The University of Florida and Florida State University may be arch rivals in athletics, but they joined forces to announce a $10 million program designed to attract math and science majors into teaching careers.
Each university will receive up to $2.4 million over five years from the National Math and Science Initiative, a not-for-profit organization created by ExxonMobil. The program will address what school officials said is one of the nation's greatest economic and intellectual threats.
That's the declining number of qualified science, mathematics and computer science teachers in the nation's elementary, middle and high schools.
Both universities also will get $1 million each from the Helios Education Foundation, another not-for-profit organization. With matching state money, each school will have about $5 million.
"To flourish in the 21st century, the United States must continue to generate intellectual capital that can drive the research and development activities that fuel our economic engine," said Florida State President T.K. Wetherell.
University of Florida Provost Janie Fouke said the program will help "head off a scientific brain drain by putting bright scientific minds into teaching positions."
Friday, November 16, 2007
R U IMing?
INSTANT MESSGIING POLL: Summary
DIGITAL TALK: More than four in 10, or 43 percent, of teens who instant message use it for things they wouldn't say in person, according to an Associated Press-AOL poll released Thursday.
RELATIONSHIP HELP: Twenty-two percent use IMs to ask people out on dates or accept them, and 13 percent use them to break up.
AGE DIFFERENCE: Overall, nearly half of teens age 13 to 18 said they use instant messaging. Only about one in five adults said they use IMs, though usually with less technological aplomb or hormone-driven social drama.
Sure, instant messaging is fast and efficient. For many teenagers, it's also a great way to avoid those OMG moments — that's "omigod" — of mortifying face-to-face confrontations.
More than four in 10 teens, or 43 percent, who instant message use it for things they wouldn't say in person, according to an Associated Press-AOL poll released Thursday. Twenty-two percent use IMs to ask people out on dates or accept them, and 13 percent use them to break up.
"If they freak out or something, you don't see it," said Cassy Hobert, 17, a high school senior from Frenchburg, Ky., and avid IMer who has used it to arrange dates. "And if I freak out, they don't have to see it."
Overall, nearly half of teens age 13 to 18 said they use instant messaging, those staccato, Internet-borne strings of real-time chatter often coupled with enough frenzied multitasking to fry the typical adult brain. Only about one in five adults said they use IMs — though usually with less technological aplomb or hormone-driven social drama.
Danny Hitt, 34, a real estate agent in Riverside, Calif., says he has chatted with four or five IM buddies at once — a number some teens would consider embarrassingly low. He prefers the telephone for important communications.
"To me, a significant conversation takes a phone call," Hitt said. "The inflection in the voice, you lose that" with instant messages.
Instant messaging's lack of physical proximity is exactly the point for those determined to avoid cringe-inducing episodes.
DIGITAL TALK: More than four in 10, or 43 percent, of teens who instant message use it for things they wouldn't say in person, according to an Associated Press-AOL poll released Thursday.
RELATIONSHIP HELP: Twenty-two percent use IMs to ask people out on dates or accept them, and 13 percent use them to break up.
AGE DIFFERENCE: Overall, nearly half of teens age 13 to 18 said they use instant messaging. Only about one in five adults said they use IMs, though usually with less technological aplomb or hormone-driven social drama.
Sure, instant messaging is fast and efficient. For many teenagers, it's also a great way to avoid those OMG moments — that's "omigod" — of mortifying face-to-face confrontations.
More than four in 10 teens, or 43 percent, who instant message use it for things they wouldn't say in person, according to an Associated Press-AOL poll released Thursday. Twenty-two percent use IMs to ask people out on dates or accept them, and 13 percent use them to break up.
"If they freak out or something, you don't see it," said Cassy Hobert, 17, a high school senior from Frenchburg, Ky., and avid IMer who has used it to arrange dates. "And if I freak out, they don't have to see it."
Overall, nearly half of teens age 13 to 18 said they use instant messaging, those staccato, Internet-borne strings of real-time chatter often coupled with enough frenzied multitasking to fry the typical adult brain. Only about one in five adults said they use IMs — though usually with less technological aplomb or hormone-driven social drama.
Danny Hitt, 34, a real estate agent in Riverside, Calif., says he has chatted with four or five IM buddies at once — a number some teens would consider embarrassingly low. He prefers the telephone for important communications.
"To me, a significant conversation takes a phone call," Hitt said. "The inflection in the voice, you lose that" with instant messages.
Instant messaging's lack of physical proximity is exactly the point for those determined to avoid cringe-inducing episodes.
Body tricks
TRICKS TO TEACH YOUR BODY
(Men's Health)
If your throat tickles, scratch your ear! When you were 9, playing your armpit was a cool trick. Now, as an adult, you can still appreciate a good body-based feat, but you're more discriminating. Take that tickle in your throat; it's not worth gagging over. Here's a better way to scratch your itch: When the nerves in the ear are stimulated, it creates a reflex in the throat that can cause a muscle spasm. This spasm relieves the tickle.
Experience supersonic hearing! If you're stuck chatting up a mumbler at a cocktail party, lean in with your right ear. It's better than your left at following the rapid rhythms of speech. If, on the other hand, you're trying to identify that song playing softly in the elevator, turn your left ear toward the sound. The left ear is better at picking up music tones.
Overcome your most primal urge! Need to pee? No bathroom nearby? Fantasize about Jessica Simpson. Thinking about sex preoccupies your brain, so you won't feel as much discomfort.
Feel no pain! German researchers have discovered that coughing during an injection can lessen the pain of the needle stick. The trick causes a sudden, temporary rise in pressure in the chest and spinal canal, inhibiting the pain-conducting structures of the spinal cord.
Clear your stuffed nose! Forget Sudafed. An easier, quicker, and cheaper way to relieve sinus pressure is by alternately thrusting your tongue against the roof of your mouth, then pressing between your eyebrows with one finger. This causes the vomer bone, which runs through the nasal passages to the mouth, to rock back and forth. The motion loosens congestion; after 20 seconds, you'll feel your sinuses start to drain.
Stop the world from spinning! One too many drinks left you dizzy? Put your hand on something stable. The part of your ear responsible for balance -- the cupula -- floats in a fluid of the same density as blood. As alcohol dilutes blood in the cupula, the cupula becomes less dense and rises. This confuses your brain. The tactile input from a stable object gives the brain a second opinion, and you feel more in balance. Because the nerves in the hand are so sensitive, this works better than the conventional foot-on-the-floor wisdom.
Make your heart stand still! Trying to quell first-date jitters? Blow on your thumb. The vagus nerve, which governs heart rate, can be controlled through breathing. It'll get your heart rate back to normal.
Thaw your brain! Too much Chipwich too fast will freeze the brains of lesser men. As for you, press your tongue flat against the roof of your mouth, covering as much as you can. Since the nerves in the roof of your mouth get extremely cold, your body thinks your brain is freezing, too. In compensating, it overheats, causing an ice-cream headache. The more pressure you apply to the roof of your mouth, the faster your headache will subside.
Prevent near-sightedness! Poor distance vision is rarely caused by genetics. It's usually caused by near-point stress. In other words, staring at your computer screen for too long. So flex your way to 20/20 vision. Every few hours during the day, close your eyes, tense your body, take a deep breath, and, after a few seconds, release your breath and muscles at the same time. Tightening and releasing muscles such as the biceps and glutes can trick involuntary muscles -- like the eyes -- into relaxing as well.
Wake the dead! If your hand falls asleep while you're driving or sitting in an odd position, rock your head from side to side. It'll painlessly banish your pins and needles in less than a minute. A tingly hand or arm is often the result of compression in the bundle of nerves in your neck; loosening your neck muscles releases the pressure. Compressed nerves lower in the body govern the feet, so don't let your sleeping dogs lie. Stand up and walk around.
Impress your friends! Next time you're at a party, try this trick: Have a person hold one arm straight out to the side, palm down, and instruct him to maintain this position. Then place two fingers on his wrist and push down. He'll resist. Now have him put one foot on a surface that's a half inch higher (a few magazines) and repeat. This time his arm will cave like the French. By misaligning his hips, you've offset his spine. Your brain senses that the spine is vulnerable, so it shuts down the body's ability to resist.
Read minds! Your own! If you're giving a speech the next day, review it before falling asleep. Since most memory consolidation happens during sleep, anything you read right before bed is more likely to be encoded as long-term memory.
(Men's Health)
If your throat tickles, scratch your ear! When you were 9, playing your armpit was a cool trick. Now, as an adult, you can still appreciate a good body-based feat, but you're more discriminating. Take that tickle in your throat; it's not worth gagging over. Here's a better way to scratch your itch: When the nerves in the ear are stimulated, it creates a reflex in the throat that can cause a muscle spasm. This spasm relieves the tickle.
Experience supersonic hearing! If you're stuck chatting up a mumbler at a cocktail party, lean in with your right ear. It's better than your left at following the rapid rhythms of speech. If, on the other hand, you're trying to identify that song playing softly in the elevator, turn your left ear toward the sound. The left ear is better at picking up music tones.
Overcome your most primal urge! Need to pee? No bathroom nearby? Fantasize about Jessica Simpson. Thinking about sex preoccupies your brain, so you won't feel as much discomfort.
Feel no pain! German researchers have discovered that coughing during an injection can lessen the pain of the needle stick. The trick causes a sudden, temporary rise in pressure in the chest and spinal canal, inhibiting the pain-conducting structures of the spinal cord.
Clear your stuffed nose! Forget Sudafed. An easier, quicker, and cheaper way to relieve sinus pressure is by alternately thrusting your tongue against the roof of your mouth, then pressing between your eyebrows with one finger. This causes the vomer bone, which runs through the nasal passages to the mouth, to rock back and forth. The motion loosens congestion; after 20 seconds, you'll feel your sinuses start to drain.
Stop the world from spinning! One too many drinks left you dizzy? Put your hand on something stable. The part of your ear responsible for balance -- the cupula -- floats in a fluid of the same density as blood. As alcohol dilutes blood in the cupula, the cupula becomes less dense and rises. This confuses your brain. The tactile input from a stable object gives the brain a second opinion, and you feel more in balance. Because the nerves in the hand are so sensitive, this works better than the conventional foot-on-the-floor wisdom.
Make your heart stand still! Trying to quell first-date jitters? Blow on your thumb. The vagus nerve, which governs heart rate, can be controlled through breathing. It'll get your heart rate back to normal.
Thaw your brain! Too much Chipwich too fast will freeze the brains of lesser men. As for you, press your tongue flat against the roof of your mouth, covering as much as you can. Since the nerves in the roof of your mouth get extremely cold, your body thinks your brain is freezing, too. In compensating, it overheats, causing an ice-cream headache. The more pressure you apply to the roof of your mouth, the faster your headache will subside.
Prevent near-sightedness! Poor distance vision is rarely caused by genetics. It's usually caused by near-point stress. In other words, staring at your computer screen for too long. So flex your way to 20/20 vision. Every few hours during the day, close your eyes, tense your body, take a deep breath, and, after a few seconds, release your breath and muscles at the same time. Tightening and releasing muscles such as the biceps and glutes can trick involuntary muscles -- like the eyes -- into relaxing as well.
Wake the dead! If your hand falls asleep while you're driving or sitting in an odd position, rock your head from side to side. It'll painlessly banish your pins and needles in less than a minute. A tingly hand or arm is often the result of compression in the bundle of nerves in your neck; loosening your neck muscles releases the pressure. Compressed nerves lower in the body govern the feet, so don't let your sleeping dogs lie. Stand up and walk around.
Impress your friends! Next time you're at a party, try this trick: Have a person hold one arm straight out to the side, palm down, and instruct him to maintain this position. Then place two fingers on his wrist and push down. He'll resist. Now have him put one foot on a surface that's a half inch higher (a few magazines) and repeat. This time his arm will cave like the French. By misaligning his hips, you've offset his spine. Your brain senses that the spine is vulnerable, so it shuts down the body's ability to resist.
Read minds! Your own! If you're giving a speech the next day, review it before falling asleep. Since most memory consolidation happens during sleep, anything you read right before bed is more likely to be encoded as long-term memory.
Skin deep beauty
MIAMI (CBS4) ― Larisa Forman uses several products to keep her skin looking young and healthy.
"I usually try to go with one line, and I get 3 things: serum, a moisturizer, and I use something for my eyes."
But you can forget the cosmetics counter, and just head to the grocery store if you buy foods for a good skin diet.
Dr. Mark Steven Nestor is a dermatologist in Aventura. "Nutrition in and of itself is very important for our health, and our health is reflected in our skin."
He says it's important to fuel up with face-friendly foods.
First on the list are egg yolks, which contain Vitamin A.
Nutritionist Susan Nowrouzi at Baptist Hospital says Vitamin A in egg yolks helps maintain the outer layers of the skin.
"It's important for the healthy epithelial of the skin," she said.
Then, there are whole grains, which contain Vitamin B, helping produce skin enzymes.
And don't forget Vitamin C found in citrus fruits, like oranges and grapefruits, which according to Nowrouzi, "Vitamin C is a wonderful antioxidant, and it's great for your collagen which supports your skin elasticity."
Vegetables such as carrots and tomatoes contain beta carotene, which experts say help protect the skin against sun damage.
Also good for the skin is oily fish, like salmon, which is rich in Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant. Salmon also contains zinc, which helps our skin heal.
"If we're lacking this in our diet," said Dr. Nestor, "if we're lacking this in our system, we can have problems healing."
Experts say the benefits of a healthy diet are, in some ways, skin deep.
"I usually try to go with one line, and I get 3 things: serum, a moisturizer, and I use something for my eyes."
But you can forget the cosmetics counter, and just head to the grocery store if you buy foods for a good skin diet.
Dr. Mark Steven Nestor is a dermatologist in Aventura. "Nutrition in and of itself is very important for our health, and our health is reflected in our skin."
He says it's important to fuel up with face-friendly foods.
First on the list are egg yolks, which contain Vitamin A.
Nutritionist Susan Nowrouzi at Baptist Hospital says Vitamin A in egg yolks helps maintain the outer layers of the skin.
"It's important for the healthy epithelial of the skin," she said.
Then, there are whole grains, which contain Vitamin B, helping produce skin enzymes.
And don't forget Vitamin C found in citrus fruits, like oranges and grapefruits, which according to Nowrouzi, "Vitamin C is a wonderful antioxidant, and it's great for your collagen which supports your skin elasticity."
Vegetables such as carrots and tomatoes contain beta carotene, which experts say help protect the skin against sun damage.
Also good for the skin is oily fish, like salmon, which is rich in Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant. Salmon also contains zinc, which helps our skin heal.
"If we're lacking this in our diet," said Dr. Nestor, "if we're lacking this in our system, we can have problems healing."
Experts say the benefits of a healthy diet are, in some ways, skin deep.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Relieve stress at work
(Forbes.com)
Find A Ritual: If people at work are getting on your nerves, and talking about it doesn't work or isn't possible, come up with a quick, relaxing ritual. This might include listening to a favorite song, closing the door for five minutes or going for a walk.
Plan For The Unexpected: Don't be the kind of business traveler who flips out when a flight inevitably gets delayed or cancelled. When you've got a trip coming up, think about what you could do with an extra hour if you hit a snafu. You could hammer out e-mails, walk the airport or eat at a leisurely pace. That way if it does happen, you are prepared.
Get Perspective: Your company lost a big client, the earnings report was awful and you blew a deal. It may seem like the end of the world, but what will the situation look like a year from now? Imagining some time and distance from a problem can give you perspective about a crisis.
Stretch It Out: If you hunch over your keyboard or have bad posture, you're probably wasting energy trying to sit up straight at meetings. Feel better and make it easier on your body to look alert by stretching. One exercise to try today: Stand in a doorway and hold your right arm at a 90 degree angle against the frame. Take a step and turn your body to the left. This alleviates muscle tension in your upper back, allowing you to better hold yourself upright.
Yoga In The Conference Room: Companies such as Balance Integration work with employers to bring stress-relieving classes to offices. Options might include yoga, tips for learning to meditate and regain focus at your desk and, for employees who spend all day sitting in their cubicles, ergonometric coaching.
Tell A Joke: Laughing when you're stressed out can help you gain a little bit of control over a situation. Even a lousy joke can help lighten the mood in an office. Try exaggerating a problem or poking fun at someone's silliness. Don't, however, make fun of the weak or put anyone down in a hostile way.
Leave Your Desk For Lunch: Munching while checking your e-mail is no way to eat. If you're eating lunch under stress, you're slowing your digestion and probably not paying attention to what or how much you're putting in your mouth. Set time aside to leave your desk and enjoy your food.
Know Your Body Rhythms: Pay attention to your body clock. Knowing whether you're a morning or night person can help you figure out when is the best time to schedule meetings or work on big projects. Do you tend to crash every day around 3 p.m.? Prepare for your afternoon slump by regularly eating a pre-emptive afternoon snack.
Get Physical: Exercise is a great way to relieve stress and recharge. Sneak some activity into your day by making an effort to get outside for a 10-minute walk, especially before a stressful meeting. Make sure you follow through on this goal by asking a coworker ahead of time to go with you.
Find A Ritual: If people at work are getting on your nerves, and talking about it doesn't work or isn't possible, come up with a quick, relaxing ritual. This might include listening to a favorite song, closing the door for five minutes or going for a walk.
Plan For The Unexpected: Don't be the kind of business traveler who flips out when a flight inevitably gets delayed or cancelled. When you've got a trip coming up, think about what you could do with an extra hour if you hit a snafu. You could hammer out e-mails, walk the airport or eat at a leisurely pace. That way if it does happen, you are prepared.
Get Perspective: Your company lost a big client, the earnings report was awful and you blew a deal. It may seem like the end of the world, but what will the situation look like a year from now? Imagining some time and distance from a problem can give you perspective about a crisis.
Stretch It Out: If you hunch over your keyboard or have bad posture, you're probably wasting energy trying to sit up straight at meetings. Feel better and make it easier on your body to look alert by stretching. One exercise to try today: Stand in a doorway and hold your right arm at a 90 degree angle against the frame. Take a step and turn your body to the left. This alleviates muscle tension in your upper back, allowing you to better hold yourself upright.
Yoga In The Conference Room: Companies such as Balance Integration work with employers to bring stress-relieving classes to offices. Options might include yoga, tips for learning to meditate and regain focus at your desk and, for employees who spend all day sitting in their cubicles, ergonometric coaching.
Tell A Joke: Laughing when you're stressed out can help you gain a little bit of control over a situation. Even a lousy joke can help lighten the mood in an office. Try exaggerating a problem or poking fun at someone's silliness. Don't, however, make fun of the weak or put anyone down in a hostile way.
Leave Your Desk For Lunch: Munching while checking your e-mail is no way to eat. If you're eating lunch under stress, you're slowing your digestion and probably not paying attention to what or how much you're putting in your mouth. Set time aside to leave your desk and enjoy your food.
Know Your Body Rhythms: Pay attention to your body clock. Knowing whether you're a morning or night person can help you figure out when is the best time to schedule meetings or work on big projects. Do you tend to crash every day around 3 p.m.? Prepare for your afternoon slump by regularly eating a pre-emptive afternoon snack.
Get Physical: Exercise is a great way to relieve stress and recharge. Sneak some activity into your day by making an effort to get outside for a 10-minute walk, especially before a stressful meeting. Make sure you follow through on this goal by asking a coworker ahead of time to go with you.
Put your butt out
Quitting smoking is not easy, but it can be done. To have the best chance of quitting successfully, you need to know what you're up against, what your options are, and where to go for help.
Today is the Great American Smokeout!
My 1 year annniversary is December 31st. If I can do it...you can too.
Today is the Great American Smokeout!
My 1 year annniversary is December 31st. If I can do it...you can too.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
The HGTV Keys Dreamhouse
A magical bayside spot, complete with white sand beaches, miles of coral reef and the crystal clear water of the Florida keys, awaits the winner of the 2008 HGTV Dream Home Giveaway. One lucky viewer will receive a new, custom-designed and fully furnished bayside home located in the new development of The Shore at Islamorada, Florida in March, 2008.
The HGTV Dream Home Giveaway 2008 will be open for entries once per day beginning Tuesday, January 1 at 9:00 a.m. through Tuesday, February 19 at 5:00 p.m. Viewers will get a peek inside the tropical-style house during HGTV Dream Home 2008 on Tuesday, January 1 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT. During the special, Monica Pedersen, a designer with the network’s popular series Designed to Sell, will take viewers on a visual excursion that includes every room in the house as well as its beautiful views of the Florida Bay. Specific entry information, a photo gallery and a 360 degree virtual tour of the 2008 HGTV Dream Home in Quick Time, along with “dreamy” design tips, will be available at Dream Home Central on HGTV.com beginning Monday, December 3, 2007.
“This is one of the most incredible HGTV Dream Homes yet,” said Jack Thomasson, HGTV House Planner. “Located right in the middle of the Florida Keys, close to the hot beaches and cool scenes of Miami and to the eclectic mix of the southern-most town of Key West, the home will be filled with all of the tropical charm and features you would expect in an HGTV Dream Home.”
The Grand Prize winner will receive a prize package that includes a fully-furnished home with over 3,500 square feet of living area, a 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid, a state of the art kitchen with high end appliances, and since Islamorada is the sport fishing capital of the world, there's even a room dedicated to fishing! Located in the garage of the home - this room includes fishing equipment, maps, and everything an avid fisherman could want! The house will feature deep porches with beautiful views of the Florida Bay, and will evoke a casual elegance while providing the finest luxuries, comforts and conveniences in this tropical paradise.
Again this year, HGTV will televise the moment when one lucky viewer will discover that they are the winner of the 2008 HGTV Dream Home during a surprise visit from the HGTV Dream Home team on March 16, 2008 at 9:00 p.m.
The HGTV Dream Home Giveaway 2008 will be open for entries once per day beginning Tuesday, January 1 at 9:00 a.m. through Tuesday, February 19 at 5:00 p.m. Viewers will get a peek inside the tropical-style house during HGTV Dream Home 2008 on Tuesday, January 1 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT. During the special, Monica Pedersen, a designer with the network’s popular series Designed to Sell, will take viewers on a visual excursion that includes every room in the house as well as its beautiful views of the Florida Bay. Specific entry information, a photo gallery and a 360 degree virtual tour of the 2008 HGTV Dream Home in Quick Time, along with “dreamy” design tips, will be available at Dream Home Central on HGTV.com beginning Monday, December 3, 2007.
“This is one of the most incredible HGTV Dream Homes yet,” said Jack Thomasson, HGTV House Planner. “Located right in the middle of the Florida Keys, close to the hot beaches and cool scenes of Miami and to the eclectic mix of the southern-most town of Key West, the home will be filled with all of the tropical charm and features you would expect in an HGTV Dream Home.”
The Grand Prize winner will receive a prize package that includes a fully-furnished home with over 3,500 square feet of living area, a 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid, a state of the art kitchen with high end appliances, and since Islamorada is the sport fishing capital of the world, there's even a room dedicated to fishing! Located in the garage of the home - this room includes fishing equipment, maps, and everything an avid fisherman could want! The house will feature deep porches with beautiful views of the Florida Bay, and will evoke a casual elegance while providing the finest luxuries, comforts and conveniences in this tropical paradise.
Again this year, HGTV will televise the moment when one lucky viewer will discover that they are the winner of the 2008 HGTV Dream Home during a surprise visit from the HGTV Dream Home team on March 16, 2008 at 9:00 p.m.
Dr. Oz's Green drink
This morning Jeff Martin brought me the new Dr. Oz "Green Drink." It's supposed to be super healthy. I can tell you it smells like grass but it tastes very refreshing. You'll need a juicer and lots of fresh produce. Here is the recipe.
I'm worried my body will go into shock with too much healty stuff so I quickly got a candy bar from the snack machine just in case.
I'm worried my body will go into shock with too much healty stuff so I quickly got a candy bar from the snack machine just in case.
Have a tightwad Christmas
Try these ideas for keeping holiday spending under control, finding alternative gifts and making your hard-earned dollars go farther this year.
(Liz Pulliam Weston)
Trim down and try something new
If the grand total is overwhelming, start trimming your list.
Some ideas:
Agree to exchange cards instead of gifts with friends.
Have a potluck instead of an elaborate feast that requires you do all the work (and grocery shopping).
Make do with last year's decorations and clothes, or swap with friends.
Persuade your extended family to draw names rather than have everyone buy everyone else a gift.
Boot the adults and give gifts only to the kids.
Once you've got the list, consider the following ideas to help you get the most bang for your holiday bucks and skip the expensive, last-minute rush at the mall:
Cruise the deal sites. Web sites like Ben's Bargains, Deals of America, My Bargain Buddy and SlickDeals.net can alert you to killer bargains around the Web, such an Amazon.com Baby Store sale where a leopard-print fleece infant jacket could be found for $3 and a Dr. Seuss sun hat for $2.60. Another deal: a well-made acoustic guitar for $40, half the usual price, plus free shipping from Musician.com.
Nabbing the best deals often requires vigilance, since the real bargains tend to come and go quickly. The guitar deal, for example, lasted just a few hours. Of course, you'll need to make sure you're not buying a bunch of stuff you don't need or can't use. A bargain's not a bargain if it induces you to spend money you wouldn't otherwise.
Use your spare change. Got a big bucket of pennies and other coins? Haul your clanging cache to your bank, if it offers free sorting, or look for a Coinstar sorter that offers gift certificates in lieu of cash. Certain Coinstar machines waive the usual 8.9% fee when you opt for gift cards or e-certificates, and the providers include Amazon.com, iTunes, Eddie Bauer, Starbucks, Pier One and others. (You can give these cards directly, I suppose, but I argue against it in "Gift cards are not gifts." I use 'em to buy REAL gifts.)
Check your credit card rewards. You may be able to turn your frequent-flier miles or other points into decent gifts, but watch the exchange rate.
With many reward programs, you're lucky to get half a cent for every mile or point you turn in for merchandise, and some offer much worse deals than that.
Sell last year's misfires. Typically, the longer you wait to sell something, the less value it has. So round up the latest batch of clothes that didn't fit, gadgets you didn't need or knickknacks that didn't suit and get them listed on an auction site like eBay (good for collectibles, clothes and small electronics) or a classified site like Craigslist (best for big, bulky items). If weather in your area permits, a pre-holiday yard sale might help you generate some coin.
Click here for even more ways to save.
(Liz Pulliam Weston)
Trim down and try something new
If the grand total is overwhelming, start trimming your list.
Some ideas:
Agree to exchange cards instead of gifts with friends.
Have a potluck instead of an elaborate feast that requires you do all the work (and grocery shopping).
Make do with last year's decorations and clothes, or swap with friends.
Persuade your extended family to draw names rather than have everyone buy everyone else a gift.
Boot the adults and give gifts only to the kids.
Once you've got the list, consider the following ideas to help you get the most bang for your holiday bucks and skip the expensive, last-minute rush at the mall:
Cruise the deal sites. Web sites like Ben's Bargains, Deals of America, My Bargain Buddy and SlickDeals.net can alert you to killer bargains around the Web, such an Amazon.com Baby Store sale where a leopard-print fleece infant jacket could be found for $3 and a Dr. Seuss sun hat for $2.60. Another deal: a well-made acoustic guitar for $40, half the usual price, plus free shipping from Musician.com.
Nabbing the best deals often requires vigilance, since the real bargains tend to come and go quickly. The guitar deal, for example, lasted just a few hours. Of course, you'll need to make sure you're not buying a bunch of stuff you don't need or can't use. A bargain's not a bargain if it induces you to spend money you wouldn't otherwise.
Use your spare change. Got a big bucket of pennies and other coins? Haul your clanging cache to your bank, if it offers free sorting, or look for a Coinstar sorter that offers gift certificates in lieu of cash. Certain Coinstar machines waive the usual 8.9% fee when you opt for gift cards or e-certificates, and the providers include Amazon.com, iTunes, Eddie Bauer, Starbucks, Pier One and others. (You can give these cards directly, I suppose, but I argue against it in "Gift cards are not gifts." I use 'em to buy REAL gifts.)
Check your credit card rewards. You may be able to turn your frequent-flier miles or other points into decent gifts, but watch the exchange rate.
With many reward programs, you're lucky to get half a cent for every mile or point you turn in for merchandise, and some offer much worse deals than that.
Sell last year's misfires. Typically, the longer you wait to sell something, the less value it has. So round up the latest batch of clothes that didn't fit, gadgets you didn't need or knickknacks that didn't suit and get them listed on an auction site like eBay (good for collectibles, clothes and small electronics) or a classified site like Craigslist (best for big, bulky items). If weather in your area permits, a pre-holiday yard sale might help you generate some coin.
Click here for even more ways to save.
Get out the door faster
Tip #1: Pre-pack your kids' lunches and backpacks.
Tip #2: Review your next day's schedule, and your kids' schedules, before bed. You'll sleep better—and dress better—if you know what's in store.
Tip #3: Have the coffee machine prepared so that all you have to do is press "on." Or make a pitcher of iced coffee ahead of time. Keep a to-go cup handy so you can take your coffee out the door.
Tip #4: Prearrange your clothes, ironing anything that needs it. When possible, buy wrinkle-free.
Tip #5: Coordinate the bathroom schedules of the people you live with.
Tip #6: Have a lineup of several routine breakfasts, with at least one being portable.
Tip #7: Keep your makeup case organized, and minimal, with your everyday things most accessible. Have two different makeup routines—one normal, one makeup "lite" for really rushed days.
Tip #8: If you tend to linger too long when you read the newspaper or take a shower, set a timer.
Tip #9: Get a low-maintenance haircut.
Tip #10: Prepack your briefcase and/or purse.
Tip #11: Keep your cell phone in its charger, right on top of your briefcase or purse.
Tip #12: Morning is no time to be industrious. If you're hit by the urge to wash a few dishes, pay a few bills, or clean up old e-mail and mail—fight it!
(Oprah.com)
Tip #2: Review your next day's schedule, and your kids' schedules, before bed. You'll sleep better—and dress better—if you know what's in store.
Tip #3: Have the coffee machine prepared so that all you have to do is press "on." Or make a pitcher of iced coffee ahead of time. Keep a to-go cup handy so you can take your coffee out the door.
Tip #4: Prearrange your clothes, ironing anything that needs it. When possible, buy wrinkle-free.
Tip #5: Coordinate the bathroom schedules of the people you live with.
Tip #6: Have a lineup of several routine breakfasts, with at least one being portable.
Tip #7: Keep your makeup case organized, and minimal, with your everyday things most accessible. Have two different makeup routines—one normal, one makeup "lite" for really rushed days.
Tip #8: If you tend to linger too long when you read the newspaper or take a shower, set a timer.
Tip #9: Get a low-maintenance haircut.
Tip #10: Prepack your briefcase and/or purse.
Tip #11: Keep your cell phone in its charger, right on top of your briefcase or purse.
Tip #12: Morning is no time to be industrious. If you're hit by the urge to wash a few dishes, pay a few bills, or clean up old e-mail and mail—fight it!
(Oprah.com)
Where to stick your nose
When was the last time you picked up a book? I'll bet your child reads more than you do. It's Children's Book Week, sponsored by the Children's Book Council to encourage the enjoyment of reading for young people. Get more information at their website.
Here are the top 100 books for kids.
Okay, now back to my heavy reading of People magazine.
Here are the top 100 books for kids.
Okay, now back to my heavy reading of People magazine.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Fire your colorist and go gray
Three years ago 51-year-old Anne Kreamer decided to go natural and stop dying her hair dark-brown. What resulted was her book Going Gray: What I Learned About Beauty, Sex, Work, Motherhood, Authenticity, And Everything Else That Really Matters.
The title of the book alone says Kreamer sure learned a lot. Here are some points:
Gray doesn't mean dowdy. After she posted "before" and "after" photos on Match.com, she discovered that the gray locks version received three times as many "winks" from men than her brunette version.
At bars, younger guys flirted with her. Her conclusion: tinted hair is a sign of phoniness and a gray head translates into candor and self-assurance.
HOWEVER, she admits, when it comes to the job market, gray is a big disadvantage. After interviewing Human Resource workers, Kreamer concludes that prospective bosses "definitely discriminate against gray-haired applicants." Then she connects the dots to the House of Representatives, saying, "Perhaps that explains why only six of the 67 female House members have gray hair."
Other factoids Kreamer dishes out:
At a 2005 Fortune conference for "heavy-hitting businesswomen," only 11 of 324 attendees were dye-free.
The average American woman faces "economic, romantic, and social pressure" to color her hair -- and that's why "65 percent do."
Kreamer herself had spent $65,000 over her lifetime dyeing her graying hair.
The reason she decided to go gray to begin with: After seeing a photo of herself with her daughter and an older friend, she felt her dark-brown dye job looked fraudulent.
FYI: I plan to have chemically dependent hair till I'm 80.
The title of the book alone says Kreamer sure learned a lot. Here are some points:
Gray doesn't mean dowdy. After she posted "before" and "after" photos on Match.com, she discovered that the gray locks version received three times as many "winks" from men than her brunette version.
At bars, younger guys flirted with her. Her conclusion: tinted hair is a sign of phoniness and a gray head translates into candor and self-assurance.
HOWEVER, she admits, when it comes to the job market, gray is a big disadvantage. After interviewing Human Resource workers, Kreamer concludes that prospective bosses "definitely discriminate against gray-haired applicants." Then she connects the dots to the House of Representatives, saying, "Perhaps that explains why only six of the 67 female House members have gray hair."
Other factoids Kreamer dishes out:
At a 2005 Fortune conference for "heavy-hitting businesswomen," only 11 of 324 attendees were dye-free.
The average American woman faces "economic, romantic, and social pressure" to color her hair -- and that's why "65 percent do."
Kreamer herself had spent $65,000 over her lifetime dyeing her graying hair.
The reason she decided to go gray to begin with: After seeing a photo of herself with her daughter and an older friend, she felt her dark-brown dye job looked fraudulent.
FYI: I plan to have chemically dependent hair till I'm 80.
Does your man play games
Here are the facts, ladies. Two-thirds of all men in television-owning households between the ages of 18 and 34 have videogame consoles, according to media research company, Nielsen. That means your chances of going with a gaming guy are pretty high.
What can his choice of gaming system tell you about him? We convened a panel of experts to give you the scoop.
FYI: My boyfriend, Howard is a gamer and he's the sweetest most considerate man I've ever known. I guess I'd play them too but they make me dizzy.
What can his choice of gaming system tell you about him? We convened a panel of experts to give you the scoop.
FYI: My boyfriend, Howard is a gamer and he's the sweetest most considerate man I've ever known. I guess I'd play them too but they make me dizzy.
Monday, November 12, 2007
A Veteran's Day poem
Remember
Written by Father Denis Edward O'Brien, USMC
It was the Veteran, not the reporter,
who has given us the freedom of the press.
It was the Veteran, not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.
It was the Veteran, not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to fair trial.
It was the Veteran, not the campus organizer, who has given us freedom to demonstrate.
It is the Veteran, who salutes the flag, who served under the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protestor to burn the flag.
Written by Father Denis Edward O'Brien, USMC
It was the Veteran, not the reporter,
who has given us the freedom of the press.
It was the Veteran, not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.
It was the Veteran, not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to fair trial.
It was the Veteran, not the campus organizer, who has given us freedom to demonstrate.
It is the Veteran, who salutes the flag, who served under the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protestor to burn the flag.
Keep in touch
WAYS FOR FEMALE FRIENDS TO STAY IN TOUCH
(iVillage.com)
Relive Your Youth: When your best friend from high school visits, do the same everyday things you did back then -- get a cup of joe, make a chicken stir-fry and head to the movies, where we don't buy anything because it's too expensive.
Start a (Small) Club: Go to movies together, and take turns paying. It's a little thing, but you'll feel as though it's your own special movie club. Critique the movie afterwards and catch up on life, so it'll keeps you in touch.
Be the Glue: Sunday night is a great time to call faraway friends, because people are home, it's a nice start to the upcoming week and we get to recap the past weekend together.
Get High Tech: Thank god for email! It's much easier to keep in touch with old friends because of it.
Get Physical: Go to the gym with a same group of friends. It's a plan that's good for friendships -- and your health, too!
Celebrate! Always mark your friends birthdays and reach out them on the special occasion.
Give No-Reason Gifts: If you see something in a store that you know your friend will like, get it!
Get into Girl Talk: The glue that holds best friends together is great communication. You may be different, but meaningful, colorful, wonderful conversations will keep you connected.
(iVillage.com)
Relive Your Youth: When your best friend from high school visits, do the same everyday things you did back then -- get a cup of joe, make a chicken stir-fry and head to the movies, where we don't buy anything because it's too expensive.
Start a (Small) Club: Go to movies together, and take turns paying. It's a little thing, but you'll feel as though it's your own special movie club. Critique the movie afterwards and catch up on life, so it'll keeps you in touch.
Be the Glue: Sunday night is a great time to call faraway friends, because people are home, it's a nice start to the upcoming week and we get to recap the past weekend together.
Get High Tech: Thank god for email! It's much easier to keep in touch with old friends because of it.
Get Physical: Go to the gym with a same group of friends. It's a plan that's good for friendships -- and your health, too!
Celebrate! Always mark your friends birthdays and reach out them on the special occasion.
Give No-Reason Gifts: If you see something in a store that you know your friend will like, get it!
Get into Girl Talk: The glue that holds best friends together is great communication. You may be different, but meaningful, colorful, wonderful conversations will keep you connected.
Get rid of "unibutt"; slim down
Shapewear Slims Instantly
"Shapewear" refers to body-shaping undergarments that take off the inches without a single visit to the gym!
As The Early Show on CBS continued its year-long "Weapons of Mass Reduction" series Thursday, Glamour magazine's executive fashion editor-at-large, Suze Yalof Schwartz, showed the ones she thinks work best, with the help of volunteer models and "before" and "after" views.
Schwartz says if you really want to slim down, you should go a size smaller than you really are.
Shapewear, by any name, is hardly new. Women have been wearing body garments to conceal lumps and bumps for years, but Schwartz says the latest trend features shape-shifting undergarments that are sleeker, sexier, and designed to make you lose inches in an instant!
Selecting the right shapewear to get the job done can be a bit confusing. There are many brands and styles of body-shapers, but Schwartz likes Dr. Rey's Shapewear, Spanx and Maidenform.
The following descriptions were prepared with information provided by the manufacturers:
Volunteer No. 1
Problem area: Lumps and bumps
Solution: DrR. Rey's Shapewear
Smooth Slip: $45
Maximum control tummy panels. Highly contoured waist and hips. Hidden, no-slip finish at neckline and straight hem.
Renowned plastic surgeon to the stars Dr. Robert Rey offers a shapewear line designed for women who want to redefine their body shape without plastic surgery. Dr. Rey's pieces give you complete support while helping to smooth and shape your curves, leaving you feeling comfortable and confident in your clothing. Head-to-toe gorgeous gets easier with the smoothing slip from Dr. Rey's Shapewear. Years of surgical experience informs your foundations with maximum control panels and construction meant to mimic the results you'd get from going under the knife. Stretch microfiber gets a shot of softness from aloe.
Stretch microfiber. Aloe finish. 72 percent nylon, 28 percent spandex.
Volunteer No. 2
Problem area: Tummy Bulge
Solution: Spanx
Slim Cognito Seamless Mid-Thigh Bodysuit: $68
Go undercover with the SPANX Slim Cognito Mid-Thigh Bodysuit! This shaper comfortably shapes problem areas, accentuates your waistline, minimizes your tummy and thighs, lifts your rear, and makes inches seem to disappear! The detachable straps attach to your bra to keep the bodysuit in place and allow you to wear the bra that's best for you - and your outfit!
And to avoid the flat, uni-butt look that many shapers give your backside, Slim-Cognito offers "The Great Divide." You won't feel the subtle butt separator, but the natural perky shape won't be lost on those in your wake!
Fabric Content: 80 percent Nylon, 18 percent Spandex/Elastane, 2 percent Cotton
Volunteer No. 3
Problem area: Hips and thighs
Solution: Maidenform
Control It High-Waist Thigh Slimmer: $34
Master your thighs to look better and slimmer in your clothes. Control It! Shapewear introduces a new firm control Hi-Waist Thigh Slimmer that offers 360 degrees of support, slimming and smoothing.
"Shapewear" refers to body-shaping undergarments that take off the inches without a single visit to the gym!
As The Early Show on CBS continued its year-long "Weapons of Mass Reduction" series Thursday, Glamour magazine's executive fashion editor-at-large, Suze Yalof Schwartz, showed the ones she thinks work best, with the help of volunteer models and "before" and "after" views.
Schwartz says if you really want to slim down, you should go a size smaller than you really are.
Shapewear, by any name, is hardly new. Women have been wearing body garments to conceal lumps and bumps for years, but Schwartz says the latest trend features shape-shifting undergarments that are sleeker, sexier, and designed to make you lose inches in an instant!
Selecting the right shapewear to get the job done can be a bit confusing. There are many brands and styles of body-shapers, but Schwartz likes Dr. Rey's Shapewear, Spanx and Maidenform.
The following descriptions were prepared with information provided by the manufacturers:
Volunteer No. 1
Problem area: Lumps and bumps
Solution: DrR. Rey's Shapewear
Smooth Slip: $45
Maximum control tummy panels. Highly contoured waist and hips. Hidden, no-slip finish at neckline and straight hem.
Renowned plastic surgeon to the stars Dr. Robert Rey offers a shapewear line designed for women who want to redefine their body shape without plastic surgery. Dr. Rey's pieces give you complete support while helping to smooth and shape your curves, leaving you feeling comfortable and confident in your clothing. Head-to-toe gorgeous gets easier with the smoothing slip from Dr. Rey's Shapewear. Years of surgical experience informs your foundations with maximum control panels and construction meant to mimic the results you'd get from going under the knife. Stretch microfiber gets a shot of softness from aloe.
Stretch microfiber. Aloe finish. 72 percent nylon, 28 percent spandex.
Volunteer No. 2
Problem area: Tummy Bulge
Solution: Spanx
Slim Cognito Seamless Mid-Thigh Bodysuit: $68
Go undercover with the SPANX Slim Cognito Mid-Thigh Bodysuit! This shaper comfortably shapes problem areas, accentuates your waistline, minimizes your tummy and thighs, lifts your rear, and makes inches seem to disappear! The detachable straps attach to your bra to keep the bodysuit in place and allow you to wear the bra that's best for you - and your outfit!
And to avoid the flat, uni-butt look that many shapers give your backside, Slim-Cognito offers "The Great Divide." You won't feel the subtle butt separator, but the natural perky shape won't be lost on those in your wake!
Fabric Content: 80 percent Nylon, 18 percent Spandex/Elastane, 2 percent Cotton
Volunteer No. 3
Problem area: Hips and thighs
Solution: Maidenform
Control It High-Waist Thigh Slimmer: $34
Master your thighs to look better and slimmer in your clothes. Control It! Shapewear introduces a new firm control Hi-Waist Thigh Slimmer that offers 360 degrees of support, slimming and smoothing.
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