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  • Friday, July 18, 2008

    Diet study

    Study: Low-carb diet best for weight, cholesterol
    By MIKE STOBBE

    The Atkins diet may have proved itself after all: A low-carb diet and a Mediterranean-style regimen helped people lose more weight than a traditional low-fat diet in one of the longest and largest studies to compare the dueling weight-loss techniques.

    A bigger surprise: The low-carb diet improved cholesterol more than the other two. Some critics had predicted the opposite.

    "It is a vindication," said Abby Bloch of the Dr. Robert C. and Veronica Atkins Foundation, a philanthropy group that honors the Atkins' diet's creator and was the study's main funder.

    However, all three approaches — the low-carb diet, a low-fat diet and a so-called Mediterranean diet — achieved weight loss and improved cholesterol.

    The study is remarkable not only because it lasted two years, much longer than most, but also because of the huge proportion of people who stuck with the diets — 85 percent.

    Read the whole story.

    The diet that works for me

    With my big day fast approaching, I've been trying to lose a few pounds and I've tried every diet out there. But, I found one that works for me. Quick Weight Loss. For me, it's easy, it works and I don't feel like I'm missing out on any of my favorite foods. I've lost about 19 pounds.

    Quick Weight Loss Centers provide you with the support, structure and strategies you need so you can lose your weight quickly, easily and without hunger!
    Your individualized program is professionally supervised for the safest results and nutritionally designed to develop proper eating habits for long term success.

    Thursday, July 17, 2008

    Calm banking fears

    Are you worried about your money? Wonder if it's safe in the bank? Check out this site, it may calm you a bit.

    Wednesday, July 16, 2008

    I-95 Express guide

    The former High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane and the newly created Express Lanes are now for long distance trips ONLY.
    Once you enter the new Express Lanes
    You cannot exit until the end
    You cannot cut through the lane markers (delineators) to break out before Golden Glades.
    If you find yourself in the Express Lanes by accident, remain calm.
    RIDE THROUGH to the Golden Glades Interchange.
    If you get confused, DO NOT STOP at any time whether in the general purpose or Express Lanes.
    Weaving in and out of the Express Lanes is illegal. Drivers who do
    Could cause crashes
    Will be subject to fines and incur points on their licenses.
    Be alert and pay attention to all advisories, signage, pavement markings and posted speed limits.
    Tolling on the Express Lanes will begin soon.
    For more information about the purpose of the new 95 Express program and how it works call 1-877-95X-FDOT or 1-877-959 -3368
    FDOT is confident that with the improved driver information and with increasing familiarity of the public the Express Lanes will operate smoothly.

    Click here for the guidelines.

    Tuesday, July 15, 2008

    Is your job stressful

    Quiz: How Stressed Are You?
    By Laura Morsch, CareerBuilder.com writer

    Maybe you're tired of 60-hour work weeks. Maybe you've been taking on the work (and expectations) of two people since a co-worker quit. Or maybe your company is undergoing a merger, leaving your job security in limbo. Whatever it is, you're just burned out.

    If your professional life is leaving you frazzled, you're hardly alone. More than half of workers say they work under a great deal of stress, and 77 percent say they feel burnout on the job, according to a nationwide survey by CareerBuilder.com.

    While office stress is common, it can also have dangerous consequences. Chronic workplace stress has been linked to cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal and psychological disorders, workplace injuries, ulcers and in severe cases, suicide, according to the International Labour Association's Encyclopaedia of Occupational Safety and Health.

    Are you experiencing the warning signs of workplace stress? Take this quiz to find out. Select all that apply:


    0-5 -- Low Stress:
    No work environment is entirely stress-free, but you appear to be managing your tension well. Still, be sure to take time for yourself to avoid burnout.



    6-10 -- Low-to-Moderate Stress:
    The stress is beginning to catch up with you, but there is still hope. Try relieving some of your tension by taking a relaxing vacation, talking to friends and family or just taking some time to yourself each day. Little steps can make a big impact on your stress levels.



    11-15 -- Moderate-to-High Stress:
    You're experiencing significant stress levels, and it might be time for a change. Talk to your employer to see if any adjustments can be made in your job or work/life balance that can ease the strain. If that's not possible, it may be time to look for a new position.



    16-20 -- High Stress:
    High stress levels are harmful both physically and psychologically, so it's important for you to take steps to reduce your workplace tension. Vacations, lifestyle changes or seeking a new position could do the trick, but it may be wise to also speak to a professional who can pinpoint the cause of your stress and identify ways to help you relax.





    Your job no longer challenges you.
    You have little or no autonomy in your day-to-day tasks.
    Apathy has replaced enthusiasm.
    You feel overwhelmed by deadline pressure, workload or other expectations.
    You frequently arrive late to work and leave early as often as possible.
    You consistently put off projects until the last minute.
    You're unhappy with your work/life balance.
    You have a toxic relationship with your boss.
    You're worried about your job security and/or performance.
    Your co-workers are walking on eggshells around you.
    Your work schedule is interfering with your marriage or other personal relationships.
    You're beginning to withdraw from friends and family members.
    You're having trouble sleeping.
    You're smoking, drinking or relying on caffeine more than ever before.
    You're feeling paranoid.
    You've been overreacting to minor problems.
    You're getting headaches or colds more often.
    You're physically exhausted most of the time.
    You've developed an ulcer.
    You've been diagnosed with a heart condition.

    Voodoo who?

    It's true. It's not enough anymore to simply do your job well. With this current corporate atmosphere, you need the ultimate career-saving tools in your arsenal...VooDoo Dolls ! When brown nosing, backstabbing and typical dirty office politics just won't work any longer, these are the tools that will keep your name off the "pink slip" lists. Then, use them to enhance your career...get promoted, win at job interviews.

    Or you could just get a better job. : )

    Monday, July 14, 2008

    Romantic vacation tips

    Surprise your partner:
    Surprise your partner with classy champagne or with vintage wine as you plan to whisper those sweet nothings into his/her ears. Don’t let him/her know about the plan and surprise her with a gift as a memento of the good time. Write “I love you” in different piece of paper and place them in various corners. This is a wonderful tip to add that tinge of romance in your daily life.

    A romantic dinner:
    Say “love you” to your beloved amidst the crimson hue of the candle flames. Take your partner out for a candle light dinner to one of the expensive restaurants to make your romantic vacation even more peppery. Uncover the thrill of falling in love with your beloved once again and make your romantic vacation a memory to cherish forever.

    Write a love letter:
    Unfurl your emotion and write a love letter to your beloved. You don’t have to be one literary genius to write a letter to your darling. Set your imagination free; give wings to your dreams and let him/her know how much you love him/her and how very much you are enjoying his/her company during the vacation.

    Walk hand in hand:
    Have you ever seen a pale moon hanging above the endless, nameless vast field whilst holding his/her hand? Have you ever experienced the splendor of walking barefoot near the waterfront while staring at his/her eyes? Palpate the beat of love whilst enjoying the vacation with your beloved. Do all the things with your love which you have never done before. Walk hand in hand and whisper those honeyed words to his/her ears. This is one of the top 10 tips to spice up your romantic vacation.

    Rent a limousine:
    Woo your partner. Offer a VIP treatment to your partner on your vacation. Take him/her out for a “limo trip” and explore the city from the back of the limousine whilst sipping champagne together.

    Watch movies:
    Add some fun and spice in your vacation. Catch a movie with your beloved and make your vacation an unforgettable memory to treasure. How about to rent a video and catch movies like “shall we dance”, “Autumn in New York”, “Pretty woman”, “Shakespeare In Love” together? This is indeed a great tip to spice up your romantic vacation in the most graceful way.

    Cook together:
    Help him/her in cooking during vacation as this will not only make him/her feel wanted and special but will surely enhance the essence of romance in your love life. Cooking together is a great idea for spending quality time together. Revive your emotion and make your vacation truly romantic.

    Give Flowers:
    What best can illustrate your love for your special someone than that of the delicate eloquence of the flowers. Make him/her understand how very much you love your beloved on this vacation. Consider giving him/her a bunch of flower to say silently “You mean a lot to me” without mouthing even a word. Add spice in your romantic vacation with the sedulity of the red roses, with the golden smile of the sunflowers and with the purple dreams of the lilacs and start falling in love all over again with your beloved.

    Romantic vacation

    How to create a romantic vacation.

    The first decision is where you want to go on your romantic getaway. If your answer is simply "somewhere romantic," you have more options to consider -- but they're fun options!
    Look at a number of potential bed and breakfasts. Don't just make a reservation at the first one that looks romantic. Consider the location, remembering that for a weekend getaway any travel time is usually time not spent being romantic.
    Find out if the B&B you're considering offers a special "romance package." Many do, and this can be a very easy way to essentially have your romantic getaway professionally planned. Ask innkeepers questions until you're comfortable you understand exactly what's included in the package and how much it will cost.
    Don't cram too much activity into the weekend. Romance and a busy schedule rarely mix.
    Ask the innkeeper for cozy, romantic restaurant recommendations and make reservations in advance.
    Get other ideas from the innkeeper. They know all about quiet picnic locations, secluded walking paths, and other romantic excursions in the area.
    Splurge a little -- get the room with the king-size bed and a Jacuzzi or whirlpool tub.
    Bring your own romantic amenities -- scented candles, bubble bath, massage lotion. Be sure to check with the innkeeper to make sure you don't bring anything you're not permitted to use.
    Don't hesitate to ask for advice from veterans of romantic getaways. Post a note in our discussion forum or other online discussion groups to see what other travelers suggest.

    Tips:
    Make the trip a surprise. Take turns planning the trip -- it's great fun for both of you.
    Try something new together on your vacation, such as taking a horse riding lesson.