for gifts. Use one or two layers, and tape or glue them in place. These can also be nice for mailed gifts since this is a ribbon that won't get crushed.

Curling Ribbon - This inexpensive narrow ribbon can be curled with the blade of a knife or scissors. It can be somewhat fussy to use, but is colorful and fun for kids gifts. Gather three or four strands of assorted colors and use them together as if they were a single strand. Tie in a knot, leaving about about 12" of end to curl.

Sewing Notions - Martha Stewart is fond of using seam binding as ribbon. Purchase it on her website, or simply go to your local fabric store if you like this look. Browse other sewing notion trims -- rick rack, satin binding, tape, cording -- any of these might be used as ribbon.

Curb holiday stress

Stress about the holidays- many of us get it- in one way, or another. Here's how to curb some of that- it's some holiday intel, sure to relieve some of that "can't get it all done" feeling!:

If holiday cards stress you out- thinking about all the personal notes you think you need to include- go for a photo card this year. There's not a lot of room to write, so all you need to do is sign.

Decorating should be fun, too, so don't let it get you upset. Experts suggest that you stick with the big 3: a wreath on the door, a Christmas tree, and either a garland on the mantle or a display on the coffee table (for the garland, just trim a few boughs from the base of the tree to make it, and for the coffee table display, stick a few leftover tree ornaments in a glass bowl and call it a day!)

Last tip? Drop a little something in the Salvation Army kettle- research shows helping others lowers your blood pressure, improves your sleep and increases your holiday spirit!

Get a raise

Don't let tough times keep your earnings down.

By Dan Caplinger


With increasing evidence of a potentially slowing economy, you might not think it's the best time to ask for a raise. But even though many companies are reducing their expected salary bumps in 2008, that shouldn't stop you from getting as much compensation as you deserve.

After years of rising home prices, a boisterous economy, and easy credit terms, workers have gotten a nasty wake-up call recently. Food and energy prices have risen dramatically. Many face rising mortgage payments. And one source of extra money that was available in past years -- home equity -- has dried up in many areas of the country. Lots of families could use a raise at work.

Yet companies aren't going to make it easy. A Towers Perrin survey shows that employers expect to give raises averaging about 4% in 2008, matching the amount from 2007 but barely keeping up with inflation. Meanwhile, the mortgage debacle has forced layoffs at companies like Citigroup (NYSE: C) and Lehman Brothers (NYSE: LEH). And the pain isn't only within the financial services industry -- tech giants Intel (Nasdaq: INTC) and IBM (NYSE: IBM) have laid off workers this year, as well as retailer Circuit City (NYSE: CC).

You can't win if you don't play
All that bad news may make it seem as though you don't have much leverage to ask for a raise right now. But when times are tough, employers become increasingly dependent on their most efficient and productive employees. Even a company that's cutting its workforce may be willing to give its remaining employees more in overtime and other incentives to keep its sales and revenue levels stable.

So if you're gunning for some extra dough, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Focus on performance. The Towers Perrin survey noted that many companies favor bonuses over permanent salary increases. These one-time payments are meant to reward employees who perform well, so make sure you understand how your employer measures your performance and learn what to do to improve it.
Know your job market. Some employees are in a better position to ask for a raise than others. While those who work in homebuilding or mortgage lending may simply be lucky to have a job at all, labor shortages in areas like mining and oil drilling have forced companies like Freeport-McMoRan (NYSE: FCX) and Chevron (NYSE: CVX) to take extraordinary measures to find and retain workers.
Be prepared. Don't just expect to walk into your boss's office and demand more money. Treat a salary meeting like any negotiation. Be ready to talk about your accomplishments and successes, and know what you're going to say about any challenges or problems you've faced. Also, learn what people at other companies make to get an idea of whether you're above or below the typical salary elsewhere. The more professional you are in your discussion, the more likely you'll get what you want.
Money isn't everything. When cash is tight, your boss might not want to give you a raise. But you might get a better reception for something more intangible, such as flexible work schedules, working from home, or even shorter hours. Your employer may well like a solution that doesn't cost any money.
Above all, know yourself. Asking for a raise puts you in a confrontational situation with your employer, so if that will stress you out too much, you might reasonably decide that it's not worth it. But if financial concerns are causing you stress, you're actually doing your employer a favor by trying to resolve those concerns in a way that will improve your work performance. Good luck!

Holy water

Bless This Bottled Water
Forget Evian or Vitaminwater. The latest beverage trend: 'Holy Water.'

By Lisa Miller
NEWSWEEK



You need only go back to the first chapter of Genesis to see how elemental water is to the observance of faith: "And the Spirit of God," the Bible says, "moved upon the face of the waters." In the Torah, water is used to ordain priests and to purify the sons of Aaron before they enter the temple. In the New Testament, John baptizes Jesus with water from the Jordan River. Observant Muslims wash hands and feet before they pray, orthodox Jewish women take ritual baths once a month—and every Christian denomination still uses water as part of its sacred rites. Mormons, when they take the weekly sacrament, drink water instead of wine.

So it's not surprising that a few savvy marketers would seize on this universal symbol of purity for financial gain. Inspired, perhaps, by vitamin and energy waters, a number of new companies have begun making more explicit claims: their water doesn't just promote good health, it actually makes you good. Holy Drinking Water, produced by a California-based company called Wayne Enterprises, is blessed in the warehouse by an Anglican or Roman Catholic priest (after a thorough background check). Like a crucifix or a rosary, a bottle of Holy Drinking Water is a daily reminder to be kind to others, says Brian Germann, Wayne's CEO. Another company makes Liquid OM, superpurified bottled water containing vibrations that promote a positive outlook. Invented by Kenny Mazursky, a sound therapist in Chicago, the water purportedly possesses an energy field that Mazursky makes by striking a giant gong and Tibetan bowls in its vicinity. He says the good energy can be felt not just after you drink the water but before, when you're holding the bottle.

The most recent entry in this niche is Spiritual Water. It's purified municipal water, sold with 10 different Christian labels. The Virgin Mary bottle, for example, has the Hail Mary prayer printed on the back in English and Spanish. Spiritual Water helps people to "stay focused, believe in yourself and believe in God," says Elicko Taieb, the Florida-based company's founder who was formerly in the pest-control business. All three companies give a portion of their profits to charity.

This small band of feel-good entrepreneurs may face objections from a surprising quarter. Some religious believers, also convinced of the elemental importance of water, are campaigning against its ubiquitous sale and packaging on the grounds that the practice is neither ethical nor good for the environment. "Water is life," says Sister Mary Zirbes, a nun in the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minn. "It really should not be a commodity to be bought." The Franciscan Sisters, together with a community of Benedictine nuns nearby, have launched a letter-writing campaign against the largest producers of bottled water and they've designed coasters to encourage people to drink glasses, not bottles, of water from the tap. The Vineyard church in Boise, Idaho, sells slim reusable plastic bottles in its bookstore, and it has placed water stations throughout the church. "In a world where a billion people have no reliable source of drinking water, where 3,000 children die every day of waterborne diseases, let's be clear: bottled water is not a sin, but it sure is a choice," says Richard Cizik of the National Association of Evangelicals. "Spending $15 billion a year on bottled water is a testimony to our conspicuous consumption, our culture of indulgence." Taieb calmly refutes the implication that his Spiritual Water is bad for the planet. People put fewer of his bottles in the trash, he says, because they don't want to discard images of Jesus or Mary. Instead, they refill them with other beverages. Obviously, even do-gooders can disagree. Some believe that water is life, while others believe that water is their livelihood.

Get in the giving spirit

Teach your children the joys of caring and show them the true meaning of the season.

By Toby Leah Bochan

This year, create a new holiday tradition with your family — get involved in a charitable activity. It's an ideal way to teach your child values such as generosity, compassion, and gratitude and prevent her from coming down with an annual case of "the gimmes." The months of November and December are a great time to get involved, as there are a plethora of opportunities to suit your family's interests and availability. It's also a chance to try out several different types of activities and find one your family can get involved in all year round.

When selecting an activity, consider your child's interests, and let her help choose so she feels that it's something she wants to do instead of has to do. Spend some time brainstorming together: Outdoors or indoors? Working with people or animals? Is your child a good singer or dancer? Also consider her physical ability, sensitivity, and attention span — shoveling snow for an elderly neighbor is great for an older child, but perhaps not the best idea for your 6 year old. We've got a number of ideas to get you started, but to find more options and specific opportunities in your neighborhood, visit volunteermatch.org.


1. Host a Coat or Food Party

Drumming up donations is a great way to start a tradition that not only helps your community but also strengthens bonds within it. It's great to give some canned goods or your family's old coats to a charity, but making it a party takes it up a notch. For a coat party, have guests bring coats that are used but still in good condition. Put younger kids to work cleaning out pockets and using masking tape to mark areas that need to be mended or buttons that are missing. Monitor and help older kids sew buttons and do simple mending. Other kids can decide which coats might need dry cleaning and which are ready to go and separate them into piles. It'll be a celebration sure to give everyone a warm feeling. If you want to have a food party, ask for canned and dried food and have kids help pack it up for food banks and shelters. You can also host toy or book parties!

2. Sing and Dance for Joy

If your child is the type to surprise you with impromptu puppet shows or sings from dawn to dusk, consider harnessing that energy to put on a play (or other performance) at a nursing home or community center. Involve everyone in the family in making costumes and sets and recruit other families and friends to play parts. If your family isn't up to the responsibility of being the sole form of entertainment, consider becoming part of the festivities at a community center holiday party by putting on a skit or a few musical numbers. This is also a good option if your family can't agree on a single performance piece and everyone wants to put on their own show. Another option is to go caroling not only around the neighborhood but also within the halls of a hospital or nursing home.

3. Help Furry Friends

For animal lovers, helping out at a pet shelter is an easy choice. Donate a few days or just an afternoon to give the regular staff a break and fill in for vacationers. Even during the holidays, dogs need to be walked, cats need petting, and all animals need to be played with, fed, and have their cages cleaned. If you have young or sensitive children, a no-kill shelter is a good option (especially if you don't want to come home with a new pet!). You can also help out an animal shelter by collecting always-needed supplies such as cat litter, pet food of every variety, dog leashes, animal carriers, collars, and household goods such as paper towels and garbage bags.

4. Serve a Senior Citizen

If your child is unable to spend time with his grandparents this season, consider reaching out to an elderly person. The winter and holiday months are often the hardest on the elderly and a little help will be much appreciated. Help your child connect with past generations by visiting with seniors in a retirement community or nursing home. Your child can give manicures or makeovers, deck the halls with boughs of holly jolly décor, help wrap gifts, or read to the hard-of-sight. Or bond with older neighbors by arranging to have your child help with their shopping or bringing them along for trips to the mall. Your child can also shovel the snow off a senior citizen's walkway through the winter as a holiday gift.

5. Feed the Needy

The most familiar way to volunteer is still a perfect one: Help out at soup kitchen or food bank. The holidays are the busiest time at shelters and they need help setting up, serving, and cleaning up. If your older child is interested in cooking, he can don an apron and help prepare food in the kitchen. Not interested in food but want to help the hungry? Consider sorting the donated goods or helping with office tasks like answering the phone.


6. Give While Spending

Even the busiest families can make a difference by deciding to spend their holiday (and regular) dollars in a way that benefits others. Sit down together in front of the computer and join iGive, a free service that donates a portion of every purchase you make at hundreds of popular online stores to a charity of your choice. Another option is to visit a real or virtual charity auction (there's a whole section devoted to this on eBay) with your child to complete your holiday shopping. Or let your child help you pick out holiday cards that benefit a charity such as the ones from Unicef or charitycards.com and send goodwill to all your loved ones.

Live longer

Want to live even just a little longer? From the book by John Corso, "Stupid Reasons People Die", talking to your doctor about a few simple tests can prevent fatal illness, and add years to your life. Here are 4 ways you can be proactive:

1. Get a colonoscopy- colon cancer is one of the easiest cancers to treat, but 60,000 people die from it each year because their cancer went undetected
2. Know your heart disease risk factors- ask your doctor to do a scan that measures plaque in the arteries
3. Esophageal cancer- doctors believe that it's related to stress and acid reflux, so if you've suffered from chronic heartburn, consider getting an endoscopy to make sure your throat's in good health.
4. Malignant melanoma- check yourself, and look for flat, dark brown, or black lesions with irregular shapes. Find one; see your doctor.

Listen up!

Why Can't He Hear What You're Saying?

Why doesn't he really listen? I call it "man-hearing". Jeff Martin calls it "Marital deafness."

The psychologist says... He's too busy trying to fix the problem.

Here is what the experts have to say about this problem.

Party no nos

TOP TEN COMPANY HOLIDAY PARTY OFFENSES

(careerbuilder.com)


Assuming you aren't required to go. Unless you've got an unbelievably good reason, you need to attend. Not attending speaks volumes about your attitude toward the company.
Dressing inappropriately. Don't dress as if you were going to a club or trolling for dates. Even if you're hitting the town later, you still need to dress properly for the party. Maybe you're known for being very stylish in your private life, but when it comes to a work function, it's better to blend in as opposed to making a statement that might get misinterpreted.
Attending on an empty stomach. Holiday events typically involve drinks and appetizers before the meal. But, appetizers often don't make it all the way through the crowd. It's better to get some food in your stomach prior to the event so your first drink doesn't go straight to your head.
Pitching ideas to upper management. Some folks view the company party as a way to schmooze the higher-ups or tell them their grand plans to save the company. While managers do use these events to meet and spend time with employees they don't regularly come in contact with, they aren't looking to strategize on work.
Getting drunk! Seventy percent of companies are serving alcohol at their holiday parties this year, a 15 percent drop from last year, according to a recent survey. There's a reason for this! Bottom line: Don't drink excessively at the holiday party. You'll end up saying or doing something you'll regret.
Hooking up! Co-workers secretly harboring feelings for each other often think it's OK to act on those feeling at the holiday event. Not so. It's important to act like you do at work. You're not paid to get cozy on the job, and the holiday party is an extension of your job.
Bringing a 'crazy' date. If your spouse or date is known as the 'life of the party,' there's a chance he or she will make the night unforgettable -- and not in a good way. Some people think, 'It shouldn't matter how they act, as long as I act OK,' But you are guilty by association.
Being a 'Scrooge.' Don't be a Debbie Downer and walk around with a scowl on your face. If you aren't excited to be there, keep your thoughts to yourself. These events are meant to give employees an opportunity to connect on a personal level so they can relate to one another at work. You don't have to overdo it, but you have to at least do it.
Not using your best table manners. It seems obvious, but for many, manners go out the door after business hours -- especially with a drink in hand. No swearing, chew with your mouth closed and remember to say "please," "thank you" and "excuse me."
"Dirty dancing" or executing "athletic displays." Even though krumping, bumping and grinding are all the rage, these moves have no place on the corporate dance floor. Moreover, back flips, splits, jumps and spins can only lead to disaster.

10 Superfoods

The benefits from eating healthy are endless. And, according to Dr. Nicholas Perricone, some foods can be eaten to help you look and age better!


oprah.com



Acai fruit
This little berry is one of the most nutritious and powerful foods in the world. It can often be found in juice form in health food and gourmet stores.

Anything in the "Allium Family"
Garlic, onions, leeks, scallions, chives and shallots can all help the liver eliminate toxins and carcinogens.

Barley
This can be used as a breakfast cereal, in soups and stews, and as a rice substitute. Barley's also high in fiber, helping metabolize fats, cholesterol and carbohydrates.

Green Foods
Green foods like wheat and barley grasses can be bought in powder, tablet or juice form, and offer greater levels of nutrients than green leafy vegetables. They also help cholesterol, blood pressure and immune response.

Buckwheat: Seed & Grain
Buckwheat is loaded with protein, high in amino acid, stabilizes blood sugar and reduces hypertension.

Beans & Lentils
You can reduce cholesterol while beefing up on antioxidants, folic acid and potassium. Try kidney, black, navy, pinto, chickpeas, soybeans, peas and lentils.

Hot Peppers
Both bell and chili peppers contain antioxidants, have twice the Vitamin C as citrus fruit and work as great fat burners.

Nuts & Seeds
You can't go wrong with a handful of nuts a day—walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, macadamia and pistachio nuts contain Omega 3 fats, which are great for your heart. Raw, unsalted nuts and seeds are best.

Sprouts
Numerous varieties of sprouts are great with any meal. They're a great source of protein and Vitamin C. Try adding them to any dish and your immune system will get a boost.

Yogurt and Kefir
These cultured foods contain healthful bacteria that aid immune function, and the calcium helps burn fat. Try using them as a base for a smoothie.

Learn more about Dr. Perricone's superfoods!