Are you still looking for the love of your life?
If you’re like most singletons, you aren’t actually looking. You’re waiting for someone to find you. According to David Steele, author of “Conscious Dating”, people put more effort into buying a car than selecting a mate. When they do meet someone, they make impulsive decisions based on desperation or fleeting feelings. So, here are his tips on how to stop hoping for love, and become a conscious dater who’s actively looking for it:
Know who you are and what you want. Think of yourself as an iceberg. The “everyday” you is the part that sticks up out of the water and the real you is the 90% that’s hidden from view. So, sit down with a piece of paper, and ask your hidden self a few questions. Like, what new places, activities, and experiences would you like to try? Where do you see yourself five years from now in work, family, and fun? That’s the person you should be selling to the world.
Then, become the partner you’re looking for. Grab your “wish list,” pick an activity, and make plans to do it. Whether it’s trying spicy Indian food, bungee jumping off a bridge, or sitting under a waterfall on a tropical island. If you do what you love, you’re more likely to run into someone who loves it, too. Voilà – an instant connection!
Strengthen your relationship skills with your family, friends, and co-workers. Bottom line: The better you are at relationships in general, the better you’ll be at creating - and holding onto - a relationship when you finally meet “The One”.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Lose weight at checkout
Did you know that the self-checkout line can help you lose weight?
The rise of self-checkout lines has cut purchases of snacks, soda, and magazines in grocery stores by almost 45%! That’s the word from a survey by IHL Consulting Group. They concluded that customers are so focused on the scanning process, they’re less likely to make last-minute impulse buys.
The rise of self-checkout lines has cut purchases of snacks, soda, and magazines in grocery stores by almost 45%! That’s the word from a survey by IHL Consulting Group. They concluded that customers are so focused on the scanning process, they’re less likely to make last-minute impulse buys.
Numbers for speed dial
Got a cell phone? Then consider putting these must-have phone numbers on speed dial. I found these thanks to Rodale Publishing.
Put your family on ICE. That stands for ‘In Case of Emergency.’ Paramedics recommend programming ANY emergency contact in your cell phone after the word ICE, as in “ICE-wife” or “ICE-dad.” The idea is that if you get into an accident, police can use your phone to quickly notify someone.
Another must-have number to put on speed dial is: 1-800-GOOG-411. That’s 466-4411. It’s a Google service that lets you request information just as you would on a web browser. Ask for ‘Italian Restaurants,’ and you’ll get a list of spaghetti and meatball joints within the area code you’re calling from! The best part is that Google won’t charge you – unlike some other 411 services.
Next, if you’re always trying to hail a cab, then program this number on speed dial: 800-TAXI-CAB. This is a free referral service that connects you with the closest taxi company within any metro area in North America. They’ll also hook you up with a shuttle service if you’re stranded at the airport.
If you’re traveling overseas, you must have this number on speed dial: 800-752-6096. That’s a language service that will connect you to one of 170 different translators. Want to know what “la personne la plus futée dans le chambre” means? Then get a French translator on the phone to tell you it means you’re the smartest person in the room! Beware, they’ll charge you $3.95 per minute for that privilege.
...and don't forget your local pizza deliver guy.
Put your family on ICE. That stands for ‘In Case of Emergency.’ Paramedics recommend programming ANY emergency contact in your cell phone after the word ICE, as in “ICE-wife” or “ICE-dad.” The idea is that if you get into an accident, police can use your phone to quickly notify someone.
Another must-have number to put on speed dial is: 1-800-GOOG-411. That’s 466-4411. It’s a Google service that lets you request information just as you would on a web browser. Ask for ‘Italian Restaurants,’ and you’ll get a list of spaghetti and meatball joints within the area code you’re calling from! The best part is that Google won’t charge you – unlike some other 411 services.
Next, if you’re always trying to hail a cab, then program this number on speed dial: 800-TAXI-CAB. This is a free referral service that connects you with the closest taxi company within any metro area in North America. They’ll also hook you up with a shuttle service if you’re stranded at the airport.
If you’re traveling overseas, you must have this number on speed dial: 800-752-6096. That’s a language service that will connect you to one of 170 different translators. Want to know what “la personne la plus futée dans le chambre” means? Then get a French translator on the phone to tell you it means you’re the smartest person in the room! Beware, they’ll charge you $3.95 per minute for that privilege.
...and don't forget your local pizza deliver guy.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Too much TV?
No More Couch Potatoes
You've probably heard the dreary statistics: By the time the average American child enters first grade, he or she has watched more than 5,000 hours of television. By the time kids are 14, they've seen 11,000 murders on TV. And then there are the video game years, when thousands more hours are racked up playing games. Whether you think all of that screen time is downright dangerous or just turning kids into couch potatoes, you probably agree that it's a worry.
We live in such an amazing technological age that it's easy to have the TV on all of the time and not even notice, or have a child glued to a video game and lose track of the hours. But the truth is, to get TV watching and video-game playing under control, the whole family has to become more mindful. Limit the background noise and only turn on the TV when there are certain must-see shows. Make video game rules with daily time limits. This means the adults in the family really shouldn't turn on the TV the minute they walk in the door, or sit in front of the computer playing solitaire for hours. Set a good example. As time goes on, the whole family will start to appreciate and value "quiet time," when each person has time to think, read, or do something nonelectronic.
Establishing age-appropriate guidelines isn't easy, but here are some ideas. Preschool children are bubbling with so much creativity and imagination, they can stay occupied with toys and other activities. Most educators would recommend no video games and keeping TV time to 30 minutes a day, and matching that with as much or more reading-aloud time. Once kids are in elementary school, they may request time to watch TV or play video games. The best solution is to watch and play with your child, planning when you'll watch or play, what, and for how long. Three hours a week is plenty. In the later elementary years, kids have more independence (but also more homework) and should be limited to six or seven hours a week, experts say.
It's easy for children to confuse fact from fiction when it comes to what they're seeing on TV and in the video games they play. Instead of watching TV over dinner, use that precious time to talk with kids about the depictions of on-screen violence versus what happens in real life. Make sure your child is having enough adventures in the real world, which may make the "fake" stuff seem less exciting. Travel to museums and parks and sporting events. If a TV show or video game is on the agenda, try to watch/play together.
There is help out there. Many televisions or cable services allow you to restrict what your children can access on your TV. The TV industry and leading children's advocacy and education organizations, including the National Education Association, have created the TV Parental Guidelines to help you select appropriate programs for your child. And ratings by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) can be found on video game packages.
You've probably heard the dreary statistics: By the time the average American child enters first grade, he or she has watched more than 5,000 hours of television. By the time kids are 14, they've seen 11,000 murders on TV. And then there are the video game years, when thousands more hours are racked up playing games. Whether you think all of that screen time is downright dangerous or just turning kids into couch potatoes, you probably agree that it's a worry.
We live in such an amazing technological age that it's easy to have the TV on all of the time and not even notice, or have a child glued to a video game and lose track of the hours. But the truth is, to get TV watching and video-game playing under control, the whole family has to become more mindful. Limit the background noise and only turn on the TV when there are certain must-see shows. Make video game rules with daily time limits. This means the adults in the family really shouldn't turn on the TV the minute they walk in the door, or sit in front of the computer playing solitaire for hours. Set a good example. As time goes on, the whole family will start to appreciate and value "quiet time," when each person has time to think, read, or do something nonelectronic.
Establishing age-appropriate guidelines isn't easy, but here are some ideas. Preschool children are bubbling with so much creativity and imagination, they can stay occupied with toys and other activities. Most educators would recommend no video games and keeping TV time to 30 minutes a day, and matching that with as much or more reading-aloud time. Once kids are in elementary school, they may request time to watch TV or play video games. The best solution is to watch and play with your child, planning when you'll watch or play, what, and for how long. Three hours a week is plenty. In the later elementary years, kids have more independence (but also more homework) and should be limited to six or seven hours a week, experts say.
It's easy for children to confuse fact from fiction when it comes to what they're seeing on TV and in the video games they play. Instead of watching TV over dinner, use that precious time to talk with kids about the depictions of on-screen violence versus what happens in real life. Make sure your child is having enough adventures in the real world, which may make the "fake" stuff seem less exciting. Travel to museums and parks and sporting events. If a TV show or video game is on the agenda, try to watch/play together.
There is help out there. Many televisions or cable services allow you to restrict what your children can access on your TV. The TV industry and leading children's advocacy and education organizations, including the National Education Association, have created the TV Parental Guidelines to help you select appropriate programs for your child. And ratings by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) can be found on video game packages.
Wedding planning season
What's hot now? This year, bigger is definitely better, from luxe place settings to statement-making gowns and hairstyles.
By Christa Vagnozzi
Top Wedding Trends for 2008:
Trend 1: Making Split Decisions
Can't decide between a princess ball gown and a sexy mini? Wear both! In 2008, brides will make their guests do a double take by switching up their looks between the ceremony and reception with their gowns and hairstyles -- like an elegant updo for when you recite your vows and switching to natural cascading curls to party. And it's not just the bride that's getting a makeover between acts. Couples are also changing up their palettes with a progression of color throughout the day. Guests arrive to a clean, all-white ceremony, experience a hint of pale hues during the cocktail hour, and then step into an explosion of rich color for the reception.
Trend 2: The Gray Area
Steel gray will replace chocolate brown as the accent color. We absolutely love this soft yet deep hue teamed with butter yellow, bright aqua, rich eggplant, or pale pink. It's so versatile! Introduce the color in your stationery, either in the typeface or paper, and then gradually build it into your reception space by way of slate gray table accents and pewter-toned bridesmaid dresses with a contrasting sash.
Trend 3: A Return to White
In recent years, white has taken a backseat to bold hues like hot pink, orange, and purple. The classic color (or lack thereof) is poised to make a huge comeback in a fresh, modern way. Think tall, glistening glass vases overflowing with crisp arrangements of white phalaenopsis orchids and clouds of soft baby's breath. Also, picture sparkling white cakes covered from top to bottom in miniature fondant blossoms. Palette partner: Rose-colored metallics will add a big dose of sophisticated glamour.
Trend 4: Lush and Luxe
Size does matter. Event designers and brides alike are teaming up to create showstopping floral arrangements, such as those seen during the days of Marie Antoinette. This move toward French opulence means more petals, blossoms, candles -- even feathers! -- as centerpieces go from simple and low to towering and lush. Gilded place settings, brocade linens, and hand-painted invitations complete the elaborate look.
Trend 5: Sample Stations
Self-proclaimed foodies will love this trend: tasting bars for every whim. Sure to be popular, wine and cheese stations are not only delicious, they can be educational as well. We know one couple who hired a professional sommelier to provide pairing pointers. Our favorite is the champagne bar. Just pick your favorite bottles of bubbly and don't forget the mixers, such as Chambord, Midori, cranberry juice, and pineapple juice. Guests will have so much fun making their own signature cocktails.
Trend 6: Vintage Visions
From dresses to rings, brides are revisiting the past for style inspiration. For wedding gowns, that means delicate fabrics like chiffon and tiers of tulle, along with bygone embellishments such as beaded straps, keyhole halters, and lace sleeves. For rings, the hot style for '08 is something vintage. Whether it's simply an antique-style band or a real antique (think your great-grandmother's diamond), what's old is definitely new again.
Trend 7: Guests Make the Call
Need help picking that first dance song? Have your guests vote on it. With wedding websites adding more features like blogs, polls, and quizzes, it's easier than ever to involve your loved ones in the planning and decision making. Blogs are also great for reaching out to your bridesmaids and getting feedback on dress colors, flower options, and decor ideas. We love the idea of setting up wedding polls on your website and asking your guests to vote for their favorite cake flavor, entree choices, or dance music.
More Hot Trends
Green Weddings: Couples continue to be earth-conscious in 2008, from buying conflict-free diamond rings and recycled gold wedding bands to serving locally grown, free-range fare and donning bio-friendly wedding dresses made of 100 percent silk and cottons. They're also honeymooning at eco-resorts and gathering friends for charitable showers at soup kitchens and local park events.
Honeymoon Hopping: By now, it's no secret: Brides and grooms are going big this year for their weddings, and that includes the honeymoon too. Newlyweds are jetting off to not one, but two or three different destinations to celebrate their union. And they're traveling further than ever before. The hot spots: South Pacific jaunts to Tahiti and Bora Bora; Mediterranean getaways to Sicily and the Greek Isles; and African expeditions to Zambia, Botswana, and Johannesburg.
Home-Spun Weddings: For the utmost in personalization, couples are choosing to wed in their own or their parents' backyard. While it may be harder to plan than a ballroom wedding (you'll need to bring in your own caterer, tent, decor, etc.), your day will be truly one-of-a-kind.
Cover Bands: You heard it here first. Cover bands are in demand for 2008. From '80s cover bands to other genres such as classic rock, swing orchestras, or Latin ensembles, it's all about specialized live music to keep guests on their feet.
By Christa Vagnozzi
Top Wedding Trends for 2008:
Trend 1: Making Split Decisions
Can't decide between a princess ball gown and a sexy mini? Wear both! In 2008, brides will make their guests do a double take by switching up their looks between the ceremony and reception with their gowns and hairstyles -- like an elegant updo for when you recite your vows and switching to natural cascading curls to party. And it's not just the bride that's getting a makeover between acts. Couples are also changing up their palettes with a progression of color throughout the day. Guests arrive to a clean, all-white ceremony, experience a hint of pale hues during the cocktail hour, and then step into an explosion of rich color for the reception.
Trend 2: The Gray Area
Steel gray will replace chocolate brown as the accent color. We absolutely love this soft yet deep hue teamed with butter yellow, bright aqua, rich eggplant, or pale pink. It's so versatile! Introduce the color in your stationery, either in the typeface or paper, and then gradually build it into your reception space by way of slate gray table accents and pewter-toned bridesmaid dresses with a contrasting sash.
Trend 3: A Return to White
In recent years, white has taken a backseat to bold hues like hot pink, orange, and purple. The classic color (or lack thereof) is poised to make a huge comeback in a fresh, modern way. Think tall, glistening glass vases overflowing with crisp arrangements of white phalaenopsis orchids and clouds of soft baby's breath. Also, picture sparkling white cakes covered from top to bottom in miniature fondant blossoms. Palette partner: Rose-colored metallics will add a big dose of sophisticated glamour.
Trend 4: Lush and Luxe
Size does matter. Event designers and brides alike are teaming up to create showstopping floral arrangements, such as those seen during the days of Marie Antoinette. This move toward French opulence means more petals, blossoms, candles -- even feathers! -- as centerpieces go from simple and low to towering and lush. Gilded place settings, brocade linens, and hand-painted invitations complete the elaborate look.
Trend 5: Sample Stations
Self-proclaimed foodies will love this trend: tasting bars for every whim. Sure to be popular, wine and cheese stations are not only delicious, they can be educational as well. We know one couple who hired a professional sommelier to provide pairing pointers. Our favorite is the champagne bar. Just pick your favorite bottles of bubbly and don't forget the mixers, such as Chambord, Midori, cranberry juice, and pineapple juice. Guests will have so much fun making their own signature cocktails.
Trend 6: Vintage Visions
From dresses to rings, brides are revisiting the past for style inspiration. For wedding gowns, that means delicate fabrics like chiffon and tiers of tulle, along with bygone embellishments such as beaded straps, keyhole halters, and lace sleeves. For rings, the hot style for '08 is something vintage. Whether it's simply an antique-style band or a real antique (think your great-grandmother's diamond), what's old is definitely new again.
Trend 7: Guests Make the Call
Need help picking that first dance song? Have your guests vote on it. With wedding websites adding more features like blogs, polls, and quizzes, it's easier than ever to involve your loved ones in the planning and decision making. Blogs are also great for reaching out to your bridesmaids and getting feedback on dress colors, flower options, and decor ideas. We love the idea of setting up wedding polls on your website and asking your guests to vote for their favorite cake flavor, entree choices, or dance music.
More Hot Trends
Green Weddings: Couples continue to be earth-conscious in 2008, from buying conflict-free diamond rings and recycled gold wedding bands to serving locally grown, free-range fare and donning bio-friendly wedding dresses made of 100 percent silk and cottons. They're also honeymooning at eco-resorts and gathering friends for charitable showers at soup kitchens and local park events.
Honeymoon Hopping: By now, it's no secret: Brides and grooms are going big this year for their weddings, and that includes the honeymoon too. Newlyweds are jetting off to not one, but two or three different destinations to celebrate their union. And they're traveling further than ever before. The hot spots: South Pacific jaunts to Tahiti and Bora Bora; Mediterranean getaways to Sicily and the Greek Isles; and African expeditions to Zambia, Botswana, and Johannesburg.
Home-Spun Weddings: For the utmost in personalization, couples are choosing to wed in their own or their parents' backyard. While it may be harder to plan than a ballroom wedding (you'll need to bring in your own caterer, tent, decor, etc.), your day will be truly one-of-a-kind.
Cover Bands: You heard it here first. Cover bands are in demand for 2008. From '80s cover bands to other genres such as classic rock, swing orchestras, or Latin ensembles, it's all about specialized live music to keep guests on their feet.
Chew on this
Too Much Sugar-Free Gum Linked to Severe Weight Loss
By Ed Edelson, HealthDay Reporter
HealthDay
Chewing too much sugar-free gum containing the artificial sweetener sorbitol can cause diarrhea leading to potentially dangerous weight loss, German physicians report.
The cases of a 21-year-old woman who suffered diarrhea that caused her to lose about 24 pounds and a 46-year-man who lost approximately 46 pounds because of diarrhea were mysteries until the doctors asked about their chewing habits.
Both were found to be consuming a lot of sorbitol, primarily from chewing gum, said Dr. Herbert Lochs, professor of internal medicine at Humboldt University in Berlin, and one author of the report.
The answer solved the mystery, since heavy consumption of sorbitol has long been associated with a risk of diarrhea, Lochs said.
"There have been case reports earlier, as far back as the 1980s," he said. "These were people who did not have malabsorbtion and malnutrition."
The risk is not as great for consumers in the United States, said Dr. Bret Lashner, a gastroenterologist who is professor of medicine at the Cleveland Clinic, since sorbitol is rarely used in chewing gum here. The preferred artificial sweetener for chewing gum and candy here is aspartame, sold as NutraSweet, Lashner said.
"NutraSweet and saccharin are safe," he said. "Sorbitol is not safe. People should look at the labels to see if they are getting something with sorbitol."
The new findings are published in the Jan. 12 issue of the British Medical Journal.
The two people seen by Lochs and Dr. Juergen Bauditz, a gastroenterologist at the University of Berlin, were consuming sorbitol-containing chewing gum with gusto -- 15 to 20 sticks a day, containing up to 20 grams of the sweetener, for the woman, and 20 sticks of gum and up to 200 grams a day of artificially sweetened candy for the man.
Both were visiting the bathroom 10 or more times a day, and both underwent extensive laboratory testing and physical examinations that left the cause unknown -- until the doctors asked about their chewing habits.
Mystery solved. After the woman stopped chewing gum, she was discharged from the hospital, with just one bowel movement per day. A year later, she had regained 15 pounds. It was the same story for the man -- one bowel movement a day and a weight gain of 11 pounds six months after the gum-chewing ended.
How much sorbitol is safe? It's hard to say, Lochs said. "We thought of trying in a group of healthy people to determine the limit in a majority of cases, but this has not been done yet," he said.
It's not a big issue for the majority of European gum-chewers, Lochs said. "If they don't have symptoms, they should not worry," he said. "If they have diarrhea, they should not chew gum for a while so that the cause can be diagnosed."
American gum-chewers who have diarrhea can mention the habit to their physicians, Lashner said. "Certainly, all doctors are aware of this," he said of the sorbitol connection.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says the danger of diarrhea is associated with consumption of more than 50 grams of sorbitol daily.
By Ed Edelson, HealthDay Reporter
HealthDay
Chewing too much sugar-free gum containing the artificial sweetener sorbitol can cause diarrhea leading to potentially dangerous weight loss, German physicians report.
The cases of a 21-year-old woman who suffered diarrhea that caused her to lose about 24 pounds and a 46-year-man who lost approximately 46 pounds because of diarrhea were mysteries until the doctors asked about their chewing habits.
Both were found to be consuming a lot of sorbitol, primarily from chewing gum, said Dr. Herbert Lochs, professor of internal medicine at Humboldt University in Berlin, and one author of the report.
The answer solved the mystery, since heavy consumption of sorbitol has long been associated with a risk of diarrhea, Lochs said.
"There have been case reports earlier, as far back as the 1980s," he said. "These were people who did not have malabsorbtion and malnutrition."
The risk is not as great for consumers in the United States, said Dr. Bret Lashner, a gastroenterologist who is professor of medicine at the Cleveland Clinic, since sorbitol is rarely used in chewing gum here. The preferred artificial sweetener for chewing gum and candy here is aspartame, sold as NutraSweet, Lashner said.
"NutraSweet and saccharin are safe," he said. "Sorbitol is not safe. People should look at the labels to see if they are getting something with sorbitol."
The new findings are published in the Jan. 12 issue of the British Medical Journal.
The two people seen by Lochs and Dr. Juergen Bauditz, a gastroenterologist at the University of Berlin, were consuming sorbitol-containing chewing gum with gusto -- 15 to 20 sticks a day, containing up to 20 grams of the sweetener, for the woman, and 20 sticks of gum and up to 200 grams a day of artificially sweetened candy for the man.
Both were visiting the bathroom 10 or more times a day, and both underwent extensive laboratory testing and physical examinations that left the cause unknown -- until the doctors asked about their chewing habits.
Mystery solved. After the woman stopped chewing gum, she was discharged from the hospital, with just one bowel movement per day. A year later, she had regained 15 pounds. It was the same story for the man -- one bowel movement a day and a weight gain of 11 pounds six months after the gum-chewing ended.
How much sorbitol is safe? It's hard to say, Lochs said. "We thought of trying in a group of healthy people to determine the limit in a majority of cases, but this has not been done yet," he said.
It's not a big issue for the majority of European gum-chewers, Lochs said. "If they don't have symptoms, they should not worry," he said. "If they have diarrhea, they should not chew gum for a while so that the cause can be diagnosed."
American gum-chewers who have diarrhea can mention the habit to their physicians, Lashner said. "Certainly, all doctors are aware of this," he said of the sorbitol connection.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says the danger of diarrhea is associated with consumption of more than 50 grams of sorbitol daily.
Woof!
The American Kennel Club® announced that the Bulldog, a popular sports team mascot and one of the most recognizable and iconic purebred dogs, has muscled its way into the 10th spot on the organization’s annual list of the most popular breeds in America according to 2007 AKC® registration figures. The Labrador Retriever retains the title of “Top Dog”— a position it has now held for 17 consecutive years.
“This is the first time the Bulldog has made it onto the top ten list since 1935,” said AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “This breed appeals to a very wide range of dog lovers so it’s no surprise that it is a favorite amongst AKC’s 157 breeds. The Bulldog is both docile and adaptive, and can thrive in small or large homes. It’s an excellent all-around family pet.”
The Bulldog was first recognized by the AKC in 1886 – just two years after the organization’s founding – and was most popular in 1915* when it peaked in 5th place. The breed’s popularity ebbed and flowed throughout the mid-20th century, but since hitting a low of 41st place in 1973, its ranking has steadily increased.
2007 Most Popular Dogs in the U.S.
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. German Shepherd Dog
4. Golden Retriever
5. Beagle
6. Boxer
7. Dachshund
8. Poodle
9. Shih Tzu
10. Bulldog
“This is the first time the Bulldog has made it onto the top ten list since 1935,” said AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “This breed appeals to a very wide range of dog lovers so it’s no surprise that it is a favorite amongst AKC’s 157 breeds. The Bulldog is both docile and adaptive, and can thrive in small or large homes. It’s an excellent all-around family pet.”
The Bulldog was first recognized by the AKC in 1886 – just two years after the organization’s founding – and was most popular in 1915* when it peaked in 5th place. The breed’s popularity ebbed and flowed throughout the mid-20th century, but since hitting a low of 41st place in 1973, its ranking has steadily increased.
2007 Most Popular Dogs in the U.S.
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Yorkshire Terrier
3. German Shepherd Dog
4. Golden Retriever
5. Beagle
6. Boxer
7. Dachshund
8. Poodle
9. Shih Tzu
10. Bulldog
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Don't wine about the price
Apparently, raising the price really does make the wine taste better.
At least that seems to be the result of a taste test. The part of the brain that reacts to a pleasant experience responded more strongly to pricey wines than cheap ones -- even when tasters were given the same vintage in disguise.
Antonio Rangel and colleagues at California Institute of Technology thought the perception that higher price means higher quality could influence people, so they decided to test the idea.
They asked 20 people to sample wine while undergoing functional MRIs of their brain activity. The subjects were told they were tasting five different Cabernet Sauvignons sold at different prices.
However, there were actually only three wines sampled, two being offered twice, marked with different prices.
A $90 wine was provided marked with its real price and again marked $10, while another was presented at its real price of $5 and also marked $45.
The testers' brains showed more pleasure at the higher price than the lower one, even for the same wine, Rangel reports in this week's online edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
In other words, changes in the price of the wine changed the actual pleasure experienced by the drinkers, the researchers reported.
On the other hand, when tasters didn't know any price comparisons, they rated the $5 wine as better than any of the others sampled.
"We were shocked," Rangel said in a telephone interview. "I think it was because the flavor was stronger and our subjects were not very experienced."
He added that wine professionals would probably be able to differentiate the better wine -- "one would hope."
"Our results suggest that the brain might compute experienced pleasantness in a much more sophisticated manner that involves integrating the actual sensory properties of the substance being consumed with the expectations about how good it should be," the researchers reported.
Next step: pain.
Rangel wants to see if people perceive pain differently, depending on their expectations. He hopes to administer mild electric shocks to subjects and measure their reaction when told a shock was going to be stronger or weaker.
"We are trying to understand how the brain encodes experiences and what variables can manipulate this," he said. "It helps us understand what it means to be human."
The research was funded by the National Science Foundation and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation
At least that seems to be the result of a taste test. The part of the brain that reacts to a pleasant experience responded more strongly to pricey wines than cheap ones -- even when tasters were given the same vintage in disguise.
Antonio Rangel and colleagues at California Institute of Technology thought the perception that higher price means higher quality could influence people, so they decided to test the idea.
They asked 20 people to sample wine while undergoing functional MRIs of their brain activity. The subjects were told they were tasting five different Cabernet Sauvignons sold at different prices.
However, there were actually only three wines sampled, two being offered twice, marked with different prices.
A $90 wine was provided marked with its real price and again marked $10, while another was presented at its real price of $5 and also marked $45.
The testers' brains showed more pleasure at the higher price than the lower one, even for the same wine, Rangel reports in this week's online edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
In other words, changes in the price of the wine changed the actual pleasure experienced by the drinkers, the researchers reported.
On the other hand, when tasters didn't know any price comparisons, they rated the $5 wine as better than any of the others sampled.
"We were shocked," Rangel said in a telephone interview. "I think it was because the flavor was stronger and our subjects were not very experienced."
He added that wine professionals would probably be able to differentiate the better wine -- "one would hope."
"Our results suggest that the brain might compute experienced pleasantness in a much more sophisticated manner that involves integrating the actual sensory properties of the substance being consumed with the expectations about how good it should be," the researchers reported.
Next step: pain.
Rangel wants to see if people perceive pain differently, depending on their expectations. He hopes to administer mild electric shocks to subjects and measure their reaction when told a shock was going to be stronger or weaker.
"We are trying to understand how the brain encodes experiences and what variables can manipulate this," he said. "It helps us understand what it means to be human."
The research was funded by the National Science Foundation and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation
Surviving a nasty neighbor
By E. Bougerol
(LifeWire)
It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood -- except your neighbor's not exactly Mr. Rogers. Mr. Rogers wouldn't let his cat use the building's hallways as a litter box.
Tips for coping with bad neighbors before they -- or you -- wind up before a judge (or online).
Five tips for keeping the peace
1. Know your neighbors. Upon moving in, knock on doors, introduce yourself and establish a rapport. That way, when a problem does arise, you'll both want to resolve it peacefully.
2. Bring problems up immediately. Don't delay. The longer you wait, the bigger the problem can get -- literally, in some cases (a new puppy, a tree that blocks your sunlight, an add-on to property).
3. Ask around. Most problems bother more than one neighbor. Gather support to build your case, and consider talking to the offending party as a group.
4. Be nice. Bring your neighbor cookies or a bottle of wine. It sets the stage for an amicable discussion. And if you've been confrontational, apologize. Nothing's more powerful -- and chances are, they'll apologize back.
5. Be proactive. Try to deal with conflict on your own before taking things to the next level. Unless the offense is truly egregious, reporting a neighbor to the police or another relevant agency is the wrong first move.
(LifeWire)
It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood -- except your neighbor's not exactly Mr. Rogers. Mr. Rogers wouldn't let his cat use the building's hallways as a litter box.
Tips for coping with bad neighbors before they -- or you -- wind up before a judge (or online).
Five tips for keeping the peace
1. Know your neighbors. Upon moving in, knock on doors, introduce yourself and establish a rapport. That way, when a problem does arise, you'll both want to resolve it peacefully.
2. Bring problems up immediately. Don't delay. The longer you wait, the bigger the problem can get -- literally, in some cases (a new puppy, a tree that blocks your sunlight, an add-on to property).
3. Ask around. Most problems bother more than one neighbor. Gather support to build your case, and consider talking to the offending party as a group.
4. Be nice. Bring your neighbor cookies or a bottle of wine. It sets the stage for an amicable discussion. And if you've been confrontational, apologize. Nothing's more powerful -- and chances are, they'll apologize back.
5. Be proactive. Try to deal with conflict on your own before taking things to the next level. Unless the offense is truly egregious, reporting a neighbor to the police or another relevant agency is the wrong first move.
Deal with your boss
By Anthony Balderrama
Writer, CareerBuilder.com
If you're more excited that your boss is out sick with the flu than you are about your new raise, you're in good company.
In workplaces throughout the country, difficult bosses are ruining morale and making life just downright unpleasant. Whether they refuse to give you time off or they expect you to be their mother, bad bosses can put you in an awkward position.
You need an escape plan when you find yourself in these sticky situations.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Get ready Idol fans!
As we gather in our living rooms for the start of American Idol's seventh season tonight, some of us are wondering: How can Fox keep this show interesting for us?
As for the year that's upon us, there are several points of interest:
• John Sligh, younger brother of curly-topped Chris from season six, auditioned this year, reports the TV Guide Channel's Idol Wrap. (No word on whether he was horrible, dreadful, terrible or even good.)
• Familiar faces in the audition rounds include Derrell and Terrell Brittenum, the Memphis twins who were disqualified in season five due to a run-in with the law. "They let the twins back in!" an Atlanta contestant complained on Idol Wrap. "The credit-card theft twins!" (It was actually identity fraud and forgery, but close enough.) The two thanked "God's grace" for restoring their Idol dreams. At least temporarily.
• In previous years, the main focus of the Hollywood round involved the gang splitting into trios, practicing a song, bickering, backstabbing, learning dance moves, complaining about sleepiness and then performing the tune for the judges. It's not happening this year. No more group numbers, reports the TV Guide Channel. But hopefully they'll still be able to cry about being tired!
• Another Hollywood-round change: This year, contestants were allowed to play an instrument to accompany themselves onstage. Not all were great multitaskers; Mr. Lythgoe recalls one person who attempted to play the drums while belting out a song. "It sounded like a complete nightmare," he reports. "Even Karen Carpenter wasn't that good at doing that."
• The list of guest mentors – a.k.a., celebrities looking for free publicity – will be much shorter this year. (Again, it's about the kids this time around.) Mr. Lythgoe wouldn't name any special guests, but he noted there are two that he's "absolutely thrilled with." (No, not Britney: Although he's a fan of Ms. Spears, he says that at this point, "I don't think she's well enough to do anything.")
• Sorry, America: Sanjaya mania will not be repeated. At least that's what Mr. Lythgoe predicts, "purely and simply because I'm rather hoping that our top 12 is going to be so talented this year."
• "Idol Gives Back" will be back.
So will all of those ridiculously awful auditions. The Idol honchos are convinced that America simply cannot get enough of painful warbling from delusional people. Oh, and Mr. Cowell promises "shockingly bad people this year." Yes. We know the drill.
As for who will be the last Idol standing, Mr. Cowell says he already has a few favorites.
"Luckily, we have three or four very strong guys and very strong girls this year," he says, adding that viewers should get "a more interesting" top 12 than, say, last season.
And speaking of seasons, how many more will the crotchety judge stick around for? He hints that his contract ends two seasons after this one, "which would make it nine in total," he says. "Nine is probably enough to inflict on anyone."
But could the show go on without him? "Absolutely," Mr. Cowell says. "In fact, it could get better.
By DARLA ATLAS
"American Idol" at 8 tonight and Wednesday on channel 7.
As for the year that's upon us, there are several points of interest:
• John Sligh, younger brother of curly-topped Chris from season six, auditioned this year, reports the TV Guide Channel's Idol Wrap. (No word on whether he was horrible, dreadful, terrible or even good.)
• Familiar faces in the audition rounds include Derrell and Terrell Brittenum, the Memphis twins who were disqualified in season five due to a run-in with the law. "They let the twins back in!" an Atlanta contestant complained on Idol Wrap. "The credit-card theft twins!" (It was actually identity fraud and forgery, but close enough.) The two thanked "God's grace" for restoring their Idol dreams. At least temporarily.
• In previous years, the main focus of the Hollywood round involved the gang splitting into trios, practicing a song, bickering, backstabbing, learning dance moves, complaining about sleepiness and then performing the tune for the judges. It's not happening this year. No more group numbers, reports the TV Guide Channel. But hopefully they'll still be able to cry about being tired!
• Another Hollywood-round change: This year, contestants were allowed to play an instrument to accompany themselves onstage. Not all were great multitaskers; Mr. Lythgoe recalls one person who attempted to play the drums while belting out a song. "It sounded like a complete nightmare," he reports. "Even Karen Carpenter wasn't that good at doing that."
• The list of guest mentors – a.k.a., celebrities looking for free publicity – will be much shorter this year. (Again, it's about the kids this time around.) Mr. Lythgoe wouldn't name any special guests, but he noted there are two that he's "absolutely thrilled with." (No, not Britney: Although he's a fan of Ms. Spears, he says that at this point, "I don't think she's well enough to do anything.")
• Sorry, America: Sanjaya mania will not be repeated. At least that's what Mr. Lythgoe predicts, "purely and simply because I'm rather hoping that our top 12 is going to be so talented this year."
• "Idol Gives Back" will be back.
So will all of those ridiculously awful auditions. The Idol honchos are convinced that America simply cannot get enough of painful warbling from delusional people. Oh, and Mr. Cowell promises "shockingly bad people this year." Yes. We know the drill.
As for who will be the last Idol standing, Mr. Cowell says he already has a few favorites.
"Luckily, we have three or four very strong guys and very strong girls this year," he says, adding that viewers should get "a more interesting" top 12 than, say, last season.
And speaking of seasons, how many more will the crotchety judge stick around for? He hints that his contract ends two seasons after this one, "which would make it nine in total," he says. "Nine is probably enough to inflict on anyone."
But could the show go on without him? "Absolutely," Mr. Cowell says. "In fact, it could get better.
By DARLA ATLAS
"American Idol" at 8 tonight and Wednesday on channel 7.
Craving cookies?
I look forward to this time of year. The sale of Girls Scout cookies. My favorites are Thin Mints and Samoas. But I'll take a Do-si-dos anytime. Cookies go on sale this Thursday so stock up and support The Girl Scouts.
Here are the sweet details.
Here are the sweet details.
Water restrictions
CBS4
Starting today, South Florida will be under some of the tightest water restrictions ever imposed by the South Florida Water Management District.
The new modified Phase III restrictions will be in effect from Orlando to the Keys and it will be the first time ever the water district has imposed the severe restrictions uniformly throughout its 16 county territory.
Starting on January 15th, odd numbered addresses will only be allowed to water their lawns on Monday from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. or 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Even numbered addresses will only be allowed to water their lawns on Thursday from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. or 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information the restrictions CLICK HERE.
Starting today, South Florida will be under some of the tightest water restrictions ever imposed by the South Florida Water Management District.
The new modified Phase III restrictions will be in effect from Orlando to the Keys and it will be the first time ever the water district has imposed the severe restrictions uniformly throughout its 16 county territory.
Starting on January 15th, odd numbered addresses will only be allowed to water their lawns on Monday from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. or 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Even numbered addresses will only be allowed to water their lawns on Thursday from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. or 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information the restrictions CLICK HERE.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Bottoms up
A drink a day for a longer life: study By Michael Kahn
Drinking is healthy, exercise is healthy, and doing a little of both is even healthier, Danish researchers reported on Wednesday.
People who neither drink nor exercise have a 30 to 49 percent higher risk of heart disease than people who do one or both of the activities, the researchers said in the European Heart Journal.
"The main finding is there seems to be an additional beneficial effect of drinking one to two drinks per day and doing at least moderate physical activity," said Morten Gronbaek of the University of Southern Denmark, who led the study.
Several major studies have found that light to moderate drinking -- up to two drinks a day on a regular basis -- is associated with a lower risk of heart disease, and some have also found this leads to a lower risk of some cancers.
But the Danish study, one of the largest of its kind to examine the combined effect of drinking and exercise, found there were additional protective effects gained from doing both.
The researchers collected information on the drinking and exercise habits of nearly 12,000 men and women aged 20 years or older between 1981 and 1983.
Over the next 20 years, some 1,200 of the participants died from heart disease and about 5,900 died from other causes.
Non-drinkers had a 30 percent to 31 percent higher risk of heart disease compared to moderate drinkers, no matter the amount of physical activity they undertook. Moderate consumption was defined as between 1 to 14 drinks per week.
But teetotallers who exercised at least moderately were able to reduce their risk of heart disease, an important finding for people who abstain because of religious beliefs or other health issues such as pregnancy, the researchers said.
People who had the lowest risk of dying from any cause were physically active, moderate drinkers while those at highest risk were the physically inactive, heavy drinkers, the study found.
Drinking is healthy, exercise is healthy, and doing a little of both is even healthier, Danish researchers reported on Wednesday.
People who neither drink nor exercise have a 30 to 49 percent higher risk of heart disease than people who do one or both of the activities, the researchers said in the European Heart Journal.
"The main finding is there seems to be an additional beneficial effect of drinking one to two drinks per day and doing at least moderate physical activity," said Morten Gronbaek of the University of Southern Denmark, who led the study.
Several major studies have found that light to moderate drinking -- up to two drinks a day on a regular basis -- is associated with a lower risk of heart disease, and some have also found this leads to a lower risk of some cancers.
But the Danish study, one of the largest of its kind to examine the combined effect of drinking and exercise, found there were additional protective effects gained from doing both.
The researchers collected information on the drinking and exercise habits of nearly 12,000 men and women aged 20 years or older between 1981 and 1983.
Over the next 20 years, some 1,200 of the participants died from heart disease and about 5,900 died from other causes.
Non-drinkers had a 30 percent to 31 percent higher risk of heart disease compared to moderate drinkers, no matter the amount of physical activity they undertook. Moderate consumption was defined as between 1 to 14 drinks per week.
But teetotallers who exercised at least moderately were able to reduce their risk of heart disease, an important finding for people who abstain because of religious beliefs or other health issues such as pregnancy, the researchers said.
People who had the lowest risk of dying from any cause were physically active, moderate drinkers while those at highest risk were the physically inactive, heavy drinkers, the study found.
Custom hormones
FDA cracks down on custom-made hormones
By RANDOLPH E. SCHMID, AP Science Writer
Government health officials on Wednesday began cracking down on Internet sales of custom-mixed hormones for menopausal women, a market born when doctors deemed prescription estrogen therapy too risky for many.
But the Food and Drug Administration says these alternative hormone mixes are no safer, and told seven makers to stop selling them.
The FDA said it sent warning letters to the companies saying their claims about the "bio-identical hormone replacement therapy" or BHRT products are not supported by medical evidence and are considered false and misleading.
"We want to assure that Americans receive accurate information about the risks and benefits of drug therapies," Dr. Janet Woodcock, FDA's chief medical officer, said in a statement.
The agency said it is concerned that the claims for safety and effectiveness mislead patients, as well as doctors and other health care professionals.
Compounded drugs are not reviewed by the FDA for safety and effectiveness, and FDA encourages patients to use FDA-approved drugs whenever possible, the agency said.
The warning letters say the pharmacy operations violate federal law by making false and misleading claims about their hormone therapy drugs.
Following a 2002 study that found replacement hormones made by drug companies raised the risk of heart attacks, breast cancer and strokes, many women turned to the estrogen, progesterone and testosterone products sold by compounding pharmacies.
Medical researchers concluded in 2003 that hormone replacement pills should be taken only as a brief treatment to help women weather the worst symptoms of menopause.
The drug company Wyeth later complained to the FDA about the Internet sales of compounded products.
By RANDOLPH E. SCHMID, AP Science Writer
Government health officials on Wednesday began cracking down on Internet sales of custom-mixed hormones for menopausal women, a market born when doctors deemed prescription estrogen therapy too risky for many.
But the Food and Drug Administration says these alternative hormone mixes are no safer, and told seven makers to stop selling them.
The FDA said it sent warning letters to the companies saying their claims about the "bio-identical hormone replacement therapy" or BHRT products are not supported by medical evidence and are considered false and misleading.
"We want to assure that Americans receive accurate information about the risks and benefits of drug therapies," Dr. Janet Woodcock, FDA's chief medical officer, said in a statement.
The agency said it is concerned that the claims for safety and effectiveness mislead patients, as well as doctors and other health care professionals.
Compounded drugs are not reviewed by the FDA for safety and effectiveness, and FDA encourages patients to use FDA-approved drugs whenever possible, the agency said.
The warning letters say the pharmacy operations violate federal law by making false and misleading claims about their hormone therapy drugs.
Following a 2002 study that found replacement hormones made by drug companies raised the risk of heart attacks, breast cancer and strokes, many women turned to the estrogen, progesterone and testosterone products sold by compounding pharmacies.
Medical researchers concluded in 2003 that hormone replacement pills should be taken only as a brief treatment to help women weather the worst symptoms of menopause.
The drug company Wyeth later complained to the FDA about the Internet sales of compounded products.
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