Courtesy of Men's Health magazine:
I'm a research geek. Every day here at MensHealth.com, at our 10 a.m. news meeting, we assess dozens of new studies from researchers from around the world. Then we publish the most surprising, practical, and empowering research—findings that can change your life today—in our daily news channel.
You probably run across some of these studies, too; the major ones get a lot of media attention. That's why I actually prefer sifting through smaller, more obscure periodicals, hunting for research no one else is reporting. For example, over the past week I've learned:
You can lose weight by paying for groceries with cash; turns out, you're more likely to buy unhealthy foods if you pay with a credit card.
Taking a vitamin D supplement fortifies your muscles, making them less prone to injury.
Flirting at work is a hidden sign that your job isn't right for you.
Google is making us forgetful, because we're less likely to try to remember information that we know is readily accessible.
Who knew, right? Here are nine more fascinating strange-but-true study findings we've run across over the past few years.
Live Longer by Changing Your Name
People with "positive" initials—ones that spell out things like J.O.Y. or W.O.W.—live nearly 4-1/2 years longer than people with neutral initials, according to a University of California, San Diego study. D.U.D.'s live nearly three years less. Other initials that may shorten life: I.L.L. and D.E.D.
Keep Your Mind Sharper by Being a Jerk
Research from the U.S. Administration on Aging suggests there's a marked difference between how younger and older people interpret misplacing their car keys. A young guy usually blames someone else. An old man typically blames himself. Never use your age as an excuse—you'll remain sharper longer.
Break a High Fever With Your Armpits
Anything up to 102°F is mild and can be treated by drinking plenty of fluids. But to quickly bring down a reading above that, put an ice pack under your arm or near your groin. Icing either spot will cool your body's core. It's uncomfortable, but it works fast. Then see a doctor.
Prevent Claustrophobia by Smelling This Fruit
If you get nervous in small spaces such as subways, elevators, and that closet of an office they stuck you in, visit your local fruit stand. A sniff of green apple may help relieve claustrophobic sensations, says Dr. Alan Hirsch, M.D., director of the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation. Carry one with you. Also, if you're selling your house, placing a basket of fresh green apples on the table may make potential buyers perceive the house as larger.
Disinfect a Wound with Honey
No Neosporin in the house? Dab the cut with honey before covering it with a bandage. Believe it or not, honey has powerful antibacterial properties. A study in the Archives of Surgery found that honey is capable of destroying almost all strains of the most common wound-infecting bacteria.
Stop Bleeding with This Spice
Next time you nick yourself in the kitchen, reach for the black pepper, says Roberta Lee, M.D., vice chair of the department of integrative medicine at the Beth Israel Medical Center. Run cold water over the wound to clean it, using soap if you were handling meat. Then sprinkle on the pepper and apply pressure. In no time, the bleeding will stop. Turns out, black pepper has analgesic, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties. And don't worry—it won't sting.
See Your Tailor to Cure Back Pain
If you have an aching back, it may be because one of your legs is shorter than the other, says Steven McCaw, Ph.D., a researcher at Illinois State University. Even a slight imbalance can cause the spine to curve to the short side when you walk or run. Eventually, the bend puts painful pressure on disks. Most people can’t tell if their legs are different lengths, but a tailor can. Ask one for a quick measurement. If he finds an imbalance, correct the problem with a therapeutic, Dr. Scholl-type insert or see a podiatrist for a custom-made orthotic.
Massage Away Nicotine Cravings
If you’re a smoker who’s trying to quit, try this simple trick the next time a craving hits: Rub the skin between your index fingers and thumbs and the center of your palms. A study in Preventive Medicine found that men using this technique smoked 25 percent fewer cigarettes in a month than 10 quitters who used traditional distraction methods such as chewing gum. The quick self-massage evidently calms you and keeps your hands busy.
Drink This to Lower Your Cholesterol
The fiber supplement Metamucil can help lower elevated cholesterol levels. In one study, men who took one packet mixed in water before each meal for eight weeks experienced drops in LDL cholesterol averaging 7 percent. Metamucil also helps to lower blood pressure, blood sugar, and the risk of heart disease, according to the National Fiber Council.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Voice Mail Message Of The Year
How can someone brighten your day without even interacting with you? Just tried to call Jack and got this message (in a just-rolled-out-of-bed style of voice) that had me guffawing in my living room.
You've tried to reach Jack,
Which is very rewarding,
But I cannot answer,
So leave a recording.
You've tried to reach Jack,
Which is very rewarding,
But I cannot answer,
So leave a recording.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
God's Will
"Certainly there is no contending against the Will of God; but still there is some difficulty in ascertaining, and applying it, to particular cases." - Abraham Lincoln
What does God want of each of us individually? To have a mind, apparently, and then what? Thoughts pass through it based initially on circumstance. At some point as we age we choose our actions and course, within limits and other occasionally random circumstances. God presides over it with a unique sense of justice, including acts of nature beyond human influence.
What should we do?
Change others? Seems against the natural order. Change mostly happens from within, not without.
Enjoy creation? I think so. I think a creator of so much good is pleased by its enjoyment.
Help others enjoy creation? Yes, the tricky part. Ascertaining and applying the greatest good.
Tens of thousands of people will indirectly be counting on my contribution to a small measure of their future happiness through my work next week. A couple dozen will be counting on it directly. We'll see how much enjoyment results!
What does God want of each of us individually? To have a mind, apparently, and then what? Thoughts pass through it based initially on circumstance. At some point as we age we choose our actions and course, within limits and other occasionally random circumstances. God presides over it with a unique sense of justice, including acts of nature beyond human influence.
What should we do?
Change others? Seems against the natural order. Change mostly happens from within, not without.
Enjoy creation? I think so. I think a creator of so much good is pleased by its enjoyment.
Help others enjoy creation? Yes, the tricky part. Ascertaining and applying the greatest good.
Tens of thousands of people will indirectly be counting on my contribution to a small measure of their future happiness through my work next week. A couple dozen will be counting on it directly. We'll see how much enjoyment results!
Friday, July 29, 2011
Not Too Smurfy: Movie Ripped By Critics
From Yahoo! film reviews:
This probably isn't going to come as much of a shock: "The Smurfs" is not a critical darling.
The Hollywood Reporter's Michael Rechtshaffen gets right to the point, calling the film "numbingly generic." "For all the digitally enhanced Smurfness, the results are remarkably mirthless" and "thoroughly uninspired." The movie serves as proof, Rechtshaffen writes, that "Hollywood seems to have no intention of leaving any '80s pop culture touchstone unturned." What's next? "Where's the Beef: the Movie"?
Keith Staskiewicz of Entertainment Weekly gives the movie a D+ and writes that it has the stink of a shameless cash-grab full of recycled ideas. He calls the flick "half animated, half live action, and all careful studio calculation." Probably not the kind of pull-quote the studio execs were hoping for.
The Onion's AV Club also gives the movie a D+. Reviewer Tasha Robinson writes that kids may find the frantic action fun, "but for adults, watching 'The Smurfs' may feel a little too much like trying to wrangle an overcrowded kiddie birthday party." Most likely to enjoy the film are those "who can't get enough of characters smacking face-first into glass surfaces."
E! Online's L. Thompson rips right into the movie, calling it "the epitome of cynical studio cash grabs that it appears to be." Giving the movie a D+ (see a theme here?), Thompson does give some credit to the acting of Neil Patrick Harris and Hank Azaria. "Harris works hard to make the movie work," Thompson writes, before adding that Azaria's evil Gargamel is "a hoot."
Alonso Duralde of The Wrap is the most brutal. He calls "The Smurfs" "a film that does for children's entertainment what lead paint does for children's toys." He writes that the flick is "too moronic and cringe-worthy for adults," though kids may find Azrael the cat amusing.
Roger Moore from Tribune Newspapers is a tad more forgiving. Giving the movie two out of four stars, Moore writes that the Smurfs are "still sickeningly sweet and upbeat. But if you've got kids, it's not nearly as torturous to sit through as you might have feared." That's not faint praise considering the director of "The Smurfs" also helmed two "Scooby Doo" movies and "Beverly Hills Chihuahua."
But not everybody thinks the Smurfs deserve a swift extermination. Peter Hartlaub of the San Francisco Chronicle thinks the film's chief (human) star deserves a lot of credit. It's "a better movie than anyone could have possibly expected, thanks in large part to an honest effort by (Neil Patrick) Harris in a thankless role." Variety has a similar take. While critic Justin Chang by no means calls the movie a masterpiece, he does call out its "appreciable amount of heart."
If the film is a box office hit, you can probably expect more Smurfs. Apparently this is just the first film in a planned trilogy. Moviegoers, you have been warned.
This probably isn't going to come as much of a shock: "The Smurfs" is not a critical darling.
The Hollywood Reporter's Michael Rechtshaffen gets right to the point, calling the film "numbingly generic." "For all the digitally enhanced Smurfness, the results are remarkably mirthless" and "thoroughly uninspired." The movie serves as proof, Rechtshaffen writes, that "Hollywood seems to have no intention of leaving any '80s pop culture touchstone unturned." What's next? "Where's the Beef: the Movie"?
Keith Staskiewicz of Entertainment Weekly gives the movie a D+ and writes that it has the stink of a shameless cash-grab full of recycled ideas. He calls the flick "half animated, half live action, and all careful studio calculation." Probably not the kind of pull-quote the studio execs were hoping for.
The Onion's AV Club also gives the movie a D+. Reviewer Tasha Robinson writes that kids may find the frantic action fun, "but for adults, watching 'The Smurfs' may feel a little too much like trying to wrangle an overcrowded kiddie birthday party." Most likely to enjoy the film are those "who can't get enough of characters smacking face-first into glass surfaces."
E! Online's L. Thompson rips right into the movie, calling it "the epitome of cynical studio cash grabs that it appears to be." Giving the movie a D+ (see a theme here?), Thompson does give some credit to the acting of Neil Patrick Harris and Hank Azaria. "Harris works hard to make the movie work," Thompson writes, before adding that Azaria's evil Gargamel is "a hoot."
Alonso Duralde of The Wrap is the most brutal. He calls "The Smurfs" "a film that does for children's entertainment what lead paint does for children's toys." He writes that the flick is "too moronic and cringe-worthy for adults," though kids may find Azrael the cat amusing.
Roger Moore from Tribune Newspapers is a tad more forgiving. Giving the movie two out of four stars, Moore writes that the Smurfs are "still sickeningly sweet and upbeat. But if you've got kids, it's not nearly as torturous to sit through as you might have feared." That's not faint praise considering the director of "The Smurfs" also helmed two "Scooby Doo" movies and "Beverly Hills Chihuahua."
But not everybody thinks the Smurfs deserve a swift extermination. Peter Hartlaub of the San Francisco Chronicle thinks the film's chief (human) star deserves a lot of credit. It's "a better movie than anyone could have possibly expected, thanks in large part to an honest effort by (Neil Patrick) Harris in a thankless role." Variety has a similar take. While critic Justin Chang by no means calls the movie a masterpiece, he does call out its "appreciable amount of heart."
If the film is a box office hit, you can probably expect more Smurfs. Apparently this is just the first film in a planned trilogy. Moviegoers, you have been warned.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Time To Smile
"To change our response to circumstances is to change the circumstances." - Anonymous
When we awaken from a bad dream we spend little time reliving it, pleased to dismiss its fleeting nature. Aren't all things fleeting though? Today was a living dream of sorts, as if I were a boxer who knocked himself out at Madison Square Garden with a swing-and-miss, sprawling to the canvas before a worldwide audience.
So... today's a good day to turn another page. Time to re-stock the cushions against the winds of adversity. Tomorrow will be a day of meditation, along the road to celebration!
When we awaken from a bad dream we spend little time reliving it, pleased to dismiss its fleeting nature. Aren't all things fleeting though? Today was a living dream of sorts, as if I were a boxer who knocked himself out at Madison Square Garden with a swing-and-miss, sprawling to the canvas before a worldwide audience.
So... today's a good day to turn another page. Time to re-stock the cushions against the winds of adversity. Tomorrow will be a day of meditation, along the road to celebration!
Al-Qaeda Claims U.S. Mass Transportation Infrastructure Must Drastically Improve Before Any Terrorist Attacks
From The Onion:
WASHINGTON—In a 30-minute video released Thursday, al- Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri criticized the mass transportation infrastructure of the United States, claiming significant repairs and upgrades would need to be implemented before the militant group would consider destroying any roads, bridges, or railways with terrorist attacks.
Reading from a prepared statement, al-Zawahiri blasted the U.S. government for its lack of foresight and admonished its leaders for failing to provide Americans with efficient and reliable modes of public transport to reduce traffic congestion, lower carbon emissions, improve air quality, and supply suitable targets for terrorists.
"The al-Qaeda network is fully prepared to continue the jihad against the American infidels by launching deadly attacks, but your outdated and rusting transportation infrastructure needs to be completely overhauled for those strikes even to be noticed," al-Zawahiri said. "We want to turn your bridges into rubble, but if we claimed credit for making them collapse, nobody would ever believe us."
"We'd really just be doing you a favor because then you'd actually have to rebuild them," al-Zawahiri added.
The al-Qaeda commander confirmed his organization initially hoped to cripple travel in the United States by destroying its nationwide high-speed rail system, but had been shocked to discover no such thing exists. Calling it a cost-efficient, modern way of travel that would serve as a boon to small businesses and the national economy, al-Zawahiri implored U.S. officials to invest in not just one high-speed passenger train network, but many of them, so they could all be blown up simultaneously in a signature al-Qaeda attack upon the nation's major population centers.
Throughout the threatening video, the terrorist leader questioned the priorities of American politicians, asking why they would refuse to fund engineering projects that would create jobs, bombing opportunities, and new ways for the U.S. compete globally.
"It's ridiculous that the Netherlands, the world's 16th-ranked economy, is continuously investing in its infrastructure, while the No. 1 economy simply refuses to enter the 21st century," said al-Zawahiri, adding that Americans should be ashamed of having only one operational high-speed rail line, considering the Dutch have 120. "And of course, we don't want to bring the Netherlands to its knees and make its people question the unholy excesses of their way of life. No one would care if we did that."
"Also, to the Great Satan American leader Barack Obama: Investing in mass transit infrastructure would have positive, long-term effects for the environment," he added. "Stop being so shortsighted."
Al-Qaeda sources confirmed that members of terror cells living in America regularly complain about the extreme difficulty of traveling around the country and say it has prevented them from doing their jobs effectively. A plot to destroy O'Hare International Airport was reportedly abandoned after constant flight delays made coordinating an attack nearly impossible.
In addition, al-Zawahiri said a terrorist attack on O'Hare couldn't make the commercial aviation center any worse.
He also revealed the terrorist organization had wasted six months planning to take down Amtrak's regional operations before realizing that with its constant delays and malfunctions, the government-owned passenger train service "basically terrorizes itself."
"We spent countless hours on training, surveillance, and intelligence-gathering for absolutely nothing," al-Zawahiri said. "We falsely assumed that disrupting key Amtrak lines would instill fear and cause chaos throughout the nation. Unfortunately, the overall impact and limited number of casualties wouldn't even make it worth the effort."
While al-Zawahiri mainly focused on reprimanding the U.S. for not updating its mass transportation system, the al-Qaeda leader also recommended the government repair sewage treatment plants, dams, waterlines, and the power grid.
"Frankly, America is a complete mess," al-Zawahiri said. "How could we even think about cutting electricity across multiple states, leaving millions of Americans terrified in darkness, when there are brownouts all the time? And of course, we would like nothing better than to poison your lakes and rivers, but it looks like you already beat us to it."
"At least the Empire State Building is still standing," he added.
WASHINGTON—In a 30-minute video released Thursday, al- Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri criticized the mass transportation infrastructure of the United States, claiming significant repairs and upgrades would need to be implemented before the militant group would consider destroying any roads, bridges, or railways with terrorist attacks.
Reading from a prepared statement, al-Zawahiri blasted the U.S. government for its lack of foresight and admonished its leaders for failing to provide Americans with efficient and reliable modes of public transport to reduce traffic congestion, lower carbon emissions, improve air quality, and supply suitable targets for terrorists.
"The al-Qaeda network is fully prepared to continue the jihad against the American infidels by launching deadly attacks, but your outdated and rusting transportation infrastructure needs to be completely overhauled for those strikes even to be noticed," al-Zawahiri said. "We want to turn your bridges into rubble, but if we claimed credit for making them collapse, nobody would ever believe us."
"We'd really just be doing you a favor because then you'd actually have to rebuild them," al-Zawahiri added.
The al-Qaeda commander confirmed his organization initially hoped to cripple travel in the United States by destroying its nationwide high-speed rail system, but had been shocked to discover no such thing exists. Calling it a cost-efficient, modern way of travel that would serve as a boon to small businesses and the national economy, al-Zawahiri implored U.S. officials to invest in not just one high-speed passenger train network, but many of them, so they could all be blown up simultaneously in a signature al-Qaeda attack upon the nation's major population centers.
Throughout the threatening video, the terrorist leader questioned the priorities of American politicians, asking why they would refuse to fund engineering projects that would create jobs, bombing opportunities, and new ways for the U.S. compete globally.
"It's ridiculous that the Netherlands, the world's 16th-ranked economy, is continuously investing in its infrastructure, while the No. 1 economy simply refuses to enter the 21st century," said al-Zawahiri, adding that Americans should be ashamed of having only one operational high-speed rail line, considering the Dutch have 120. "And of course, we don't want to bring the Netherlands to its knees and make its people question the unholy excesses of their way of life. No one would care if we did that."
"Also, to the Great Satan American leader Barack Obama: Investing in mass transit infrastructure would have positive, long-term effects for the environment," he added. "Stop being so shortsighted."
Al-Qaeda sources confirmed that members of terror cells living in America regularly complain about the extreme difficulty of traveling around the country and say it has prevented them from doing their jobs effectively. A plot to destroy O'Hare International Airport was reportedly abandoned after constant flight delays made coordinating an attack nearly impossible.
In addition, al-Zawahiri said a terrorist attack on O'Hare couldn't make the commercial aviation center any worse.
He also revealed the terrorist organization had wasted six months planning to take down Amtrak's regional operations before realizing that with its constant delays and malfunctions, the government-owned passenger train service "basically terrorizes itself."
"We spent countless hours on training, surveillance, and intelligence-gathering for absolutely nothing," al-Zawahiri said. "We falsely assumed that disrupting key Amtrak lines would instill fear and cause chaos throughout the nation. Unfortunately, the overall impact and limited number of casualties wouldn't even make it worth the effort."
While al-Zawahiri mainly focused on reprimanding the U.S. for not updating its mass transportation system, the al-Qaeda leader also recommended the government repair sewage treatment plants, dams, waterlines, and the power grid.
"Frankly, America is a complete mess," al-Zawahiri said. "How could we even think about cutting electricity across multiple states, leaving millions of Americans terrified in darkness, when there are brownouts all the time? And of course, we would like nothing better than to poison your lakes and rivers, but it looks like you already beat us to it."
"At least the Empire State Building is still standing," he added.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Seven Dwarfs' Families Win Settlement Against Disney
After months of closed-door legal negotiation, Disney agreed Friday to pay the families of seven dwarfs an undisclosed sum.
The class action suit alleged that likenesses of the plaintiffs were used for profit without consent, leading to public harassment that eventually drove the fireplugesque men into hiding.
After a motion filed by Disney was denied on Friday, July 8 by the Florida Supreme Court, dwarf spouses were all but guaranteed victory if the case went to trial.
"You made my first experience wonderful, thank you!" said Tracy Jordan before the court following the 75-minute session to deliberate. "Happy would have been so tickled."
Disney worked quickly throughout the ensuing week with grim-faced miniature lawyers to avoid a prolonged public media relations squabble. Family members were eager to celebrate upon the announcement once the deal was closed.
"Grumpy was completely typecast after that," said Kim Hawaspa with disgust. "He'd say 'Off to work I go,' but he never could hold a job for long. This makes my day."
Katie Varble was clearly pleased on behalf of her husband Bashful, but shrugfully declined to comment, tracing her foot lightly along the ground with her eyes down.
"If Doc were here, he'd be beaming so wide his spectacles would fly off," said Carla Knowles. Knowles, the eldest of the plaintiffs, is hospitalized with a thyroid condition brought on by chronic stress.
Connie Tullworks hasn't heard from Sleepy in over a decade, since he moved to Delaware in hopes to catch on with a mattress factory. "He needed a change. His narcoleptic reflex had spun out of control. He was going to send paychecks back this way," adding that the settlement amount would provide enough security for "lifetime unemployment."
LeAnn Attitudes was quick to scrub any thought of investing her new found funds, choosing to soundproof and sterilize the walls of her and Sneezy's home in hopes that he could at least return home peacefully.
Kelly Kiku waved her hands about gleefully as she spoke her thoughts on the experience. Although she chose to speak into a nearby glass of water rather than the podium microphone provided, reporters closer to the scene said that she made several nonsensical noises about her future with Dopey.
The class action suit alleged that likenesses of the plaintiffs were used for profit without consent, leading to public harassment that eventually drove the fireplugesque men into hiding.
After a motion filed by Disney was denied on Friday, July 8 by the Florida Supreme Court, dwarf spouses were all but guaranteed victory if the case went to trial.
"You made my first experience wonderful, thank you!" said Tracy Jordan before the court following the 75-minute session to deliberate. "Happy would have been so tickled."
Disney worked quickly throughout the ensuing week with grim-faced miniature lawyers to avoid a prolonged public media relations squabble. Family members were eager to celebrate upon the announcement once the deal was closed.
"Grumpy was completely typecast after that," said Kim Hawaspa with disgust. "He'd say 'Off to work I go,' but he never could hold a job for long. This makes my day."
Katie Varble was clearly pleased on behalf of her husband Bashful, but shrugfully declined to comment, tracing her foot lightly along the ground with her eyes down.
"If Doc were here, he'd be beaming so wide his spectacles would fly off," said Carla Knowles. Knowles, the eldest of the plaintiffs, is hospitalized with a thyroid condition brought on by chronic stress.
Connie Tullworks hasn't heard from Sleepy in over a decade, since he moved to Delaware in hopes to catch on with a mattress factory. "He needed a change. His narcoleptic reflex had spun out of control. He was going to send paychecks back this way," adding that the settlement amount would provide enough security for "lifetime unemployment."
LeAnn Attitudes was quick to scrub any thought of investing her new found funds, choosing to soundproof and sterilize the walls of her and Sneezy's home in hopes that he could at least return home peacefully.
Kelly Kiku waved her hands about gleefully as she spoke her thoughts on the experience. Although she chose to speak into a nearby glass of water rather than the podium microphone provided, reporters closer to the scene said that she made several nonsensical noises about her future with Dopey.
The No-Kids-Allowed Movement Is Spreading
From Yahoo! Shine:
What's the matter with kids today and why doesn't anyone want them around? In June, Malaysia Airlines banned babies from many of their first class cabins, prompting other major airlines to consider similar policies.
Lately, complaints about screaming kids are being taken seriously, not only by airlines, but by hotels, movie theaters, restaurants, and even grocery stores.
Read more about restaurants around the country banning kids.
Earlier this month, McDain's, a Pittsburgh area restaurant that banned kids under 6 became a mascot for the no-kids-zone movement.
According to a Pittsburgh local news poll, more than half of area residents were in favor of the ban. And now big business is paying attention.
"Brat bans could well be the next frontier in destination and leisure-product marketing," writes Robert Klara in an article on the child-free trend in AdWeek.
Klara points to Leavethembehind.com, a travel website for kid-free vacations, with a massive list of yoga retreats, luxury resorts and bargain hotels around the world that ban children.
"Call me a grinch, a misanthrope, a DINK (dual-income-no-kids), or the anti-cute-police, but I hate (hate a thousand times over) ill-behaved children/infants/screaming banshees in upscale restaurants (ok, anywhere, really, but I don’t want any death threats)," writes Charlotte Savino on Travel and Leisure's blog. She lists a slew of a popular destination restaurants with kid-free areas and policies for travelers looking for quiet vacation dining.
Traveling is one thing, but what about in kids' own hometowns? Should kids been banned from local movie theaters, like they were at a recent adults-only Harry Potter screening? In Texas, one cinema chain has even flipped the model, banning kids under six altogether, except on specified "baby days".
Even running errands with toddlers may be off limits. This summer Whole Foods stores in Missouri are offering child-free shopping hours and in Florida, a controversy brews over whether kids can be banned from a condominium's outdoor area. That's right, some people don't even want kids outdoors.
When did kids become the equivalent of second-hand smoke? Blame a wave of childless adults with money to spare. "Empty nesters continue to wield a huge swath of discretionary spending dollars, and population dips in first-world countries mean more childless couples than ever," writes AdWeek's Klara.
Catering to the child-free community may be good for business but is it good for parents? It could help narrow choices and make kid-friendly environments even kid-friendlier. And let's be honest, babies won't miss flying first class. They won't even remember it. But their moms and dads will.
Most parents with young children have self-imposed limits on spending and leisure. This new movement imposes limits set by the public. And the public isn't as child-friendly as it used to be. As businesses respond to their new breed of 'first-class' clientele, are parents in danger of becoming second-class citizens?
What's the matter with kids today and why doesn't anyone want them around? In June, Malaysia Airlines banned babies from many of their first class cabins, prompting other major airlines to consider similar policies.
Lately, complaints about screaming kids are being taken seriously, not only by airlines, but by hotels, movie theaters, restaurants, and even grocery stores.
Read more about restaurants around the country banning kids.
Earlier this month, McDain's, a Pittsburgh area restaurant that banned kids under 6 became a mascot for the no-kids-zone movement.
According to a Pittsburgh local news poll, more than half of area residents were in favor of the ban. And now big business is paying attention.
"Brat bans could well be the next frontier in destination and leisure-product marketing," writes Robert Klara in an article on the child-free trend in AdWeek.
Klara points to Leavethembehind.com, a travel website for kid-free vacations, with a massive list of yoga retreats, luxury resorts and bargain hotels around the world that ban children.
"Call me a grinch, a misanthrope, a DINK (dual-income-no-kids), or the anti-cute-police, but I hate (hate a thousand times over) ill-behaved children/infants/screaming banshees in upscale restaurants (ok, anywhere, really, but I don’t want any death threats)," writes Charlotte Savino on Travel and Leisure's blog. She lists a slew of a popular destination restaurants with kid-free areas and policies for travelers looking for quiet vacation dining.
Traveling is one thing, but what about in kids' own hometowns? Should kids been banned from local movie theaters, like they were at a recent adults-only Harry Potter screening? In Texas, one cinema chain has even flipped the model, banning kids under six altogether, except on specified "baby days".
Even running errands with toddlers may be off limits. This summer Whole Foods stores in Missouri are offering child-free shopping hours and in Florida, a controversy brews over whether kids can be banned from a condominium's outdoor area. That's right, some people don't even want kids outdoors.
When did kids become the equivalent of second-hand smoke? Blame a wave of childless adults with money to spare. "Empty nesters continue to wield a huge swath of discretionary spending dollars, and population dips in first-world countries mean more childless couples than ever," writes AdWeek's Klara.
Catering to the child-free community may be good for business but is it good for parents? It could help narrow choices and make kid-friendly environments even kid-friendlier. And let's be honest, babies won't miss flying first class. They won't even remember it. But their moms and dads will.
Most parents with young children have self-imposed limits on spending and leisure. This new movement imposes limits set by the public. And the public isn't as child-friendly as it used to be. As businesses respond to their new breed of 'first-class' clientele, are parents in danger of becoming second-class citizens?
Ace Advice
“Success in life comes not from holding a good hand, but in playing a poor hand well.”
Someone deals you a problem, it might be perfection in disguise. Someone asked me if such-and-such computer program could do this-and-that. I said not to my knowledge, but maybe there was an alternative. The programmer, in looking at a couple options, found that the program indeed could do this-and-that, he just hadn't been previously aware.
Saying "no" can be limiting. Saying "what if?" can keep creative solutions flowing.
Someone deals you a problem, it might be perfection in disguise. Someone asked me if such-and-such computer program could do this-and-that. I said not to my knowledge, but maybe there was an alternative. The programmer, in looking at a couple options, found that the program indeed could do this-and-that, he just hadn't been previously aware.
Saying "no" can be limiting. Saying "what if?" can keep creative solutions flowing.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Maximizing The Goods
Tips from a winning manager:
1.) Find your unique talent or gift. What is your unique talent or gift?
2.) Develop your talent or gift to the highest possible level. People do not pay for average.
3.) Give that gift away everyday. The only buzz you're going to get in life is giving your gift away.
You teachers out there - find a way to teach. See if you can lose yourself in it for hours with sustained enthusiasm. You musicians. You bookkeepers. You board directors. You writers. Most everyone needs a support network. Be part of someone's. We'll reap what we sow.
1.) Find your unique talent or gift. What is your unique talent or gift?
2.) Develop your talent or gift to the highest possible level. People do not pay for average.
3.) Give that gift away everyday. The only buzz you're going to get in life is giving your gift away.
You teachers out there - find a way to teach. See if you can lose yourself in it for hours with sustained enthusiasm. You musicians. You bookkeepers. You board directors. You writers. Most everyone needs a support network. Be part of someone's. We'll reap what we sow.
Speaking Softly
Testing the theory that a raised voice is tied to elevated stress, today's experiment was to speak as calmly as possible.
It worked well at a morning staff meeting. Maybe I was just paying a little more attention than usual, but the daily quota of ambiguity was less frazzling. The walk to the car was energized, not exhausted. The evening felt more like a Saturday than a Monday.
Let's try it again tomorrow.
It worked well at a morning staff meeting. Maybe I was just paying a little more attention than usual, but the daily quota of ambiguity was less frazzling. The walk to the car was energized, not exhausted. The evening felt more like a Saturday than a Monday.
Let's try it again tomorrow.
Not-So-Wise Guys
"The beginning of wisdom is to know that you are not so smart. Humility comes before honor." - Anonymous
The absence of "I" is a key step toward success.
The absence of "I" is a key step toward success.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Walking Away
Thanks to Stephani for this tidbit:
An old man once said, "There comes a time in your life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh. Forget the bad, and focus on the good. Love the people who treat you right, pray for the ones who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is a part of life, getting back up is living."
An old man once said, "There comes a time in your life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh. Forget the bad, and focus on the good. Love the people who treat you right, pray for the ones who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is a part of life, getting back up is living."
Challenge Of The Weak
Weeks are made up of days... I've got some nice plans for Thursday afternoon. What does it take to earn a sense of accomplishment and full enjoyment? Navigating the sea of surprises in between this port and that one, with resolve and an easy smile. To meet adversity with Superman's confidence and the vision of things to come. To know that everything's gonna be all right. To walk out at each day's end with an unrippled calm.
If You Please
"I cannot give you the formula for success, but I can give you the formula for failure: which is: Try to please everybody". Herbert Swope
There are only so many hours in the day, and in the work day. Do what you can, with as much focus as you can. Just don't worry.
There are only so many hours in the day, and in the work day. Do what you can, with as much focus as you can. Just don't worry.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
A Heal Of A Good Time
Amazing, to look at a toe bruise and consider the resilience of the body to heal.
Paper cuts, pimples, exhaustion, fever... temporary. We will recover, good as new.
Frayed relationships, once we make up our minds to do something about them.
Withered emotions, by the salves of thanks, rest, faith.
The damaged body is not true. We are strong, inclined toward robust health, ready to be unleashed with discretion and time.
Paper cuts, pimples, exhaustion, fever... temporary. We will recover, good as new.
Frayed relationships, once we make up our minds to do something about them.
Withered emotions, by the salves of thanks, rest, faith.
The damaged body is not true. We are strong, inclined toward robust health, ready to be unleashed with discretion and time.
5 Habits Of The Wealthy
From the Internet. Good tips for we sub-billionaires too.
Warren Buffett is worth $45 billion. That wealth isn't only a factor of savvy investing and good business — the "Oracle of Omaha" is also known as a penny pincher. Buffett still lives in the same Omaha, Neb., home he bought in 1958 for $31,500.
Follow his frugal formula, and you too may wind up with a lot more money than you ever dreamed.
This week Financially Fit covers five tips to build wealth and success.
1. Live Below Your Means.
Being wealthy isn't just a product of your salary or investment prowess; it's learning how to save.
"We can make a lot of money, you can make a little bit of money, but the second you spend all the money is when people get into trouble. Saving is the key to preserving your wealth," says Ed Butowsky, managing partner of Chapwood Capital Investment Management, a firm that manages money for wealthy individuals.
As many Americans realized during the booming real estate market, just because you think you can afford something doesn't mean you should buy it. Keeping an eye on your bottom line will pay dividends over the long term.
2. Bounce Back From Defeat
With nearly 15 million workers unemployed right now in the U.S., it's easy to get discouraged. Don't! Most successful and wealthy people have overcome obstacles and failure along the way. Steve Jobs was ousted from Apple when he was 30. Today, he's a billionaire and a legend. Plus, after getting fired, he created another billion-dollar media company, Pixar.
"Bouncing back from defeat is something all great achievers have. They have this undying belief good things will happen and will continue to happen," says Butowsky.
Take Michael Jordan. "His airness" was cut from his high school basketball team. Motivated by the rejection, Jordan became a star the next season. The rest is history.
3. Self-Promote
Regardless of the profession, the rich and successful tend to have a strong sense of self-worth — key to skillfully navigating an upward career path. Mark Hurd, who was ousted as CEO of Hewlett-Packard in August, couldn't be kept down for long. Using his business skills and connections, in September, Hurd was named president of Oracle. (Hurd and Oracle founder Larry Ellison are known to be close friends.)
4. Have Street Smarts
Bernie Madoff lived the high life for decades, scamming unsuspecting clients, with a money-making formula that proved too good to be true. Only afterward did we learn that with a little due diligence, most clients could have easily uncovered the fraud.
But it's not only the swindlers and the con men you have to watch out for. Many times, friends and family take advantage of the rich. Whether it's a handout or an investment idea, Butowsky advises his high net worth clients that in most cases, it's wisest to just say "no." The best way to do that: have someone else do it for you.
"You need to really set up a wall between you and your family," he advises. "If you don't want to give them (family or friends) money ... saying no is probably a good idea."
5. Buy Cheap
The rich can afford to splurge, but that doesn't mean they do.
John Paulson, a billionaire hedge fund manager, bought his Hamptons "dream house at a bargain basement price," according to Greg Zuckerman, author of the Paulson-based book, "The Greatest Trade Ever." The story has it that Paulson eyed the home while it was in foreclosure. Finally, on a rain-soaked day, he purchased the home on the Southampton town hall steps. He was the only bidder.
On New York City's Upper East Side, Michael's— The Consignment Shop for Women— has been a bargain-hunting destination for more than 60 years. "We have a good percentage of women who can afford to shop on Madison Avenue but really like the idea of saving that money," says proprietor Tammy Gates.
From Chanel to Gucci and Louis Vuitton, the store specializes in high-end designer merchandise for a reasonable price. Speaking of her clientele, Gates says, "they're wealthy for a reason. They recognize that bargains keep people wealthy. Paying top dollar when you don't have to doesn't make sense."
Warren Buffett is worth $45 billion. That wealth isn't only a factor of savvy investing and good business — the "Oracle of Omaha" is also known as a penny pincher. Buffett still lives in the same Omaha, Neb., home he bought in 1958 for $31,500.
Follow his frugal formula, and you too may wind up with a lot more money than you ever dreamed.
This week Financially Fit covers five tips to build wealth and success.
1. Live Below Your Means.
Being wealthy isn't just a product of your salary or investment prowess; it's learning how to save.
"We can make a lot of money, you can make a little bit of money, but the second you spend all the money is when people get into trouble. Saving is the key to preserving your wealth," says Ed Butowsky, managing partner of Chapwood Capital Investment Management, a firm that manages money for wealthy individuals.
As many Americans realized during the booming real estate market, just because you think you can afford something doesn't mean you should buy it. Keeping an eye on your bottom line will pay dividends over the long term.
2. Bounce Back From Defeat
With nearly 15 million workers unemployed right now in the U.S., it's easy to get discouraged. Don't! Most successful and wealthy people have overcome obstacles and failure along the way. Steve Jobs was ousted from Apple when he was 30. Today, he's a billionaire and a legend. Plus, after getting fired, he created another billion-dollar media company, Pixar.
"Bouncing back from defeat is something all great achievers have. They have this undying belief good things will happen and will continue to happen," says Butowsky.
Take Michael Jordan. "His airness" was cut from his high school basketball team. Motivated by the rejection, Jordan became a star the next season. The rest is history.
3. Self-Promote
Regardless of the profession, the rich and successful tend to have a strong sense of self-worth — key to skillfully navigating an upward career path. Mark Hurd, who was ousted as CEO of Hewlett-Packard in August, couldn't be kept down for long. Using his business skills and connections, in September, Hurd was named president of Oracle. (Hurd and Oracle founder Larry Ellison are known to be close friends.)
4. Have Street Smarts
Bernie Madoff lived the high life for decades, scamming unsuspecting clients, with a money-making formula that proved too good to be true. Only afterward did we learn that with a little due diligence, most clients could have easily uncovered the fraud.
But it's not only the swindlers and the con men you have to watch out for. Many times, friends and family take advantage of the rich. Whether it's a handout or an investment idea, Butowsky advises his high net worth clients that in most cases, it's wisest to just say "no." The best way to do that: have someone else do it for you.
"You need to really set up a wall between you and your family," he advises. "If you don't want to give them (family or friends) money ... saying no is probably a good idea."
5. Buy Cheap
The rich can afford to splurge, but that doesn't mean they do.
John Paulson, a billionaire hedge fund manager, bought his Hamptons "dream house at a bargain basement price," according to Greg Zuckerman, author of the Paulson-based book, "The Greatest Trade Ever." The story has it that Paulson eyed the home while it was in foreclosure. Finally, on a rain-soaked day, he purchased the home on the Southampton town hall steps. He was the only bidder.
On New York City's Upper East Side, Michael's— The Consignment Shop for Women— has been a bargain-hunting destination for more than 60 years. "We have a good percentage of women who can afford to shop on Madison Avenue but really like the idea of saving that money," says proprietor Tammy Gates.
From Chanel to Gucci and Louis Vuitton, the store specializes in high-end designer merchandise for a reasonable price. Speaking of her clientele, Gates says, "they're wealthy for a reason. They recognize that bargains keep people wealthy. Paying top dollar when you don't have to doesn't make sense."
Hasty Retweet
I've had a Twitter account for a couple of years. Four tweets so far. Mainly it was just fun to get in and be a part of it, at least technically. Tweeting without followers is like shouting into a forest, so it's been little more than a curiosity.
Recently my company came out with a social media policy. It got me to discussing it during a staff meeting, and a couple of co-workers have Twitter accounts. Hadn't spent much time thinking about the value of following others who are good at making regular, brief, motivating or fascinating posts. My curiosity was renewed.
Today I've been trying to figure out how to get tweets to post as status updates on my Facebook page. I also was fuzzy on what "retweeting" was until I looked around. I am a follower of a basketball coach who tweets inspirational quotes, so I did a test re-tweet. Hopefully soon I'll be able to pass these along nuggets of wisdom to my Facebook friends with the click of a button.
Recently my company came out with a social media policy. It got me to discussing it during a staff meeting, and a couple of co-workers have Twitter accounts. Hadn't spent much time thinking about the value of following others who are good at making regular, brief, motivating or fascinating posts. My curiosity was renewed.
Today I've been trying to figure out how to get tweets to post as status updates on my Facebook page. I also was fuzzy on what "retweeting" was until I looked around. I am a follower of a basketball coach who tweets inspirational quotes, so I did a test re-tweet. Hopefully soon I'll be able to pass these along nuggets of wisdom to my Facebook friends with the click of a button.
Faint Breezes
Triple digits, a classic sign of Illinois summer, each degree a tick on elation's meter.
Even so, the pores cry for relief if you sit in it long enough! Suddenly there's a faint breeze, barely more than a wisp. We wouldn't notice it on a temperate day, or while walking to the car, traveling the routine. Only in critical moments of desperation do we realize yet another strata of nature's blessings.
The driver who lets you merge into her lane.
The store that stays open 24 hours and carries cough drops.
The bank that allows a temporary increase in the debit card limit with a simple phone call.
The right to congregate with others and freely speak our beliefs.
The irony is that if we could just anchor the same sense of gratefulness in every moment, then desperation would visit us less often.
Even so, the pores cry for relief if you sit in it long enough! Suddenly there's a faint breeze, barely more than a wisp. We wouldn't notice it on a temperate day, or while walking to the car, traveling the routine. Only in critical moments of desperation do we realize yet another strata of nature's blessings.
The driver who lets you merge into her lane.
The store that stays open 24 hours and carries cough drops.
The bank that allows a temporary increase in the debit card limit with a simple phone call.
The right to congregate with others and freely speak our beliefs.
The irony is that if we could just anchor the same sense of gratefulness in every moment, then desperation would visit us less often.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Hole In The Bucket
Way to go Dona... posting the material-centered version of her bucket list. Cool idea. Hmmm... sat down and tried to conceive something. And realized soon that it's no quick task.
What to see, do, experience before the clock runs out?
Seems like it should flow easily out of a goal-oriented person.
Seems like it should be reachable, with effort.
1. To be a retired fortysomething.
2. To lead 500+ people in singing the national anthem.
3. To act in a play in front of a full house.
4. To see a redwood tree up close.
5. To visit Jack in Santa Monica.
It's a start, anyway. It ought to provide some fun dreaming.
What to see, do, experience before the clock runs out?
Seems like it should flow easily out of a goal-oriented person.
Seems like it should be reachable, with effort.
1. To be a retired fortysomething.
2. To lead 500+ people in singing the national anthem.
3. To act in a play in front of a full house.
4. To see a redwood tree up close.
5. To visit Jack in Santa Monica.
It's a start, anyway. It ought to provide some fun dreaming.
One Thing At A Time
Early in the Civil War, pockets of the British showed some support for the Confederate cause. One manufacturer built a great ship for the South to use in running the Union blockade. At last the Union occupied and imprisoned some of the British sailors on board.
Great Britain was outraged.
President Lincoln was counseled by his secretary of war that perhaps war with Britain would be a rallying, unifying force for the North. Lincoln disagreed.
"One war at a time," he counseled, and ordered the prisoners released with an apology.
E-mail, paper mail, text messages, phone calls, people at the door. Piles of laundry, bills, leaves, trash, dishes. Expectations of the boss, family, neighbors, friends, school, government.
Where to begin?
Somewhere. Anywhere. Take a breath. Complete a step. Enjoy the feeling. Move on.
Great Britain was outraged.
President Lincoln was counseled by his secretary of war that perhaps war with Britain would be a rallying, unifying force for the North. Lincoln disagreed.
"One war at a time," he counseled, and ordered the prisoners released with an apology.
E-mail, paper mail, text messages, phone calls, people at the door. Piles of laundry, bills, leaves, trash, dishes. Expectations of the boss, family, neighbors, friends, school, government.
Where to begin?
Somewhere. Anywhere. Take a breath. Complete a step. Enjoy the feeling. Move on.
Best Of The Worst
"Civil War commanders would soon come to recognize that, although their men might be the worst of soldiers, they were also the best of fighters - fierce, determined, tireless, and uncomplaining." - Alan Axelrod
A person in the wrong profession can overcome with determination. The current against may feel stronger than other swimmers, and in the end, the achievement may come from within, the discipline to have persevered, rather than to have gained an inch.
A person in the wrong profession can overcome with determination. The current against may feel stronger than other swimmers, and in the end, the achievement may come from within, the discipline to have persevered, rather than to have gained an inch.
My Mom Is Chuck Norris
We went up to celebrate Mom's birthday over the weekend.
Mom's birth in 1941 was the tipping point which inspired the United States to help end Hitler's reign of terror in Europe, despite historians' wild-eyed claims that it had to do with some Japanese flying expedition.
It gave baseball great Joe DiMaggio the courage to continue his nearly untouchable 56-game hitting streak. Gave Ted Williams the stamina to be the last player to achieve a .400 batting average in a season.
Mom's as prolific as Chuck Norris.
As a twentysomething in the 1960's, she first launched and led an anti-war effort in Chicago that amassed 100,000 protesters near the Tribune building. The rally was capped by a deft leg sweep that downed an interrupting politician in the audience after leaping off stage.
When it became clear that war would happen, she enlisted and was the only woman in the military's first division to drop into the jungles of Vietnam. She sensed a group of snipers in the brush and took them out with a collection of roundhouse kicks. Unfortunately she came home to have kids in 1972.
Mom's reproductive system is superhuman. She got pregnant and I was born later that afternoon.
Mom loves watching golf on T.V.. She decided to sleep in one day. So they delayed the start time of the Masters. Jack Nicklaus called later and thanked her for allowing them to play.
Mom did her own knee replacement surgery.
Mom makes the best roast beef in the world. It takes her five minutes. That includes catching the cattle.
Advice columnists ask Mom for advice.
The local courthouse hired Mom to attend trials and stare at the criminals. Local crime dropped 99%. The other 1% died pre-trial from fear.
A neighborhood boy tried to shove her down on the playground once and broke both of his arms. His name was Chuck Norris.
Happy birthday Mom, you're the best!
Mom's birth in 1941 was the tipping point which inspired the United States to help end Hitler's reign of terror in Europe, despite historians' wild-eyed claims that it had to do with some Japanese flying expedition.
It gave baseball great Joe DiMaggio the courage to continue his nearly untouchable 56-game hitting streak. Gave Ted Williams the stamina to be the last player to achieve a .400 batting average in a season.
Mom's as prolific as Chuck Norris.
As a twentysomething in the 1960's, she first launched and led an anti-war effort in Chicago that amassed 100,000 protesters near the Tribune building. The rally was capped by a deft leg sweep that downed an interrupting politician in the audience after leaping off stage.
When it became clear that war would happen, she enlisted and was the only woman in the military's first division to drop into the jungles of Vietnam. She sensed a group of snipers in the brush and took them out with a collection of roundhouse kicks. Unfortunately she came home to have kids in 1972.
Mom's reproductive system is superhuman. She got pregnant and I was born later that afternoon.
Mom loves watching golf on T.V.. She decided to sleep in one day. So they delayed the start time of the Masters. Jack Nicklaus called later and thanked her for allowing them to play.
Mom did her own knee replacement surgery.
Mom makes the best roast beef in the world. It takes her five minutes. That includes catching the cattle.
Advice columnists ask Mom for advice.
The local courthouse hired Mom to attend trials and stare at the criminals. Local crime dropped 99%. The other 1% died pre-trial from fear.
A neighborhood boy tried to shove her down on the playground once and broke both of his arms. His name was Chuck Norris.
Happy birthday Mom, you're the best!
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Skin Alive
From Yahoo! Shine. Glad to see 5 of the items (almonds, strawberries, whole grains, low-fat yogurt, and water) in the McDiet:
It may be a cliché, but the simple truth is that you are what you eat. Just as radiant, glowing skin is an indicator of good health and a nutrient-rich diet, a lackluster complexion reflects poor diet choices and overall health. Your skin is an indication of what’s going on inside the body, and great skin starts from the inside.
If you eat high quantities of processed foods, sugar, caffeine, and fried foods, chances are, your skin is not going to be looking its most radiant. But, loading up on fruits and veggies, whole grains, and vitamin-rich foods makes for a healthy body and, in turn, healthier, more radiant skin.
Check out these skin-boosting super foods that contribute to overall good health, and contain properties which help your skin become its most healthy and radiant:
1. Almonds
One of nature’s greatest gifts to the skin, almonds are packed with antioxidant vitamin E—which protects your skin from UV rays and helps build collagen—fiber, and omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids, which help maintain the skin’s elasticity and suppleness. Snack on raw almonds, add almond milk to your morning granola, or top off salads, cereals, and stir fries with sliced almonds. PS: they’re also great for healthy, shiny hair!
2. Avocados
If you tend to steer clear of avocados because of their fat content, think again. The healthy monounsaturated fats found in avocados make them one of the best foods for your complexion. These healthy fats keep skin from drying out and help to maintain its youthful appearance. Avocadoes are also high in B vitamins (particularly vitamin B3) which contain anti-inflammatory properties.
3. Strawberries
High in fiber and low in sugar, strawberries are the perfect summer snack and a potent skin-booster. With their high concentration of Vitamin C—an antioxidant essential to healthy skin, which combats aging and the effects of sun exposure—they’re a delicious way to get glowy. Vitamin C has an important role in collagen production, the key to keeping your skin elastic, fresh and young-looking. Strawberries contain even more Vitamin C per serving than oranges or grapefruit, and with fewer overall calories. They’re also high in alpha-hydroxyl acid, which helps eliminate dead skin cells and helps the body build collagen.
4. Green Tea
Packed with antioxidants and free radical-fighting agents, you can drink your way to great skin with green tea. It’s high in vitamins C, D, and K, as well as the essential minerals riboflavin, zinc, calcium, magnesium, and iron. Try swapping your morning coffee, which dehydrates the skin, for green tea — your complexion will thank you.
5. Salmon
With its high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, oily fishes such as salmon and tuna aid in decreasing the occurrence of clogged pores. Plus, salmon is loaded with selenium, a trace mineral that helps smooth the skin and acts as a powerful antioxidant when joined with its fellow skin-booster, vitamin E.
6. Hemp Seeds
It’s a little-known nutritional secret that hemp seeds are one of the best things you can eat for skin and overall good health. These little seeds are loaded with protein, iron, vitamin E, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which help keep the skin looking supple. Hemp seeds are also great for vegans and vegetarians, as they boast one of the highest protein contents of any plant-based food, with 25-20% protein. Like almonds, you can enjoy them raw, toss them into salads or enjoy hemp milk with whole-grain cereal for a healthy breakfast.
7. Whole Grains
An essential part of a healthy diet, whole grains are as much a friend to the skin as any other part of the body. Their high fiber content helps your body stay hydrated and flushes out toxins, while their high concentration of B vitamins aids metabolism. Be sure to incorporate whole grains into every meal for improved digestive health and skin that reflects it.
8. Sweet potatoes
High in antioxidant beta-carotene, vitamin E, vitamin C and fiber, sweet potatoes are delicious, fun to cook with, and great for your complexion. Vitamins C and E are a powerful combo—Vitamin E helps maximize the effectiveness of vitamin C because it aids the body in the regeneration of vitamin C.
9. Low-fat Yogurt and Cottage Cheese
Low in fat and high in vitamin A (a major player in skin health) and selenium, cottage cheese is a nutritious and low-calorie food that also has significant skin-boosting properties. In yogurt, the live enzymes and healthy bacteria contributes to good intestinal health and a healthy digestive tract, both of which are important to healthy skin.
10. Water
Okay, so it’s not technically a food, but water is hands-down the number one skin-booster. It’s a simple equation: hydrated skin is healthy skin, and healthy skin is beautiful skin. Dry, dehydrated skin looks older, has more lines, and is more prone to breakouts.
It may be a cliché, but the simple truth is that you are what you eat. Just as radiant, glowing skin is an indicator of good health and a nutrient-rich diet, a lackluster complexion reflects poor diet choices and overall health. Your skin is an indication of what’s going on inside the body, and great skin starts from the inside.
If you eat high quantities of processed foods, sugar, caffeine, and fried foods, chances are, your skin is not going to be looking its most radiant. But, loading up on fruits and veggies, whole grains, and vitamin-rich foods makes for a healthy body and, in turn, healthier, more radiant skin.
Check out these skin-boosting super foods that contribute to overall good health, and contain properties which help your skin become its most healthy and radiant:
1. Almonds
One of nature’s greatest gifts to the skin, almonds are packed with antioxidant vitamin E—which protects your skin from UV rays and helps build collagen—fiber, and omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids, which help maintain the skin’s elasticity and suppleness. Snack on raw almonds, add almond milk to your morning granola, or top off salads, cereals, and stir fries with sliced almonds. PS: they’re also great for healthy, shiny hair!
2. Avocados
If you tend to steer clear of avocados because of their fat content, think again. The healthy monounsaturated fats found in avocados make them one of the best foods for your complexion. These healthy fats keep skin from drying out and help to maintain its youthful appearance. Avocadoes are also high in B vitamins (particularly vitamin B3) which contain anti-inflammatory properties.
3. Strawberries
High in fiber and low in sugar, strawberries are the perfect summer snack and a potent skin-booster. With their high concentration of Vitamin C—an antioxidant essential to healthy skin, which combats aging and the effects of sun exposure—they’re a delicious way to get glowy. Vitamin C has an important role in collagen production, the key to keeping your skin elastic, fresh and young-looking. Strawberries contain even more Vitamin C per serving than oranges or grapefruit, and with fewer overall calories. They’re also high in alpha-hydroxyl acid, which helps eliminate dead skin cells and helps the body build collagen.
4. Green Tea
Packed with antioxidants and free radical-fighting agents, you can drink your way to great skin with green tea. It’s high in vitamins C, D, and K, as well as the essential minerals riboflavin, zinc, calcium, magnesium, and iron. Try swapping your morning coffee, which dehydrates the skin, for green tea — your complexion will thank you.
5. Salmon
With its high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, oily fishes such as salmon and tuna aid in decreasing the occurrence of clogged pores. Plus, salmon is loaded with selenium, a trace mineral that helps smooth the skin and acts as a powerful antioxidant when joined with its fellow skin-booster, vitamin E.
6. Hemp Seeds
It’s a little-known nutritional secret that hemp seeds are one of the best things you can eat for skin and overall good health. These little seeds are loaded with protein, iron, vitamin E, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which help keep the skin looking supple. Hemp seeds are also great for vegans and vegetarians, as they boast one of the highest protein contents of any plant-based food, with 25-20% protein. Like almonds, you can enjoy them raw, toss them into salads or enjoy hemp milk with whole-grain cereal for a healthy breakfast.
7. Whole Grains
An essential part of a healthy diet, whole grains are as much a friend to the skin as any other part of the body. Their high fiber content helps your body stay hydrated and flushes out toxins, while their high concentration of B vitamins aids metabolism. Be sure to incorporate whole grains into every meal for improved digestive health and skin that reflects it.
8. Sweet potatoes
High in antioxidant beta-carotene, vitamin E, vitamin C and fiber, sweet potatoes are delicious, fun to cook with, and great for your complexion. Vitamins C and E are a powerful combo—Vitamin E helps maximize the effectiveness of vitamin C because it aids the body in the regeneration of vitamin C.
9. Low-fat Yogurt and Cottage Cheese
Low in fat and high in vitamin A (a major player in skin health) and selenium, cottage cheese is a nutritious and low-calorie food that also has significant skin-boosting properties. In yogurt, the live enzymes and healthy bacteria contributes to good intestinal health and a healthy digestive tract, both of which are important to healthy skin.
10. Water
Okay, so it’s not technically a food, but water is hands-down the number one skin-booster. It’s a simple equation: hydrated skin is healthy skin, and healthy skin is beautiful skin. Dry, dehydrated skin looks older, has more lines, and is more prone to breakouts.
Golden Goals
Might be the two most exciting goals of this generation... in high-quality video.
And fantastic to hear the women's team interviewed after their signature win.
What could be better than fan reactions?
And fantastic to hear the women's team interviewed after their signature win.
What could be better than fan reactions?
Friday, July 15, 2011
Thursday, July 14, 2011
20 Things That Can Ruin Your Smile
Candy and smoking, sure.
Excessive teeth whitening, okay.
BRUSHING TOO SOON? Wha?
Read on in this article. Start stockpiling gum!
Excessive teeth whitening, okay.
BRUSHING TOO SOON? Wha?
Read on in this article. Start stockpiling gum!
Picture Imperfect
With government-sanctioned photos like this one hitting the air, you can see how easily conspiracy theories could be started...
Friends Of Jeff
Thanks to Brandi for introducing me to the web site of this inspirational person. The rest of this passage comes directly from the daily e-mail.
“Those who are not prepared for the apprehension of a great purpose should fix their thoughts upon the faultless performance of their duty, no matter how insignificant their task may appear. Only in this way can the thoughts be gathered and focused, and resolution and energy be developed, which being done, there is nothing which may not be accomplished.”
- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh
Mastery and the attitude of going the extra mile need to become habits. If you think you are being unfairly compensated for your job performance, or, if you think your daily tasks are trivial and unimportant, think again. You might not be getting paid what you are worth, and your tasks might not be important in the overall scheme of the universe, but how you perform where you are, doing exactly what you are doing means everything to your destiny.
Mastery takes a certain attitude. The habit of going the extra mile is also an attitude. You will either develop the attitude necessary for the habits of mastery and going the extra mile or you won’t. It might be time to look in a different direction for your life’s ambition, but if you have not developed the proper attitude and work ethic, that search may well be in vain. Whether you are boldly striking out on a daring new adventure, or trying to improve your circumstances right where you are, the degree to which you develop these two attitudes will go a long way in determining what happens when opportunity finally knocks. Hadn’t you best be ready?
Jeff
www.friendsofjeff.com
“Those who are not prepared for the apprehension of a great purpose should fix their thoughts upon the faultless performance of their duty, no matter how insignificant their task may appear. Only in this way can the thoughts be gathered and focused, and resolution and energy be developed, which being done, there is nothing which may not be accomplished.”
- James Allen, As A Man Thinketh
Mastery and the attitude of going the extra mile need to become habits. If you think you are being unfairly compensated for your job performance, or, if you think your daily tasks are trivial and unimportant, think again. You might not be getting paid what you are worth, and your tasks might not be important in the overall scheme of the universe, but how you perform where you are, doing exactly what you are doing means everything to your destiny.
Mastery takes a certain attitude. The habit of going the extra mile is also an attitude. You will either develop the attitude necessary for the habits of mastery and going the extra mile or you won’t. It might be time to look in a different direction for your life’s ambition, but if you have not developed the proper attitude and work ethic, that search may well be in vain. Whether you are boldly striking out on a daring new adventure, or trying to improve your circumstances right where you are, the degree to which you develop these two attitudes will go a long way in determining what happens when opportunity finally knocks. Hadn’t you best be ready?
Jeff
www.friendsofjeff.com
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Dirty Joke
Thanks Dena for sharing humor from the office.
Q. Why doesn’t Tigger have any friends?
A. Because he plays with Pooh.
Q. Why doesn’t Tigger have any friends?
A. Because he plays with Pooh.
Oaf Of Office
I think that presidents should be sworn in while balancing on one leg with their eyes closed, just to remind them they're still human.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Soccer In The Steam
I've been laying low this soccer season to nurse a collection of nagging injuries. We had a ton of guys on the roster and I figured that if the captain needed me, he'd give me a call.
Yesterday, I got the call.
It was the soupiest day of the year without question. 110% humidity if there ever was such a thing. I'd broken a sweat just walking into the office. At 6 in the morning.
I'd been keeping in shape through stationary bicycling. As I did my jog lap to warm up pre-game, it confirmed that soccer uses a part of the lungs that biking doesn't touch. The part that burns when you breathe, know it?
Our team's average age is around 30, maybe a little north of that. Our top two players were out. I was an emergency sub for a reason - we had just enough women to field a full squad, and a handful of extras. Our warm-up was strategically listless. "Heat-stroke free," I declared our team goal, or at least my personal one. Looking across the pitch, a team of white-shirted twentysomethings with enough players for two full teams merrily ricocheted the ball around their magic circle.
When the opening whistle blew I exuberantly sprinted toward the sideline, lest I be picked as a starter otherwise. I eyed the bag I'd brought with a couple bananas and the largest-sized bottle of water that Qik-n-EZ held in inventory. I was unquestionably game-ready.
We played them to a stalemate through the first shift, when the first sweaty teammate jogged off the field waving a sub in limply. Eventually, I was the only remaining "fresh" body on the sideline, and into the sea I went.
My most valuable asset is stamina rather than speed these days, so I filled a wing midfielder spot and cruised up and down the line in maintenance mode. It did feel good to chat up teammates and match up defensively. The opponent was surprisingly easy to slip passes through, despite their athletic advantage.
On one trip up the field, I swept in from the left as the right wing centered a pass ten feet in front of the goal. Our forward wound up for a shot - and whiffed. However, he had not only faked out himself, but both defenders who left their spots to chase him. It landed right in my lap, about half a penalty-kick's distance from the net. I had enough time to wind up like a kindergartener. GOAL!!! Amazing. I'd logged only one goal all of last season. Here with no practice and lagging a half-season of experience, I'd struck pay dirt.
Shortly afterward, we had nearly a full line change with three or four new players coming on. Our defense sagged a little, and they capitalized on a 2-on-1 breakaway to knot the score.
My next shift found me on the right wing. I booted the ball in on a corner kick and continued to charge. Our center found the pass and slammed it off the goalie, and out toward the middle of the field. I swung at the bouncing ball and watched as if an out-of-body experience, the ball curling neatly around the outstretched goal keeper as pretty as the World Cup. It was the first left-footed goal I'd scored in thirty years of playing.
By game's end we'd grabbed an upset 3-1 victory. The team was convinced I should return next week, and I failed to convince them otherwise despite using the "beginner's luck" and "lightning striking twice" and "blind squirrels finding the occasional nut" adages. It was the perfect capper to a day that was already abundant with the lesson of good fortune. And part of that good fortune included a shower, fully-charged ice pack and ready-made bed for recovery!
Yesterday, I got the call.
It was the soupiest day of the year without question. 110% humidity if there ever was such a thing. I'd broken a sweat just walking into the office. At 6 in the morning.
I'd been keeping in shape through stationary bicycling. As I did my jog lap to warm up pre-game, it confirmed that soccer uses a part of the lungs that biking doesn't touch. The part that burns when you breathe, know it?
Our team's average age is around 30, maybe a little north of that. Our top two players were out. I was an emergency sub for a reason - we had just enough women to field a full squad, and a handful of extras. Our warm-up was strategically listless. "Heat-stroke free," I declared our team goal, or at least my personal one. Looking across the pitch, a team of white-shirted twentysomethings with enough players for two full teams merrily ricocheted the ball around their magic circle.
When the opening whistle blew I exuberantly sprinted toward the sideline, lest I be picked as a starter otherwise. I eyed the bag I'd brought with a couple bananas and the largest-sized bottle of water that Qik-n-EZ held in inventory. I was unquestionably game-ready.
We played them to a stalemate through the first shift, when the first sweaty teammate jogged off the field waving a sub in limply. Eventually, I was the only remaining "fresh" body on the sideline, and into the sea I went.
My most valuable asset is stamina rather than speed these days, so I filled a wing midfielder spot and cruised up and down the line in maintenance mode. It did feel good to chat up teammates and match up defensively. The opponent was surprisingly easy to slip passes through, despite their athletic advantage.
On one trip up the field, I swept in from the left as the right wing centered a pass ten feet in front of the goal. Our forward wound up for a shot - and whiffed. However, he had not only faked out himself, but both defenders who left their spots to chase him. It landed right in my lap, about half a penalty-kick's distance from the net. I had enough time to wind up like a kindergartener. GOAL!!! Amazing. I'd logged only one goal all of last season. Here with no practice and lagging a half-season of experience, I'd struck pay dirt.
Shortly afterward, we had nearly a full line change with three or four new players coming on. Our defense sagged a little, and they capitalized on a 2-on-1 breakaway to knot the score.
My next shift found me on the right wing. I booted the ball in on a corner kick and continued to charge. Our center found the pass and slammed it off the goalie, and out toward the middle of the field. I swung at the bouncing ball and watched as if an out-of-body experience, the ball curling neatly around the outstretched goal keeper as pretty as the World Cup. It was the first left-footed goal I'd scored in thirty years of playing.
By game's end we'd grabbed an upset 3-1 victory. The team was convinced I should return next week, and I failed to convince them otherwise despite using the "beginner's luck" and "lightning striking twice" and "blind squirrels finding the occasional nut" adages. It was the perfect capper to a day that was already abundant with the lesson of good fortune. And part of that good fortune included a shower, fully-charged ice pack and ready-made bed for recovery!
Good Ol' Nightmare
You've got to wonder what's in store for you when you're snapped awake by a work-related nightmare on a Monday. When the body decides it's time to get up, and adrenaline gets to pumping after a passable amount of sleep, might as well get moving early. Still, it was hard to move out the door with much enthusiasm. The day hosted several unknowns, and I'm not one who travels well through the unknown.
"Early to work, early to home..." I said falsely to Dena trying to muster up some cheer. I knew it could be a big day in the undesirable sense..
How would the quarterly reports look? Solid, or out of whack? My job's to review the mathematical calculations and make sure it's all square. Arriving at the (for me) previously non-existent hour of 6:00 allowed me to settle in undisturbed and give it a solid once-over. I had about a half-dozen questions, but Rob verified it to be all good at the end.
A software glitch in the field has generated recent questions, so I took advantage of the emptiness again to place a phone message that proved to satisfy the customer.
Paulette walked in with the exciting news that her family had found a pristine used van, the cap on a 4-hour journey of near-failure to many car dealerships in 90 degree heat with no air conditioning.
An 8:00 project status meeting loomed. I had just enough time to study the reports from my team and deliver a solid message.
Laughter started to flow over the nearby cube walls. Jennifer had passed her final certification exam! This was a major accomplishment and fulcrum that could've pushed the day's mood in either direction depending upon passage or failure.
We had an impromptu huddle with other key actuaries on our project and came up with a plan of attack for the day.
During a quick break in the action, I was able to fill out a Good Neighbor Grant application, the program which rewards community service with $500 grants to the charity. The NCHS basketball program was thrilled to hear when I shared the news.
Got over to the gym for what turned out to be as good a weight workout as I've had all year. What's gotten into me, to pull this off on a day of low sleep?
A few phone calls had been needed for some time in order to complete some errands. Check, check, check.
Rob's potential migraine cleared up, so he was able to put in a full day's work.
Our intern Kristin made progress on her season-ending project and appears to be on target. Plus she's shown herself to be really valuable in helping out with some of our project storms.
I finally got caught up in a long backlog of e-mail, and was able to start doing test cases on our new product launch myself. I got through all of the ones assigned to me. Finished just shy of 6:00, enough time to scat home, change clothes and get back to the soccer field. That workout produced a dose of sun and super cardio that got me to bed early.
As usual, I did nothing to deserve what turned out to be the best day in a while. This morning, I woke up with a spring in my step, ready to hit the office early again and ride the rapids wherever they lead. As they say about bad vibes "the best thing about times like these, is that there have always been times like these." Picturing these better times, and knowing that they can be just around the corner from a darker one, is a thankful pillar of strength. The nightmare, it turns out, had been like one of those summer squalls that rips ferociously through town, sweeping out all the humidity from the midwestern air, and leaving clear skies behind.
"Early to work, early to home..." I said falsely to Dena trying to muster up some cheer. I knew it could be a big day in the undesirable sense..
How would the quarterly reports look? Solid, or out of whack? My job's to review the mathematical calculations and make sure it's all square. Arriving at the (for me) previously non-existent hour of 6:00 allowed me to settle in undisturbed and give it a solid once-over. I had about a half-dozen questions, but Rob verified it to be all good at the end.
A software glitch in the field has generated recent questions, so I took advantage of the emptiness again to place a phone message that proved to satisfy the customer.
Paulette walked in with the exciting news that her family had found a pristine used van, the cap on a 4-hour journey of near-failure to many car dealerships in 90 degree heat with no air conditioning.
An 8:00 project status meeting loomed. I had just enough time to study the reports from my team and deliver a solid message.
Laughter started to flow over the nearby cube walls. Jennifer had passed her final certification exam! This was a major accomplishment and fulcrum that could've pushed the day's mood in either direction depending upon passage or failure.
We had an impromptu huddle with other key actuaries on our project and came up with a plan of attack for the day.
During a quick break in the action, I was able to fill out a Good Neighbor Grant application, the program which rewards community service with $500 grants to the charity. The NCHS basketball program was thrilled to hear when I shared the news.
Got over to the gym for what turned out to be as good a weight workout as I've had all year. What's gotten into me, to pull this off on a day of low sleep?
A few phone calls had been needed for some time in order to complete some errands. Check, check, check.
Rob's potential migraine cleared up, so he was able to put in a full day's work.
Our intern Kristin made progress on her season-ending project and appears to be on target. Plus she's shown herself to be really valuable in helping out with some of our project storms.
I finally got caught up in a long backlog of e-mail, and was able to start doing test cases on our new product launch myself. I got through all of the ones assigned to me. Finished just shy of 6:00, enough time to scat home, change clothes and get back to the soccer field. That workout produced a dose of sun and super cardio that got me to bed early.
As usual, I did nothing to deserve what turned out to be the best day in a while. This morning, I woke up with a spring in my step, ready to hit the office early again and ride the rapids wherever they lead. As they say about bad vibes "the best thing about times like these, is that there have always been times like these." Picturing these better times, and knowing that they can be just around the corner from a darker one, is a thankful pillar of strength. The nightmare, it turns out, had been like one of those summer squalls that rips ferociously through town, sweeping out all the humidity from the midwestern air, and leaving clear skies behind.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
At Least They Didn't Call It "Snow White" Brand
Walking through Wal-Mart and time to replenish our apple supply for the week. I'm partial to red apples and exactly one brand was available. I did a double-take.
DISNEY?
On the bag was a red convertible grinning ear-to-ear from the Cars movie, tapping into the well-known psychological linkage between fresh produce and gasoline. Because surely they're not going for linkage between Disney films and apples, right? When did that ever end well for the consumer? I started to approach the produce manager, but she was stooped over some sort of cauldron and mumble-cackling a stream of jibberish to herself.
DISNEY?
On the bag was a red convertible grinning ear-to-ear from the Cars movie, tapping into the well-known psychological linkage between fresh produce and gasoline. Because surely they're not going for linkage between Disney films and apples, right? When did that ever end well for the consumer? I started to approach the produce manager, but she was stooped over some sort of cauldron and mumble-cackling a stream of jibberish to herself.
None Of My Business
During the recessional months of 2009 and 2010, Americans launched new businesses faster than any time in the last 15 years. Over those two years it was 565,000 new startups per month. The fastest growth segments are among 35-44 year olds and 55-64 year olds. Today's typical entrepreneurs aren't hatching Facebook from a dorm room, but instead have 10 or more years of experience at a larger employer, with average education and IQ. The entry questions are:
- What are you passionate about? Successful business mostly aren't 9-to-5 jobs. If you're solely in it for the money, probably best to keep working for someone else.
- Do you know how to do something very well?
- Can you handle failure, and are you comfortable selling yourself?
- Can you wear many hats, even the ones you don't like? If you like to focus on one thing, then entrepreneurship may not be for you.
- How do you handle stress? Does it wash off of you or stick to you through the night and at the dinner table? Do you accept it with grace or steam? For long-run health, potential entrepreneurs must weigh this with a good dose of soul-searching.
Having presided over several organizations, I do find myself most enthused in the wingman role rather than the chief. There's a big difference between the romantic idea of being the leader, even if you have the skills, and playing an indispensable supporting role. I like to be featured in a unique and creative position, where I can publicly overachieve. Both the assistant coaching and VBS scriptwriting positions fit that mold. Math tutoring too, really, even though it's more private - leading someone to success requires creative approach to problem-solving.
Being a business owner is off the radar right now. Time to let my fellow Americans carry the spirit.
- What are you passionate about? Successful business mostly aren't 9-to-5 jobs. If you're solely in it for the money, probably best to keep working for someone else.
- Do you know how to do something very well?
- Can you handle failure, and are you comfortable selling yourself?
- Can you wear many hats, even the ones you don't like? If you like to focus on one thing, then entrepreneurship may not be for you.
- How do you handle stress? Does it wash off of you or stick to you through the night and at the dinner table? Do you accept it with grace or steam? For long-run health, potential entrepreneurs must weigh this with a good dose of soul-searching.
Having presided over several organizations, I do find myself most enthused in the wingman role rather than the chief. There's a big difference between the romantic idea of being the leader, even if you have the skills, and playing an indispensable supporting role. I like to be featured in a unique and creative position, where I can publicly overachieve. Both the assistant coaching and VBS scriptwriting positions fit that mold. Math tutoring too, really, even though it's more private - leading someone to success requires creative approach to problem-solving.
Being a business owner is off the radar right now. Time to let my fellow Americans carry the spirit.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
What Your Teen Isn't Telling You
From Yahoo! Shine.
On a recent Tuesday afternoon, my daughter Maggie, 15, didn’t come home on time from school. I tried her cell phone; no answer. To my knowledge, she didn’t have any activities or specific plans. By five o’clock, genuine worry kicked in.
At 5:13, she walked in, dropped her backpack on the floor, and said with infuriating nonchalance, "Hey. What’s for dinner?"
"Where have you been?" I asked, sounding just as shrill as my mom had when she had asked me the same question.
"If you’re going to interrogate me, forget dinner," she replied. "I’m going to my room."
The child who used to sit on my lap while we watched American Idol now thinks I’m a nosy, judgmental, critical, interfering rube. She’s right. But still. I’m not curious about my daughter’s private life for my sake. I just want to make sure she’s OK...and, if not, to reassure Maggie that I want to help. Communication and conversation: That’s what I want.
And so, seeking to grease the wheels of teen/parent relations, I ferreted out strategies from experts plus some other unlikely (but wise) suspects. Read on for steps to improve communication with your teenager.
Take the side door
When talking to teens, the straightforward approach will likely lead you into a brick wall. Instead, initiate a conversation with seemingly harmless questions. "You might be trying to find out the name of your child’s new friend. Don’t say, 'Who’s that kid you’re always texting lately?'" says Robin Haight, Psy.D., a clinical psychologist who specializes in adolescents and who is in private practice in Vienna, Va. "Instead, ask banal questions: 'What video game are you playing?' 'Do you get high scores?' Your son might start talking about the game and mention that 'Brian' gets better scores. A few days later, you might hear more about Brian. With teens, information comes in snippets. As a parent, you gather those bits and try to fill in the big picture."
Second that emotion
When chatting, "don’t echo back what they’ve said to prove you’ve been listening. A typical teen might reply, 'Duh, I just said that,'" observes Haight. "Instead, describe the emotion they’ve expressed." For example, if your son brings home a D in geometry and says, "I suck at math," show empathy by saying, "It’s scary to feel like you don’t get something." You’re keying in to the emotion, not telling him he’s wrong ("You’re not stupid!") or going into fix-it mode ("We’ll get a tutor").
And don’t always try to lighten the mood when your child brings up unhappy feelings; you may shut down a conversation before it starts. "Put yourself in her shoes," says Lauren Ayers, Ph.d., a psychologist in Saratoga Springs, NY, and author of Teenage Girls: A Parent’s Survival Manual. "Remember what it was like to feel vulnerable in a high-pressure situation. You may think a joke puts the problem in perspective, but you’re really belittling her." Instead, empathize with the emotion. Odds are, she’ll tell you more about how she’s feeling.
Aim Lower
"If your kid doesn’t talk to you much, you can’t take it personally," says Haight. "Part of raising kids involves becoming aware that they have a separate life, and that they will make decisions that don’t necessarily reflect on you." Accepting that is critical as your child matures. I find solace in this comment from Ayers: "If you’re circulating enough in your kids’ lives — driving them places, having dinner together — you hear and see enough to spot trouble. Just because kids don’t talk, that doesn’t mean there’s a problem. The fact is, teens aren’t so good at communicating. Were you as articulate at 15 as you were at 25? Set expectations low, and raise them as time passes."
So meet my new mantra: Less is more. There’s a limit to how much I can and should know about my daughter’s private life. It hurts — I won’t lie — to feel excluded from her thoughts. But as an adult, I have to put my feelings aside. Right now, I need to do what’s right for her, which means giving her room to grow...and accepting that running commentary may not always be part of the picture.
On a recent Tuesday afternoon, my daughter Maggie, 15, didn’t come home on time from school. I tried her cell phone; no answer. To my knowledge, she didn’t have any activities or specific plans. By five o’clock, genuine worry kicked in.
At 5:13, she walked in, dropped her backpack on the floor, and said with infuriating nonchalance, "Hey. What’s for dinner?"
"Where have you been?" I asked, sounding just as shrill as my mom had when she had asked me the same question.
"If you’re going to interrogate me, forget dinner," she replied. "I’m going to my room."
The child who used to sit on my lap while we watched American Idol now thinks I’m a nosy, judgmental, critical, interfering rube. She’s right. But still. I’m not curious about my daughter’s private life for my sake. I just want to make sure she’s OK...and, if not, to reassure Maggie that I want to help. Communication and conversation: That’s what I want.
And so, seeking to grease the wheels of teen/parent relations, I ferreted out strategies from experts plus some other unlikely (but wise) suspects. Read on for steps to improve communication with your teenager.
Take the side door
When talking to teens, the straightforward approach will likely lead you into a brick wall. Instead, initiate a conversation with seemingly harmless questions. "You might be trying to find out the name of your child’s new friend. Don’t say, 'Who’s that kid you’re always texting lately?'" says Robin Haight, Psy.D., a clinical psychologist who specializes in adolescents and who is in private practice in Vienna, Va. "Instead, ask banal questions: 'What video game are you playing?' 'Do you get high scores?' Your son might start talking about the game and mention that 'Brian' gets better scores. A few days later, you might hear more about Brian. With teens, information comes in snippets. As a parent, you gather those bits and try to fill in the big picture."
Second that emotion
When chatting, "don’t echo back what they’ve said to prove you’ve been listening. A typical teen might reply, 'Duh, I just said that,'" observes Haight. "Instead, describe the emotion they’ve expressed." For example, if your son brings home a D in geometry and says, "I suck at math," show empathy by saying, "It’s scary to feel like you don’t get something." You’re keying in to the emotion, not telling him he’s wrong ("You’re not stupid!") or going into fix-it mode ("We’ll get a tutor").
And don’t always try to lighten the mood when your child brings up unhappy feelings; you may shut down a conversation before it starts. "Put yourself in her shoes," says Lauren Ayers, Ph.d., a psychologist in Saratoga Springs, NY, and author of Teenage Girls: A Parent’s Survival Manual. "Remember what it was like to feel vulnerable in a high-pressure situation. You may think a joke puts the problem in perspective, but you’re really belittling her." Instead, empathize with the emotion. Odds are, she’ll tell you more about how she’s feeling.
Aim Lower
"If your kid doesn’t talk to you much, you can’t take it personally," says Haight. "Part of raising kids involves becoming aware that they have a separate life, and that they will make decisions that don’t necessarily reflect on you." Accepting that is critical as your child matures. I find solace in this comment from Ayers: "If you’re circulating enough in your kids’ lives — driving them places, having dinner together — you hear and see enough to spot trouble. Just because kids don’t talk, that doesn’t mean there’s a problem. The fact is, teens aren’t so good at communicating. Were you as articulate at 15 as you were at 25? Set expectations low, and raise them as time passes."
So meet my new mantra: Less is more. There’s a limit to how much I can and should know about my daughter’s private life. It hurts — I won’t lie — to feel excluded from her thoughts. But as an adult, I have to put my feelings aside. Right now, I need to do what’s right for her, which means giving her room to grow...and accepting that running commentary may not always be part of the picture.
Read All About It
Recommended by the press and intriguing to me as a future read:
"Sway: The Irresistible Pull of Irrational Behavior" by Ori Brafman and Ron Brafman. In this witty book, the Brafman brothers explain why perfectly rational people make irrational decisions. The duo weave stories and interviews from a variety of areas - psychology, economics, sports, politics, aviation, law, anthropology, and business - 'to distill the psychological forces that sway our behavior.'
"Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard" by Chip Heath and Dan Heath. An instant bestseller by brothers Chip and Dan Heath juxtaposes the two internal influences we face when deciding: the emotion-driven 'elephant' and the logic-inspired 'rider.' Find out how you can stick to your decisions, whether about a diet, an exercise routine, a major business deal, or even samba lessons. Even better, learn how to make it easy for other people to reach the same decision as you, which could prove invaluable to your team at work.
"Sway: The Irresistible Pull of Irrational Behavior" by Ori Brafman and Ron Brafman. In this witty book, the Brafman brothers explain why perfectly rational people make irrational decisions. The duo weave stories and interviews from a variety of areas - psychology, economics, sports, politics, aviation, law, anthropology, and business - 'to distill the psychological forces that sway our behavior.'
"Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard" by Chip Heath and Dan Heath. An instant bestseller by brothers Chip and Dan Heath juxtaposes the two internal influences we face when deciding: the emotion-driven 'elephant' and the logic-inspired 'rider.' Find out how you can stick to your decisions, whether about a diet, an exercise routine, a major business deal, or even samba lessons. Even better, learn how to make it easy for other people to reach the same decision as you, which could prove invaluable to your team at work.
Jars Of Clay
About 700 or so of our closest strangers got to see Jars of Clay perform at the Corn Crib this afternoon. Sweltering July sun and heat drenched the crowd, but we found a way to shift about and eventually stand in order to catch a moderate cooling breeze. Plus, their charm is enough to take the mind off the air. ("If you know this next song, please sing... if you don't, then please don't sing.")
They were promoting their new "Shelter" album, so several of the old favorites didn't make it to the stage. All the better opportunity to consider catching up with them again on the road somewhere further down the line.
They were promoting their new "Shelter" album, so several of the old favorites didn't make it to the stage. All the better opportunity to consider catching up with them again on the road somewhere further down the line.
Alpha Male
"The Greek ideal was that sport should be preparation for a life in general." - Roger Bannister, first man to run a mile in less than 4 minutes
Yes, life... the ballad of trial and error, victory and loss, trying to get along. Throw in exercise, and you've got sports.
Yes, life... the ballad of trial and error, victory and loss, trying to get along. Throw in exercise, and you've got sports.
Photographic Memories
"I loved football the most when you could see the players' faces, when there was mud on them. Now they wear plastic masks and play on artificial turf. But that's the way it works when you get older - you lament what's taking place and miss the past." - Walter Iooss, sports photographer
There's been too much lamenting lately. This was a grand week on several fronts. The weather today is right up my alley - hot and clear. Yet sitting by the pool, I was trudging through work-related mental sludge. Almost polar opposite from the good-health rule "think of work only while at work." Eventually I asked myself "Why am I choosing to walk through this muddy little path when I'm living in paradise? The family's well. My co-workers are well. The air is beautiful."
Time to snap back to the future. With patience, dreams will be here soon enough.
There's been too much lamenting lately. This was a grand week on several fronts. The weather today is right up my alley - hot and clear. Yet sitting by the pool, I was trudging through work-related mental sludge. Almost polar opposite from the good-health rule "think of work only while at work." Eventually I asked myself "Why am I choosing to walk through this muddy little path when I'm living in paradise? The family's well. My co-workers are well. The air is beautiful."
Time to snap back to the future. With patience, dreams will be here soon enough.
Love You Till The Day You Die
What a sweet gesture of support by K for his woman P!
K: "You're going to be okay."
P: "I don't know if I can..."
K: "Do you remember how you were before? You thought that you were too weak, that you couldn't do it. But I said you could. I told you you could and you did. Doesn't that make you feel good? That I knew what you're able to do? You had the strength all along."
He goes on...
K: "As long as nothing comes between us, no fears, no doubts, everything will be fine."
Oh, but I forgot one phrase in the middle of that last sentence:
"...no cops..."
Um, it's a serial killer talking to his copycat prodigy in an episode of Law & Order: Criminal Intent. He'd make an interesting line of Hallmark greeting cards though.
K: "You're going to be okay."
P: "I don't know if I can..."
K: "Do you remember how you were before? You thought that you were too weak, that you couldn't do it. But I said you could. I told you you could and you did. Doesn't that make you feel good? That I knew what you're able to do? You had the strength all along."
He goes on...
K: "As long as nothing comes between us, no fears, no doubts, everything will be fine."
Oh, but I forgot one phrase in the middle of that last sentence:
"...no cops..."
Um, it's a serial killer talking to his copycat prodigy in an episode of Law & Order: Criminal Intent. He'd make an interesting line of Hallmark greeting cards though.
Dying Church Enters Partnership To Boost Youth Movement
An Illinois district of the Divided Church of the Risen Son has progressed in its radical plans to merge with a regionally-based street gang, attempting to reverse a long-standing membership trend with an injection of youth.
The move, while unsanctioned by the international governing body through its General Assembly, is not technically in violation of the Christian denomination's official Book of Directions that regulates the conduct of its membership.
"The DC has seen its American membership decline each year since it last merged with another in 1961," explained District Supervisor Kenneth Ziegler. "Fifty years of momentum takes concentrated and creative effort to shift."
The Divided Church's Assembly at large has not stood still as its population has dwindled - and aged.
"Rethink Church" is the Church's newest campaign targeting 19- to 34-year-olds who may not be familiar with the church or who are seeking to make their lives more meaningful.
More than $20 million in ads are being launched over the next four years.
"Reaching new populations – which tend to be younger and more diverse than traditional constituents – needs to be a high priority," Bishop Mabel Whaley explained.
Ziegler concurred with the diagnosis but politely disagreed with the prescription.
"Young adults in these generations aren't drawn through words," he remarked about the ad campaign. "In the Internet era, there are just too many words to choose from. When it comes to attracting and retaining the nation's youth, our research shows that no organization has been more successful than gangs. Aligning with them from that perspective is sensible not only to discover and learn from their methods, but to bring an instant influx of needed youth."
Thanks to a failed burglary attempt at one of its buildings, and several subsequent hours of confined questioning, the church eventually found an executive liaison with the Preds, the area's fastest growing association.
"It's all good," said the Preds' Vicelord Antoine by untraceable cell phone. "They get to put pictures of us on their ads, we show up at some of their stuff, and they count us as members and whatnot."
Congregants responded with some unease that the Preds were given a set of master keys, but officials assuaged the concern with optimism.
"Jesus welcomed all to the table," senior pastor George Armsworthy. "Christianity is based on a foundation of trust freely given, and they have returned it in kind. Several of their members have already joined our finance committee and building maintenance committee. We were even able to form a nighttime patrol detail consisting entirely of their volunteers. That's just the kind of round-the-clock presence that youth have to offer."
Ziegler was quick to note that although the predominately African-American organization conveniently adds a stark dose of diversity into its traditionally white population, it was merely a byproduct of the youth movement. At the same time he acknowledged "God's deliberate creation of a multi-colored human race," and indicated preliminary plans to engage the Latin Swords after a phase-in period for the current operation.
Preds on local church administrative councils have generated immediate and meaningful change. Gone from some local congregations are the renowned cross-and-cloud emblem, the classic theme "Big Hearts, Big Minds, Big Buildings." Web sites and e-mail accounts have dropped the "DC" from their registers. When "Divided" was vandalized to obliteration from the church name on brick exterior facades, leadership cautioned against rush to judgment, capitalizing on the new relationship to investigate the matter.
"Nothing to see, nothing to know," Antoine summarized the committee's findings. "Things happen. So we started the Security Council."
Funding for the Security Council is collected separately from, and just prior to, the general collection plate during church services. Casually-styled "God Wantz You Protected" T-shirts channel yet another vibe of youthfulness from thicker-armed, specialized ushers. Finance committees verbally report that the new collections have been an irresistible success.
"The Gospels call us to come together," Ziegler said. "Thanks to Antoine and his brethren, we're no longer 'DCs' and 'Preds,' we're members of the body of Christ."
"They say the Bible says 'take sinners to dinner' and 'forgive seventy times.' I like that," Antoine remarked.
A summer picnic celebrating the effort will be held at dusk this Saturday in the back lot of the church grounds. Families are encouraged to bring their wallets to enjoy the many carnival games, tattoo booths and consumables that will be available for purchase.
The move, while unsanctioned by the international governing body through its General Assembly, is not technically in violation of the Christian denomination's official Book of Directions that regulates the conduct of its membership.
"The DC has seen its American membership decline each year since it last merged with another in 1961," explained District Supervisor Kenneth Ziegler. "Fifty years of momentum takes concentrated and creative effort to shift."
The Divided Church's Assembly at large has not stood still as its population has dwindled - and aged.
"Rethink Church" is the Church's newest campaign targeting 19- to 34-year-olds who may not be familiar with the church or who are seeking to make their lives more meaningful.
More than $20 million in ads are being launched over the next four years.
"Reaching new populations – which tend to be younger and more diverse than traditional constituents – needs to be a high priority," Bishop Mabel Whaley explained.
Ziegler concurred with the diagnosis but politely disagreed with the prescription.
"Young adults in these generations aren't drawn through words," he remarked about the ad campaign. "In the Internet era, there are just too many words to choose from. When it comes to attracting and retaining the nation's youth, our research shows that no organization has been more successful than gangs. Aligning with them from that perspective is sensible not only to discover and learn from their methods, but to bring an instant influx of needed youth."
Thanks to a failed burglary attempt at one of its buildings, and several subsequent hours of confined questioning, the church eventually found an executive liaison with the Preds, the area's fastest growing association.
"It's all good," said the Preds' Vicelord Antoine by untraceable cell phone. "They get to put pictures of us on their ads, we show up at some of their stuff, and they count us as members and whatnot."
Congregants responded with some unease that the Preds were given a set of master keys, but officials assuaged the concern with optimism.
"Jesus welcomed all to the table," senior pastor George Armsworthy. "Christianity is based on a foundation of trust freely given, and they have returned it in kind. Several of their members have already joined our finance committee and building maintenance committee. We were even able to form a nighttime patrol detail consisting entirely of their volunteers. That's just the kind of round-the-clock presence that youth have to offer."
Ziegler was quick to note that although the predominately African-American organization conveniently adds a stark dose of diversity into its traditionally white population, it was merely a byproduct of the youth movement. At the same time he acknowledged "God's deliberate creation of a multi-colored human race," and indicated preliminary plans to engage the Latin Swords after a phase-in period for the current operation.
Preds on local church administrative councils have generated immediate and meaningful change. Gone from some local congregations are the renowned cross-and-cloud emblem, the classic theme "Big Hearts, Big Minds, Big Buildings." Web sites and e-mail accounts have dropped the "DC" from their registers. When "Divided" was vandalized to obliteration from the church name on brick exterior facades, leadership cautioned against rush to judgment, capitalizing on the new relationship to investigate the matter.
"Nothing to see, nothing to know," Antoine summarized the committee's findings. "Things happen. So we started the Security Council."
Funding for the Security Council is collected separately from, and just prior to, the general collection plate during church services. Casually-styled "God Wantz You Protected" T-shirts channel yet another vibe of youthfulness from thicker-armed, specialized ushers. Finance committees verbally report that the new collections have been an irresistible success.
"The Gospels call us to come together," Ziegler said. "Thanks to Antoine and his brethren, we're no longer 'DCs' and 'Preds,' we're members of the body of Christ."
"They say the Bible says 'take sinners to dinner' and 'forgive seventy times.' I like that," Antoine remarked.
A summer picnic celebrating the effort will be held at dusk this Saturday in the back lot of the church grounds. Families are encouraged to bring their wallets to enjoy the many carnival games, tattoo booths and consumables that will be available for purchase.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Super 8
Dena had been interested in this for a while. God blessed me with a wife who digs action flicks!
A group of five friends, including one who'd lost his mother in a tragic accident, are out making an amateur film for a festival. A train crash unleashes terror on a small Ohio town. The Air Force moves in and plays the bad guy, snooping all about and hiding details. It begins to feel like several recent science fiction movies that end upon an unsettling note of world doom.
Then it all shifts. You remember that this is a Steven Spielberg gig. I haven't seen a movie quite like this since E.T.
Welcome Elle Fanning (Dakota's little sister) who plays the love interest and teams up with her beau to prove that kids can be smarter than adults with their hearts in the right place.
I wouldn't pay for 3D or motion chairs, but I'd recommend you squeeze this in on your holiday if you can!
A group of five friends, including one who'd lost his mother in a tragic accident, are out making an amateur film for a festival. A train crash unleashes terror on a small Ohio town. The Air Force moves in and plays the bad guy, snooping all about and hiding details. It begins to feel like several recent science fiction movies that end upon an unsettling note of world doom.
Then it all shifts. You remember that this is a Steven Spielberg gig. I haven't seen a movie quite like this since E.T.
Welcome Elle Fanning (Dakota's little sister) who plays the love interest and teams up with her beau to prove that kids can be smarter than adults with their hearts in the right place.
I wouldn't pay for 3D or motion chairs, but I'd recommend you squeeze this in on your holiday if you can!
Jung Personality Test
It had been a while since I took the test.
www.humanmetrics.com
I'm ISTJ. Slightly "sensing" and "thinking" rather than "intuition" or "feeling." Moderately "introverted" and "judging" rather than "extroverted" or "perceiving."
My career recommendations include accounting, management and sports coaching. Yep.
They also include physician, military training, and mechanic. Ha!
Take it with a grain of salt. But take it!
www.humanmetrics.com
I'm ISTJ. Slightly "sensing" and "thinking" rather than "intuition" or "feeling." Moderately "introverted" and "judging" rather than "extroverted" or "perceiving."
My career recommendations include accounting, management and sports coaching. Yep.
They also include physician, military training, and mechanic. Ha!
Take it with a grain of salt. But take it!
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Old Solutions Are The Best
From Men's Health:
When your partner is upset but isn't clear about what she wants from you, do you...
A. Start drawing up solutions to her problems
B. Remind her of times she has solves problems for yourself
Answer: B. Drawing up solutions may feel constructive, but it also might make her feel powerless. Tell her that you believe in her, and point out times in the past when she effectively addressed similar problems.
When your partner is upset but isn't clear about what she wants from you, do you...
A. Start drawing up solutions to her problems
B. Remind her of times she has solves problems for yourself
Answer: B. Drawing up solutions may feel constructive, but it also might make her feel powerless. Tell her that you believe in her, and point out times in the past when she effectively addressed similar problems.
Invisible Support
"Support can be characterized in two completely different ways... I show 'visible' support every time I tell her she looks great, or that she's supertalented... The second is called 'invisible' support. It's what happens when, instead of giving Sue advice, I just sit back and listen. Invisible support could even include vacuuming the apartment or washing the dishes without being asked." - John Lutz, 30 Rock
The challenge for guys often isn't to come up with solutions, but to resist the urge to do so. It isn't to be noticed, it's to be unnoticed.
The challenge for guys often isn't to come up with solutions, but to resist the urge to do so. It isn't to be noticed, it's to be unnoticed.
Mike Reid - Walk On Faith
Great messages in here.
Walk on faith... trust in love... keep on putting one foot down in front of the other.
When the valley's wide, we stumble in stride, and everything inside's telling you to give up...
Walk on faith, trust in love.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Vacation Bible School Music
Calvary United Methodist Church's Vacation Bible School took place from June 13-16. Pals Darren Plattner, Rob Stogsdill and I played a group of good-natured small town fellas who've been asked to lead the town sing-along at the annual Fall Harvest Festival. Despite no musical or farming skills, they decide to plant a crop (which goes terribly) and write a song (which goes better as the days go by).
The theme was "Growing God's Word In Your Heart." The four Bible verses were:
Day 1: Planting
Parable of the Four Soils
Mark 4:1-9
Day 2: Nurturing/Pruning
The Vine and the Branches
John 15:1-8
Day 3: Bearing Fruit
A Tree and Its Fruit
Luke 6:43-45
Day 4: Harvesting
Matthew 9:37-38
Photos used as props were contributed by Dena. And thanks to the magic of audio recording toys, the three-part sound track & instruments & clap track by yours truly.
A record 249 kids and their parents went wild after the finale!
Next year's theme is about construction. Should leave plenty of time to come up with another entertaining brand of amateur skits!
The theme was "Growing God's Word In Your Heart." The four Bible verses were:
Day 1: Planting
Parable of the Four Soils
Mark 4:1-9
Day 2: Nurturing/Pruning
The Vine and the Branches
John 15:1-8
Day 3: Bearing Fruit
A Tree and Its Fruit
Luke 6:43-45
Day 4: Harvesting
Matthew 9:37-38
Photos used as props were contributed by Dena. And thanks to the magic of audio recording toys, the three-part sound track & instruments & clap track by yours truly.
A record 249 kids and their parents went wild after the finale!
Next year's theme is about construction. Should leave plenty of time to come up with another entertaining brand of amateur skits!
Consumer Reports Finds Best Fast Food Restaurants
From Yahoo! Finance:
Next time you have a craving for fast food, think twice about slowing down for Burger King, KFC, McDonald's, or Taco Bell.
In our first major survey of quick-service restaurants (industry-speak for fast-food chains), subscribers who made a total of more than 98,000 visits to 53 chains said those four biggies were worse than many others. The main reason: the uninspiring food, though they also had so-so service. Readers said those chains, which boast of supersized value, don't even offer much bang for the buck. Other major chains with relatively low scores: sandwich shops Arby's and Quiznos and pizza joints Domino's (NYSE: DPZ - News) and Pizza Hut.
By contrast, our survey revealed good deals and even better meals at dozens of less-ubiquitous fast-food restaurants. Readers gave 21 of them especially high marks for food; 11 stood out for value. In-N-Out Burger (264 restaurants in Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas, and Utah), Chipotle Mexican Grill (1,100 nationwide) (NYSE: CMG - News), Chick-fil-A (1,536 nationwide), and Papa Murphy's Take 'N' Bake Pizza (1,250 in 37 states and Canada) ranked at the top of their type, and offered speedy and solicitous service that the industry giants couldn't match. (Most restaurant counts are approximate.)
Our survey's other key findings:
Diners Want Better Food
Many restaurants scored higher for service -- specifically, speed and politeness -- than for food. At chains with the highest scores for food, 42 to 54 percent of patrons called the fare excellent, but at Burger King, KFC (NYSE: YUM - News), McDonald's (NYSE: MCD - News), and Taco Bell, no more than 11 percent of patrons did. In fact, 15 to 19 percent of respondents who ate at one of those chains thought the food was fair, poor, or very poor. At Sbarro, an international Italian chain trying to emerge from bankruptcy, 27 percent of patrons judged the food fair, poor, or very poor.
Cheap Food May Not Be a Bargain
Fifty-four percent of those surveyed cited low prices as a reason for picking a particular fast-food restaurant, and savvy shoppers can often score discounts by downloading coupons and other perks from a chain's website and social-media pages. But despite the low prices, just 19 percent of all respondents said they got excellent value for their money. In-N-Out Burger, Papa Murphy's, and CiCi's Pizza offered the best value; Sbarro, Round Table Pizza, and KFC, the worst.
Diners Want a Better Experience
Whether they ordered cafeteria-style, at a counter, or at a drive-thru, or had food delivered, readers were much less pleased overall with fast-food restaurants than with casual full-service eateries like Cracker Barrel, Outback Steakhouse, and Red Lobster. Sixty percent of respondents said they were completely or very satisfied with their fast-food dining experiences vs. 68 percent of casual-restaurant patrons.
Sometimes Fast Food Isn't
The slowest places to get fast food were KFC, Popeyes, and Pizza Hut.
Consumers Talk Thin But Eat Fat
Despite their reputation for blowing a diet to smithereens, fast-food restaurants offer plenty of healthful options. Hardee's (1,900 in 30 states and nine countries) and Carl's Jr. (1,100 worldwide) recently started selling charbroiled turkey burgers; Subway (34,679 in 98 countries), egg-white omelets; and Little Caesars (thousands from coast to coast), pizza crust and sauce with no animal products.
Trouble is, there aren't many takers. "Indulgence wins over healthfulness every time," says Darren Tristano, executive vice president of Technomic, a food-service research and consulting firm in Chicago. When asked if they had eaten a healthful meal during their most recent visit to a fast-food restaurant, only 13 percent of those surveyed said yes. At pizza chains, just 4 percent said they'd ordered something healthful.
Subway, with a "Fresh Fit" menu and spokesman Jared Fogle (an everyday guy who lost 245 pounds partly by living on the chain's low-fat subs), had the most diet-conscious eaters: Almost half of respondents who ate there said they chose a nutritious meal. But not all sandwiches are created equal, even at Subway, where the footlong Italian B.M.T. sub packs 900 calories and 40 grams of fat.
Next time you have a craving for fast food, think twice about slowing down for Burger King, KFC, McDonald's, or Taco Bell.
In our first major survey of quick-service restaurants (industry-speak for fast-food chains), subscribers who made a total of more than 98,000 visits to 53 chains said those four biggies were worse than many others. The main reason: the uninspiring food, though they also had so-so service. Readers said those chains, which boast of supersized value, don't even offer much bang for the buck. Other major chains with relatively low scores: sandwich shops Arby's and Quiznos and pizza joints Domino's (NYSE: DPZ - News) and Pizza Hut.
By contrast, our survey revealed good deals and even better meals at dozens of less-ubiquitous fast-food restaurants. Readers gave 21 of them especially high marks for food; 11 stood out for value. In-N-Out Burger (264 restaurants in Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas, and Utah), Chipotle Mexican Grill (1,100 nationwide) (NYSE: CMG - News), Chick-fil-A (1,536 nationwide), and Papa Murphy's Take 'N' Bake Pizza (1,250 in 37 states and Canada) ranked at the top of their type, and offered speedy and solicitous service that the industry giants couldn't match. (Most restaurant counts are approximate.)
Our survey's other key findings:
Diners Want Better Food
Many restaurants scored higher for service -- specifically, speed and politeness -- than for food. At chains with the highest scores for food, 42 to 54 percent of patrons called the fare excellent, but at Burger King, KFC (NYSE: YUM - News), McDonald's (NYSE: MCD - News), and Taco Bell, no more than 11 percent of patrons did. In fact, 15 to 19 percent of respondents who ate at one of those chains thought the food was fair, poor, or very poor. At Sbarro, an international Italian chain trying to emerge from bankruptcy, 27 percent of patrons judged the food fair, poor, or very poor.
Cheap Food May Not Be a Bargain
Fifty-four percent of those surveyed cited low prices as a reason for picking a particular fast-food restaurant, and savvy shoppers can often score discounts by downloading coupons and other perks from a chain's website and social-media pages. But despite the low prices, just 19 percent of all respondents said they got excellent value for their money. In-N-Out Burger, Papa Murphy's, and CiCi's Pizza offered the best value; Sbarro, Round Table Pizza, and KFC, the worst.
Diners Want a Better Experience
Whether they ordered cafeteria-style, at a counter, or at a drive-thru, or had food delivered, readers were much less pleased overall with fast-food restaurants than with casual full-service eateries like Cracker Barrel, Outback Steakhouse, and Red Lobster. Sixty percent of respondents said they were completely or very satisfied with their fast-food dining experiences vs. 68 percent of casual-restaurant patrons.
Sometimes Fast Food Isn't
The slowest places to get fast food were KFC, Popeyes, and Pizza Hut.
Consumers Talk Thin But Eat Fat
Despite their reputation for blowing a diet to smithereens, fast-food restaurants offer plenty of healthful options. Hardee's (1,900 in 30 states and nine countries) and Carl's Jr. (1,100 worldwide) recently started selling charbroiled turkey burgers; Subway (34,679 in 98 countries), egg-white omelets; and Little Caesars (thousands from coast to coast), pizza crust and sauce with no animal products.
Trouble is, there aren't many takers. "Indulgence wins over healthfulness every time," says Darren Tristano, executive vice president of Technomic, a food-service research and consulting firm in Chicago. When asked if they had eaten a healthful meal during their most recent visit to a fast-food restaurant, only 13 percent of those surveyed said yes. At pizza chains, just 4 percent said they'd ordered something healthful.
Subway, with a "Fresh Fit" menu and spokesman Jared Fogle (an everyday guy who lost 245 pounds partly by living on the chain's low-fat subs), had the most diet-conscious eaters: Almost half of respondents who ate there said they chose a nutritious meal. But not all sandwiches are created equal, even at Subway, where the footlong Italian B.M.T. sub packs 900 calories and 40 grams of fat.
Hidden Blog Turns 4
How about it?
Four years is no particularly meaningful milestone in a blog's lifetime, but it is fun to look back thanks to the power of Blogger's stats-accumulating feature.
Total posts: 2,507. This is something of a surprise. I'd tried to start two or three blogs previously after being introduced to them through an acquaintance. Finding material was always a struggle, transitioning to a journalist's mindset. Looking at the world through the eyes of a person alert for blogworthy moments. Eventually, it led me to become a bigger reader. The original premise was superficially to catch Country Joe McDonald in Googlability, but the real purpose was to develop an electronic journal. Family members had encouraged me to do it as a boy, but those snappily-bound notebooks found their way into forgotten corners without a mark. I started and stopped at writing a Bernstein Bears children's book, wrote poems at whimsical moments, pretended to be a sportswriter covering a Micro League baseball team over a full season. Satired the Hardy Boys (the Haughty Boys) and the Super Bowl Shuffle. Never really got into writing on a steady basis. Like other accomplishments in my life, this one took off once I attached a goal to it - and 50 posts a month has been all the fuel needed. Even in this, the most work-intensive month of my career, the quota was filled. Quality beats quantity, and occasionally a gem trickles out.
Total followers: 10. Even more surprising here. I could hardly believe when Dona made a comment about my completely unadvertised blog years back. No doubt, the knowledge that someone might be out there reading has influenced my dedication to faithful production.
Readership has trended upward.
Monthly views:
- Jul 2009: 995 views
- Sep 2010: 1,426
- Feb 2011: 1,632
- Jun 2011: 2,263
17,000 views in the last two years is probably swamped by Country Joe in an hour, but thanks to followers Jane, Dona and Lola for trafficking 500 of them through their site.
The most-viewed posts:
- McDonald Diagnosed With Grover's Disease: 1,050 views
- Undercover Boss: 731
- Puppets - Boost Mobile TV Commercial: 197
- Mega Python Vs. Gatoroid: 157
- Nordstrom Employee Handbook: 152
Most of the views no doubt were people stumbling across it while searching for something else. So while the stated goal has changed, the name remains true... the Hidden Blog to be tripped upon by passers-by for years to come.
Four years is no particularly meaningful milestone in a blog's lifetime, but it is fun to look back thanks to the power of Blogger's stats-accumulating feature.
Total posts: 2,507. This is something of a surprise. I'd tried to start two or three blogs previously after being introduced to them through an acquaintance. Finding material was always a struggle, transitioning to a journalist's mindset. Looking at the world through the eyes of a person alert for blogworthy moments. Eventually, it led me to become a bigger reader. The original premise was superficially to catch Country Joe McDonald in Googlability, but the real purpose was to develop an electronic journal. Family members had encouraged me to do it as a boy, but those snappily-bound notebooks found their way into forgotten corners without a mark. I started and stopped at writing a Bernstein Bears children's book, wrote poems at whimsical moments, pretended to be a sportswriter covering a Micro League baseball team over a full season. Satired the Hardy Boys (the Haughty Boys) and the Super Bowl Shuffle. Never really got into writing on a steady basis. Like other accomplishments in my life, this one took off once I attached a goal to it - and 50 posts a month has been all the fuel needed. Even in this, the most work-intensive month of my career, the quota was filled. Quality beats quantity, and occasionally a gem trickles out.
Total followers: 10. Even more surprising here. I could hardly believe when Dona made a comment about my completely unadvertised blog years back. No doubt, the knowledge that someone might be out there reading has influenced my dedication to faithful production.
Readership has trended upward.
Monthly views:
- Jul 2009: 995 views
- Sep 2010: 1,426
- Feb 2011: 1,632
- Jun 2011: 2,263
17,000 views in the last two years is probably swamped by Country Joe in an hour, but thanks to followers Jane, Dona and Lola for trafficking 500 of them through their site.
The most-viewed posts:
- McDonald Diagnosed With Grover's Disease: 1,050 views
- Undercover Boss: 731
- Puppets - Boost Mobile TV Commercial: 197
- Mega Python Vs. Gatoroid: 157
- Nordstrom Employee Handbook: 152
Most of the views no doubt were people stumbling across it while searching for something else. So while the stated goal has changed, the name remains true... the Hidden Blog to be tripped upon by passers-by for years to come.
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