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One minute, you're checking your balance as you wait to board your plane; the next, someone else is dipping their hands in your honey pot, leaving you high and dry on what was supposed to be the vacation of a lifetime. Or worse: A few years down the road, you're denied a bank loan because a stranger played fast and loose with your credit. Identity theft is nothing new even the most diligent people can be vulnerable to theft. However, we often let our guard down and put ourselves at even more risk when we travel. Becky Frost, senior manager of consumer education for ProtectMyID (an identity theft protection provider powered by Experian), refers to identity theft as "a crime of opportunity." And just few minutes on a public Wi-Fi network or a single piece of uncollected mail could grant strangers access to your bank account, credit cards and even health insurance. Unfortunately, there's no surefire way to guarantee the safety of your identity, but there are steps you can take before, during and after your vacation to reduce your chances of becoming one of the 27,000 Americans who have their identities stolen each day. As Frost put it, "The last thing you want to do is have your vacation lead to an identity thief's vacation." Before you go Clean out your wallet Often so preoccupied with what we need to bring on our trip, we sometimes forget about what we should be leaving behind. "I'm always surprised that people carry their social security card in their wallets. It shouldn't be one of the items you carry," Frost said. Before you leave, take a few moments to remove anything you won't need, such as credit cards you don't plan on using while away. As you're doing that, create an inventory of everything in your billfold that will make it easier to fill out a report should your wallet get lost or stolen. You can do this the old-fashioned way (with a pen and paper) or by using ProtectMyID's "Lost Wallet" feature, which allows you to record any credit, debit and medical cards you have so that ProtectMyID agents can cancel them more quickly if necessary. Stop your mail A pile of newspapers on your doorstep or an overflowing mailbox isn't just an invitation to burglars; savvy fraudsters can use information in unopened bills and other letters to worm their way into your life. Before you leave town, contact the post office and place a hold your mail, or ask a neighbor or friend to collect your correspondence until you return. Lock up We don't just mean your door, we mean everything. Store any sensitive documents (including the items you just cleaned out of your wallet) in a locked compartment in your home just in case of a burglary. The same goes for your devices: "No one intends to lose his or her phone or laptop, but it can happen even if you're careful," said Joe Sullivan, chief security officer at Facebook. "Make sure each device has a strong password set so that a stranger can't easily access your information, and encrypt the drive on the device if you can." (If you have an Android device, you can do this by navigating to your settings and clicking on the security option; iOS automatically encrypts your information when your device is locked.) Frost also suggests having the capability to wipe your phone, tablet or laptop of any sensitive information should you lose it; both Android and iOS devices can be wiped remotely. Take stock of your online identity You may not realize it, but your social media accounts may be leaving you vulnerable to identity theft. "[Identity thieves] know that, as humans, we share information online," Frost said. And that information could be dangerous if it falls into the wrong hands. For example, if you're friends with your mother on Facebook, and you use her maiden name as your bank account security question, cunning crooks can finagle their way into your accounts after a peek at your contacts. And if you like to post pictures of your dog on Instagram, your pup's name isn't the best password choice. Frost advises taking a closer look at your privacy settings: "It's important to do an inventory: What information are you posting and is it public or private?" To see who has access to the information you post to Facebook, click on the little padlock icon that appears in the top right-hand corner of your profile. Your Instagram privacy settings can also be managed through Facebook or directly through the mobile app by clicking "Edit Your Profile" and setting your posts to private. Update your software Identity thieves and hackers are continuously finding new ways to access information, meaning that your anti-theft and virus protection software could be out of date. Sullivan strongly recommends doing some maintenance on any device traveling with you. "[Updating] your software to the latest available version […] will help protect you from the latest known threats," he said. During your trip Connect with caution When it comes to logging on to public Internet in airports, hotels or cafes, proceed with caution: Identity thieves often set up faulty Wi-Fi networks for the sole purpose of scamming folks who just can't bear to disconnect. Frost suggests avoiding public connections by creating your own hot spot with a portable router, which usually operates off of a local SIM card. (The cost of a portable router starts at about $5, and they can be purchased at most electronic stores.) With a portable router, you can set a password and limit access to specific devices. If you decide to risk surfing on a public Wi-Fi connection, be careful about which websites you frequent. "Visit sites that support network encryption known as HTTPS or SSL most sites like your bank, Facebook, and commerce sites will run this way by default," Sullivan said. Frost follows one simple rule of thumb: "I don't access anything that requires a password on public Wi-Fi," she said, adding: "Don't do anything that you wouldn't want a thief looking over your shoulder and seeing." Take care in what you share Like a pile of newspapers on the doorstep, social media posts about vacation can draw unwanted attention. If you've slacked on maintaining your privacy settings, posting photos or "checking in" on social media sites like Facebook and Foursquare will alert strangers that you're not at home and increase your chances of returning to the scene of a home invasion. When posting updates, Frost highly recommends turning off any geolocation features. And when it comes to pictures, "Wait and upload those photos until you're home," she suggested. Being diligent about what you share on the Internet (and how) won't only help deter identity thieves, but also those interested in using your information for other purposes without your permission. In an op-ed published in January 2014, New York Times travel writer Seth Kugel described how he reacted when he discovered his family photo on a billboard in Brazil; the photo was used without the family's permission. What happened to Kugel is not uncommon. When posting and reposting information is the norm, keeping track of pictures and other personal assets has become increasingly difficult. However, Sullivan reminds us: "If you use Facebook to post about your travels, you're in control to share information with only the people you want." He recommends using the Activity Log tool (which you can access by clicking the "View Activity Log" button at the bottom of your cover photo) to control who can see each specific update you post on your profile. When you get home Scan for viruses You may bring home more than souvenirs from your vacation viruses can haunt you long after you've returned. Once you finish unpacking, Sullivan suggests taking a few minutes to run your antivirus software. This will help you catch any bugs your devices may have caught while you were away. Remain vigilant Signs of identity theft may not appear right away. It's important to keep an eye on your credit card and bank statements and report any irregularities as soon as possible. "One of the most obvious mistakes is thinking 'It won't happen to me,' and not having a plan," Frost said. "When something happens, your response time is critical to limiting the repercussions." Identity monitoring services like ProtectMyID act as virtual security guards, watching for any suspicious activity (such as a fraudulent change-of-address request) alerting you to irregularities in your credit. You'll also receive help restoring your identity should you become a victim. For additional information on identity theft and tips on how to prevent it, visit the ProtectMyID blog. | 2 | 1,400 | travel |
How many calories can you burn in 5 minutes? Well, with this intense work out you can burn plenty. Each full-body move is designed to keep your heart rate up while building metabolism-boosting muscle. With no equipment needed, press play right now and get at it! | 7 | 1,401 | health |
What happens when you get Ebola? CNN's Miguel Marquez explains (Sources: CDC and WHO). | 5 | 1,402 | news |
If you're more of an introvert than an extrovert, or if small talk just drives you nuts, then certain jobs involving a lot of office chitchat might not be right for you. There are plenty of positions that allow you to work more independently; these jobs ensure that the majority of co-worker interactions you have are brief, and more importantly, to the point. See below for some great examples. Source: Shutterstock Financial Analyst Financial analysts deal mostly in data, numbers, stocks, and bonds. They study trends and advise businesses and individuals on investments, but they often only have to interact with their clients during period checkups. Many people in other financial fields - like accountants and actuaries - often deal with numbers more than they do with people. BING: HOW TO MAKE A CAREER CHANGE Graphic Designer Graphic designers, like artists, spend a good portion of their time thinking creatively and coming up with ideas independently. There are certainly positions in this field that may require more teamwork and therefore more small talk, but there are plenty of graphic design jobs that don't require that much interaction with people daily - especially once an idea or project has been brainstormed and decided on. All that's left then is to implement it. BING: ARE YOU AN INTROVERT? Wildlife or Street Photographer One of the main concepts of street photography is the idea that photos should be as authentic and candid as possible. This means that the photographer must be subtle and avoid interaction with the subject while they are capturing the moment. Lucky for you - this means no small talk required!A similar thing goes for wildlife photography - the photographer has to be quiet and very, very patient in order to get their photo. And, well, animals can't talk . . . so that helps, too. BING: WORST OFFICE STORIES Lab Technician Medical lab technicians work behind the scenes rather than on the front lines, like many others in the medicine world. They analyze a wide range of data and apply that knowledge in an effort to contribute to the medicine and science worlds. Technician jobs span across many fields, but because lab techs spend the majority of their time researching in an actual lab, they avoid an environment with a lot of idle chatter. BING: HOW TO HAVE MORE MEANINGFUL CONVERSATIONS Freelance Writer or Blogger Writing is a very broad profession, but if you freelance write or blog, it's very easy to work from home instead of an office. Working from home means less interaction with people face-to-face - instead, most communication with editors or agents can occur over email or phone.If you are attempting to publish a book, you usually have even more freedom to work independently because your deadlines are oftentimes further apart. BING: HOW TO START YOUR BLOG Information Technology There is a whole wide world of jobs under the umbrella of IT, but since all of them are extremely computer-oriented, it means that there is significant potential for positions that allow telecommuting. While not all IT jobs are the same, since there's a wide array of them, it means there's a good chance you could find one that requires less interaction and small talk with people. BING: WORST OFFICE STORIES Artist Being an artist may not always be the most lucrative of jobs, but it's definitely one that allows (and even sometimes requires) more alone time than most jobs. Artists have more flexibility in terms of where they work and what they are working on. Since they often work in a studio or at home, they see people less often - if that's what they choose. BING: HOW TO MAKE A CAREER CHANGE Film, Video, or Audio Editor While most people in these positions interact with co-workers, a large portion of an editing job involves being in a studio, wearing headphones, and watching or listening to bits of film and audio. The longer the piece of work, the more time for listening and the less time for small talk. BING: ARE YOU AN INTROVERT? | 4 | 1,403 | lifestyle |
Being pretty pays. Research consistently finds that attractive people benefit from their beauty over their lifetime. | 4 | 1,404 | lifestyle |
Whether it's an ankle sprain, an aching back, surgery or a broken bone, chances are if you're physically active, you've also been sidelined by an injury. While both injury and the recovery process can be painful physically and emotionally, the good news is in many cases you'll be able to return to the routine you so dearly love. In a recent study published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine , researchers found that the majority of college athletes who suffer an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury return to play . But as anyone who has recovered from an ACL tear or other physical activity-related injury can attest, that doesn't mean it's easy . Here are a few tips to make it as seamless a process as possible. Get the (objective) facts. After you feel a twinge in your knee during your intramural basketball game, your first instinct is probably to do a quick internet search for your symptoms and jump to the worst possible conclusion. But every body -- and therefore every injury -- is unique, and you should run those symptoms by a doctor, not a search engine. "I encourage individuals to gather facts about their injury from medical professionals," says Jennifer E. Carter, Ph.D., director of sports psychology at the Ohio State University Sports Medicine Center. Immediately after the injury, ask questions like, "What's the prognosis? What's the typical course of recovery? What physical activities can I still do?" she says. If the injury requires a rehabilitation program, that too should be objective, says Pat Davidson, Ph.D., a former exercise science professor and current director of training methodology at Peak Performance in New York City. Ideally, a physical therapist will put you through a "whole-body objective measurement system," he says, for a more global perspective on your pain. He analogizes treating the site of the pain without understanding the rest of the body to making the bed: If you're putting on your bottom sheet, and the fourth corner doesn't make it, would you say the problem is the fourth corner? Well, not necessarily. One of the other corners probably has too much fabric tucked in, and as a good detective, I would find out which corner is the site of the problem, normalize the problem, and the fourth corner [now] goes on perfectly. Many of us examining our own pain, we're blaming the "fourth corner". Find a network of care providers. You'll get the best care, says Davidson, with a team. If you're hoping to get back to working out with a trainer, ideally that trainer will be in close communication with your physical therapist. "That way, the physical therapist can give advice to the trainer and the trainer can give feedback to the physical therapist," he says. If you don't typically exercise with a trainer, a physical therapist may be able to recommend someone trusted to help see you through reentry. Stop if pain gets worse. Even with a trainer by your side -- but especially without one -- you're going to have to pay a little extra attention to yourself as you get back into your routine. Take things slowly at first, "making sure that you're not blindly doing movements without focusing on control," says Davidson. And "if you do a movement and the pain ... gets worse, discontinue what you're doing," he says. Of course, for many athletes, that's easier said than done. "Due to the pressures of sport, some athletes may feel pushed to return before they're ready," says Carter. Check in with yourself and be honest about your pain: Are you minimizing it just because you're tired of sitting on the sideline? "There is no perfect sign that individuals are ready to return, but hopefully they can gradually build back into the physical activity they love," she says. Find alternatives. Especially if you're aiming for a specific fitness goal -- running a marathon, setting a new bench press one-rep max -- it can be particularly frustrating to time off from exercise and watch the progress you had made melt away. But depending on what you're trying to maintain, there may be alternative ways to work out that don't affect your injury. Most people, says Davidson, are worried about losing cardiovascular fitness when injured, "because of the health ramifications associated with it," but a number of low-impact forms of cardio, like swimming, cycling or even the elliptical might not cause pain like running, walking or your weekly soccer matches do. Ask your doctor and your physical therapist what activities might still be appropriate. If all else fails, in some cases, says Davidson, even breathing exercises might help . Learn to love rest. When's the last time you really took a break? "Overtraining is rampant," says Carter, and even the most dedicated athletes need to build rest and recovery into their training plans. "As athletes cope with the loss of injury, I might ... reframe the injury as an opportunity to rest and recharge and to build mental skills," she says. An injury might feel like forced rest but is still time for the body -- and the mind -- to grow, she says. "Athletes can use the time off ... to practice skills of relaxation, imagery, goal-setting, helpful self-talk, focus and team building." Acknowledge your emotions. In a handful of athletes, the emotional turmoil of being sidelined by an injury may be even worse than the physical pain. "Athletes typically feel shock, denial, fear, anger, sadness and/or isolation," says Carter. "Some athletes feel such a sense of loss that it's like they're grieving. About 20 to 30 percent of athletes sustaining severe injuries develop symptoms of clinical depression . Individuals vulnerable to eating disorders might develop destructive food habits after an injury," she says. Tell your doctor if you're feeling particularly down about an injury, as he or she may be able to recommend some mental techniques to help or refer you to someone who can. Focus on form first. There are a few "prerequisites" you need before diving back into your fitness routine, says Davidson. He suggests focusing on muscular endurance first, the ability of your muscles, essentially, to not wimp out on you at lower weight and intensity, as well as your ability to simply do the movements properly with good form. "You have to make sure that you have motor control and then [muscular] endurance," he says. " Then you're pretty safe to get back to doing things you normally do." Set small goals. Even those of us who feel the most eager to get back into the swing of things might be simultaneously nervous to do so."It's common to fear re-injury," says Carter, "and to experience a dip in confidence upon return." She suggests focusing on the fact that injuries are sometimes unavoidable in physical activity, but that it's unlikely something will happen again right away. In the meantime, take things slowly, setting small, attainable goals so you can still feel like you're accomplishing something without getting too intense right out of the gate. "Focus on yourself and avoid comparisons to others," she says. Those same mental skills you practiced while you were resting can come in handy, she says, "perhaps deep breaths to stay loose, pre-performance routines, self-talk like 'Be aggressive' or 'Loose and easy' and connecting with teammates." | 7 | 1,405 | health |
If Halloween is one of your favourite holidays, you know that it can cost just as much money as the others. This year, Americans will be spending about £4 billion on the spooky festivities. Seeing that the average person is estimated to spend around £40, let's slash those costs by celebrating All Hallows' Eve in these thrifty ways: Watch a scary movie at home with friends. (Check out these 11 ways to watch movies for free ). Carve a pumpkin with friends. Roast pumpkin seeds after carving. Make pumpkin dishes with leftover guts from carving. Experiment with no-carve pumpkins . Make your own Halloween candy . Reuse an old costume, make your own , or borrow one from your friend. Check out our list of costumes you can make for free . Bring out a Ouija board for a spooky night. Go camping, make s'mores, and tell ghost stories around a fire. Make these Halloween decorations for a few pounds. Borrow a horror book from the library. Here are some other ways to get free books . Visit a pumpkin patch. Check to see what free Halloween events are going on in your city. Create your own haunted house at home with things you already have. Invite friends over. Bob for apples. Go trick-or-treating. Experiment with face paint. Here's how to make your own . Make a Halloween costume for your pet . Try out some Halloween-themed nail art . Watch documentaries on real-life ghost stories. Visit a real-life haunted location near you. Wear a costume to work on Halloween if you are allowed to. Scare yourself by reading original horror stories submitted by users on Reddit's nosleep subreddit . Warning: there's a reason why the subreddit is called "nosleep." Go and get lost in a corn maze. Plan to pull a scary prank on someone you know. Before you do that, make sure they enjoy being scared! Making hot cider . Drive or walk around and admire neighbours' decorations and pumpkins. Hold a costume contest with friends. Brainstorm and dress up in a group costume with friends. Here are some ideas . Bring flashlights and go on a spooky night hike with friends Try every pumpkin-flavored snack from famous brands. | 4 | 1,406 | lifestyle |
The Office of Travel and Tourism estimates that in 2013, more than 29 million Americans traveled overseas, primarily to countries where English isn't the first language. Although many tourists can get by with English alone, a big part of cultural immersion is being able to understand and communicate in the native tongue. You don't need to become fluent, but picking up a few key phrases will help you make most of your travels abroad (and keep you safe, too). Heed these suggestions and you'll be on your way to communicating with locals in no time. Know before you go Picking up the language after you've already arrived will likely be overwhelming, so make time before your departure to tackle some language basics. Instead of focusing on learning proper grammar rules, as you might in a foreign language class, try to learn commonly used words and phrases to help you interact with native speakers. Learn standard greetings, such as "hello" and "goodbye," as well as "please," "thank you," "I'm sorry" and "excuse me." Other useful phrases include "please speak slowly" and "I don't know." Knowing how to ask certain questions like "Do you speak English?" or "How much does this cost?" will also save you a lot of time. And as a safety precaution, learn how to say a few distress phrases. Even if you don't end up using them, you'll feel more at ease having words like "help," "emergency" and "police" in your arsenal. Don't try to cram useless vocabulary, either. Instead, search for lists of the most commonly used words in a particular language and commit yourself to learning those. It's a lot easier to memorize 100 words than 1,000. Remember, you're not alone: 53 percent of tourists learn useful words and phrases before their trip in order to better interact with locals, according to a 2014 Priceline report. You can also use websites like Meetup.com to find speakers and fellow language students to practice speaking with before you go. Also, check out cultural events in your community to see if any native speakers might be there. Use your smartphone More than 60 percent of tourists already use their phones for directions and finding restaurants and local stores, but only about 30 percent use it to translate foreign languages, according to Priceline. Using your phone as a translation tool means you can ditch the phrasebook. If you've ever needed to translate a website, you've likely used Google Translate. And you're in good company: Each month, more than 200 million people worldwide use Google Translate, both on their phones and on the Web. The service uses statistical machine translation to scan documents in 80 different languages and decipher what the appropriate translations should be. While it's one of the most popular translation apps, keep in mind that it does require an Internet connection. For navigating foreign streets, public transportation or even restaurant menus, Word Lens allows users to take pictures of signage and other printed words with their phone's camera and see translations in real time. The free app currently translates six languages into English, and doesn't require an Internet connection. But it does have one caveat: The app doesn't recognize handwriting. Another popular, free app that doesn't require data usage, Translate Professional includes more than 300 phrases for each of the more than 50 languages it translates. The app has multiple features, including a text translation function, as well as voices for 18 languages that are available for purchase. Interact with locals According to Priceline, 69 percent of locals enjoy it when tourists are curious and excited about their city, and trying to speak the language is one way to illustrate your enthusiasm. Knowing commonly used phrases and how to ask questions can facilitate conversation and lead you to local restaurants and shops for a more authentic experience. It's OK if you mispronounce some words; showing a respectful attempt is always appreciated. Write down key information, such as your hotel address or phone number, in the language so a native speaker can help guide you if necessary. If all else fails, use hand gestures and body language just make sure to research etiquette in the country to avoid offending anyone. For example, in Greece, putting up an open palm (what Americans think of as a high-five gesture) is the equivalent of flipping someone the bird. Luckily, plenty of destinations around the world learn English as a second language. So, if you get completely stuck, someone including your hotel concierge likely speaks English. | 2 | 1,407 | travel |
Subway trains from around the world With London Underground revealing designs of its new trains, here's a look at subway trains around the world. BING: WHICH SUBWAY SYSTEM IS ON TIME MOST? London Underground BING: WHICH QUEEN WAS THE FIRST REIGNING MONARCH TO RIDE THE TUBE? London Underground BING: THE LONDON SYSTEM JUST CELEBRATED A MILESTONE BIRTHDAY London Underground BING: THE GROUNDBREAKING NATURE OF LONDON'S UNDERGROUND London Underground BING: THIS TUNNEL IS THE LARGEST UNDERSEA TUNNEL IN THE WORLD London Underground BING: WHICH OF THESE LANDMARKS IS LONDON'S NEWEST? New York City Subway BING: WHAT NEW YORK SUBWAY LINE HAS BEEN CALLED THE CITY'S 'LOCH NESS MONSTER'? Dubai Metro BING: WHAT CAN YOU GET WITH DUBAI'S 'GOLD CLASS' SUBWAY PASS? Athens Metro BING: WHICH GODDESS IS HONORED AT ATHENS' PARTHENON ? Stockholm Metro BING: THE STOCKHOLM SUBWAY ALSO HOUSES THE LARGEST EXHIBITION OF THIS FINE PRODUCT Moscow Metro BING: IN 2013, MOSCOW POLICE DISCOVERED THIS SECRET UNDERGROUND CITY Hong Kong Subway BING: THE SURPRISING TRAIT OF THE HONG KONG SUBWAY SYSTEM Tokyo Metro BING: TOKYO SUBWAYS ARE SO CROWDED THAT THESE MEN WERE EMPLOYED TO HELP OUT Paris Metro BING: THIS MAY BE WHAT MOST TOURISTS INSTAGRAM WHILE IN PARIS | 5 | 1,408 | news |
More and more families are moving their living rooms outside, so why not do it in style? Here, we give you ideas to create your own outdoor living room complete with a sofa, fireplace, and even a chandelier. Beach House Patio "I was driving by a store in L.A., saw this 1960s patio furniture, and screeched to a stop," designer Kristen Ewart says. "It's modern without being stark, and petite there's not a lot of room out here." Outdoor Fireplace Designer Tobi Tobin completely revamped the backyard of her modern Hollywood Hills cottage. She used brick from an old patio for the new fireplace and created a terrace from sand mixed with granite. A candlelit chandelier can be raised and lowered by a rope pulley rigged to a tree. It casts a soft glow over Restoration Hardware's Gun Barrel Salvaged Wood dining table and all-weather wicker from World Market. Relaxed Veranda Rattan furniture creates a relaxed living room on the veranda of Amanda Lindroth's Bahamas house. Shutters and railings are painted Southfield Green by Benjamin Moore in Aura Exterior. Lamps, Circa Who. Dark Wood Furniture The covered porch of this traditional mountain home by architect Ruard Veltman has wood and metal furniture by Ruard Veltman Architecture and offers views of the North Carolina Appalachian mountains. Bright Cushions In the outdoor living room of this Malibu ranch by designers Todd Nickey and Amy Kehoe, a vintage sofa and coffee table mix with Janus et Cie chairs. Fire Pit A fire pit, a dock, and a Gerald DiGiusto 1960s steel sculpture come together in designer Thom Filicia's yard at his rustic but sophisticated upstate New York lake house. Limestone Veranda "The house is on a golf course with manicured lawns, so I liked repeating the grays and ivories of the interior against all the greenery," designer McDonald says of the limestone-tile veranda in a Los Angeles house, which has Restoration Hardware furniture. Happy Hues On the patio of a Menlo Park, California, house designed by Matthew Leverone, the slate-blue tones of Restoration Hardware's Carmel daybed, Pottery Barn's Frog Rain drum side tables, and Brown Jordan's Venetian chairs echo the house's siding. Pillows in Schumacher's Sunglass Print and Duralee's Pavilion. Outdoor Counter Designer Erin Martin extended the honed Calacatta marble counter from the kitchen of this California beach house outside to make passing food easier. Tolix Marais stools from Design Within Reach are pulled up to the counter. Colorful Outdoor Dining In a California house designed by Stephen Shubel, homeowner Gabriella Sarlo sometimes commandeers furniture from her cellar and sets it up outside for alfresco dining under century-old oak trees. The table, chairs, white bowls, and settee are from Chateau Sonoma. The rug over the settee is from Anthropologie, as are the glasses, purple bowl, and pitcher. The urn holding flowers is a French antique from stephenshubel.com. Outdoor Garden Table Designers Deirdre and Caleb Barber often entertain in their cozy Vermont cottages kitchen garden, between raised vegetable and flower beds Barber made out of red cedar from a garage they tore down. "We love the idea of the weekend country-house party in the European style, where everyone sits around the farmhouse table having long, leisurely meals, eating food made from the garden, and drinking interesting and honest wine." Sleek Rooftop Retreat Vibrant pink pillows encourage lounging on the rooftop of a Miami showhouse designed by Orlando Diaz-Azcuy. An All-American Screened Porch Filtered light from the screened porch shows off distressed oak hardwood floors. The pair of Palm Beach wicker sofas came from Walters Wicker in New York. The perfect all-American setting. Alfresco Dining In Monica Bhargava's California house, dinner is often served outdoors. Earthy Colors and Decor Designer Sandy Koepke chose earthy ochers and green colors to make this outdoor kitchen feel more natural, even with stainless steel appliances. Courtyard The Lane Venture settees and ottoman with cushions in Sunbrella fabrics create a cozy nesting spot in the courtyard of a Palm Beach maisonette. "Wicker is typical Palm Beach," designer Mimi McMakin says. "And the new synthetics are a godsend." The Patio This outdoor patio truly feels like a room, thanks to curtains of Sunbrella fabric in natural with red trim from West Coast Trim. Indian inlaid Regency-style chairs are from Singh Imports. The striped outdoor rug is from Ceylon et Cie; the pair of rattan ottomans and the wooden sphere on the coffee table are from Mecox Gardens; the resin wicker sofa and chairs are from Restoration Hardware. A Moorish-inspired mirror hangs from the pergola on industrial chains. On a table under the mirror are an antique iron armillary sphere from Nathan Turner and an oxidized urn from the Wisteria catalog. Outdoor Table If you stand in the kitchen and open the folding window, you can pass food out to the table on the patio the boundary between inside and outside seems to dissolve. The tablecloth is made from Kathryn Ireland's Marrakech in Bubblegum Pink. Plates are from Anthropologie. Glassware is from Rooms and Gardens. Moroccan hanging lamps are from Berbere Imports. Clock An oversize French clock face from Devonshire hangs above a Provençal table near the pool. A Relaxing Sunporch A comfy living room set in a sunporch is the best of both worlds: the feeling of being outside with the comfort of being indoors. The sunporch walls, ceilings, and floors are painted Benjamin Moore's Atrium White. An Oceanside Escape A view of the ocean is all you need to relax, but a beautiful terrace like this one doesn't hurt either. Dark furniture Janus et Cie's Veneto grounds the expansive oceanside terrace. Breakfast Spot Oak trees shade a round table surrounded by wicker chairs a favorite breakfast spot in a Sonoma, California, house designed by Rela Gleason. The Ultimate Covered Porch This covered porch has a mix of antique wicker; the fabric is "lemonade- and sangria-proof," says designer Robin Bell. Because who wants to clean up a mess after a relaxing afternoon? Sunroom The sunroom, part of the original 1952 house, is also the entrance. Photographer and owner Amy Neunsinger installed two pairs of double glass doors to create an indoor-outdoor flow. "The room really feels more like a patio," she says. The photographs include several taken by Neunsinger and her photo assistants. Antique Chinese chairs are paired with a vintage Saarinen table. Coffee table by Eric Troop; chandelier from Ochre. Walls are painted Van de Cane by Dunn-Edwards. A Colorful Cabana To connect the inside with the outside, Moises Esquenazi created a series of living areas in his Los Angeles backyard, including this cabana with a daybed that echoes the colors he used in the interior of his bungalow. The natural fiber pillows and the blue squares are from RL Home; striped and print pillows are by Trina Turk. Flower-Inspired Colors Designer Jean Larette chose the Janus et Cie Balcony chairs in the outdoor dining room to match the wild mustard flowers that blanket the surrounding Napa roadsides. The tabletop is concrete; legs are salvaged railroad ties. Backyard There was not one tree, and no pool, when the owners bought the California house decorated by Kathryn M. Ireland. They created this oasis. Restoration Hardware chaises with cushions in Kathryn Ireland fabrics. A Living Room Outdoors In a Napa Valley cottage decorated by Ken Fulk, the sweet sitting area has a colorful mix of accessories. Vintage metal glider and chairs from Zonal. Pillows from Pottery Barn. French Style Designer Ellen Niven's patio is furnished with Lane Venture's wicker Harbor Breeze collection. Backgammon set by Asprey. Outdoor Room In this outdoor room, "everything is meant to be a backdrop for the view," says the designer, Fern Santini. "You can see the entire Austin skyline, and a chain of lakes." Classic iron furniture from Janus et Cie. Dramatic Ceiling A ceiling painted in Benjamin Moore Aura in Black Knight makes for a handsome porch that's used year-round thanks to a fireplace and fans in a Nashville house designed by Markham Roberts. The teak sofa and armchairs by Restoration hardware are covered in kravet Navy canvas and Quadrille's Island ikat custom-printed on Sunbrella fabric. Palecek wingback chairs. Paul Ferrante pendant. A Classic Cottage Porch Walters Wicker Seagrass sofa and armchairs are covered in a Brunschwig & Fils cornflower blue and white plaid, which makes the screened porch an inviting spot for family gatherings. Ceiling color is Morning Glory by Benjamin Moore. Cozy Outdoor Fireplace The sitting area in this outdoor kitchen designed by Sandy Koepke blends into the surrounding natural environment. This is an ideal setting for entertaining, even complete with beer on tap. Back Terrace A gravel courtyard on the back terrace defines the outdoor living room of Jeannette Whitson's Nashville house. Crape myrtles form a "ceiling" over the furniture: a Provence sofa and chairs from Restoration Hardware, an antique garden urn transformed into a coffee table, and vintage ceramic garden stools. "It's such a sheltered area, birds like to nest in the trees," Whitson says. "Sometimes it feels like you're in an aviary." The terrace pavers are reclaimed limestone from English sidewalks. Porch The screened-in porch is "the perfect spot for a gin and tonic," designer Kim Coleman says. Green cushions Suncloth from Sonia's Place blend with the dune grass. Relaxing Outdoor Fireplace "What an inviting place to relax with a glass of wine in the evening!" says designer Jean Larette. The fireplace was designed by architect Marshall Schneider. Parati chairs by Carlos Motta. A Black and White Casual Porch A pair of wicker sofas from Restoration Hardware suits this classic porch, which is just off this home's living room. Pillow fabrics are Stripe in Chocolate Kiss by Perennials and Mari in Coral by Lulu DK. Casual and cozy! Rustic Gazebo A stone faux-bois dining table from France and iron gazebo from Anthropologie sit at the end of designer Jill Sharp Brinson's gravel driveway. "The gazebo was a display at a mall store in Atlanta, and I lusted after it for years. One day I was there shopping and I saw a 'for sale' tag on it. I bought it on the spot." With the help of Dan Cleveland of Boxwoods Gardens and Gifts, Brinson planted waves of clipped boxwood, magnolia, hydrangea, anise, and holly to screen out the 20-story building just 15 feet away. Outdoor Living Room This outdoor room designed by Vicente Wolf, features white furniture rom Usona Home, long white curtains from Janus et Cie to filter sunlight, and a fireplace. Garden Furniture The outdoor sofa is like a little room of its own. Camp Style: Porches Architect Gil Schafer converted an open porch to a screened porch and, next to it, a dining room. Color expert Eve Ashcraft chose Narragansett Green for the porch floor and Stonington Gray for the ceiling, both from Benjamin Moore. Chaise Recliner in a Rustic Setting A Brown Jordan chaise stretches out near a limestone fountain. Joe Nye designed this space overlooking the rustic steps which climb the lushly planted hillside on the Pacific. Bright Blue Cushioned Chairs Cathy Kincaid designed this patio with McKinnon and Harris furniture, upholstered in Perennials fabric from David Sutherland. "It's durable and so pretty you could use it in a living room," she says. Terra-cotta pavers from Ann Sacks. Tranquil Outdoor Dining This outdoor kitchen was designed by Sandy Koepke. A two-tiered iron chandelier from Zelen hangs from the iron trellis. Zinc-topped table and chairs from Big Daddy's Antiques. Covered Outdoor Dining This beachhouse deck is a low-key island paradise. Designers Harriet Maxwell Macdonald and Andrew Corrie chose a clean-lined dining table and bench made of cedar from old Manhattan water towers, weathered to a soft gray. Homeowner Andrew Corrie rigged a bamboo framework to support his homemade roof of lashed bamboo poles. Outdoor Courtyard The patio was inspired by the intimate, romantic courtyards in the French Quarter. "It's totally hidden from street view, so it creates a sense of privacy and mystery," says designer Ty Larkins. The Carmel armchairs are by Restoration Hardware. | 4 | 1,409 | lifestyle |
It's Prime Time in Prosper, TX. Dallas Cowboys legend Deion Sanders sold his "Lone Star" mansion to a developer in August, according to Candy's Dirt . Now the estate, which bears a $12.9 million price tag , is headed to auction Nov. 18. TMZ had it right when reporting "the house is insane." Starting with a grand butterfly staircase, the 9-bedroom home at 1280 N Preston Rd has athlete-size everything, from high ceilings to kitchen cabinets galore and a huge master bath. The Mediterranean-style mansion is also loaded with recreational amenities: an indoor basketball court, football training room and bowling alley to name a few. A CBS Sports and NFL Network analyst, Sanders also has a reality show, "Deion's Family Playbook," which is returning for a new season Nov. 1 on OWN. | 3 | 1,410 | finance |
Hey, hope you've got room for a diffuser on your desk. Or maybe you should invest in one: New research suggests that the right scent can improve your performance at work. Takasago, a fragrance production company in Japan, found that office-workers at computers made 20 percent fewer typing mistakes when the air around them was lavender-scented, 33 percent fewer mistakes with a jasmine fragrance, and 54 percent fewer errors when they smelled lemon. (Of course, take the results with a grain of salt, given that Takasago conducted the research themselves not exactly "objective.") There might be good reason for the boost in metal acuity when you're in a pleasant-smelling space: "Researchers from Meikai University's School of Dentistry in Japan found that lavender... noticeably decrease[d] the stress hormone, cortisol," according to a report, which also found that that linalool, a compound found in lemons, might lessen our fight-or-flight stress response. Cool, right? And listen, while we love the idea of burning a candle or having a diffuser at your desk, we get that it may not be practical for some of you not to mention possibly not safe. We love the idea of trying a light perfume with those scent notes, such as Fresh Sugar Lemon, $22, Michael Kors Glam Jasmine Eau de Parfum Spray, $78, or Jo Malone Amber & Lavender Cologne, $60. But don't forget that aromatherapy can help you unwind at home. A new find to pick up? The brand-new Essio Aromatherapy Shower Kit, $45, which literally turns your shower into a spa. The starter pack includes three different scent combos one yummier than the next. | 4 | 1,411 | lifestyle |
It begins at birth: will you breastfeed or choose formula? Will you circumcise your son or leave him au naturel? Will you put your baby on a schedule or will you feed her whenever she seems hungry? Will you co-sleep? Will you use a pacifier? Will you let her cry it out? Will you spank? As we make choices at each stage, we unconsciously surround ourselves with people who think and parent the way we do. And then that mom comes along who lets her kids stay up past 10 p.m. and call adults by their first names, and we get all bent out of shape. What gives? We might not agree with her methods, but why does it bother us so much to see someone parenting differently than we do? I have a few theories… Sameness means we're OK. There's something to be said about being in this parenting thing together. If our parenting resembles that of the people around us, how bad of a job can we be doing? When we're in it together, we don't have to examine our parenting choices too closely. Everyone is doing the same thing, and there's strength in numbers. We're threatened. When another mom does things completely differently, we secretly wonder if she might be right which, in our self-defeating mommy logic, means that we are wrong. And where our kids are concerned, we can't afford to be wrong, because that means we might screw them up. It's easier to focus on others' mistakes than to look at our own. We all make mistakes, but somehow it's easier to criticize the mom who's going ballistic on her kid than to own up to the fact that we did the same thing yesterday. We make ourselves feel better with the assurance that at least we're not like that . We fear what we don't understand. It's easier to dismiss people than to seek to understand or accept them. We'd like to think we've got it all figured out, even though deep down we know we don't. None of us has a corner on parenting not even the so-called parenting experts. We need assurance that we're doing it right. All of our self-righteous parenting can really be a mask for our own insecurities. We look down on parents who are making different choices because the alternative is too scary that maybe we're the ones who need to take a good, hard look at our parenting. The bottom line: I think moms have a hard time extending grace to others because they have a hard time accepting grace for themselves. We're so hard on ourselves, and mommy wars are the natural result. Maybe it's because the stakes are so high little lives have been entrusted to our care. Who could possibly be up to the task of raising them? But deep down, I hope we realize there's not one "right" way to do this parenting thing. There are so many parenting choices that aren't wrong; they're just different. Maybe if we take that to heart, we can cut each other some slack and save some for ourselves, too. | 4 | 1,412 | lifestyle |
By now maybe you've learned that stretching before exercise isn't best and that drinking eight glasses of water a day isn't necessarily the universal ideal; common concepts like these have been widely debunked in recent times. Myths About Health and Fitness By now maybe you've learned that stretching before exercise isn't best and that drinking eight glasses of water a day isn't necessarily the universal ideal; common concepts like these have been widely debunked in recent times. Instead, the following fitness fabrications are tidbits that are probably still being passed around during small talk at the water cooler or by a well-meaning friend who feels they're a fitness "expert." Continue reading to find out the real facts and then spread the truth by setting the record straight next time you hear someone spout out a "tip" that's just not true. Myth: Carbs will make you gain weight "Your body needs a certain amount of carbs, fat and protein to function," says Lauren Brown a trainer and sports nutritionist for Balanced Fitness and Health. "Too little of one and too much of another will throw the body's equilibrium off, resulting in malnourishment, weight gain, muscle loss, etc. Carbohydrates are the body's number one go-to for fuel. Without it you will eventually lack energy, experience brain fog, and feel depressed and moody. Just be sure to choose healthy carbohydrates such as vegetables, fruits and whole grains and avoid processed carbs that contain simple sugars and other toxic ingredients." Myth: Running is bad for your knees "Running has long been thought to cause damage to the knees from all the pounding you experience with each foot strike," says Jason Fitzgerald, a 2:39 marathoner and the founder of Strength Running. "But in the past decade, multiple studies have shown that long-time runners have no increased risk of knee damage. And those with a history of knee arthritis don't have much of a history with running! In fact, running can even be healthy for the knee, promoting cartilage repair in the knee. Of course, we're talking about moderate running here if you're running marathons or workouts at 6:00 mile pace or faster, you could be increasing your risk of knee arthritis." Myth: You can target fat burn "There's no such thing as spot reduction," says Russell Wynter, a NASM certified Master Trainer and co-owner of MadSweat. "Doing crunches to reduce body fat will only be effective in strengthening the muscles in that area. Only your overall calorie burn will lead to fat reduction, so don't just focus on one type of exercise, be sure to address everything from cardio and resistance training to nutrition." Myth: No pain, no gain High intensity exercise is arguably the most popular fitness trend at the moment. And while upping the intensity of your workouts certainly provides several advantages, it doesn't mean that every single one of your gym sessions should be all out. "Not being sore, also known as DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness), the day after a workout doesn't mean you haven't had a good workout," says Crystal Reeves, also a NASM certified Master Trainer and co-owner of MadSweat. "Muscle soreness is a poor indicator of adaptation and growth because it can vary greatly between individuals. So, the bottom line is you don't have to be super sore to get a great workout." Myth: Sugar from fruit will make you fat "Sugar by itself will cause fat storage and weight gain," says Brown. "However, sugar in combination with fiber has a different effect. Fiber reduces insulin and blood sugar spikes, which minimizes the risk of fat storage. Fruit contains such fiber and is preferred if you're having a sweet craving. But as with anything, too much of a good thing will cause weight gain. So be sure to not over-consume fruit and include lots of vegetables in every meal. The more fiber you get, the less sugar has an effect on blood sugar spikes." Myth: Low intensity exercise burns more fat It's true that the heart rate zone you maintain while exercising at a lower intensity (e.g. yoga, walking) will cause your body to rely on fat for fuel more than any other source of energy. But, for the biggest calorie burn (and to use all types of energy stores) working out more intensely is more effective. "As your exercise intensity increases you burn both fat and sugar which gives you a larger percentage of calories burned," says Wynter. Myth: BMI is an accurate measurement of health and fitness "Body Mass Index (BMI) is the standard measurement used for determining who is normal-weight, over-weight and obese," explains Brown. "Although it takes into consideration height and weight, it does not take into account body fat and where it is distributed on the body. It also doesn't take into account muscle mass, which weighs the same as body fat." She continues, "It has been long believed that people with a BMI of 30 and higher are at an increased risk of dying from heart disease, diabetes and cancer, amongst other diseases. But recent studies are suggesting in some cases a high BMI could actually protect a person from dying from chronic diseases such as heart failure and kidney disease. Whereas a low BMI may indicate that a person is suffering from an illness." Myth: Cut out 3,500 calories per week to lose one pound of fat Yes, on paper, this widely popular concept might be true. However, what it fails to account for is that the way the body processes food varies greatly from one individual to the next. In fact, one recent study that overfed 16 male and female subjects by 1,000 calories for eight weeks (which, according to the one pound/3,500 calorie idea should have led each subject to gain 16 pounds) resulted in entirely different weight gain amounts for each of the participants. Obesity expert Dr. Yoni Freedhoff summed the idea up nicely in an article on Greatist saying, "People have different fuel efficiencies, whereby two people eating the same number of calories may see markedly different impacts of those calories upon their weights." Myth: Eat 5 to 6 small meals a day for weight loss "Each individual body is different and every lifestyle is different," Brown explains. "It's completely a matter of choice whether you eat six small meals or three large meals a day. Your metabolism is not affected either way. The body is smart and just needs to know that it will be getting that next meal. Establishing a schedule (routine) of when you eat, as well as eating quality, minimally processed foods, will help keep that metabolism firing." Myth: Eating at night will cause weight gain "At the end of the day, it all comes down to the total amount of food taken in," says Brown. "Ideally you want to consume the bulk of your calories earlier in the day so your body can utilize that energy more effectively during the day, instead of trying to digest it while you sleep. But eating after a certain time, as long as you are within your normal daily allotment of food, has not been proven to cause weight gain." Myth: Do X amount of exercise to burn off the calories in a certain food Maybe you've seen charts that compare the amount of calories in certain foods to the amount of time you'd need to spend exercising to burn off those calories? Here's why those are bogus: it all goes back to the fact that the way the body burns calories is completely different among individuals. And while those charts may give you a pretty close ballpark estimate as to how much activity you'd need to burn off your meal, at the end of the day it's sort of silly to think of food and exercise that way. "For most people, weight loss and fitness can be as simple as move more and eat a little less," says Reeves. "Focusing on the enjoyment of exercise will affect you more positively than obsessing over food." | 7 | 1,413 | health |
Chrysler and Ford are both issuing recalls for the same issue with the supplemental restraint control module supplied by Bosch. For Chrysler's recall, affected vehicles in the U.S. include 126,772 2014 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee models, and Ford's recall comprises 746,842 vehicles including the 2013-14 Ford C-Max, Ford Fusion, Ford Escape, and Lincoln MKZ. The Problem: Due to a problem with the coating on the restraint control modules, the modules may experience a crack. This could cause the modules may experience internal short-circuits, possibly causing the air bag light to illuminate. This could indicate that supplemental restraint system components like the airbag and seat-belt pretensioners are not active, and these systems may not operate correctly in a crash. The Fix: Both Chrysler and Ford dealers will replace the restraint control module in affected vehicles free of charge. Owners should continue to use their seatbelts in the interim period before vehicles are fixed. Parts are not yet available for these recalls, but owners can contact their local dealer to schedule service once the remedy parts are in stock. Number of Vehicles Potentially Affected: 746,842 Ford vehicles including the 2013-2014 Ford C-Max, Ford Fusion, Ford Escape, and Lincoln MKZ; and 126,772 2014 Dodge Durango and 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles in the U.S. Source: Chrysler, Ford | 9 | 1,414 | autos |
Here's how confusing it can be to pay back a student loan: even the person who shaped the federal student aid system can't figure it out. Former Education Department official Bob Shireman recently wrote at the Huffington Post about helping his niece pick a student loan repayment plan. He recounts a baffling series of steps to enroll in income-based repayment, the federal plan with the lowest monthly payments. It's not listed as an option early on in the email from a loan servicer. He had to scroll down in order to find it, and then pick from four PDF forms for four different income-based plans. This was a totally unnecessary hurdle, because all of the forms were the same. And Shireman's niece never found out how much her payments would be under an income-based plan, even though servicers can easily calculate that information. His confusion doesn't bode well for the recent college graduates and dropouts who have to figure out the system on their own Shireman's struggle to help his niece is significant because he isn't just any former official he's arguably had more influence than anyone else over federal student aid policy. An early higher education policy adviser for President Obama, he led a successful effort to change the federal loan program in 2010, when the Education Department began making student loans itself rather than relying on banks to lend federal money. As the head of an advocacy group, the Institute for College Access and Success, he laid the groundwork for the adoption of income-based repayment student loan repayment. Almost nobody understand federal student aid better than Shireman, and few people have done more to shape the system. So his confusion doesn't bode well for the recent college graduates and dropouts who have to figure out the system on their own. (Need help picking a plan yourself? Vox has created an interactive guide on how to choose a student loan repayment plan.) How to simplify student loan repayment The system is so complicated partly because there are a lot of options for paying back student loans, created at different times with slightly different enrollment criteria. While the federal government makes the loans, it relies on private companies, known as loan servicers, to do the rest of the work during a loan's life cycle, including enrolling borrowers into repayment plans and ensuring stay on top of their payments. Shireman said when the system was designed, keeping the private loan servicers in the mix was meant to create competition for the most cost-effective and borrower-friendly business practices. Now he's having second thoughts. The most radical way to simplify student loan repayment would be to deduct student loan payments from paychecks, like we do for taxes or 401(k) contributions. Payments could be based on income, skipping the part where borrowers have to choose a confusing array of seven repayment plans. But there are other suggestions that could make the process easier in the short term such as letting borrowers pick their own servicer, aided by online reviews. The Education Department is taking steps to make customer satisfaction more important when it awards contracts to loan servicers. The problem is that, unless you're a student loan expert like Shireman, you might not realize how unnecessarily complicated the process is, or that loan servicers could make it easier. Instead, you're just confronted with unnecessary hurdles. | 4 | 1,415 | lifestyle |
Get the design tips to make your fireplace cozy and inviting. Design Around the Fireplace Designer Meg Braff oriented the seating in this Colonial Revival house in Lattingtown, New York, around the fireplace. "When there's a fireplace in a room, you want to be around it," Braff says. "You can imagine a fire even if there isn't one." A large-scale coffee table from Meg Braff Antiques & Decorations anchors the sofa and the chairs. A vintage chartreuse leather wing chair adds snap. Walls are covered in a taupe grass cloth from Hinson. Natural Cool evenings make fires a must, even in summer. "There's a camping-out feel that's very attractive," designer Markham Roberts says of this living room in a Pacific Northwest home. At rafter height, galvanized-steel light fixtures with botanical cutouts, designed by the original architect James Cutler, cast a gentle glow on Douglas fir timbers. The custom corner table holds an antique vintner's bottle lamp from James Sansum Fine and Decorative Art also the source for the African drum between the chairs while a Cedric Hartman swing-arm lamp hits a classic modern note. Chaise, B&B Italia. Year-Round Fireplace In the covered outdoor living room of a 1920s Santa Monica, California, home, designer David Dalton created a relaxing year-round space with insulated Sunbrella curtains and a fireplace decorated with custom Talavera tiles by Mission Tile West. Wicker chairs by Palecek. Indonesian coffee table, Moroccan urns, and lantern from Berbere World Imports. Furniture Arrangements Designer Markham Roberts warmed up the "not-so-great room" in this Greenwich, Connecticut, house with tufted fireside chairs of his own design. The designer placed the furniture in groupings throughout the room to make it easier for entertaining big groups of people. "Several intimate arrangements are also the answer for when a family member wants to curl up alone with a cup of tea," Roberts says. Serene, With an Edge Designer Benjamin Dhong envisioned the living room in this San Francisco home as a serene retreat. "That's why the walls are a little darker and there are big lounge chairs by the fireplace," he says. "At then end of the day, drink in hand, they can put their legs up on that wonderful ottoman. The zebra brings in a tiny bit of edge that doesn't intrude." Armchairs are in Giant's Mohair and the vintage ottoman is in Le Zebre linen by Brunschwig & Fils. In the Bathroom In this Los Angeles home, designer Peter Dunham gave an unexpected twist to this bathroom. "I flipped the positions of the bedroom and bath, which is why the bath now has the fireplace," he says. "In a rather plan way, it's extremely sexy and luxe, isn't it?" With the simple addition of an antique grate, Dunham made a mundane fireplace special. The photo, by Miguel Flores-Vianna, is from Nathan Turner. The Chinese tabouret and Caucasian carpet ottoman are from Hollywood at Home. Rooftop An outdoor fireplace on the roof deck is a big attraction. "We've hosted many great parties up there," architect Gray Davis says of his house in upstate New York. Outdoor furniture by Restoration Hardware. A New Surround In this formal Alabama living room, Tracery Interiors opted out of traditional furniture in front of the fireplace. "Although we contemplated putting a traditional pair of sofas facing each other in front of the fireplace, we decided on an antique French daybed facing a smaller-scale sofa," designer Paige Schnell says. "The effect is still balanced and formal, but more interesting than matching pieces would have been." The firm also swapped a heavy limestone mantel for a more delicate antique surround. Fireplace as Art Inspired by the work of sculptor Louise Nevelson, California woodworker Althea Patton created the living room fireplace of a weekend house in coastal Marin County with wood from the home's renovation as well as various woodworkers' shops. "It's not a traditional art piece, but we think of it as art," designer Kim Dempster says. Fellow designer Erin Martin adds, "The fireplace is the heart of the home. This is where you sit around and tell stories." Open-Air and Rustic A fireplace and overhead heat lamps make it possible to entertain on the loggia year-round in this California bachelor pad designed by Parrish Chilcoat and Joe Lucas. It's furnished with a Provence love seat in synthetic wicker and St. Barts teak lounge chairs all from Restoration Hardware an Ikea Brommö deck chair, a white-painted African table from Berbere World Imports, and Brantley lanterns from Circa Lighting. Kitchen Essential In his Los Angeles kitchen, designer William Hefner put in a small fireplace. "It's great. Like most people, my wife and I come home at night and go in the kitchen," he says. "The kitchen is really the only room we use during the week, so it had to have the things we wanted a view of the yard and a fireplace. If we're spending so much time here, let's be able to build a fire and really enjoy it." Surprising Textures Antique meets modern in the living room of a San Francisco Victorian designed by Ken Fulk. He chose a black-and-white palette, softened with neutrals and natural textures. The chimney breast, which is papered in Ralph Lauren's black Yacare Crocodile, adds sex appeal. "It looks great, that texture, and it's fun," Fulk says. Library Fireplace "Libraries are like powder rooms you can go a little crazy!" says Benjamin Dhong of the room in a California house. He designed the green ottoman with Moorish-style legs, covering it in Varese velvet from Designers Guild. The mirror above the fireplace hides a TV. Long mirrors on either side have frames in Arabel's Brussels velvet. Dramatic In the library of a Michigan lake house designed by Martin Horner, the black-granite mantel in the library made by Atelier Jouvence, offers a dramatic contrast to the tile, from Artistic Tile. Andrew sofa by Motif Designs in Lee Jofa's Abyssinia on the frame and Métaphores' Otterburn on the cushions. Ikat rug by Shiir Rugs. | 4 | 1,416 | lifestyle |
Sure there's a lot of sugar in Coke, but baked beans?? | 0 | 1,417 | foodanddrink |
We've all had those pesky yellow stains on our favorite white tees. Unfortunately, they're caused by the aluminum compounds found in our deodorant, but the good news is that there are ways to get rid of them. Save your tees - just watch on to learn two different solutions you can make at home to remove them! On Allison: Rebecca Taylor suit, Bebe top | 4 | 1,418 | lifestyle |
15 Most Efficient Hybrids and Diesels You Can Buy Today We've split up our list to include the top five most efficient cars in three categories: plug-in hybrids, traditional hybrids, and diesels. While plug-ins will are rated by far the most efficient, our list is intended to give buyers a feel for a wide range of fuel-efficient options. Check out which models made our top Top 15 on the following pages. BING: WHAT IS A HYBRID VEHICLE? BMW i3 w/ Range Extender 117 MPGe This all-new model might look like something from the distant future, but its savings at the gas pump are tangible today. Yes, the BMW i3 city car is an all-electric vehicle, but buyers can opt for a range extender that doubles the miles they can travel. In these models, a tiny 0.6-liter, two-cylinder gas engine generates electricity for the lithium-ion battery, allowing for a total range of 150 miles. This little plug-in might not be for everyone, but buyers can save up to $7,750 in fuel costs over five years compared to the average new car, according to the EPA. BING: BMW i3 PHOTOS Honda Accord Plug-In 115 MPGe Among mainstream plug-in hybrids, the Honda Accord achieves the highest fuel economy. Thanks to a 2.0-liter I-4 that complements an electric motor, drivers are able to travel a total of 570 miles before filling or charging up. The Accord Hybrid features upscale standard features such as navigation, LED headlamps, 8-inch touchscreen, and heated seats. Unfortunately, it is currently only available in California and New York, and the price tag approaches $40,000. BING: HONDA ACCORD PLUG-IN PHOTOS Chevrolet Volt 98 MPGe While it doesn't achieve the highest overall fuel economy in its class, a Chevy Volt offers distinct advantages. The Volt allows drivers to travel on pure electricity for 38 miles, more than any other plug-in hybrid on the market. And for those rare times drivers have to fill up with gas, the average cost of a tank is only $35, according to the EPA. Fuel economy when running on gas alone is 37 mpg combined city and highway driving. BING: CHEVROLET VOLT PHOTOS Toyota Prius Plug-In 95 MPGe The Prius lineup is a no-brainer pick among those looking for a fuel-efficient vehicle, but what advantages does the plug-in version offer? The Plug-in Hybrid can travel 11 miles on electricity alone and 540 miles when the gas engine kicks in. When drivers don't have the time to plug-in at all, the car still achieves the same 50 mpg combined rating as the traditional Prius. Buyers can now get their hands on a Prius Plug-In for a little more than $30,000 when factoring in destination fees. BING: TOYOTA PRIUS PLUG-IN PHOTOS Ford Fusion Energi/C-Max Energi 88 MPGe Ford has made two very different cars out of one idea. The Fusion Energi midsize sedan not only comes in at an efficient 88 mpg, but it also delivers quick acceleration in its class. The C-Max city hatchback matches the Fusion Energi's ratings and achieves the same 550-mile range as its stylish sedan counterpart. BING: FORD FUSION ENERGI PHOTOS Toyota Prius c 50 mpg Toyota's baby hybrid is not only smaller and less expensive than the traditional Prius, but it also achieves better city fuel economy of 53 mpg. This bargain model might be a bit on the slow side in terms of acceleration, but young buyers will enjoy the car's high-tech interior. While base models feature only the essentials, other models bring features such a color information display, keyless entry, Entune infotainment, and available SofTex seats that make this car a great value for around $20,000. BING: TOYOTA PRIUS c PHOTOS Toyota Prius 50 mpg The Prius has come a long way since its U.S. introduction in 2000. It led the way in fuel economy with a combined 41 mpg when it first arrived, but today the Prius achieves 9 mpg above this number. And the Prius' future only looks brighter. A next-gen model is expected to debut late next year with 10 percent better fuel economy than the current model. BING: TOYOTA PRIUS PHOTOS Honda Accord Hybrid 47 mpg If you're not into the geek-chic styling of the Prius, the Honda Accord Hybrid is your next best bet when it comes to fuel economy. In EPA tests, the Accord Hybrid achieves 50/45 mpg city/highway, and annual fuel costs are estimated at $1,100. It also offers a different experience than its sibling. Compared to the Accord plug-in, the Hybrid weighs in 200 pounds lighter and offers more trunk space thanks to a lighter battery. Accord Hybrid buyers will enjoy a seamless driving experience, comfortable seats, and an easy-to-use infotainment system. BING: HONDA ACCORD HYBRID PHOTOS Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid 45 mpg Those who opt for the Jetta Hybrid will enjoy peppy acceleration, a large back seat, and a healthy 42/48 mpg fuel economy rating. Touchy brakes might limit its appeal for many, but its engaging drive and nimble feel on the road will win over many skeptics. VW's small hybrid features a simple cabin design, but midlevel models come with extras such as LED taillights, keyless entry, reclining front seats, Car-Net telematics, a touchscreen, and satellite radio. BING: VOLKSWAGEN JETTA HYBRID PHOTOS Honda Civic Hybrid 45 mpg The Honda Civic Hybrid has come under fire for real-world fuel economy numbers in the past. But the Civic Hybrid still remains one of the more efficient hybrids on the market, besting the Ford Fusion Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Kia Optima Hybrid, and even the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. While not as fun to drive on the road as competitors such as the Fusion Hybrid, the Civic Hybrid features a comfortable ride and a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine and electric motor good for 110 hp. BING: HONDA CIVIC HYBRID PHOTOS BMW 328d 37 mpg Yes, it may be a European diesel wagon, but this isn't your mom's 1980s Volvo. Though not quite as efficient as a hybrid, the 328d impresses with high fuel economy and sprightly performance. The 328d is equipped with a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder diesel engine with 180 horsepower and lots of low-end torque for quick starts at lights. It can hit 60 mph from a standstill in about 7 seconds, and the car loves corners and curves. BING: BMW 328d PHOTOS Volkswagen Jetta TDI 36 mpg The Jetta Diesel has made significant fuel economy improvements for the 2015 model year. Buyers can now expect 31/45 mpg city/highway from models with automatic transmissions, thanks in part to aerodynamic updates under the car. Also responsible is a new 150-hp, 2.0-liter I-4 diesel engine that has been retuned for improved throttle response and lower emissions. Subtle visual changes mark another change for the 2015 model year car. BING: VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TDI PHOTOS Audi A3 36 mpg Audi went whole hog while rolling out its new entry-level luxury sedan to the U.S. this year, promising a slew of engines and body styles. One of the most significant models is the diesel version, which achieves significantly better fuel economy than the gas models in the lineup. At 31/43 mpg city/highway, the A3 certainly does well on its first try. Expect top-notch technology options, including an infotainment screen that pops up and retracts from the dashboard, Wi-Fi hotspot, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system. BING: AUDI A3 PHOTOS Volkswagen Golf TDI 36 mpg Completely redesigned for 2015, the Golf features a more refined drive, a more spacious interior, and improved fuel economy. Opting for the diesel brings fuel economy to 30/45 mpg city/highway, up from 25/37 mpg in the regular version. Drivers will enjoy the car's firm yet livable suspension as well as its excellent handling around twisty roads. We think this is one of the models that will restart the hatchback craze here in the States. BING: VOLKSWAGEN GOLF TDI PHOTOS Volkswagen Passat TDI 35 mpg While the Passat might not be one of the most fuel-efficient cars in the midsize sedan segment, opting for the diesel version brings up its numbers considerably. The base Passat with an automatic transmission usually yields 24/36 mpg city/highway, but the comparable diesel ups these numbers to 30/42 mpg. A high-quality interior, a spacious trunk, and plenty of space throughout the cabin add to the Passat's appeal. BING: VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT TDI PHOTOS | 9 | 1,419 | autos |
1. Exercise even if you only have 15 minutes to do it. A short gym routine is better than nothing if you're really strapped for time or just plain exhausted. If you don't have time to get to your gym but have 15 minutes before you have to shower to go meet your friends for dinner, do jumping jacks to Taylor Swift or something. You'll feel better, especially if you spent your day sitting at a computer listening to Taylor Swift and thinking about how you should really leave work in time to get to the gym. (But then, well, didnt.) 2. Speaking of, you know that feeling of planning to work out and then NOT working out? The WORST. Usually, working out just to avoid the feeling of sitting around in gym clothes watching Bravo and eating snacks and never actually going for your run is worth it. 3. Invest in a FitBit, Jawbone, or other fitness tracker. They're not cheap (plan to spend around $100 to $130), but they really do make you walk more, especially if you're the type of person motivated by goals. You'd be surprised how little you walk in a day if you have a desk job. (You're supposed to walk 10,000 steps a day but if all you do is get up in the morning, go to your cubicle, walk to and from your meetings, and then go home, you probably only rack up about 4,000, 5,000 if you're lucky.) 4. Mix up your routine. Do yoga one day, interval training the next, and a light jog the following day. If your fitness routine doesn't bore you, you're more likely to stick to it. If you enjoy *~GiRlY~* workouts (Who doesn't?), definitely hit up Beyoncé-themed spinning or barre burn. Always barre burn. 5. Instead of skipping a workout, focus on how great you'll feel after. Working out isn't always fun while you're doing it, but the endorphin high you get after or the myriad other benefits, like a sound night of sleep are. 6. Don't wait for an occasion to get in shape. If you only rush to the gym six weeks before you have a tight dress to wear to a party (or your wedding or somebody else's wedding) you'll kill yourself trying to meet unrealistic goals and feel miserable and down on yourself and be no fun at all. Then when it's all over, of course you won't want to go back to working out! Fitness is a lifestyle, not an exercise in vanity. 7. Eat. REAL FOOD. Dont swear off alcohol or sweets or bread. (Especially don't swear off chocolate that's too cruel.) You'll be miserable and binge and feel bad, and then swear off all that food AGAIN and the cycle will repeat and you'll feel worse every time! Don't do it. Everything in moderation! 8. Keep weeknight drinking to a minimum. Weekdays are exhausting enough without alcohol. If you get smashed on Tuesday, you're less likely to get up in time for your 7:30 barre class on Wednesday or even Thursday studies suggest a night of drinking can make women sleepy in the days following. So drinking on a weeknight can really sap your energy level for the rest of the week, especially if you don't have time to make up for lost sleep. 9. Work out at home if you can't get to a gym. If you have cable, it probably comes with a whole slew of secret workout classes you can do on-demand. This is a great option for when you want to be active but don't want to leave your house. Get a bright pink workout mat and have fun. 10. Buy a foam roller. For $18 you can get a little device that, when used for less than a minute before exercise, can increase your range of motion during exercise. Used after, it can greatly reduce soreness. 11. Exercise when you're sore. Don't do intense weightlifting by any means, but a light jog or brisk walk as part of an "active recovery" can help alleviate sore muscles more quickly than sitting on your duff doing nothing. 12. Focus on how you want to feel rather than how you want to look. Working out leads to increased energy and good vibrations all around. Why do you think Richard Simmons is so peppy and cheerful all the time? Focus on feeling good rather than looking good and you'll "see" results quickly. 13. Remember that the main goal isn't to run 10 miles a day, it's just to do something physical. If you feel like you just can't bear to go to the gym, just plan to do five minutes of exercise once you get there. Chances are once you start, you'll go for longer. 14. Get sleep. The more you work out, the more you'll want to get a good night's sleep, so it's a self-perpetuating cycle. But if you're crashing at midnight and trying to get to a 7 a.m. yoga class, you're not exactly setting yourself up for making it there. | 5 | 1,420 | news |
Following the Mediterranean diet may help reverse a condition known as metabolic syndrome, new research suggests. The study compared a low-fat diet to a Mediterranean diet -- a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, fish and olive oil. The Mediterranean diet was supplemented with either extra nuts or extra virgin olive oil. The Mediterranean diet didn't lower the odds of developing metabolic syndrome -- a collection of risk factors for heart disease -- compared to following a low-fat diet, the study found. But, the Mediterranean diet did increase the chance of reversing metabolic syndrome, said lead researcher Dr. Jordi Salas-Salvado, a professor of nutrition at the Universitat Rovira I Virgili and Hospital Universitari de Sant Joan de Reus, in Spain. "It seems that the Mediterranean diet supplemented with nuts or virgin olive oil has similar effects on the metabolic syndrome reversal," he said. Those on the Mediterranean diet with extra olive oil were 35 percent more likely than those on the low-fat diet to reverse the condition and those on the Mediterranean diet supplemented with nuts were 28 percent more likely to reverse metabolic syndrome, according to the study. Research results were published online Oct. 14 in CMAJ . The Spanish government funded the study. A Mediterranean diet has been shown to be helpful for people with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and metabolic syndrome, according to background information from the study. In the study, Salas-Salvado's team looked at almost 6,000 men and women at risk for heart disease. At the start, almost two-thirds had metabolic syndrome, which increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes and death, according to the study. Metabolic syndrome is diagnosed when three or more of five risk factors are found: large waist, high blood pressure, low "good" (HDL) cholesterol, high triglycerides and high blood sugar, according to background information in the study. After a follow-up period of about five years, 28 percent of those who had metabolic syndrome at the start did not have it, the study found. Those who ate the Mediterranean diet were more likely to reverse the condition, the researchers reported. Those who ate the Mediterranean diet also had a decrease in belly fat, which is known to increase heart disease risk, according to the study. Many ingredients found in the Mediterranean diet can explain these effects, Salas-Salvado said. Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), which are found in olive oil, replace saturated fatty acids in a Mediterranean diet, and this helps the cholesterol profile and insulin sensitivity (which decreases type 2 diabetes risk), according to the study. Olive oil-rich diets have been shown to reduce blood pressure, he said. And most nuts are also rich in MUFAs, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The new findings add further proof that the Mediterranean diet "can play a role in overall health promotion, not just cardiovascular disease prevention," said Connie Diekman, director of university nutrition at Washington University in St. Louis. This study also replicates other research that suggested that the diet could have an effect on belly fat, she said. ''What is important, and this has been observed in other studies, is that the Mediterranean diet can aid the reduction in central obesity, a key factor in development of metabolic syndrome," Diekman said. It's definitely possible for people in the United States to adopt the Mediterranean style diet, Salas-Salvado said. The foods are at hand, but Americans may need to devote more time to preparation and cooking, he said, as well as taking time to eat the foods so they enjoy them. | 7 | 1,421 | health |
Stay full with… Apples Just one large apple has 5 g fiber, so munching on the fruit will keep you sated. For your table Bake a cinnamon apple crisp, halving the sugar in the recipe and adding 1 tsp nutmeg. (The crisp will taste slightly tart, but still full of flavor.) The cinnamon also pulls its weight healthwise: The spice has been shown to help maintain steady blood sugar levels, which, in turn, prevents overeating. As a snack Place 1 apple (cut into ½-inch pieces), 2 Tbsp water and a dash of cinnamon in a bowl. Cover and microwave on high for 6 to 7 minutes (or until tender). Ease a cold with… Yucca A half-cup of yucca (cassava) provides more than 35% of your recommended daily vitamin C, which might help shorten the duration of sniffles. For your table Make yucca con mojo , and boil the yucca (don't fry) to cut calories. Bonus: The garlic in the mojo sauce may boast antiviral properties. As a snack Make yucca chips to satisfy a craving for crunch. To bake your own, peel and thinly slice 1 medium yucca. On a baking sheet, toss the slices with 1 Tbsp olive oil, ½ tsp dried garlic flakes and ¼ tsp salt and arrange in a single layer. Bake in a 450°F oven for 12 to 14 minutes (or until golden brown). Ward off illness with… Pepitas Pepitas, or roasted pumpkin seeds, offer zinc, a mineral that helps fight bacteria and viruses. For your table Mix a large handful of pepitas into sautéed green beans. It's an illness-fighting one-two punch ½ cup of the beans packs 10% of your daily vitamin C and more than 8% of your vitamin A needs. These also bolster immunity. As a snack Toast 1 cup pepitas (spread out on a baking sheet and drizzled with ½ tsp canola oil) for 10 minutes at 325°F. While warm, dust with ¼ tsp of your favorite spices plus ¼ tsp salt. Let cool, then enjoy. Boost your mood with… Butternut Squash This sweet golden-hued winter squash contains beta-carotene, vitamin B 6 and magnesium, all of which may help you feel happier, according to research. For your table Cook a butternut squash casserole, subbing light coconut milk for butter to cut fat. Top it with pecans they're high in manganese, a mineral that can temper mood swings. As a snack Heat a cup of butternut squash soup and stir in chopped pecan pieces for a savory sip. Pair with a small handful of whole-grain crackers. SOURCES: Niki Castro, MSW, LCSW, wellness counselor and founder, Body By Design Wellness. Lorena Drago, MS, RD, CDN, certified diabetes educator, Hispanic Foodways, LLC. Michelle Dudash, RD, cordon bleu chef and author, Clean Eating for Busy Families . Ximena Jimenez, MS, RDN, LD, national spokesperson, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Sylvia Meléndez-Klinger, MS, RD, LDN, CPT, nutrition and culinary consultant, Hispanic Food Communications, Inc. Photos by Getty Images | 7 | 1,422 | health |
Dan Simon talks to a doctor who recalls the measures he took to save a trapped 6-year-old in the 1989 Loma Prieta quake. | 5 | 1,423 | news |
Whether you're a basketball fan or not, you can't help but love the NBA's latest move. Earlier this week, the Utah Jazz basketball team signed a one-day contract with their most adorable team member yet, 5-year-old J.P. Gibson. Gibson was diagnosed with leukemia two years ago, and thanks to the Anything Can Be project Gibson was able to live out his wish of being a basketball pro for one full day. Typically, Anything Can Be just illustrates the child's dream through a beautiful photo, but the Utah Jazz had something bigger in mind. The pint-size player got VIP treatment, complete with full uniform, introductory press conference and more. The night wouldn't have been complete without a slam dunk, with the help of a (much taller) teammate, of course. The crowd instantly loved the little athlete and rose to their feet when Gibson arrived on the court. The youngster's family was thrilled for him. His dad, Josh Gibson, spoke to a local newspaper saying, "We had no clue anything like this was going to happen. We just thought a little quick picture and [we'd] be done. The Jazz have been great at making this dream come true." Gibson's teammates were also fans of the little guy. "To have him come out there and then for Rudy to lift him up and to dunk was pretty cool. It was a special moment for all of us," said player Gordon Hayward. See the moment everyone's talking about in the video above. BING: MORE INSPIRING KIDS Image by screenshot [Via BusinessInsider.com ] | 4 | 1,424 | lifestyle |
Mercedes-Benz is just coming off the debut of the new AMG GT coupe , but AMG boss Tobias Moers has already confirmed to Evo that a hardcore, performance-oriented Black Series version is in the cards. This track-oriented, range-topping model should offer a healthy performance boost over the recently revealed AMG GT and AMG GT S models. Before we see the Black Series, though, we expect to see Mercedes introduce a droptop version of the AMG GT, much as it did with its SLS AMG predecessor. This AMG GT convertible should arrive sometime next year, and will most likely offer the same 4.0-liter turbocharged V-8 engine options as the GT and GT S coupes. The standard GT model pumps out 456 hp while the GT S has 503 hp. While we don't yet know what engine will power the upcoming Black Series car, it's sure to pack a significant power upgrade, possibly in the realm of 600 hp. That would put it in line with competitors like the 550-hp Jaguar F-Type R Coupe and the 560-hp Porsche 911 Turbo S. The Black Series is also sure to feature hardcore suspension tuning, aggressive aerodynamic upgrades, and a trimmed down curb weight compared with the standard car, following in the footsteps of the SLS AMG Black Series . Since the Mercedes-AMG GT coupe is already a 2016 model that goes on sale early next year, we expect to wait a bit before seeing the Black Series version in the flesh. The AMG GT convertible will likely debut later next year as a 2017 model, which may push the Black Series' arrival back until 2016. Stay tuned for more news about the Mercedes-AMG GT and its growing lineup in the future. Source: Evo | 9 | 1,425 | autos |
There's more than what meets the eye in these 8 cupcake recipes; prepare for a sweet surprise! Surprise Pinata Cupcakes Make a birthday party extra special by serving up these surprise-filled pinata cupcakes! Just like the real thing, these adorable chocolate cupcakes are bursting with candy on the inside this colorful sweet will is sure to be an instant hit! Get the recipe from Cake Journal . Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes The only thing that goes better with peanut butter than jelly (in our minds, at least) is chocolate. PB&C join together to create a delicious, decadent chocolate cupcake topped off with peanut butter-y goodness and a chewy, chocolaty center with (you guessed it!) even more peanut butter. Get ready to go nuts for this yummy treat Get the recipe from Gimme Some Oven . Mickey Mouse Cupcake with Mickey Inside Disney-fy a birthday or fun family get-together with these little vanilla cakes hiding a Mickey Mouse-shaped brownie in the middle. Get the recipe from How to Cook That . Candy Corn Cupcakes There's a trick to this amazing treat; prepare to wow the kids this Halloween with this simple chocolate cupcake with a devilishly clever surprise hidden inside. Get the recipe from The Sugar Turntable . Molded Chocolate Surprise Inside Cupcakes These colorful confections are playing a serious trick they're not really cake at all! Only putting up a hard front, this chocolate creation is made completely of molded candy (but despite its lack of soft, squishy cake, is still all sweetness on the inside). Get the recipe from Sugar Swings . Hershey Kiss Mini Valentine Cupcakes These pretty pink mini cupcakes are really just too cute for words. Prepare for oohs and ahhs all around. Get the recipe from For the Love of Dessert . Vanilla Cupcakes with a Surprise Inside! This seemingly ordinary cupcake holds a delicious treat, but it only takes one bite to get this teeny-tiny dessert to spill its sweet secrets. Get the recipe from I am Baker. 3D Heart Inside Cupcake Unlike most love-heart cupcakes, where you have to cut at a specific point to see the design inside, these little beauties will show your heart no matter which side you bite. So whether you're making them for a good friend, or someone you hope will become a good friend, you're guaranteed to get a big smile. Get the recipe from How to Cook That. | 0 | 1,426 | foodanddrink |
It is becoming cheaper and easier to use the sun to power your home. | 3 | 1,427 | finance |
The IKEA name has come to represent smart, affordable home solutions for homeowners and apartment dwellers of all ages. But with the popularity comes easy recognition; if you've outfitted your room in purchases from a big box store, it can feel like you own the same furniture as everyone on your block. Fortunately, a can of spraypaint or a bucket of fresh color can be all it takes to make the store's best-sellers unrecognizable. Paint transforms the standards into custom looks that are uniquely you. These easy redos don't require a lot of time or money, which means your affordable furniture still won't break the bank after cost of additional materials. Click through our inspiration gallery to find ideas for your next IKEA upgrade. Just Peachy To create the perfect entryway table, these homeowners transformed IKEA's three-tiered console table using a saw and paint. Cutting off the bottom shelf freed up more room to stand boots and shoes underneath, and leaving the bottom third unpainted creates a trendy "dipped" look. Glam Stools One trademark of IKEA furniture, unfortunately, is that the legs of chairs and tables tend to be pretty standard even boring. In this simple spray-paint DIY, Brenda took her inexpensive chairs and added a simple touch of sophisticated gold. Splashy Kitchens Most kitchen cabinets come in standard neutral tones, but these IKEA cabinets were retrofitted with custom doors by a local millworker. The splash of bright blue paint provides a unique and cheerful look to inspire a little fun in the kitchen. All That Glitters Isn't Gold A simple can of gold spray paint turns the bland metal bottom of this utilitarian IKEA desk into a show-stopping conversation piece. Because the modular product requires assembly, it's easy to paint the legs before attaching them to the top. Modern Marble Marvel This IKEA pedestal table was given a stunning faux marble paint job by a crafty DIYer. The design is actually easier to achieve than it looks, involving layers of a paint-and-glaze mixture in white and grey. Pull out brushes of different sizes to vary the marbled streaks. Set The Bar High A desk doesn't have to be limited to writing utensils and papers: This IKEA laptop table was converted into a chic bar cart with just a few simple touches. A coat of jade spray paint updated the metal frame, and caster wheels plus an acrylic shelf for extra storage were added to its base. Design Details Budget DIYs can look like they cost a big chunk of change. This IKEA upgrade used rectangular drawer pulls glued to the inside corners of a glass-topped coffee table to create a luxurious Art Deco look. With a coat of gold paint, it looks like it cost and arm and a leg. Picture Perfect You can personalize absolutely any surface in your home, such as this IKEA step stool, with a little color and your own photos. Check out this creative stool: After a coat of bright yellow paint dried, black and white photos were decoupaged to its flat steps the same can be done with children's art or prints! Built-In Bliss These homeowners faked built-in shelves using four of IKEA's ever-popular Billy bookshelves and some crown molding. A coat of paint along the back wall (like this robin's egg blue) pops against the crisp, white structure and really highlights the shelves' contents. Sweet Dreams Almost more than any other room in the home, your bedroom should reflect your personality. Express yourself in this space by painting a standard IKEA headboard in your favorite color, then finish it off with polyurethane gloss to add shine and durability. | 4 | 1,428 | lifestyle |
Insurance is an anomaly among commodities; it's one purchase that we hope we never have to use. But car insurance is a mandated purchase almost everywhere, and with good reason; if your vehicle were to be stolen, vandalized or in an accident, you could be at risk for huge financial burdens if faced with covering the costs on your own. Shopping for car insurance isn't rocket science, but getting the best rate possible requires you to understand some basic information. Your rate will be affected by the value of your vehicle as well as any requirements from your state and your lender. Here's a look at some of the considerations you'll face when insuring your ride. What Is a Deductible? The word "deductible" refers to the amount of money you'll have to pay out of pocket, following an accident, before your insurance kicks in. So why not always opt for the lowest deductible possible? The lower your deductible, the higher your monthly premium, or out-of-pocket expenses, will be. On the flipside, a higher deductible will lower your monthly payment. When settling on a deductible, pick one that works for your budget. A high deductible can save you money in the short term and might be the smartest choice if you have money saved to cover your deductible in the event of an accident or break-in. If you can afford it, a low-deductible plan will ensure that you won't have to dig deep into your pockets to pay for auto body work or car repairs resulting from a wreck. Where You Live Makes a Difference City vehicles are typically subjected to more break-ins, theft and fender benders, and are therefore more expensive to insure than ones in rural areas. In addition, your state's laws may require you to carry a certain amount of insurance coverage. For example, if you live in California you're required to carry minimum liability insurance of $15,000 for injury or death to one person, $30,000 for injury or death to more than one person, and $5,000 for property damage. But if you live in New Hampshire, you're only required to have motor vehicle insurance if you've been convicted of certain violations, including DWI and leaving the scene of an accident. Your first step should be to research the insurance requirements in your state by checking with your local motor vehicle office. How Much Insurance Do You Need? The car you drive may translate into pricier coverage. According to a survey by Insure.com, late-model BMWs, Mercedes and Audis are some of the most expensive cars to insure because they cost more to repair. Looking for cars that that won't require you to purchase more insurance? Consider a Jeep SUV or a Honda Minivan; they're among the cheapest new cars to insure. Finding a balance between good coverage and affordable coverage is important. On the one hand, you want to have enough to cover your losses in the event of an accident. On the other hand, the more insurance you opt for will make for a higher monthly premium. Think it over carefully. You may decide that your 15-year-old jalopy isn't worth the cost of coverage. If you drive a brand new car and are still paying for it, your lender will likely dictate your coverage minimums on the car since it officially belongs to the bank. The Different Types of Car Insurance Your car insurance policy is comprised of a handful of different categories of coverage. Here's a list of the most common types and what they mean. Collision insurance covers damage to your car up to its current estimated value, also known as its Blue Book Value. Liability insurance is the portion of your policy that pays for damages you've caused to others if you're found to be at fault in an accident. This covers a wide range of damages, including bodily injury and property damage. Uninsured or underinsured insurance covers your losses if you're hit by someone with no insurance, or not enough insurance to cover the cost of damages. Comprehensive insurance pays for damages that occur to your car that aren't collision-related. According to the Insurance Information Institute, this includes theft, vandalism, fire and natural disasters. Personal Injury Protection (PIP for short) covers your medical expenses if you're injured and can sometimes even pay out for lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working. Look for Discounts Car insurance companies offer a variety of discounts based on a number of factors: A clean driving record can net you some big savings up to 45% according to Allstate, and 26% according to Geico because it shows you're less of a risk. Safety and security features can also translate into savings. Front- and side-impact airbags reduce your risk of injury, and security alarms decrease the risk of your vehicle being stolen, therefore limiting the insurance company's exposure. If you have a homeowners' insurance policy, booking car insurance with the same company may drive rates down even further. State Farm says that car insurance premiums may fluctuate based on how much you drive, your age, sex and marital status, and your credit history . You can see where your credit scores stand for free online. As always, it pays to comparison-shop before buying. Once you've identified the vehicles you're considering, call several insurance companies, who will be happy to provide you with estimates. In most states, insurance is a mandatory, ongoing cost, so doing your homework could go a long way toward saving you money. | 3 | 1,429 | finance |
If, like so many others, you find yourself feeling helpless in the face of Zac Efron's good looks, don't worry: we've put together a step-by-step guide to getting over the handsome star, who turns 27 this weekend. Sure, Zac looks sexy shirtless, and sure, his Instagram pictures are pretty hot, too, but that doesn't mean you can't rid yourself of that silly crush. Before we begin, just bask in Zac's shirtless dancing one last time - seriously, it's the last time - and then follow these rules to becoming totally, 100 percent crush-free. Forget the fact that he looks photoshopped in real life. Seriously, though, what's his secret? Do not look at him straight on, or you'll stare into those baby blues. Ugh, you looked, didn't you? Definitely look away from this kissy picture. He probably hates dogs, right? Right? Look away from those puppy-dog eyes, too. Ditto his biceps. Just keep focusing on the awkward smile. At last! An awkward picture! Uh-oh - ignore how his ocean-blue eyes match the backdrop. Who cares about gorgeous eyes, anyway? Avert your stare from this sexy red carpet strut. The tux is just flattering - he can't actually be that handsome. Seriously - you cannot look at him straight on. His eyes are like the sun! Look away! Don't even think about this cute smirk. Or that handsome suit. Hey! Stop getting distracted by those biceps! And that cute laugh! Just tell yourself he looks terrible in sunglasses. Nothing cool about this guy. Nope, not at all. Forget about this sweet smile. Erase it from your memory. Practice focusing on the background - anything but his body - because things are about to get more difficult. You'll probably need a few breathing exercises to get through this next part . . . Do not envy Rita Ora's proximity to his abs. Or the fact that she got to rip off his shirt. Pay no mind to Zac's backside, either. Wait, ohmygod, his back. Please disregard his flexing abilities. Is that . . . an eight-pack? Think: "Arm muscles? What arm muscles?!" Gross, ew, muscles. Don't you DARE salute him back. Nothing to admire here. STOP SCROLLING. Seriously, you're scrolling at your own risk . . . THIS IS NOT A DRILL. Repeat: NOT a drill. Focus ALL your energy on that weird facial expression. Don't look at his abs, don't look at his abs . . . Now just bask in this unfortunate midsmile moment. Revel in awkward Zac in all his awkward glory. Wait, no - ughhhh . . . Not again. FORGET IT. You're screwed. Sigh. Just accept that Zac's beautiful in a way that can't be ignored. Acknowledging the problem is always the first step, right? | 6 | 1,430 | entertainment |
Boise State junior Sam Wicks has been named Mountain West Swimmer of the Week, while San José State freshman Cari Reiswig has earned Mountain West Women's Diver of the Week honors for competition from September 19-October 12, 2014. It is the first Mountain West weekly honor for both student-athletes. | 8 | 1,431 | video |
Nebraska legend Tom Osborne shares with us his favorite college football tradition and explains why fans will love the new playoff structure. | 1 | 1,432 | sports |
Not only will Notre Dame go into Tallahassee and beat Florida State, but Campus Insiders' Pete Fiutak says Jameis Winston won't be the best player in this game, not even the best quarterback! Everett Golson, the stage is yours. | 1 | 1,433 | sports |
After the "Full House" reunion at the wedding of "Uncle Joey" this summer, we look back on the stars of the 1987-'95s " TGIF " sitcom and see what they're up to these days. Andrea Barber She played D.J.'s goofy best friend, Kimmy Gibbler, for eight years, but when the series was over, Barber left acting for good ( see her today ). She went on to earn her master's degree ( from where ?) and became a mom ( see family photos ). BING: WHAT PRANK DID SHE PULL THIS SUMMER WITH A CO-STAR'S PHONE ? Candace Cameron Bure The now 38-year-old actress ( see her today ) whose older brother was also a sitcom star starred as oldest Tanner daughter D.J. during the show's run. She went on to marry a hockey player and have three kids but has continued to act since "Full House" ended. BING: ON WHICH REALITY COMPETITION SHOW WAS SHE A CONTESTANT EARLIER THIS YEAR ? Dave Coulier The actor played Uncle Joey (not actually their uncle), a stand-up comedian who helped widower Danny Tanner raise his three daughters. These days he is a pilot who may or may not be the subject of an infamous breakup song; his summer wedding was attended by his "Full House" co-stars. BING: WHAT DOES HE LOOK LIKE NOW ? Lori Loughlin As Rebecca Donaldson Katsopolis, aka Aunt Becky, the actress ( see her today ) stole the heart of heartthrob musician Uncle Jesse. The couple became parents of the second set of twins to appear on the show. She went on to create and star in "Summerland" and appeared in several episodes of "90210." BING: WHO IS HER FASHION-DESIGNER HUSBAND ? Ashley & Mary-Kate Olsen Who knew the twins who began playing youngest Tanner daughter Michelle at nine months old -- would grow up ( see them today ) to be two of the wealthiest women in the entertainment and fashion worlds ( what's their estimated net worth )? BING: WHICH TWIN IS ENGAGED TO A MUCH-OLDER FRENCH BANKER FROM ANOTHER FAMOUS FAMILY ? Bob Saget He played squeaky-clean Tanner patriarch Danny for eight seasons and was the first host of "America's Funniest Home Videos." But the stand-up comedian ( what does he look like now ?) is now known for his raunchy side and even wrote a book about it. BING: WHAT SITCOM DID HE PROVIDE THE VOICEOVER FOR DURING ITS NINE-SEASON RUN ? John Stamos The seemingly ageless actor ( how old is he ?) portrayed mulleted rocker Uncle Jesse and went on to star on a long-running hospital drama and marry a model-turned-actress . These days ( see photos ) he's known for hawking Greek yogurt to enamored women ( watch videos ). BING: WHAT FAMOUS BAND DOES HE OFTEN PERFORM WITH IN CONCERT ? Jodie Sweetin She played funny middle child Stephanie during the show's run, but her post-"Full House" life was rocky. She has been married three times and wrote about her struggle with alcohol and drug abuse in a 2009 memoir . BING: WHAT DOES SHE LOOK LIKE SINCE THE SHOW ? Scott Weinger He joined the cast as oldest daughter D.J.'s boyfriend, Steve Hale, but his most famous role was off-camera as the voice of Aladdin in the 1992 Disney movie . He went on to graduate from an Ivy League school and became a TV writer and producer ( see him today ). BING: WHAT CANCELED SITCOM DID HE PRODUCE ? Dylan & Blake Tuomy-Wilhoit Playing twin sons Nicky and Alex of Jesse and Becky Katsopolis for three seasons was a one-off job for the real-life twins. They left acting after "Full House" and graduated from high school in 2010 ( see then and now photos ). BING: WHERE CAN YOU FOLLOW THEM THESE DAYS ? | 6 | 1,434 | entertainment |
In honor of TV Talk Show Host Day ( learn about it ), catch up with them and more of your favorite former talk-show hosts. From 2005 to 2010, supermodel Tyra Banks hosted "The Tyra Banks Show," which tackled a slew of hop topics, including women's body issues ( remember when Tyra took on her "fat shamers" ?). She's still the host of "America's Next Top Model," but Tyra recently launched another business venture. BING: WHAT IS SHE DOING NOW ? Actor and comedian Wayne Brady was the host of "The Wayne Brady Show," in which he interviewed celebs and entertained the audience with his famous improvisational singing. When the show ended, his love of music migrated over to this singing game show . BING: WHAT'S WAYNE DOING NOW ? Phil Donahue first hosted "The Phil Donahue Show" locally ( from which not-so-big city ?) before it became a nationally syndicated show. He met his wife on the show. After almost 7,000 episodes, his chatfest ended in 1996. BING: WHAT HAS PHIL DONE LATELY ? Comedian Arsenio Hall hosted his own late-night talk show from 1989 to 1994. He popularized fist pumping, barking and a special section of his audience ( what was this called ?). He later went on to win this reality show contest . BING: WHAT HAPPENED WITH HIS TALK-SHOW RETURN ? Actress and comedian Bonnie Hunt debuted "The Bonnie Hunt Show" in 2008, with this beloved late comic as her first guest. The set of the show, which ran for two years, was a tribute to a Las Vegas legend . BING: WHAT HAS BONNIE DONE LATELY ? Jenny Jones was caught up in a tragic scandal ( what happened ?) with two guests on her tabloid talk show, "The Jenny Jones Show," which ran from 1991 to 2003. BING: WHAT IS SHE DOING NOW ? Star Jones hosted a short-lived talk show ( which show ?), which drew upon her experience as a lawyer, after her highly publicized departure from "The View." BING: WHAT DID STAR TRY HER HAND AT ? Iconic talk-show host Larry King interviewed a wide variety of people ( who appeared on his final show ?) during his 25-year tenure on "Larry King Live," which ended in 2010. CNN's "replacement" for Larry's show didn't have quite the enduring run ( what was it ?). BING: WHAT'S LARRY UP TO LATELY ? Actor Greg Kinnear got his start as the host of a show that poked fun at talk shows ( what was it ?), then moved on to his late-night talk show, "Later with Greg Kinnear." He's been a successful actor ( check out his film cred ) and was nominated for an Oscar ). BING: HE WAS IN THIS RECENT COMEDY Ricki Lake spent 11 seasons as the host of "Ricki Lake"and discussed topics that were relevant to a younger audience ( this was one of her most memorable shows ). The show ended in 2004 and her return to daytime talk was short lived , but Ricki's been busy with her documentary work . BING: WHAT IS RICKI UP TO NOW ? Comedian and actor George Lopez ( get tour dates for his live show ) hosted his late night-talk show, "Lopez Tonight," for two seasons before it was canceled, indirectly as a result of another talk show moving into his time slot ( which show ?). BING: WHAT WAS HIS RECENT GIG ? Debbie Matenopoulos was part of the original group of hosts on "The View" but was fired after only two seasons ( who replaced her ?) BING: WHAT IS DEBBIE CELEBRATING THESE DAYS ? Comedian Dennis Miller began his career as a talk-show host on "The Dennis Miller Show" following his time on a comedy show ( which show ?). He later moved to a talk show on HBO ( which show ?). BING: WHAT IS HE DOING NOW ? Actress Mo'Nique hosted the daytime talk show "The Mo'Nique Show," where she interviewed celebrity guests ( who was on her first show ?) and encouraged her audience to hug themselves. The show only lasted from 2009-2010, but Mo'Nique rebounded quite nicely . BING: WHAT HAS MO'NIQUE BEEN WORKING ON ? The actress and comedian hosted "The Rosie O'Donnell Show" from 1996 to 2002 and later joined the cast of another talk show in 2006 ( which show ?). She made the leap to the evening talk-show arena ( with what show ?), but it ran for just one season. BING: WHAT IS ROSIE DOING NOW ? Legendary talk-show host Regis Philbin ( how old is he ?) is a Guinness World Record holder ( for what ?) and is best known for his host role on "Live! with Regis and Kelly" ( who was his co-host before Kelly Ripa ?). BING: HIS MOST RECENT WORK ON TV Recognized by her trademark red glasses, Sally Jesse Raphael ( her age ?) hosted her daytime talk show, "Sally," for 19 years ( when did the show end ?). BING: THIS NBA STAR SPORTED SALLY GLASSES Geraldo Rivera's job as host of the daytime talk show "The Geraldo Rivera Show" was known to occasionally get him into trouble (he suffered injuries in this infamous incident ). BING: WHAT IS HE DOING NOW? Psychologist Laura Schlessinger tried to recreate the success of her radio show on her daytime talk show, "Dr. Laura," but the show was canceled after a year (read about the controversy surrounding her show). BING: WHAT IS SHE DOING NOW ? Journalist Meredith Vieira ( she recently revealed her past ) was the moderator and a co-host of "The View" before joining a popular morning talk show ( which show ?). BING: WHAT IS MEREDITH DOING NOW ? Montel Williams ( how old is he ?) was the host of the daytime talk show "The Montel Williams Show" from 1991 to 2008 and frequently had a psychic ( who ?) as a guest. BING: WHAT IS HE DOING NOW ? "Queen of talk" Oprah Winfrey created a media empire from her daytime talk show, "The Oprah Winfrey Show," which ran for 25 seasons ( when did it end ?). The show was studded with memorable moments from Oprah's big reveal ( see pics ) to a certain A-lister losing his cool on Oprah's couch. BING: WHAT IS KEEPING HER BUSY THESE DAYS ? | 6 | 1,435 | entertainment |
We're happy to present this article from one of our favorite sites, Cricket's Circle. These are the mom blog posts everyone is talking about. Before motherhood, we groused about baby pictures and viral parenting posts flooding Facebook (so boring!). But as soon as our own offspring came along, we posted Huffington Post essays with the best of them (so cathartic!). A form of social-media-stoked Stockholm syndrome? Maybe. But we prefer to think of laughing, crying, and finding validation in parenting think pieces as a ritual induction into the motherhood club. Below, 10 classic posts and articles you ignored prebaby that you'll totally get once you're on the other side. The Post: I Read All the Baby Sleep Books The Author: Ava Neyer The Gist: No, you're not crazy: Sleep experts give wildly conflicting advice. Read it When: You're starting to suspect sleep training's a racket. The Post: Babyproof Your Marriage: 10 Things New Dads Need to Know About New Moms The Author: Marie McKinney-Oates The Gist: Moms and dads experience the early days of infancy in completely different ways; this spells it out for him. Read it When: Everything still feels so new. (Make him read it, too.) The Post: What I Do All Day When I am Home With the Baby The Author: Raquel D'Apice The Gist: A hilariously accurate description of what it's like to go toe to toe with an infant. Read it When: All the visitors have gone, paternity leave is over, and you're flying solo. The Post: The Mom Stays in the Picture The Author: Allison Tate The Gist: Motherhood isn't always pretty, but your kids think you look like Gisele. So when capturing family memories, fight your urge to stay behind the scenes. Read it When: You've got spit-up on your "going out" sweatpants. The Post: The Hardest Two Weeks of My Life The Author: Joanna Goddard The Gist: The beloved blogger trades her usually upbeat tone for an honest, accurate description of delayed postpartum depression. Read it When: You're feeling lost. The Post: You're a Stay-at-Home Mom? What Do You Do All Day? The Author: Matt Walsh The Gist: A dad blasts society and judgy moms for questioning whether parenting is really a full-time job. Read it When: You're staying home and your mom friends are finishing maternity leave. The Article: Why Women Can't Have it All The Author: Anne-Marie Slaughter The Gist: A former director of policy planning at the State Department explains why American workplace culture and policies made it impossible to juggle high-level government work with parenting two boys. Read it When: You're back to work, still sleep-deprived, and mad at the world. The Post: There Is Only Now The Author: Liz Gumbinner The Gist: Squash your working mom guilt and remember that, for kids, what matters is the mom you are in the moment. Read it When: You've got your mojo back. The Post: The Day I Stopped Saying, "Hurry Up" The Author: Rachel Macy Stafford The Gist: Toddlers move at the pace of molasses. But it's actually pretty wonderful. Read it When: You've had a particularly manic day. The Article: New Parenting Study Released The Author: Sarah Miller The Gist: All this navel-gazing about parenthood is really getting out of hand. Read it When: You've OD'd on the above. | 4 | 1,436 | lifestyle |
It's unsettling to know that thieves prefer snatching up common vehicles like the Honda Accord, Ford F-Series, and Nissan Altima. But drivers with newer models can rest a little easier knowing that theft rates among that group are surprisingly low. According to a new report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau, thefts of 2013 model-year cars during the first half of the year totaled 34,610. While that may seem like a big number, it represents less than 5 percent of the nearly 724,000 total vehicle thefts last year. Newer vehicles, if stolen, are also much more likely to be recovered than older models. A whopping 88 percent of stolen 2013 vehicles eventually made their way back to owners, compared to just 50 percent of all stolen cars. Trucks are some of the least likely new vehicles to be recovered, however. Only 76 percent of 2013 Chevrolet Silverados and 77 percent of 2013 Dodge Rams are ever returned, the report says. But in which state is your vehicle most likely to get stolen? For 2013 model-year cars, California topped the list with 6818 thefts. Luckily though, there is a 92-percent chance that a stolen vehicle in this state will return to its owner. Among other states with the most stolen cars , Florida came in a distant second with 3617 vehicles, followed by Texas with 3037 and Michigan at 2711. Source: NICB | 9 | 1,437 | autos |
Superlice De Agostini/Getty Images As if lice weren't bad enough, a growing number are now resistant to over-the-counter (OTC) treatment. Scary, yes, but not surprising since doctors have relied on a single compound to kill the bugs for decades, says John Clark, a University of Massachusetts Amherst toxicologist. What Used To Work OTC treatments kill lice with neurotoxins called pyrethrins (or the synthetic permethrin). When repeatedly exposed to the drug, bugs evolve a genetic mutation that desensitizes their nervous systems to its effects. Why That's A Problem Populations of lice develop additional defenses until they become completely immune, as is now the case in Argentina and Israel. In March, Clark reported that 99.6 percent of head lice in the U.S. already have the genetic mutation and are en route to achieving superlice status. What To Do Now A few single-treatment prescription medications exist. Removing lice with heat treatment or those annoyingly tiny combs also works. You just need the patience of a saint (or a school nurse). "I'd recommend a professional," Clark says. | 4 | 1,438 | lifestyle |
You've probably seen images from this place before. Big finned Cadillacs sinking slowly in the loam, a '67 GTO peering out from waist-high weeds, vines curling around the mirrors and in and out of hood scoops, pre-safety glass windshields starred and fogged from decades of quiet resting in the woods. There are more than six miles of trails in and around the Georgia forest land that houses these picturesque scenes of abandonment, and the owner of it all, Dean Lewis, knows exactly how striking it is. There is a sign on the fence that reads "CARS, ART, NATURE, HISTORY." That sums up Dean's approach to his 34-acre vintage car scrapyard pretty well. Actually, calling it a scrapyard might lead to the wrong impression; maybe "adventureland" would be better. Dean calls it "Photographers Paradise," and that works too, although you don't have to be behind the lens to enjoy walking the wooded trails of Old Car City, USA. For a car junkie, it's a bit like walking the Louvre, if that famous museum had left the Mona Lisa outside for 25 years. The business started back in 1931, when Dean's parents opened a small general store in White, Georgia, a tiny town only formed a few years earlier. The Lewis' added a scrapyard business to the store, and Dean says his childhood was spent playing with cars in that junkyard. His folks had moved out of the junk business by the time Dean got interested in taking over the property in the '70s, but there were still some '40s cars sitting around in the woods. Dean started buying cars from auctions and private parties and recycling yards. He expanded so much he had to buy more land to keep everything on. The area became a playground for Dean, his friends, his children, and his grandchildren. A creative group, they'd use scrap metal to build towers and airplanes and other oddities in and around the rusting frames of muscle cars and '50s classics. Eventually, the place became more of an art project than a working salvage yard, and that's when Dean realized he could make more money charging admission like a theme park than parting out the displays. Like all good art, Old Car City is not without controversy. Collectors hoping to score a bargain leave the place grumbling and dissatisfied. "Everything is for sale," Dean told us, "But only at a price that makes it worth it for me. If I sell this, it's gone. I don't have it anymore. I can't replace it." The Internet seems split between people who think Dean owes something to the hobby to get these cars in the hands of people who will restore them, and those who think it's cool just to be able to see a photogenic spot with so many incredible automobiles in one place. Patina hounds and Ruin Porn aficionados will have no complaints about the set-up. We aren't here to tell you how to feel, so we'll just tell you how we felt walking through the abandoned cars and moss-covered engine blocks. It's incredibly peaceful, a little sad, and very inspiring. A thick layer of pine needles cushions the well-maintained trails, and the light filters down soft and green through the trees. We went on weekday and wandered for more than an hour without ever seeing another person, our only company the ghosts of the cars' previous owners and a brightly feathered bird that watched us suspiciously from his perch on the exposed valve train of a lichened small-block Chrysler. Dean says he's heard reports of the occasional bear sighting, but the scariest creature we spotted was a spider the size of the previously mentioned small block making a web in the interior of a late '60s station wagon. Old Car City is loosely divided by make, here a row of Fords and Mercurys, around the bend a clearing with AMCs and Chryslers, but you never know what you'll find peeking out from a blanket of leaves, or tucked inside a weathered wooden lean-to. The variety is staggering, we saw special package options we had forgotten about Hornet Sportabout, anyone? Gold Duster? as well as high performance cars that we thought had all been restored by now '68 Super Bee? Olds 442? it doesn't even seem possible that these cars ever ended up in a junkyard. Most of the time, the patina and decay just highlighted the beauty of the car's original design. Moss creeping over a taillight or ferns wrapping around a door handle draw the eye to styling elements in a way you might ignore if you were looking at a restored car. Every once in a while we did succumb to the sense of loss that seeing these cars rot away can inspire in the "Save the Whales" side of your brain. The sight of a 1970 Dodge Challenger, its egg-crate grille twisted around a small sapling, its wood-grained door panels crumbling into dust made us miss our own cars, and want to rush home and rebuild a 440 to get ours back on the road before it joins its sister in returning to the earth. Maybe that's the real lesson that car lovers should take away from Dean's place. You are lucky to have your project car, and it's lucky to have you. Treat it well, don't let it waste away in your garage waiting for someday. Get it running, get it out there. Do it for the lost cars of Old Car City. If you're near White, Georgia (about 1.5 hours from Atlanta), don't miss a chance to go through Old Car City for yourself. We recommend showing up with good walking shoes, a big memory card in your camera and a lot of bug spray. Old Car City is open Tuesday through Saturday, and costs $25 for admission. Don't forget to check out Dean's art gallery in the upstairs section of the museum. Go HERE for more info. Source Old Car City USA Address: 3098 Highway 411 Northeast White, GA 30184 PO Box 480, White, GA 30184 P: 770-382-6141 | 9 | 1,439 | autos |
Prices are unlikely to drop anytime soon It's not just the drought in parts of the U.S. and in other countries that's driving food prices. A number of diseases and rare bacteria are also affecting how much you ultimately pay for your groceries. Coffee plantations, for example, are experiencing a double whammy: They're being hit by a fungus as well as by a beetle that's attacking the beans. Even Ebola is having a damaging effect on cocoa imports from Africa by holding up shipments. Food prices have been on the rise for most of the year and it's unlikely they'll drop anytime soon. The Agriculture Department expects meat prices to rise 6.5 percent in 2014, up from a 5.5 percent forecast earlier this year and well ahead of the 20-year average increase of 2.9 percent. The trend is similar when it comes to milk and other dairy products, as well as vegetables, fruits and nuts. On the positive side, corn and wheat crops have been good this year as the Department of Agriculture reported larger-than-expected stockpiles of the grain, prompting prices to fall. One other piece of good news for consumers with gas prices dropping below $2 in some areas, a trip to the grocery store costs a lot less. Cocoa The deadly Ebola virus, which is spreading in West Africa and killing thousands, is now also impacting the cost of cocoa. Cocoa prices are soaring as concerns mount that shipments from Ivory Coast might be disrupted. Coffee Fungus The deadly Ebola virus, which is spreading in West Africa and killing thousands, is now also impacting the cost of cocoa. Cocoa prices are soaring as concerns mount that shipments from Ivory Coast might be disrupted. Coffee Beetle The berry borer beetle is another cause of shrinking coffee crops and higher coffee prices. The insect has been attacking coffee plantations around the world, burrowing into the beans and eating its way out reducing yield by 50 to 75 percent in some cases. Meat, Fruit, Vegetables The drought out West has impacted the price of animal feed and in turn the price of meat, especially beef, but also the price of fruits, vegetables and dairy products. It's even impacting the price of sushi: The drought has reduced the production of rice used by sushi restaurants, as Politico recently reported. Hazelnuts Bad weather isn't a new phenomenon, but this year hail storms have damaged nut crops, especially hazelnuts in Turkey, prompting many to worry we might soon experience a shortage of Nutella. The price of hazelnuts has increased by more than 60 percent this year to a 10-year high, The Guardian reported. Swine diseases Swine diseases don't just include the swine flu. Over the summer, a second outbreak of the porcine epidemic diarrhea virus emerged. Since the virus appeared in the U.S. in April 2013, it has killed on average 100,000 piglets and young hogs each week. Shrimp Disease A bacterial infection called early mortality syndrome has reduced shrimp output in Thailand, the world's largest shrimp exporter, by as much as 40 percent, driving prices in the U.S. up by about 20 percent. Milk Population growth in booming Asian countries, coupled with a change in taste as the middle class grows larger in these countries, have prompted milk prices to soar. "Asia's growing thirst for milk is spilling over onto the U.S. market, pushing prices for consumers and pressuring profits for some food makers," The Wall Street Journal reported earlier this year, mentioning China, Indonesia and Vietnam. Citrus greening Citrus greening has been damaging citrus trees throughout Florida, and despite efforts at the University of Florida to treat trees, the fight against the disease is only temporary; consumers have felt the pinch at the checkout line. "We are hoping by buying time we can keep the industry in production until a more permanent cure is found," said Reza Ehsani, a researcher at UF. | 5 | 1,440 | news |
The ultimate busy-woman 'do, they cover growing-out roots and let you skip shampoo a day or two longer, not to mention that they're the look of the moment. Kerry Washington "Kerrys hair is really gorgeous, and I love that it plays with two different textures," says celebrity hairstylist Larry Sims. "To get her look, part hair over your left or right eyebrow and roll hair along the hairline, upwards, until it reaches your neck. Take the remainder and fishtail braid it to one side, leaving it a little loose and natural." Eva Longoria To create a loose fishtail like Eva's, part hair on one side, pull it over the opposite shoulder, then divide it into two halves, instructs Raphael Reboh of Femme Coiffure Hair Spa in Miami Beach, FL. Then take a small piece from the edge of the right side, cross it over the top and add it to the left side. Do the same from the left side, crossing it over the top and adding it to the right side. Continue to the ends, then secure with a rubber band and gently pull for a looser effect. Cate Blanchett Copying Kate's look is as simple as French braiding, then tucking in and pinning ends. Finish with a hair-product cocktail of gel and pomade, which will help keep a braid neat and in place, says celebrity stylist Rheanne White. Her favorite combo? Layrite Super Hold Pomade ($16) and Oribe Gel Sérum ($59). Lucy Liu This simple, neck-skimming look is easy and elegant on thick hair. "Pull hair into a ponytail at the nape of the neck," says Rusk global creative director Gerard Caruso. "After loosely braiding hair, twist and pin it into a bun." Kate Bosworth "Kate's style is an array of French braids wrapped, layered, and looped around the back," says Fernando Salas, creator of White Sands Hair Care. "To start, create a severe side part and begin French braiding various front sections back. Secure each one with an elastic band. At the crown, take more sections and braid hair down with a basic three-strand braid. Repeat until all loose hair is in a braid. Wrap the ends of the braids around the base of your head, making sure to loop them up and over one another, then bobby pin hair in place." Rashida Jones A well-placed braid makes Rashida's updo much more interesting. To create this look, gather hair from behind one ear into a small tight braid, gently pull across the crown, and pin behind the opposite ear. Rachel Zoe A small braided section along the temple creates an edgy, undercut effect on long, loose hair. It works great with straight or wavy hair and a side part, but might be too much if you also have bangs, says Salas. Roselyn Sanchez Interested in trying Roselyn's polished updo? "First, smooth straight hair into a ponytail using a paddle brush," says Salas. "Apply shine serum, then take the tail and divide it into two even sections. Brush each one out, then braid and twist around the ponytail base in opposite directions. Finish by securing with bobby pins. You can use a toothbrush misted with hairspray to carefully tame wispies." Heidi Klum "Starting with a deep side part, Heidi is wearing a super-tight French braid," says Caruso. "It wraps around to the back of her hair and is concealed by soft subtle waves. This pairing can give the illusion of a buzz cut depending on how tight you braid the hair back." Jennifer Morrison Dutch braiding is a lot like French braiding, but instead of adding new hair from the top, you pull it in from the bottom. And with Reboh's tips, it isn't as complicated as it looks. "Part hair over the midpoint of your eyebrow, and take three strands of hair that begin at or near the part," he says. "Do one round of regular braiding with the pieces, swapping each piece to the middle position once. Pull a new piece of hair from underneath to join the first piece that moves to the middle in the second round of braiding. Continue adding pieces and braiding down the side of the face and behind the ear. As you add new hair to the braid, pull each section tight with your fingers to hold the braid against your head." Michelle Trachtenberg A simple side braid is charming and a little girlish, but without the overly Little House on the Prairie effect of braids over both shoulders. Kelly Rowland "To get Kelly's loose and messy braid, use the top of the ear as a guideline," says Sims. "Starting at the left ear, work clockwise around your head, keeping the base of the braid close to the hairline and ending the braid where you started." Paris Hilton Since you're working at an awkward angle, it can be tricky to create a crown-circling braid on yourself. Try tilting your head slightly forward and tucking your chin in to get the best possible angle, and use a little texture spray before you start to keep hair from slipping, suggests Caruso. Jessica Szohr "The braid is super-cool and gives Jessica a goddess feel," says Sims. "To mimic it, separate hair in the middle from the back of the neck and gather either side on your left and right shoulder. Braid the hair on the right toward the left hairline, and vice versa. Secure with pins." Sara Rue If you're new to braiding or having trouble getting a neat effect, you can cheat by re-creating this look with a braided hair band that matches your hair color. "Or, to create it authentically, take a hidden section of hair from behind your right ear. After applying texture spray, brush hair up and over to the left side," says Salas. "Once smooth, create a simple three-strand braid. Secure with elastic and pin the tail behind your left ear." | 4 | 1,441 | lifestyle |
Before he was a Bengal, before was a pro bowler, he was a Horned Frog. Andy Dalton sits down with Bonnie Bernstein to discuss how he made the jump from TCU to the NFL and why his hard work, on the field and off, is going to pay dividends this season in the Queen City. | 8 | 1,442 | video |
Crude oil, nuclear and hydro energy Modern society is dependent on a reliable, abundant supply of energy. As our populations and cities get bigger, that demand is only set to grow: the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) has predicted that by 2040 global energy consumption will have increased by 56 percent. Here, CNBC takes a look at the world's biggest producers of crude oil, nuclear and hydro energy, according to the International Energy Agency's (IEA) Key World Energy Statistics for 2014. Saudi Arabia: 540mt in 2013 The IEA named Saudi Arabia as the world's biggest producer of crude oil. According to the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Saudi Arabia, "possesses 18 percent of the world's proven petroleum reserves," with the oil and gas sector contributing 50 percent of the country's gross domestic product (GDP). Vast amounts of oil were discovered near the Arabian Gulf in 1938, and Saudi Arabia's abundant reserves have led to wealth, low petrol prices and influence in times of geopolitical instability, such as the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Russian Federation: 525mt in 2013 The world's largest country by area, Russia is the second-largest producer of crude oil after Saudi Arabia, producing 12.8 percent of the planet's crude oil in 2013 according to the IEA. In January 2013, the Oil and Gas Journal reported that Russia had 80 billion barrels of proven reserves. The Samotlor Field (pictured), located in Nizhnevartovsk, produced 130.8 million barrels of crude oil in 2012, according to state-controlled energy company Rosneft's most recent figures. Samotlor is one of Russia's largest oil fields, and one of the ten biggest in the world. United States: 440mt in 2013 According to the U.S. EIA, there are 30.53 billion barrels of proven oil reserves in the United States. While currently ranked third in terms of oil production, the United States is ramping up its output. The EIA said crude oil production in August this year was, "an estimated 8.6 million barrels per day… the highest monthly production since July 1986." The shale boom has helped increase supply, and total crude oil production is expected to reach an average of 9.5 million barrels per day. United States: 801 TWh The United States is home to 62 commercially operating nuclear power plants across 31 states, and produced 801 terawatt hours of nuclear electricity in 2012, according to the IEA - roughly a third of the world's total output. France: 425 TWh France relies heavily on nuclear power to maintain its energy security. Currently, more than 75 percent of French electricity is generated from nuclear power plants, according to the World Nuclear Association, and in 2012, 425 terawatt hours of electricity were generated by nuclear power in the country. Russian Federation: 178 TWh In 1954, the Obninsk reactor around 60 miles south west of Moscow became the world's first nuclear power plant to be connected to an electricity grid. Since then Russia has gone on to become one of the world's biggest producers of nuclear electricity, with 178 terawatt hours generated in 2012. People's Republic of China: 872 TWh Hydropower is a renewable source of energy generated by moving water, and China - despite its hunger for fossil fuels - is the world's leading producer of hydroelectricity. Vast, imposing structures such as the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River the world's largest hydroelectric power station when ranked by capacity helped China generate 872 terawatt hours of electricity in 2012. Brazil: 415 TWh According to the U.S. EIA, over 75 percent of Brazilian electricity is generated by hydropower. In 2012, Brazil generated 415 terawatt hours of hydroelectricity, while the vast Itaipu dam complex, a joint project by Brazil and Paraguay, has generated 2,135 terawatt hours of electricity since it became operational in 1984. Canada: 381 TWh The second-largest country in the world by area, Canada, has an abundance of hydropower resources, with some dams over 100 years old, according to the Canadian Hydropower Association (CHA). CHA states that hydro accounts for 60 percent of Canada's electricity production, with 125 billion Canadian dollars ($111.6 billion) to be invested into the sector over the next 20 years. The Daniel-Johnson dam, in the Manicouagan valley, Québec, is described by Hydro Québec as, "the highest multiple-arch-and-buttress dam in the world." | 3 | 1,443 | finance |
Get updates on what's happening behind the scenes with these reality TV stars and their families. June 'Mama June' Shannon The matriarch and star of TLC's " Here Comes Honey Boo Boo " is finding herself at the center of scandal as of late after news broke that she's reportedly dating a convicted sex offender. TLC canceled "Boo Boo" last week, and now Mama June 's being investigated by Georgia's Department of Family and Child Services. BING: WHAT MAY HAPPEN TO THE REALITY TV STAR ? Brandi Glanville The " Real Housewives of Beverly Hills " star ( her age ? | her famous ex ?) is reportedly dating someone a few years her junior. BING: HOW OLD IS HER REPORTED NEW BF ? Jennifer Brennan Jennifer Brennan , the " Shipping Wars " beauty, keeps her life fairly private ― no mention of a boyfriend or her family. But she does have two family members that she can't wait to get home to after time on the road ( what does she typically haul ?). BING: WHO ARE HER FAV FAMILY MEMBERS ? Billy Bretherton Donning leather and chains, Billy Bretherton , the pest control expert, travels around this state wrangling and exterminating pests on the A&E show " Billy the Exterminator ." BING: DOES HE HAVE KIDS ? Ricky Bretherton Ricky Bretherton of " Billy the Exterminator " co-founded Vexcon, the pest-control company with his brother Billy. During Season 1, someone close to Ricky left the show. BING: WHO WAS IT ? Liz Cavalier The "Gator Queen" of History Channel's " Swamp People " is a family woman. Liz Cavalier learned the ways of alligator hunting from her father and is now passing the tradition on to her daughter and stepsons . BING: WHO IS HER HUBBY ? Austin 'Chumlee' Russell The bumbling appraiser on History Channel's " Pawn Stars ," Austin "Chumlee" Russell grew up with Corey Harrison and learned the ways of the pawn business. He recently was featured in an episode of this "Pawn Stars" spinoff series . BING: DOES HE HAVE A GIRLFRIEND ? Jessa Duggar Jessa Duggar , daughter of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar , of TLC's "19 Kids And Counting" ( see videos ) fame, recently announced her engagement to Ben Seewald ( see her ring ). BING: HOW IS MOM-TO-BE JILL DUGGAR DILLARD DOING ? Josh Flagg It's no secret how much " Million Dollar Listing: Los Angeles " star Josh Flagg looked up to his grandmother, 94-year-old fashion mogul Edith Flagg , who died this summer. The Holocaust survivor, who often appeared on the Bravo show, is known for her work as a designer and fashion executive . BING: SEE JOSH & HIS GRANDMOTHER Jackson Galaxy Jackson Galaxy , the cat behaviorist of Animal Planet's show " My Cat From Hell ," looks more like a music rocker than a "cat whisperer." In fact, when he was younger he was a musician with substance abuse problems until he made a connection that changed his life. BING: WHO HELPED CHANGE HIS LIFE ? Roy Garber One of the top earners on " Shipping Wars ," Roy Garber is no-nonsense driver who started his own shipping business as a way to earn money while raising his son. BING: WHAT'S HIS SON UP TO NOW ? Kate Gosselin She was once known as a fraction of " Jon and Kate Plus 8 ," but since the show ended in 2011, Kate Gosselin has managed to stay in the spotlight. She showed off her fancy footwork on this reality show and popped up on another popular series ( how old are the sextuplets now ?). BING: DID JON RECENTLY GET EVICTED ? Corey Harrison Corey Harrison is an expert appraiser who works in the Las Vegas pawn shop on " Pawn Stars ." He recently went through an on-screen transformation, shedding quite a few pounds ( how much did he lose ?). BING: IS HE MARRIED ? Rick Harrison The co-owner of this Las Vegas pawn shop and star of " Pawn Stars ," Rick Harrison recently tied the knot with a paralegal from Las Vegas. One of his co-stars served as ring bearer ( who ?). BING: WHOM DID HE MARRY ? Dave Hester The former " Storage Wars " star who everyone loved to hate, Dave Hester filed a lawsuit against A&E TV ( claiming what ?). In Season 2, Hester faced competition on a storage unit from an estranged relative. BING: WHO WAS IT ? Troy Landry Nicknamed the "King of the Swamp," Troy Landry , the popular alligator hunter on " Swamp People ," can be seen navigating the swamps of Louisiana with his son. When off camera, he operates the family business . BING: WHO IS HIS CO-STAR AND SON ? Matt and Amy Roloff Earlier this year, Matt and Amy Roloff , stars of " Little People, Big World ," shocked fans when they announced they were separating after 26 years of marriage. But there's happy news for the family as son Jeremy was married on Sept. 20, 2014. BI NG: SEE PICS OF JEREMY & HIS NEW BRIDE Bill Klein and Jen Arnold Bill Klein and Jen Arnold, TLC's " The Little Couple ," are watching their family grow. After adopting son Will , they traveled to India last year to add little sister Zoey ( see photos ) to the family. BING: THE LATEST ON JEN'S BATTLE WITH CANCER Brandi Passante Brandi Passante works with her husband on " Storage Wars ," and the two are often at odds over which storage units to bid on, but they make a great team when competing against other bidders on the hit show. BING: DOES SHE HAVE CHILDREN ? Sonia Pizarro Sonia Pizarro , the boss of truTV's " Operation Repo ," is known for her crass attitude when dealing with other members of her repo team, many of them family members ( check out the show's cast ). BING: WHO IS HER REPO STAR EX-HUSBAND ? Phil Robertson Phil Robertson , the " Duck Dynasty " patriarch and inventor of the Duck Commander duck call, leaves the running of the family business to his son. BING: HIS WIFE IS A POPULAR MEMBER OF THE 'DUCK DYNASTY' CLAN Willie Robertson The businessman behind his father's company , Willie Robertson is also one of the stars of the hugely popular " Duck Dynasty ." He has been married to wife Korie since 1992 and the couple's oldest son John Luke just announced his engagement ( details here ). BING: HOW MANY CHILDREN DO THEY HAVE ? Ramona Singer " The Real Housewives of New York City " star confirmed that she is divorcing her husband of 22 years. While Ramona Singer 's been slow to divulge details surrounding her broken marriage ( the reported reason for the split ?), she's now speaking out about her 19-year-old daughter Avery's support. BING: AVERY'S APPARENT REACTION TO THE SPLIT ? Marc Springer Marc Springer , the mega-mustached shipper of " Shipping Wars ," got into the shipping business as a way to support his family; he used to be a salesman for this . BING: HOW MANY KIDS DOES HE HAVE ? Dough Hutchinson and Courtney Stodden Courtney Stodden and Doug Hutchinson 's relationship has been dogged by controversy. The " Celebrity Big Brother " star, 20, and her 54-year-old ex are back together after their split in November 2013 and are planning to renew their wedding vows by the end of this year, says Stodden's mom and manager Krista Keller . BING: SEE PICS OF COURTNEY & HER 'MOMAGER' Tia Torres The owner and founder of the largest pit bull rescue facility in the country, Tia Torres and her band of parolees are featured on Animal Planet's " Pit Bulls and Parolees ." Torres has one daughter who also works at the rescue center. BING: GET THE LATEST ON HER DAUGHTERS Buddy Valastro New Jersey native Buddy Valastro went into the family business at an early age, and when his father died he took over and became the boss. The TLC show " Cake Boss " follows Valastro as he runs his family's Hoboken, N.J., bakery . BING: WHO ARE THE OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS WHO RUN THE BAKE SHOP ? Barry Weiss Barry Weiss has stated that he just bids on storage units for fun and doesn't need the money from " Storage Wars ." He makes his money in the produce business with a family member. BING: WITH WHOM DID HE GO INTO BUSINESS ? Mike Wolfe One half of the picking duo featured on " American Pickers ," Mike Wolfe tours the country with his buddy ( who ?) in search of antique treasures in junk-filled barns or attics. Wolfe finally got hitched to his girlfriend. BING: WHOM DID HE MARRY ? | 6 | 1,444 | entertainment |
Smaller can often be better A few weeks ago, I advised investors to beware of mutual fund asset bloat, because the mutual funds with the largest size in assets under management are rarely the best in performance. But the opposite is also true: Some of the best funds are often those that are smaller in size, compared to the averages in their respective categories. Something else I shared in the asset bloat story is a piece of sage advice from Warren Buffett: "It's a huge structural advantage not to have a lot of money. I think I could make you 50% a year on $1 million. No, I know I could. I guarantee that." Bill Gross feels the same way, as reported by Reuters.: Upon recently reflecting over his PIMCO tenure with fellow fixed income star, Jeffrey Gundlach, Gross admitted that "smaller is better." Not every portfolio manager can be a Buffett or a Gross, but there is definitely ample evidence in the mutual funds universe that supports the idea that smaller can often be better and a common correlation between below-average assets under management and above-average returns definitely exists. Here are the best funds with high returns and low assets under management. Best Funds With Low AUM: AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond Investor (MFDAX) When Bill Gross recently lamented that "smaller is better," he could have referenced AMG GW&K Enhanced Core Bond Investor (MFDAX) as an example. This small but mighty bond fund recently had only $87.4 million in assets under management; whereas the average intermediate-term bond fund has more than 10 times that amount. In a review of the 1-year, 3-year, 5-year and 10-year annualized returns, MFDAX has outperformed no less than 89% of category peers. Although the current lead manager, Mary F. Kane, has been at the helm for just a little under 2 years, she's supported by steady-handed co-managers, such as the legendary Dan Fuss. The stellar performance is also helped by high-yield bond holdings, but the average credit quality is still a solid investment-grade (or BBB) rating. Investors looking for income will also like the 2.52% yield. Just be cautious of rising interest rates, when the lower-quality bond holdings are likely to be a drag on performance. However, based upon this fund's history, long-term investors are sure to remain happy. The minimum initial purchase for MFDAX is $2,000. Best Funds With Low AUM: Pin Oak Equity (POGSX) Pin Oak Equity (POGSX) outperforms 90% of its mid-cap blend category peers for 10-year annualized returns and beats the category for 1-year, 3-year and 5-year performance on top of that. Assets under management were most recently at $92.1 million, compared to $644.8 million for the average mid-cap blend fund. Pin Oak Advisors Best Funds No One Knows AboutThe average market capitalization for POGSX, at $24.6 billion, is high enough to make some investors consider it a large-cap fund but a more accurate description might make it a well-managed multi-cap stock fund. Top holdings include the gigantic Wells Fargo & Co (WFC) but also mid-sized companies, such as Amdox Ltd (DOX). For those wanting to compare POGSX to a large-cap fund, it beats the S&P 500 Index in 6 of the 10 years from 2004 through 2013 but does so in a commanding manner, such as in 2009 when POGSX jumped 79.4%, compared to 26.5% for the S&P 500. Investors can get into POGSX with a $2,000 initial purchase. Best Funds With Low AUM: TFS Small Cap (TFSSX) Weighing in at a lightweight $91.3 million in assets, which is less than one-third the size of the average small-cap blend fund, TFS Small Cap (TFSSX) uses its size as an advantage. The 1-year and 3-year annualized returns place TFSSX ahead of the vast majority of small-cap blend funds. The fund inception is March of 2006 and it managed to beat 85% of its category peers in 2007. One small caveat for the fund is that its long-term performance is primarily supported by bull market periods, such as 2009, when it gained 65.4%, compared to the average small-blend fund, which returned 31.8%. But the fund came just slightly behind the category in recent down years, 2008 and 2011, with -38.4% and -5.1%, respectively, compared to -36.6 and -4.1% for the category during those years. The turnover is high at the most recent 601%, which pushes the expense ratio above-average to 1.75%. However the management has had ample time to prove its skills in its 8-year history. New investors can get into TFS Small Cap with a $5,000 initial purchase. As of this writing, Kent Thune did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities. Under no circumstances does this information represent a recommendation to buy or sell securities. | 3 | 1,445 | finance |
How many of these weird science facts did you learn in school? Probably not many! | 8 | 1,446 | video |
Here are 19 styles that are breaking the white shirt mold. Viktor & Rolf Poplin Shirt, $995; farfetch.com Siste's Shirt, $75; yoox.com Aquilano-Rimondi Long Sleeve Shirt, $875; thecorner.com Simone Rocha Ruffled Cotton Shirt, $520; modaoperandi.com DSquared2 Shirt, $243; yoox.com Stella McCartney Lisa Shirt, $560; stellamccartney.com Altuzarra Poplin Shirt, $695; farfetch.com Rag & Bone Alexander Crop Poplin Blouse, $255; intermixonline.com C'N'C' Costume National Shirt, $168; yoox.com Marni Long Sleeve Shirt, $590; marni.com Svek White Cotton Hidden Collar Shirt, $184; avenue32.com Carven Chemise Poplin Shirt, $254; farfetch.com Brunello Cucinelli Poplin Shirt, $1,045; farfetch.com Carven Women's Poplin Shirt, $250; coggles.com Neil Barrett Ruffled Stretch Cotton-Blend Poplin Shirt, $810; net-a-porter.com Balenciaga Loose Ruffle Front Shirt, $859; bysymphony.com Giles White Poplin Stretch Shirt, $1,155; avenue32.com Vivetta White Face Silhouette Drin Shirt, $390; avenue32.com Sacai Poplin Cotton-Piqué and Chiffon Shirt, $550; net-a-porter.com | 4 | 1,447 | lifestyle |
The Titan is a little long in the tooth, but a significant change is on the way. As we've reported before, the next-generation Titan will be available with the truck industry's only light-duty diesel V-8. Nissan teased the 5.0L turbodiesel Cummins V-8 again on Twitter today in an attempt to build anticipation for the truck, and we're totally hooked. The company unveiled its new marketing gimmick at the State Fair of Texas earlier this month, encouraging users of social media to track their excitement for the truck using the hashtag #CumminsSoon (please, please remember the double-S). We don't know much about the new engine, but we expect it to make very competitive numbers. Figure about 300 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque from the turbodiesel. That horsepower number puts it right in the thick of its competitors' gas V6 and V8 offerings, but torque would be far higher than any other engine in the 1/2-ton pickup class. Its closest competitor would likely be the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, which makes 240 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. We love the EcoDiesel, as it nearly matches its gas siblings for smoothness while blowing them away with its usable torque profile and best-in-class fuel economy. Nissan and Chrysler had previously planned to collaborate development of the next Titan, which would have been due for the 2012 model year. However, Chrysler's bankruptcy and subsequent merger with Fiat put the kibosh on those plans and the new Titan's future became murky. To add another layer of drama to the story, Chrysler (or more likely, Fiat) decided against putting a light-duty Cummins diesel in the Ram 1500. The EcoDiesel is made by VM Motori, which is wholly owned by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Cummins still supplies the 6.7L I-6 for the Ram 2500 and 3500. With Nissan representatives saying that the next Titan and its Cummins powerplant "can't come soon enough," we wouldn't be surprised to see an oil-burner (or two) on Nissan dealer lots within the next year, with Nissan and Cummins mulling over a four-cylinder diesel, potentially for the Frontier. We're stoked. Source: Nissan via Twitter Five liters of turbocharged diesel power. Are you ready for this? #CUMMINSSOON pic.twitter.com/xseq7KnIGe Nissan (@NissanUSA) October 13, 2014 | 9 | 1,448 | autos |
No matter how famous they may be, even celebrities need that one friend they can rely on through thick and thin. See whether you can guess who these stars turn to in good times and in bad. BEN AFFLECK While his Hollywood wife is likely his closest confidante, Affleck's right-hand man is his "Good Will Hunting" Academy Award co-winner. BING: WHO'S HIS CELEB BFF ? | SEE THEM TOGETHER Tyra Banks The model and media mogul and her fabulous friend both know a thing or two about parlaying a modeling career into big business. BING: WHO'S HER CELEB BFF ? | SEE THEM TOGETHER Mario Batali This celebrity chef and his fine-dining friend are partners in several hot-spot restaurants from NYC ( which place ?) to LA ( which place ?). BING: WHO'S HIS FOODIE BFF ? | SEE THEM TOGETHER George H.W. Bush The 41st president and his politician best bud became friends working together after the 2004 Asian tsunami and came back together to raise awareness after Hurricane Katrina the next year. BING: WHO'S HIS PRESIDENTIAL BFF ? | SEE THEM TOGETHER Naomi Campbell The supermodel and her fellow Brit seem more like "frenemies," with the tabloids reporting ups and downs between them over the years. BING: WHO IS HER BFF ? | SEE THEM TOGETHER Truman Capote The "In Cold Blood" author and his longtime best gal pal were childhood neighbors in their hometown of Monroeville, Ala. BING: WHO IS HIS AUTHOR BFF ? | SEE THEM TOGETHER Mariah Carey The singer and former "American Idol" judge and her music producer best friend have worked together on several albums, though last year she dropped him as her manager. BING: WHO'S HER CELEB BFF ? | SEE THEM TOGETHER George Clooney From playing partners in crime on the big screen ( which film ?) to waging prank wars on each other, these two are a match made in A-list heaven. BING: WHO'S HIS CELEB BFF ? | SEE THEM TOGETHER Cacee Cobb The first-time mom ( who's her husband ?) used to be a personal assistant for her designer and reality TV star best friend, but these days they're swapping cute kid stories. BING: WHO'S HER CELEB BFF ? | SEE THEM TOGETHER Bradley Cooper A series of hit movies ( which one ?) helped propel Cooper and his longtime guy pal to stardom. Cooper, whom People once named the sexiest man alive, recently bulked up for a role ( see how he looked ) while his friend debuted a stunning weight loss. BING: WHO'S HIS CELEB BFF ? | SEE THEM TOGETHER Courteney Cox Cox and her close gal pal made TV history together on "Friends" and have weathered highly publicized heartache by each other's sides. BING: WHO'S HER CELEB BFF ? | SEE THEM TOGETHER Cameron Diaz Diaz and her Hollywood homie have been tight since they starred in the 2000 action-comedy "Charlie's Angels" together. BING: WHO'S HER CELEB BFF ? | SEE THEM TOGETHER Leonardo DiCaprio The "Titanic" actor and his movie-star best pal have been friends since they were teenagers auditioning for "Parenthood" in 1990. BING: WHO'S HIS CELEB BFF ? | SEE THEM TOGETHER Donald Faison This star of "The Exes" became best friends while working with his co-star on the longtime hospital-based sitcom "Scrubs." BING: WHO'S HIS CELEB BFF ? | SEE THEM TOGETHER Will Ferrell Hollywood's class clown found the perfect partner in his "Talladega Nights" co-star. BING: WHO'S HIS CELEB BFF ? | SEE THEM TOGETHER Tina Fey Fey and her fellow "SNL" alum are two well-matched wits who kept sitcom audiences laughing throughout NBC's Thursday night line-up until "30 Rock" ended in 2013. BING: WHO'S HER CELEB BFF ? | SEE THEM TOGETHER Jennifer Garner The "Alias" star met her best friend while filming the romantic comedy "Valentine's Day" a few years ago. BING: WHO'S HER CELEB BFF ? | SEE THEM TOGETHER Salma Hayek Hayek teamed with her sultry friend for the straight-to-video 2006 shoot-'em-up "Bandidas." Since then, they've both become moms. BING: WHO'S HER CELEB BFF ? | SEE THEM TOGETHER Kate Hudson The "Almost Famous" star and her actress friend bonded over their shared status as kids of celebrity parents. BING: WHO'S HER CELEB BFF ? | SEE THEM TOGETHER LeBron James The Miami Heat NBA forward and his teammate have a courtside camaraderie that's more like a "work friendship." BING: WHO'S HIS NBA BFF ? | SEE THEM TOGETHER Rashida Jones The former "Parks and Recreation" star has a true-blue gal pal in Hollywood who shares her twee appeal. BING: WHO'S HER CELEB BFF ? | SEE THEM TOGETHER Kim Kardashian The mom-of-one ( who's her husband ?) and her TV personality best friend have been friends through several of Kim's high-profile relationships, including her quickie wedding to Kris Humphries in 2011. BING: WHO'S HER CELEB BFF ? | SEE THEM TOGETHER Nicole Kidman The "Moulin Rouge" star and her movie-star best friend share a homeland and have been attached at the hip since appearing in a 1991 indie movie together. BING: WHO'S HER CELEB BFF ? | SEE THEM TOGETHER John Krasinski "The Office" star is engaged in an ongoing prank war with his guy pal, who once went so far as to gift wrap the actor's entire house. Krasinski's wife ( who is she ?) apparently wasn't aware of the caper beforehand, and it doesn't seem to have affected her views of Krasinski as a dad ( see what she said ). BING: WHO'S HIS CELEB BFF ? | SEE THEM TOGETHER C.S. Lewis The "Chronicles of Narnia" author and his novelist friend were both faculty members at prestigious English university Oxford and shared a love for fantasy writing. BING: WHO WAS HIS WRITER BFF ? | SEE THEM TOGETHER Eva Longoria Although rumors have swirled about Longoria and her best buddy, she says their relationship is strictly platonic. BING: WHO'S HER CELEB BFF ? | SEE THEM TOGETHER Demi Lovato The "Skyscraper" singer and her fellow former Disney star friend have known each other since beginning their careers on a popular kids' show when they were 7 years old. BING: WHO'S HER CELEB BFF ? | SEE THEM TOGETHER Peyton Manning Denver's QB and this friend have maintained a friendship since their college football days ( where did they go ?), even though the friend has since switched to a different sport. BING: WHO'S HIS BFF ? | SEE THEM TOGETHER Matthew McConaughey Although there's talk that the "Dallas Buyers Club" star and his best pal are thinking of remaking an iconic movie ( see which one ), others say it's not true. They did, however, star together in a critically-acclaimed TV show . BING: WHO'S HIS CELEB BFF ? | SEE THEM TOGETHER Demi Moore Moore's bosom buddy is a former child actress-turned-entrepreneur ( her Los Angeles boutique ?). BING: WHO'S HER CELEB BFF ? | SEE THEM TOGETHER Gwyneth Paltrow The actress and lifestyle maven has called her superstar friend "the most talented human being on the planet." BING: WHO'S HER CELEB BFF ? | SEE THEM TOGETHER Busy Philipps The "Cougar Town" actress and her Oscar-nominated best friend became close on the set of a hit late-1990s teen TV drama . BING: WHO'S HER CELEB BFF ? | SEE THEM TOGETHER Rihanna When you're a chart-topping pop star with rocky relationships, who better to hang with than a singer who's cut from the same cloth? BING: WHO'S HER CELEB BFF ? | SEE THEM TOGETHER Robin Roberts The "Good Morning America" co-host has seen her share of major health issues but has had the support of her friend, who used to work with her every morning. BING: WHO'S HER REPORTER BFF ? | SEE THEM TOGETHER Tavis Smiley The talk-show host and his political activist and Ivy League professor friend often do interviews together and even co-wrote a book together in 2012. BING: WHO'S HIS FAMOUS BFF ? | SEE THEM TOGETHER Elizabeth Cady Stanton The co-author of "The Woman's Bible" and her equally important BFF paved the way for women's rights in America but first worked together as part of another movement . BING: WHO WAS HER BFF ? | SEE THEM TOGETHER Kristen Stewart The "Twilight" star had an on-set best friend to keep her company while filming the vampire saga. BING: WHO'S HER CELEB BFF ? | SEE THEM TOGETHER Margaret Thatcher The late British prime minister bonded with her powerful friend over economic philosophy and political ideology when they held office at the same time. BING: WHO WAS HER PRESIDENTIAL BFF ? | SEE THEM TOGETHER Tiffani Thiessen The "White Collar" actress and her gal pal were friends since their "Beverly Hills, 90210" days until they reportedly had a falling out a couple of years ago. BING: WHO WAS HER CELEB BFF ? | SEE THEM TOGETHER Serena Williams She can consult her sister Venus when it's time for tennis talk, but Williams has a go-to gal pal when it's time to relax or hit the town. BING: WHO'S HER CELEB BFF ? | SEE THEM TOGETHER Oprah Winfrey The mega mogul and her constant companion have shared a friendship that spans more than 20 years. BING: WHO'S HER CELEB BFF ? | SEE THEM TOGETHER Reese Witherspoon According to reports, Reese Witherspoon met her best friend one day when she knocked on the door and asked if their kids could have a playdate. BING: WHO'S HER CELEB BFF ? | SEE THEM TOGETHER Tiger Woods Some people blamed the golf icon's sex scandal on his friendship with high-rolling pals, such as this legendary NBA superstar. BING: WHO'S HIS ATHLETE BFF ? | SEE THEM TOGETHER | 6 | 1,449 | entertainment |
Isn't it time to get a clue about the flu? Stay informed and make this your healthiest flu season yet. What you need to know Every flu season (which starts in October and peaks in January and February in the U.S.), as many as 20% of Americans get sick with a virus that can cause serious, even lethal complications (not to mention the general awfulness of a fever, chills, congestion, and body aches). So how come there are still so many myths and rumors about the flu? While officials aren't predicting whether this year's influenza will be better or worse than in years past, it's smart to make sure you know the truth about this dreaded virus and what you can do to reduce your risk of catching it. You can catch the flu from the flu shot No, you can't. Really. This longstanding rumor just won't die no matter how often experts debunk it. "The flu vaccine is made with dead viral particles, and since the virus is not living, it can't infect you," explains Holly Phillips, M.D., a New York City internist and WCBS News medical contributor. The nasal-spray version of the vaccine, called the FluMist, (which is FDA-approved for kids and adults between ages two and 49 who are healthy and not pregnant) does contain a crippled version of live flu virus. However, it still can't make you sick, says Dr. Phillips. This misconception may stem from the fact that it takes 2 weeks for your body to form antibodies to the vaccine and fully protect you. So if you pick up a cold or the flu before or just after rolling up your sleeve, don't blame your runny nose and sore throat on the shot. Young, healthy people don't need to worry about the flu "While it's true that influenza is most threatening to the very young, the elderly, and people with underlying illnesses, it can still cause severe symptoms in otherwise healthy people," says Dr. Phillips. That's why the CDC recommends that everyone get the shot, preferably early in flu season. Even if you're not in a high-risk group, getting the shot can stop you from transmitting the virus to more vulnerable people. "The more people who get the shot, the more we cut down on the amount of influenza circulating in the population, which can protect your grandmother or child," says Dr. Phillips. Even if you don't regularly interact with kids or seniors, take a few minutes and get the shot at your doctor's office, local pharmacy, or community health center. You can't pass on a virus you never got in the first place. The flu includes gastrointestinal symptoms As miserable as symptoms of the flu are, digestive distress is rarely one of them. What's politely called the "stomach flu" is a colloquial term that refers to a group of viruses that primarily cause vomiting and diarrhea, says Dr. Phillips. "These viruses are not influenza," she says. That's not to say that the flu doesn't occasionally lead to some gastrointestinal issues; some sufferers do experience nausea and even vomiting. But if you develop these symptoms without any of the classic flu tip-offs, you're probably dealing with an entirely different germ. Pregnant women can't get a flu shot On the contrary, all pregnant women should get the jab as soon as possible. "The flu shot is very safe for pregnant women, and getting it can even protect the baby for the first few months of life, when he or she is not old enough to get the flu shot yet but is very vulnerable to illness," says Dr. Phillips. (Babies at least six months old are eligible for the vaccine.) Antibodies that form in response to the shot will not only protect you from the flu, they will protect your baby after birth and be delivered via breast milk, according to the CDC. Pregnancy causes immune, heart, and lung changes that can increase your risk for a bad case of flu, which can affect your pregnancy. "High fevers and severe infections can lead to serious pregnancy complications and even premature labor," says Dr. Phillips. You can stop the flu by washing your hands a lot Don't get us wrong, we're all for washing your hands with soap and water. But it's not enough to stop the flu. Influenza is spread through the air via droplets of saliva from a person who is contagious (which starts a day before symptoms show and up to seven days after). The droplets can land on you and get into your nose, mouth, and eyes. You can also pick up the flu by touching contaminated surfaces (the flu can live up to eight hours on surfaces, according to the CDC), then touching your hand to your face. So wash your hands with soap and water and avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. This slashes your risk somewhat, Dr. Leavey says. It's also important to stand at least six feet from anyone with the flu; the airborne droplets can't travel farther than that. Disinfect common areas in your home or workplace if someone with the flu spent time there. And above all, get vaccinated. If you get the flu, the shot didn't work The flu vaccine isn't like vaccines that protect you against measles or polio, which offer 100% protection. Usually, the flu shot is only about 60 to 90% effective. That's because multiple strains circulate every year, and it's difficult for scientists to predict perfectly which strains will be dominant. "If you do get the flu after going for the shot, it just means that you contracted a different strain that wasn't included in the vaccine," says Dr. Phillips. If this happens, there is an upside: your symptoms will likely be less severe, since the shot will probably be at least somewhat effective against the strain you have, she adds. And keep in mind that to the CDC, a flu shot is a success if it prevents hospitalizations and deaths, not if you sail through the season without a sniffle. Antibiotics can fight the flu There's no point in bugging your doctor, antibiotics don't work on viruses. That said, there are Rx antiviral meds that might help. Tamiflu is the best known; this drug has been shown to cut the course of the disease by 1-2 days, if you take it within 48 hours of the first sign of flu symptoms. These are generally recommended only for those at high risk of complications. "The effects are relatively modest," says Dr. Phillips. "Once you have the flu, you're going to be miserable regardless. Prevention with the flu shot is a better approach." Other meds that can offer some relief include over-the-counter fever reducers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, as well as congestion fighters. Best bet? Stay home, get some rest, drink lots of fluids, and wait it out (but be on your guard for serious complications). Bell's palsy is a side effect of the flu shot Bell's palsy is a condition that causes weakness or paralysis on one side of the face. It's usually temporary, clearing up after several weeks, and it's typically thought to be triggered by a viral infection, such as herpes simplex (the virus responsible for cold sores) or Epstein-Barr, which leads to mononucleosis. How did the flu get into the mix? Decades ago, a few isolated cases of people developing Bell's palsy after getting a flu vaccine were reported. Yet no link was ever established showing that one caused the other, says Dr. Phillips. The overwhelming consensus is that the two have nothing to do with each other, adds Dr. Leavey. Flu shots can cause Alzheimer's The flu shot doesn't cause any illness or condition, and that includes Alzheimer's disease, says Dr. Leavey. Alzheimer's is a type of dementia that leads to memory loss and other cognitive changes. Why some people develop Alzheimer's is not fully understood, and that opens the door to lots of speculation, which seems to be how the rumor linking the flu jab to Alzheimer's got its start. "The connection also has to do with the fact that senior citizens are strongly advised to get a flu shot every year, so people associate old age with flu shots, the way they associate old age with Alzheimer's," he says. "Or an elderly person who had a flu shot begins showing signs of memory loss months later. The two are unrelated, yet people conclude that the vaccine had something to do with it." | 7 | 1,450 | health |
Is Starbucks giving you something you can't make yourself at home, for less? Unless you crave complicated espresso drinks, probably not. 1. Many coffee lovers don't love our coffee With more than 20,000 stores spread across 65 countries, Starbucks has all but redefined coffee and the coffeehouse experience. The company, which started in Seattle in 1971, is known for bringing high-end java to the masses as in coffee that's a cut above what you might find in your neighborhood diner. Starbucks has also helped to train a generation of coffee-drinkers who don't blink at paying, say, $2 or more instead of 99 cents for a cup of joe. That's due in part to their success in establishing Starbucks as a comfortable respite from home or the office (its stores have been dubbed a "third place") and in emphasizing a socially conscious corporate philosophy (where even part-time employees can receive benefits). It's a formula that's clearly worked, even in today's increasingly competitive coffee market: Starbucks Corp. racked up nearly $15 billion in revenue in fiscal year 2013, a 12% increase over the prior year. And the company's stock SBUX, -0.49% has risen by more than 700% since early 2009. But for all the company's success, Starbucks still has plenty of naysayers, especially when it comes to its core product: coffee. The company has long been dogged by complaints that some of its java offerings have a harsh, over-roasted quality earning the moniker "Charbucks." And some of its offerings haven't fared well in taste tests, including studies by Consumer Reports. In a 2013 blind taste test, The Bold Italic, an online magazine based in San Francisco, found that Starbucks' Medium Roast House Blend finished the worst of six packaged coffees. (Even supermarket mainstay Folgers ranked higher.) To quote one tester's opinion of Starbucks: "Gross, dark, yuck!" As might be expected, Starbucks takes a different view. A spokeswoman makes the point that "some like a lighter coffee and some prefer dark"; and to that end, Starbucks says it's been working to accommodate a wider range of tastes. In 2012, the company introduced its line of Blonde Roast coffees, which were billed as "subtle, mellow, lighter-bodied." And that same year, Starbucks began promoting what it calls its "Roast Spectrum" -- essentially, that means patrons who visits its stores are sure to be offered dark, medium and "Blonde" options. 2. Our Pumpkin Spice Latte comes with chemicals (and no pumpkin) If there's a single drink that's come to define Starbucks, it's the Pumpkin Spice Latte a fall favorite, introduced in 2003, that's become a runaway seller (more than 200 million sold to date, according to the company). Indeed, the drink is so popular, it's often referred to by just its initials: PSL. But some nutrition-minded writers and health professionals have complained that the PSL and other Starbucks drinks feature one too many ingredients they consider unnatural or even harmful. Food blogger Vani Hari (aka the Food Babe), has taken a particularly harsh view of the PSL, pointing to the fact it contains Caramel Color Class IV one of whose byproducts, a compound called 4-MEI, has been identified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as "possibly carcinogenic to humans." Hari also takes PSL to task for having artificial flavors, a "huge dose" of sugar and "no real pumpkin." Dr. Mark Smith, a chiropractor in Osceola, Ind., who runs the Good Living Warehouse online store, which sells nutritional supplements and other items, has also publicly faulted the chain for relying heavily on nonorganic coffee that could come from farms that spray with pesticides. "No amount of pesticides are safe," he writes. For its part, Starbucks stands by what it packages and brews, saying there's no cause for safety concerns. The spokeswoman says that the company is "actively looking at phasing out caramel coloring," but meanwhile, the level of such coloring used in Starbucks beverages is "safe to consume." (While the company doesn't make mention of it, it's worth noting that Hari's research has come under fire in other contexts.) As for the pumpkin matter, the spokeswoman says the Pumpkin Spice Latte "features the unmistakable pumpkin pie spices of fall…but not actual pumpkin." 3. We've got a secret menu Starbucks gives its customers plenty of drink menu options, from brewed coffees to espresso drinks to frozen favorites (Cinnamon Dolce Frappuccino, anyone?). But apparently, that's not enough. A cult of sorts has emerged around the chain's "secret menu" drinks that Starbucks doesn't publicize but that baristas can create using the ingredients they have on hand at any given moment. For example, there's the "Fruity Pebbles Frappuccino" that mimics the taste of the cereal it's a mix of the Strawberries and Crème Frappuccino (a standard menu item) and vanilla and raspberry syrups, among other ingredients. The key, according to the Starbucks Secret Menu website (which, it almost goes without saying, is not an official Starbucks site), is for customers to know the drink's recipe, since "not all baristas are familiar" with each and every secret drink. (Oh, and "be prepared for extra costs" beverage add-ins equal price add-ons.) Another "secret" option: Ordering drinks in a "short" (or 8-ounce) size. (And, yes, a short is cheaper than a tall or 12-ounce drink, the smallest option on the normal menu.) Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz has acknowledged the existence of the "secret menu," saying he's "amazed at the concoctions that people order." Indeed, the Starbucks spokeswoman says "there are more than 170,000 ways" beverages can be customized at Starbucks by mixing and matching coffee and espresso options, syrups, toppings and other ingredients. 4. We're thinking big (maybe too big) Starbucks gets 26% of its revenue from products other than beverages. And even in the beverage department, a substantial chunk of sales comes from drinks other than coffee. The chain dropped the word "coffee" from its logo in 2011, and its acquisitions since that year include tea maker Teavana, juice company Evolution Fresh and the La Boulange Cafe & Bakery brand. And that's on top of forays over the years into everything from music to soda. Certainly, Starbucks isn't the first company to step outside its comfort zone. But some investment and retail analysts have expressed concern about the expansion, noting problems in Starbucks stores that can potentially result, including longer lines and frustrated employees. For its part, Starbucks has seemed comfortable with its think-outside-the-coffee-tin strategy. "Sustainable growth requires that we preserve the integrity of our core business as we carefully expand our products and expertise into new channels, brands and markets," Schultz wrote in the most recent Starbucks annual report. And the spokeswoman notes that Starbucks' approach to business has paid off, as evidenced by its 18 consecutive quarters of same-store sales gains of 5% or more. 5. We've had our share of failures Starbucks has had plenty of breakthrough beverages like the Pumpkin Spice Latte. But it's also had its drink duds. Among those that didn't quite work out: the Mazagran, a bottled coffee-cola hybrid that, in Schultz's words, was "a niche product"; the Chantico, a chocolate "drinkable dessert" that was said to be similar to the hot chocolate found in Europe; and the Sorbetto, a cold concoction that tapped into the tangy yogurt craze. Of course, product failures may not mean much to average customers, unless they have a particular yen for an item for an item that's discontinued. But they can have an impact on a company's bottom line. Starbucks characterizes its failures as signs that the company is always looking ahead to the next big thing. "We test and bring new products to the marketplace all the time and we will continue to listen to what our customers are looking from us," the spokeswoman says. 6. Our 'partners' have had some rocky times with us Starbucks is routinely lauded for its workplace practices and remains a fixture on Fortune magazine's annual "100 best companies to work for" list (in 2013, it ranked 94th). But its relationships with its employees (or as Starbucks calls them, "partners") have hit some bumpy patches over the years. In 2013, the company settled a class-action lawsuit for $3 million that stemmed from workers saying the company prevented them from taking breaks they were owed during shifts. (The spokeswoman says Starbucks' "employment practices have been in compliance with all applicable laws" and that the "parties reached a settlement to avoid the risks and uncertainties of litigation.") More recently, the company has come under fire for not giving employees enough advance notice of their schedules, making it difficult for employees to plan for child care, school schedules or other employment. Starbucks says that it truly considers its employees to be "partners," noting that the chain offers a comprehensive benefits package including affordable health care, company stock and eligibility for merit increases every six months that "many other companies do not." As for the scheduling issue, the company has announced it's making changes to its procedures and that work hours will be set at least one week in advance. 7. We've got more competition these days In many ways, Starbucks is like a McDonald's without a Burger King that is, the chain doesn't have an archrival when it comes to high-end java. But that could be changing. In recent years, a "third wave" of artisan-minded coffee houses has opened up, emphasizing everything from single-origin beans ("harvested like wine grapes," according to one report) to refined roasting techniques. Players in this market include Intelligentsia Coffee (based in Chicago), Stumptown Coffee Roasters (Portland, Ore.) and Blue Bottle Coffee (Oakland, Calif.). "What we're seeing is a maturation of the coffee segment. There's room for different tiers of quality," says Andrew Hetzel, a coffee industry expert, based in Hawaii, who serves as a consultant to many stores. To some extent, Starbucks is joining this bandwagon in that it plans to open at least 100 "reserve" stores, emphasizing even higher-end java, over the next five years. The chain is also testing an "express" store concept, which seems to be tied to the competitive threat from fast-food chains like McDonald's that have moved increasingly into coffee. For now, Starbucks may have one advantage over its third-wave competitors: it generally charges less in some cases, easily 25% less for a cup of drip coffee. (In New York, a 12-ounce "tall" Starbucks serving runs around $2.) And that's despite the fact that Starbucks has itself been faulted for high prices, leading some critics to dub the chain "Fourbucks." 8. Our calorie counts can be 'venti' Many Frappuccinos have more than 400 calories in a 20-ounce "venti" serving; the Double Chocolaty Chip Frappuccino even hits the 500-calorie mark. Add a slice of Iced Lemon Pound Cake (470 calories) and a coffee-break drink and snack could be close to 1,000 calories. To put that in perspective: A Big Mac and large Coca-Cola at McDonald's clock in at 810 calories. (Keep in mind the Agriculture Department says an adult between the ages of 31 and 50 should typically need between 1,800 and 2,200 calories a day. Starbucks' spokeswoman says the company is committed to "providing full ingredient transparency to our customers." The chain lists calorie counts for menu items on its website and has a section devoted to "Delicious Drinks Under 200 Calories." 9. We're winning the caffeine arms race Many coffee drinkers rely on the beverage for the caffeine jolt it provides. And in the case of some Starbucks drinks, they're getting more than an everyday wake-up call. In 2012, the Center for Science in the Public Interest, an advocacy group focusing on nutrition, examined caffeine levels in medium-size cups of coffee from various chains and found that Starbucks specifically, a grande (16-ounce) serving of the company's popular Pike Place roast had the most, with 330 milligrams per cup. By contrast, java from Dunkin' Donuts had 178 milligrams of caffeine (unless, of course, you added a "turbo shot") and McDonald's 133 milligrams. So, what's the problem, some java junkies might ask? Well, as the center noted at the time, caffeine intake has been linked to sleeplessness, problems with calcium metabolism and other health issues. That said, there's no clear medical consensus on how much caffeine is too much (and it's generally agreed that the ceiling is far higher than 330 milligrams). As with calories, Starbucks lists the caffeine content of its drinks on its website. 10. You can do just as well making your own java Is Starbucks giving you something you can't make yourself at home, for less? Unless you crave complicated espresso drinks, probably not. "I make great coffee every day," says David Rosengarten, a cookbook author and former Food Network host who now runs his own mail-order gourmet business. Just keep a few rules in mind, Rosengarten and other experts say: Pick beans that have been roasted within the few past days--and don't buy too much, either. ("Roasted beans start to go downhill after eight days," says Rosengarten.) Grind the beans at home with a burr grinder. (Blade grinders just don't, um, cut it, coffee geeks insist.) Use a brewer that can get the water up to a very high temperature (around 200 degrees Fahrenheit) the Techniworm is a popular manufacturer of such machines--so that the brewer can extract the flavor out of the ground beans. (Or boil water in a kettle and use the pour-over method.) And the cost? If you drink 2 cups a day, you'll spend no more than $5 a week (or $260 annually) for quality coffee (priced, say, at $10-15 per pound). (A one-pound bag yields more than 60 cups, according to Starbucks' measures.) Buying a top-rated burr grinders and coffee brewer will set you back around $650 but of course, that gear should last for many years. Add milk and filters and the first-year costs of home-barista status come to about $1,000. (Of course, if you opt for a cheaper grinder and coffee maker, you can easily shave a few hundreds from the tab.) By contrast, that first year's tally at Starbucks, based on two $2 cups a day, will run more than $1,400 and that's not including gas to and from the store or all those muffins and scones you're likely to buy, too. (The rules are a little different when it comes to espresso. A top-level machine, easily costing $5,000, is needed to replicate coffeehouse quality, some experts say.) Of course, Starbucks can still do business with those who prefer their coffee at home. After all, the company also sells packaged coffee and brewing equipment. | 3 | 1,451 | finance |
It's a Top 5 showdown in Tallahassee this Saturday night between #5 Notre Dame and #2 Florida State. Clinton Portis gives his top three thoughts heading into this hyped up weekend between two undefeated powerhouses. | 1 | 1,452 | sports |
Taylor Swift released another buzzy song this week off of her upcoming album, 1989, and while "Out of the Woods" has a slightly different sound than most Swift songs, it shares a common theme of them: it was written about someone close to her. Rumors are already swirling that this song is about her ex and One Direction member Harry Styles, and of course we're speculating, because Swift is famous for putting her former flings on blast in song. She doesn't reserve her songwriting for romance gone bad either; she's also called out a couple ladies. Here, a brief history of Swift's songs about other famous people. "Forever & Always" The telling lyrics: "Was I out of line?/ Did I say something way too honest?/ That made you run and hide like a scared little boy?" Who it's supposed to be about: Joe Jonas. Why? This 2008 song was written for her album Fearless, released just after the breakup, and also features lyrics about Swift staring at the phone (she famously revealed that Jonas broke up with her on a brief phone call). As a retort, Jonas wrote the song "Paranoid." "Better Than Revenge" The telling lyrics: "She's not a saint/ And she's not what you think/ She's an actress, whoa/ She's better known/ For the things that she does/ On the mattress, whoa". Who it's supposed to be about: Camilla Belle. Why? Swift was candid about Belle coming between her and Joe Jonas, and the pointed lyrics about an actress (see above) and her love of vintage dresses make it clear that this song is about Belle. "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" The telling lyrics: "And you would hide away and find your peace of mind/ With some indie record that's much cooler than mine" Who it's supposed to be about: Jake Gyllenhaal. Why? From evidence like the scarf used in the video to the actor in the video looking a lot like Gyllenhaal, all signs point to Swift's 2010 fling. (He also has a well-documented love of indie bands.) Bonus: the song "All Too Well" is also rumored to be about Gyllenhaal. "Dear John" The telling lyrics: "Dear John, I see it all now that you're gone/ Don't you think I was too young/ To be messed with?" Who it's supposed to be about: John Mayer. Why? Well, it's called "Dear John," after all! After Swift and Mayer collaborated musically, the song came out and Mayer opened up about how it made him feel: " . . . I never did anything to deserve that. It was a really lousy thing for her to do." "Out of the Woods" The telling lyrics: "Your necklace hanging from my neck/ The night we couldn't quite forget/ When we decided/ To move the furniture so we could dance/ Baby, like we stood a chance/ Two paper airplanes flying, flying . . ." Who it's supposed to be about: Harry Styles. Why? This week, Swift revealed the song's inspiration as "a relationship where I was kind of living day to day, wondering where it was going, if it was going to go anywhere, if it was going to end the next day," and BuzzFeed investigated the whole paper plane/necklace thing. Seems like the case is closed! "Bad Blood" The telling lyrics: None yet; the song, from 1989, hasn't been released yet. Who it's supposed to be about: Katy Perry. Why? Swift started this one when she told Rolling Stone a story about a fellow singer she realized was her "straight-up enemy," and as if in response, Perry tweeted, "Watch out for the Regina George in sheep's clothing...". Guess we'll find out after the album is released later this month. | 6 | 1,453 | entertainment |
Before they hit the stage, the big screen or the political trail, these bigwigs hit the books. Find out where today's VIPs earned diplomas (or at least clocked in a few semesters) in the years before fame came knocking. Morena Baccarin The clues: This "Homeland" star has acting in her blood ( her mom's big in Brazil ), so it only makes sense that she would study the craft at one of the top arts schools in the US. BING: WHERE DID SHE GO TO SCHOOL ? George W. Bush The clues: After giving up his megaphone in high school ( see the photo ), the future 43rd US president joined his college baseball team, becoming a second base starter while pursuing a degree in history. BING: WHERE DID HE GO TO SCHOOL ? Chelsea Clinton The clues: The daughter of a political powerhouse couple , this former NBC News correspondent and new mom ( see her daughter ) traveled across the country to attend this California research university. BING: WHERE DID SHE GO TO SCHOOL ? George Clooney The clues: The Academy Award-winning actor ( the role ) and Kentuckian didn't travel far to college, where he was a known party animal and class skipper who eventually dropped out to pursue acting. BING: WHERE DID HE GO TO SCHOOL ? Andy Cohen The clues: The face of Bravo TV known for hosting reunion specials and his own chat show has cast bickering "Housewives" up and down the East Coast from New Jersey to Miami but so far has skipped over his college stomping grounds. BING: WHERE DID HE GO TO SCHOOL ? Stephen Colbert The clues: The political satirist and TV host ( his next gig ?) originally studied to be an actor but was inspired by a different theatrical group when studying at this Midwestern university. BING: WHERE DID HE GO TO SCHOOL ? Sean 'Diddy' Combs The clues: The former business major at a Washington, D.C., university dropped out to intern at an up- and-coming record label , eventually becoming talent director in charge of developing Jodeci and Mary J. Blige. BING: WHERE DID HE GO TO SCHOOL ? Salvador Dali The clues: The eccentric artist ( see his work ) was expelled from a Madrid academy after criticizing the qualifications of his professors. BING: WHERE DID HE GO TO SCHOOL ? Giada De Laurentiis The clues: The celebrity chef ( watch her cook ) studied baking and pastry at a prominent Paris culinary institute , but before studying abroad she was in California earning her bachelor's degree in social anthropology. BING: WHERE DID SHE GO TO SCHOOL ? Michael Dell The clues: While a freshman pre-med student at a Texas university, the computer whiz ( his company ) sold and upgraded computers out of his dorm room. He eventually dropped out to further pursue his buy-direct concept. BING: WHERE DID HE GO TO SCHOOL ? Bobby Flay The clues: After dropping out of high school at 17 and working at an ice cream franchise , the chef ( his recipes ) became part of the first graduating class at a culinary institute thanks to his father's business partner footing the tuition bill. BING: WHERE DID HE GO TO SCHOOL ? Robert Frost The clues: The respected poet was a bit of a prankster at a New Hampshire liberal arts college and was expelled for shaving a picture onto another student's scalp, which violated the school's hazing policy. BING: WHERE DID HE GO TO SCHOOL ? Terry Gross The clues: The public radio host has given us compelling radio interviews for decades, interviewing everyone from Maurice Sendak to Bill O'Reilly. She had her broadcast journalism entrée in her upstate New York college town. BING: WHERE DID SHE GO TO SCHOOL ? Carla Hall The clues: Before going to cooking school , this "Top Chef" favorite and daytime talk show host studied to be a numbers cruncher at a revered HBCU. BING: WHERE DID SHE GO TO SCHOOL ? William Randolph Hearst The clues: The future publisher was kicked out of an East Coast university after giving his professors personalized chamber pots. BING: WHERE DID HE GO TO SCHOOL ? Mick Jagger The clues: This member of The Rolling Stones enrolled in a London college with aspirations of becoming a journalist or politician but left to pursue music. BING: WHERE DID HE GO TO SCHOOL ? Steve Jobs The clues: Although he dropped out of college after the first semester, the Apple co-founder credited a calligraphy course in the trailblazing Oregon town for inspiring various typefaces and fonts for the Mac. BING: WHERE DID HE GO TO SCHOOL ? Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson The clues: Long before he became an actor ( his roles ) or threw the " People's Elbow " in the wrestling ring, his skills as a defensive tackle helped earn his college football team a 1991 national championship. BING: WHERE DID HE GO TO SCHOOL ? Mindy Kaling The clues: The TV writer and star of "The Mindy Project" ( her real name ?) wrote about her Massachusetts upbringing in her hilarious memoir, paying close attention to embarrassing college incidents. BING: WHERE DID SHE GO TO SCHOOL ? Talib Kweli The clues: Whether as part of a dynamic duo or as a solo act, this rapper crafts lyrics that send listeners in search of both a dictionary and an encyclopedia. It's little wonder that he was raised by academics and attended university in his hometown. BING: WHERE DID HE GO TO SCHOOL ? John Legend The clues: The Grammy-winning singer was homeschooled as a child ( at what age did he start playing the piano ?) and was offered admission to Harvard and another prestigious school before deciding on this private Ivy League university. BING: WHERE DID HE GO TO SCHOOL ? Eva Longoria The clues: The actress and philanthropist ( where was she born ?) won this title while earning her Bachelor of Science degree ( in what ?) from this state university. BING: WHERE DID SHE GO TO SCHOOL ? Ann M. Martin The clues: The prolific YA author of this Newbery Honor Book returned to her Massachusetts alma mater last year to discuss her beloved series about a group of plucky tween entrepreneurs . BING: WHERE DID SHE GO TO SCHOOL ? Madonna The clues: The iconic entertainer studied dance in her home state but dropped out and moved to New York to pursue dance as a career. BING: WHERE DID SHE GO TO SCHOOL ? Conan O'Brien The clues: The late-night funny man ( watch his gags ) served as president and writer for his university's humor magazine and graduated magna cum laude with a degree in history and literature. BING: WHERE DID HE GO TO SCHOOL ? Jamie Oliver The clues: The "Naked Chef" dropped out of high school due to an acute learning disorder but later perfected his culinary skills at a college in his native England. BING: WHERE DID HE GO TO SCHOOL ? Michael Pollan The clues: Long before achieving fame as the brainy food writer behind "The Omnivore's Dilemma," his latest best-seller and a slew of New York Times columns , Pollan honed his writing skills in a small Vermont town. BING: WHERE DID HE GO TO SCHOOL ? Zachary Quinto The clues: From playing network TV's Sylar to Spock in Hollywood's latest "Star Trek" installment, Quinto brings major intensity to the screen. No doubt he picked up those skills while studying drama in Pittsburgh. BING: WHERE DID HE GO TO SCHOOL ? Franklin D. Roosevelt The clues: The 32nd president was a C student, a member of a fraternity ( which one ?) and editor-in-chief of his college's daily newspaper. BING: WHERE DID HE GO TO SCHOOL ? Andy Samberg The clues: The "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" funny guy and Lonely Island comedy rapper started his college career as a banana slug , but he switched gears to finish school on his current turf. BING: WHERE DID HE GO TO SCHOOL ? Sheryl Sandberg The clues: After graduating summa cum laude from her prestigious alma mater, the highly motivated Sandberg went on to become chief of staff for the U.S. Treasury, then Facebook's COO and more recently the author of pro-femme best-seller "Lean In." BING: WHERE DID SHE GO TO SCHOOL ? Howard Stern The clues: Before crowning himself the "King of All Media," he traded New York for Boston to attend college, working at the school's radio station and earning a degree in communications. BING: WHERE DID HE GO TO SCHOOL ? Oprah Winfrey The clues: The media mogul and Mississippian left her Tennessee alma mater one credit shy of a degree in communications to become a news anchor but returned more than 10 years later to complete her coursework. BING: WHERE DID SHE GO TO SCHOOL ? Elizabeth Warren The clues: This senator ( which state ?) has been a skilled orator since she was a teen so much so that this D.C. school offered her a debate scholarship at age 16. She put college on hold temporarily, but went back to school after marriage and a move to Texas. BING: WHERE DID SHE GO TO SCHOOL ? Reese Witherspoon The clues: The "Legally Blonde" Southern actress ( her roles ) majored in English literature at a university out West for one year before leaving to perfect her acting chops. BING: WHERE DID SHE GO TO SCHOOL ? | 6 | 1,454 | entertainment |
There's more to it than just strength. | 8 | 1,455 | video |
There are many famous blended families these days. Just look at Tom Brady and his three children ( who are their moms ?) or stepmother Megan Fox. But things could get tricky if you're dealing with more than a couple different mothers. Read on to find out just how many baby mamas they and other famous dads have. Bode Miller The Olympic skier ( how many medals did he win ?) has made headlines for his love life, welcoming a baby with another woman only months after he married his now-wife ( who ?). The couple just announced they are expecting a child as well. He also has a six-year-old daughter from a previous relationship. BING: READ ABOUT HIS CUSTODY BATTLE Kenny Anderson The former college and NBA player is a father to seven children, including one with this female rapper and two with this reality star . BING: HOW MANY BABY MAMAS DOES HE HAVE ? Marc Anthony The already famous salsa singer and father of five ( see photos ) who gained superstardom with his marriage/split with this pop star also dated this much-younger woman ( how old was she ?). BING: HOW MANY BABY MAMAS DOES HE HAVE ? Jason Caffey The former NBA player was a star on the court in the '90s and apparently off the court as well. He has a total of 10 children, which has led him to another type of court in the past. BING: HOW MANY BABY MAMAS DOES HE HAVE ? Fidel Castro The former Cuban leader was seen as quite a heartthrob in his younger days ( see photos ) and is thought to have fathered at least 10 kids, including this daughter who fled their homeland. BING: HOW MANY BABY MAMAS DOES HE HAVE ? Sean Combs The rapper-actor-fashion designer to name just a few of his jobs aka P. Diddy, is dad to five kids ( see photos ), including a son ( which one ?) who starred on an episode of an MTV show. BING: HOW MANY BABY MAMAS DOES HE HAVE ? Kevin Costner The three-time Golden Globe winner has seven kids ( see family photos ). BING: HOW MANY BABY MAMAS DOES HE HAVE ? Antonio Cromartie The NFL cornerback struggled to remember his kids' names ( watch the video ) when he appeared on HBO's "Hard Knocks." His wife reportedly gave birth to twins in 2012, bringing his total now to 12 kids ( see photos ). BING: HOW MANY BABY MAMAS DOES HE HAVE ? Oscar de la Hoya The retired world champion boxer and former rehab patient whose daughter appeared on a reality show has two kids with his current wife ( see a family photo ). BING: HOW MANY BABY MAMAS DOES HE HAVE ? Clint Eastwood The octogenarian Academy Award winner known for his womanizing ways has put at least two of his children in his movies ( see him with his daughters at the Golden Globes ). BING: HOW MANY BABY MAMAS DOES HE HAVE ? Marshall Faulk It was revealed in a 2003 trial that the NFL Hall of Fame inductee was paying thousands in child support for three of his kids. BING: HOW MANY BABY MAMAS DOES HE HAVE ? Kevin Federline The former backup dancer (for which ex-wife ?) and wannabe rapper added another child to his growing brood in 2011 when his girlfriend gave birth. BING: HOW MANY BABY MAMAS DOES HE HAVE ? George Foreman The gold-medal-winning boxer turned entrepreneur has a reported 12 kids ( see photos ), including five boys named after him and this daughter , also a former boxer. BING: HOW MANY BABY MAMAS DOES HE HAVE ? Kelsey Grammer The small-screen star who became a grandfather in 2011 and a six-time dad in June -- has two daughters following in his acting footsteps. See photos of his kids with his reality star ex-wife . BING: HOW MANY BABY MAMAS DOES HE HAVE ? Travis Henry The formerly imprisoned then reinstated NFL running back was once arrested for falling behind on child support. How much were his payments? BING: HOW MANY BABY MAMAS DOES HE HAVE ? Evander Holyfield The four-time heavyweight champ and former "Dancing With the Stars" contestant has been sued for unpaid child support in the past. As a result of that and other financial difficulties, his multimillion-dollar house ( see it ) was auctioned off in 2008. How much did it go for ? BING: HOW MANY BABY MAMAS DOES HE HAVE ? Mick Jagger The grandfather and Rolling Stones front man has been linked to several women over the decades, but only married two of them ( see vintage family photos ). BING: HOW MANY BABY MAMAS DOES HE HAVE ? Bruce Jenner The former Olympian ( in what sport ?) and his large family which includes six biological kids and four stepchildren ( see photos ) are reality TV superstars ( get the latest on his split from Kris ). BING: HOW MANY BABY MAMAS DOES HE HAVE ? Chad Johnson The name-changing former NFL free agent and former "Dancing With the Stars" contestant has four children, although none with his reality star ex . BING: HOW MANY BABY MAMAS DOES HE HAVE ? Larry King The talk show host has been married a remarkable eight times to this former Playboy bunny twice and has a total of five children ( see photos ). Who's King's current wife ? BING: HOW MANY BABY MAMAS DOES HE HAVE ? Jude Law The actor recently confirmed that his ex-girlfriend is pregnant with his fifth child. The star was married to this British actress , with whom he has three kids. BING: HOW MANY BABY MAMAS DOES HE HAVE ? Ray Lewis The Baltimore Ravens Pro Bowler has avoided prison but not thousands of dollars in child support payments. BING: HOW MANY BABY MAMAS DOES HE HAVE ? Lil Wayne The "No Worries" rapper made headlines when he fathered two babies ( with whom ?) in the same year ( how far apart were they born ?). BING: HOW MANY BABY MAMAS DOES HE HAVE ? Michael Lohan The father of troubled star Lindsay Lohan has five other kids to worry about. BING: HOW MANY BABY MAMAS DOES HE HAVE ? Karl Malone The retired NBA power forward has seven children, including a professional women's basketball player and an NFL offensive tackle . BING: HOW MANY BABY MAMAS DOES HE HAVE ? Rupert Murdoch The News Corp. founder ( his age ?) has children ranging in age from about 10 to nearly 60 years old ( see him with his two youngest daughters ). BING: HOW MANY BABY MAMAS DOES HE HAVE ? Eddie Murphy The Oscar nominee became tabloid fodder when he first denied paternity of his eighth child ( see photos ) with a Spice Girl . BING: HOW MANY BABY MAMAS DOES HE HAVE ? Francois-Henri Pinault The French businessman ( how much is he worth ?) has a daughter with an Oscar nominee and a son with a Canadian supermodel . BING: HOW MANY BABY MAMAS DOES HE HAVE ? Nicolas Sarkozy The former French president's multi-talented, younger wife gave birth to his fourth child in 2011 ( see a photo of his older kids ). BING: HOW MANY BABY MAMAS DOES HE HAVE ? Charlie Sheen The "Anger Management" star has five children, including two from this actress , and became a grandfather for the first time in 2012. BING: HOW MANY BABY MAMAS DOES HE HAVE ? Rod Stewart The "Maggie May" rocker became a dad for the eighth time and a grandfather for the first time in 2011 ( see a family photo ). BING: HOW MANY BABY MAMAS DOES HE HAVE ? Steven Tyler The former "American Idol" judge and father of four has an actress daughter who didn't know he was her father ( see photos of them together ) until she was 8 years old ( how did she find out ?). BING: HOW MANY BABY MAMAS DOES HE HAVE ? Mike Tyson The world champion boxer turned actor and father of eight ( see photos ) experienced a family tragedy in 2009. BING: HOW MANY BABY MAMAS DOES HE HAVE ? Shawty Lo The Atlanta rapper's controversial reality show about his multiple baby mamas ( see photos of his kids ) was canceled before it ever aired. BING: HOW MANY BABY MAMAS DOES HE HAVE ? Stevie Wonder The singer, songwriter and father of seven ( how old is he ?) recently confirmed he's expecting a baby with his fiancée ( who ?), who gave birth to his youngest child last year. BING: HOW MANY BABY MAMAS DOES HE HAVE ? | 6 | 1,456 | entertainment |
In most places, Social Security barely covers basic expenses If you don't have a traditional pension through your job and haven't been saving a significant amount in a 401(k) or individual retirement account, Social Security is likely to be your largest source of retirement income. Almost all retirees (86 percent) receive Social Security payments, and for over a third (36 percent) of retirees, Social Security accounts for 90 percent or more of their retirement income. The type of lifestyle Social Security alone will provide largely depends on how much you have earned in Social Security benefits and where you live. The average Social Security benefit for retired workers was $1,294 per month at the end of 2013. A couple who each brought in this amount would have $31,056 in annual Social Security benefits, which will also be adjusted for inflation each year. U.S. News analyzed Census Bureau and Bureau of Labor Statistics data to determine where a retired couple age 65 or older could cover their basic expenses, including typical costs for housing, food, utilities, transportation and health care, on this amount. It's important to note that in most places, Social Security alone barely covered these basic expenses. After paying for those five major costs, retirees living on Social Security alone likely won't have much cash left over for recreation, hobbies, clothing, consumer goods or travel. "If they are highly dependent on Social Security, it is not an easy life," says John Palmer, a Syracuse University professor and former public trustee for the Medicare and Social Security programs. "If they own their own home and don't have high medical expenses, they can probably get by." Retirees would often be much more comfortable if they had income from another source in addition to Social Security, such as personal savings, a part-time job or a traditional pension. Taking steps to maximize your Social Security benefit is also important. "Not collecting until you are in your late 60s, if you can do it, is a good idea," Palmer says. "For every year you retire earlier than that and choose to collect Social Security, your monthly benefit is about 7 to 8 percent less, and for every year you delay up to age 70, your benefit increases by 8 percent." In expensive cities including San Jose, California, Honolulu and San Francisco, Social Security alone did not cover the basic costs retirees face. "I wouldn't want to try to make it just on Social Security in New York City or the D.C. area, but in a lot of the rest of the country, the cost of living is substantially lower," says Kenneth Robinson, a certified financial planner for Practical Financial Planning in Cleveland. "Moving has expenses that go along with it, but if you have relatives who live in a less expensive place than where you are now, you might want to consider a move." In these cities, a household with typical expenses and two average Social Security checks coming in could get by on Social Security income. Here are 10 places where it's possible for retirees to cover basic costs on Social Security alone: Albuquerque, New Mexico Albuquerque homeowners age 65 and older pay a median of $1,078 per month if they have a mortgage and just $368 monthly if they have paid off the mortgage. Senior citizen renters pay a median of $686 monthly to live in Albuquerque. The city also provides many services to retirees who don't have a lot of extra cash. There are six senior centers where people age 50 and older can become members for just $13 a year. The Albuquerque 50+ Games is an athletic competition that includes bocce ball, tennis and pickleball exclusively for people 50 and older. And New Mexico residents age 65 and older can take classes at the University of New Mexico for just $5 per credit hour. Austin, Texas The low housing costs in Texas are drawing people to the state. A home in Austin costs retirees a median of $1,395 monthly with a mortgage and $545 if they own their home debt-free. The median rent for retirees age 65 and older is $887 monthly. Texas doesn't have a state income tax, but it's important to carefully consider the property tax you might face on any home purchase. This state capital city typically has mild and sunny winters that largely eliminate high heating bills, although you may pay significant cooling costs during the hottest summer months. Seniors age 65 and older even qualify for a tuition wavier on up to six credit hours at the University of Texas at Austin. Buffalo, New York If you can tolerate the cold and snowy winters in this upstate New York city, you'll be rewarded with a very low cost of living. Senior citizen homeowners pay just $466 monthly in housing costs if they have paid off their mortgage and $1,009 monthly if they are still making payments on their home. The typical rent for retirees age 65 and older is $611 monthly. The City of Buffalo also provides a senior discount card that entitles retirees to a percentage off their purchases when they shop at local businesses, including restaurants, salons and pharmacies. Columbia, South Carolina South Carolina's capital city has 60 city parks and green spaces, and seniors can also get discount tickets to a variety of local attractions, including the Riverbanks Zoo and Columbia Museum of Art. South Carolina residents age 60 and older who are no longer working are also eligible for free tuition at the University of South Carolina. Housing remains affordable, costing retirees $1,074 monthly with a mortgage, $367 with a paid-off house or $801 in monthly rent. And Social Security income is not taxed at the state level. Grand Rapids, Michigan This small city is becoming known for its outsized art scene, which includes the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids Art Museum, Urban Institute of Contemporary Arts and the art competition ArtPrize. There are also plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities at the 74 city-owned parks with 1,210 acres of land, the Grand River and nearby Lake Michigan. Retirees age 65 and older pay just $684 monthly in rent. Older homeowners pay $1,080 monthly with a mortgage and $427 per month if their house is paid off. The city is also the hometown of U.S. President Gerald Ford and houses his presidential museum. Jacksonville, Florida Jacksonville offers balmy winters similar to other parts of Florida, but at much more affordable prices than Miami or Fort Lauderdale. Retirees age 65 and older pay a median rent of $861 per month. Older homeowners pay a median of $1,247 per month if they have a mortgage, which drops significantly to $405 once they pay off the house. The St. Johns River bisects the city and offers plenty of fishing and boating opportunities. Jacksonville is also a short drive from the Atlantic Ocean and boasts 22 miles of white-sand beaches. An added bonus: There's no state income tax in Florida. Pittsburgh Pittsburgh is a world-class city that isn't priced like one. Pittsburgh has several professional sports teams, noteworthy museums and several major colleges, including the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University. The UPMC-University of Pittsburgh Medical Center is ranked 13th in the country in geriatrics. But housing prices remain affordable. Senior citizen homeowners pay a median of $1,023 monthly with a mortgage and $434 when they have paid off their house. Retiree renters pay a median of $614 per month. Social Security income isn't taxed at the state level in Pennsylvania. Plus, residents age 65 or older ride free on the bus, T or Monongahela Incline, thanks to a program funded by Pennsylvania Lottery proceeds. Spokane, Washington The Spokane River flows through downtown Spokane and can be enjoyed at Riverfront Park, one of the city's numerous recreation areas for hiking and biking. Washington state does not have an individual income tax, and housing in retirement is affordable, costing just $419 monthly with a paid-off house and $1,139 per month with a mortgage. The median rent for people age 65 and older is $733 monthly. The city partially funds Project Joy, a group of entertainers age 50 and older who perform at assisted living facilities, retirement complexes and other venues. St. Louis People who live in St. Louis know you don't need to pay excessively high housing prices to live in a place with professional sports teams, museums, gardens and parks. Home costs for seniors are $1,115 monthly with a mortgage and $434 per month with a paid-off house, while renters pay a median of $664 monthly. There are also services to help seniors get to doctor appointments and the grocery store, and the St. Louis Area Agency on Aging runs a program that connects senior citizens age 60 and older with volunteers and youth groups willing to provide chores that include yard work, painting and gutter cleaning at no cost. The Barnes-Jewish Hospital/Washington University is nationally ranked in geriatrics. Tucson, Arizona This Sonoran Desert city is surrounded by five mountain ranges and is famous for its enormous cactuses. Retirees can take in the giant saguaros at Saguaro National Park, where U.S. citizens age 62 and older can get a lifetime pass to this and other national parks for just $10. Yet this sunny city remains affordable. Monthly rent for people 65 and older is a median of $771. Older homeowners pay $1,095 monthly with a mortgage, but that drops significantly to $366 for people who have paid off their homes. The University of Arizona offers affordable classes for seniors through its Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Plus, the state of Arizona doesn't tax Social Security income. | 3 | 1,457 | finance |
James Marsden: 10 Things You Need To Know About The 'Best Of Me' Star . From dramas, comedies and musicals to family flicks and sitcoms, James Marsden is one of the most versatile actors in Hollywood -- he's truly done it all. But how much do you really know about the man behind that chiseled face? In honor of Marsden's latest movie -- Relativity Media's romantic tear-jerker "The Best of Me," in theaters Oct. 17 -- here are ten things we think everyone should know about the 41-year-old Oklahoma native. Starting with ... He took on the role of Dawson, a man reunited with his high-school love 20 years later, after the tragic death of Paul Walker, who had originally been cast in the film. "You always want to be good stepping into a role like this but [it] felt a little bit more of an honor to play this role because of him," Marsden told Us Weekly. Keep clicking for more fun facts about Marsden … . He used to be a model -- and even posed for Versace! Although James Marsden admits using his youthful good looks was a good way to pay the bills early on in his career, he cringed and hung his head when Ellen DeGeneres flashed photos she'd unearthed from his early modeling days in front of her audience in 2011. . If the whole acting thing doesn't work out, he could always get a job at a coffee shop. When James Marsden purchased a fancy espresso maker for his home, he wasn't content to use it just for a caffeine fix. "I had to learn how to pour latte art," he recently told LA Confidential. "I had this professional barista come to my house and show me exactly how to do it." . "The Best of Me" is James Marsden's second movie based on a Nicholas Sparks book. He previously played Allie's jilted fiancé Lon in the romantic epic "The Notebook." "The Best of Me," he told LA Confidential, was "an opportunity to go back to a fan base that knows me. I haven't done a movie like that in a while, and it was nice, an unabashed love story." . There are a few roles that got away. During an interview with the Irish Independent, James Marsden admitted that he'd "auditioned for Ben Affleck's part [in 'Pearl Harbor'] but didn't get it," he said. He also screen-tested for Ryan Phillippe's role in "54" but that fell through. Although he did land the part of jerk newscaster Jack Lime in "Anchor Man 2: The Legend Continues," it wasn't Marsden's first time at that rodeo. "I actually auditioned for the first 'Anchorman' and was in the final running for Paul Rudd's and Steve Carell's characters," he revealed. . Then there are the roles he turned down. James Marsden admitted he was offered -- and ultimately rejected -- a part in Steven Soderbergh's male-stripper drama "Magic Mike." "I did turn it down but it wasn't the lead role," he told the Irish Independent. "I actually forget which one it was but there were a variety of reasons why I did, mostly a scheduling conflict. It wasn't a sexy reason. It wasn't, 'Oh I don't want to be jumping around in a thong.' I really had no problem with that at all." . His feelings about women's bodies will make you swoon. Women's Health asked James Marsden what he thinks is sexy, and his response made our jaws drop: "Two things: First are body parts women are usually not happy with, such as a soft waistline and hips. I like both very much. Women hate when guys touch and pinch them there, but men don't have curves and the more women embrace them, the sexier it is," he said. "Second: When a sweaty woman is leaving the gym, because it's similar to the way she might look right after sex. Anything that suggests you in that act [is hot]." . He's a single dad of three. Although James Marsden told LA Confidential that at 41, he'd be considered "an old father" back in his native Oklahoma, he feels like he's a relatively young one by Hollywood standards. Marsden is dad to son Jack, 13, and daughter Mary, 9, from his 11-year marriage to Lisa Linde, and welcomed son William with his model ex Rose Costa in 2012. . He's hilarious -- and he can sing! After acting in a slew of dramas, including his breakthrough role as Cyclops in the "X-Men" movie franchise, James Marsden relishes any opportunity to show off his comedic chops, not to mention his vocal talents. When he starred as Prince Edward in Disney's adorably hilarious musical "Enchanted," Marsden told LA Confidential, "That was like, 'Whoa -- not only can he make fun of himself, but he can sing!'" Roles in "Hairspray," "Anchor Man 2," and as Liz Lemon's husband in "30 Rock" (our personal fave) also showed people, "Oh, he can be funny!" Marsden added. | 6 | 1,458 | entertainment |
The 2015 Honda Civic Si starts at $23,680 for the coupe version and $23,880 for the sedan variant. Both prices, which include $790 destination, represent a $100 increase from the previous model year . Once again, the Civic Si comes with few options over the standard model. Adding summer tires on either the coupe or the sedan tacks on an extra $200, while adding navigation raises the price by $1500. On the coupe version, buyers can opt for both features in the Summer Tires & Navi package, which brings the price to $25,380. No major changes are making their way to the Civic Si for 2015. The sportier Civic was heavily revised last year, gaining more power, a retuned suspension, and a more refined interior. Standard features include a 7-inch touchscreen display, rearview camera, and Honda lane-changing assistance feature called LaneWatch. The 2015 Honda Civic Si comes with a 2.4-liter inline-four providing 205 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual is the only transmission option available. Fuel economy is rated at 22/31 mpg city/highway on both the coupe and sedan versions. The 2015 Honda Civic Si is now on sale nationwide at Honda dealers. Source: Honda | 9 | 1,459 | autos |
Bentley has just unveiled what could be the best and most expensive accessory to go along with your Mulsanne or Continental . Released today is the new Bentley smartphone that carries a price tag of $17,100 , just a tad cheaper than a new 2015 Volkswagen Golf. Bentley partnered with Vertu, which specializes in luxury smartphones. The collaboration is expected to last five years. So why does the Bentley smartphone command such as high price? For starters, there's the craftsmanship, which all takes place at Vertu's headquarters in Church Crookham, England. The body is constructed of lightweight and strong titanium that features diamond-pattern knurling on the side. Sapphire crystal is used for the scratch-proof screen, while diamond-pattern leather encases much of the smartphone's body. The hardware is substantial as well. Along with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 2.3-GHz quad-core processor (Android operating system), the phone features 64 gigabytes of internal memory and wireless charging capability. The audio system was developed in partnership with Bang & Olufsen, while Hasselblad assisted with the 13-megapixel main camera. The phone, which comes preloaded with a number of Vertu and Bentley apps, will be limited to a production run of just 2000 units. Source: Bentley | 9 | 1,460 | autos |
Greenpeace recently released a Vine video of an enormous squid attacking one of their submarines! | 8 | 1,461 | video |
The Ebola virus species that has killed more than 4,000 people in west Africa caught everyone by surprise when it erupted thousands of kilometres from its historical hotbed. The outbreak, experts say, revealed just how little we know about the deadly agent. What is the virus' natural range? Are there limits? Can they shift? "Previously we were under the impression that this problem would be predominantly restricted to central Africa. Clearly, that is not the case," University of Warwick virology professor Andrew Easton told AFP. "This outbreak emphasises that viruses are no respecters of borders." Prior to the west African outbreak, the Zaire species of Ebolavirus had killed just under 1,100 people, all of them in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Congo and Gabon, since the disease was first recorded in 1976. Zaire is the deadliest of the four African species of Ebolavirus, part of a family of viruses that cause haemorrhagic fever. A fifth, the Reston Ebolavirus, has been recorded in Asia. How the virus found its way into the human population of west Africa remains, for now, a mystery. Fruit bats are believed to be the virus' natural reservoir in the wild -- they do not fall ill from it, but can infect apes and monkeys and small antelopes, even humans directly. Humans become exposed to the virus if they kill and butcher infected animals for food, or bushmeat, a practice that is common in parts of west Africa's tropical forests. What seems likely is that last December, a single human caught the virus this way, and then kicked off a transmission chain in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. - Bats brought it? - But why was a "central African virus" in west Africa? One theory is it was brought by a migrating bat, or a colony of bats -- the animals can fly thousands of kilometres in pursuit of seasonal fruit. It could also have been passed unnoticed from bat to bat to bat ever westward through the African forests and jungles over a period of time. Another idea is that a human contracted the virus in central Africa and carried it west. "However, it is not likely, as the outbreak was in a very isolated area where the local population have almost no access to travel across the distances required and travel over land is certainly unlikely due to the rapidity of the infection," said Easton. In west Africa, the virus could have passed directly from bats to humans who hunt or eat them, or come into contact with the animals' excrement in caves, on fruit or under trees -- or via infected bushmeat. Another possibility is that the virus already made its way to west Africa years ago and was simply waiting for conditions to become right for a human outbreak. Or it might have been in west Africa just as long as in central Africa, just waiting for humans to move closer. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) said the reasons for the outbreak are "not fully understood yet". But "changes in land use and penetration into previously remote areas of rainforest bringing humans into contact with potential reservoirs might have played a role," the agency told AFP by email. "These things are purely chance events," said University of Nottingham molecular virology professor Jonathan Ball. "You need the right conditions: you need an infected animal source, you need humans to then come into contact with that animal source." A genetic study published in September said the virus responsible for the west African outbreak was a member of the Zaire Ebolavirus family, and may have diverged from central African strains about 10 years ago. Easton said the west African Zaire Ebolavirus species was "incredibly similar" to that found in central Africa. "The appearance of a virus that appears to have travelled from central to west Africa demonstrates that we lack much important knowledge about the 'natural history' of this virus." Despite all the unknowns, it would appear Zaire Ebolavirus is more widespread than previously believed, and more mobile. "Studies published in 2010 and 2012 detected antibodies to the Zaire Ebolavirus in the blood of certain fruit bat species in Ghana," virologist Olivier Reynard of France's CIRI infectious diseases research centre told AFP. Its "circulation zone may be a lot wider than we thought". A study last month said more than 22 million people live in parts of Africa where conditions exist for the Ebola virus to jump from animals to humans. "African states need to prepare a plan for dealing with this and similar viruses" as soon as they emerge, Easton said, urging wealthy nations to lend support. | 7 | 1,462 | health |
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Mike Moustakas had his eye on the ball from the moment it left Adam Jones's bat, tracking it against the bright lights of Kauffman Stadium. When it settled into his glove and he tumbled into a dugout suite, a dozen fans were waiting to pick him right back up. Just like Moustakas has picked up his team during its perfect postseason. The third baseman with the four playoff homers dazzled with his glove Tuesday night. And when Billy Butler drove in the go-ahead run with a sacrifice fly in the sixth inning, the long-downtrodden Kansas City Royals were on their way to a 2-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles and a commanding 3-0 lead in their AL Championship Series. "It really did fire up the whole stadium," Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer said of his teammate's circus catch. "Hats off to the fans in the dugout suite, pick him up and put him back on the field. That was great. Moose finding ways to get it done." The entire team has found ways to get it done. The wild-card Royals have won 10 straight postseason games, including all seven this year, in their first playoff appearance in 29 years. The only thing that's slowed Kansas City so far was a rainout Monday. "We've got a snowball effect going right now," Butler said. "The confidence couldn't be any higher. That's when you come to the park each day, focus on the next pitch, focus on your job and just not be the guy to end the streak." Fresh off a combined three-hitter, Kansas City will send Jason Vargas to the mound for Game 4 on Wednesday, trying to advance to its first World Series since 1985. Miguel Gonzalez will go to the mound for the Orioles. "It's hard to take advantage of mistakes when they're not making any," Orioles first baseman Steve Pearce said. "This is tough, man. We've got one loss left. We've got to find a way to start pulling this out. We got to find somebody to get it done." The Orioles are the 34th team to trail 3-0 in a best-of-seven major league postseason series -- the only team to come back and win was the Boston Red Sox in the 2004 ALCS against the Yankees, STATS said. "It's been done before, so that gives you a chance," Jones said. "We've won four games before. Obviously, not in this situation. But we've won four games, four games, four games. So start tomorrow, start in the first inning and get some runs on the board." The Royals' Jeremy Guthrie and Orioles' Wei-Yin Chen hooked up in a tense pitching duel for five innings Tuesday night, and the game was still 1-all when Chen gave up a leadoff single to Nori Aoki in the sixth. Eric Hosmer followed with a one-out single to put runners on the corners, and Orioles manager Buck Showalter brought in hard-throwing reliever Kevin Gausman. Butler greeted him with a fly ball to left field for the tiebreaking run -- just the latest example of Kansas City doing all the little things right. One of the best bullpens in baseball took care of the rest. Winning pitcher Jason Frasor breezed through the sixth, and Kelvin Herrera and Wade Davis nailed down the next two innings. Greg Holland worked a perfect ninth for his third save of the series, setting off a wild celebration in the stands. In all, Kansas City pitchers retired the final 16 batters. It was the 13th game to be decided by one run this postseason, matching the record set in 2011 and tied last year. Six games have gone to extra innings, including the Giants' 5-4, 10-inning victory over the Cardinals hours earlier in the NLCS. "I wish I didn't have so much stake in it," Showalter said dryly. "I'd probably enjoy watching both teams play more than I do." After failing to take the lead in the first two games of the series, Baltimore managed to strike first this night, temporarily silencing a frigid, flag-waving capacity crowd. It happened in the second inning, when Pearce and J.J. Hardy hit back-to-back doubles for a 1-0 lead. Guthrie wiggled out of the jam, though, and grinded through five innings against his former team in his first start since Sept. 26. Chen matched him pitch-for-pitch until the fourth, when the Royals put together one of their quintessential innings: a pair of bloop singles, a walk and a tying RBI groundout. The Royals played catch up with their gloves, too. Moustakas made a diving grab to rob Pearce of a single in the fourth. Then in the sixth, he tracked that popup by Jones into foul territory, steadied himself at a railing near the dugout, then extended himself to catch the ball and tumbled into the stands. "They were both tremendous plays," Royals manager Ned Yost said. The blue-clad crowd rose to its feet to give Moustakas a rousing cheer, and many fans were still standing when Butler drove in the go-ahead run in the bottom half of the inning. By the time the Royals' "Big Three" of Herrera, Davis and Holland had closed it out, the Royals were on the verge of another postseason sweep. "We've got to zone in on the task at hand," Holland said. "They're not going to lay down. We understand that." STATS AND STREAKS Orioles DH Nelson Cruz had his streak of six straight multihit playoff games end. He was 0 for 4. ... Pearce had been 0 for 9 in the series before his double in the second inning. UP NEXT Orioles: Gonzalez has not started since his final regular-season outing on Sept. 28. "I'm going to try as best as possible to give our team a chance," he said. Royals: Vargas has also had a long stretch without a start, last taking the hill against the Angels in Game 1 of AL Division Series on Oct. 2. "I'll be ready to go," he said. | 5 | 1,463 | news |
My updates thus have focused more on experiences with the MDX and comments about said experiences. Now I would like to look at the MDX's competitive set. I pulled these comparative vehicles from our testing data base, meaning these are vehicles that we had in-house and tested. Now, we simply aren't able to test every vehicle that comes out, so a couple of these vehicles are a year or so older that others, but nothing on the older vehicles has changed significantly compared to current vehicles. The comparable vehicles are as follows: 2014 BMW X5 xDrive35, 2013 Lexus RX 350 F Sport, and 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350 4MATIC. Our Acura MDX has the Advance/Entertainment package and is the top of the line for the MDX, meaning you can't get any more options. It comes in at $57,400. The BMW starts at $56,450, and our tester came in at $67,375, meaning it probably had almost all available options as well. An un-optioned similar Lexus started at $48,245. Adding an LCD display, navigation and rear entertainment package and blind-spot monitoring (which the MDX has) adds $6,415, bringing the price to $54,600, but it's still lacking features the MDX has. We don't have an as-tested price for the one we had, as it was a pre-production vehicle. The Benz starts at $50,675 with our tester coming in at $63,915, so, like the BMW, it was a pretty well-optioned vehicle. Now let's talk measured performance. The MDX hit 60 mph in 6.4 seconds and completed the quarter mile in 14.9 seconds at 92.7 mph. The BMW ran 5.9 seconds to 60 mph and finished the quarter mile in 14.5 seconds at 95.1 mph. The Lexus took 6.9 seconds to hit 60 mph and tripped the quarter mile in 15.2 seconds at 92.1 mph. The Benz ticked 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, finishing the quarter mile in 15.0 seconds at 92.9 mph. Only the BMW was quicker than the MDX while it weighs more, it also has more horsepower and torque. We can't look at this segment without talking fuel efficiency. According to fueleconomy.gov, the Acura, BMW, and Lexus have close to the same MPG numbers: 18 city, 27 highway (26 for the Lexus) and all three get 21 mpg combined. The Benz gets 17 city, 22 highway, 19 combined mpg. Our Real MPG numbers for the MDX are 19 city, 27 highway, 22 combined, actually a tick better than official EPA numbers. What does all this information mean? You have to look at it as a whole, like we do in all comparisons. Take the value, add performance and mileage information, then throw in amenities, personal likes/dislikes as far as styling and cache (if you care about cache), and all of that will lead you to the vehicle in this group that best fits your needs/wants. (Those can be two completely different things.) For me, after looking at all this information, and having driven them all, the MDX is still at the top on my list. The MDX gives me all the amenities, second-best performance, and best fuel economy at a more reasonable price than the rest of the vehicles in this "comparison." More on our long-term 2014 Acura MDX SH-AWD: Arrival Update 1: Playing the Numbers Game Update 2: Riding With IDS Update 3: Commuting In Comfort Update 4: On the Road Again and Again | 9 | 1,464 | autos |
Investors are trying to cash-in on the deadly disease | 5 | 1,465 | news |
With the cooler temperatures, fall is a great time to start running. It's great exercise and can be a huge stress reliever. However, if you don't start off right, your runs might be the opposite. The best way to start running, even for highly active people, is to start with a run/walk program. Starting off in this manner is highly beneficial because it allows you to exercise for longer than if you were to go out and only run (which helps increase your cardiovascular stamina). It also builds up your cardio without injury or discouragement, and allows your body, especially your joints , to acclimate. As you begin your running program, use these tips to help you enjoy running and make you want to stick with it: Measure each run in minutes, not miles. The goal is to run/walk for at least 30 minutes , eventually building up to 30 minutes of continuous running. It might seem contrary to walk every three to seven minutes, but the goal is minutes, not miles. Determining your run/walk intervals isn't an exact science, so you'll need to experiment and figure out what works for you. If you're off the couch, start slowly an injury will only hamper your progress. Your run/walk intervals might be 1/3 (one minute running and three minutes walking). If you're highly active, you might want to try five repeats of 5/2, or four repeats of 7/2 intervals. Start and finish each workout with a few minutes of fast walking. Commit to a schedule . Commit to running three times a week. Don't run two days in a row. Do at least two days of cross-training per week cardio and strength/flexibility, and take one day off per week. Active recovery think foam rolling and easy stretching is OK. Measure pace by effort. During your run intervals, you should be able to talk in a conversational tone. If you start to feel like you're losing control of your breathing, slow down. Your walk intervals should be fast walking to keep your heart rate up. Use technology to your advantage. We recommend buying a Gymboss because it alerts you via a beep or vibration when the interval is up. You can set it for up to 99 intervals and clip it to your shorts or pants. No need to monitor time or remember numbers. Use Map My Fitness to track your route. Listen to your body . Monitor how your body feels throughout the run, and adjust the run minutes accordingly. If you start too fast or do too much, you're more likely to injure yourself. You'll feel sore when you first begin; that soreness should dissipate after a week or two. If pain continues, stop and see a doctor. After you've completed two weeks of run/walk intervals, start adding one to two minutes to your run intervals. Copyright 2014 U.S. News & World Report | 7 | 1,466 | health |
The more we see of Corten steel in the garden, the more it appeals to us. To everybody else too, apparently we're suddenly seeing the handsome weathered hardscape material everywhere we look. We're seeing Corten steel's natural rust finish on fences, raised garden beds, and retaining walls. (Cor-ten is actually the trade name of a material manufactured by U.S. Steel. But, like Kleenex, the copyrighted name is now commonly invoked to refer to a whole category of products. In Corten's case, that's any steel that develops a protective layer of rust when exposed to weather.) What sets Corten apart from regular steel and one of its biggest benefits in the garden is that it becomes harder and stronger when exposed to weather over time. Note that it's not always ideal: Corten isn't well-suited to hot, humid climates, and Corten will leach rust-colored water and stain paths and patios. But in the right setting, Corten is both durable and beautiful, and a reason to embrace burnt orange in the garden: Retaining Walls: Above: Andrea Cochran Landscape Architecture put Corten steel to use in a modern San Francisco garden designed to accommodate a family with four children. The architect created usable play space and caved paths out of the hillside, using Corten steel as retaining walls. Photograph by Holly Stewart . Above: This modern house by Wendell Burnette Architects sits at the base of Echo Mountain in Phoenix, where Corten steel retaining walls create a series of terraced beds for succulents. Photograph by Bill Timmerman via Arch Daily . Above: Nelson Byrd Woltz created a circular cascade of Corten steel retaining walls for a contemporary Connecticut house. For more, see Playing Matchmaker Between a House and Its Site . Above: Tapered strips of Corten steel divide a Belgian garden into tiers; design by Belgium-based Ars Horti . Raised Beds: Above: Edible garden beds edged by Corten steel, in a private garden by UK-based Wilson McWilliam Studio . Above: A steel-framed planter box for edibles from the portfolio of Austin-based Abode Modern Homes . Fences and Walls: Above: A Corten steel wall behind a concrete staircase in the Plaça Vila de Madrid public park in Barcelona, designed by BCQ Architects . The designers also used Corten to stabilize nearby trees. Above: This ultra-modern Berkeley, CA garden by Mary Barensfeld Architecture was a finalist in the 2014 Gardenista Considered Design Awards . The Corten steel screens provide privacy while letting breezes and leafy bamboo into the space. Keep browsing garden inspiration in Gardenista Roundup: For Love of Boxwood ; Architects' Roundup: 10 Garden Stairways , and Garden Envy: 10 Dramatic Drainage Ideas to Steal . More Stories from Gardenista 10 Easy Pieces: Chimineas Curb Appeal: 8 Best Orange Paints for a Front Door 13 Ways to Add Curb Appeal with Pumpkins | 4 | 1,467 | lifestyle |
Ready for a total-body workout? Here are nine strength training moves you can use in one workout to get started. Strength-Training Moves For A Full Body Makeover Ready for a total-body workout? Here are nine strength training moves you can use in one workout to get started. The following exercises can be performed right in your own home with a simple set of dumbbells, making this workout convenient for anyone. To structure this workout, you will be pairing together a lower body move with an upper body exercise, and then adding a core exercise to finish each 'tri-set' off. These three exercises should be performed back to back, taking no rest time between each one and after all three are finished, then you can rest for one minute before carrying on. Aim to perform 10 to 15 repetitions per exercise. Once the entire circuit is completed, repeat one more time through. Aim to perform this workout three days per week, taking one day off for rest and recovery between sessions. Squats Nothing beats the squat when it comes to a fantastic lower body exercise. To perform this, hold a dumbbell down between your legs, taking a slightly wider-than-hip-width stance. From there, bend the knees as you lower yourself as low down as you can go. Pause for a brief second and then rise up again to complete the rep. Push-ups For an upper body move, the push-up is a good classic standby. Get down so that you're balancing on your hands and either the knees or the toes. From there, lower the body down, keeping the back straight at all times, until your sternum is almost touching the ground. Pause and then straighten up the elbows, pressing up to complete the rep. Lying Leg Raise To hit the lower abs well, the lying leg raise is a great move of choice. Lay flat down on the ground, back down and bring the legs up so that they are at a 90-degree angle with the body. From here, lower down until they're almost touching the ground and then reverse directions, bringing them back up again. Continue on until all reps are completed, making sure to keep the back pressed flat into the ground at all times. Lunges Holding a set of dumbbells, one in either hand, in an upright position, take one step forward and begin to bend the knee as you lower yourself down into the lunge. Keep the back straight at all times to prevent excess stress from being placed on the lower back. Once lowered as far as you can go, press back up again to complete the rep, bringing the back leg forward and using it to step forward into the next rep. continue alternating legs as you move through this exercise. Bent Over Rows To perform the bent over row, place the set of dumbbells directly in front of you on the floor. From there, bend over at the waist and then reach forward to grab the dumbbells. Keeping the back flat, slowly contract from the shoulder blades as you bring the weights upward so they move toward the underarm. When you're as high as you can comfortably go, pause and then lower down to complete the rep. The weights should not touch the floor until all reps are completed. Bicycle The bicycle is a fantastic ab movement for working the oblique muscles, helping you firm up your love hands. Lay flat down on the floor, legs straight and arms bent, hands by your head. From there, crunch upward and as you do, twist to one side of the body. At the same time, bring the opposite leg upward, bending the knee and trying to get it to touch the elbow. Once as high as you can go, pause and then reverse directions, returning to the start. From here, twist to the other side this time, alternating as you go. Continue on alternating until all reps are completed. Step-ups The final lower body move in this workout is the step-up. To perform this, hold a set of dumbbells down by your sides and stand in front of a bench or sturdy chair. Step one foot up onto the chair/bench and then slowly bring the other foot up to meet it. Once standing on that chair/bench, lower back down, leading with the same foot. For the next rep, switch sides and repeat. Continue alternating until all reps have been completed. Shoulder Press The shoulder press is the next great upper body move to round out this workout program. Hold a set of dumbbells, one in each hand and then in the upright standing position, bring them up so they are resting on the shoulders. From there, drive the weights straight above the head until the elbows are extended but not locked. Pause and then bend down again until they are back to shoulder height. Press up to complete the next rep. Plank Hold Finally, the last core exercise to finish off this workout is the plank hold. To perform this one, simply get down on the ground so your stomach is down and you are balancing the body on the forearms and toes. Your body should look like a flat tabletop in this position. Now hold that for as long as you can maintain good form. If you ever start to feel yourself coming out of good form, stop and only continue on once you can resume proper form. Aim to hold this for 30-60 seconds before moving on. | 7 | 1,468 | health |
It's well-nigh impossible for the average person to avoid the influenza virus. You have no idea who touched that doorknob or keyboard before you did, and one person coughing on the subway could make you mighty uncomfortable over the next week or two. Worse, you could unwittingly transmit this potentially devastating disease to those you love. Elders, those with chronic illnesses and/or weakened immune systems, and infants younger than 6 months face the greatest risk. No. 1 tip Getting a flu shot is the No. 1 way to protect yourself and your loved ones. No, it's not foolproof. But, according to Consumer Reports , the immunization will prevent the illness about 80 percent of the time in people younger than 60 and about half the time for those 65 or older. No need to overpay for your shot, though. Money Talks News founder Stacy Johnson lays out facts and figures in the video below. Once you've watched it, read on for more ways to fight the flu frugally. 2014 Money Talks News How to Fight Flu Frugally The winter is flu season, so if you haven't done it yet, it's time for a vaccination. But where do you get the most affordable flu shot? http://www.moneytalksnews.com/2014/10/15/10-frugal-ways-to-fight-the-flu/ 3435-web-how-to-fight-flu-frugally 2. Use those benefits! The Affordable Care Act has made flu shots free to those with insurance. Those with Medicare Part B can also get vaccinated at no charge. Just make sure your insurance is accepted by whichever venue you choose, whether that's a drugstore or a doctor's office. Otherwise you'll have to pay upfront and apply for reimbursement. Who needs that? 3. Get a free shot from Walgreens No insurance? Walgreens is offering 400,000 free-shot vouchers to those without coverage. The freebies are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so call 800-925-4733 right away. 4. Shop around If you can't get a voucher or don't live near a Walgreens, you'll have to look for the best price. In a post on 20Something Finance , blogger G.E. Miller said he found that the two cheapest places were Costco ($14.99) and Sam's Club ($15). You don't have to be a member; just tell the checker at the door that you're coming in to get something from the pharmacy. The blog post says retailers such as Kroger, Meijer, Walmart, CVS and Target offer shots from $25 to $31.99. 5. Look for a shot clinic Can't afford even $15? We hear you. Your city, county or state health department may offer vaccination clinics, possibly on a sliding scale. Contact those entities or call 211 to find shot clinics in your region. Incidentally, they may pop up at senior centers, places of worship and temporary clinics like the ones offered free in the St. Louis area by Barnes-Jewish Hospital . 6. Find a health center Federally funded centers provide care on a sliding scale, so your shot might be free. 7. Try a charitable clinic The National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics has a searchable database. 8. Wash your hands! One of the simplest ways to prevent the flu and a number of other illnesses is to wash regularly and thoroughly. Carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer in case you find yourself far from soap and water. Consumer Reports recommends a brand with at least 60 percent alcohol (ethanol or isopropanol). 9. Keep those hands down Get out of the habit of touching your eyes, mouth or nose during the day, since all three make great entry ports for viruses and bacteria. Again: The last person who opened the apartment building door may have been as sick as a dog. 10. Eat right What's on your plate may help you ward off the flu. Foods rich in protein, zinc and vitamins A and C, plus certain types of tea, can help your body fight off invading viruses. See " 5 Flu-Fighting Foods " for more tips. Bottom line: It's a virus-laden world out there. Protect yourself and your loved ones by fighting back against the flu. Protect your wallet by doing it frugally. | 3 | 1,469 | finance |
NEW YORK ( MainStreet ) Homeowners can save thousands of dollars when they work with counselor to get their mortgages modified and decrease their odds of defaulting again. A new study for NeighborWorks America by the Urban Institute determined that homeowners were able to avoid spending millions of dollars annually because of the National Foreclosure Mitigation Counseling (NFMC) program. Homeowners working with NFMC program counselors are nearly three times more likely to obtain a mortgage modification and are nearly twice as likely to get their mortgage back on track without a modification. After working with counselors, homeowners are 60% less likely to re-default after curing a serious delinquency and able to complete short sales faster than homeowners who don't work with counselors . The research is based on analysis of nearly 240,000 homeowners with outcomes observed through June 2013. More than 1.8 million homeowners have been helped by the NFMC program, administered by NeighborWorks America since it began in March 2008. "Whether measured by benefits to homeowners through more likely mortgage modifications, sustainability of those modification or mortgage cures, the research answers all housing counseling benefit questions with a resounding 'yes,'" said acting CEO Chuck Wehrwein of NeighborWorks America, the Washington, D.C.-based trainer of community development and affordable housing professionals . The research shows that homeowners were able to cure delinquent mortgages more frequently with the assistance of an NFMC counselor than owners who do not receive such help. Servicers also likely saved lost revenues by having performing loans back on their balance sheets. "The bottom line for the servicing industry is that housing counseling saves them time and money," he said. "Servicers that increase their partnership with NFMC program counselors are benefiting their shareholders and mortgage customers." Once a homeowner is 45 days delinquent on his mortgage, it is a warning sign that he is headed for serious problems and is at a higher risk of foreclosure, said Matt Ribe, director of legislative affairs for the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) based in Washington, D.C. "It depends on your servicer, but I recommend working with counselor to get as current on your mortgage payment as soon as possible," he said. Now that the backlog of cases from the recession has subsided, mortgage servicing companies are catching up on their older cases. Being delinquent on your mortgage for one to two years is no longer a realistic expectation, Ribe said. Working with the servicer as much as possible will help resolve the issue better. "Homeowners mistakenly believe that nothing good can come from it," he said. While the process can be intimidating due to the enormous amount of paperwork involved, a counselor can help homeowners understand fill out and submit the necessary forms throughout the process, Ribe said. "The counselor works with these issues on a regular basis, so they can walk you through the process and understand the legal language and requirements," he said. "They can put all the information into context." One option is for homeowners to use the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) , a government program which can extend a mortgage to 40 years from the date of the modification and the interest rate will be lowered. It is designed for a homeowner in crisis to lower payments as soon possible while keeping the loan positively amortizing, Ribe said. "The hope is that after a certain period of time, the program will help the homeowner increase their cash flow, decrease other debt and think about refinancing their mortgage into a lower rate," he said. HAMP accepts homeowners based on their current debt to income ratio and sets up a plan to extend the term of the loan and to reduce the amount of the payment. Homeowners can also reach out to their mortgage servicer or lender, who also has their own loan modification programs. One critical measurement of all the programs is how to determine the current value of the home especially if the value has declined and the owner owes on the mortgage than the home is worth, known as being underwater . Short sales are still a good option for homeowners who are not able to secure a principal reduction in the mortgage and still owe more than the house is worth. "This can be a powerful option for people if they can find a buyer willing to take the house," Ribe said. "It sort of lets them start over." Working with a counselor can give owners more options and achieve the most "affordable and sustainable option as possible," and helps reduce the number of people who defaulted again, he said. "I would recommend that before they make any decision, they should work with a HUD certified housing counselor to discuss their options and the implications," Ribe said. All NFCC counselors are certified financial counselors and work with people regardless of their ability of pay. Since buying a home is something that most people only do once or twice in their lives, there is no question that homeowners whose mortgages are in default or at risk of default should look for assistance as soon as possible, said David Reiss, professor of law at Brooklyn Law School in New York. "Losing their home is something that most never do at all, so to think that going it alone is the best strategy is a mistake," he said. "Foreclosure counselors know the range of options available to borrowers and may have access to more direct lines of communication with lenders. They also will have a better sense of when to complain to regulators about bad behavior by lenders." --Written by Ellen Chang for MainStreet | 3 | 1,470 | finance |
Honda has had to take a couple of mulligans lately. When the ninth-gen 2012 Civic launch fizzled, the car got a do-over for '14, bringing much-needed styling and powertrain upgrades. Similarly, the fourth-gen 2012 CR-V missed the small-overlap crash-test boat, earning a "marginal" rating that nixed its chances at the coveted Top Safety Pick ranking. It also drew criticism for being less fun to drive than its rivals, due in part to its quaint old five-speed automatic. The fix: a 2015 reboot, and a second chance. We're open-minded about second chances -- mid-cycle fixes earned the 2010 Fusion our Car of the Year calipers -- so let's see how Honda's redemption-edition CR-V stacks up against the criteria. See the SUV of the Year contenders, finalists and how they fared. Advancement in Design In nine pages of compiled notes from nine judges, the few references to the CR-V's exterior design ranged from MacKenzie's "Not the most beautiful or innovative C-segment SUV design, but not the worst, either," to Evans' "Not a big fan of the latest styling updates." Then again, design was low on the priority list this time around for a vehicle that continually outsells its rivals to rank as the best-selling entry CUV ever. And at least nobody reviled it, as some did the chrome-beaked Cherokee. The interior design is equally staid, but its ergonomics generally drew praise, except for the infotainment system, which was universally reviled for its lack of knobs, unintuitive function, and graphics that don't match those on the other various screens. Our youngest judge, Seabaugh, reckoned that his peers would liken the difference between the CR-V and Jeep systems to that of "an old T-Mobile Sidekick and an iPhone 6." It does boast a segment-first HDMI input, but none of us can imagine wanting to sit in a parked CR-V and watch a movie on a dash screen that's smaller than an iPad. Engineering Excellence Ah, now here's a criterion Honda can sink its teeth into. Powertrain revisions tasked with improving the fun quotient include a new "Earth Dreams" 2.4-liter engine that gets direct injection and a commensurate compression bump from 10.0:1 to 11.1:1, along with a new, lighter die-cast aluminum block (with the same bore and stroke) and myriad friction reductions. Horsepower still peaks at 185, but does so 600 rpm earlier (at 6400), with torque jumping from 163 lb-ft at 4400 rpm to 181 lb-ft at 3900 rpm. That engine is hooked to a continuously variable automatic much like the Civic's, about which we've sung nothing but hosannas. This unit employs a torque converter and a "G-design Shift Logic" strategy that combine to feel completely "normal" in gentle everyday driving -- no rubber-bandiness. But nail the gas to pass and the trans delivers a snappy downshift to a ratio near the power peak. "CVT is very good, especially in Sport mode -- keeps revs in the sweet spot and doesn't fake shift like Outback and Rogue," noted Kiino. This new setup shaves 0.6 second off our last AWD automatic CR-V's 0-60 time, at 8.5 seconds. That's still mid-pack in the class, but accompanied by that trademark Honda engine wail, it feels downright sporty. Lieberman welcomed Honda's "return to form as a company known for making some of the best engines in the business." "Nail the gas to pass and the trans delivers a snappy downshift to the power peak." The chassis also underwent a thorough rethink with a new front subframe and lower control arms, revised spring and damper rates all around, and new bushings, anti-roll bars, and geometry (a half-degree less camber and 0.6-inch wider track front and rear). The steering ratio tightens from 16.7:1 to 15.6:1. Seabaugh, frustrated with the last CR-V, enthused, "This feels like a Honda should, with light steering, great feedback, and competent handling chops. It's way more fun than any compact crossover ought to be." Evans concurred: "You can kind of fling it around like a Fiesta ST. It's fun in that way." And Kiino complimented the ride/handling trade-off, noting that "it feels planted but never harsh." Performance of Intended Function The entry CUV's job is easily defined: help a small family haul its gear anywhere with ease and confidence in any weather. Nobody expects these CUVs to scale the Rubicon, and our CR-V's aggressive tire treads and on-demand AWD handled our steep, silty gravel hill with minimal fuss. Like its little brother, the Fit, the CR-V boasts savvy packaging. "The second-row legroom and load space are excellent in relation to the vehicle's footprint," MacKenzie noted. Indeed, the CR-V's ratio of interior to exterior space tops those of the RAV4, Forester, Escape, Rogue, and CX-5. But more important than sheer size is the ease with which that space is utilized. Expanding the cargo hold from 35.3 to 70.9 cubic feet is as easy as pulling two levers in the cargo hold, setting in motion a purely mechanical series of flips and folds of the rear seatbacks to render a nearly flat (and low) load floor. There are bag hooks, tie-downs, and a small net in back, and the side doors open nearly 90 degrees for easy access. On the negative side, there are no power outlets of any type in the rear seat or cargo areas; the optional power tailgate is driven by a motor that occupies a giant goiter on the driver's side D-pillar (the strut mounted screw jacks are state-of-the-art); and as Evans noted, "There's a lot of wind and road noise on the freeway -- louder than most of the other vehicles here." Efficiency The switch to direct injection and a continuously variable transmission with a 33 percent broader ratio range than the old five-speed should boost fuel efficiency pretty notably, and indeed the combined 26/33 mpg EPA city/hwy figures represent an improvement of about 12 percent. But our Real MPG results are disappointingly similar to those of our last CR-V automatic with AWD: 20.6 city/28.7 highway/23.6 combined mpg, compared with last year's 20.5/28.9/23.6 (its EPA ratings were 22/30/25), so it's unclear whether you'll realize all that improvement. We eagerly await a chance to test out another not-so-early-build example. Safety Here again, there's been no official IIHS testing to report, but we're told the engineers reinforced the CR-V's occupant compartment with additional hot-stamped high-strength steel, and modified the engine compartment crash structure to better absorb the energy in small-offset crashes. Presuming their computer simulations have accurately predicted what IIHS will measure soon, the Top Safety Pick hurdle should be cleared. The available Honda Sense suite of camera/radar-based safety gear, including Collision Mitigating Braking Support, Lane Departure Warning, Lane-Keeping Assist System, and adaptive cruise control, are the "plus" cherry on top. LKAS had every editor raving. "An amazing piece of technology for the segment," said Seabaugh. "The steering straightens you out; it doesn't send you ping-ponging down the road," concurred Loh. The LaneWatch camera we've seen on Odyssey, Accord, and Civic arrives here too, displaying a blind-spot view of the right side of the car whenever that turn signal is on. LaneWatch comes with the EX trim level, but you have to pop for the new top-level Touring trim ($32,350-$33,600) to get Honda Sense goodies. Value Whatever you spend on a CR-V, IntelliChoice reckons you're getting a pretty good deal. It rates the current car Excellent in terms of cost of ownership, with five-year total operating costs averaging $32K-$35K -- $4300-$4500 less than the class average. Honda's legendary resale value is largely responsible. Comparing the current CR-V's costs with the averages in our August 2013 Big Test of a similarly equipped Ford Escape, Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester, and Toyota RAV4, the Honda depreciates 13 percent less, with maintenance, repair, and insurance costs averaging 10 percent less. Conclusion Some years, a vehicle wins our calipers almost unanimously. This year our jury entered the final discussion split almost down the middle. After two hours of contentious debate, the CR-V's stellar value, engineering, and safety features combined with the cheerful way it performs its intended functions earned Honda the win. Arguments such as these tipped the balance: "The CR-V shows you don't have to lose the fun factor when buying something economical," said Lago. "A careful rework of a best-seller, executed with typical Honda thoughtfulness," echoed MacKenzie. Score another win for redemption. 2015 Honda CR-V AWD BASE PRICE $25,400 PRICE AS TESTED $33,600 VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV ENGINE 2.4L/185-hp/181-lb-ft DOHC 16-valve I-4 TRANSMISSION Cont. variable automatic CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 3591 lb (58/42%) WHEELBASE 103.1 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 179.4 x 71.6 x 65.1 in 0-60 MPH 8.5 sec QUARTER MILE 16.7 sec @ 86.0 mph BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 121 ft LATERAL ACCELERATION 0.78 g (avg) MT FIGURE EIGHT 28.3 sec @ 0.59 g (avg) EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON 26/33/28 mpg ENERGY CONS., CITY/HWY 130/102 kW-hrs/100 miles CO2 EMISSIONS, COMB 0.67 lb/mile 2015 Honda CR-V AWD Touring POWERTRAIN/CHASSIS DRIVETRAIN LAYOUT Front-engine, AWD ENGINE TYPE I-4, alum block/head VALVETRAIN DOHC, 4 valves/cyl DISPLACEMENT 143.8 cu in/2356cc COMPRESSION RATIO 11.1:1 POWER (SAE NET) 185 hp @ 6400 rpm TORQUE (SAE NET) 181 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm REDLINE 6750 rpm WEIGHT TO POWER 19.4 lb/hp TRANSMISSION Cont. variable auto AXLE/FINAL-DRIVE RATIO 5.05:1/2.04:1 SUSPENSION, FRONT; REAR Struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar; multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar STEERING RATIO 15.6:1 TURNS LOCK-TO-LOCK 2.9 BRAKES, F;R 11.8-in vented disc; 12.0-in disc, ABS WHEELS 7.0 x 18-in, cast aluminum TIRES 225/60R18 99H M+S Dunlop Grandtrek AT20 DIMENSIONS WHEELBASE 103.1 in TRACK, F/R 62.2/62.2 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 179.4 x 71.6 x 65.1 in GROUND CLEARANCE 6.7 in APPRCH/DEPART ANGLE 28.1/20.8 deg TURNING CIRCLE 36.9 ft CURB WEIGHT 3591 lb WEIGHT DIST., F/R 58/42% TOWING CAPACITY 1500 lb SEATING CAPACITY 5 HEADROOM, F/R 38.0/38.6 in LEGROOM, F/R 41.3/38.3 in SHOULDER ROOM, F/R 58.6/56.4 in CARGO VOL, BEH F/R 70.9/35.3 cu ft TEST DATA ACCELERATION TO MPH 0-30 3.4 sec 0-40 4.8 0-50 6.5 0-60 8.5 0-70 11.1 0-80 14.4 0-90 18.3 PASSING, 45-65 MPH 4.1 QUARTER MILE 16.7 sec @ 86.0 mph BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 121 ft LATERAL ACCELERATION 0.78 g (avg) MT FIGURE EIGHT 28.3 sec @ 0.59 g (avg) TOP-GEAR REVS @ 60 MPH 1600 rpm CONSUMER INFO BASE PRICE $33,600 PRICE AS TESTED $33,600 STABILITY/TRACTION CONTROL Yes/yes AIRBAGS Dual front, front side, f/r curtain BASIC WARRANTY 3 yrs/36,000 miles POWERTRAIN WARRANTY 5 yrs/60,000 miles ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE 3 yrs/36,000 miles FUEL CAPACITY 15.3 gal EPA CITY/HWY/COMB ECON 26/33/28 mpg ENERGY CONS., CITY/HWY 130/102 kW-hrs/100 miles CO2 EMISSIONS, COMB 0.67 lb/mi REAL MPG, CITY/HWY/COMB 21/29/24 mpg RECOMMENDED FUEL Unleaded regular Additional 2015 Honda CR-V photos from the automaker: | 9 | 1,471 | autos |
Outsmart fevers, sneezes, and coughs this winter. Acupuncture This complementary medicine, a go-to treatment for conditions like back pain and migraines, is now recognized as a viable way to help prevent colds and the flu. "Acupuncture aids in the production of natural killer cells, our primary defense against organisms that make us sick," says Jamie Starkey, lead acupuncturist at the Cleveland Clinic. This means your "army" will be larger and stronger if a virus invades. Starkey recommends one session per week for five weeks. Berries Eat more of Mother Nature's "pills" blueberries and other dark berries help strengthen your immune system. They contain anthocyanins, shown to reduce inflammation. Aim for 1/2 to 1 cup per day (fresh or frozen), suggests naturopathic doctor Natasha Turner. Chicken Soup A soothing bowl of this homemade goodness has anti-inflammatory properties that may ease symptoms and shorten upper respiratory tract infections, says a classic study from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Make some tonight, then freeze for when you need it. Decongestants If you need short-term breathing relief, doctors suggest choosing sprays or drops over pills to clear sinuses faster. Experts caution against using sprays or drops for more than three days, though, because prolonged use can damage your nasal passages and make stuffiness worse. Exercise Doing some form of moderate daily activity, whether it's walking, biking or jogging, can cut your number of colds in half, studies report. The increased breathing and blood flow and temporary rise in body temperature are believed to aid the immune system. Fist Bump Ditch the handshake: A study in the American Journal of Infection Control reveals it transfers far more germs than popular alternatives like the fist bump and the high five, which pass a whopping 90% less and 50% less, respectively. Gargling Yep, simple tap water can help prevent upper respiratory tract infections, say Japanese researchers. Do three 15-second gargles three times a day. Honey If you're already hacking, try a spoonful or two before bed. In a Penn State study, it was more effective than cough syrup at calming coughs. Iron Get your iron levels checked, because a deficiency can decrease the number and effectiveness of certain immune cells. Jasmine Green Tea If you find plain green tea bitter, try this sweeter, aromatic version and you'll still get a health boost: Green tea has been shown to reduce days with a cold or the flu by 35%. Keep Your Distance Flu droplets can travel up to six feet, reports the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC), so if you see someone sneezing and coughing, step back to avoid catching the virus. Lots of Liquids Staying well hydrated helps prevent colds. And if you do get sick, liquids help thin out mucus and clear it away. Mushrooms Even ordinary white button ones enhance key immune system cells' antiviral activity, says Tufts University research. Nose Know-How Never blow hard. It can actually push germs back into sinuses, which may lead to a bacterial infection. Outdoor Time The Japanese practice of "forest bathing" a.k.a. hanging out in the woods can increase our natural killer cells. Researchers suspect that, aside from nature's relaxing effect, trees emit antimicrobial compounds that may boost immunity. Probiotics Eat that yogurt: Researchers believe its probiotics may have flu-fighting potential. A recent review study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal also suggests that probiotics can help stave off upper respiratory tract infections. Quiet Your Mind You can dramatically reduce your sick days by practicing mindfulness meditation, says research from the University of Wisconsin. In the study, volunteers reduced cold frequency, length, and severity by 33% to 60% after an eight-week course in mindfulness-based stress reduction. Learn some techniques at mindfulnesscds.com. Rinse When blocked sinuses are making you miserable, get relief by using an OTC saline nasal spray or mist throughout the day whenever you feel the need to clear nasal passages. Sleep More Sleep away your cold. Scientists are learning more about the sleep/healing connection: Getting more shut-eye when you're sick ups the activity of proteins that help to clear infection faster. Time Off Over 40% of Americans let vacation time go to waste each year. Yet stress from lack of downtime is associated with a weaker immune system, says Natasha Turner. So consider those play days a prescription for better health and use them. Understand Your Symptoms Knowing if it's a cold or flu can help you make better treatment choices. If it's flu, take extra care, since it could lead to other complications like bronchitis or ear infections. Here are some ways to recognize the difference: Fever, chills, and aches all over? Common with the flu, rare with colds. Sneezing, stuffy nose, sore throat? Common for a cold, not the flu. Top tip: If you suspect flu, speak to a doctor ASAP about Tamiflu or Relenza, which stop viruses from replicating and can speed recovery by two days. Vaccine "Getting a flu shot is the best preventer," says Michael Jhung, M.D., of the CDC. Experts say to get it as soon as it's out, usually in early fall. So yes, like now! Wash Your Hands Always clean your hands after high germ-transfer times: when you arrive at work or home (especially after a trip on public transit) and before every meal. Just mild soap and water will do the trick. X Out Echinacea The herb hasn't stood up to scrutiny from researchers. Save your cash for more effective (and proven) options. Yoga Hatha yoga practice, which is composed of gentle poses and breathing exercises, can activate beneficial genes in our immune cells. In a study from the University of Oslo that compared pre-yoga and post-yoga blood cells, this benefit was seen within two hours after practicing. Zinc Multiple studies suggest that at the first sign of a sore throat, sucking on zinc throat lozenges is a great defense; research shows they can shorten the duration of a cold. Scientists speculate that zinc hinders a virus's ability to reproduce or attach to cells. So go ahead, stock upon some zinc lozenges. Now you're ready bring on cold and flu season! | 7 | 1,472 | health |
http://gags.justforlaughs.com | Subscribe! http://goo.gl/wJxjG The plastic tee of this golf driving range is tricked to blow air on the ball when golfers are in full swing. They look really silly swinging in the air. Visit our sister channel: JUST KIDDING PRANKS: http://www.youtube.com/JustKiddingPranks Social Animal? Here are a few interesting links: Twitter: http://twitter.com/JFLGags Facebook: http://facebook.com/jflgags Puppies: http://goo.gl/8ksgT A presentation of JustForLaughsTV, the official Just For Laughs Gags YouTube channel. Home of the funniest, greatest, most amazing, most hilarious, win filled, comedy galore, hidden camera pranks in the world! | 8 | 1,473 | video |
Copper just may be the new black. This bright-toned metal is a fast-growing design trend, found in big statement pieces as well as small details. No doubt, copper makes an impact but it comes at a price. With a bit of imagination, however, you can take copper in its most humble form everyday copper plumbing pipes and turn it into some very cool creations. Whether you're after modern luster or a vintage patina, copper can be the star of your tables, lighting fixtures, and more. Here are 9 ideas to get you started. Mixed Media This striking table combines timeless leather weaving with sleek copper detailing. Building it takes a bit of patience, but the difficulty level is pretty low on the scale. After you do the necessary recon for materials, it's a project you can finish in an afternoon, leaving you plenty of time to admire your achievement. Trip the Light Fantastic The shape of this light fixture is known as an "icosahedron," but don't let the unwieldy name scare you off. To create this geometric project, you will need some trusty mathematics but from there, it's as easy as 1, 2, 3. Use a standard pendant light as your base, then string together equilateral triangles with copper wire. See the complete tutorial here. Pencil It In If you love industrial design elements but aren't quite ready to take down the drywall and expose your pipes, start small with this quick project. This minimalist pencil holder was made by cutting one piece of copper pipe into seven equal lengths and simply hot-gluing them together in a V shape. Turn the Table Copper has a pricey reputation, but you can DIY your own projects on a dime. The slender legs of this contemporary coffee table are built with 1/2-inch Type M copper pipe, which is relatively inexpensive and easy to cut. After building your copper base, attach a solid top (like the laminated pine used here) using copper tube straps. Powder Room Polish If you want a bathroom conversation starter (OK, maybe not), here's a copper project you can put together in no time. This shiny toilet paper holder is just a collection of copper pipe and elbows. Kristi Murphy has the complete list of supplies and instructions. Radiant Replica Based on a much more costly retail piece, this homemade tripod lamp offers an equally gorgeous contemporary statement at a fraction of the price. Requiring merely a lamp kit and shade, copper pipes, spray paint, a drill, and a 2x4, this lamp takes only a few hours to assemble. Find the tutorial at Sarah M. Dorsey Designs. Tape on Some Twinkle Here's a clever way to bring copper into your home without the pipes. Add instant shimmer to your candles by simply wrapping them with copper tape (more commonly used to repel slugs and snails from your garden). Use it on a combination of pillars or tea lights to add height and interest. Copper at the Core A paper towel holder is a kitchen staple, so why not make it special? Start with a wooden base of your choice, then drill a hole in the center to accommodate one end of a length of copper pipe that's slightly taller than your paper towels. After a bit of glue and some drying time, you're ready to roll! | 4 | 1,474 | lifestyle |
The Fifty Shades of Grey movie doesn't hit theaters until Feb. 14, 2015, but fans of the film's smoldering leading man, Jamie Dornan, can see him in action a lot sooner. Jamie has been very busy talking up the second season of The Fall, a television series that's a must-see for all Fifty Shades of Grey fans. | 8 | 1,475 | video |
And another one bites the dust. Benedict Cumberbatch just announced that he is engaged to Sophie Hunter, and fans are not very happy. We've rounded up the most outrageous reactions from Cumberb*tches around the world. Let us know in the comments what your initial feelings were when you heard the news. | 8 | 1,476 | video |
Notre Dame is currently 7-1, but they're the only team in the 10 not to beat a top 25 team. Where should the Irish be ranked? #120talk | 1 | 1,477 | sports |
Chicago Bears veteran linebacker Lance Briggs seems to know his end is near with the Bears after 12 season with the franchise. Where will Briggs end up next season? | 1 | 1,478 | sports |
It's not just big retailers like Rite-Aid (RAD) and CVS (CVS) saying "no thanks" to Apple Pay . Small-business owners also don't seem too interested in the tech giant's hotly anticipated mobile wallet. A new report from Newtek, a payroll products firm, found 82 percent of small businesses do not currently have a point-of-sale terminal (POS) that is able to accept near-field-communication (NFC) contactless payments like Google (GOOGL) Wallet or Apple (AAPL) Pay. What's more, 93 percent of small-business owners told Newtek they aren't planning to upgrade their terminals to make those payment types available to their customers. Newtek's products support Apple Pay and the NFC technology it's based on. NFC technology allows for the transfer of small amounts of data between two devices held closely to one another. If you tap your smartphone on a payment terminal in a retail store, it will be able to identify your account and allow quick and easy payment . Newtek surveyed more than 1,000 small businesses for its report. Barry Sloane, Newtek president, chairman and CEO, said small companies aren't eager to upend their current way of operating. "Their livelihood depends on their ability to take payments and sell something," Sloane said. "So if all of a sudden they are told to do something differently, and get rid of their current POS system, they're going, 'I don't think so.' Because taking the payment and it not working is traumatic." Not all small businesses are shunning the mobile wallet trend, of course. In fact, Square, the mobile payment system created by Twitter founder Jack Dorsey had its one-billionth swipe Wednesday at a merchant in Sacramento, California. Square told CNBC that while it doesn't collect small-business specific data, "millions of retailers" of all sizes use its products. But the fact of the matter is, small businesses will have to upgrade their terminals in 2015 to comply with new credit card company rules, Sloane said. The burden of responsibility will shift next year from card companies to retailers for fraudulent charges. Avin Arumugam, executive director of Chase Digital, said it's not too surprising that small companies are shying away from new technology, but upgrading to new compliant terminals means they will likely also be able to accept NFC payments. They are small and more nimble than larger brands, he said, so they can and should consider trying out new technology. "Small companies, if you really think about it, can often be early adopters of new technology because they aren't as robust as big companies. They can try things out and get them going," he said. | 3 | 1,479 | finance |
It's not you I don't trust, it's them. | 8 | 1,480 | video |
What Ebola? Americans seems ready to move past the recent Ebola scare to travel by air in greater numbers for the Thanksgiving holiday. During the 12-day period around the Nov. 27 holiday, 24.6 million people will fly on the nation's airlines, a 1.5% increase over the same period last year, according to a forecast by the trade group Airlines for America. The busiest air travel day in that period is expected to be Sunday, Nov. 30, with the least busy being Thanksgiving Day. News that a healthcare worker was diagnosed with Ebola after flying between Dallas and Cleveland last month prompted flight attendants to demand masks, rubber gloves and other equipment to deal with passengers who might be infected with the deadly disease. But airline carriers and travel agents said they had seen no signs that the scare has prompted passengers to cancel travel plans. The travel forecast comes at a time of hefty profits for the industry amid growing demand and slumping fuel costs. During the first nine months of the year, the nine largest U.S. carriers reported net earnings of $6.8 billion, up from $4.5 billion in 2013, according to the trade group. "An expanding U.S. economy, rising personal incomes, employment growth and lower energy prices are driving growth in demand," said John Heimlich, the chief economist for the trade group. Domestic fares around the Thanksgiving holiday are up 17% over last year, to an average of $467, according to Expedia.com, one of the world's largest travel sites. Christmas airfares are up 2% to an average of $493, the travel site said. To read more about travel, tourism and the airline industry, follow me on Twitter at @hugomartin. | 2 | 1,481 | travel |
Our experts take a look at the NFL teams that are currently below .500, but will still make the playoffs. Which below .500 teams do you think will make the playoffs? | 1 | 1,482 | sports |
From modern mosques to ancient temples, AD showcases the most beautiful houses of worship around the world Borgund Stavechurch, Borgund, Norway Built around 1180, the Borgund Stavechurch is one of the best-preserved traditional wood churches in Norway. A stone foundation was added to the design to help prevent the rot that destroyed the town's previous church, and the building is supported by 12 vertical posts, or staves. The doors and parts of the roof are intricately carved with dragons to ward off evil spirits. Recently, the church served as inspiration for architecture in the Disney film Frozen. Chapel of the Holy Cross, Sedona, Arizona In the 1930s, after having a vision of a cross spread across the Empire State Building, sculptor Marguerite Brunswig Staude was inspired to build a skyscraper cathedral in Europe and enlisted the help of Lloyd Wright, Frank Lloyd Wright's son. But when World War II broke out, they were forced to postpone the project. After the war she revised her idea and picked a site near her home in Sedona, Arizona. (Wright abandoned the project when Staude refused to stick to the initial design.) The Catholic church was completed in 1956, with the assistance of San Francisco architecture firm Anshen & Allen, and is distinguished by a large cross rising from the craggy red rocks and defining the silhouette of the structure. Golden Temple, Amritsar, India The Golden Temple also called Sri Harmandir Sahib or Sri Darbar Sahib is the holiest shrine in the Sikh religion. Located in northwest India, near the border of Pakistan, the marble temple was constructed in 1601 by Guru Arjan Sahib and sits within a pool traversed by a 202-foot-long marble causeway. The magnificent interiors are embellished with embossed gold surfaces and marble inlaid with semiprecious stones. The building did not receive its signature exterior gilding until 1830, when Maharaja Ranjit Singh sponsored several lavish improvements. Great Mosque of Djenné, Djenné, Mali Originally built in the 13th century and reconstructed in 1907, the Great Mosque of Djenné is made of mud-and-straw bricks covered with mud plaster, and palm-wood beams. Each year during a festival known as Crepissage de la Grand Mosquée, mud masons add a new layer, using the beams that jut from the façade as scaffolding. Over time the annual application has given the UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest surviving example of African mud architecture its rounded edges. Hallgrímskirkja, Reykjavik, Iceland Lending a commanding presence to the Reykjavik skyline, Hallgrímskirkja stands nearly 250 feet tall. Architect Guðjón Samúelsson's unique design for the Lutheran church was inspired by the Icelandic basalt lava flows. Completed in 1937 and named for religious poet Hallgrímur Pétursson, the building offers excellent views of the city and also boasts an impressive 25-ton, 5,275-pipe organ. Jubilee Synagogue, Prague The Jubilee Synagogue, also known as the Jerusalem Synagogue after its location on the street Jeruzalémská, was built in 1906 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Austro-Hungarian emperor Franz Joseph's ascension to the throne. It replaced three synagogues that were removed during the clearing of the Jewish ghetto in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Designed by Viennese architect Wilhelm Stiassny, the distinctive striped structure combines Moorish, Byzantine, and Art Nouveau styles and is known for its beautiful, intricately painted interiors. Kizhi Pogost, Kizhi Island, Russia Set on Kizhi Island in Russia's Lake Onega, this UNESCO World Heritage site consists of an enclosure, or pogost, containing two churches one 17th century, the other 18th century and an 1862 bell tower. The chapels were built entirely of wood, and one was designated for summer use and the other for winter, a common practice in Russia at the time. The heated winter structure, the Church of the Intercession, was built in 1694 of pine and aspen and is topped with nine domes. The Church of the Transfiguration the larger pine, spruce, and aspen summer church was completed in 1714 using an octagonal framework and is topped with a crown of 22 domes. Korean Presbyterian Church, Oakland, New Jersey Arcari + Iovino Architects were recently asked not only to design a new church for an Oakland, New Jersey, congregation, but also to create a campus for the parish on the 24-acre site. The 2011 structure includes a chapel and a bi-level, glass-roofed multipurpose space with a basketball court and mezzanine gallery that displays art by members. Within the sanctuary a row of finlike walls diffuse light and heighten the acoustics. Notre-Dame du Haut, Ronchamp, France One of Le Corbusier's finest works, Notre-Dame du Haut was inspired by its hilltop location, overlooking the village of Ronchamp, and natural forms (the roof was modeled after a crab shell). The site-specific 1954 Catholic church was a major departure from the architect's previous work. The whitewashed exterior, poetic in its simplicity, is randomly punctuated with windows, the curved roof shades the outdoor altar and pulpit, and extra light enters the sanctuary from a from a row of narrow clerestory windows. Pura Taman Ayun, Bali, Indonesia Built in 1634, Pura Taman Ayun was formerly the royal temple of the Mengwi Kingdom of Bali. The Hindu complex, which is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, includes inner and outer moats protecting the courtyards. Among the notable structures on the grounds are the kori agung or gateway, leading to the innermost courtyard, and two-dozen meru or pagoda-like towers, made to symbolize the surrounding mountains. The tallest, an 11-tiered meru, references Gunung Batukau, the second-tallest mountain in Bali. Sakirin Mosque, Istanbul Built by a Turkish family as a tribute to their parents, the Sakirin Mosque was inaugurated in 2009 and is thought to be the first mosque in Turkey to be designed by a woman, Zeynep Fadillioglu. A well-known hospitality designer, Fadillioglu envisioned the interiors and made architectural modifications to the building after architect Hüsrev Tayla left the project before its completion. Her design, which includes a large chandelier resembling falling rain, a bright turquoise mihrab, and windows covered in intricate metalwork, reinterprets traditional Islamic design through a contemporary lens. Sancaklar Mosque, Istanbul Emre Arolat Architects eschews the traditional intricate ornamentation of many mosques to focus on creating a simple yet impactful space for prayer. The Sancaklar Mosque is set in a sloping field on the outskirts of Istanbul and was built into the landscape using concrete and natural stone. Daylight streams in from a narrow skylight between the vortexlike ceiling and the qiblah wall to illuminate the cavernous space, which was completed earlier this year. The peaceful complex also includes courtyards, water terraces that cascade down the hillside, and reflecting pools. Temple of Heaven, Beijing Also known as Tiantan Park, the Temple of Heaven is located south of the Forbidden City in Beijing. The original altar of this UNESCO World Heritage site was completed in 1420 during the Ming dynasty and was the site of sacrifices to promote a successful harvest. Today the property, now a park, contains several architectural highlights, including the Imperial Vault of Heaven, Circular Mound Altar, and the Hall of Prayers for Abundant Harvests. The latter, shown here, is a richly colored circular building made entirely of wood without the use of nails. Wat Rong Khun, Chiang Rai, Thailand Artist Chalermchai Kositpipat began building the eccentric Wat Rong Khun, or White Temple, in his native Chiang Rai in 1997. The pure-white exterior is accented with mirrored tiles and depicts elephants, serpents, and dragons amid flames. Interior murals feature Western figures (Keanu Reeves as Neo in the Matrix and Michael Jackson, to name two) alongside machine guns, fiery skulls, and terrorist attacks, while the bridge to the entrance crosses a pit of plaster hands reaching up from "hell." Construction on the Buddhist temple has continued along with repairs to the existing structure following an earthquake in the region earlier this year. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Tamil Nadu, India The largest temple complex in India, Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is dedicated to Ranganatha, a reclining form of the Hindu deity Vishnu. While the origin date of the temple is unknown, archaeological inscriptions date from the 10th century. The 156-acre complex consists of seven enclosures containing 21 ornate gopurams, or Dravidian-style towers. Sofia Synagogue, Sofia, Bulgaria Austro-Hungarian architect Friedrich Grunanger combined Moorish, Vienna Secessionist, and Venetian elements in the design of the Sofia Synagogue, the largest Sephardic synagogue in the Balkans. Built in 1909, the domed building is bordered by eight towers, and its splendid interiors include Venetian mosaics and marble columns. The building was badly damaged during bombings in 1944 and its renowned Judaica library was destroyed. The synagogue was restored in honor of its 100th anniversary with funding from the World Monuments Fund. Szeged Synagogue, Szeged, Hungary Perhaps Hungarian architect Lipót Baumhorn's finest work, the Szeged Synagogue successfully merges Art Nouveau with Gothic, Moorish, Byzantine, Roman, and Baroque motifs. The 1907 building features a breathtaking interior dome created by artist Miksa Róth, who also contributed stained-glass windows depicting the Jewish feasts. The sanctuary's seating faces a Torah ark made with wood from the banks of the Nile River. Rabbi Immanuel Lőw collaborated with the architect to add symbolic writing and images to the design, and, as he is also a botanist, he also planned the surrounding gardens. Las Lajas Sanctuary, Ipiales, Colombia Set in a canyon in the mountains of southern Colombia, the Las Lajas Sanctuary was completed in 1949 on the site of an apparition of the Virgin Mary and has become a destination for pilgrims. Part of architects Lucindo Espinosa and J. Gualberto Pérez's Gothic Revival marvel is set into a mountainside, while the other is atop a bridge that spans the gorge below. Temppeliaukio Church, Helsinki Helsinki's Temppeliaukio Church also known as the Rock Church was envisioned by architect brothers Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen and completed in 1969. The chapel is quarried out of natural rock a slab dating from the Ice Age serves as an altarpiece and the dramatic interiors combine modern aesthetics and organic materials.The copper-lined dome, framed by 180 narrow windows, adds to the warmth of the oval sanctuary, which boasts outstanding acoustics. While the design was once controversial, the Lutheran church has become one of the city's top tourist destinations. | 2 | 1,483 | travel |
One bag is all you'll ever need! | 8 | 1,484 | video |
The Nashville Predators have struggled to kill penalties this season. Will they be able to fix this issue or should they be concerned? #120Talk | 1 | 1,485 | sports |
Power Rankings: Which of Europe's powerhouses tops our list? Power rankings With winter fast approaching and just two matchdays left in the Champions League group stage, it's time for a fresh look at the top clubs in the world. Manchester City, you may have guessed, are one team that's fallen out after an ugly stretch in which they've lost three out of four. Who else dropped, and which teams took their place? Click through to find out! 10. Porto (Last week: Not ranked) Porto are the first Portuguese side to make this season's power rankings despite trailing Benfica by one point. The biggest reason why? Porto have already secured progress to the Champions League knockout stage while Benfica are in last place in their group. 9. Juventus (Last week: 8) The Bianconeri were in danger of falling out of this list, too, were it not for a quick second-half comeback against Olympiakos on Wednesday. The 3-2 home win kept Juve's Champions League hopes alive against their fiercest competitor for second place in the group. In Serie A, the Old Lady have maintained a three-point cushion on Roma. 8. Borussia Moenchengladbach (Last week: Not ranked) It's becoming impossible to ignore the Bundesliga's second-best team. Gladbach have reeled off a club record 18-game unbeaten streak in all competitions, lead their Europa League group and gave Bayern their biggest test of the season, a 0-0 draw at home. 7. Paris St. Germain (Last week: 7) PSG appear to do just enough in the Champions League, topping the group after back-to-back 1-0 victories against minnows APOEL. Things are looking up in Ligue 1, too, as PSG are riding a three-game win streak and get Zlatan Ibrahimovic back for Sunday's showdown vs. Marseille. 6. Marseille (Last week: 6) Les Phocéens have a four-point cushion atop Ligue 1 following their win last weekend over Lens, but can Marcelo Bielsa's men really challenge for their first title since 2010? We'll find out just how good they are Sunday when they visit holders PSG. 5. Barcelona (Last week: 3) Unbeaten atop of La Liga with no goals conceded heading into El Clasico, Barca are now suddenly in fourth place after losing at the Bernabeu and at home to Luis Enrique's ex-club Celta Vigo. At least the Catalans bounced back on Wednesday, blanking Ajax as Lionel Messi pipped Cristiano Ronaldo to the all-time Champions League goals record, which he now shares with Raul. 4. Atletico Madrid (Last week: 5) Since their loss at Valencia last month, Atletico have strung together a six-game winning streak and seem to have rediscovered their swagger from a year ago. The attacking tandem of Mario Mandzukic and Antoine Griezmann has combined for six goals in that stretch, while Atletico's defense has only conceded twice. 3. Chelsea (Last week: 2) The Blues dropped points twice over the past two weeks, drawing at Man United in the Premier League and at NK Maribor in Europe. Still, Jose Mourinho's team is comfortably ahead of the field in both England and Group G. Didier Drogba has done a nice job filling in for Diego Costa, scoring two big goals in the past four games. 2. Bayern Munich (Last week: 1) "Group of Death?" Not even close. Bayern clinched their Champions League group after just four matchdays for the first time in club history with Wednesday's win over Roma, and they remain undefeated in the Bundesliga as well. The only downer: losing David Alaba most likely for the rest of 2014 to a knee injury. 1. Real Madrid (Last week: 4) Real return to the top of the list as they've now won 12 straight games, outscoring opponents 47-6. That's enough to take over the La Liga summit, with a staggering goal difference (+27) that exceeds every other team's goals tally. Oh, and they've also punched their ticket to the Champions League Round of 16. Not a bad run! | 1 | 1,486 | sports |
Paul Rosolie creates snake-proof suit for Discovery special | 5 | 1,487 | news |
Using more-aggressive Ebola-treatment measures such as delivering abundant amounts of fluids intravenously, and carefully monitoring patients' electrolyte levels could help more Ebola patients survive, a new report concludes. But administering this level of care requires health care workers to spend a great deal of time on each patient. The problem is, health care workers in West Africa are already struggling to keep up with the outbreak , so it would be difficult for them to provide this level of specialized care, said Dr. Robert Fowler, an associate professor of critical care medicine at the University of Toronto, who has treated patients in West Africa and wrote the new report with his colleagues. Fowler pointed to the relatively low mortality rate 43 percent among the patients treated in Conakry, Guinea, who were included in the new report. "We can get the vast majority of people through Ebola, and they can survive ," if they are given such supportive care, he said. In other words, what's needed most to stop the Ebola epidemic is more health care workers on the ground in West Africa, to give patients the needed level of treatment, Fowler said. In the report, which is published today (Nov. 5) in the New England Journal of Medicine, Fowler and his colleagues outlined the observations they made as they treated some of the earliest cases in the outbreak , in March and April, in Conakry. In treating the 37 people who were confirmed to have Ebola at the Conakry clinics over the course of a month, the researchers concluded that the most prominent problem for Ebola patients is the dehydration that often results from the vomiting and severe diarrhea seen in Ebola patients, Fowler said. The aggressive measures used by the health care workers in Conakry played a role in keeping the mortality rate relatively low, Fowler said. However, he also noted that there are other factors that affect mortality rates in a given region , such as the length of time people are sick before they get treatment. But it is the dehydration that sends patients into a downward spiral. The kidneys which remove waste from the blood and help maintain levels of electrolytes, such as calcium and potassium, in the body become less efficient, and can eventually fail. Then, the electrolyte levels themselves can be life-threatening, Fowler said. " Aggressive supportive care is used too infrequently for Ebola virus disease, but this may have an ability to lower mortality even beyond the 43 percent that we have shown in this study," Fowler told Live Science. Patients with severe Ebola infections can lose 5 to 10 liters (1.3 to 2.6 gallons) of fluid per day, he said. "That's enormous," and health care workers can't keep up with this rate of fluid loss, said Fowler, who has now completed four trips to work in West Africa since the outbreak began. In reality, at a treatment center, a staff of five or six doctors and nurses may enter a ward with 50 patients three or four times a day, Fowler said. They may have 45 minutes to see all the patients before they have to leave, take time to properly remove their protective gear and then attend to their other duties outside the ward itself. At most, a patient could be given 1 liter (0.26 gallons) of fluid during each of these visits, he said. "There's no way they can put in all the fluids that are needed," Fowler said. In some regions, equipment such as ventilators and dialysis machines might be helpful. "But what's much more important is the number of people that we have. We have the equipment, but we don't have time to do it," he said. With aggressive supportive care, even without a drug that fights the Ebola virus itself, doctors can improve a patient's dehydration and electrolyte levels, he said. The report also found that the patients over age 40 were 3.5 times more likely to die of Ebola than those under age 40. Researchers have suggested that the reason older people are more likely to die of Ebola is that they are more likely than younger people to also have other health problems. But that wasn't the case among the patients in the report, Fowler said. "This makes us wonder if and how older age itself may make people less able to survive illness," he said, which should be looked at in future studies. There have now been more than 13,500 cases of Ebola in the outbreak in West Africa, and at least 4,950 people have died, according to the report. "Getting more people there to help will have much more impact to stop the outbreak," and improving the mortality rates could "change the whole paradigm about how people think about Ebola," he said. "If we build walls to getting people there, if we try to build walls to stop people from coming back, we will forever be battling this disease." Fowler said he will return to West Africa to treat Ebola patients in December. | 7 | 1,488 | health |
Is it lunch yet? | 8 | 1,489 | video |
Photo: Anthem Photography/ Courtesy of 100 Layer Cake. UPDATE: This post was originally published on May 4.The wedding of Hunter and Justin, two high school sweethearts with a love for nostalgia, was a true homage to their families, with rustic and antique details that told a story. If you knew them, you'd know that their celebration wasn't just about them, but about the people that took the journey with them. That's why a great deal of their inspiration came from their countryside upbringings. We're very thankful Anthem Photography chose to share this gem with us! Photo: Anthem Photography/ Courtesy of 100 Layer Cake. Photo: Anthem Photography/ Courtesy of 100 Layer Cake. That gorgeous veil was gifted from her mom's friend. Photo: Anthem Photography/ Courtesy of 100 Layer Cake. Photo: Anthem Photography/ Courtesy of 100 Layer Cake. Hunter shares a few lessons learned, with brevity: "Don't spend a fortune! It's truly not worth it and there are so many ways to cut costs." Photo: Anthem Photography/ Courtesy of 100 Layer Cake. Photo: Anthem Photography/ Courtesy of 100 Layer Cake. Photo: Anthem Photography/ Courtesy of 100 Layer Cake. Photo: Anthem Photography/ Courtesy of 100 Layer Cake. Photo: Anthem Photography/ Courtesy of 100 Layer Cake. Photo: Anthem Photography/ Courtesy of 100 Layer Cake. Photo: Anthem Photography/ Courtesy of 100 Layer Cake. Bouquet recipe: Garden roses, olive branches, astrantia snow star, green amaranthus, and lisianthus. Photo: Anthem Photography/ Courtesy of 100 Layer Cake. Big money saver: Hunter purchased the flowers for wholesale price, didn't hire a florist, but gathered her bridesmaids and made a party out of making all the floral arrangements, bouquets, and boutonnieres. Photo: Anthem Photography/ Courtesy of 100 Layer Cake. "Your wedding can be beautiful, but remember what the day is actually about. Don't get caught up in making it perfect, your wedding is a party and not a performance!" Photo: Anthem Photography/ Courtesy of 100 Layer Cake. Photo: Anthem Photography/ Courtesy of 100 Layer Cake. Photo: Anthem Photography/ Courtesy of 100 Layer Cake. Photo: Anthem Photography/ Courtesy of 100 Layer Cake. Photo: Anthem Photography/ Courtesy of 100 Layer Cake. Photo: Anthem Photography/ Courtesy of 100 Layer Cake. Photo: Anthem Photography/ Courtesy of 100 Layer Cake. Love how they designated a special area for kids. Photo: Anthem Photography/ Courtesy of 100 Layer Cake. Photo: Anthem Photography/ Courtesy of 100 Layer Cake. "Be careful about who you DON'T invite. Remember that although the wedding is 'about the couple,' it's also about the people who brought you to where you are." Photo: Anthem Photography/ Courtesy of 100 Layer Cake. Photo: Anthem Photography/ Courtesy of 100 Layer Cake. Photo: Anthem Photography/ Courtesy of 100 Layer Cake. Photo: Anthem Photography/ Courtesy of 100 Layer Cake. Photographer: Anthem Photography; Ceremony & reception venue: Grandparent's property, private residence; Invitation designer: Hunter Abel (bride); Hair & makeup: Jeramie Larson (maid of honor); Florist: Bride + bridesmaids, flowers provided by Franks Adams Wholesale ; Cake: Sweet Cream Bakery; Catering: family & friends; Rentals: The Party Place; Wedding dress designer: Stephanie D Couture (custom-made by designer); Wedding shoes: Urban Outfitters; Veil: gifted from family friend; Groom's Suit: American Apparel, H&M, Etsy; Shoes: DSW; Bridesmaid dresses: Thrifted, Free People; Mod Cloth; Macy's, Forever 21; Flower girls: hand-me-down from bride. | 4 | 1,490 | lifestyle |
It's crazy to think that Catbird Brooklyn's dainty-jewelry mainstay is turning 10 this month. For a while, it seemed as though it could remain our little indie darling forever. But, since opening in 2004, Catbird's online shop and Williamsburg storefront have become sought-after destinations for delicate accessories. Today, its cult following includes over 100,000 Instagram followers and celebrity loyalists in spades. Its stackable rings and alphabet studs aren't quite so under-the-radar anymore. To celebrate the milestone, founder Rony Vardi and buyer Leigh Plessner launched a six-piece capsule, the Ten Year Collection, inspired by the label's early days. "We wanted each piece to tell a part of our story so that, as a whole, it could take shape as a deconstructed charm bracelet of sorts," says Vardi. A rather fitting metaphor. All that's left to do is shop to it, kittens. Like this post? There's more. Get tons of style secrets, insider shopping dish, fashion news, and more on the Refinery29 Fashion Facebook page! It's crazy to think that Catbird Brooklyn's dainty-jewelry mainstay is turning 10 this month. For a while, it seemed as though it could remain our little indie darling forever. But, since opening in 2004, Catbird's online shop and Williamsburg storefront have become sought-after destinations for delicate accessories. Today, its cult following includes over 100,000 Instagram followers and celebrity loyalists in spades. Its stackable rings and alphabet studs aren't quite so under-the-radar anymore. To celebrate the milestone, founder Rony Vardi and buyer Leigh Plessner launched a six-piece capsule, the Ten Year Collection, inspired by the label's early days. "We wanted each piece to tell a part of our story so that, as a whole, it could take shape as a deconstructed charm bracelet of sorts," says Vardi. A rather fitting metaphor. All that's left to do is shop to it, kittens.Like this post? There's more. Get tons of style secrets, insider shopping dish, fashion news, and more on the Refinery29 Fashion Facebook page! | 4 | 1,491 | lifestyle |
A great trip often starts with the destination, and as we sorted (and re-sorted) Condé Nast Traveler readers's responses, one thing was clear: You've taken some remarkable vacations this year. Far-flung cruises to Antarctica and the Galápagos. Exploration of Incan ruins in South America. Bonding with elephants in Southeast Asia. Here are 12 bucket list trips you actually took, and recommendations for phenomenal hotels and resorts. The Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Survey, begun in 1988, is available through a secure website at condenasttraveler.com/vote. The questionnaire contains lists of candidates in various categories (Cities, Hotels, etc.). Individual candidates are judged on a set of criteria relevant to their category, based on a standard five-point scale: excellent, very good, good, fair, and poor. The mean average of these ratings determines the final score published. Candidates must receive a required minimum number. The African Adventure Most of you come for the safaris, but now you're really exploring the continent, from north to south. Your ultimate stays: Cairo's Mena House Hotel is basically a next-door neighbor to the Pyramids... The African Adventure The guides at La Mamounia can help you discover hidden treasures in a Marrakech souk... The African Adventure And the views of South Africa's Table Mountain from the One&Only Cape Town are unbeatable. The Middle East The over-the-top cities of the United Arab Emirates used to attract mostly business travelers. Not so this year. Half the votes for the region came from readers who finally booked a vacation there. Your ultimate stays: The soaring Burj Al Arab Jumeirah in Dubai (bonus: A helicopter can whisk you from the airport straight to the hotel's roof)... The Middle East And the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara , on the edge of Abu Dhabi's Empty Quarter, for its standout service (especially the 24-hour butler). Southeast Asia Cambodia and Thailand are big destinations for travelers seeking ancient history in exotic nature. Your ultimate stays: Ten minutes from Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious monument, the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort in Siem Reap, Cambodia, was your top pick... Southeast Asia And up-close-and-personal elephant bonding comes with tree-house accommodations at Thailand's Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle in Chiang Rai. Undiscovered Australia The Great Barrier Reef is a huge draw (as is Sydney), but now it's all about out-of-the-way islands where you're surrounded by crystal-clear water (and not much else). Your ultimate stays: The high-design Southern Ocean Lodge, tucked into the pristine landscape of Kangaroo Island, near Adelaide... Undiscovered Australia Tasmania's futuristic Saffire Freycinet, with beach views... Undiscovered Australia And the wonderfully quiet Capella Lodge on Lorde Howe Island, midway to New Zealand. Far-Flung Cruises This year, you took to the water for once-in-a-lifetime journeys. Your ultimate stays: To explore the Galápagos, you went with Lindblad Expeditions - National Geographic ... Far-Flung Cruises To sail Burma's Irrawaddy south to Rangoon, you boarded Viking River Cruises' recently refurbished Viking Mandalay... Far-Flung Cruises And for crossing the Drake Passage from South America to Antarctica, you loved Grand Circle Cruise Line. Peruvian Highs Though the Incas were vanquished more than 400 years ago, the lure of exploring the ruins of their former empire has never been more popular and you voted 15 Peruvian hotels and resorts onto this year's list to prove it. Your ultimate stays: riverside Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado , in the Sacred Valley, for visits to Ollantaytambo... Peruvian Highs And Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel for its location perfectly positioned for trips to the country's fabled 13,800-foot-high ancient citadel. Ireland's Castles 16th-century Dromoland Castle Hotel & Country Estate, once an ancient Gaelic stronghold, is renowned for its parkland golf course... Ireland's Castles Your ideal way to see the isle is meandering through three western counties: Mayo, Clare, and Galway. Your ultimate stays: These historic properties let you time travel in style and comfort: Ashford Castle Hotel , circa 1228, has archery and clay pigeon shooting... Ireland's Castles And relative newcomer Ballynahinch Castle, from the early 1800s, is a prime fly-fishing spot for salmon and trout. The Other Italy You've already visited Florence , Rome , and Venice now you're exploring the rest of the country. Your ultimate stays: Nothing beats a room with a view, and Italy has a wealth of them: Palazzo Avino in Ravello overlooks the winding roads of the Amalfi Coast... The Other Italy Sicily's monastery-turned-hotel San Domenico Palace has postcard-perfect views of active Mount Etna... The Other Italy And the Belmond Hotel Splendido & Splendido Mare is perched just above Portofino's mega-yacht-dotted harbor. Supreme Ski: Telluride, Whistler, St. Moritz You've skied the world's best slopes and discovered the resorts with the most sublime off-piste amenities. Your ultimate stays: In the U.S., Telluride's family-friendly Fairmont Heritage Place, Franz Klammer Lodge has two- and three-bedroom residences... Supreme Ski: Telluride, Whistler, St. Moritz Farther north you recommend Canada's Four Seasons Resort Whistler and its top-rated spa... Supreme Ski: Telluride, Whistler, St. Moritz And some of you ventured to where winter sports first took off, Badrutt's Palace, in the heart of sophisticated St. Moritz, Switzerland. Napa & Sonoma You rave about Northern California's small town charm, luxury hotels, and outstanding restaurants and vineyards. Your ultimate stays: Thirteen of the region's hotels and resorts received high scores this year, but your undisputed champions are (and have long been) the elegant Napa Valley hideaway Auberge du Soleil ... Napa & Sonoma And Sonoma's historic MacArthur Place. The Grand Teton Trip There are 58 national parks in the U.S.; Wyoming's Grand Teton was a clear favorite. Your ultimate stays: Five nearby properties made the list this year: the Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole for its innovative Wild West Academy and Kids Ranch... The Grand Teton Trip The eco-friendly Hotel Terra and its organic Chill Spa... The Grand Teton Trip Ski-in/ski-out, family-centric Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa ... The Grand Teton Trip Ultra-sleek, somewhat secluded Amangani , above the Snake River Valley... The Grand Teton Trip And the luxurious cabins at Jenny Lake Lodge , surrounded by miles of hiking trails. Destination Spas For some, a dream trip should feature at least one visit to a destination spa (we agree). Your ultimate stays: Top-rated Aro Hā near Queenstown, New Zealand, may be far away, but it's absolutely worth the journey for peace on Lake Wakatipu. The secluded California spa Cal-A-Vie and Mexico's much-loved Rancho La Puerta are close enough fora weekend getaway - both are just an hour's drive from San Diego. Destination Spas The secluded California spa Cal-A-Vie ... Destination Spas And Mexico's much-loved Rancho La Puerta are close enough for a weekend getaway both are just an hour's drive from San Diego. | 2 | 1,492 | travel |
Brooke Baldwin asks Willie Nelson about marijuana legalization in D.C. and the benefits it could have on politics. | 5 | 1,493 | news |
Hyundai and Kia plan to boost fuel economy of their vehicles 25 percent by the end of the decade, according to a report from Reuters . "In the first half of this year, [Hyundai Motor] group chairman Chung Mong-koo ordered to secure world-leading competitiveness in fuel economy by 2020," the automaker said in a statement. By developing new engines and transmissions and reducing vehicle weight, Hyundai and Kia hope to meet strict new emissions regulations in the U.S., South Korea, and Europe. The automakers will replace 70 percent of their gas and diesel engines with new engines, including turbocharged units. High-strength steel from the company's steel-making affiliate Hyundai steel will help future vehicles be much lighter than current models. The automakers will introduce a plug-in Sonata next year as well as an all-new compact hybrid. These new offerings will help the brands stay competitive against rivals with a number of diesels and hybrids on the market worldwide. The announcement comes right after Hyundai and Kia officially resolved an investigation into misstated fuel economy ratings back in 2012. At the time, Hyundai and Kia lowered fuel economy numbers on about 1.2 million cars and then created a compensation program to repay customers for the incorrect mileage. Just this week, the automaker paid $100 million to settle a federal lawsuit , marking the largest fine ever issued by the EPA under the Clean Air Act. In addition, Hyundai and Kia will forgo 4.7 million greenhouse credits, valued at $200 million, and spend $50 million to prevent future violations. Source: Reuters | 9 | 1,494 | autos |
How 'Star Wars' episode titles sum up your sporting world How 'Star Wars' episode titles sum up your sports world That disturbance in The Force you just felt? It came from Twitter, which is all abuzz over the revelation that the new "Star Wars" film will be titled "The Force Awakens." In honor of the news, here are seven hot sports topics that can be summed up using "Star Wars" episode names. 'The Phantom Menace': Cleveland Cavaliers Yeah, yeah, it's only been a few games at this point. But the NBA's newest 'Big Three' LeBron James, Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving has been pretty disappointing so far, especially considering the hype level. Right now, even Jar Jar Binks would have a hard time finding anything nice to say. 'Attack of the Clones': College football rivalry week We're nearing that time of the year, when the same teams face off on or around the same weekend every season. The scenarios are different, of course. For instance, this year the Egg Bowl may actually have national implications. And much like when we saw Jedi master Yoda brandish a lightsaber on screen for the first time, we're already getting chills. 'Revenge of the Sith': Brad Keselowski It seems Bad Brad is more than earning his nickname lately, making enemies (and endangering the title hopes of fan favorites like Jeff Gordon) wherever he turns. Gordon himself exacted a measure of revenge in last weekend's donnybrook, but Sith Lord apprentice Keselowski doesn't seem to have a lot of friends out there right now. Has he been seduced by the Dark Side? 'A New Hope': Mark Sanchez Can't you just hear this scene play out in Philly? Fans: 'That boy [injured QB Nick Foles] was our only hope.' Coach Chip Kelly: 'No … there is another.' Believe it or not, the much-maligned Sanchez led the Eagles to victory last weekend. Is he on a path to redemption, a la Anakin Skywalker? Maybe. But it's also just as easy to hear this scene play out: 'That's no moon … technically it's a butt-fumble.' 'The Empire Strikes Back': New England Patriots Remember when the Empire er, the Patriots seemed to be struggling earlier this season? An opening loss to the Dolphins, a really ugly win vs. the Raiders and then an utter collapse vs. the Chiefs had many wondering whether the Death Star had finally imploded. But as Emperor Palpatine er, Bill Belichick might say, 'We are quite safe from your pathetic little bands!' 'Return of the Jedi': Phil Jackson, to the Knicks The Zen/Jedi master came home to the team that drafted him in 1967 (he's not QUITE as old as Yoda). While Jackson may not be setting up obstacle courses for Carmelo and company on some godforsaken bit of real estate in the Dagobah system (yet), the multi-time champ aims to return the Knicks to glory or at least to the playoffs. 'Do or do not, Phil. There is no try.' 'The Force Awakens': Madison Bumgarner This Giant is more fearsome than the mighty Chewbacca and has mowed down more opponents than an entire legion of the emperor's best troops (which might not be saying much because those guys were horrible shots). But a force did indeed awaken in San Francisco during the World Series -- "Mad Bum" underwear was as in demand on Halloween as the Princess Leia bikini and the rest of the galaxy better take notice. A fan dressed as a Storm Trooper from the movie Star Wars looks on prior to Game One of the 2014 World Series at Kauffman Stadium on October 21, 2014 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)A fan of the Denver Broncos wipes tears from his darth vader helmet during the game against the San Diego Chargers at Invesco Field at Mile High October 7, 2007 in Denver, Colorado. The Chargers defeated the Broncos 41-3. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) A Star Wars Storm Trooper attends the game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Indiana Hoosiers at Michigan Stadium on November 1 , 2014 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Wolverines defeated the Hoosiers 34-10. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) | 1 | 1,495 | sports |
We've been hyping up all of the new TV shows that premiered this Fall, and it's already time to review their first "report card." We've done a thorough assessment on which shows are making straight A's, which are doomed to fail, and those that still need improvement. Which new shows are your favorite so far? | 6 | 1,496 | entertainment |
Could the Cleveland Browns be shopping Johnny Manziel around the league? Our guys discuss if there could be a Johnny Manziel trade brewing. | 1 | 1,497 | sports |
Former Michigan linebacker Larry Foote joins us via phone to discuss the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry. Is this the best rivalry in college football? | 1 | 1,498 | sports |
Mike Garafolo discusses whether Vikings RB Adrian Peterson will play again this season. | 1 | 1,499 | sports |
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