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The States Where Small Business Employees Earn The Most Being an employee of a small business doesn't mean you have to expect a small salary. In fact, at many small businesses across different states and industries, employees are bringing home annual wages that top $100,000. To determine the states where employees of small businesses take home the healthiest paychecks, personal finance site NerdWallet used data from the U.S. Census Bureau and looked at all 50 states, plus Washington, D.C., running the numbers on businesses across different industries according to the North American Industry Classification System. Businesses with fewer than 100 employees were then further categorized into those with zero to four, five 19, 20 49, and 50 99 employees. Topping the list is California, where employees of arts, entertainment, and recreation companies with staffs of less than four earn whopping average salaries of $277,597.48. New York comes next, with employees of finance and insurance companies with 50 to 99 workers bringing in annual average salaries of $195,194.91. In total, the "Empire State" appears three times in the top 10 best paid categories, with small businesses in finance and insurance providing excellent wages at three size designations. Connecticut also appears three times in the top 10, joining the list at numbers five, six, and ten, with finance and insurance small businesses of each size except zero to four employees. Professionals at these companies earn average salaries anywhere from $119,862.13 to $145,210.40. Further down the list, states including Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Texas are all represented. Delaware joins the list as the only state in the top 50 where employees of healthcare and social assistance companies with four or fewer staff members are earning particularly robust wages, taking in average salaries of $83,360.82. Texas and Colorado, meanwhile, represent small businesses in the top 50 in the mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction sector. Washington, D.C., New York, and Connecticut dominate the 17 combinations of state, industry, and business size that have average employee salaries above $100,000 per year. The category of small businesses with the highest average salary is those companies with 50 to 99 employees, which pay an average annual salary of $41,782. The category with the lowest average salary is companies with between five and 19 employees, at $35,801.23. The three industries paying small business employees best nationwide are management; mining, quarrying and oil extraction; and finance and insurance. Click through to see the top 15, then go to Forbes.com for the full list. No. 1 California Industry: Arts, entertainment, and recreation Employment size: 0-4 Average employee salary: $277,597.48 No. 2 New York Industry: Finance and insurance Employment size: 50-99 Average employee salary: $160,794.78 No. 3 New York Industry: Finance and insurance Employment size: 20 - 49 Average employee salary: $160,794.78 No. 4 California Industry: Information Employment size: 0-4 Average employee salary: $148,851.35 No. 5 Connecticut Industry: Finance and insurance Employment size: 5-19 Average employee salary: $145,210.40 No. 6 Connecticut Industry: Finance and insurance Employment size: 50-99 Average employee salary: $130,171.78 No. 7 New York Industry: Finance and insurance Employment size: 5 - 19 Average employee salary: $130,171.78 No. 8 Washington, D.C. Industry: Professional, scientific, and technical services Employment size: 0 - 4 Average employee salary: $128,272.50 No. 9 Washington, D.C. Professional, scientific, and technical services Employment size: 50 - 99 Average employee salary: $123,145.95 No. 10 Connecticut Industry: Finance and insurance Employment size: 20 - 49 Average employee salary: $119,862.13 No. 11 Illinois Industry: Information Employment size: 0 - 4 Average employee salary: $119,264.12 No. 12 New York Industry: Arts, entertainment, and recreation Employment size: 0 - 4 Average employee salary: $118,141.69 No. 13 Washington, D.C. Industry: Professional, scientific, and technical services Employment size: 20 - 49 Average employee salary: $112,729.39 No. 14 Massachusetts Industry: Finance and insurance Employment size: 20 - 49 Average employee salary: $111,224.51 No. 15 Washington, D.C. Industry: Finance and insurance Employment size: 20 - 49 Average employee salary: $108,913.39 See more of The States Where Small Business Employees Earn The Most | 3 | 1,500 | finance |
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 of responses to be eligible for a Readers' Choice Award. This year's tabulations of the 76,659 responses were done by Equation Research. 10. Bruges, Belgium Readers' Rating: 81.083 This perfectly preserved city traces its architectural splendor to the 12th to 15th centuries, when much of the old city was built. A city of canals, Bruges is often referred to as "the Venice of the North." Although a wonderful and well-known collection of art-filled churches and museums exists (find Michelangelo's Madonna and Child at The Church of Our Lady), a less obvious but equally compelling destination is the Frietmuseum on Vlamingstraat, which describes itself as the only museum dedicated to the potato in all its golden-fried splendor. 9. Salzburg, Austria Readers' Rating: 81.270 Salzburg, or "Salt Castle," is beloved by readers for its mountain views and Baroque splendor. It's also home to one of the best breweries in the world, the Augustiner Bräu. "It's the kind of place where you walk in and there's some dude in a leather apron who's just opened this massive wooden barrel of freshly brewed beer," says contributing editor Matt Hranek. And it's not just about the beer here: Hranek also praises the surrounding food stalls, "where you can get leberkäse, schnitzel, wurst, and potato salad, so you're always sated with the most rustic and delicious food Austrian cuisine has to offer." 8. Siena, Italy Readers' Rating: 81.686 Siena is a city where the truth is better than art or fiction it's prettier than the postcards and more elegant than the Lorenzetti paintings. Plus, the food is sublime (note the army of young Japanese chefs in the glass-walled kitchen at Osteria Le Logge, just off the Campo; they've come to the epicenter of Tuscan cuisine to learn it right). The Palio di Siena horse race and all its attendant pomp and glory is alive and well, some eight centuries after starting here. The Cathedral's black-and-white striped marble columns, towering up to a lapis-painted barrel-vaulted ceiling, can make you feel the smallness of being human. In a nutshell, it's history, in bricks and mortar. Maria Shollenbarger, editor at large 7. Vienna, Austria Readers' Rating: 81.690 "Music as we know it would be unrecognizable without the existence of Austria's capital, which nurtured the talents of Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, and Mahler, plus local boys Schubert and Strauss," writes Jenna Scherer, ranking Vienna one of the world's best cities for arts and culture . While there, stay at the Sacher Hotel (ask for a room overlooking the Opera House) and be sure to order their famous Sacher Torte don't forget to request mit shlaag (with cream). Also, make sure to see Gustav Klimt's The Kiss at the Belvedere. 6. Kraków, Poland Readers' Rating: 81.926 UNESCO named Kraków the City of Literature in 2013, a well-earned designation. Poland's second-largest metropolis was home to three Nobel-winning writers Czeslaw Milosz, Wislawa Szymborska, and Ivo Andric and the city still hosts around 30 book festivals every year. Here you'll also find Jagiellonian University, one of the oldest colleges in the world, and a wealth of museums including the Czartoryski, where you can see Leonardo da Vinci's iconic Lady with an Ermine. 5. Barcelona, Spain Readers' Rating: 82.162 By day, we may visit the Museu Picasso, or throw down a towel on Barceloneta beach (get there early in the day it fills up quickly). When the sun goes down, the center of Catalonia is known for some of the best nightlife in the world. Marsella, a bar once frequented by Hemingway, Gaudi, and Dali, is still popular; while Barcelona Pipa Club is a secret speakeasy-style late-night haunt. Maeve Nicholson, associate web editor 4. Rome, Italy Readers' Rating: 82.433 Like many of the great world capitals, Rome is one of those cities where you can't see everything in one trip. Renowned tourist attractions like the Pantheon (which is gratis!) are plentiful, but remember to get an espresso at the Sant'Eustachio before you accept your free entrance. Get lost in the Eternal City, down alleys and cobblestone streets; you may uncover some of the most spectacular Caravaggios ever made in quiet churches like San Luigi dei Francesi. Don't forget to bring a few euros with you, says executive editor Steve Orr, because the coin-operated lights only illuminate the paintings for a few moments before fading. And, if you do just one thing in Rome, you must take a bike ride through the Borghese Gardens. 3. Prague, Czech Republic Readers' Rating: 82.484 The Mucha Museum, dedicated to the work of the singular art nouveau artist Alphonse Mucha, is an absolute must-see. In the realm personal house tours, a visit to Bertramka where Mozart stayed during his many visits to Prague stands out as interesting, laissez-faire, and free of the throngs of tourists that often beset these sort of things. Keep an eye out for all of the great buskers, puppeteers, and excellent pop-up food markets. And if you do one thing in this capital of Bohemia, it's eat; order lots of goulash and eat all of the knedlíky (dumplings) you can get your hands on! Maeve Nicholson, assistant digital editor 2. Budapest, Hungary Readers' Rating: 83.727 When in Hungary's capital, we love to sneak away from the tourist attractions for some cafe and spa culture. Legendary cafes like the New York Kávéház and the Gerbeaud are must-visits, as are the spas built in the 16th and 17th century by Ottoman occupiers Rudas and Király. These places (where you can still bathe) are full of wonderful touches like roaring granite lion heads spewing out warm mineral water. "If you can muscle out the Hungarian grandma from her prized spot (because you know it's the prized spot), then you've found nirvana, " says contributing editor Matt Hranek. 1. Florence, Italy Readers' Rating: 83.870 Florence is a perennial Readers' Choice winner a beauty in its art, architecture, history, and cuisine. Contributing editor Matt Hranek says he never goes hungry in this city bistecca alla fiorentina at Trattoria Le Mossacce and a panino al lampredotto (stewed tripe sandwich) at the San Lorenzo Market are always on the menu. He usually avoids the Pitti Palace (along with much of the mediocre leather goods that proliferate throughout the city), but never misses the David reproduction in the Palazzo Vecchio. For some of the best paper products in the world, head to Pineider. Be sure to check out the Gucci Museum home to the complete archive of iconic Gucci products, from loafers to luggage. | 2 | 1,501 | travel |
Your Top 10 Weight Loss Questions, Answered You Asked, We Answered On the road to get lean, you've got no shortage of questions. The Men's Fitness editors, many of whom have been on the same path, have the answers. It's easy to figure out a general weight loss program; get on a clean diet, head to the gym, avoid those unhealthy temptations. But when you get specific and cater the program to your own life, there's going to be tips you whish you knew. It's going to happen at 12:06 p.m. on a Tuesday when you have to sneak in a workout at the office. Or in the middle of the airport food court when all you can smell is the Cinnabon stand. From the best lunchtime workouts to how to eat healthy pre-flight, we've got you covered. Taken from our Ask Men's Fitness series, here are our answers to your top 10 weight loss questions. Have another question on weight loss, style, health, nutrition or sex? Send it to [email protected] The Lunch-Break Workout "I'd like a good lunch-hour workout that I can do at my gym in 30 minutes flat, giving myself plenty of time to shower and cool down. What do you recommend?" Bradley S., Tacoma, WA You don't need to switch your regular workouts, just how fast you do them. "When we move at top speed, we engage fast- and superfast-twitch muscles, which send a 'fight or flight' signal to the brain," says Justin O'Connor, head trainer of the Under 20 Workout fitness program. "This engages the pituitary gland, which releases human growth hormones and speeds both muscle building and fat burning." O'Connor recommends doing a series of high-intensity, short-burst exercises (burpees, rope jumping, weights), moving your muscles at top speed for 20 30 seconds then resting for 10 seconds. "It can produce up to 10 times the calorie-burning benefits," he says. "After 20 minutes, you'll have time to shower, cool down, and be back at your desk." Changes in Your Metablosim "At what age does a person's metabolism start to significantly slow?"-Stanley K., Queens, NY Your metabolism how fast you burn calories slows way sooner than you might realize. When you're just 25, it starts its inevitable decline as much as 2 4% each year according to celebrity trainer and fitness expert Obi Obadike. But that doesn't mean you're doomed to grow old and fat. Yes, there are a lot of theories out there for example, that eating hot peppers, drinking green tea, and skipping meals can speed up your metabolism so it's tempting to look for shortcuts. But there's really only one way to keep your metabolism working properly as you age: By preserving and gaining lean muscle mass through exercise."When metabolic loss happens, so does muscle loss," says Obadike. "Between the ages of 25 and 65, you can lose at least five pounds of muscle every 10 years. But you can prevent this metabolic and muscle loss with consistent anaerobic training." The Best Home Gym "What's a good home-gym starter setup if I want to start dabbling in weights?" Ryan C. H., Pittsburgh, PA You'll need: one barbell, a set of dumbbells, a bench, a pullup bar, and a squat rack, says Pat Davidson, Ph.D., director of training methodology at the Peak Performance gym in New York City "Compound movements like the squat, deadlift, bench press, overhead press, row, and pullup are the staples for developing strength and muscle mass," says Davidson. You may feel tempted to invest in the kind of fancy (and pricey) equipment you'd find at a high-end gym, but resist that impulse and not just because it's cheaper." Free weights are more versatile," says Davidson. "They train the stabilizer muscles along with the prime mover muscles to a greater degree than machines that move along a fixed axis." Meaning, you'll go further with basic tools and exercises. Your Morning Cravings "I wake up in the morning craving greasy food. It's the first thought to crystallize in my mind. Is this common, and what can I do about it?" Charlie C., Nashville, TN Your cravings are perfectly normal, and they aren't coming from nowhere. If you wake up dreaming of bacon, you've likely enjoyed more than a few bacon-heavy breakfasts. It was probably a positive experience, or the "neurological reward of a rush of calories," says Susan B. Roberts, Ph.D., professor of nutrition and psychiatry at Tufts University in Boston. You want to reproduce that rush, thus the craving. To get rid of it, you have to replace it with a new craving. Roberts says two weeks is usually enough time to establish a new habit. Wake up to something delicious but healthy, like an egg-white and spinach whole- wheat wrap, and with enough time you'll be craving that instead. Where to Eat at an Airport "I hate eating in airports. It's all fast food and bland premade sandwiches. Do you have any tips for getting a good, healthy meal on the go?" Henry O., Dallas, TX Airports may never be a mecca of healthy eating, but they're getting better. According to the 2013 Airport Food Review by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, 76% of restaurants at major U.S. airports offer at least one low-fat, high-fiber, healthy option. That's up from just 57% in 2001. Your odds are best at Denver International, where 86% of restaurants offer plant-based menu items, or at either Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County or Chicago O'Hare International airports, which tied for second with 85% of restaurants offering healthy fare. Susan Levin, R.D., the Committee's nutrition ed director, says her favorite airport food is a black bean burrito bowl. "It's an easy grab," she says. "Just pile on the veggies, add spices, and skip the cheese." The Post-Workout Sweet Tooth "I crave sweets after working out. Why? And what can I do about it?" Tim W., Midland, TX A quick lecture from Workout 101: During exercise your muscles deplete your glucose supply (aka sugar). Afterward, your body works to replenish it hence the craving. So, in place of M&Ms or gummy bears (a once-popular bodybuilder guilty pleasure, actually), try a flavorful protein shake like Pro & Oats Frosted Cinnamon Roll shake from Universal Nutrition. The Martial Arts Workout "I'd like to pick up a martial art to help me drop a few pounds. Which is the best one for getting into good, lean shape?" Norman S., San Diego, CA For a truly rigorous workout, Chris Casamassa, the president of Southern California's Red Dragon Karate schools (you may also know him as "Scorpion" from the movie Mortal Kombat), proposes Muay Thai, which he calls "the sport of eight limbs." "Like kickboxing, it incorporates the heavy use of elbow and knee strikes," he says. "It's a complete-body workout." The Ketogenic Diet "What's the "Ketogenic diet," and should I try it?" Tim L., La Jolla, CA Well, it's a high-fat, low-carb, moderate-protein diet that was originally conceived for patients with seizure disorders. Its goal is to get you to a metabolic state called ketosis, in which the body's cells burn fragments of fats called ketones instead of glucose for fuel. It's touted for weight loss because it causes the body to use stored fat for fuel instead of carbs but it's not sustainable because eventually you'll want to eat stuff like potatoes and bread. In other words: Try another diet. Ian Smith, MD (a.k.a. Dr. Shred) The Quick Wokrout "Is there a superfast workout I can get in before leaving the house in the morning? Something I can do in 10 minutes or less, before I head out to work?" Jose C., Miami, FL We have one you can do in four minutes. Professor Izumi Tabata, a researcher at the National Institute of Fitness and Sports in Tokyo, found that brutally intense interval workouts lasting just four minutes improved endurance better than more conventional interval training and they even increased fat burning. Known as Tabata training, this technique is now used by athletes across the globe. "You need only one exercise," says Men's Fitness training director Sean Hyson, C.S.C.S., who suggests burpees: Perform reps for 20 seconds, then rest 10 seconds. Repeat for four minutes. You'll get a burn going! Pain-Free Training "I'm getting older and my joints are killing me when I lift weights. Is there anything I can do to train pain-free?" - Ray K., San Bernardino, CA Start substituting more joint-friendly exercises. The bench press is a mighty upper-body builder, but using a standard barbell for it is hard on the shoulders and elbows. Keith Scott, a physical therapist and the owner of Impact Training & Fitness in West Berlin, NJ, recommends using a bar that offers angled or parallel grips. These bars are often called Swiss and football bars, respectively. "You can swap out traditional deadlifts for trap-bar deadlifts," Scott says, "which put less stress on your lower back because you don't have to reach forward as far." For chinups, consider using a pair of rings rather than a fixed bar, which allow your arms to move naturally as you perform your reps. If you can't make these substitutions, you can always do more dumbbell work, which is decidedly safer and more joint-friendly than barbell training. But remember this: Getting older doesn't doom you to training soft. You can still go heavy, just not as often. Spend more time in the 8- to 12-rep range on exercises to prevent joint strain. | 7 | 1,502 | health |
Jim Harbaugh has caught some criticism this last week regarding his coaching style being a better fit for college. Should Harbaugh switch up his approach to coaching? | 1 | 1,503 | sports |
The Hockey Hall of Fame induction ceremony is just over a week away, and we are taking a closer look at this year's inductees. Brent Sopel talks about his former teammate, Rob Blake. | 1 | 1,504 | sports |
During a time of year that's about giving thanks, spreading joy and enjoying time with loved ones, no one wants to deal with the extra worry of weight gain. | 7 | 1,505 | health |
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A young engineer has finally cracked the 3D printed weapons code. | 8 | 1,507 | video |
Will TCU take down Kansas State in Fort Worth on Saturday? | 1 | 1,508 | sports |
Our curly hair is fragile, and many of the styling choices our straighter sisters often take for granted must be used sparingly or not at all for us. It's ok…it just means we're special, but it also means we have to work a tad harder at keeping our tresses damage-free. Damage can occur from over-styling, neglect, chemicals, hormones, illness; the list goes on. Although we try to prevent damage, sometimes it's too late, which is when we typically turn to products for help in repairing our stressed tresses. Since there are so many products telling you what they can do without really explaining how they do it, we decided to give a breakdown of eight products and what their ingredients can do to prevent and temporarily remedy currently damaged curls. Our curly hair is fragile, and many of the styling choices our straighter sisters often take for granted must be used sparingly or not at all for us. It's ok…it just means we're special, but it also means we have to work a tad harder at keeping our tresses damage-free. Damage can occur from over-styling, neglect, chemicals, hormones, illness; the list goes on. Although we try to prevent damage, sometimes it's too late, which is when we typically turn to products for help in repairing our stressed tresses. Since there are so many products telling you what they can do without really explaining how they do it, we decided to give a breakdown of eight products and what their ingredients can do to prevent and temporarily remedy currently damaged curls. Eucalyptus, an ingredient with antiseptic and anti-fungal properties, is in this John Frieda shampoo. The oil keeps your scalp healthy by preventing microbial growth while, at the same time, promoting healthy hair growth. It provides relief for such scalp problems as dandruff, psoriasis, scalp pimples, or dry scalp. The peppermint oil in this formula may help promote hair growth by penetrating the hair follicle to improve blood circulation and increase oxygen supply. It's also an astringent, balancing your scalp's pH level to help you reach a normal oil-producing level. Ojon is an oil that is rich in lipids, which help repair damage. And, blue agave, which is also in this shampoo, is high in polysaccharides and oligo-minerals like zinc, magnesium, calcium, and potassium that will drench your damaged and dehydrated hair with vital moisture. L-Amino acids, found in this product, help with hair loss. The wheat and soy proteins repair the hair at the cellular level and silk from the silkworm help strengthen hair by acting like a barrier against moisture loss. Silk protein binds to the keratin in our hair and creates a layer of protection. Soy has been linked to fighting hair loss but one gets better results when in conjunction with other ingredients. Sea kelp is a rich source of iodine minerals including calcium, zinc, magnesium, iron, and l-lycine, which all directly affect hair growth; this formula is chock-full of it. You'll also find argan oil (to add much-needed moisture to dry hair and reduce frizz) and shea butter (to provide a rich source of moisture, vitamins, and fat for your hair). This Neutrogena shampoo contains olive oil, which is great for dealing with split ends, as it adds weight and moisture to hair. It's also rich in vitamin E and vitamin A, antioxidants, which help protect the keratin in your hair. This shampoo contains a good amount of argan oil to add to hair's moisture and avocado oil to help repair hair that's been damaged by heat or environmental factors. It's high in vitamin E and will strengthen the hair while preventing more breakage. The presence of olive oil will add weight and moisture to your strands while the silk amino acids get absorbed deep into your hair, creating a defense against dryness and moisture loss. Panthenol, one of the key ingredients in this shampoo, is a humectant, emollient, and a derivative of vitamin B5. It is believed to form a smooth film on the surface of the hair's cuticle and penetrate the hair shaft to add moisture. The magnesium and magnesium oil in this product are used for treating hair loss by clearing calcium deposits off the scalp that may be blocking the hair follicles. This is important because many suffering from baldness have inflammation or calcium deposits on the scalp. From Carol's Daughter is this formula containing monoi oil, a coconut oil derivative that's said to bolster shine and decrease frizz and fly-aways. | 4 | 1,509 | lifestyle |
Hottest Women's Snowboard Gear Hottest New Women's Snowboard Gear of 2014 We've got the hottest items for this snowboard season that will keep you warm when the temperatures drop below freezing, cool when the skies are clear, and comfortable enough to tear it up in the trees, the park, or wherever the run leads you. Original Snow Tool Belt by 686 Ditch your tool and buckle up. The Original Snow Tool Belt by 686 might look like any old, regular belt, but it doubles as your snowboard tool built into the buckle is a number two Phillips head, a flathead, an eight-, ten-, and 11-millimeter wrench loop, and of course, a bottle opener. The belt is 100 percent full-grain leather, and also comes in a brocade pattern that will add to your overall look and keep your pants in place while cruising.686.com; $45 Voo Doo Gore-Tex Jacket by Burton Ultrawaterproof, ultrabreathable, ultrawarm, yet still light as can be you get everything you need with the Voo Doo jacket, and then some. The lining is made from recycled water bottles, and has removable wrist gators, a removable waist gator, a jacket-to-pant interface, a snag-free neckline, and a lifetime warranty. This is an all-mountain, all-season jacket with fully Gore-Seam taped Gore-Tex and Dryride fabric that will keep you dry, plus low bulk, zone-focused insulation for a mid-warmth feel and Heat Cycle technology that reflects your heat back to you. Plus, the fit is stylish enough that this jacket works both on and off the hill the performance fit is not quite slim, and not quite relaxed, but has a feminine look with added body length and a longer hem drop.burton.com; $349-$400 Atom Long Sleeve Zip Hood by Icebreaker This lightweight, midlayer option by Icebreaker is tight enough to slip under a jacket, but won't leave you feeling cold or damp. The super soft hoodie is made with 86 percent recycled, moisture-wicking FC merino, nylon, and a touch of Lycra to keep it stretchy and flexible. Zip it up all the way with the hood tucked under your helmet a chin guard will keep your skin safe and the thin material won't add bulk or opt to keep the hood off as it easily lies flat enough under a jacket. The breathable, odor-resistant layer also comes with a sleeve stash pocket for your tunes.icebreaker.com; $220 Authentic Smarty Cargo Pant by 686 The Authentic Smarty Cargo by 686 really has three wears to wear it shell only for the warm days, shell plus the Smarty Pants liner for the cold days, or just the micro fleece liner when chilling at the condo. The boyfriend fit lets you move when you need to with extra fabric and slouch in the legs, knee, hips, and thighs, and a 22-inch, expandable leg opening with BOA compatible boot gaiters and hooks. The polyester outer shell provides maximum waterproof and breathability with fully taped seams, which makes these the perfect snow pants for easy conditions or a whiteout. Plus, there is enough insulation keep you warm in a variety of temperatures (0 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit) but won't have you sweating too much on blue bird days you can always zip open the leg vents if you are really working it. The pants have an external waistband adjustment with side tabs, hand-warmer hip pockets, a lift ticket grommet, a credit card and ID stash pocket, and a key keeper clip. Basically, these pants have you set for whenever and wherever you are riding.686.com; $200 PhD Slopestyle Diamond Lamb Socks by SmartWool Cold toes can ruin a run, let alone a whole day. Keep your feet protected and warm with Smartwool's PhD over-the-calf Slopestyle Socks in an argyle pattern that says, "I can shred, but I'm still classy." The Smartwood PhD line uses the 4 Degree Elite Fit system at the ankle, upper instep, lower instep, and arch to add greater stretch and recovery to keep the socks in place, as well ReliaWool technology in the heels and toes for added durability. The socks also have flat-knit toe seams so your feet will stay comfortable in your boots, and you'll get the classic merino that Smartwool is known for to keep your tootsies warm and dry. Bonus: there is extra cushion in the sole, shin, and calf so you won't be hurting at the end of the day from boot rub.smartwool.com; $25 Rose Vest by Lole Whether it's as an added layer during a bone-chilling day, or something stylish to throw on post shredding while grabbing a drink, a vest is a stellar option. With the glossy Rose Vest by Lole, you get all of the warmth you'll need from 600 Downglow quilted insulation but none of the added bulk that won't fit comfortably under a jacket. The vest has two front zipper pockets, a stand-up collar that is big enough to keep you warm but won't get in the way, and the whole piece is long enough in the back to keep the draft out and all things covered. Plus, it comes with a packable pouch so you can easily stuff it into your backpack for when you need it most.lolewomen.com; $80 Rio Crew and Bipod Pant by Volcom Your first layer just might be the most important when it comes to keeping you warm you need one that fits close to the skin but is still comfortable, and when it comes to material, you need one that keeps you dry. The Rio Crew and matching Bipod Pant by Volcom come in a fun, flowery pattern perfect for the chalet, but it's the technology that you'll be raving about. Both base layers have moisture wicking properties to eliminate any dampness from a sweaty run, along with thumbhole cuffs in the top and flat lock stitching and a wide waistband for the bottoms.volcom.com; $55 each High-E Hoodie by Voormi A new made-in-the-US brand, Voormi has created a top midlayer that is made with merino wool from Rocky Mountain Highcountry Merino. Voormi uses a knitting technique that interlaces fleece on the inside and nylon on the outside, then treats the whole hoodie with a wool-specific water repellent to keep you dry. What you get is an insulated, moisture wicking, water and snow repellent, athletic-fit midlayer.voormi.com; $229 | 7 | 1,510 | health |
Carl Soderberg scored two power play goals in the third period to give Boston a 5-2 victory over Edmonton. | 1 | 1,511 | sports |
Isha Sesay explains why the Nigerian girls, once seemingly so close to release, still haven't come home. | 5 | 1,512 | news |
Cedric Paquette scored his first two goals of the season in the Lightning's 5-2 win over the Flames. | 1 | 1,513 | sports |
Think gas is expensive? The U.S. is experiencing the lowest gas prices in four years, so we thought it would be fun to take a look at some things that are more expensive than gasoline when sold by the gallon. | 8 | 1,514 | video |
TALK ABOUT WHAT?! | 8 | 1,515 | video |
Coach Pop is sitting Duncan, Manu, Splitter, Bellinelli and Patty Mills for a nationally televised game. Will Adam Silver punish Pop? #120talk | 1 | 1,516 | sports |
College freshman Saira Blair has been elected the youngest lawmaker in the United States! | 8 | 1,517 | video |
Cosmetic procedures such as Botox, facial fillers and laser skin treatments are very safe, and have a very low rate of minor side effects, a new study suggests. These cosmetic procedures can cause minor side effects such as bruising, lumpiness or skin discoloration, but these occur in less than 1 percent of cases, according to the study published today (Nov. 5) in the journal JAMA Dermatology. "We strongly suspected the rates were going to be low, but we were pleasantly surprised that they were as low as they were," said study lead author Dr. Murad Alam, a dermatologist at Northwestern University in Illinois. (In past work, Alam has conducted studies that were funded in part by Allergan, Medicis, Ulthera and Bioform, which are companies that sell products for cosmetic procedures.) However, the study included only dermatologists who routinely perform these procedures, so it's possible that negative outcomes could be more frequent in the hands of less-experienced providers, said Dr. Michael C. Edwards, the president of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Also, the researchers did not collect data on whether people were satisfied with their appearance after the procedures. Even if they don't experience bruising, swelling or lumpiness, it's still possible that people simply don't like the way they look after cosmetic procedures, Edwards noted. Low risk In the past several years, minor cosmetic procedures such as laser skin treatments, Botox and facial fillers have surged in popularity. Botox is aimed at smoothing out wrinkles, whereas facial fillers are used to plump up features that have been deflated by age or sun exposure. Lasers are used for removing hair, tattoos and spots on the skin, as well as tightening the skin. Unlike traditional facelifts, these procedures can be done without general anesthesia, and patients often need only a day to recover, Alam said. Doctors suspected that the risks of these procedures were fairly low, but previous studies had looked at only a small number of cases, from individual doctors' recall of patients' side effects, after the fact . To more rigorously examine the rate of side effects, Alam and his colleagues asked 23 dermatologists throughout the U.S. to enter data on each cosmetic procedure they performed for three months, along with any adverse events the patients reported over the next year. All told, the team looked at 20,399 procedures. About 1 in every 416 procedures resulted in a negative outcome such as bruising, swelling or lumpiness in the skin. But some procedures were riskier than others. Procedures involving neurotoxins, such as Botox, caused side effects in just 1 in 3,333 cases, whereas fillers such as Juvederm caused lumpiness or beading in about 1 in 135 cases. The low rate of side effects may make these treatments an attractive alternative to a facelift, which requires cutting the skin and going under anesthesia, Alam said. "By doing lots of small procedures we can avoid the risk of a larger procedure," Alam told Live Science. Safety varies Although the findings show these procedures are generally very safe, the researchers looked at board-certified dermatologists, Edwards said. But the safety of these procedures hasn't been studied in less- experienced hands, and the procedures can still cause real harm, he said. For instance, using a high-energy laser at the wrong setting can block blood vessels and cause tissue death, he said. "The strip malls and the storefront mini-spas and places where there's no true oversight that's where patients should be more cautious," Edwards told Live Science. | 7 | 1,518 | health |
We spotted Kendall Jenner in an all red pant suit during a photo shoot in downtown Los Angeles. The model just recently turned 19, and her career is really taking off. Ref: SPL884204 061114 Video by: Splashnews TV / Splash News Time: 00:54 Splash News TV: English Country: USA Rights: World Rights Photo Set: © www.splashnews.com | 8 | 1,519 | video |
Brent Sopel reveals his top five NHL teams. Did he pick right? #120Talk | 1 | 1,520 | sports |
A diner at the Bobby Flay Steak restaurant at the Borgata Hotel, Casino, & Spa in Atlantic city decided to order some wine with dinner. He asked the waitress for a recommendation, and she gives him one pricey suggestion. Keri Lumm (@thekerilumm) takes us through what happened at this business dinner. | 8 | 1,521 | video |
Kelly McCreary, who plays Dr. Maggie Pierce on Grey's Anatomy, stopped by our LA offices on the heels of some very good news: she'd just learned that she'd been upped to a series regular on the show. We talked about her hopes for Maggie's relationship with her father, the grossest medical moment she's experienced on set, and what she's taken away from working with powerhouse showrunner Shonda Rhimes. Catch Kelly on Grey's Thursday nights on ABC. | 8 | 1,522 | video |
The Seahawks have one of the youngest starting quarterbacks in Russell Wilson, but are they the youngest team in the NFL? Find out! | 1 | 1,523 | sports |
Steve Mason recorded 34 saves in the 4-1 win over the Panthers. | 1 | 1,524 | sports |
Disputes over who should be able to pray at a holy site in Jerusalem have led to clashes within the mosque. | 5 | 1,525 | news |
Alex Tanguay in regulation and the winning goal in the shootout to give the Avs the 4-3 win. | 1 | 1,526 | sports |
Even though he's suspended from the PGA TOUR, Dustin Johnson's still been golfing. He even broke one of Tiger Woods' records at Sherwood Country Club. | 1 | 1,527 | sports |
David Carr breaks down this week's matchup between the New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers. | 1 | 1,528 | sports |
Brett Favre was apparently not the first (quarterback) choice to star in 'There's Something About Mary.' | 1 | 1,529 | sports |
Rosenthal's Top 10 candidates to get traded this offseason Make Your Move Let's not mince any words: The free-agent market stinks, especially the market for hitters. As a result, trade discussions started early this offseason, and they only will intensify when the general managers' meetings begin Monday in Phoenix. The supply of available pitchers, even on the trade market, is greater than the supply of hitters. But the sheer number of names in play like (L-R) Johnny Cueto, Troy Tulowitzki and Cole Hamels could spark a frenzy. And, as we saw at the last non-waiver deadline, teams are more willing to trade major leaguers than in the past. Do I expect all of my top 10 trade candidates to get moved? Not necessarily. But all of them will be discussed at some level, and as is the case every winter we should expect a number of deals that will make our heads spin. Let the fun begin. -- Ken Rosenthal Cole Hamels, SP, Phillies It's no secret that the Phillies' entire roster is available. Outfielder Marlon Byrd is the most popular target in early discussions. First baseman Ryan Howard is the player the Phils most want to move. Hamels, by far, is the most attractive piece. A trade could take a while, if it happens at all. Teams in need of a marquee starter likely will begin with the top three free agents: Max Scherzer, Jon Lester and James Shields. Hamels will cost players as well as dollars, though his remaining four-year, $90 million obligation figures to be more reasonable than the free-agent prices. Remember: Hamels also can block trades to 20 teams, and might agree to a deal to a team on his no-trade list only if that club exercises his $20 million vesting option for 2019. Yoenis Cespedes, OF, Red Sox Do the math. The Red Sox have six outfielders. And, as they look to remake their rotation, Cespedes would appear the most likely to go. The Sox are not trading Rusney Castillo or Mookie Betts. Shane Victorino, Daniel Nava and Allen Craig offer only limited value. Cespedes is one year away from free agency, and his contract exempts him from a qualifying offer. So, if the Sox do not trade Cespedes and then lose him on the open market, they will receive nothing in return. Cespedes' on-base percentage is a turnoff, but his right-handed power holds appeal in a sport starved for offense. The Sox are deep enough in prospects and flexible enough with their payroll to replace him with another talented hitter and still address other needs. Troy Tulowitzki, SS, Rockies The obstacles to moving him are considerable. Tulowitzki is recovering from surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left hip. Injuries have limited him to an average of 88 games the past three seasons. And he is still owed ahem $114 million over the next six years. OK, but this is a premier shortstop, a player so good that he offers immense value even when playing half a season. Three big-market teams the Yankees, Mets and Dodgers need a shortstop. Even some clubs that appear set could alter their plans to get Tulo. Meeting the Rockies' price will not be easy, but if the team is motivated and Tulowitzki signals a willingness to be moved a deal could come together, some way, somehow. Justin Upton, OF, Braves Yes, it would appear counterintuitive for a team with the second-worst offense in the majors to trade its leading RBI man. But John Hart, the team's new president of baseball operations, isn't the type to maintain the status quo. And both Upton and Jason Heyward are eligible for free agency at the end of the season. Heyward is a top-of-the-order hitter who will want to be paid like a middle-of-the-order hitter, particularly since he was just named the game's best defensive player. Upton was second on the club and 13th in the NL in OPS, but his streakiness was evident by his collapse in September. Do the Braves dare take advantage of a market starved for offense to improve their position in the future? If so, Upton likely would bring a greater return. Andre Ethier, OF, Dodgers You know the deal with the Dodgers. Four outfielders. Three spots. And one of the game's top outfield prospects, Joc Pederson, is nearly ready to claim a starting job of his own. Ethier would appear the most obvious man out, but he also might be the most difficult to trade he is coming off his worst season, and owed $56 million over the next three years, including a buyout. On the other hand, both Matt Kemp (five years, $107 million) and Carl Crawford (three years, $62.25 million) revived last season and Kemp, in particular, could bring a substantial return. Yasiel Puig? He occasionally drives teammates and coaches nuts, but is the most productive and affordable of the group. It's difficult to imagine Andrew Friedman trading him in one of his first moves as the team's new president of baseball operations. Elvis Andrus, SS, Rangers The Rangers would be selling low; Andrus, 26, is coming off his worst season. Waiting to trade him could be more sensible, considering also that he seems likely to revive. After reporting out of shape last spring, Andrus already has lost about 10 pounds, according to one source, hellbent on becoming athletic and rangy again. Another problem with moving Andrus: His eight-year, $120 million extension begins next season. Seriously, would any team want to pay $15 million a year to a player who had a combined .653 OPS in 2013-14? Probably not, but the Rangers need to address their starting pitching and catching, and Luis Sardinas and Jurickson Profar are potential replacements at shortstop. The timing might not be ideal for a trade. But the Rangers could include cash in any deal to make Andrus more appealing. Johnny Cueto, SP, Reds For months, many in the industry assumed that the Reds would have no choice but to trade at least one starter; Cueto, Mat Latos, Mike Leake and Alfredo Simon all are under club control only through next season. The team still could take that approach, dangling Cueto for the greatest return. One rival executive, however, believes that the Reds are more apt to keep all of their pitchers and go for it in 2015. Owner Bob Castellini wants to win. General manager Walt Jocketty signed only a two-year extension. And the Reds can reasonably expect that, with better health, they will be more formidable next season. Another thing: The Reds' window in the NL Central is only getting smaller. The Cardinals, Cubs and Pirates boast three of the best farm systems in the game. Ian Kennedy, SP, Padres The Padres, according to major-league sources, are talking with clubs about all three of their top three starters. Kennedy, however, would seem more likely to be moved than Andrew Cashner or Tyson Ross. The Padres control Kennedy for only one more season and his agent is Scott Boras, making it unlikely he will sign an extension. Cashner, on the other hand, is under control for two more seasons, Ross for three. The question is how boldly new GM A.J. Preller wants to act in his quest to improve the worst offense in the majors. Kennedy projects to earn $10.3 million in arbitration, according to Matt Swartz of MLBTradeRumors.com. Teams reluctant to spend big on a starter will find that number attractive, and could make Kennedy a qualifying offer to ensure draft-pick compensation at the end of the season. Jeff Samardzija, SP, A's The Athletics might prefer to wait until the July 31 non-waiver deadline to move Samardzija. The supply of starting pitchers would be lower. The demand from teams in the middle of the pennant race likely would be higher. Still, would anyone be surprised if GM Billy Beane made a proactive move with Samardzija, who along with teammate Scott Kazmir is under the Athletics' control only through next season? Virtually every team with a need for a starter would want Samardzija. The White Sox are among the clubs that already have expressed interest, according to major-league sources. Samardzija would be an ideal fit between Sox left-handers Chris Sale and Jose Quintana, but it might be difficult for the teams to match up on a deal, sources said. Tyler Clippard, RP, Nationals While the Nationals probably do not want to break up one of the most talented teams in the majors, a number of their most prominent players are entering free-agent years. Clippard, a setup reliever, is one; right-handers Jordan Zimmermann and Doug Fister, shortstop Ian Desmond and center fielder Denard Span are among the others. GM Mike Rizzo could entertain discussions on Zimmermann and even Desmond, given the Nats' frustrations in signing them long term. Clippard, though, would be more easily replaced. The Nats are deep in young relievers, though they would need to find a closer if they did not trust Drew Storen in that role. Clippard's projected arbitration number of $9.3 million is high for a setup man. He would be a perfect for a team in need of late-inning help a team such as the Tigers. | 1 | 1,530 | sports |
Zac Ellis breaks down Notre Dame's upcoming schedule. Does quarterback Everett Golson have the best shot to win the Heisman? #120Talk | 1 | 1,531 | sports |
Tulane football coach Curtis Johnson punishes players by making them hold hands. Have you ever heard of a weirder punishment? #120Talk | 1 | 1,532 | sports |
Country's biggest night didn't disappoint! Check out these amazing Country Music Awards red carpet looks! All eyes were on stars Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert when they accepted their awards, but Miranda's pale pink gown, perfect retro hair and pink lip made us stare even more! Do Faith Hill and Tim McGraw ever have a bad red carpet? They were perfection and Faith was working her new pixie cut. | 6 | 1,533 | entertainment |
CINCINNATI (AP) -- Cornerback Joe Haden led a line of Browns players jumping to slap hands with joyous fans in the first row. The stadium was filled with the sound of woofing. Felt like times from way, way back when. And with a dominating performance, the Browns suggested they've finally made it all the way back. The team that has been the AFC North's bottom dweller for years climbed back into the top spot Thursday night. The Browns were all over Andy Dalton all night long, turning a first-place showdown into a shockingly one-sided 24-3 victory. With every interception and every sack, the Browns showed they're for real. "This is a little different Browns team than the rest of the league is used to seeing," said Haden, who shadowed A.J. Green all over the field and shut him down again. Cleveland (6-3) improved on its best start in 20 years and moved into a first-place tie with Pittsburgh. The Browns also snapped their streak of 17 straight losses to division opponents on the road. The last win? Also in Cincinnati, a 20-12 victory on Sept. 28, 2008. "A huge boost for our guys," coach Mike Pettine said. "Just look at the streaks we ended. Not many people gave us a chance." Just like the Browns, the Bengals (5-3-1) were trying to break away from some bad franchise history. They've played some of their worst games in prime time and wanted to show they were finally ready to hold up under the national attention. Instead, they crumbled along with their quarterback. They also got drubbed 43-17 during a Sunday night game in New England this season. Cincinnati fell to 18-41 in prime time. "It does confound me," coach Marvin Lewis said. "For whatever reason, the two times (in prime time) this year we didn't play well. Because we were at home, there was an energy and excitement instead of being steely-eyed and focusing on what we have to do." Dalton was 10 of 33 for 86 yards with three interceptions and two sacks and a passer rating of 2. It was another big-game meltdown for the fourth-year quarterback, who has led his team to the playoffs three years in a row only to lose opening games all three times. "We didn't start fast and that's on me," Dalton said. "I missed a couple early and could never get into a rhythm." The game marked the first since 1986 -- when Bernie Kosar and Boomer Esiason were the quarterbacks -- that the intrastate rivals played with first place on the line so late in the season. The Browns won that one 34-3. And they were in charge right from the start of this one, too. Playing in a cold, gusty wind, Dalton was repeatedly off-target and made a big early mistake. His first pass was high and incomplete. His next one was intercepted by linebacker Craig Robertson, who returned it to the 18. Five plays later, Ben Tate went into the end zone from 4 yards for the lead. "We put a lot of pressure on their receivers by covering them tight," cornerback Buster Skrine said. "He overthrew a lot of balls. He started the game with an interception and after that, nothing went right for him." It never got any better for Cincinnati, which self-destructed in a tone-setting first half. Kevin Huber's 25-yard punt into the wind set up a 59-yard touchdown drive by the Browns, highlighted by Brian Hoyer's completions of 17 and 22 yards to Travis Benjamin. Isaiah Crowell carried the last two yards for a 14-3 lead early in the second quarter. Billy Cundiff's 32-yard field goal made it 17-3 at halftime. It was Cleveland's biggest halftime lead in Cincinnati since 1994, when the Browns won 28-20. The Browns essentially put it away late in the third quarter when Hoyer completed a 28-yard pass to tight end Gary Barnidge in the middle of tight coverage. Terrance West went in from a yard out for a 24-3 lead that sent some Bengals fans to the exits. Cleveland rushed for 170 yards after managing only 158 in the last three games combined. West led the way with 94 yards on 26 carries. Hoyer was 15 of 23 for 198 yards. The only good moments for the crowd of 65,871 came after the first quarter when 4-year-old Leah Still -- daughter of defensive tackle Devon Still -- was on the field for a check presentation. The girl is fighting cancer and flew in from Philadelphia to see her father play for the first time. The Bengals raised more than $1 million for cancer research and treatment through sales of Still's No. 75 jersey. Still wrote "Leah Strong" on the eye black strip across his face, and police officers at the game had his No. 75 on the back of their uniforms. Notes: It was Cleveland's most lopsided win in Cincinnati since a 34-0 victory in 1987 with strike replacement players. ... The Browns were missing top receiver Andrew Hawkins, inactive with an injured knee and thigh. ... It was Cincinnati's first loss at Paul Brown Stadium since a 27-10 defeat against San Diego in the playoffs to end last season. ------ AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP--NFL | 5 | 1,534 | news |
Mariota manhandles Utes Quarterback Marcus Mariota of Oregon throws a pass as defensive end Hunter Dimick of Utah defends Nov. 8 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Oregon defeated Utah 51-27. Foot down LSU wide receiver Malachi Dupre pulls in a touchdown reception in front of Alabama defensive back Cyrus Jones in Baton Rouge, La., Nov. 8. 'Bama scores Alabama wide receiver Amari Cooper runs after a catch for a touchdown past LSU safety Jamal Adams during the second quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium on Nov. 8. The boucing ball Wide receiver Jaelen Strong of Arizona State is unable to catch a pass ahead of linebacker Nyles Morgan of Notre Dame on Nov. 8 in Tempe, Ariz. The Sun Devils won 55-31. Huddle chat Quarterback Jameis Winston of Florida State talks with his teammates in the huddle during the game against the Virginia on Nov. 8 in Tallahassee, Fla. Diving Cardinal Reggie Bonnafon of Louisville comes up short as Justin Simmons of Boston College defends Nov. 8 in Chestnut Hill, Mass. Spartan strike Keith Mumphery of Michigan State catches a pass defended by Gareon Conley of Ohio State Nov. 8 in East Lansing, Mich. Buckeyes bounce Cam Burrows and Eli Apple of Ohio State celebrate a defensive stop against Michigan State Nov. 8 in East Lansing, Mich. Toe the line Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Fred Brown (5) pulls in a touchdown pass against UT Martin Skyhawks defensive back Walter Evans (26) during the first quarter at Davis Wade Stadium on Nov. 8, in Starkville, Miss. Halt, you're surrounded TCU quarterback Trevone Boykin runs against Kansas State Nov. 8 in a Fort Worth, Texas. Blocked field goal attempt Texas A&M defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) blocks a field goal attempt by Auburn at the end of the first half of an NCAA college football game on Nov. 8 in Auburn, Ala. Flying Badger Melvin Gordon #25 of the Wisconsin Badgers runs the ball as Taylor Richards #4 of the Purdue Boilermakers attempts the tackle at Ross-Ade Stadium on Nov. 8, in West Lafayette, Ind. Brought down Malcolm Johnson #6 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs is brought down by Kahlid Hagens #18 of the Tennessee Martin Skyhawks during the first quarter of a game at Davis Wade Stadium on Nov. 8, in Starkville, Miss. Longhorns take the field Texas' William Russ (4) carries a U.S. flag as he leads the team on to the field for an NCAA college football game against West Virginia on Nov. 8, in Austin, Tex. Stiff arm Auburn Tigers receiver receiver D'haquille Williams (1) blocks Texas A&M Aggies defensive back Floyd Raven, Sr. (5) during the first half at Jordan Hare Stadium on Nov. 8, in Auburn, Ala. Leaping Cougar Washington State defender Charleston White (16) tackles Oregon State receiver Jordan Villain (13) during an NCAA college football game in Corvallis, Ore. on Nov. 8. In hot pursuit Texas' Johnathan Gray (32) is pursued by West Virginia's Terrell Chestnut (16) as he reaches for the goal line to score a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game on Nov. 8, in Austin, Tex. High stepping Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Trevor Knight (9) eludes a tackle by Baylor Bears safety Terrell Burt (13) during the first half at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on Nov. 8. Facemask Kentucky linebacker Josh Forrest grabs the helmet of Georgia running back Nick Chubb during the first half of an NCAA college football game at Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington, Ky., Nov. 8. Paydirt Mississippi wide receiver Vince Sanders (10) dives in to the end zone for a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Presbyterian in Oxford, Miss., Nov. 8. Un-Bear-able Running back Corey Coleman #1 of the Baylor Bears catches a touchdown pass as safety Steven Parker #11 and safety Quentin Hayes #10 of the Oklahoma Sooners defends Nov. 8 at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma. Loose ball North Carolina State quarterback Jacoby Brissett (12) fumbles the ball as Georgia Tech's Tyler Marcordes makes the hit during the first half in Raleigh, N.C., Nov. 8. Georgia Tech recovered the ball. Thief Presbyterian defensive back Ed Britt (5) intercepts a pass intended for Mississippi wide receiver Cody Core (88) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Nov. 8. Missed Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver DaeSean Hamilton (5) misses the ball over a defending Indiana Hoosiers cornerback Michael Hunter (17) in the first quarter of the game at Memorial Stadium on Nov. 8. Off to the races Running back Mark Dodson #7 of the Mississippi Rebels runs the ball down the field for a touchdown during their game against the Presbyterian Blue Hose on Nov. 8 at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Mississippi. Good hands Minnesota Golden Gophers tight end Maxx Williams (88) catches a touchdown past Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back John Lowdermilk (37) in the first half at TCF Bank Stadium. Slippery Devil Duke Blue Devils wide receiver Issac Blakeney (17) runs with the ball after a catch around Syracuse Orange cornerback Julian Whigham (1) during the second quarter at the Carrier Dome. Sack Jake Rudock #15 of the Iowa Hawkeyes gets hit by Steven Richardson #96 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers and fumbles the ball during the second quarter on Nov. 8 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Aggie attack Utah State Aggies running back Rashad Hall runs against the Wyoming Cowboys during the fourth quarter at War Memorial Stadium on Nov. 7 in Laramie, Wyo. Utah State won 20-3. Slipping past Adam Humphries of Clemson tries to get away from Merrill Noel of Wake Forest during their game on Nov. 6 in Winston Salem, NC. Sign language An offensive play is called from the Wake Forest bench during their game against Clemson on Nov. 6 in Winston Salem, NC. Wake breakup Wake Forest's Anthony Wooding Jr. breaks up a pass intended for Clemson's Jay Jay McCullough in Winston-Salem, N.C., Nov. 6 | 1 | 1,535 | sports |
Eagles dominate on Monday night The Philadelphia Eagles' Brent Celek, right, pulls in a pass against Carolina Panthers' Roman Harper on Nov. 10, in Philadelphia. The Eagles won 45-21. Unwanted assistance Malik Jackson of the Denver Broncos playfully slaps Oakland Raiders starting quarterback Derek Carr in the helmet after Carr refused his helping hand in the fourth quarter on Nov. 9 in Oakland, Calif. The Broncos won 41-17. Game over Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick celebrates in the end zone after catching a touchdown pass in the final seconds against the Miami Dolphins in Detroit on Nov. 9. The Lions won 20-16. Watching from behind Baltimore Ravens running back Justin Forsett scores a touchdown in the third quarter against the Tennessee Titans on Nov. 9. The Ravens won 21-7. Too easy Emmanuel Sanders of the Denver Broncos scores a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum on Nov. 9 in Oakland, Calif. The Broncos won 41-17. Can't touch this Running back Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Seattle Seahawks runs over defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins #95 and middle linebacker Jameel McClain #53 of the New York Giants on Nov.9 in Seattle. Lynch ran for four touchdowns as Seattle won 38-17. Low-lying obstacle Mark Sanchez of the Philadelphia Eagles avoids Charles Johnson of the Carolina Panthers on Nov. 10 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Sanchez threw for 332 yards and two touchdowns as the Eagles won 45-21. Getting some air Kansas City Chiefs kicker Cairo Santos follows through on a kickoff against the Buffalo Bills on Nov. 9 in Orchard Park, N.Y. One that got away Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger of the Pittsburgh Steelers loses control of a bad snap against the New York Jets during a game at MetLife Stadium on Nov. 9 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Jets beat the Steelers 20-13. With the greatest of ease Arizona Cardinals wide receiver John Brown catches a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter against the St. Louis Rams on Nov. 9. The Cardinals defeated the Rams 31-14. Lambeau love Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson celebrates a touchdown with fans during the game against the Chicago Bears on Nov. 9 in Green Bay, Wis. Happy thief Cornerback Danny Gorrer of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates an interception against the Tennessee Titans in the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on Nov. 9 in Baltimore. The Ravens won 21-7. Helping hand New York Giants running back Andre Williams (44) is pulled into the end zone for a touchdown by center J.D. Walton, right, in the first half against the Seattle Seahawks on Nov. 9 in Seattle. The Seahawks won 38-17. Backstage across the pond The Jacksonville Jaguars cheerleaders prepare to take to the field before the game between the Jaguars and the Cowboys at Wembley Stadium on Nov. 9 in London, England. Gut punch Derek Carr of the Oakland Raiders pitches the ball under pressure from the Denver Broncos on Nov. 9 in Oakland. The Broncos won 41-17. Calvin connection Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson catches a touchdown pass while being defended by Miami Dolphins cornerback Brent Grimes during the first quarter in Detroit on Nov. 9. The Lions beat the Dolphins 20-16. Time to relax Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning stands on the sideline during the fourth quarter against the Oakland Raiders on Nov. 9. The Broncos won 41-17. Giving them Fitz Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald is brought down by St. Louis Rams free safety Rodney McLeod on Nov. 9 in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 31-14 to improve their record to 8-1. Scoring in London Dallas Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant scores on a 35-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL International Series game at Wembley Stadium in London on Nov. 9. The Cowboys won 31-17. Forging ahead Green Bay Packers tight end Andrew Quarless drives for extra yards after catching a pass against Chicago Bears linebacker Jon Bostic at Lambeau Field in Green Bay on Nov. 9. Over and under New York Jets free safety Jaiquawn Jarrett (37) tackles Pittsburgh Steelers' Antonio Brown (84) during the first half of an NFL football game on Nov. 9 in East Rutherford, N.J. Catch him if you can San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick runs with the ball against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Nov. 9. Down goes Alex Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith is tackled by Buffalo Bills defensive end Jerry Hughes on Nov. 9 in Orchard Park, N.Y. Jumping Jet New York Jets running back Chris Ivory jumps over William Gay of the Steelers on Nov. 9 in East Rutherford, N.J. Double haul Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) is pulled to the turf by Baltimore Ravens defensive back Will Hill (33) and free safety Terrence Brooks (31) in Baltimore on Nov. 9. Trying to take it back Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Kroy Biermann (71) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh McCown (12) dive for the ball after Biermann blocked a pass by McCown on Nov. 9 in Tampa. Positive feedback Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks, right, celebrates his touchdown reception with tight end Jimmy Graham in the first half against the San Francisco 49ers in New Orleans on Nov. 9. Touchdown grab San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Anquan Boldin pulls in a touchdown reception in front of New Orleans Saints cornerback Keenan Lewis in New Orleans Nov. 9. Cardinals streak past Rams Wide receiver Ted Ginn of the Arizona Cardinals returns a kickoff against the St. Louis Rams at the University of Phoenix Stadium on Nov. 9 in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 31-14. 12th Man airs one out A fan throws back a football that was kicked into the stands during warm-ups before the game between the Seattle Seahawks and the New York Giants on Nov. 9 in Seattle. Pressuring Dalton Browns defensive end Billy Winn sacks Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton during the third quarter at Paul Brown Stadium on Nov. 6. The Browns won 24-3. Defended and dropped A.J. Green of the Bengals drops a pass while being defended by Joe Haden of the Browns on Nov. 6 in Cincinnati. Tate touchdown The Browns' Ben Tate scores on a 4-yard touchdown run during against the Bengals Nov. 6 in Cincinnati. Celebration in Cincy Browns inside linebacker Karlos Dansby and teammate Buster Skrine celebrate with Cleveland fans after the Browns defeated the Bengals 24-3 Nov. 6 in Cincinnati. AJ Mast/AP Photo | 1 | 1,536 | sports |
We give 120 Seconds of Glory to Leah Still, who got to attend the Browns-Bengals game and watch her dad, Devon, play for the first time. | 1 | 1,537 | sports |
Atika Shubert guides you through the history of the Berlin Wall. | 5 | 1,538 | news |
Jay Glazer provides an update on Nick Foles' injury, Ray Rice's appeal, and Adrian Peterson's future with the Vikings. | 1 | 1,539 | sports |
Zac Ellis reveals which player he thinks will emerge as a Heisman candidate in Week 11 of the college football season. | 1 | 1,540 | sports |
You might think that men are more likely to develop cirrhosis than women because they drink alcoholic beverages much more often than women. But women actually are at higher risk of developing cirrhosis even when they drink only half the amount of alcohol men drink. If you're a woman, you may be at risk for developing cirrhosis , even if you are young and don't drink alcohol. That's because women's risks for developing cirrhosis change as they age, hepatologist Jamile Wakim-Fleming, MD, says. "This is a unique feature of women and it should make them more vigilant about their liver health not only when they are older but throughout their life, and regardless of how old they are," Dr. Wakim-Fleming says. Cirrhosis in young women Surprisingly, women as young as their late teens and early 20s can develop cirrhosis. For example, autoimmune hepatitis is more common in women than men and can begin at a very early age. It may cause abdominal pain, jaundice, fatigue, weight loss and disabling joint pain. If left untreated or undiagnosed, autoimmune hepatitis may develop into cirrhosis. Another liver disease that is more common in women than men is primary biliary cirrhosis. This is a relatively slow-progressing disease that affects women in their late 40s and 50s. It can have debilitating symptoms of itching and fatigue and, like autoimmune hepatitis, can happen at a younger age in women than in men. These two autoimmune disorders of the liver may coexist or overlap in the same patient. Although they are treatable, they are not curable. Over time patients may end up requiring a liver transplant because of cirrhosis, liver failure or liver cancer. It is unclear why these autoimmune diseases are more common in young women than men, but sex hormones like estrogen, genetics and environmental factors seem to play a role. Another liver disorder unique to the young woman, which begins in pregnancy, is intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy . This can have consequences on the liver years down the road, including gallstones, complications from gallstones and cirrhosis. Liver disease after menopause The lack of estrogen following menopause can have a negative effect on the liver. For example, fatty liver disease in women can progress into cirrhosis more rapidly after menopause. Fatty deposits in the liver can be the result of alcohol drinking, but also can result from a condition called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is rising in men and women as well as in children. If you have gone through menopause, you are more likely to develop a fatty liver, Dr. Wakim-Fleming says. "After menopause, women in general are at risk of gaining more weight because of hormonal changes and because they may not exercise as much for many social and medical reasons," Dr. Wakim-Fleming says. "When women gain weight, fat accumulates in the liver cells. This creates a toxic environment for the liver, which leads to fibrosis, then cirrhosis and eventually cancer. Fatty liver is fast becoming the No. 1 reason for liver transplant," Dr. Wakim-Fleming says. Cirrhosis related to drug or alcohol use Women are more sensitive to drug- or alcohol-related liver disease than men, due in part to their body composition, Dr. Wakim-Fleming says. "Drugs and alcohol affect women's livers earlier and more rapidly than men, and at a lower dose," Dr. Wakim-Fleming says. "Women are smaller and also they have more body fat, both of which cause them to metabolize drugs and alcohol at a slower rate than men." This means you can't drink the same amount of alcohol as your husband or male friends and expect to have a healthy liver. You also need to be cautious with certain medications, such as pain medications, antibiotics or medications you buy in health drug stores. You are much more likely to have toxicity from drugs than men, whether prescribed by a doctor and taken in excessive amounts or bought in a health drug store. Protecting yourself from cirrhosis Cirrhosis is a silent killer, Dr. Wakim-Fleming says: "You may not know you have it until it is too late to reverse it." Once cirrhosis develops, the only cure is a liver transplant. Women are more likely to die on the waiting list for a liver transplant than men and are more likely to have acute liver failure. While some risk factors for cirrhosis, such as genetics, are beyond your control, adopting a healthy lifestyle at any age can help to reduce your risk: Limit the amount of alcohol you drink. Even if you're young and you feel healthy, alcohol will affect your liver over time. Women should not have more than one drink per day. Eat a healthy diet. Avoid saturated fats, and eat foods that include healthy, unsaturated fats, like fish, nuts and olive oil. Exercise. If you include exercise in your daily routine, it will help you combat the weight gain that's associated with menopause. Avoid overuse of non-prescription drugs and illegal drugs. The use of illegal drugs can lead to viral hepatitis , and ultimately to cirrhosis. Non prescription drugs may be toxic. As for supplements, Dr. Wakim-Fleming says women can save their money and skip them. "The problem with herbal preparations is that they're not regulated by the FDA, so you don't really know what's in them," she says. "You don't need herbal supplements to stay healthy. One multivitamin, a calcium supplement and a healthy diet should be all you need." | 7 | 1,541 | health |
The Holiday Travel season is upon us! As we plan to hit the road and leave our homes behind, Vera has some important tips to keep it safe and sound while we're gone. | 3 | 1,542 | finance |
How Christmas culinary traditions vary around the world How the world eats Christmas dinner Christmas celebrations always center around family and feasting, but the foods eaten vary from country to country. Let's take a world tour to see how different nations mark the occasion. Turkey Turkey is the centrepiece of Christmas dinners in North America, the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. As Australasians celebrate Christmas at the height of summer, the turkey is usually served cold or barbecued. Pavlova Pavlova, a meringue-based dessert, is a popular dessert associated with holidays in Australia and New Zealand, while Christmas pudding, made of dried fruit, spices, sugar, and suet is a tradition in the UK and Ireland. Goose Goose is the traditional Christmas dinner meat in Austria and Denmark. Risalamande, a type of rice pudding mixed with whipped cream and almonds, and topped with cherry sauce is served for dessert in Denmark. Carp In the Czech Republic, Christmas dinner often features fried carp. In many Eastern European countries - like Bulgaria and Lithuania - a vegetarian 12-dish feast is served for dinner on Christmas Eve. Pork In Honduras and the Philippines, the main meat dish at Christmas dinner is roast pork. The dinner is usually accompanied with "Tsokolate" or hot chocolate, made with pure, locally-grown cacao beans. Ham Ham is the Christmas meat of choice in Finland and Sweden. The traditional Christmas beverage is mulled wine. Eel In Southern Italy, fried eel is served on Christmas Eve, while lamb or fish is served on Christmas Day. The traditional dessert of the Christmas season is pannetone, a cake-like bread made with candied fruits. Glögg In Norway, the traditional Christmas meats are pork belly or mutton ribs, washed down with glögg, a mulled wine with spices, nuts and fruits. Eggnog Eggnog is popular in Canada and the United States. This egg and milk-based drink is often served with rum. Salted cod In Portugal, families gather to eat boiled salted cod called bacalhau, accompanied by boiled cabbage, potatoes, eggs, chickpeas, onions, parsley and plenty of olive oil. Tamales In Mexico, Puerto Rico and Honduras, tamales are served on Christmas Day. This traditional food is made from corn dough with meat and vegetables (boiled or steamed), then wrapped in a leaf that is discarded before eating. | 0 | 1,543 | foodanddrink |
A great white shark swims around a diving cage on September 30, 2014 in Gansbaai, South Africa A ferocious great white shark collides with a diving cage filled with adrenaline seeking tourists.The footage was shot by Canadian Jeremy Stewart who was holidaying in South Africa and decided to take the plunge in the dangerous waters of Gansbaai, ominously nicknamed Shark Alley. And the Vancouver native admitted that when the 10foot long beast lunged for a dangling piece of bait and missed, crashing into the protective enclosure, he was left awestruck by the strength of the magnificent animal. Footage: Jeremy Stewart Producer: Mark Hodge Editor: Ian Phillips | 8 | 1,544 | video |
NEW YORK ( MainStreet ) When it comes to buying a car, the final sale price is only part of the cost. Once that's done, you've actually got to pay to own and operate the thing . However, you might be able to save big when it comes to maintenance costs by either doing things yourself or having other people do them in a timely manner. Indeed, a little bit of attention up front can make a huge difference when it comes to the cost of ownership of your car. No Tools Required: Fluid Checking Greg Gunter, a technical team leader at UTI-Pennsylvnia, points out that one of the biggest things you can do to keep your car running doesn't require any tools at all. "You can always check your engine oil and transmission fluids," he says. While most people know how to do the former, they don't know that checking the latter is just as easy. "Most automatic transmissions have a dipstick that you can pull out and look at," he says. "It shouldn't be real dark or black or have a burnt smell to it." Checking Tire Pressure Can Save You Hundreds "Another easy one is just checking tire pressure," Gunter adds. "A lot of people have heard that maintaining tire pressure gets better gas mileage," he says. "That's true, but it also helps with safety." What's more, tires that aren't inflated properly are going to wear out quicker. Brandon Cook, an instructor and lecturer at City Colleges of Chicago: Kennedy-King, says that people should check tire pressure seasonally. "That can be scary for people because of the Firestone recall," he says but adds that it's necessary on a seasonal basis. "Tires generally change by one PSI for every ten degrees of temperature. Changing Your Wiper Blades Can Save Your Life Gunter points out wiper blades as a piece of maintenance that anyone can do, but nearly no one keeps on top of. "If you can't remember the last time you replaced the blades, you need to replace them," he says. Not replacing your wiper blades in a timely fashion can lead to serious accidents by restricting your vision. That might "only" be a blown out tire, but it could be something more series. "This is a place where a simple repair can become very, very expensive." Change Your Own Oil "Oil changes can definitely cause major engine problems if not done routinely," says Cook. The good news is, you can do them yourself with few tools. "You could spend an hour watching YouTube videos and be fine," Cook says. While some European luxury brands have made it more difficult to do this yourself, most cars do not require a great deal of specialized equipment. Always follow proper safety protocol when under the hood of a car. Things You Should Pay Other People For - Regularly "Once a year you want to get your car up on a lift and have them look at the struts and shocks," says Gunter. While many states require annual inspection, people who don't live in those states have a tendency to get complacent. "They think that if they haven't seen anything that nothing is wrong," he says. "But your suspension might be going. Don't assume that because you don't notice a problem that there isn't one." "You can't forget your transmission," says Cook, adding that you should get a transmission flush every 70,000 to 75,000 miles. "If you wait too long your transmission fluid is going to start acting like glue." If you get into that situation, repairs are going to start becoming very expensive indeed. Cook further advises that people get regular coolant flushes and inspections. While you certainly need to take care of your car, Cook suggests that people don't need to be quite as cognizant as in years past. "Newer vehicles are being built so much better now," Cook says. "Routine maintenance isn't so much going away, but the intervals are longer." Pay attention for anything abnormal while you're driving and, of course, read your service manual for regularly scheduled maintenance. This will ensure that your car drives for a long time with a minimum of repairs. --Written by Nicholas Pell for MainStreet | 3 | 1,545 | finance |
It's scary: Major retailers hacked and your information at risk! Fortunately there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your good credit. | 3 | 1,546 | finance |
The valuables you take with you on your travels are especially vulnerable to loss and theft. Vera is here with advice on protecting the stuff that travels with you. | 3 | 1,547 | finance |
Editor's Note: You asked and Ilya Pozin answered. Today is the sixth response in Forbes' weekly Ask An Expert series, running from now through the third week of November. When creating a social media brand image, what is the formula for what to post, where? Not the same information everywhere, right? (via @jkhenson24 ) Correct. Don't post the same information in the same way on all social media platforms, however, there is a magic formula of what to post where. The simple answer maintain the same brand voice across each platform, but recognize different types of content work better for different platforms. For example, you'll need to shorten your statements on Twitter, but you can still use the same language so it sounds like you. Don't be dry. Show your personality and use your 140 characters to inspire your audience to engage. On a photo-focused platform like Instagram, be consistent in your style as far as what photos you choose to post, the mood they convey, and the filters you use. Work toward a look people will instantly recognize your brand from without reading your name. On Facebook try to post shareable content with compelling statements that evoke emotion. It's a great engagement platform and the right content can go viral. Articles and intriguing industry news also prompt sharing on Facebook. Visual multimedia content like video and images also tend to have a greater share numbers because they stand out more in a news feed. Facebook is also making a greater effort to make video content more visible. Before you post content ask yourself, "Why is this compelling?" If you can't answer that question either think of a new way to present it or post something else. Keep in mind, in most cases, no one is going to look at only your feed on your profile. Most often your content will be seen in one big news feed among others, so consistent content won't look repetitive. How do I get more people to identify with my brand and like more of my posts on Facebook? (via @BeeAllison ) It depends. If your goal is to engage and retain existing fans and customers, post content that reminds them what they love about your company already and why they liked your page in the first place. If your goal is to acquire new customers and fans, make sure you post shareable content and try to engage in conversations outside of your fan page. You can "borrow" fans from other places where there is more conversation and engagement by taking part in that conversation. From there you can win them over by getting them to like what you have to say. The sheer amount of content being created and shared is overwhelming. Will it ever slow down? How can we stop data overload? (via @edifecs ) Social media is an amazing, no matter your platform of choice. Like crowdsourcing, quality content rises to the top. The amount of content shared will never slow down, but great content will be curated more and more, and you need to be part of it. Don't follow too many people or you'll devalue your feed. Reduce the noise by only following the brands and people you truly care about. Follow those who curate the content your brand would care about. Consider using apps that can help, as well. For example, at Pluto.TV we curate the best videos on the internet into one place. There are a number of solutions like ours that can take the hard work of searching for the best content. I am a new blogger, how do I increase my visibility and followers on social media? (via @Elizabethaluko1 ) Engage in conversations that are trending from pages, brands, and users that have a high following. Audience is built from places that already have an audience. It's the same reason new musicians tag along on tour with headlining musicians. They build their fanbase from the existing fanbase that follows a musician with a similar style or image. Spend time where your desired audience does and use your voice to stand out. Show the online community members why they should let your brand into their network. How do you grow and draw viewers on social pages? And would you recommend one using social media to network with potential investors? (via @manyakes_ ) Yes! Social media is a great way to engage someone directly. Most people automatically think of LinkedIn which is a great resource when it comes to networking, however, don't rule out Twitter. You can use Twitter to tweet at anyone, in your case, investors, and when they see it, they may reply. Use the search function on Twitter as well. It's a great way to find people using names, keywords, or hashtags. Overall, social media is powerful, but only if a brand uses it continuously. It plays an essential role in branding, acquisition, and retention. Use social media to establish a position in the market through expertise on topics and a voice that personifies the essence of your brand like a character. Participating and engaging in conversations will align your brand with topics and other brands you want to be associated with. This can be useful in generating new leads (acquisition). Finally, don't forget social media is key to nurturing and engaging with your brand's existing customers and fans (retention). While you're building up your following and seeking those new leads, don't lose sight of how you can use social media to amplify customer service and fan appreciation, or even refine and fortify your overall messaging by reiterating what your brand is all about. 5 Steps to Making a Sale Through Social Media Have a question on building your personal brand? See more answers here . Question on relationship building? Even more here . How about a few on hiring? Answers here . We even have some on financing your startup here . And don't miss last week's installment on customer service here . | 5 | 1,548 | news |
Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova will take on Andrea Petkovic in the opening rubber of the Fed Cup final between the Czech Republic and Germany starting in Prague on Saturday. After Friday's draw, world number four Kvitova will face 14th-ranked Petkovic on the hardcourt of Prague's O2 Arena at 1200 GMT on Saturday. Then 17th-ranked Lucie Safarova will take on Germany's world number ten Angelique Kerber. In Sunday's reverse singles rubbers, Kvitova will take on Kerber in a clash of the teams' number-one players and Safarova will then face Petkovic. The home side's Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka were nominated for Sunday's doubles rubber against Julia Goerges and Sabine Lisicki. The Czechs are eyeing their third Fed Cup win in four years after lifting the trophy in 2011 and 2012. Germany are looking for their first title since 1992, when a team led by Steffi Graf and current captain Barbara Rittner won the title. The hosts however lead Germany 6-1 in previous meetings. In their last Fed Cup encounter, the Czech Republic led by Kvitova beat Lisicki-led Germany 4-1 in Stuttgart in February 2012, with Hradecka, Goerges, Kerber and Groenefeld also playing. | 1 | 1,549 | sports |
Storms and natural disasters are huge and often sudden threats to your home. But Vera has a few simple ways you can protect your most valuable asset. | 3 | 1,550 | finance |
Male friendship isn't always depicted in the best light on the silver screen. Whether they're bonding over a night of poor decisions (The Hangover), a mission to White Castle (Harold And Kumar Go To White Castle) or simply their mutual stupidity (Dumb And Dumber), guys in film tend to develop a skin-deep bromance rather than a heartfelt friendship. Still, here are eight refreshing movies that prove male friendship can actually be a serious thing: Will and Chuckie, Good Will Hunting (1997) Real-life friends Matt Damon and Ben Affleck play best pals in this 1997 drama. Even if you're not a super-genius like Damon's Will, everybody could use a friend like Affleck's Chuckie, who helps Will tap into his full potential by always telling the truth. Andy and Red, Shawshank Redemption (1994) Long before the ladies of Orange Is The New Black , Andy and Red (Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman) proved that true friendship thrives even in the roughest of environments. "To me it was a love affair. It was two men who really loved each other," Freeman told Vanity Fair about the film. Kirk and Spock, Star Trek (2009) Forever proving that undying, genuine love between male friends is the final frontier. Since Star Trek debuted in 1966, Kirk and Spock have been the kind of buddies who aren't afraid to disagree, but their deep bond always keeps them together. We'll take the reboot versions of these characters, played by Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto, but your mileage may vary. Woody and Buzz Lightyear, Toy Story series They may not have always gotten along, but these two toys learned to put their differences aside and form a love that goes to infinity and beyond. Truly: Disney just announced that Toy Story 4 is coming to theaters in 2017. Butch and Harry, Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid (1969) Played by Paul Newman (Butch) and Robert Redford (Sundance), these two cowboys on the run are literal partners in crime. After going out in a blaze of glory, Newman and Redford continued their onscreen friendship in 1973's "The Sting." Harry and Ron, Harry Potter series Lonely Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) finds a much-needed friendship in Ron (Rupert Grint), who is always there to lighten up any life-threatening situation. Watching the ebbs and flows of their relationship is one of the most poignant parts of the Harry Potter franchise. Frodo and Sam, The Lord Of The Rings series Nothing brings two people together like one epic journey with plenty of near-death experiences. Played by Elijah Wood and Sean Astin, Frodo and Sam are always there for each other in a way that not even Sauron can destroy. Gordie, Chris, Teddy and Vern, Stand By Me (1986) These four had achieved a lifelong friendship that's perhaps best described by the film's closing lines: "I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was 12. Jesus, does anyone?" | 4 | 1,551 | lifestyle |
Men, it's "Movemeber", the one month every year where you get to ditch the razor and grow out your mustache all to help raise awareness for men's health. | 4 | 1,552 | lifestyle |
Exercise | 7 | 1,553 | health |
From the coolest chestnut to the deepest mahogany, these stars show how to unleash your inner brunette bombshell. Jessica Alba This actress, entrepreneur, and mum-of-two's warm hues and well-placed layers would complement any complexion. BING: JESSICA ALBA'S STYLE America Ferrera Dark waves with subtle highlights like America's look effortlessly gorgeous. BING: AMERICA FERRERA'S STYLE TIPS Kim Kardashian The new mum's shorter cut and deeper brown appears "much healthier and more exotic," says hairstylist Chaz Dean, creator of WEN. Keep the sheen with his Spring Orange Blossom Cleansing Conditioner, which is meant to be used on it's own skip the shampoo. BING: KIM KARDASHIAN'S HAIRSTYLES Jennifer Lopez After her Jenny-from-the-block-era bold, blond-ish locks, this warm, multi-dimensional brown is softer and more natural. BING: JENNIFER LOPEZ'S BEAUTY TIPS Jennifer Garner A mid-range brown can work on a lot of different women, though medium and olive complexions may find that a beachy brown washes them out. Whatever your hue, maintain it with L'Oréal's new Color Vibrancy shampoo and conditioner. BING: JENNIFER GARNER'S STYLE TIPS Naya Rivera "Celebrities going bolder has given many women the confidence to change up their color," says Dean. To wit: Naya's look goes from auburn to a light, orange-y brown with chunky highlights. BING: CELEBRITY HAIRSTYLES Michelle Dockery This rich, single-tone shade of Michelle's medium to dark brown hair works well with her pale, peaches-and-cream complexion, says Cutler/Redken styling and grooming expert Jenny Balding. BING: TIPS FOR DARK HAIR Jessica Biel "She has a beautiful mixture of dark and lighter brown with some flecks of blonde," says Balding. Jessica's color is a very tame version of a new trend called splashlighting, in which the lightest highlights hit at mid-shaft for a shiny, reflection-like effect. BING: HOW TO HIGHLIGHT BROWN HAIR Maggie Q A rich shade like this deep, copper spiked brown ought to stay that way. Avoid products with lather, which can strip hair of color, natural sheen, and richness. BING: HAIRSTYLE TIPS FOR BRUNETTES Hannah Simone "This beautiful, rich mocha fades to a softer, lighter brown toward the mid-shaft and ends," says Dean, noting that the color is especially flattering against olive skin. BING: MAKEUP TIPS FOR BRUNETTES Lily Collins "Lily's lighter brown ends add some warmth to her skin color," says Balding. "This is a perfect way to slightly brighten a mousy colour - it still looks very natural, but gives the colour strength." BING: SHORT HAIRSTYLES FOR BRUNETTES Naomie Harris Subtle chestnut highlights give very dark brown hair a lift. "If you have a similar skin tone and dark brown hair, it'll add a lovely glow," says Balding. BING: CELEBRITY SKIN CARE TIPS Rachel Bilson A cooler chocolate colour with generous highlights works well with a light tan. "This is great if you have some warmth to your skin tone already or are looking for a softer, more sun-kissed brunette look," says Balding. BING: FIND YOUR BEST HAIR COLOR Ana Ortiz A warm brown with hints of red glows against olive skin. Boost what you were born with or maintain your shade between dye jobs with John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Gloss. BING: HAIRSTYLE TRENDS FOR BROWN HAIR Leighton Meester "Right now, it's very popular for brunettes to put some sun-kissed highlights in their hair, especially from mid-length to ends, to give a more natural, organic feel," says Balding. Case in point: the caramel highlights through Leighton's warm brown. BING: LEIGHTON MEESTER'S HAIRSTYLES Kristin Kreuk "Kristin's rich brunette locks are beautiful," says Dean of the star's deep ash brown with hints of mahogany. But if you're going to go darker, be sure you've thought the decision through: "Removing dark colour from your hair can take a serious toll if not done properly." BING: CELEBRITY HAIRSTYLE TIPS Wendy Williams Lighter brown on top of auburn creates a pretty mix, but taking your hair many shades lighter can lead to damage if you're not careful. Keep colour-treated hair healthy by applying SheaMoisture Deep Treatment Masque weekly. BING: MAKEUP TIPS FOR BROWN HAIR | 4 | 1,554 | lifestyle |
Thanksgiving can be a tangled web of emotion - it's joyous, stressful, chaotic, and comforting all at once, but the thing that pulls everyone and their experiences together is the table. A Thanksgiving table is sacred. It's a place where family and friends gather and share and . . . stuff themselves with the ultimate comfort food. Honor the time and the event with your loved ones by setting the table. Even if you're a first-time host, a few decor details can set the tone of the day and (here's the best part) give your guests another reason to be grateful for you! Use What You Have There's no need to go fancy for your Thanksgiving feast. Simply use what you have. If you don't have a table runner, measure the length of your table and go to your nearest craft store to cut a piece of burlap to fit. Ask your friends or family to contribute - whether it's votive candles, a vase for flowers, or even some cloth napkins. Decor details: Eames Molded Plastic Dowel-Leg Side Chairs Remember Your Place-Setting Rules Consult a handy place-setting infographic before setting the table. But here are a few often-forgotten rules: Place the napkin on the left, fold facing toward the plate. On top of the napkin, place the salad fork and dinner forks. Position the glasses above the plate, at the 1 o'clock position. On the righthand side of the plate, place the knife and the spoon. Be sure all the silverware line up evenly. To add more depth to the table, stack the dinner and dessert plates on top of one another. Have the guests pass the plates to one end of the table where they can be stacked for dessert. Decor details: Heath Ceramics Dinner Plates in opaque white Heath Ceramics Salad Plates in aqua chocolate brown Crate & Barrel Lucca Flatware CB2 Marta Barware CB2 True Stemless Wine Glass Menu Cards Whether you have a planned potluck dinner or are in charge of the full feast, a printed menu card adds a nice touch to the table and can be taken home as a momento. We've printed our menu cards on thick stock paper (and cut them out to four-by-eight cards), then propped one up against potted plants and a votive candle. Print out the Thanksgiving menu so you can do the same. Fill the Table Don't have any seasonal decor for your table? Here's how to avoid a stark table: fill it with minipumpkins or sugar pumpkins (which can be found in the produce section of grocery stores), wine bottles, and even small potted plants that you already own. We also put out the pie, so all could ogle at what's to come. The "Endpiece" Is the New Centerpiece Have you ever sat in the middle of the table only to realize that a giant bouquet is blocking your view from the person across from you? It's annoying and prevents open communication. Avoid this pesky problem by creating an "endpiece." Group liqueur bottles, a small pumpkin, and a small Fall bouquet together for a table statement that won't get in the way. Create a Bread Centerpiece Space A long pull-apart baguette (also known as pain d'epi) fills the centerpiece space without blocking anyone. Plus, it's easy for all to reach. And what about that butter? We cut out square pieces of parchment paper to serve each person a pat of herbed butter. Keep Within the Theme Flowers make a table feel full and alive, even if it's a small arrangement, like this petit bouquet from Whole Foods, which cost around $10. However, feel free to put together your own Fall flower arrangement and use a mason jar or glass cup as the vase. Serve the Feast Buffet Style Passing dishes is a lovely tradition if there is room at the table. But if you're like us (and live in a small apartment), find a long countertop to act as a buffet table and let guests serve themselves. Make a Feast That's as Easy as the Decor That was easy, wasn't it? We also developed a Thanksgiving menu, featuring classic dishes done in seven ingredients or less. You deserve to actually enjoy Thanksgiving. Remember to Eat Hosts and hostesses often make sure everyone is taken care of, but take the time to jump in the buffet line. And Don't Forget to Sit Down No, eating your plate of food in the kitchen doesn't count. Take a seat to enjoy the meal. Savor Your Hard Work Now is about time to open that wine . . . And Please, Offer a Toast We all have a lot to be grateful for! | 4 | 1,555 | lifestyle |
Step aside, Junior. When it comes to playing video games , grown women are coming out on top. A survey from the Entertainment Software Association has found that, contrary to the typical gamer stereotype, adult women outnumber adolescent males by a significant margin. Of the 59 percent of Americans who play video games, 36 percent are women aged 18 or older. Boys 18 or younger, meanwhile, represent just 17 percent. Overall, the genders are pretty evenly split when age isn't taken into account. Females comprise 48 percent of American gamers, and males 52 percent. The question is, why don't we hear more about this? Are video game marketers ignoring their female base in their pursuit of appealing to young males? And, why does it seem so bizarre for a grown woman to admit enjoying a few rounds of "Call of Duty" after work? Industry insiders are wondering if these stats will spark a more female-friendly (as in, less misogynistic) gaming environment. Gals, it's time to represent. ( Entertainment Weekly ) Photo: Courtesy Crystal Dynamics. | 4 | 1,556 | lifestyle |
Prepare yourself for a fact blitzkrieg! | 4 | 1,557 | lifestyle |
Greater gender equality leads to divorce . Women's increased earning power leads to divorce. Men shouldering the burden of household chores leads to lower marital satisfaction and increased risk of divorce. These are just a few examples of handwringing in the popular press about why women, and to a lesser extent men, are choosing divorce over what seem to be perfectly good marriages. It used to be that a woman would stick with her husband unless he was abusing her or cheating on her. Nowadays, women leave perfectly kind, helpful husbands for reasons that seem mysterious. There are many theories floating around about why greater gender equality have not put an end to divorce in America. Underlying most of these theories is an acknowledgment that expectations about marriage have changed. Prior to the late 20th century, it was difficult for women to prosper financially, express their sexuality or have children outside of the context of marriage. Single and divorced women were also stigmatized. Wives, therefore, were willing to put up with a lot more unhappiness in marriage to avoid the social consequences of being unmarried or getting a divorce. The situation for women is radically different in the 21st century. Women do not need to marry in order to achieve financial stability, sexual satisfaction, social approval, or even to have children. Women (and men) now marry overwhelmingly for nebulous reasons like love and self-fulfillment . But here's the problem: our social narratives have not caught up with this cultural change. As a society, we encourage marriage by filling our children's heads with images of true love and happily-ever-after. They grow up expecting to find a soulmate who will be kind, loving, romantic, sexually appealing and, of course, own a castle or two. We don't promote happily-ever-after cynically; most of us, at least on some level, buy into the narrative. We know that some couples are still deeply in love after decades of marriage. On the other hand, there are married individuals an awful lot of them who are disappointed with their relationships. Some of them feel lonely, some feel forced into celibacy, some just don't enjoy the companionship of their husband or wife anymore. How should we, as a society, react to married people who feel that they have not found happily-ever-after? We could stick with our original narrative and tell them, "That's a bummer that you haven't found your true love yet. You should try again." That would lead to a lot more divorces, however, and we don't like divorces. Or we could also say, "Remember that thing we told you about it being possible to be in love for a whole lifetime? That was a lie." This message would discourage people from getting married, which we don't want either. And if we acknowledge that happily-ever-after is a lie, it would be sad for all of us. What we do tell people is that happy couples are really no different from unhappy couples. Either they have found some secret formula for happiness (and if you buy the right book/attend the right seminar/take the right product, you will be happy too!), or they have learned to lower their expectations to the point where they don't feel the sting of disappointment from incompatibility, loneliness, sexlessness or boredom. The first case is akin to Senator Marco Rubio testifying that America is "a nation of haves and soon to haves." It is theoretically possible for any single individual to become wealthy, but it is unlikely that we are all going to be rich anytime soon. The second is like saying that rich people don't have more money than poor people, just a better attitude. This narrative is not entirely without value. It is certainly true that marriages have ups and downs, and just because the passion has cooled temporarily, that is not a good reason to throw in the towel. Moreover, even the best marriages are not perfect. Every couple has problems. The flaw in this narrative is that it doesn't acknowledge that even though no relationship is perfect, not every relationship has the same potential to be great. The painful truth is that really great marriages exist, but they are rare. What we as a society should probably be telling married people is, "If you have love, passion, companionship and equality in your marriage, you are wealthy beyond words. If you don't, you have two choices. You can decide that your marriage is the best you're going to get and try to be content. Alternatively, you can leave your marriage to play the lottery of finding that perfect partner, accepting that you are unlikely to win and may have to stay single for the rest of your life." This is not a cheerful message to deliver, and it certainly wouldn't work in a Disney movie. Just as most Americans want to believe that they will get rich someday, most Americans want to think that they will have a marriage of far-above-average quality. People who don't understand the odds of getting what they want are unlikely to make wise choices. On the other hand, people who believe that success is beyond their reach may also make bad choices. Understanding that great marriages exist but are not the most likely outcome could help people considering marriage or divorce to make better informed choices. We welcome your comments at [email protected] . | 4 | 1,558 | lifestyle |
When it comes to your bridesmaids , the old rules no longer apply. They can wear mismatched gowns , you can have more bridesmaids than groomsmen, and your bridal party can include a men, if you would like. As weddings become less traditional and more personal, having mixed-gender bridal parties just makes sense. After all, the idea that all of your close friends are the same sex as you is, well, a little silly and probably not true. If you're considering having a mixed-gender bridal party and aren't sure how to make it work for you, read on for our tips. Attire When it comes to formalwear, we recommend you style each side of the aisle. Traditionally, for example, a couple might put bridesmaids in pink dresses and groomsmen in navy suits and pink ties. In this situation, the guys on the bride's side could wear gray suits with the same pink tie as those on your partner's side, while a woman on your partner's side could wear a navy blue dress that matches the men's suits, and a pink scarf or corsage. Having one color represent each side and choosing slightly different suits or gowns across the aisle will signify which party a person belongs to, and help your guests identify who's who. Getting Down The Aisle If you and your partner have equal numbers of men and women on each side, you can go the traditional route and have opposite-sex couples walk down the aisle together. Otherwise, you can have each person walk alone, or have same-sex pairs. Related: A Santa Barbara Wedding That's Beyond Gorgeous Photo: Kristen Wood on Wedding Chicks /Courtesy of Lover.ly . The Pre-Wedding Parties When it comes to the bachelorette party or a pre-wedding brunch, we think there's always room for one more! If you want to cater to a mixed-gender crowd, opt for a nontraditional bachelor or bachelorette party. Or, just make it a coed affair . You could also give your friends the option to just come to one portion of your party (hello, dinner and cocktails), but skip the rowdier antics later (see ya later, half-naked fireman). And, if you and your partner are close with each other's friends, consider inviting them to your more gender-specific events. For example, your man of honor could skip the pre-wedding mani and go get an old-fashioned shave with the groomsmen, and the groomsmaids might love to stop by your ladies-only bridal shower. The Bridal Party Gifts If you were thinking of giving your bridesmaids necklaces but are worried about what to give your bridesman, don't stress. There's no rule that says the gifts have to match perfectly. We suggest giving him a nice gift that's slightly similar (a watch, for instance, if you give the girls necklaces, or nice PJs if you give the girls matching rompers). You could also give everyone standing up for you and your partner the same gender-neutral gift; both men and women will appreciate a bottle of bubbly and a cool set of drinking glasses, a cozy blanket, or a foodie-friendly gift basket. What To Call Them Groomsmaids, bridesmen, man of honor, best woman, or something else entirely. Choose a term you (and they) are comfortable with and don't over-think it. Next: This Winston-Salem Wedding Is So Unique Photo: Kristen Wood on Wedding Chicks/Courtesy of Lover.ly. | 4 | 1,559 | lifestyle |
There are lots of reasons to be in a less-than-stellar mood. Strained relationships, financial woes and health problems can all conspire to bring down your mental well-being. For factors like these, we have very little control or say over the outcome. But fortunately, there are a few small things you can change in your life to give your mental state a little lift. Below, some potential hidden reasons for your bad mood (and how to remedy the situation STAT): 1. You're not getting enough fruits and veggies. Yes, produce is good for your physical health, but it can also have an impact on mental well-being. Researchers from the University of Warwick and Dartmouth College looked at the diets and well-being of 80,000 people in Great Britain, and found that people who ate about seven 80-gram portions of fruits and vegetables a day also had the highest mental well-being , which included factors like happiness, nervousness, feeling "low" and mental disorders. The fix: Thank goodness for the Internet and its virtually boundless trove of fruit-and-vegetable-loaded recipes. Luckily, HuffPost has rounded up some yummy ways to eat more produce here and here . 2. You still haven't seen any sunlight today. Trapped inside all day? That could be contributing to the grumps. In a small study, Zayed University researchers asked 20 people with low vitamin D levels and symptoms of depression to either go spend more time out in the sun, or to see their doctor. After seven weeks, people encouraged to soak up more rays had fewer depressive symptoms compared with the other participants. The fix: Take a walk outside! (And taking a break during your workday could hold other benefits, too.) 3. You're dehydrated. Being just a little bit dehydrated could lead to fatigue, loss of focus and a worse mood when exercising and resting, according to a small 2012 study in the Journal of Nutrition. (We should maybe coin a term for the hydration form of being "hangry" ... thangry?) The fix: Make sure you're guzzling enough good ol' H 2 O . While the oft-heard adage to get eight glasses of water a day is largely considered outdated, the Institute of Medicine does recommend 3.7 liters of total beverage intake each day for men and 2.7 liters each day for women. (And yes, this does include other kinds of beverages, like tea, coffee and juices.) 4. You're working too much. Workaholics don't just set themselves up for poorer physical health, but mental health, too . A study from Kansas State University researchers showed that people who work more than 50 hours a week had decreased physical well-being (from skipping meals), as well as " reduced mental well-being as measured by a self-reported depression score," study researcher Sarah Asebedo said in a statement. The fix: Sure, you may be working so much because of circumstances out of your control (deadlines, projects, managers' expectations). But there are little steps you can take to get out of "survival mode" at the office and make yourself more grounded. HuffPost President and Editor-in-Chief Arianna Huffington, for instance, recommends in her book Thrive: The Third Metric to Redefining Success and Creating a Life of Well-Being, Wisdom, and Wonder to take baby steps for life transformation -- trying to get a little more sleep, making time for meditation, etc. -- as well as keeping in mind what is truly important in life so you can better prioritize your goals. 5. You're spending way too much time on Facebook. The longer you spend on social media, the worse your mood will get, suggests a 2014 study from Austrian researchers. The reason, it seems, is because using Facebook can feel like a waste of time. "It's not surprising that if you do something you don't consider very meaningful, you're not in a good mood afterward," study researcher Christina Sagioglou told HuffPost Tech . The fix: Actually put the phone down and spend some time with the people physically around you! Need more reasons to give Facebook a break? Check out this post . 6. You're all slouchy. Little did you know that your mom's admonishments to "sit up straight" were actually for your mental well-being. A study from San Francisco State University researchers found that changing your posture so that you're more upright is associated with improved mood and energy. "It's very similar to the principle of 'fake it till you make it' -- you can convince your body to have more energy ," study researcher Erik Peper, Ph.D., told PsychCentral. The fix: Maintain good posture -- and then reap all the benefits. The Wall Street Journal points out that having good posture can not only be good for mood but also for decreasing pain in the joints and back. Plus, maintaining good posture can even be a practice in mindfulness . 7. You haven't laughed (or smiled) in awhile. Laughter can actually have an improvement on memory and levels of the stress hormone cortisol , according to a Loma Linda University study. And even just a smile can do the trick -- The Atlantic reported on a Psychological Science study showing that even a forced smile can lower stress and increase positive feelings. The fix: Get thee to a funny article , posthaste! Or, just crack a smile . 8. You're tired. OK, so it's not exactly a secret that being sleepy can turn the most charming of personalities into a total crab apple. But it bears mentioning that there's a link between not getting enough sleep and increased stress and irritability. Harvard Medical School's Division of Sleep Medicine points out that just getting too little sleep (and not pulling a complete all-nighter) for a week can increase feelings of mental exhaustion, anger and sadness . The fix: While the amount of sleep needed differs from person to person, the National Sleep Foundation points out that experts generally agree adults need seven to nine hours a night, while kids and teens need a bit more. However, it's vital that you figure out for yourself what sleep amount makes you the happiest, healthiest and productive. 9. You haven't escaped to nature in awhile. A trip to immerse yourself in nature really can do your mind some good. In a University of Michigan study (commissioned by the environmental group the Sierra Club), veterans went on a multi-day hiking and camping trip. After the trip, their scores on measures of psychological well-being, social functioning and life outlook were all higher. While the study only looked at vets, other research has suggested benefits of spending time in nature for other people, too. An Environmental Science & Technology journal study, for instance, showed that people who move to urban areas with green spaces have improved mood and mental health , even years after the move. The fix: There are lots of reasons -- and ways -- to tune back into nature. Check out our Go Rogue series for ways biking , hiking , surfing and more can help you be happier and healthier. (And don't overlook the benefits of simply getting some fresh air or escaping to the mountains !) This article originally appeared in The Huffington Post | 4 | 1,560 | lifestyle |
If you're tired of reaching for cleaning products with ingredients you can't even pronounce, then head to your local grocery store for a few basic components, and make your own. These eco-friendly concoctions will leave your house sparkling. From window cleaner to grout whitener, you'll be amazed at how easy these DIYs are to pull off. And after making the initial investment for the all-natural ingredients, these cleaning supplies cost pennies per concoction to make. From shining those countertops to quickly cleaning your commode, these easy DIY bathroom wipes look so chic in an upcycled plastic container. Give your clothes a cleaning kick with this easy-to-make dry laundry booster that's made with natural ingredients and won't bleach your clothes. This homemade liquid dish soap leaves dishes wonderfully clean without tons of suds. Add essential oils to personalize the liquid soap. Not only are these garbage disposal refreshers easy to make, but they also look adorable in a cute jar next to your sink. And they really do wonders, eliminating unwanted odors. If you've got wall-to-wall carpeting, then this dry carpet cleaner is perfect for you. Sprinkle it on, and let it do its job. Vacuum to reveal fresh and clean rugs. Not only are these dryer sheets eco-friendly, but they're also reusable, making them a must have for your laundry room. Keep your bathroom's tub, tile, and grout fresh and clean sans harsh chemicals with this homemade cleaner. Stains happen, which makes this DIY stain remover perfect for getting rid of unwanted marks. Your wooden furniture will glow after using this homemade furniture polish. And you probably already have all the ingredients you need for tossing this polish together. You will be amazed at how easy it is to make your own general cleaner. And you can personalize this grease-buster with a fresh scent, like rosemary, lemon, or orange. Not only are these floor wipes easy to make, but they are also reusable, making them just about the coolest eco-friendly cleaning product ever. Naturally remove residue and waxy buildup on your fresh fruits and vegetables with this eco-friendly and all-natural cleaning spray. Banish dust with these reusable dusting wipes that also leave a lovely scent. Simply use the saturated sheet, toss it in the wash, and then pop it back in the container. Let the sun shine through clean windows with the help of this homemade window cleaner. This DIY liquid laundry detergent will leave your clothes fresh and clean. Made with Borax and super washing soda, you can add essential oils to elevate the scent. Fear spills no more with this carpet cleaner that really does a number on stains. Plus, it's wonderfully easy to make and leaves rugs looking brand-new. Your commode will sparkle after using this homemade toilet bowl cleaner. Made with vinegar, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide, this natural cleaner does all the dirty work. Instead of tossing down for name-brand fabric softener, make your own softening solution that leaves clothes wonderfully downy. Clean your not-so-fresh dishwasher with the help of these baking soda dishwasher bombs that leave things shiny and smelling wonderful. Make your leather furniture look brand-new with eco-friendly leather cleaner. And this quick clean is a must do during the hot Summer months. We've all got a few pots and pans hiding that could use a good scrubbing, which makes this amazing metal cleaner the perfect thing to have them looking like new in no time. Transform an old coffee can into a chic holder for these cleaning wipes. They're not necessarily a "cleaner," but these eco-friendly toilet bombs bust through clogged toilets, resulting in a happy bathroom. Your wood floors will shine after cleaning them with this homemade wood floor cleaner. And the addition of essential oil leaves your house smelling wonderful. Clean your casserole pans with the help of this homemade soft scrub that won't scratch while tackling baked-on food. If you've got tile in your tub or glass shower doors that show each and every hard water stain, here's a simple Epsom salts scrub that will make things sparkle. Tired of schlepping detergent and fabric softener around with your laundry? Here's an easy solution that cleans and softens clothes - all-in-one laundry bombs! Even when traveling, this homemade stain stick can tackle tough marks. And this helper repurposes deodorant or lip gloss containers. Tuck in your purse or travel bag so it's handy when needed. Keep your home dust-free with this DIY dusting spray that also gently cleans your favorite furniture. Instead of reaching for harsh bleach that instantly discolors anything it touches and can be toxic if ingested, try making your own homemade blend instead. Here's a bathroom cleaner that's also awesome for you! Along with buffing away soap scum, this scrub can be used on your body as an exfoliant. Don't toss your orange and lemon peels! Use them for making this seriously easy citrus spray that does an amazing job cleaning greasy countertops. Made with natural ingredients, this borax-free laundry detergent is tough on stains but gentle on your clothes. And the detergent is great for those with sensitive skin. With only three ingredients, spray your way to a clean shower every day. The dish soap helps keep your shower sparkling while the vinegar disinfects with this DIY shower spray. Don't feel like doing the dishes? No problem. Make these dish soak fizzies that do all the tough work for you. Want to keep your sheets fresh? This homemade linen spray will lengthen the time between washings and keeps your sheets smelling heavenly. You only need three ingredients to mix together this knockoff cleaner! You'll love how fresh and clean your house is after using. Tired of a streaky monitor? DIY your own spray cleaner that leaves screens so clean - and free of streaks! Sticky stuff, begone! Mix together this easy cleaning concoction that removes residue from just about anything. Tired of mold and mildew in your space? Mix together an antifungal and antibacterial spray that keeps it away for good. If you have wall-to-wall rugs that don't smell so fresh, thanks to mold and mildew, mix together this carpet deodorizer that cleans while refreshing. If you're a coffee lover, save your used grounds to DIY these disposal cleaners that also leave your drain smelling amazing. Want to elevate your favorite laundry detergent? DIY your own washing soda using regular baking soda and a little help from your oven. Keep your car seats looking brand-new with this eco-friendly car cleaner that's safe to use around kids and pets. Toss one of these frozen citrus rosemary garbage disposal cleaners down your drain for a really fresh kitchen sink. Keep your entire space germ-free with a DIY antibacterial spray that's safe to use around pets and kids. Your dishes will love these lemon dishwasher tabs that leave everything sparkling. Refresh all the fabrics in your home with this easy-to-make DIY version of Febreze. You're going to love it! Keep your dishes sparkling with this eco-friendly rinse aid that also leaves your dishwasher smelling fresh, too. Bring the fluffy back to your favorite linens and clothes with dry fabric softener that you can personalize with your favorite scent. Put sponges to good use, along with a few other ingredients, and DIY fabric softener sponges that can be used over and over again. Target tough marks with an all-natural stain remover that really works. Mix together ingredients you all ready have in your pantry for a mirror cleaner that only needs one swipe, which leaves reflective glass sparkling. Sharpen your garbage disposal blades while giving them a deep cleaning with the help of fresh rosemary. And these frozen cleaners also add flavor to soups and stews! Harness the cleaning power of vinegar, the antibacterial qualities of rosemary, and the fresh scent of citrus in this DIY food-safe kitchen cleaner. Safe to use around pets and kids, this disinfecting cleaner is smart to have on hand. Instead of reaching for bleach, try using lemons for naturally whitening delicates such as linens or lace. Transform old t-shirts into pop-up cleaning wipes that can be used on their own for dusting or moistened with your favorite cleaner for wiping up messes. Keep mirrors from getting steamy after showers with this all-natural antifogger mirror spray. Make a natural laundry detergent personalized with your favorite essential oil that leaves your clothes smelling so fabulous. You'll never believe how easy it is to clean your blender - and it only takes a few seconds! Along with helping to wash your hands, your faucet needs a cleaning too. Follow these easy steps to keep it wonderfully fresh. Take a few moments to give your garbage disposal a deep-cleaning, which keeps it running wonderfully for years to come. Save money and DIY your own liquid dish soap with all-natural ingredients that leaves your plates and glasses sparkling. Make your own hand soap with soothing coconut oil that leaves your hands so clean - and smelling so fresh. | 4 | 1,561 | lifestyle |
There have been times while in public - admittedly more than just once or twice - that I have found myself subtly shifting my hand or bag to cover the binding or the front of my blatantly young adult fiction book. When I recently came back from vacation, I was asked I read while away. Having plowed through four YA novels during that time (yes, this IS my idea of vacation, thank you very much!), I felt I also had to throw in the obligatory addendum, "But I read real books too, I swear!" I'm not the only adult who is devoted to this much-loved and often misrepresented genre, who sometimes feels the need to justify and defend my literature choices. This isn't a rant about why I love YA; it's a look at why the genre is important, whether or not you like it. Don't get me wrong, plenty of these books are sprinkled with cringeworthy one-liners and somewhat unrealistic scenarios. Still, it's called fiction , people! And the point of fiction is to create a world that we can escape to, while simultaneously learning more about the one we are actually in. Young adult fiction does just this, and then some. And if you think that only kids can get something from the lessons, then you clearly have not picked up the right YA book yet. We don't stop needing or wanting answers about life and love the moment we stop being teenagers, so why feel badly about still seeking them out through literature in adulthood? 1. On Identity One of the most difficult things to go through - for both young people and adults - is the process of finding one's own identity, and more importantly, learning to love it. Books like The Giver , Divergent , and Stargirl all cover various stages of the process, both literally and metaphorically, while characters fight for the right to be who they want to be. The ultimate conclusion: individuality is preferable to sameness, even if the world makes it more challenging for you to embrace this. 2. On Finding Meaning in the Madness The older we get, the more it becomes entirely clear that the world is a crazy place, and we are just along for the ride. Many young adult novels capture the beauty of this chaos, like the tear-jerking roller coaster of a book that is The Fault in Our Stars . It deftly sums up the nature of life, noting that while "some infinities are bigger than other infinities," we all are given what we are given, and it's entirely up to us to make the most of every single moment, because it's really all we have. 3. On Bravery and Selflessness Dystopian fiction novels like Suzanne Collins's The Hunger Games and Marie Lu's Legend series brilliantly present bravery and selflessness in a straightforward and honest way. While the backdrops of these futuristic novels are usually more fantasy than fact, the protagonists' pursuit of truth in a world of lies is a very real one. They are extremely resilient, and their perseverance can (and should) be applied in our world as well. As a character in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire rightly describes hard times, "You've got to go through it to get to the end of it." 4. On Rape and Abuse Young adult novels may have their flaws, but they certainly do not shy away from the tougher subjects. Here's the thing: life sucks sometimes, and bad things happen to good people. Why protect teenagers and young adults from this? They are going to learn it, but through role models like title duo Eleanor and Park , or Charlie in The Perks of Being a Wallflower , readers of all ages are also shown ways of dealing with and growing from it. These characters, along with the narrator of Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak and the protagonist in Sarah Dessen's Just Listen , all deal with issues of rape and abuse in different ways - but representation of people who have gone through these things is essential. 5. On Friendship Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley are pretty much the best fictional friends of all time (sorry Frodo and Samwise). They showed us what can come from the bonds of true friendship and portrayed the increasing layers of relationships as they evolve over time. Many YA critics cite that an issue with the genre is its unrealistic portrayal of the characters - in other words, that they are one-dimensional or less relatable to adults, who have to actually make an effort to put themselves back in their teenage shoes. But when following the Harry Potter trio, Percy Jackson and friends, or Lyra and Will in His Dark Materials , you see remarkable growth through the years and books. It very clearly resembles the reality of change and growth through different phases of our own (very real) relationships. 6. On Loss With life comes loss, and books like John Green's The Fault in Our Stars and Gayle Forman's If I Stay cover the bases when it comes to the grieving process and subsequent acceptance of a loved one's passing. In The Book Thief , even the character of Death has a voice, describing one girl's experience with it beautifully. 7. On Sex and Sexuality Teenagers have sex. Adults have sex. Sex is a real thing. Not talking about it is unproductive, unrealistic, and frankly, kind of boring. While some young adult books choose to allude to the actual act rather than break it down in detail, others lay it out and bare it all (pun intended). They don't always make it out to be this perfect thing with no consequences, nor do they attempt to make it something scary or to be avoided. They simply portray it as something that happens, like in John Green's Looking for Alaska or in A.S. King's Ask the Passengers , when a young girl begins to explore her sexuality with men and women and refuses to give up her quest for real love, as she - and no one else - defines it. 8. On Guilt and Forgiveness We all make mistakes, and forgiving ourselves or the ones who hurt us is usually a long process, based on trial and error. Many young adult books explore this in-depth and in diverse ways. In Veronica Roth's Divergent , one character discusses a mistake, saying that "Maybe there's more we all could have done, but we just have to let the guilt remind us to do better next time." In the context, this doesn't mean that we should beat ourselves up over our mistakes, but instead embrace that we all make them and continuously strive to better ourselves and the lives of those around us. Not a bad concept, all in all. 9. On Love Pretty much every YA book in existence does its part to give us a good love story, or a sad love story, or a funny love story, or all of the above. The best part of reading about love from the eyes of a young adult is that we get a fresh perspective on something that, as adults, we either take for granted or have forgotten all about. We get to remember the excitement (and horror!) of new love and remind ourselves why it mattered so much - and why it still does. | 4 | 1,562 | lifestyle |
What is sombré? First, let's take it back to the OG trend: ombré. It's every lazy girl's dream: let your roots grow out and, essentially, you've got the look. (One of the trend's redeeming qualities.) Over the past few years, we've seen this look go from dip-dyed ends to drastic color pairings - deep black roots with platinum-blond ends or red with brunette - and now it's time to refresh yet again! Sombré, known also as "soft" or "subtle ombré," incorporates lighter shades in a more natural way. Instead of dramatic colors paired together, your base color casually transitions into lighter shades by strategically placed highlights around the face, which cascade into heavy highlights at the ends. It's a look we're seeing on some of our favorites hair color muses like Kate Mara, Mila Kunis, and Lily Collins, so we went straight to the source - their hair colorist, Denis de Souza - to learn who's a candidate for the look, how to maintain it at home, and how often you need touch-ups. On Kirbie: MissGuided dress; on Lauren: Rebecca Taylor top This story was originally published on POPSUGAR Beauty. See it here | 4 | 1,563 | lifestyle |
Uncertain Yields Because organic farmers don't use chemicals, they lose more crops and animals to pests and disease than conventional farmers do. They also have to account for the shortened shelf-life of their chemical- and preservative-free products; some products go bad before they're sold. No Growth Enhancers Organic products also refrain from the use of growth enhancers and hormones. This means crops and animals can take longer to reach maturity. The extra time spent caring for these plants and animals, and the delay in profit from their sale, raises the cost of organic products further. Natural Weed Control Choosing to control weeds without chemicals also means that organic farmers must practice crop rotation and cover-cropping to maintain soil health and discourage the growth of weeds. Simply put, organic farmers rotate the crop they're growing on a particular plot of land (even if that means growing less profitable crops at certain points throughout the year) so that the soil will have the nutrients it needs to prevent weeds from growing. By contrast, non-organic farms can grow the most profitable crops year-round, which further reduces the costs of growing conventional produce. Weeding by Hand Forgoing synthetic pesticides (which are highly effective when it comes to eliminating weeds) means more manual labor. Often organic crops are weeded by hand, which means more work and potentially more workers. Organic Fertilizer Conventional farms use chemical fertilizers that are cheap to purchase and ship. By contrast, organic farmers fertilize with manure or compost if they can't produce enough organic fertilizer on their own farm then they can purchase more, but these types of fertilizers are expensive and cost more to ship than their synthetic counterparts. Organic Certification There are several costs involved in gaining organic certification. Not only is there an annual fee, but some farms may have to hire additional employees to assist in daily record-keeping or make modifications to their land and equipment in order to comply. | 0 | 1,564 | foodanddrink |
The Internet is frequently blamed for messing with our minds, making us superficial, distracted and even deluded. But a new study suggests that for some people, using it could actually be healthy. For a study published in The Journals of Gerontology, André J. Xavier and his co-authors analyzed data on 6,442 people between ages 50 and 89. Several times over the course of eight years, the participants were asked if they used the Internet or email, and were given a word-recall test that measured their memory. Those who said they didn't use the Internet or email did worse on the test over time, while those who did actually improved the effect remained after the researchers took into account age and socioeconomic status. Even those subjects who had relatively low cognitive function at the beginning of the study meaning they might already be experiencing age-related problems performed better on the recall tests if they used the Internet than if they didn't. The authors write that it is "the first major study to show that being digitally literate can improve memory" and that countries that promote digital literacy "may expect lower incidence rates for dementia over the coming decades." Mr. Xavier told Op-Talk that using the Internet and email might be beneficial because "our brains need to learn new things and interact with other brains." He explained, "our 'memory' is not inside, it is between us, in our day-by-day life when we talk and see each other." And Internet use may be one way to maintain connections and forge new ones: "Digital literacy is about contact, new horizons, inclusion and humanization, so we start to be an active part of society again." The news that the Internet might actually make people better at something may come as a surprise, since so many have warned of its dangers. One of the most famous warnings is Nicholas Carr's 2008 Atlantic cover story "Is Google Making Us Stupid?" In it, he notes a change in his own mental habits: "My mind now expects to take in information the way the Net distributes it: in a swiftly moving stream of particles. Once I was a scuba diver in the sea of words. Now I zip along the surface like a guy on a Jet Ski." He also worried that the Internet might alter not just our thought processes and reading habits but our very selves. He recalled a scene in the film "2001: A Space Odyssey" wherein the artificial intelligence HAL pleads with his human operator: "In the world of '2001,' people have become so machinelike that the most human character turns out to be a machine. That's the essence of Kubrick's dark prophecy: as we come to rely on computers to mediate our understanding of the world, it is our own intelligence that flattens into artificial intelligence." Mr. Carr also wrote that "for all that's been written about the Net, there's been little consideration of how, exactly, it's reprogramming us." This is no longer true examinations of the effect of Internet use on our mental faculties are now commonplace. In The Washington Post, Michael S. Rosenwald reports on recent research into Internet use and reading: "With so much information, hyperlinked text, videos alongside words and interactivity everywhere, our brains form shortcuts to deal with it all scanning, searching for key words, scrolling up and down quickly. This is nonlinear reading, and it has been documented in academic studies. Some researchers believe that for many people, this style of reading is beginning to invade when dealing with other mediums as well." The neuroscientist and reading researcher Maryanne Wolf tells him she's seen the effects herself after a day of heavy Internet use: "I couldn't force myself to slow down so that I wasn't skimming, picking out key words, organizing my eye movements to generate the most information at the highest speed. I was so disgusted with myself." And Michael Harris, in an excerpt from his book "The End of Absence: Reclaiming What We've Lost in a World of Constant Connection," published at Wired, writes that "a slower, less harried way of thinking may be on the verge of extinction" and that "young brains may be more equipped to deal with digital reality than with the decidedly less flashy reality that makes up our dirty, sometimes boring, material world." His warning: "We may be on our way to becoming servants to the evolution of our own technologies. The power shifts very quickly from the spark of human intention to the absorption of human will by a technology that seems to have intentions of its own." But some people see the Internet as a mixed blessing rather than as a curse. In a November article in Scientific American, the psychologists Daniel M. Wegner and Adrian F. Ward write that in one study performed by their team, people who had access to a computer to save facts were worse at remembering them, even if they were asked to. In another, those who were allowed to use the Internet to help them answer trivia questions felt smarter than those who had to answer them on their own. Mr. Wegner and Mr. Ward write that "using Google gives people the sense that the Internet has become part of their own cognitive tool set" and that "the advent of the 'information age' seems to have created a generation of people who feel they know more than ever before when their reliance on the Internet means that they may know ever less about the world around them." However, they conclude: "As advances in computation and data transfer blur the lines between mind and machine, we may transcend some of the limits on memory and thought imposed by the shortcomings of human cognition. But this shift does not mean that we are in danger of losing our own identity. We are simply merging the self with something greater, forming a transactive partnership not just with other humans but with an information source more powerful than any the world has ever seen." Ms. Wolf also believes Internet use could have benefits. She tells Mr. Rosenwald, "We should be simultaneously reading to children from books, giving them print, helping them learn this slower mode, and at the same time steadily increasing their immersion into the technological, digital age. It's both." Research into the Internet's effects on our mental faculties will no doubt continue for a long time to come, but Mr. Xavier and his team offer one clue that these effects may not be all bad. Per Mr. Wegner and Mr. Ward, the Internet may not be destroying us rather, it may change us, sometimes for the better. | 4 | 1,565 | lifestyle |
The next time you return from a fun adventure, commemorate your travels and create unique coasters using maps of the destination. And it's a great way to give new life to an old atlas. Pick your favorite locations or close-up street maps for a unique look. Use sturdy tiles from your local home goods store. This DIY costs around $1 per tile to make. What You'll Need: 4 4-inch square tumbled marble tiles Old atlas or maps Pencil Scissors Paint brush Mod Podge Clear sealant spray paint Felt (optional) Directions: Select a map to use for creating the coaster, place a tile over the area, and use a pencil to trace around it. Repeat three times using the same map, or use a different location. Cut the squares and trim to fit the square tiles as needed. Coat the top side of the tumbled marble with Mod Podge, and then press the section of map over the top, smoothing gently. Do the same with the remaining three tiles. Coat the tops of the coasters with a layer of Mod Podge, and set aside to dry for at least one hour. Take outdoors or to a well-ventilated spot and coat with clear sealant spray paint. Once dry, your travel coasters are ready to keep water rings off your favorite furniture. You can even make them scratch-safe by gluing a small square of felt to each bottom corner. Cheers! | 4 | 1,566 | lifestyle |
Saved by the Bell dominated the '90s, and we learned a lot from the Bayside kids about personal style, including crazy prints, statement sneaks, and of course, a plethora of hats and scrunchies! The new Saved by the Bell unauthorized parody is coming out soon, so in honor of one of our favorite shows, here are the top five style tips we learned from Saved by the Bell. This story was originally published on POPSUGAR Fashion. See it here | 4 | 1,567 | lifestyle |
You've probably tried distressing your denim at home before - but do you know how to do it properly so you get the result you want? Today, we're showing you distressing done right! All you need are a few simple tools to get started. On Allison: Equipment blouse This story was originally published on POPSUGAR Fashion. See it here | 4 | 1,568 | lifestyle |
Taylor Swift's movie The Giver hit theaters over the weekend, and she made the TV rounds promoting the film. She hit up The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Late Night With Seth Meyers, where she finally talked about her swanky postgym getups. According to Taylor, "everyone looks that way" when they leave the gym. On Becca: Joie On Lindsay: Trina Turk This story was originally published on POPSUGAR Fashion. See it here | 4 | 1,569 | lifestyle |
If you're looking for a more sophisticated way to embrace your inner nerd, these futuristic pieces will point you in the right direction! Whether you use it to display headphones on your desk or style it with a hat and necklaces on your dresser, this glass head sculpture ($20) is an affordable conversation piece you won't regret. Pay homage to the space age of design with a midcentury icon: the orbit chandelier ($349). If you're looking for an eye-catching addition to your home bar, consider these inside-out Champagne glasses ($70) your answer. Exquisitely crafted and ultramodern, this citrus basket ($205) looks just as good filled with colorful fruit as it does empty. Before you reach for that galaxy poster, consider hanging this dazzling starburst wall plaque ($140) instead. Front Page Image Source: Grace Hitchcock This story was originally published on POPSUGAR Home. See it here | 4 | 1,570 | lifestyle |
You don't have to live in a coveted zip code to enjoy an A-list outdoor space. Check out these easy ways to steal the style of these celebrity yards for less! Source: Dean Kaufman for InStyle While there are plenty of beautiful design moments in Jerry and Jessica Seinfeld's Hamptons home in New York, there's something to be said about a classic lantern pendant that never goes out of style. We found a similar light ($76) for under $100! Source: Architectural Digest Who could forget the epic pool in Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen's former mansion (now owned by Dr. Dre!)? Jaw-dropping view aside, the drum stools are just as memorable. This ceramic table ($199) has a similar shape and can be used as extra seating in a pinch. No room for a lounge chair? No problem! An Acapulco chair ($199, originally $249) packs a vibrant yet comfortable punch without taking up much space. Source: Dean Kaufman for InStyle While it's not technically her yard, this atrium in Kelly Wearstler's Malibu, CA, beach house brings the drama. While we can't all introduce a towering tree, we can take cues from her passion for marble. One way to snag the look for less is to look for marble accessories. This wine cooler ($30) is essential when serving white wine or Champagne. Source: Dean Kaufman for InStyle If you're pining for a Moroccan tile moment like the one in Rachel Zoe's home, I have an option that doesn't require any renovation . . . These coasters capture the graphic pattern and global feel without costing much! This story was originally published on POPSUGAR Home. See it here | 4 | 1,571 | lifestyle |
After years of thinking we were just plain crazy, Apple has finally admitted that the iPhone 5's battery is pretty awful. For a small number of devices, sold between September 2012 and January 2013, the company is replacing iPhone batteries with very short life spans - for free. If you live in the US or China, then head to Apple's battery replacement page and enter in your device's serial number to see if you qualify. Find your phone's serial number in the Settings app, under General > About > Serial Number. Don't qualify but your battery's still drained? We've got 10 tips to keep your phone going all day long. This story was originally published on POPSUGAR Tech. See it here | 4 | 1,572 | lifestyle |
'The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby' Cast: Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy, Viola Davis, William Hurt, Isabelle Huppert, Bill Hader, Jess Weixler, Ciaran Hinds Director: Ned Benson Release date: Sept. 12 What's it about? A young couple, played by Jessica Chastain and James McAvoy, struggle to reconnect in the wake of a family tragedy. Writer-director Ned Benson"s feature debut also stars William Hurt, Viola Davis, Isabelle Huppert and Ciaran Hinds. Why we're excited to see it: "Eleanor Rigby" stunned audiences at last year's Toronto Film Festival when it premiered as two separate movies, one from the perspective of each of the main characters. The new version is more conventional and not as rich as the two-part original (which will be released later in the fall), but performances by Chastain and McAvoy make it a deeply affecting relationship story that deserves attention in any format. 'This Is Where I Leave You' Cast: Jason Bateman, Tina Fey, Rose Byrne, Jane Fonda, Adam Driver, Corey Stoll Director: Shawn Levy Release date: Sept. 12 What's it about? Four adult siblings and their mother are forced to sit shiva together for a week in their childhood home following the dying wish of their late father. Dysfunction ensues. Why we're excited to see it: Shawn Levy has assembled an all star cast led by Jason Bateman, Tina Fey, Jane Fonda, Adam Driver and Rose Byrne to tell the funny and poignant story that first captured audiences" attention in Jonathan Tropper"s best-selling novel. 'Tusk' Cast: Genesis Rodriguez, Haley Joel Osment, Justin Long, Harley Quinn Smith, Michael Parks Director: Kevin Smith Release date: Sept. 19 What's it about? A man (Long) gets captured, tortured, and turned into a walrus by a freak (Parks). Why we're excited to see it: A man gets captured, tortured, and turned into a walrus... in a film directed by Kevin Smith. 'The Equalizer' Cast: Denzel Washington, Marton Csokas, Chloe Grace Moretz Director: Antoine Fuqua Release date: Sept. 26 What's it about? A retired intelligence operative (Denzel Washington) works quietly in a home improvement store...except when he puts his background to work helping victims of crime, injustice and, in this particular case, the Russian mob. Why we're excited to see it: Because those of us old enough to remember the 1980s television series on which the film is based fondly recall British actor Edward Woodward as a mysterious guy with serious demons and even-more-serious skills at making bad guys pay. And with Washington clearly having the chops to pull off the silent-but-deadly thing, hopes are high that director Antoine Fuqua ("Training Day") won"t just make the film a barrage of action scenes. 'Gone Girl' Cast: Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Carrie Coon, Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry, Emily Ratajkowski, Kim Dickens, Scoot McNairy Director: David Fincher Release date: Oct. 3 What's it about? Based on the bestselling novel by Gillian Flynn, "Gone Girl" stars Ben Affleck as Nick Dunne, who becomes the prime suspect in the disappearance of his wife, Amy (Rosamund Pike) Did he kill her? Is she even dead? So many secrets... Why we're excited to see it: It"s David Fincher working in the genre he"s best suited for, working off another pop-hit novel after "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo." We"re looking forward to seeing Affleck go dark before "Batman," and we"re also anxious to see Neil Patrick Harris and Tyler Perry explore new cinematic territory. Fincher has also deviated from the book a little bit, which means there are new twists and turns! 'Whiplash' Cast: Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons Director: Damien Chazelle Release date: Oct. 10 What's it about? An ambitious young drummer"s path to success may be thwarted by an abusive instructor at a prestigious music academy. Why we're excited to see it: Miles Teller is one of the most exciting young actors working today, and Damien Chazelle made quite a splash at Sundance with his second feature film, winning both the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award, following in the footsteps of recent award season heavy hitters like "Beasts of the Southern Wild" and "Fruitvale Station." 'The Judge' Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Robert Duvall, Vera Farmiga, Vincent D Onofrio, Dax Shepard Director: David Dobkin Release date: Oct. 10 What's it about? A lawyer returns to his small-town Midwest home to find his estranged father, the town judge, accused of murder. Why we're ... more Robert Downey Jr. as the son and Robert Duvall as the father? That's a noteworthy acting team indeed -- and Vera Farmiga, Vincent D"Onofrio and Billy Bob Thornton (as a character named Dwight Dickham!) don"t hurt, either. 'Fury' Cast: Brad Pitt, Logan Lerman, Shia LaBeouf, Scott Eastwood Director: David Ayer Release date: Oct. 17 What's it about? Allied soldiers pinned behind enemy lines are forced to fight their way out of Nazi territory. Why we're excited to see it: Ayer has a unique talent for shooting realistic urban action, but we"re curious to see what he"ll do in a period war flick. And, no, "U-571" doesn"t count. 'Camp X-Ray' Cast: Kristen Stewart, Tara Holt, Lane Garrison, Peyman Moaadi Director: Peter Sattler Release date: Oct. 17 What's it about? Kristen Stewart enlists in the Army, becomes a prison guard at a Guantanamo Bay and gains a new perspective on how her country treats enemy combatants. Why we're excited to see it: Sattler"s visually intriguing directorial debut might very well contain a masterful performance from Stewart, who hopes to finally put the "Twilight" franchise behind her. Strong reviews out of Sundance don"t hurt, either. 'Nightcrawler' Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Bill Paxton, Rene Russo Director: Dan Gilroy Release date: Oct. 17 What's it about? Jake Gyllenhaal stars as an ambitious young man who enters LA"s underground world of freelance crime journalism and gets carried away in the process. Bill Paxtoan co-stars, while Rene Russo mounts a comeback as Jake"s boss. Why we're excited to see it: It"s Dan Gilroy"s directorial debut after he previously wrote "The Bourne Legacy" and Tarsem"s "The Fall." Gyllenhaal lost a lot of weight to play this creepy character and he probably wouldn"t have gone to those lengths unless he really believed in the project. Plus, did you see the intensity on display in that trailer? Toronto, here we come! 'Birdman' Cast: Michael Keaton, Zach Galifianakis, Edward Norton, Naomi Watts, Amy Ryan Director: Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu Release date: Oct. 17 What's it about? Michael Keaton plays a dude who, in his glory days, played a famous superhero (get it??). Now, washed up and a little bit crazed, he"s got to get his life back together and reclaim that fame -- via Broadway play. Why we're excited to see it: Keaton is always a delight, and he"s been missed over the last decade. Obviously, he"s winking at that -- and his past as Batman -- with this role, and that"s incentive enough to see it. The fact that it"s directed by Mexican auteur Inarritu makes it that much more exciting. From the trailers, Norton looks like he"s in the fun mode he revs into for Wes Anderson, too. 'St. Vincent' Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Bill Murray, Naomi Watts, Chris O"Dowd, Terrence Howard Director: Theodore Melfi Release date: Oct. 24 What's it about? A single mom (Melissa McCarthy) recruits her grumpy, retired and often soused neighbor (Bill Murray) to babysit her 12-year-old son, with predictably raucous results. Why we're excited to see it: The premise isn"t the most promising, but Murray alone is enough to make any movie worth a look. It"ll be fascinating to see whether he (and director Theodore Melfi) will coax McCarthy into toning down the kind of brash comic hijinks that have made her rich and famous. Here"s hoping they do. 'Big Hero 6' Cast: Ryan Potter, T.J. Miller, Genesis Rodriguez, Maya Rudolph, Alan Tudyk, Marlon Wayans Jr., James Cromwell, Scott Adsit Directors: Don Hall, Chris Williams Release date: Nov. 7 What's it about? An animated film based on a Marvel manga, this is a bit of a departure for Disney (not that risky Marvel movies have proven to be anything but major hits for them). Set in futuristic San Fransokyo, the film tells the story of a young robots wiz who summons together a team of wannabe heroes -- including his Stay Puft-like buddy Baymax -- to solve a criminal mystery. Why we're excited to see it: Again, it"s something new and different, and manga rarely gets the chance to shine in American theaters. Plus, the trailers show off exciting new city and technological designs, bringing the company into a future it has rarely visited. It"ll be interesting to see how the company"s core fans respond to this new sort of movie. 'Interstellar' Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Michael Caine, Casey Affleck, Wes Bentley, Topher Grace, Bill Irwin, Ellen Burstyn, Mackenzie Foy, John Lithgow, David Oyelowo, Matt Damon Director: Christopher Nolan Release date: Nov. 7 What's it about? No one really knows for sure, but we know it involves Matthew McConaughey traveling to outer space to save the world along with Anne Hathaway, which sounds like an exciting time at the movies. Jessica Chastain plays his daughter and the visual effects look amazing. Why we're excited to see it: That"s easy -- Christopher Nolan, who is coming off "The Dark Knight" trilogy. The fact that "Interstellar" is a sci-fi movie featuring eye-popping visuals, an all-star cast and wormholes doesn"t hurt. 'Foxcatcher' Cast: Steve Carell, Channing Tatum, Mark Ruffalo Director: Bennett Miller Release date: Nov. 14 What's it about? John du Pont, a socially awkward and possibly schizophrenic member of the wealthy chemical family, becomes determined to help U.S. Olympic wrestler Mark Schultz and his brother/coach Dave Schultz, in a true-life tale of obsession turned tragic. Why we're excited to see it: With a career-changing performance from Steve Carell as du Pont and strong, physical work from Channing Tatum and Mark Ruffalo as the Schultz brothers, "Foxcatcher" won raves at Cannes and reinforced Bennett Miller"s status as a smart, adventurous director who steers clear of cliche and formula. 'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1' Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Julianne Moore Director: Francis Lawrence Release date: Nov. 21 What's it about? As if you didn't already know! After literally bringing down the roof in "Catching Fire," Katniss Everdeen (Lawrence) finally begins the rebellion against Panem"s oddly costumed oppressors. Why we're excited to see it: Action. Adventure. Hoffman"s penultimate performance. What"s not to love? 'Inherent Vice' Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Katherine Waterston, Josh Brolin, Owen Wilson, Reese Witherspoon Director: Paul Thomas Anderson Release date: Dec. 12 What's it about? In 1970s Los Angeles, private investigator/drug enthusiast Larry "Doc" Sportello (Joaquin Phoenix) is tasked with solving the disappearance of an ex-girlfriend, meeting all kinds of crazy characters along the way. Why we're excited to see it: Paul Thomas Anderson directing a Thomas Pynchon dark comedy starring Joaquin Phoenix. Need we say more? 'Into the Woods' Cast: Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, James Corden, Anna Kendrick, Chris Pine, Johnny Depp Director: Rob Marshall Release date: Dec. 25 What's it about? Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel and more fairy tale characters wander into some enchanted woods, cross each other"s paths and do a little singing. Why we're excited to see it: Stephen Sondheim's classic musical won multiple Tony awards for both its original and revival Broadway productions. A big screen adaptation has been a long time coming, and Rob Marshall has assembled a great cast including Meryl Streep, Anna Kendrick, Johnny Depp and new "Late Late Show" host James Corden. 'Unbroken' Cast: Jack O"Connell, Domhnall Gleeson, Finn Wittrock, Garrett Hedlund Director: Angelina Jolie Release date: Dec. 25 What's it about? A troubled youth turned Olympic sprinter goes through even more extraordinary life events when he enlists in the army, survives a plane crash and 40 days at sea, only to end up in the hands of the enemy, where he's tortured for years. And it all really happened. Why we're excited to see it: Angelina Jolie is behind the camera and rising star Jack O'Connell is in front of it as Louis Zamperini, who survived all that to live to 97 years old. Throw in a script by the Coen brothers and cinematography by Roger Deakins, and this just might be the biggest undeniable can't-miss of the fall season. 'The Interview' Cast: James Franco, Seth Rogen, Randall Park, Lizzy Caplan Directors: Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg Release date: Dec. 25 What's it about? James Franco is a celebrity tabloid TV host, and Seth Rogen is his producer. Their show is dopey, but North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un is a fan, and decides to grant the guys an exclusive interview. On their way, they get interrupted by the CIA, who enlist them in a plot to assassinate the North Korean leader. Why we're excited to see it: Rogen and buddy Seth Goldberg have proven to be a strong creative team, writing films like "Superbad" and "Pineapple Express" before moving over to directing last year with the hit "This Is The End." Franco starred in that last feature, and for all his far-out art projects, he knows just how to make fun of himself, which he does best when around Rogen, his BFF since the "Freaks and Geeks" days. It should be fun to see these two cripple international relations. 'Big Eyes' Cast: Amy Adams, Christoph Waltz, Krysten Ritter, Jason Schwartzman, Terence Stamp, Danny Huston Director: Tim Burton Release date: Dec. 25 What's it about? Art can bring people together, and sometimes, tear them apart... especially when there's big money involved. Margaret Keane's paintings of sweet children with gigantic bug eyes became huge hits in the 1950s, but her husband Walter took credit for them, under the guise that they'd make more money that way. Ultimately, they broke up and she revealed the scam, and it took years for the court of public opinion to settle the matter. Why we're excited to see it: Tim Burton is directing an original, non-franchise film -- and about a misunderstood artist, no less! Amy Adams stunned in "American Hustle" last year, earning her fifth Oscar nomination. She hasn't won yet -- her co-star Christoph Waltz -- has two, and early previews make her seem tailor-made for this role. 'Selma' Cast: David Oyelowo, Carmen Ejogo, Tom Wilkinson, Giovanni Ribisi, Tim Roth, Oprah Winfrey, Keith Stanfield, Cuba Gooding Jr., Common, Niecy Nash Director: Ava DuVernay Release date: Dec. 25 What's it about? The drama follows Martin Luther King Jr.'s landmark 1965 voting rights campaign, which is regarded as the peak of the civil rights movement. David Oyelowo stars as MLK, who it appears is finally getting the movie he deserves. Why we're excited to see it: Because producers Brad Pitt and Oprah told us to be excited, dammit! Seriously though, former publicist Ava DuVernay is an exciting new voice in filmmaking and she's using her newfound clout to share an important story that demands to be told. Oyelowo is said to give a standout performance, and we're eager to see the supporting cast, which includes Tom Wilkinson, Giovanni Ribisi, Tim Roth, Cuba Gooding Jr. Common, Carmen Ejogo, Keith Stanfield and Lady O herself. | 6 | 1,573 | entertainment |
Cool kid style Get your little dolls all dressed up or down in these adorable styles. Leggings for a girly-girl who's also queen of the jungle gym. Jeggings, $19.95; childrensplace.com (20% off with code REDBOOK20). Cool kid style Indulge her Hello Kitty obsession while you keep her noggin warm. Beanie, Knitwits, $25; picnicbrooklyn.com. Cool kid style A pack of fun earrings to mix and match. Earrings, $22 for 3 pairs; stelladot.com. Cool kid style Your speed racer's fave new hoodie. Sweatshirt, Jumping Beans, $20; kohls.com. Cool kid style Sweet little feet deserve sweet little booties. Shoes, $12.50; myrobeez.com. Cool kid style Cause BFF necklaces are so last school year. Bobby-pin set, $15; shopbando.com. Cool kid style A cap so cool he might not lose it. Hat, $8.95; childrensplace.com (20% off with code REDBOOK20). Cool kid style Monstrously cute. Shirt, Circo, $6; target.com. Cool kid style Just add a hair bow for picture-day perfection. Dress, Cherokee, $15; Target. Cool kid style Gotta love a little boy in a gentlemanly fedora. Hat, $28; terratoys.com. Cool kid style Whoo-whoo's your baby? One-piece outfit, $29.95; zutano.com (15% off with code REDBOOK15). | 4 | 1,574 | lifestyle |
Getting busy can improve your health. Just another reason to slip between the sheets. Get busy tonight If you really need an excuse (or several) to heat things up in the bedroom, we've got you covered: Besides the obvious reasons one might have sex -- love, pleasure, baby-making -- science shows that there are quite a few health benefits to getting intimate. The next time your partner asks, "Was it good for you?" you can say yes -- in more ways than one! Sex burns calories Yes, knocking boots counts as exercise -- and it sure beats the gym! Depending on how physical you get, sex can strengthen muscle tone, increase your heart rate, and get your whole body working, says Justin Lehmiller, PhD, creator of lecturer in the department of psychology at Purdue University. And according to a 2013 study in which volunteers wore activity trackers while they did the deed, men burn about 101 calories per session, while women torch an average of 69. "Relatively speaking, that's not a huge amount," says Lehmiller. He points out, however, that sex in the study (from foreplay to orgasm) lasted an average of 25 minutes. "If you have sex for a longer period of time, you can have even more of those calorie-burning benefits." Sex helps you sleep After orgasm, the body releases a relaxation hormone called prolactin, says Kristin Mark, PhD, director of the Sexual Health Promotion Lab at the University of Kentucky. "If you're not feeling particularly tired beforehand, having sex and reaching orgasm may certainly help you nod off a little more quickly than you would have otherwise." Sex lowers your blood pressure and stress levels In a 2005 Scottish study, volunteers were asked to record their sexual activity for two weeks and were then given anxiety-inducing tasks, like public speaking or solving math problems out loud. Those who'd had sex over the study period experienced smaller blood pressure spikes, and recovered from them more quickly, than those who hadn't. (Only penile-vaginal intercourse seemed to have this effect, not masturbation or other forms of sexual activity.) The study suggests two important benefit of regular sex, says Mark: Better blood pressure control, and better stress management overall. "Sex not only lowers people's perceived levels of stress, but it also appears to help them handle stress more effectively, as well," she says. Sex strengthens your heart Regular sex may benefit the cardiovascular system in other ways. A British study found that men who had sex at least twice a week over a period of 20 years were less likely to have died from heart disease than those who got it on less than once a month. After 10 years, in fact, their risk of sudden death was 50% less than that of the group that had less sex, although that gap lessened over the next decade. These sorts of findings only show a correlation, not causation, says Mark. "People who have healthy sex lives probably have overall healthy lifestyles." Even so, she suspects there may be a connection: "Sex helps regulate hormones like estrogen and testosterone," she says, "which impacts all kinds of systems in the body, including the heart." Sex may protect against cancer Some studies have suggested that men who ejaculate more frequently may have a reduced risk of prostate cancer -- although the difference appears to be very small, and others haven't found a conclusive link. The benefits may be clearer for breast cancer prevention, however: A French study found that women who had sex at least once a month were less likely to develop breast cancer than those who didn't. And while the disease is rare in men, those who orgasm less than six times a month appear to be at increased risk of breast cancer compared to those who do so more often, according to a Greek study. Sex boosts immunity Getting busy on a weekly basis stimulates the immune system and provides protection from the common cold, according to a Wilkes University study. Researchers gave college students questionnaires about their sex lives, then tested their saliva for levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA), an antibody that helps fight off viruses. They found that the students who had sex once or twice a week had 30% more IgA than those who had sex less frequently. (They also, however, had higher IgA levels than those who had sex three times a week or more, suggesting that in this case, maybe you can get too much of a good thing.) Sex relieves pain Women often pass on sex because of headaches, or so the cliché goes -- but, according to a 2013 German study, going through with it may actually help them feel better. When study volunteers chose to have sex during a headache episode, about 60% of migraine sufferers and 30% of cluster headache sufferers reported partial or total relief. Endorphins released during orgasm, as well as increased blood flow to the genital area, likely play a role in sex's pain-relieving power, says Mark. "Pain sometimes has to do with blood flowing to one particular area, like the head, and sex can take some of that pressure off by redirecting the flow." Sex may extend your life Several studies have found connections between a busier sex life and a longer life in general, most notably a Duke University study that took place between 1955 and 1980. Researchers found that for men, frequency of intercourse was related to longer lifespans; while for women, enjoyment of intercourse was the most significant factor. "We can't really do cause-and-effect studies, so we don't know if sex actually helps people live longer, or if healthier people are just having more sex," says Lehmiller. "But from what we know about the other health benefits of sex, it probably won't hurt to have more of it!" Sex strengthens relationships Oxytocin, also known as the "love hormone," is released during physical intimacy and skin-to-skin contact -- and it can help increase romantic feelings between you and your partner, says Lehmiller. Want to boost that bond even more? Be sure to cuddle after sex: A University of Toronto study found that couples who were asked to spend extra time together after sex -- kissing, talking, and being affectionate -- reported higher levels of satisfaction with their sex lives and with their relationships. Sex is the key to lasting happiness Physical intimacy can be difficult to maintain as people age, especially if chronic illnesses get in the way. But older people can especially benefit from staying sexually active, according to a 2014 study from Johns Hopkins University on adults ages 58 to 85: Researchers found that couples who regularly engaged in sexual activity -- even as little as once a month -- reported greater marital satisfaction and happier relationships than those who hadn't in a year or more. Sexual activity didn't have to mean intercourse, either, or result in orgasm; the study authors say that anything couples do together to stimulate sexual arousal can have a lasting benefit. Sex makes you smarter A 2010 Princeton University study found that rats that have more frequent sex show more neuron growth in the hippocampus, a key brain region for learning and memory. "We know there are chemicals released during sex that activate the brain's rewards center, so it makes sense that this neurogenesis happens in people, as well," says Lehmiller. "In some ways, sex could potentially make you smarter!" Sex makes you look younger Research presented at the 2013 British Psychological Society annual meeting found that study subjects who had frequent sex (at least three times a week for people in their 40s and 50s) look between four and seven years younger than those who had less. Why? Lead author David Weeks, PhD, suspects the endorphins and feel-good chemicals released during intimacy, plus sex's beneficial effects on sleep and stress levels. Sex also boosts blood flow and helps regulate hormones, says Mark, which can both have positive effects on skin's appearance. Sex makes you want even more sex It may sound counterintuitive, but having sex has actually been shown to increase libido, says Markin other words, the more you have, the more you want. "Even if you don't have much desire in the first place, getting started can help you get in the mood, and it can also give you back some of that desire in the long run," she says. And with all of these other healthy reasons to have sex, why not do it even more? | 4 | 1,575 | lifestyle |
The Boston Celtics have one of the most traditional jerseys in the NBA, but they are changing them up with their 'Parquet Pride' alternates. What are some jerseys that shouldn't be messed with? | 1 | 1,576 | sports |
Liam Fitzgerald, an 8-year-old boy who has Down syndrome and was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at age 4, but young Liam beat the cancer. | 1 | 1,577 | sports |
NEW YORK ( MainStreet ) Especially if you don't travel on business a lot probably, you think the professional road warriors live the high life, bunking down in swank Four Seasons, or at least a four-star J. W. Marriott. Think again. Think much more Spartan. Certify, a company that sells expense account tools for businesses, recently released its accounting of the most expensed hotels, and there is not a single five star in the top 15. In factm the most expensed hotel in America is Hampton Inn, and a room there - on Oracle Road in Tucson - runs $99. There are another 1,800 Hampton Inns, mainly priced right around the century mark. They are comfortable, pleasant. But not posh. Definitely not. Number two on the Certify hit parade is Marriott. The Washington Marriott in Georgetown is $219 for a night. Number three is Courtyard by Marriott, and a room in it is $169 at the Providence, R.I. hotel, which sits in downtown, about a half mile from Brown. The rest of the top ten: Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Hilton, Doubletree, Hilton Garden Inn, Hyatt and Fairfield Inn. Not a true luxury marque in the bunch. Surprised? An informal survey of frequent business travelers confirmed the Certify results. Consultant LaMecia Butler, who said she spends one to two weeks monthly on the road, splits her time between Courtyards by Marriott and Holiday Inns. A free fitness center is a plus at both, she said, and she also touted the free breakfast at Holiday Inn. Nigel Cannings, CTO of London based Intelligent Voice, which mines business phone calls for smart data, wrote, "I'm sending you this from an Embassy Suites near Newark Airport. Fantastic value for money, as you get a high-spec two room suite for the same price as a single room at a competitor hotel." That Elizabeth, N.J. hotel is priced at $161, maybe one-fourth of what a midtown Manhattan luxury hotel would ask for a room half the size. Blogger the Road Warriorette named her go-to hotel: "Hilton Garden Inn. I have been loyal to Hiltons for years and used to stay in Hampton Inns. But I realized that I really like the breakfast options at HGI better than the 'free hot breakfast' that isn't that great at Hampton Inns." On Chicago's Miracle Mile in downtown, a room at the Hilton Garden Inn is $150. John Cavanaugh, CEO of Columbus, Ohio-based Cross Cultural Communications, said, "My small business typically utilizes Marriott due to their award winning service and outstanding Rewards program." Focus on that last bit: heavy business travelers, almost to a person, are devout members of one or another big hotel rewards program, typically Marriott, or Starwood (Sheraton), or Hilton (Hampton Inn among many other brands). As airlines have made it ever harder to redeem miles for actual flights, hotels have not followed suit, usually lavishing upgrades - bigger rooms - as well as free nights on their loyal customers. Plus: nights logged on business in Cincinnati, Milwaukee, and St. Louis can be used to get free stays for the family in Orlando, maybe even Honolulu. Then too, independent hotels may be swank in some cases, but in just about all cases, independents are challenged in terms of offering attractive rewards programs to frequent guests. That makes them a no-go for many business travelers. Note this too: among the many emails that came in touting favorite business hotels not a one pointed to a five star property. None. Incidentally, none of this frugality in hotels would surprise you if you knew the results of Certify's most expensed restaurant tally. It's not Ruth Chris, it's not even Outback, not Red Lobster. The single most expensed joint in America is Starbucks where the average tab, per Certify, is $10.83. Second place is McDonalds, at $7.66. You get the picture: frugality rules in business travel and, if once upon a time it was about big steaks, bigger martinis, and bigger beds in plush hotels, nowadays it's all about pinching pennies. --Written by Robert McGarvey for MainStreet | 3 | 1,578 | finance |
Whether you want to see glittering skylines or snow-covered trees, here are some great ideas for festive holiday destinations The best places to celebrate Christmas Believe it or not, Christmas is a great time for a holiday. We've found some of the most exciting, romantic and festive places on the planet for you to explore. Rome, Italy Take in midnight mass at one of the many beautiful churches in the city that is the spiritual home of the Catholic church. Budapest, Hungary The ancient buildings of Budapest come alive with glorious Christmas lights during the holiday season. New York, USA A spectacular holiday destination at any time of year, the Big Apple is a fantastic place to shop for your nearest and dearest. London, UK One of the world's most vibrant and historic cities, London's mixture of old and new makes for an unforgettable Christmas atmosphere. Berlin, Germany Germany does Christmas markets so well that 'German markets' are a regular festive fixture across Europe. But the market at Berlin's Gendarmenmarkt is one of original and best. Zurich, Switzerland The freshly made Nidelzältli toffee candies available at the Christmas markets are a festive staple. Vienna, Austria Vienna s main Christmas Market is one of the oldest in Europe, dating back to the late 13th-century. Montreal, Canada Montreal s strong French influence brings a European feel to the city. Prague, Czech Republic Splendid gothic architecture and ancient folkloric customs make Christmas in Prague the experience of a lifetime. Madrid, Spain From Christmas markets to pop-up ice rinks, there is plenty to keep visitors entertained. Brussels, Belgium Brussels' annual Winter Wonders Christmas market was voted the most original in Europe by British tour operators. Paris, France The city lives up to its reputation as the City of Lights with a glittering display of Christmas illuminations. The market and ice-skating underneath the iconic Eiffel Tower are world-famous. Sydney, Australia Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House and Town Hall are reinvented under the Christmas lights. San Francisco, USA Atmospheric crowds, lights, a great market and ice skating are some of the attractions around this time. Anchorage, Alaska If you are looking for a white Christmas, Alaska is a great choice. It has a packed schedule of winter carnivals, sled dog races, ice carving competitions and much more. | 2 | 1,579 | travel |
After the Fed's announcement Wednesday that it would end its historic $3 trillion bond-buying program, mortgage rates predictably began to rise. The good news is that they were rising from the lowest rates of the year, after tumbling through most of October. At just over 4 percent, today's mortgages rates still remain extremely low by historical standards. In 2008, before the housing busts, rates were around 6.5 percent. Millions of Americans have already taken advantage of the opportunity to refinance at record-low rates these past few years. Despite this environment, one in five households that could have refinanced in recent years had not done so, according to a recent paper published by the National Bureau of Economic Research . The cost to those homeowners: about $11,500 each over the life of the mortgage. If you've been procrastinating or if you've only just gained enough equity to refinance, this may be your last shot. The Fed's decision, combined with the economy's continued positive momentum, means the mortgage rate upward climb may not end anytime soon. The Mortgage Bankers Association predicts rates will reach 5.1 percent by the end of next year and 5.8 percent by the end of 2016. "The window for refinancing may not be open for that long," said Bill Hampel, chief economist of the Credit Union National Association. Homeowners are taking note: Nearly two-thirds of all mortgage applications last week were to refinance. Here's how to figure out whether this move is right for you. Run the Basic Numbers Use a mortgage calculator to determine how much your monthly mortgage payment would change based on a new lower rate. Then factor in closing costs, which are typically 2 percent to 5 percent of the value of your mortgage. Divide the total amount of closing costs by the amount you'll save each month to determine how many months it will take to recoup your fees. If it will take less than three years, and you plan to be in your house for more than five years, it's probably a "no-brainer" to refinance, advises Hampel. The decision is a bit trickier if it will take you longer than three years to break even. If you won't recoup your costs for six years then refinancing probably doesn't make sense. Consider Other Factors What kind of mortgage do you have? If you're in an adjustable-rate mortgage and plan to stay in your home for a long period of time, it may be worth refinancing at today's rates to lock them in for the long term, even if it means making a higher monthly payment in the short term. Refinancing also often means resetting the clock on your mortgage. If you're decades into paying off a 30-year mortgage, you may not want to commit to another 30 years of housing debt, even if it's at a lower rate. You might consider instead a 15-year loan, which has a lower rate and higher monthly payments but will have you owning your house outright much sooner. "Think about you particular situation not just now, but five, ten, twenty years from now," said Avani Ramnani, director of financial planning and wealth management at Francis Financial in New York. Another incentive to refinance is the chance to merge loans. Refinancing lets you consolidate a second mortgage or a home equity loan with your home mortgage, which can save money by allowing you to pay one low rate on the entire amount, instead of a low percentage on your primate mortgage and a higher one on the other loans. Get Ready to Jump Through Hoops Banks are stilled scarred from the housing bust and are dealing with significant changes to the regulatory environment, so lending standards are much tighter than they were in the past. Even former Fed chair Ben Bernanke recently admitted to having had his mortgage refinance application rejected . To get the best rate, you'll need excellent credit and lots of documentation of your income and assets. The average credit score for closed loans in September was 726, according to Ellie Mae . Finally, shop around. "Talk to a big bank, talk to a little bank, talk to a mortgage broker," says David Reiss, a professor of real estate finance at Brooklyn Law School. The gap between the best and the worst mortgage deals can be as much as a full percentage point. | 3 | 1,580 | finance |
A dinner win for the whole family. Ricotta and Arugula Stuffed Shells with Meat Sauce Meat sauce makes this already cozy dish extra comforting. Get the recipe from Cookbooks 365 . See more: Ricotta recipes Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells This classic pasta dish will have everyone asking for seconds. Get the recipe from Fork Knife Swoon . See more: Spinach recipes Creamy Seafood Stuffed Shells Don't just stuff your shells with ricotta! Pasta pockets are great vessels for seafood too. Get the recipe from Pink Wings . See more: Seafood recipes Butternut Squash Stuffed Shells Get your kids to try butternut squash by serving it inside pasta shells. Get the recipe from How Sweet Eats . See more: Butternut squash recipes Pumpkin and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Get a taste of fall with these pumpkin stuffed shells. Get the recipe from Love & Olive Oil . See more: Pumpkin recipes Asparagus and Kale Stuffed Shells Hide some veggies along with the cheese inside those shells and no one will be the wiser. Get the recipe from Edible Perspective . See more: Kale recipes Spinach and Ground Beef Stuffed Shells Go for a heartier meal by stuffing the pasta with ground beef. Get the recipe from Brunch Time Baker . See more: Ground beef recipes Spinach and Proscuitto Stuffed Shells Change up your typical meat sauce by cooking with proscuitto! Get the recipe from Gather & Dine . See more: Proscuitto recipes Ricotta Stuffed Shells with Butternut Squash Sauce This creamy butternut squash sauce will win you over. Get the recipe from Scaling Back Blog . See more: Pasta recipes Butternut Squash and Kale Stuffed Shells Fall flavors and a cream sauce make these shells the perfect autumn dinner. Get the recipe from The Corner Kitchen . See more: Kale salad recipes Roasted Vegetable Stuffed Shells No need to make a veggie side dish with this pasta dinner. Get the recipe from Two Peas and Their Pod . See more: Roasted eggplant recipes Three Cheese Stuffed Shells The more cheese, the better! Get the recipe from Love Grows Wild . See more: Recipes with cheese Sweet Potato Stuffed Shells Sweet potatoes get even tastier when paired with marinara sauce and cheese! Get the recipe from Macheesmo . See more: Recipes for sweet potatoes Salad Stuffed Shells A foolproof way to make sure to everyone actually eats their salad. Get the recipe from Good Dinner Mom . See more: Salad recipes | 0 | 1,581 | foodanddrink |
Forget paper turkeys and pinecones, these understated and elegant metallic accessories are all you need to make your holiday table something to remember. Gold-Tipped Flatware This mixed metallic flatware opens up the possibility of using a variety of metals to round out your Thanksgiving decor .By Anthropologie, $38. anthropologie.com Silver Floral Plate Charger The floral details on this shiny silver charger make a strong statement without detracting from the rest of the tablescape. By Zara Home, $10. zarahome.com Cast Leaf Serving Platter Themed platters are perfect for serving snacks and appetizers before the real feasting begins. By Pottery Barn, $35. potterybarn.com Hammered Copper Cake Server This rose gold hued server may be beautiful, but worry not, the pumpkin pie will still be the star of the show. By Sur la Table, $12. surlatable.com Late Afternoon Vases Bring a metallic element to your centerpieces as well, with weathered silver vases. By BHLDN, $12-16. bhldn.com Pear Salt And Pepper Shakers Pear shaped salt and pepper shakers keep with the day's food theme, and the subdued gold will pair well with any other metallics present in your table settings. By West Elm, $15. westelm.com Leaf Placecard Holders Celebrate the beautiful fall weather with silver leaf-shaped placecard holders. To really make a statement try using placecards in a different, but coordinating, metallic. By Pier 1, $10. pier1.com Gold Glazed Ice Bucket Keep the wine chilled during dinner with this chic gold-trimmed ice bucket. It will come in handy for the rest of the holiday season too. By Catbird, $88. catbirdnyc.com Copper Roulé Tray Create an eye-catching display by serving the turkey on a bold metallic tray like this one. By Pauline Deltour for Discipline, $250. store.dwell.com Platinum Rimmed Stemware Metallics in small doses can still make a big impact, just look at these gorgeous silver trimmed glasses. By Mikasa, $15. macys.com Small Metal Bowl Serve up salad or sides in hammered copper bowls. They make an elegant addition to any tablescape. By H&M Home, $7. hm.com Branch Brass Servers Bring the outdoors in with gold servers accented with branch-like handles. By Jayson Home, $75. jaysonhome.com Metallic Napkins A small touch of silver can up the level of glamour on anything, even your dinner napkins. By Threshold, $8. target.com Copper Tumbler Serve ice water or after dinner cocktails in these metallic tumblers instead of plain glasses. Your guests will love the inclusion of something unexpected at the dinner table. By Williams-Sonoma, $20. williams-sonoma.com Matte Metallic Pumpkin Candles No tablescape is finished without a few candles, and Thanksgiving is no exception! These matte pumpkin candles add just enough holiday cheer, while keeping with the upscale vibe of a metallic tablescape. By World Market, $27. worldmarket.com | 4 | 1,582 | lifestyle |
Every winter, over Christmas vacation, the Obama family rents a house in Kailua, Hawaii, an idyllic beach town that President Obama used to visit as a boy growing up in Honolulu. Over the last six years of his presidency, however, a smattering of real estate listings have sprung up claiming to be selling the very Kailua beach house where the first family unwinds. Obviously this is hard to verify (presumably for national security reasons), but here's what is known: a 13-bedroom, 12,000-square-foot estate with a "very quiet and private environment" in that very town has been listed for $10.5M, and the listing for the 1998 Plantation-style abode claims it was once "the vacation home of President Obama." However, the New York Times claimed in 2011 that the Obamas rented the same Kailua house every year, and identified it as the estate at 57-A Kailuana Place . Problem is, that particular house, known as Paradise Point, was sold in 2010 for $6.9M , and not to the Obamas. It only had five bedrooms, which is of course a reasonable number of bedrooms for a four-person family vacationing with a mother-in-law to have. Assuming the Obamas had to then secure a new vacation rental in Kailua, there's no real reason to doubt this listing's claim, though perhaps it would be odd to make a drastic jump in square footage this place has almost three times as many bedrooms, after all. That being said, The Telegraph reports that the Obama family indeed rented the palatial house with "pools for multiple age groups" from 2011 to 2013, and there is also evidence that Hawaiians protested in front of it two days after Christmas last year, which would have been pointless if the President was actually residing somewhere else. The Obama family clearly likes vacationing in Kailua, which is home to a crescent-shaped beach that some consider to be Hawaii's finest. President Obama even wrote about the famous beach in his memoir, "Dreams From My Father:" "I still remember how, one early morning, hours before the sun rose, a Portuguese man to whom my grandfather had given a good deal on a sofa set took us out to spear fish off Kailua Bay. A gas lantern hung from the cabin on the smallfishing boat as I watched men dive into inky-black waters, the beams of their flashlights glowing beneath the surface until they emerged with a large fish, iridescent and flopping at the end of one pole. Gramps told me its Hawaiian name, humu-humu-nuku-nuku-apuaa, which we repeated to each other the entire way home." Of course, the New York Times pointed out that "the humuhumu is a little reef fish, barely six inches long," so it couldn't have been the "large fish" President Obama remembered. Anyway, photos of the first family's possible vacation house in Hawaii, below: · 572 C North Kalaheo Ave., Kailua, Hawaii [Sotheby's Realty] · Buy the Holiday Home of the Obama's [Telegraph] · All Barack Obama coverage [Curbed National] · All Politico Pads posts [Curbed National] | 4 | 1,583 | lifestyle |
The all-new 2015 BMW M3 is the car you wanted, and don't say it isn't. Don't pass the blame, don't dodge this bullet, and don't duck out. Just take responsibility for what you've done. BMW has heard you, and now a once-magical car has become an overpowered yet somewhat distant sedan. Impressive and imposing, but only half way Five generations on from the 1986 E30 version of the M3 , the new F80 M3 is more arresting now than ever before, made from a complex mix of composite materials and lightweight metals and powered by a 425-hp, twin-turbocharged inline-six that returns 26 mpg on the highway. It's imposing. The 2015 BMW M3 makes impressive performance numbers by sprinting to 60 mph in 4 seconds and then running through the lights in the quarter mile in 12 seconds. It'll easily pull 1 g in cornering grip on the skidpad. On the street, it can stomp just about anything from a stoplight. On the track, it cuts a lap quicker than cars double its price and half its size. "Five generations on, the M3 is more arresting now than ever before." While performance numbers don't lie, they can tell half-truths. There are few things this tech-laden performance sedan can't do, but there are even fewer moments of emotional connection. I never feel as if this fast but flavorless car needs me. There's no relationship, no teasing the car to do things at the edge of its abilities. I'm behind the steering wheel and feel like a passenger. Savagery trumps sensitivity The 2015 BMW M3 fights for its bread in a world now full of hungry, high-horsepower four-doors such as the Audi RS7, Chevrolet SS, Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat , Jaguar XFR-S, and Mercedes-AMG C63 . But as the M3 has evolved into a car that can bare its teeth to such savage sedans, it has lost its sensitivity. As gag-worthy as it might be to say yet again, driving is an art. A great driving experience is more than just shifting quickly, convincing your right foot to stay down, then clinging to a steering wheel. The M3 lives in the world you wanted, a world all about performance, not driving. Take responsibility for what it has become. 2015 BMW M3 Specifications Base price: $62,925 Price as tested: $84,650 Engine: 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged DOHC 24-valve I-6/425 hp @ 5,500-7,300 rpm, 406 lb-ft @ 1,850-5,500 rpm Transmission: 6-speed manual Layout: 4-door, 5-passenger, front-engine, RWD sedan EPA Mileage: 17/26 mpg (city/highway) 0-60 mph: 4.1 sec Top speed: 155 mph Cargo capacity: 12.0 cu ft | 9 | 1,584 | autos |
Stocks continue their near-vertical trajectory out of the Oct. 15 lows. This is going down as one of the most powerful, most persistent and most eagerly joined market rebound in history. The last two that were similar were coming out of bear market lows. This time, the S&P 500 didn't even hit the criteria for a correction, dropping less than 10% peak-to-trough.And we've seen investor sentiment swing so fast it's a wonder people didn't break their necks: Over the last two weeks, according to Investor's Intelligence, bullish opinions among newsletter writers like me has increased the most in nearly 40 years.But after bagging nice gains in late October, including a 73% rise in Caterpillar (CAT) calls and a 67% rise in Exxon Mobil (XOM) calls recommended to Edge Prosubscribers, I've recommended clients sell their positions and move to cash ahead of what I expect will be a stomach-churning reversal to the downside.Here are five reasons why: Click to Enlarge The primary concern is what the market itself is telling us. Not just price action, but in the number of stocks that are participating to the upside. You can see this in the chart to the right, which compares the percentage of New York Stock Exchange stocks above their 50-day moving average to the Dow Jones Industrial Average.Right now, less than 60% of the NYSE stocks are in uptrends vs. 65% in September and 85% back in July.And yet the Dow is well above both its July and September highs. This is a negative divergence that has, in the past, led the market weakness going forward. Click to Enlarge Over the last few days, the market has been bolstered by hopes that the GOP takeover of the Senate -- shown in the accompanying map -- with what is likely to end up being a 54-seat majority is a positive since it increases the odds of pro-business legislation such as corporate tax reform.But this ignores the political realities of the last four years: partisan rancor, gridlock and multiple market weakening fiscal showdowns.President Obama's post-election press conference Wednesday, as well as press conferences from Congressional Republicans, suggests little has changed. Obama is threatening executive action on immigration and doesn't see the election result as a repudiation of his policies. Republicans are planning to push ahead with anti-Obamacare legislation.Fiscal deadlines include the Dec. 11 expiration of the current continuing budget resolution and the debt ceiling being back in play in March. Click to Enlarge With all the excitement of the election, it's easy for forget the big news that the Federal Reserve just ended its two-year-old "QE3" bond purchase stimulus program. No longer will the market benefit from the steady injection of cheap cash into the financial system. Over the last five years, QE3 and the iterations of the program that preceded it have boosted the monetary base in a massive way, as shown to right.Whenever the money pumping stopped, as it did in 2010 and in late 2011 through late 2012, stocks underperformed. Click to Enlarge While the large-cap stocks in the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 have been leading the way higher, smaller stocks have been lagging behind. This isn't a sign of strength; but is instead a sign of investor apprehension.The chart to the right shows how the Russell 2000 Small Cap Index remains below its March, July and September highs as it's been underperforming the Dow since the beginning of the year. Click to Enlarge And finally, after a brief pop in late October, cyclical stocks, such as those in the Consumer Discretionary SPDR (XLY), are once again underperforming defensive stocks in areas like utilities and consumers staples, such as those in the Consumer Staples SPDR (XLP).The ratio of the XLY vs. the XLP, shown at right, is a proxy for how confident market insiders are about the health of the economy, the consumer and the stock market.Declines in this measure in March/April and in September/October were associated with broad-market pullbacks.Anthony Mirhaydari is founder of the Edge and Edge Pro investment advisory newsletters, as well as Mirhaydari Capital Management, a registered investment advisory firm. | 3 | 1,585 | finance |
Acura's Integra and RSX were the best mainstream models to come out of Honda's struggling premium division ( the NSX was best ever, of course). They were probably the best-handling front-wheel-drive cars of their time, and they propped up both the division and its sales channel for the 20 or so years they were offered. Problem is, they defined the Acura brand, which, in Alfred P. Sloan terms, has played Oldsmobile to Infiniti's Buick and Lexus' Cadillac. Now, our friends at Car and Driver have published an online story that Acura will launch a new "sport car," presumably much like the Integra/RSX, no sooner than 2017. I have no reason to believe this isn't true. It's much more credible than last decade's on-again, off-again rumors of rear-wheel drive and/or a V-8 for Acura's sedans. Acura brought its latest flagship sedan to market nearly two years ago with neither RWD nor a V-8, though with optional AWD with torque-vectoring and V-6/hybrid power. But Acura sold just 260 RLXes last month, for a total of 2,955 for the year to-date. The MDX remains the brand's best-seller (for good reason -- it's a very nice premium CUV), with the new TLX on track to become its best-selling car. The entry-level ILX sedan also struggles, at just 14,472 sold for the year so far, compared with sales of 277,584 of the Civic, its all-too-obvious platform sibling. And therein lies the problem with a new, sporty, affordable Acura. It would have to be another coupe, to be a true modern Integra/RSX. But it would have to have a unique selling proposition to keep from driving customers back to a Civic Si . When that original Acura Integra went on sale, you could buy another Civic-based coupe, but it was the much smaller, two-seat CRX. From Acura's 1986 launch all the way through the 1992 model year, the only other two-door Civic/Civic Si on the market was a hatchback. The Integra four-door always had unique sheetmetal compared with the Civic's and was itself a hatchback for the first generation. Beside the unique sheetmetal, nicer interior, and higher levels of standard and optional (trim-packaged) equipment, the compact Acuras came with twin-cam versions of Honda's fours, while the Civics had single-overhead cam units. By the time Acura launched the RSX, it had gone two-door coupe-only, with the TSX -- actually, a European-spec Honda Accord -- filling in on the four-door side of the entry-level equation. In those ensuing years, Audi has managed to elevate itself to a full-on premium brand. The Volkswagen Golf/GTI/Jetta/GLI and Audi A3/S3's shared platform poses a similar problem, except the compact VWs aren't nearly as popular as the Honda Civic, and the fancier, more expensive (thus, more profitable) A3/S3 have a clearer path to sales success. And upstream Audis distinguish themselves from their VW counterparts with Quattro all-wheel drive and the unusual longitudinal engine placement. Acura has never offered anything enthusiast Integra/RSX owners could move up to other than the high-priced NSX. So a 2018 Acura RSX must have been a tough sell to Honda management. Acura could give it the Civic Si's 205-hp, DOHC 2.4-liter, but it can't charge much more than $30,000 base price in today's dollars. It could go with the Euro-spec Civic Type R's 280-hp, DOHC 2.0-liter turbo , though that's likely a $35,000-plus car, and by definition, very low volume. Acura doesn't need another very low-volume car. Will the interior and features be that much nicer to make it worth $6,000 to $11,000 more than the Civic Si? Not unless it has unique sheetmetal, by which I mean not that platypus nose and not the general shape of the Civic coupe with the panels slightly massaged. Otherwise, Acura will have another ILX on its hands, or perhaps even the FWD-coupe counterpart to the RLX. | 9 | 1,586 | autos |
10 Best Financial Benefits for Military Families 10 Best Financial Benefits for Military Families Members of the military have a lot of special financial challenges that most people don't encounter. However, they have access to many special benefits, tax breaks and legal protections that can make a huge difference in their families' personal finances. Here are ten of the top financial benefits available to servicemembers and how to make the most of them to improve your family's financial future. My husband was an Army doctor for 21 years and was deployed three times; many of these resources and benefits helped our family a lot over the years. Low-Cost Retirement-Savings Plan Servicemembers have access to one of the lowest-cost retirement-savings plans around. The Thrift Savings Plan charges an annual expense ratio of just 0.038% of assets -- whereas annual fees and expenses for 401(k) plans range, on average, between 1% and 2%. The TSP lets you choose one of five index mutual funds or a target-date fund, which automatically becomes more conservative as your retirement date gets closer. You can invest up to $18,000 annually in the TSP in 2017, and if you're receiving tax-free income while deployed you can boost your contributions to $54,000 for the year. And now you have access to a Roth TSP, too, which is like a Roth IRA but without the income restrictions. See www.tsp.gov for details. 10% Guaranteed Return on Savings The military's Savings Deposit Program lets deployed servicemembers invest up to $10,000 in the program each time you are deployed. You receive 10% annual interest, compounded quarterly; the program lasts for up to three months after your return. Your take-home pay increases while you're receiving tax-free income during deployment, which can help you afford to stash extra money in the SDP. For more information, see the Savings Deposit Program page at the Defense Finance and Accounting Web site. SEE ALSO: Estate Planning for Military Families Tax-Free Roth Deposits For most people, contributions to a Roth IRA are not shielded from taxes. But for servicemembers receiving tax-free combat-zone pay, your money goes into the Roth tax-free, and your contributions as well as your earnings come out tax-free , a double tax benefit that's tough to beat. You can contribute up to $5,500 to a Roth in both 2016 and 2017 if your income doesn't exceed certain limits. (Check out the income limits for 2016 and for 2017 .) And if your spouse doesn't work, you can contribute up to the maximum on his or her behalf, too. Free College for Yourself or a Spouse or Kid The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers the full cost of in-state tuition and fees at public colleges for up to 36 months (four academic years), or up to $21,970 per year for private colleges and foreign schools. You'll also get a housing stipend and money for books and tutoring. The money may be used for undergraduate or graduate programs, or for certain programs at vocational and trade schools. And one of the best features of the Post 9/11 GI Bill is that longtime servicemembers may transfer their benefits to a spouse or children. Get more details on the Post-9/11 GI Bill at the Department of Veterans Affairs website. SEE ALSO: 10 Colleges Where Tuition Is Free Inexpensive Life Insurance Servicemembers have access to one of the lowest-cost life insurance programs available. Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance costs only 7 cents per $1,000 of coverage per month , or $336 a year for the maximum $400,000 -- regardless of your age, health or likelihood of being deployed. (The lowest rate that a healthy 40-year-old man could get for a private $500,000, 20-year term insurance policy would range from $350 to $450.) Servicemembers can also get $100,000 in coverage for a spouse for as little as $60 a year if he or she is under age 35 (more for older spouses). See the Department of Veterans Affairs site for more information. State Tax Breaks The law allows servicemembers to maintain legal residence in one state even if they are stationed in another. So if your legal residence (also called domicile) is a state that has no income tax, you can be shielded from taxes if you move to another state while on active duty . A spouse who has the same domicile as a servicemember can also maintain that legal residency if the couple moves to a new state under military orders. SEE ALSO: State Tax Breaks for Military Families Special Legal Protections The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act provides special legal benefits for servicemembers, including an interest-rate cap of 6% on any loans you took out before you were called to active duty . This cap is especially helpful for members of the Reserves who are called to active duty and have to take a pay cut when they leave their regular jobs. You have to apply to the lender for this benefit, which is intended to help you if your ability to pay is affected by military service. The law also gives you the right to terminate an apartment lease if you have orders for a permanent change of station or are deployed to a new location for 90 days or more. The Armed Forces Legal Assistance Office can help with these requests. No-Money Down Mortgages Members of the military have access to Veterans Administration loans, which are now one of the only ways to get a house with no money down (and no private mortgage insurance). See the Veterans Administration site for more information. However, if you put little or no money down, you could end up being upside down on your home if prices drop and you have to move. For help dealing with underwater homes, see Fannie Mae's advice at the KnowYourOptions.com military page , the government's Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives program . SEE ALSO: How to Endow a Scholarship to Honor a Veteran Tax-Free Housing Allowance Another big perk for servicemembers is the tax-free housing allowance, a monthly subsidy covering all or part of your monthly rent or mortgage payment as long as you're in the military . To see the value of the subsidy (which varies by your rank, where you live and whether you have dependents), check your Leave and Earnings Statement (your military pay stub) for your Basic Allowance for Housing and other special benefits, or look it up by rank and zip code at the Department of Defense's BAH calculator . Low-Interest Loans Each branch of the military has an emergency-relief fund that offers small, interest-free loans for emergencies. Contact the community-service office at your base for details, or visit Army Emergency Relief , Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society , Air Force Aid Society or Coast Guard Mutual Assistance . Credit unions on base also offer short-term loans at reasonable interest rates. Some even offer small emergency loans to members of the military with little or no credit check. LEARN MORE: Low-Cost Loans for Members of the Military | 3 | 1,587 | finance |
We've seen our fair share of fashion risks from Jennifer Lopez, from that head-to-toe python look to her daring Grammys dress from back in the day. And last night, she took another big one by sporting an all-white Zuhair Murad outfit (plus a Michael Kors coat) while promoting her new book, True Love, in NYC. We must admit we're a bit torn on this one, so you be the judge. Scroll through to see her look from all angles, then weigh in with your opinion below. What Do You Think of Jennifer Lopez's Winter White Look? | 5 | 1,588 | news |
Celebrity news for Nov. 7, 2014 Alessandra Ambrosio unveils new swimsuit line "Brazil-Bohemia-meets Malibu-Chic lifestyle." That's how Victoria's Secret Angel Alessandra Ambrosio describes the inspiration for her new swimsuit collection. An expansion of the supermodel's ále by Alessandra line, the collection features 75 pieces in a variety of styles including bikinis, one-pieces and cover-ups. "Brazilians are a bit more liberal with their swim choices, especially when it comes to cuts, so I incorporated both Brazilian and American cuts into this collection," Ambrosio tells People , which debuted images of the swimsuits on Thursday night. Items in the collection range from $180 - $300 and are available on Ambrosio's Everything but Water website. Taylor Swift jumps in on random young fan's photo session As if it weren't enough that Taylor Swift was responsible for 22 percent of all album sales in the world last week, the "1989" crooner further proved her top pop star status by randomly making this little girl's day. According to Jezebel , Swifty was out jogging near her Nashville, Tenn., home, when she ran across photographer Sarah Bailey staging a portrait session with a beaming young music fan rocking a stylish green sweater and sweet kicks. Rather than run past without a word, Swift evidently stopped to ham it up for a few shots with the little girl, likely earning way more than 22 percent of this kid's heart -- not to mention, ours. Salma Hayek says she's not a feminist while accepting gender equality award It's not just Hollywood's millennial set that supports gender equality yet eschews the concept of feminism. At Equality Now's Make Equality Reality event in Los Angeles on Monday, Salma Hayek was recently honored for her role as an advocate of women's rights and her work with Chime for Change, a global campaign to "strengthen the voices speaking out for girls and women." In accepting the award, she told the audience, "I am not a feminist," and implied that she sees a disconnect between the ideals of feminism and those of gender equality. "If men were going through the things women are going through today, I would be fighting for them with just as much passion," Hayek said. "I believe in equality." As Jezebel points out, the definition of feminism is "the advocacy of women's rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men." Hayek might benefit from some hang time with Lena Dunham, who managed to change Taylor Swift's comprehension of what it means to be a feminist. Amanda Bynes wants to be a bartender With her post-treatment life still in flux, Amanda Bynes is reportedly considering a new career path -- behind the bar. An insider tells TMZ the former child star may pursue a bartending job as a way of making some extra cash and maybe even landing herself "a normal life" in the process. Meanwhile, Bynes' parents are said to be filing papers to absolve themselves of the responsibility of handling their daughter's conservatorship. Following her latest stint in a treatment center, Bynes announced that she suffers from bipolar disorder . Zach Braff shares adorable puppy kiss pic What is it about famous dudes and fuzzy pups that makes our heart go all melty? "Working with this actress today." So tweeted Zach Braff on Thursday, sharing this adorable photo of him planting a kiss on the cheek of his leading lady, a King Charles Spaniel puppy. Alas, he offered no details on said puppy's forthcoming big-screen debut. Kristy McNichol opens up about why she left Hollywood Having clocked more than 20 years' experience in the world of TV and movies, actress Kristy McNichol, who starred on shows like "Family" and "Empty Nest" in the '70s and '80s, called time on her acting career. As she explained to People at "The Love Boat" reunion in Florida on Wednesday, she quit because she wanted to explore other arenas. "I was on the big stage between ages 8 and 30. I left show business for a variety of reasons, but a big one was my interest in learning what else there is in life," the 52-year-old said. "This phase of my life is so good. My home life is happy and serene. I love singing. I also enjoy traveling and seeing the world. One of my favorite stops is Hawaii. I like everything about it and may eventually move there part-time." Asked if she'd ever consider going back to acting, McNichol quipped, "never say never." Jerry Seinfeld thinks he's on the autism spectrum Could some qualities of autism predispose a person to a life in showbiz? In an interview with Brian Williams airing this week, Jerry Seinfeld admitted that he believes his personality is somewhere on the autism spectrum. "I think, on a very drawn out scale, I think I'm on the spectrum," said the 60-year-old TV comic (via the New York Post ). Asked what evidence seemed to indicate such a diagnosis, he told Williams that he never pays "attention to the right things," among other clues. "Basic social engagement is really a struggle," Seinfeld said. "I'm very literal. When people talk to me and they use expressions, sometimes I don't know what they're saying." Not that being on the spectrum is necessarily problematic. "I don't see it as dysfunctional," Seinfeld said, " I just think of it as an alternate mindset." Kim Richards says she warned niece to stay away from pit bull before attack Before Kyle Richards' daughter was attacked by Kim Richards' pit bull, Kim warned the teen to stay out of the room where the dog was. Kim tells TMZ that her niece, Alexia, was only bitten after being told to stay out of the bedroom Kingsley was occupying and going in anyway. "The second I realized Alexia had been bitten on the finger leaving a puncture mark on her thumb, I immediately called my sister Kyle and took her to the nearest emergency room," Kim says. "At this point I am looking at options to what the next step is for Kingsley. As many of you can relate, he is my best friend. This is a very difficult decision and time for all of us, but the safety of my family always comes first." Knife accident leaves Hugh Jackman bleeding onstage during 'The River' While slicing a lemon during a scene early on in Wednesday's performance of "The River," Hugh Jackman lost track of the knife he was using and sliced straight into his finger. A theater-goer at the Broadway show tells the New York Post that Jackman handled the situation pro, despite bleeding onstage for an hour. "Blood was spurting everywhere. It was reminiscent of Dan Aykroyd's Julia Child impression on 'SNL,'" said the source. In the end, Jackman did not need stitches and was reportedly able to sign autographs and chat with fans following the performance. Said the source: "Hugh managed to improvise so well that when he got offstage, someone asked him if he's going to do that every night. He replied, 'Hopefully not, I've only got five fingers on each hand.'" | 6 | 1,589 | entertainment |
World's Best Cities for Coffee World's Best Cities for Coffee When traveling, coffee lovers need to know where to go to escape the substandard American-style brew most hotels serve. There are cities that define themselves by their coffee culture, and that should not go untapped. #10 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee. The two main species of coffee plants Arabica and Robusta originated in Ethiopia. Ethiopia is the world's seventh-largest coffee producer and has 5,000 different strains of Arabica coffee, while other countries like Brazil and Columbia only have 20. So, there is little doubt that the coffee you are going to get in Ethiopia is good. Traditional Ethiopian coffee is roasted by hand and brewed in a traditional clay coffee pot. Nearly all restaurants and cafés in the city will have some on offer and it's considered one of the best coffee experiences in the world. Scouting out coffee shops like Tomoca and Mokarara in Addis Ababa is highly encouraged, and taking part in an Ethiopian coffee ceremony should be an integral part of any exploration of Ethiopian culture. #9 Vancouver, Canada Vancouver is a city of microbrewers, roasters, bean educators, and champion baristas. A study showed that locals prefer fair-trade and organic brews here more than the commercial chain shop stuff. Independent and small-chain cafés are eager to showcase interesting coffee varieties like Clover and brewing techniques like vacuum-pot and cold-brew. Milano Coffee, the original Vancouver coffee roaster, has won awards for its coffee as well its master blender, Brian Turko, who brought a modern and unique approach to European espresso to Vancouver when he opened his Gastown shop. Milano has won three gold medals from the International Institute of Coffee Tasters in Italy. #8 Vienna, Austria The global consulting firm Mercer has ranked Vienna as the number-one city with the highest quality of life for four years in a row, a result of the city's rising standards of living, advanced infrastructure, low crime levels, history, and culture. Part of that culture includes coffee; in fact, Vienna fashions itself the "Coffee Capital of the World" and UNESCO has listed Vienna's coffee houses as an invaluable part of the city's heritage. "Since Vienna hosted the World Barista Championships in 2012, and new-style independent coffee shops began to open up, the quality of espresso drinks is steadily improving," says Vienna coffee blogger Lameen Abdul-Malik. Vienna's historic cafés are legendary, and it's no surprise considering that the process of filtering coffee was reportedly invented in The Imperial City in 1683. The city has a high number of cafés, including the famed Café Central, considered one of the most beautiful in the world, and Aida, a small chain of thirty or so '50s-style kaffees that has achieved cult status in the city. #7 Reykjavik, Iceland Scandinavians have the highest coffee consumption per capita globally, so it only makes sense that Reykjavik wants to make sure its citizens and visitors are well taken care of, caffeine-wise. Some say the commitment to coffee here borders on fanaticism.Liz Clayton, author of Nice Coffee Time, considers Kaffitár, one of the city's larger chain cafés, to be superlative. Many of Iceland's coffee-barista champs are creating coffee here. "The counters of Kaffitár are confusingly cluttered with everything from pastries to horoscope scrolls to Hario kettles and drippers, and you're able to order anything from the espresso family to a seasonal selection of single-origin coffees, all well-presented by the staff." Another favorite is Kaffismiðja Íslands, where coffee is roasted onsite in a converted house-turned-café. "You won't find a better cup in Reykjavík, and you won't find a café quite like this anywhere." #6 Honolulu Don't let the laid back nature of Hawaiian culture fool you; Hawaiians are serious about their coffee. Honolulu has the third-highest number of coffee shops per capita in the U.S., and it's also the capital of the only state in the country that grows its own beans commercially. Kona coffee, from Hawaii's Big ISland, is grown in porous, mineral-rich soil, courtesy of the island's volcanoes and hot sun, and it has a unique flavor as a result. #5 Rome Rome consistently makes it onto best-of lists when it comes to cities with the best coffee. According to CNN, the nation's best baristas call Rome home, which makes sense given that Romans drink five or more espressos a day and consider coffee bars and cafés "temples." When you think about it, Rome defines the way the rest of the world drinks coffee. Cappuccino, latte, and macchiato are all Italian terms, and drinking coffee in Italy is an experience to be savored. Stopping to drink a cup, even if you're standing, is more common than grabbing a coffee to-go, and Romans live by rules like "no cappuccinos after noon.". Rome- and Paris-based writer David Downie considers Caffè Sant'Eustachio one of the best cafés in the world. Owner Roberto Ricci handpicks each of the 100-percent Arabica beans in the café's signature blend. Beans are slow-roasted over wood for a smooth, sweet, and low-acidity coffee that locals and tourists line up for. #4 San Francisco San Francisco has the most coffee shops per capita of any U.S. city according to WalletHub, and Foursquare data shows that it is the fifth overall in the U.S. for indie coffee shops per capita. New small-chain cafés like Blue Bottle the highest rated indie coffee shop in the city and Four Barrel are changing the game for coffee drinkers by offering things like a five-light siphon bar and not offering Wifi. Tried and true options like Caffe Trieste have been serving coffee to locals since the 1950s. These are just a few of the reasons San Fran is considered one of the best coffee cities in the world. Conde Nast Traveller considers the coffee at SFMOMA's rooftop garden a work of art. #3 Taipei, Taiwan Taipei's strong coffee culture and abundance of unique coffee shops helps it land on the list of the Best Coffee Cities according to the BBC, USA Today, and LifeHack. Beans here are high-quality, freshly roasted, and slow-brewed for the best flavor. Independent coffee shops like Barbie Café, Paper Plane, and Melange have cult followings. Smart Traveler ranks it among the world's best, no doubt in part because of the beans available in Taiwan. According to reports, the growth rate of Taiwan's imported coffee beans is more than seven percent each year, and the market is expected to grow by 15 percent. Taiwanese coffee consumption is up 400 percent in Taiwan since the 1990s and has reached an average of 100 cups per person per year. It is a city that is dedicated to coffee and the increase in small cafés and chain shops shows it. "Independent cafés here do not just compete on the quality of their coffee; there is also a strong trend of each café creating their own signature drinks. As a result, independent cafés here are adventurous with ingredients when crafting their signature drinks," says Van Lin, co-founder of Gabee Café. #2 Melbourne, Australia World Barista Champ Pete Licata told Travel & Leisure that "It's nearly impossible to find a bad cup of coffee in Melbourne," In 2013, Melbourne hosted Urban Coffee Farm and Brew Bar, part of Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, and the World Barista Championships. "Café culture walks" are a tourist draw, while locals prefer to occupy popular shops like Axil Coffeehouse Roasters in the Hawthorn area of Northern Melbourne and Dead Man Espresso in the South. Considered Australia's coffee capital, Melbourne spoils its residents with an abundance of coffee-sipping locales. Shops like Market Lane Coffee source, roast, and serve coffee from some of the best growers in the world. #1 Havana, Cuba Some consider coffee in Cuba to be its own food group. After a drop in Cuban coffee production due to bad weather and government cut-backs, the economy and industry is now growing again to meet demands. In town, many coffeehouses grind beans source locally and directly from the Escambray and Sierra Maestra mountains, making it some of the best coffee a connoisseur can get. Former British MP and Treasury Minister Phillip Oppenheim loves Cuban coffee so much, he has invested millions in making sure Cuba restores itself as the world's biggest coffee exporter. Since Havana is Cuba's capital city, and one of the BBC's picks for best coffee cities, it's only natural that the boom in tourism and economy will hit here first. The city is fueled by café cubano, a full-bodied espresso with sugar that accompanies nearly every meal. Havana's Old Town is peppered with cafés like Café El Escorial and Café de las Infusiones where the traditional coffee drink is perfectly made and on offer, alongside over a dozen other cups. Guests checking out one of Cuba's busiest squares linger for hours. | 2 | 1,590 | travel |
There has been some word from a Vegas insider that the Miami Hurricanes will be favored over Florida State next weekend. We get Chuck Esposito's take on this. | 1 | 1,591 | sports |
Kansas State takes on TCU on Saturday in what will be the end of the road for one of these team's Playoff hopes. Our guys let you know what other Big 12 games to watch. | 1 | 1,592 | sports |
Palazzo di Amore Billionaire investor Jeff Greene is selling Palazzo di Amore, a 25-acre Beverly Hills compound suited for royalty. With an asking price of $195 million, it will be the nation's priciest private residence when it hits the MLS next week. Listing agents Joyce Rey and Stacy Gottula of Coldwell Banker Previews International are confident they can sell the property by marketing it publicly. By contrast, the second most expensive home for sale in the U.S. the legendary Owlwood Estate isn't advertised online. "Nowadays, people think it's best to keep high-end listings very private," Gottula said. "But we don't think pocket listings are in the best interest of the seller. We sold the highest priced listing of 2010, Le Belvedere, by marketing it like crazy." And this one is a dream to market because the estate speaks for itself. "I can honestly say that this property is an incomparable crown jewel without an equal," said Greene, who owns more than 30 properties in Florida, 3,500 apartments in Los Angeles and three buildings in downtown Manhattan. In 2007, the real estate entrepreneur purchased the estate for $35 million from Saudi businessman Mishaal K. Adham. "The house was a complete construction site at the time," explained Gottula. "He bought it through a bankruptcy-type situation." Greene got married in the home , with Mike Tyson as his best man, and then invested tens of millions to complete and expand the property. "True to its name, Palazzo di Amore, this estate has been a labor of love for me," Greene said. "In creating a palace for the modern era, I have set the highest standards of craftsmanship and artistry in every detail, from employing a 17-step painting process with antiquing to importing 70-year-old olive trees." The estate has 12 bedrooms, 23 bathrooms, a 3,000-bottle wine cellar, Turkish-style spa, 2-lane bowling alley, state-of-the-art theater, pool and more all 2 miles above the historic Beverly Hills Hotel. "Palazzo di Amore offers the best of everything: a world-class location in the heart of Beverly Hills, a grand residence built with masterful attention to detail, inspiring views that stretch to the ocean on a clear day, and a vineyard from which you can savor your very own wine," Rey added. Because of the level of luxury, the agents don't think the buyer will be from the U.S. "Most of the sales over $50 million in town have had international buyers," Gottula said. "I have a feeling this one will be international." Photos by Marc Angeles Palazzo di Amore Palazzo di Amore Palazzo di Amore Palazzo di Amore Palazzo di Amore Palazzo di Amore Palazzo di Amore Palazzo di Amore Palazzo di Amore Palazzo di Amore Palazzo di Amore Palazzo di Amore Palazzo di Amore | 3 | 1,593 | finance |
How winemaking went from old-school to high-tech. The end of fall means Sonoma and Napa Valley's vineyards are wrapping up one of the busiest times of the year: the grape harvest. One of Sonomas top winemakers, St. Francis Winery and Vineyards, gave us a behind-the-scenes tour of the tech they use to get a grape from the ground to the vine to the barrel and into your glass, all without losing the flavor created by hundreds of years of tradition. See more: California wine Soil Science Before St. Francis can put a seed in the ground, they must understand the makeup of the soil. The proper nutrients are essential for growing the perfect grape, but not all soil has them in the ideal ratios.Jake Terrell, the vineyard manager, calls in a company that specializes in analyzing soil chemistry. The resulting maps reveal the soils texture, the amount of water available at different root depths, how solidly the soil is compacted (which will determine how easy it is for roots to grow), how much water the field can hold, and what percent of the soil is made up of essential nutrients for growth such as magnesium, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, and nitrogen. Terrell uses this information to match the right grape to the right soil and determine which nutrients are needed to add to its vineyards. MORE : What is a natural wine? Watching the Weather Terrell can check the weather at any site on his vineyard right from his iPhone thanks to a new invention St. Francis started using this year. Five-foot-long soil probes are buried at each site and wired to weather stations via cable. In the coming months, the team will upgrade to wireless sensors and use more of them. The probes measure the electrical conductivity of the soil, which tells it how much water is present and at what root depths. That in turn tells Terrell how long to water. Were looking to see how long it takes for water to get down to the three- to four-foot mark. If thats an hour or 10 hours thats how long our drip irrigation needs to be on. We dont want the water to go past the roots and down into the ground so we set our durations so our irrigation hours will match how long it takes to get to the level where the roots are and not any more or less, he says. The weather station that attaches to the probe tracks of a slew of other data pointsnot only obvious vitals such as rainfall totals and soil temps, but also also solar radiation (UV index), wind speed, and wind temperature. It also tells them how quickly mildew will germinate in the vineyard, which helps them beat it back. MORE : Are weird wines good? Controlling the Air Weather patterns at the vineyard can get unpredictable at the end of the growing season. Although it was unseasonably hot when we visited (and warmer weather this year has pushed the picking season forward for all the growers in the region) an early frost could be a disaster, sending the vines into hibernation. So Terrell and his team actually manipulate the wind around the 135-acres of vineyard that has been planted. They do this with a series of propane-powered windmills set strategically around the vineyard. When a cold front moves in and settles low to the ground, they'll turn on the windmills, which mixes the cold layer with warmer layers of air higher up. This blending creates an optimal environment for the grapes and protects them from freezing before they're picked. And thanks to the weather station, Terrell gets data every five minutes that could tell him if an inversion layer has moved in. MORE: The Best Wines For Brunch With Water, Less is More It takes 123.8 miles of drip line and 217,890 water emitters to keep the vines at St. Francis watered. But grapes have more flavor when theyre grown under stress, so Terrell and his team dont want to give the grapes any more water than they need. To tell how much water the vines are taking up, Terrell uses a device called a pressure bomb. He takes a piece of the vine, a petiole (where the leaf attaches to the stalk), and puts it into the pressure chamber. Using nitrogen, the chamber squeezes the vine until water leaks out the end. The more water is in the plant, the less pressure is required to extract it. MORE : 5 Wine and Cheese Matches Made in Heaven Recycling The process of winemaking creates a lot of wastewater, especially when washing down the tanks, cleaning the floors, sanitizing the lines, and rinsing the bottling equipment. All that water it runs down the drains and into two large holding ponds for recycling, which has helped the vineyard withstand the California drought. The vineyard uses peracetic acid for its cleaning. It's a natural product that dissipates after use and doesn't' leave residue. That makes it environmentally friendly, and keeps the wine from getting contaminated. NEWS : Scientists are Working on Hangover-Free Wine Harvesting In some hilly and steep areas of the vineyard the grapes are still harvested by hand, while in others the operators use specialized picking machines. Recently, St. Francis has started picking some varieties of their grapes at night because, it turns out, night time is the right time for wine chemistry. The pristine conditions at night also help to retain the grapes flavor and aromatics. If they're picked under the heat of the sun, the grapes pick up wild yeast in the air and begin to ferment. The fruit is cold at night. It's in better condition so it's less apt to get damaged along the way, says Chris Louton, one of St. Francis winemakers. If it's chardonnay, for example, well ferment the grapes at 55 degrees, so it's easier if it's already cold. Picking at night is even more important when making a red wine. With reds, we do a cold soak, Louton says. The fruit sits in a tank at a cooler temperature for two to seven days. We want all the color to come out, which sits in the skins. As the berries break down and are slowly loosening the cell walls start to break down and what we get out of that is anthocyanins. Theyre water soluble and they come out into the juice and that's how we get the good color. MORE: 6 Food and Wine Pairing Tips for Beginners Sorting Once the berries are picked, they arrive by truck at the winery, where they'll go into giant stainless steel fermenting tanks to become wine. Before they get there, they have to be destemmed. The trucks dump the berries into a hopper with a huge auger inside. The auger is covered in a protective coat of plastic so it won't slice or crush the berries. Louton describes the destemmer like this: Imagine a cylinder with a bunch of holes punched into it. That turns and inside the cylinder is a long stainless steel pole that has a bunch of little paddles sticking off and that turns as well. The paddles catch the grape cluster and spins it. During that process the berries fall off. The berry is ripe and ready to fall off so it doesn't take much force. Those sets of paddles knock the berries, which fall through the holes. The stems are too big so they get pushed back out of the machine. MORE : A Super Simple Guide to 24 Common Wine Terms Fermenting When you think about winemaking, you really shouldn't think of barefooted ladies jumping up and down on berries anymore. At the fermentation stage, which comes once the stems are gone, St. Francis and other wineries are moving away from crushing the berries at all. The more a berry starts whole, the more control I have making the wine during the fermentation process because it's slowly breaking down, Louton says. If it's crushed and all the seeds are exposed, I'm going to be extracting tannin earlier and faster then I want to. If it breaks down slower I can craft the wine at a speed I want. If you look at a fermenting tank in the early stages, then, all you'll see is a big pile of berries. Now that they're off the stem, their cell walls start to break down and they naturally begin releasing their juice. To speed up the process, Louton will pump the juice from the bottom of the tank over the top. He can also engage a pneumatic stainless steel plate at the top of the tank that presses down on the berries and releases the juices faster. We can control everything and we base those differences on how the juice tastes and where we want to go with the wine, Louton says. It may seem strange to see wine fermenting in giant stainless steel tanks as opposed to wood or concrete, Louton says steel is the best material for the job. Steel gives the winemakers total control, and it's simple to sanitize before the next batch of berries goes in. We got a sip of white wine at this early stage of fermentation. It's very cloudy and incredibly sweet, and because the yeast is working hard at this stage the wine has a foamy head on it almost like beer when it first comes out of tank. It's not quite juice and not quite wine yet, but the flavor has some hints that alcohol is making its way into the liquid. VIDEO: Is the Red Wine Blend Trend Here to Stay? Analyzing The winery's lab is peppered with tubes and bottles filled with reds and whites and the whole places smells yeasty. For each type of wine St. Francis makes, Louton wants to know the exact chemical makeup at any given time so he can decide when to stop pumping the tank over, when fermentation has finished, and when to move the wine to wood barrels for aging. The day after the berries go into the tank, the juice takes its first trip to the lab for analysis. The first thing Louton wants to know is the percentage of sugar remaining in the fruit, a data point that tells him how much alcohol the finished product will contain. He also looks at the acidity of the juice and its overall nutritional values knowing how much nitrogen and amino acids are in there will tell him how much food is inside for the yeast to eat. Over course of fermentation we do the analysis after the cold soak and then four days later I recheck, Louton says. Then from there we check the sugar every day to see how it's changed. At that point we can see the rate of fermentation and make sure the yeast is working. Most white wines have an imperceptible amount of carbonation, and in the lab they can check the CO2 levels. Throughout the course of the 10- to 20-day fermentation period, they'll also look at the wines turbidity (how clear it is in the glass), volatile acidity, and residual sugars. In the end the analysis doesn't' matter; it's how the wine tastes that matters, he says. But the analysis can help us recreate the wine later. MORE : 5 Ways to Learn to Love Pinot Noir Aging Theres one aspect of winemaking that hasn't changed, and that's the good old-fashioned wood barrel. For 10 to 18 months, depending on the variety and the tastes of the winemaker, the wine will sit in French oak barrels. The barrel room smells oaky and is quieter than the rest of the winery. Tasting the white at this point, it has lost its cloudiness and picked up that dry aftertaste you expect from a finished wine, but it still has some flavor to pick up from its barrel. Barrel makers carefully select the trees based on the climate and soil as well as how fast and tall the trees grow. Each of these factors can ultimately affect how the barrel will change the flavor of the wine. The barrels are also toasted to different levels (a more-toasted barrel will give the wine an oakier, deeper flavor). Even the thickness of the wood slats makes a difference, thicker slats let in less oxygen. Winemakers usually use a barrel five or six times before sending it out to recycling (you'll find a lot of oak barrels sawed in half for sale at local Home Depots around the Napa and Sonoma area). Each time a barrel is used, it loses a bit of its toasty flavor. The barrel room stays at a constant temperature and humidity to control the aging process. At this stage, Louton will take the wine to the lab every four to six weeks to make sure it's aging slowly and confirm it has enough sulfur dioxide to keep outside microbes from getting in and turning the flavors off. How does he know when it's finished? Taste, taste, and taste. again. MORE : How Do You Know Which Wines Can Age? | 0 | 1,594 | foodanddrink |
Taking omega-3 supplements reduces nicotine cravings and the number of cigarettes smoked per day, according to a first-of-its-kind study conducted at the University of Haifa. "The substances and medications used currently to help people reduce and quit smoking are not very effective and cause adverse effects that are not easy to cope with," says study author Dr. Sharon Rabinovitz Shenkar, head of the addictions program at the University of Haifa's school of criminology department and of the psychopharmacology laboratory at Bar-Ilan. "The findings of this study indicated that omega-3, an inexpensive and easily available dietary supplement with almost no side effects, reduces smoking significantly." Smoking is well known in the scientific community to reduce essential fatty acids in the brain, most notably omega-3s. This can lead to brain cell damage, according to the study, interrupting neurotransmission in areas of the brain associated with pleasure and satisfaction, according to the study. "Earlier studies have proven that an imbalance in omega-3 is also related to mental health, depression and the ability to cope with pressure and stress," says Dr. Shenkar. "Pressure and stress, in turn, are associated with the urge to smoke. It is also known that stress and tension levels rise among people who quit smoking. Despite all this, the connection between all these factors had not been studied until now." Dr. Rabinovitz Shenkar worked with 48 participants aged 18 to 45 who smoked at least 10 cigarettes per day and an average of 14 cigarettes per day. Their average age was 29 and they had all started smoking before age 18, meaning they had each been smoking for an average of 11 years. They were divided into two groups, one of which took 2,710 mg of the fatty acid EPA per day and 2,040 mg of the fatty acid DHA per day for a total of approximately five capsules of an omega-3 supplement on a daily basis, while the other was given a placebo. After 30 days, those who had been taking the omega-3 supplement had reduced their smoking by two cigarettes per day, or 11 percent. Importantly, the participants were not told to stop smoking at anytime during the study. One month after they stopped taking their supplements and placebos, their nicotine cravings hadn't returned to baseline. The study was published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology. | 7 | 1,595 | health |
World's Best Cities for Coffee When traveling, coffee lovers need to know where to go to escape the substandard American-style brew most hotels serve. There are cities that define themselves by their coffee culture, and that should not go untapped. #10 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee. The two main species of coffee plants Arabica and Robusta originated in Ethiopia. Ethiopia is the world's seventh-largest coffee producer and has 5,000 different strains of Arabica coffee, while other countries like Brazil and Columbia only have 20. So, there is little doubt that the coffee you are going to get in Ethiopia is good. Traditional Ethiopian coffee is roasted by hand and brewed in a traditional clay coffee pot. Nearly all restaurants and cafés in the city will have some on offer and it's considered one of the best coffee experiences in the world. Scouting out coffee shops like Tomoca and Mokarara in Addis Ababa is highly encouraged, and taking part in an Ethiopian coffee ceremony should be an integral part of any exploration of Ethiopian culture. #9 Vancouver, Canada Vancouver is a city of microbrewers, roasters, bean educators, and champion baristas. A study showed that locals prefer fair-trade and organic brews here more than the commercial chain shop stuff. Independent and small-chain cafés are eager to showcase interesting coffee varieties like Clover and brewing techniques like vacuum-pot and cold-brew. Milano Coffee, the original Vancouver coffee roaster, has won awards for its coffee as well its master blender, Brian Turko, who brought a modern and unique approach to European espresso to Vancouver when he opened his Gastown shop. Milano has won three gold medals from the International Institute of Coffee Tasters in Italy. #8 Vienna, Austria The global consulting firm Mercer has ranked Vienna as the number-one city with the highest quality of life for four years in a row, a result of the city's rising standards of living, advanced infrastructure, low crime levels, history, and culture. Part of that culture includes coffee; in fact, Vienna fashions itself the "Coffee Capital of the World" and UNESCO has listed Vienna's coffee houses as an invaluable part of the city's heritage. "Since Vienna hosted the World Barista Championships in 2012, and new-style independent coffee shops began to open up, the quality of espresso drinks is steadily improving," says Vienna coffee blogger Lameen Abdul-Malik. Vienna's historic cafés are legendary, and it's no surprise considering that the process of filtering coffee was reportedly invented in The Imperial City in 1683. The city has a high number of cafés, including the famed Café Central, considered one of the most beautiful in the world, and Aida, a small chain of thirty or so '50s-style kaffees that has achieved cult status in the city. #7 Reykjavik, Iceland Scandinavians have the highest coffee consumption per capita globally, so it only makes sense that Reykjavik wants to make sure its citizens and visitors are well taken care of, caffeine-wise. Some say the commitment to coffee here borders on fanaticism.Liz Clayton, author of Nice Coffee Time, considers Kaffitár, one of the city's larger chain cafés, to be superlative. Many of Iceland's coffee-barista champs are creating coffee here. "The counters of Kaffitár are confusingly cluttered with everything from pastries to horoscope scrolls to Hario kettles and drippers, and you're able to order anything from the espresso family to a seasonal selection of single-origin coffees, all well-presented by the staff." Another favorite is Kaffismiðja Íslands, where coffee is roasted onsite in a converted house-turned-café. "You won't find a better cup in Reykjavík, and you won't find a café quite like this anywhere." #6 Honolulu Don't let the laid back nature of Hawaiian culture fool you; Hawaiians are serious about their coffee. Honolulu has the third-highest number of coffee shops per capita in the U.S., and it's also the capital of the only state in the country that grows its own beans commercially. Kona coffee, from Hawaii's Big ISland, is grown in porous, mineral-rich soil, courtesy of the island's volcanoes and hot sun, and it has a unique flavor as a result. #5 Rome Rome consistently makes it onto best-of lists when it comes to cities with the best coffee. According to CNN, the nation's best baristas call Rome home, which makes sense given that Romans drink five or more espressos a day and consider coffee bars and cafés "temples." When you think about it, Rome defines the way the rest of the world drinks coffee. Cappuccino, latte, and macchiato are all Italian terms, and drinking coffee in Italy is an experience to be savored. Stopping to drink a cup, even if you're standing, is more common than grabbing a coffee to-go, and Romans live by rules like "no cappuccinos after noon.". Rome- and Paris-based writer David Downie considers Caffè Sant'Eustachio one of the best cafés in the world. Owner Roberto Ricci handpicks each of the 100-percent Arabica beans in the café's signature blend. Beans are slow-roasted over wood for a smooth, sweet, and low-acidity coffee that locals and tourists line up for. #4 San Francisco San Francisco has the most coffee shops per capita of any U.S. city according to WalletHub, and Foursquare data shows that it is the fifth overall in the U.S. for indie coffee shops per capita. New small-chain cafés like Blue Bottle the highest rated indie coffee shop in the city and Four Barrel are changing the game for coffee drinkers by offering things like a five-light siphon bar and not offering Wifi. Tried and true options like Caffe Trieste have been serving coffee to locals since the 1950s. These are just a few of the reasons San Fran is considered one of the best coffee cities in the world. Conde Nast Traveller considers the coffee at SFMOMA's rooftop garden a work of art. #3 Taipei, Taiwan Taipei's strong coffee culture and abundance of unique coffee shops helps it land on the list of the Best Coffee Cities according to the BBC, USA Today, and LifeHack. Beans here are high-quality, freshly roasted, and slow-brewed for the best flavor. Independent coffee shops like Barbie Café, Paper Plane, and Melange have cult followings. Smart Traveler ranks it among the world's best, no doubt in part because of the beans available in Taiwan. According to reports, the growth rate of Taiwan's imported coffee beans is more than seven percent each year, and the market is expected to grow by 15 percent. Taiwanese coffee consumption is up 400 percent in Taiwan since the 1990s and has reached an average of 100 cups per person per year. It is a city that is dedicated to coffee and the increase in small cafés and chain shops shows it. "Independent cafés here do not just compete on the quality of their coffee; there is also a strong trend of each café creating their own signature drinks. As a result, independent cafés here are adventurous with ingredients when crafting their signature drinks," says Van Lin, co-founder of Gabee Café. #2 Melbourne, Australia World Barista Champ Pete Licata told Travel & Leisure that "It's nearly impossible to find a bad cup of coffee in Melbourne," In 2013, Melbourne hosted Urban Coffee Farm and Brew Bar, part of Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, and the World Barista Championships. "Café culture walks" are a tourist draw, while locals prefer to occupy popular shops like Axil Coffeehouse Roasters in the Hawthorn area of Northern Melbourne and Dead Man Espresso in the South. Considered Australia's coffee capital, Melbourne spoils its residents with an abundance of coffee-sipping locales. Shops like Market Lane Coffee source, roast, and serve coffee from some of the best growers in the world. #1 Havana, Cuba Some consider coffee in Cuba to be its own food group. After a drop in Cuban coffee production due to bad weather and government cut-backs, the economy and industry is now growing again to meet demands. In town, many coffeehouses grind beans source locally and directly from the Escambray and Sierra Maestra mountains, making it some of the best coffee a connoisseur can get. Former British MP and Treasury Minister Phillip Oppenheim loves Cuban coffee so much, he has invested millions in making sure Cuba restores itself as the world's biggest coffee exporter. Since Havana is Cuba's capital city, and one of the BBC's picks for best coffee cities, it's only natural that the boom in tourism and economy will hit here first. The city is fueled by café cubano, a full-bodied espresso with sugar that accompanies nearly every meal. Havana's Old Town is peppered with cafés like Café El Escorial and Café de las Infusiones where the traditional coffee drink is perfectly made and on offer, alongside over a dozen other cups. Guests checking out one of Cuba's busiest squares linger for hours. | 0 | 1,596 | foodanddrink |
People who are lactose-intolerant may be less likely to develop certain types of cancer, a new study suggests. And, the researchers suspect the reduced risk may be related to diet. Data for the study included nearly 23,000 people in Sweden with lactose intolerance, as well as members of their families. People with lactose intolerance have difficulty digesting lactose, a sugar found in dairy products, because they have low or no levels of the enzyme lactase which is needed to digest lactose, according to the U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. The researchers found those who had trouble digesting dairy had lower rates of lung, breast and ovarian cancers than those without lactose intolerance. However, siblings and parents of people with lactose intolerance had the same risk for these cancers as people in the general population, which suggests that the lower cancer risk in people with lactose intolerance may have something to do with their diets, study author Jianguang Ji, an associate professor at Lund University, said in a university news release. People with lactose intolerance often consume low levels of milk and other dairy products, according to the researchers. "However, it would be wrong to conclude that milk is a risk factor for these cancers," Ji said. The reduced risk of certain cancers in lactose-intolerant people may be due to factors such as lower calorie intake due to lower milk consumption, or there might be protective ingredients in plant-based beverages used in place of milk, Ji suggested. "We must interpret these results with caution because the association we found is insufficient to conclude a causative effect," Ji said. "Further studies are needed to identify factors that explain the study's results." The study was recently published in the British Journal of Cancer . | 7 | 1,597 | health |
20 Ways to Throw the Best Wedding Ever Tips for Planning the Best Wedding Ultimately, your wedding day is about celebrating the love between you and the person you're about to marry. But there's another goal at hand: throwing one seriously epic party that your guests will talk about for years to come. But how do you make your big day stand out amongst the throngs of weddings your family and friends have attended in the past? While there are many ways to upgrade the standard nuptials , we made a list of 20 easy ways you can get the party started (and continuing!) right. To start, think about the wedding experience as a whole. Sure, your nearest and dearest are elated to watch you marry your longtime love, but sitting for an hour-long ceremony is not their idea of a celebration. Remember that many of your guests have traveled to spend time with you, not watching you, so ensure the evening is interactive. This way they'll feel like an important part of the proceedings. And while the night should certainly cater towards your preferences, think about the total experience for your guests, too. You may love soft jazz music, but that won't fill your dance floor, so consider those tunes for cocktail hour and have your DJ amp up the playlist after dinner. To help you plan and execute the best wedding ever, we outlined 20 sure-fire tips that will leave your guests impressed . We promise, including even just a handful of these standout ideas will turn your wedding day into an event to remember. Keep Your Ceremony Brief Don't get us wrong, your friends and family are present at your big day to see you get married but no one wants to watch a drawn out ceremony. Keep the actual proceedings (not including entrances and exits) around 20 minutes so you won't lose anyone's attention. Romantic Blue and White Ceremony Program While we're on the topic of the ceremony, don't forget about creating a wedding program. By personalizing this piece of stationery with interesting details about you and your groom, a breakdown of the ceremony's proceedings, and any important information they should know (like a translation of traditional vows or that you'd prefer photos aren't taken) you'll capture their attention and get all of those key details across. Plus, it will keep them busy if the event runs a little late. Wedding Hashtag Sign There are many great wedding apps to choose from for your big day. Some interactive apps allow guests to upload wedding photos into one curated place, while others keep your friends and family up on any wedding-related news. Want something even easier? Create clever hashtag and ask guests to tag all of their photos using it. Wedding Welcome Basket Whether you're hosting a destination wedding or a hometown bash, some of your guests had to travel to be a part of your big day. To show your appreciation, give welcome bags for guests staying at hotels. Include a few snacks, bottles of water, and a list of local resources, like the nearest drug store, restaurants and coffee shops, plus any nearby attractions. If you're able to splurge, throw in a bottle of wine, tasty local treats like an artisanal cheese or candy, and a guidebook. Colorful, Floral-Wrapped Seating Chart It doesn't matter if your reception dinner will be a buffet, plated meal, or family-style servings: A smart seating chart is vital to ensuring your guests have a good time. Try to group people together with similar backgrounds and interests, so they'll have something to talk about even if they've never met before. Offer an Open Bar While open bars can be pricey, there are ways to make it work on any budget. Consider offering just beer and wine or a few cocktail options if you need to cut back, but don't ask family and friends to open their wallets. Create Delicious Signature Cocktails Speaking of cocktails, serve one or two delicious customized drinks. It'll offer you a huge savings if you forgo a full bar, and it makes your reception feel so personal. You and your groom should each pick a concoction, but try to select drinks that are palatable for a wide array of people. Keep Your Guests Comfortable No matter what time of year you're tying the knot, it's important to think about what your guests might need to stay comfortable throughout evening. That may mean offering wraps, parasols, or flip-flops. Create a Lounge Area Not every guest will want to dance all night. In fact, some may not want to hit the dance floor at all. Although reception tables are a fine place for friends and family to chat, offering a designated seating area is a nice touch. Lower the music, provide comfy chairs, and this will be a detail many guests will love. Keep Your Speeches Short Speeches are a necessary component of any wedding, but it's important to ensure they don't drag on for too long. Keep the toast brief no matter than a few minutes per person and have your DJ or bandleader prepared to make tasteful cut-offs. Take Song Requests Want to know the best way to get your guests out on the dance floor? Play the songs they actually want to hear! Have your DJ make an announcement that they'll be taking requests and watch the dance floor fill up when a crowd-favorite comes on. Have an Interactive Station Whether it's an outdoor cigar bar, a build-your-own-biscuits bar during cocktail hour, or a sundae bar at dessert, your guests will love making (and eating!) their own treats. Create Charging Stations Sure, the whole point of your wedding is for guests to be present with you, but technology is a necessary evil we can't avoid. Offering charging stations is a very kind way to show guests you care about their personal needs. Plus, if you want to see tons of Instagram photos of your amazing reception, your friends and family will need battery life! Tuck them away near the bathroom or entrance. (Don't forget to include a sign with your hashtag, too!) Late-Night Coffee and Donuts Yes, you're serving dinner and dessert, but those are typically devoured hours before the reception actually ends. And with couples extending their parties later and later, it's likely that more than just a few of your guests will be thinking of a tasty late-night snack. Have your caterer bring out hand-held options like sliders and fries, mini grilled cheese, or coffee and donuts about an hour before the reception ends to revive revelers. Mini Jam Jar Wedding Favor Trust us, people don't want a framed photo of you and your new husband. If you're going to spend the money on favors, select something that your guests won't leave on the table. Mini bottles of bubbly, a yummy snack like cookies or popcorn, or a treat they can enjoy once back at home like jam or syrup are all crowd-pleasers. Make or Rent a Photo Booth Not only is a photo booth a fun activity for your reception, it's also a great alternative for your guestbook or favor. The options are literally endless, but we love a great selection of props for your buddies to play with. Skip Traditions That Don't Fit Your Style Some brides don't want to toss the bouquet or the garter, while others would prefer not to wait until the ceremony for their first look. If you're a girl who just can't image partaking in one of these traditions, don't do it! It's your wedding; you can skip what you want to. Plan a Fun End to the Night No one wants your wedding night to end, but since it has to, go out on a high note. Do a fun and festive farewell, like a firework show, sparkler exit, or confetti send-off! Your guests will love it, and it will make for some amazing photos. | 4 | 1,598 | lifestyle |
Take people seriously and let them know you care. When someone tells you he's thought of suicide, it's scary. Or when a friend confides she's an attempt survivor, you may not know how to react. At times that could mean coping with a person in crisis, but often it's more about listening, encouraging him or her to get help and supporting their long-term efforts to stay safe. Here's how to be there for a family member or friend. Know when it's an emergency. Call 911 in an immediate emergency when somebody is about to hurt themselves or someone else. Or if possible, get him or her to a hospital emergency room, urgent care center or walk-in clinic. You also can call the National Suicide Prevention Line at 800-273-8255. They can help you figure out what to do. Show compassion. It takes courage for someone to reveal that they've considered suicide or survived a past attempt. When you're the person they trust with this information, how do you respond? "Show them you care about them," says Shelby Rowe, education and prevention manager at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. "That's the most important thing." Just as you would with any other secret such as a possible job change or relationship issue listen with compassion and without judgment. Staying connected is key, Rowe says. "Encourage them to get help. Encourage help-seeking behaviors." Talk to someone who's struggling. If a person you know appears to be struggling with depression or anxiety, "don't assume someone else will reach out," the AFSP advises. Its Talk Saves Lives webpage offers five steps for this crucial conversation: 1. Ask if you can talk in private. 2. Ask questions to open up the conversation (such as "You haven't seemed like yourself lately. Is everything OK?"). 3. Listen to their story and express care. 4. Ask if they've thought about hurting themselves or ending their life. 5. Encourage them to seek mental health services. Here's what not to say. When someone confides they're in emotional pain, avoid these responses: Minimizing their feelings, offering advice to fix it, debating about the value of life and offering clichés. "When someone is reaching out to you in intense pain, telling them they'll be 'just fine' is not helpful," Rowe says. And don't debate or bargain, she adds, or say "I think it'll be better. Let's just wait." Think of acute emotional pain as you would physical pain, she suggests. Similar to someone doubled over with a kidney stone, "next week is a long time away," she says. When someone's struggling with thoughts of suicide, it's unhelpful to ask, "Well, how is this going to affect everyone else in your life?" Rowe says. "At that moment, [he or she] is feeling like such a tremendous burden on everyone else in their life. They're tired of everybody else having to worry." Listen to unspoken messages. People have different ways of letting others know there's a problem. "Most people talk about suicide directly or indirectly within the weeks and months before they take their lives, though not necessarily at the moment at which they are about to act," says Jill Harkavy-Friedman, vice president of research at AFSP. Talk of killing themselves, having no reason to live, being a burden to others, feeling trapped or having unbearable pain all mean that a person is at higher risk for a suicide attempt. Indirect statements could be "I don't care if I die" or "I wish I wouldn't wake up," Harkavy-Friedman says. Most people who talk about suicide do not kill themselves, she notes. However, talking about suicide and death are signs of emotional distress. Asking about suicide will not put ideas in someone's head or make them suicidal, she adds. Instead, asking "will most likely will provide relief." Help people find help. Mental health treatment is essential to help people deal with their problems and feel better. Encourage the person to seek services and help him or her locate a mental health professional. Psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric nurses and counselors with specialized training are good sources of treatment. Campus health or counseling centers can provide therapy and referrals, and school guidance counselors can point students and families to resources. Be aware of risk factors. Certain mental health conditions increase the risk that a person might try to take his or her own life. These conditions include depression , bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and types of personality and anxiety disorders. Substance abuse disorders also increase the risk. Getting and adhering to treatment for these conditions helps reduce risk. Other risk factors include previous suicide attempts, family history of suicide attempts, serious/chronic health conditions and prolonged stress. According to the AFSP, the more risk factors a person has, the higher their risk. Having access to lethal means such as firearms and drugs is a risk factor. If people have a plan for suicide, ask them what they intend to do. Work with them to limit access to deadly means. Watch for warning signs. Things people say, their behavior and mood can all serve as suicide warning signs. The more signs someone has, the greater the person's risk. Certain behavior changes especially when connected to a painful event, loss or change are cause for concern. These include: increased alcohol or drug use, searching online for materials or means to kill themselves, acting recklessly, being aggressive, withdrawing from activities, isolating themselves, sleeping too much or too little, calling or visiting to say goodbye, and giving away prized possessions. Moods tied to suicidal thoughts include depression, loss of interest, rage, irritability and anxiety. Create a safety plan. If you're worried about someone, help or encourage him or her to fill out a patient safety plan ,such as the model plan on the Suicide Prevention Resource Center website. Action steps include listing personal warning signs such as specific thoughts or moods that a crisis might be brewing, along with coping strategies, distractions and professionals to contact in a crisis. Safety plans also include listing three people to call for help. "As a friend, you would want to be one of those three people," Rowe says. Copyright 2014 U.S. News & World Report | 7 | 1,599 | health |
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