Entertain yourself for hours with free full-length documentaries at snagfilms.com, which has more than 600 movies to choose from. Catch Super Size Me, by temporary fast-food junkie Morgan Spurlock, or Run Granny Run, about a 94-year-old woman’s race for the U.S. Senate. Ever wonder what’s inside the President’s plane? Air Force One will give you a tour. Films are organized by title and topic, and the site allows you to “snag” them and place them on your blog or Facebook page to share with friends.
-- Parade, 4/5/09
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Diet Myths?
I was looking on Channel 8 this morning (Today Show) and there was a lady talking about Apple juice whether it was healthy. I missed it, but she mentioned that red wine is healthier than white wine which has little nutritional value (or something like that).
I went on the next and found this page diet myths (fact or fiction). Here's a couple.
Vitamin C prevents a cold: Yes.
Studies have gone back and forth for years, and just when we thought the case was closed (a comprehensive review in 2004 of 55 comparative studies — carried out over a period of 65 years — determined that daily doses of 200mg (or more) failed to reduce the incidence, duration or severity of the common cold in the normal, healthy population)... a new study surfaced!
The latest Japanese study, published 2006 in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, showed the risk of contracting three or more colds in the five-year period was decreased by 66 percent by the daily intake of the 500-mg vitamin C supplement. This study deserves special mention because it was much longer (five years) than the trials reported in previous studies and covered many cold seasons in which subjects were probably exposed repeatedly to many cold viruses.
Chicken soup helps when you're sick: Yes.
Grandma was right after all. Sipping on hot, tasty chicken soup (prepared with a variety of vegetables) may help you feel better.
First, hot fluids in general help keep nasal passages moist, increase mucus velocity, prevent dehydration and sooth a sore throat. And the psychological comfort that soup provides may also have a placebo effect for those who are feeling ill. But most interesting is the supportive evidence that was shown in a scientific study, led by Dr. Stephan Rennard out of University of Nebraska a few years back. Researchers concluded that chicken soup with a variety of veggies, may contain substances that function as an anti-inflammatory mechanism and potentially ease the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections, including congestion, stuffy nose, cough, and sore throat.
In other words, a healthy dose of chicken soup with veggies is good for a cold.
It turns out the lady in the article (Joy Bauer) is different from the lady on TV today. The lady today was Nancy L. Snyderman plugging her book. Ah, here's the video.
And the answer for apple (and other fruit) juice. Not good for dieting. Contains lots of sugar and not a lot of nutritional value. And same for white wine which is sugar water.
I went on the next and found this page diet myths (fact or fiction). Here's a couple.
Vitamin C prevents a cold: Yes.
Studies have gone back and forth for years, and just when we thought the case was closed (a comprehensive review in 2004 of 55 comparative studies — carried out over a period of 65 years — determined that daily doses of 200mg (or more) failed to reduce the incidence, duration or severity of the common cold in the normal, healthy population)... a new study surfaced!
The latest Japanese study, published 2006 in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, showed the risk of contracting three or more colds in the five-year period was decreased by 66 percent by the daily intake of the 500-mg vitamin C supplement. This study deserves special mention because it was much longer (five years) than the trials reported in previous studies and covered many cold seasons in which subjects were probably exposed repeatedly to many cold viruses.
Chicken soup helps when you're sick: Yes.
Grandma was right after all. Sipping on hot, tasty chicken soup (prepared with a variety of vegetables) may help you feel better.
First, hot fluids in general help keep nasal passages moist, increase mucus velocity, prevent dehydration and sooth a sore throat. And the psychological comfort that soup provides may also have a placebo effect for those who are feeling ill. But most interesting is the supportive evidence that was shown in a scientific study, led by Dr. Stephan Rennard out of University of Nebraska a few years back. Researchers concluded that chicken soup with a variety of veggies, may contain substances that function as an anti-inflammatory mechanism and potentially ease the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections, including congestion, stuffy nose, cough, and sore throat.
In other words, a healthy dose of chicken soup with veggies is good for a cold.
It turns out the lady in the article (Joy Bauer) is different from the lady on TV today. The lady today was Nancy L. Snyderman plugging her book. Ah, here's the video.
And the answer for apple (and other fruit) juice. Not good for dieting. Contains lots of sugar and not a lot of nutritional value. And same for white wine which is sugar water.
Thursday, May 07, 2009
a filet o' fish analysis
Give me back that filet o’ fish,
Give me that fish.
Give me back that filet o’ fish,
Give me that fish.
What if it were you
hanging up on this wall?
If it were you in that sandwich,
you wouldn’t be laughing at alllllll!
* * *
Why does the talking wall fish want the filet o’ fish sandwich “back”? Did the bearded dude steal it from him? Something smells fishy here…
What if it was the guy eating the sandwich hanging up on the wall? I’d agree that that wouldn’t be a very pleasant predicament to be in, but if he were on the wall, he wouldn’t be in the sandwich, thereby rendering the last line meaningless.
Plus, if the guy was in the sandwich (being eaten), he likely wouldn’t be laughing because he’d be dead and processed in a McDonald’s fish-like sandwich. I’ve never heard any sandwich laugh in my life.
Not to mention that the bearded guy isn’t even laughing at the singing fish, nor is he laughing at the sandwich he’s eating. So why does the fish even say “you wouldn’t be laughing at all”? He’s NOT laughing! If anything, he’s trying to hold back from busting a serious move due to the wall fish’s amazing synthesizer beat.
The only part of this commercial that makes any sense is the reaction of Bearded Dude #2 when he walks in the garage and witnesses what is happening. Although, if I were him, I might take that drill in his hand to the fish’s skull, thus ensuring a safe world for everyone.
Yes, these are the things I think about. I probably wouldn’t think about it so much if they didn’t play this commercial every waking hour of every day.
-- by jamie
Give me that fish.
Give me back that filet o’ fish,
Give me that fish.
What if it were you
hanging up on this wall?
If it were you in that sandwich,
you wouldn’t be laughing at alllllll!
* * *
Why does the talking wall fish want the filet o’ fish sandwich “back”? Did the bearded dude steal it from him? Something smells fishy here…
What if it was the guy eating the sandwich hanging up on the wall? I’d agree that that wouldn’t be a very pleasant predicament to be in, but if he were on the wall, he wouldn’t be in the sandwich, thereby rendering the last line meaningless.
Plus, if the guy was in the sandwich (being eaten), he likely wouldn’t be laughing because he’d be dead and processed in a McDonald’s fish-like sandwich. I’ve never heard any sandwich laugh in my life.
Not to mention that the bearded guy isn’t even laughing at the singing fish, nor is he laughing at the sandwich he’s eating. So why does the fish even say “you wouldn’t be laughing at all”? He’s NOT laughing! If anything, he’s trying to hold back from busting a serious move due to the wall fish’s amazing synthesizer beat.
The only part of this commercial that makes any sense is the reaction of Bearded Dude #2 when he walks in the garage and witnesses what is happening. Although, if I were him, I might take that drill in his hand to the fish’s skull, thus ensuring a safe world for everyone.
Yes, these are the things I think about. I probably wouldn’t think about it so much if they didn’t play this commercial every waking hour of every day.
-- by jamie
Afghanistan's pig
KABUL (AFP) – Afghanistan's only known pig has been taken off display at Kabul Zoo and locked away to avoid panic among visitors who may be worried about swine flu, the zoo's director said Wednesday.
"We put the pig temporarily in his winter house under quarantine because of swine influenza," director Aziz Gul Saqib told AFP.
"Most people don't have much knowledge about swine influenza and seeing a pig, they panic that they will be infected.
"Just to address our visitors' concerns, we have put the pig away from public view for the past two days," he said.
The interned animal -- known simply as "Pig" -- was one of two given to Afghanistan by China in 2002, months after the ouster of the hardline Taliban regime, to help reestablish the zoo after it was destroyed during civil war.
However, the other pig -- and their offspring -- were killed in an attack by a bear.
Despite being the only pig, it was not too lonely, Saqib said.
"The pig made friends with a goat and was happy sticking to the goat in the enclosure, where some other goats and deer were on show for visitors," Saqib said.
"We put the pig temporarily in his winter house under quarantine because of swine influenza," director Aziz Gul Saqib told AFP.
"Most people don't have much knowledge about swine influenza and seeing a pig, they panic that they will be infected.
"Just to address our visitors' concerns, we have put the pig away from public view for the past two days," he said.
The interned animal -- known simply as "Pig" -- was one of two given to Afghanistan by China in 2002, months after the ouster of the hardline Taliban regime, to help reestablish the zoo after it was destroyed during civil war.
However, the other pig -- and their offspring -- were killed in an attack by a bear.
Despite being the only pig, it was not too lonely, Saqib said.
"The pig made friends with a goat and was happy sticking to the goat in the enclosure, where some other goats and deer were on show for visitors," Saqib said.
BeatlesTube
beatlestube.net tries to organize all The Beatles videos that you can find on the web. There are plenty of Beatles music footages on Youtube™ and Google Video™ but it's difficult to have them in a logical sequence. Beatlestube.net will help you to do that.
[forward via Donna]
[forward via Donna]
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
7 Habits For Longer Life
In the United States, life expectancy was about 48 years for women and 46 years for men born in 1900. Just 50 years later, it climbed to 71 for women and 66 for men. And recent numbers put life expectancy at roughly 80 for women and 75 for men.
There’s still considerable debate about the achievable upper limit of human lifespan, but France’s Jeanne Calment lived to be 122. American Gertrude Baines, believed to be the world’s oldest living person, is 114.
Most experts agree that increases in lifespan are due to better nutrition, health care, and disease prevention and treatment. But research is also identifying various traits and habits that aid healthy aging.
-- Parade 3/15/09
There’s still considerable debate about the achievable upper limit of human lifespan, but France’s Jeanne Calment lived to be 122. American Gertrude Baines, believed to be the world’s oldest living person, is 114.
Most experts agree that increases in lifespan are due to better nutrition, health care, and disease prevention and treatment. But research is also identifying various traits and habits that aid healthy aging.
-- Parade 3/15/09
Monday, April 13, 2009
Tip Jar
Google is harnessing the collective wisdom of its users to find tips on how to save money. Yesterday, the Internet search giant set up a site dubbed “Tip Jar” (www.google.com/tipjar), which allows users to submit money-saving tips across a variety of categories, ranging from finance and travel to food and shopping. Users can vote on the tips they like; over time, the most popular and useful ones float to the top of the list.
Looking to cut your food bills? One user recommends drinking water instead of sodas, coffee and alcohol to save money and calories. One of the top tips in the finance categories: Pay your bills online to save on postage. If you’re looking for a specific topic, the search engine will scour all the categories and bring back any tips related to your topic.
Other online personal-finance Web sites, such as Wesabe and Geezeo, also leverage their social networks by allowing users to share tips and goals with other users. By applying a “wisdom of the crowds” theory, Google is essentially betting that the collective wisdom of its users will yield better results than could have been made by any single person.
-- from Star Bulletin, 3/15/09
Looking to cut your food bills? One user recommends drinking water instead of sodas, coffee and alcohol to save money and calories. One of the top tips in the finance categories: Pay your bills online to save on postage. If you’re looking for a specific topic, the search engine will scour all the categories and bring back any tips related to your topic.
Other online personal-finance Web sites, such as Wesabe and Geezeo, also leverage their social networks by allowing users to share tips and goals with other users. By applying a “wisdom of the crowds” theory, Google is essentially betting that the collective wisdom of its users will yield better results than could have been made by any single person.
-- from Star Bulletin, 3/15/09
Thursday, April 09, 2009
My Favorite Restaurants
(and places I eat at)
Bangkok Chef. We usually order the yellow chicken curry and/or cashew nut chicken
Mr. Eggroll. We used go here all the time when we had the clubhouse on Ward. Fried rice, orange chicken, and eggplant.
Bob's Big Boy. I used to go there after Tuesday volleyball. Not so much now. Fried Noodles or Chicken Cutlet. [4/29/09 - unfortunately they had a fire]
Liliha Bakery. Fumio takes me here. I like the mahi and the county style omellette is pretty tasty (though it really doesn't fill me up).
And don't forget Costco Food Court. $1.50 for hotdog and drink. $10 for a whole pizza. Hard to beat.
Mama's BBQ. I probably wouldn't go here if it wasn't so close by. The food is OK, but I don't like the fact that their BBQ chicken has bones in it. Last time, I got around the problem by ordering chicken katsu instead. [4/29/09]
Chinese Kitchen (Nuuanu Plaza). Since Mr. Eggroll is kind of out the way now for me, we usually go to Chinese Kitchen. The food is OK, but nothing to go out of the way for. Other options are Hoy Tin and New Mui Kwai. New Mui Kwai has the advantage of having a little handier parking. [4/29/09]
One Plus One. This is a place we sometimes to go to get food when we go to volleyball games. I think we just saw it and decided to try something other than L&L. I liked it anyway. The shoyu pork roast (or whatever it's called) is tender. The spaghetti is tasty. They make it chinese style. [5/23/09]
Royal Kitchen - my favorite place for manapua. I like their char siu bao in particular. But their gok jai and siu mai is pretty good too.
Nice Day - got dim sum from here a few times. More variety than the Royal Kitchen half moon, okole, char siu bao offerings. The reviews aren't so good, but I thought the food was pretty good. Last time was the first time I ordered myself. They have a table from where you can choose your dim sum for take out. They come in these little covered baskets. Didn't know you have to take the whole basket. Can't break up the food inside. Well maybe for the big char siu bao you can but not the small baskets. So wound up buying more than intended.
Bangkok Chef. We usually order the yellow chicken curry and/or cashew nut chicken
Mr. Eggroll. We used go here all the time when we had the clubhouse on Ward. Fried rice, orange chicken, and eggplant.
Bob's Big Boy. I used to go there after Tuesday volleyball. Not so much now. Fried Noodles or Chicken Cutlet. [4/29/09 - unfortunately they had a fire]
Liliha Bakery. Fumio takes me here. I like the mahi and the county style omellette is pretty tasty (though it really doesn't fill me up).
And don't forget Costco Food Court. $1.50 for hotdog and drink. $10 for a whole pizza. Hard to beat.
Mama's BBQ. I probably wouldn't go here if it wasn't so close by. The food is OK, but I don't like the fact that their BBQ chicken has bones in it. Last time, I got around the problem by ordering chicken katsu instead. [4/29/09]
Chinese Kitchen (Nuuanu Plaza). Since Mr. Eggroll is kind of out the way now for me, we usually go to Chinese Kitchen. The food is OK, but nothing to go out of the way for. Other options are Hoy Tin and New Mui Kwai. New Mui Kwai has the advantage of having a little handier parking. [4/29/09]
One Plus One. This is a place we sometimes to go to get food when we go to volleyball games. I think we just saw it and decided to try something other than L&L. I liked it anyway. The shoyu pork roast (or whatever it's called) is tender. The spaghetti is tasty. They make it chinese style. [5/23/09]
Royal Kitchen - my favorite place for manapua. I like their char siu bao in particular. But their gok jai and siu mai is pretty good too.
Nice Day - got dim sum from here a few times. More variety than the Royal Kitchen half moon, okole, char siu bao offerings. The reviews aren't so good, but I thought the food was pretty good. Last time was the first time I ordered myself. They have a table from where you can choose your dim sum for take out. They come in these little covered baskets. Didn't know you have to take the whole basket. Can't break up the food inside. Well maybe for the big char siu bao you can but not the small baskets. So wound up buying more than intended.
Monday, March 30, 2009
responding to meanness
We live in a culture of mean. We love television shows and movies in which people attack one another over stupid things like tacky clothes or bad hair or being a Republican. We yell at waiters who mess up our orders. We laugh at the girl whose tummy spills over the waist of her jeans.
We scream obscenities at the jerk who cut us off on the freeway. And we happily hurl insults from behind screen names online.
Where does this meanness come from?
People who are mean have probably been hurt in some way. By a cheating girlfriend. By a bad review from the boss. They see themselves as victims and respond by building walls to shield themselves from more harm.
So how should we respond?
It's tempting to hurl back our own version of clever cruelty. I know someone pumped with clever verbal attacks against those who steal parking stalls, for instance. But is that the best solution?
I subscribe to the theory -- however naive it might be -- that we can improve the world by stopping cycles of mean and dishing out kindness.
I'm not saying we should be sunshine and smiles 24/7. That's just scary.
And I get that people have bigger troubles than flat tires and coffee spilled on a new white shirt.
But to me, good will is like recycling: A little bit can make a difference.
So even if you've been wronged, save a stranger's day by passing on kindness instead of anger.
We scream obscenities at the jerk who cut us off on the freeway. And we happily hurl insults from behind screen names online.
Where does this meanness come from?
People who are mean have probably been hurt in some way. By a cheating girlfriend. By a bad review from the boss. They see themselves as victims and respond by building walls to shield themselves from more harm.
So how should we respond?
It's tempting to hurl back our own version of clever cruelty. I know someone pumped with clever verbal attacks against those who steal parking stalls, for instance. But is that the best solution?
I subscribe to the theory -- however naive it might be -- that we can improve the world by stopping cycles of mean and dishing out kindness.
I'm not saying we should be sunshine and smiles 24/7. That's just scary.
And I get that people have bigger troubles than flat tires and coffee spilled on a new white shirt.
But to me, good will is like recycling: A little bit can make a difference.
So even if you've been wronged, save a stranger's day by passing on kindness instead of anger.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Apocalypse 2012
More than 1 million Web pages cite a panoply of "evidence" that the apocalypse is coming in 2012.
The basis for this growing phenomenon originates from the ancient Mayan calendar that ends in December of that year, the last cycle that they calculated with their sophisticated astronomical mathematics.
Some Mayan scholars contend that the Mayan calendar ends on the solstice that occurs on Dec. 21, 2012, at 11:11 a.m., which will supposedly coincide with an alignment of the sun with the center of the Milky Way galaxy, causing any number of imagined effects that defy reason.
Speculative doomsayers incorporate the prophecies of Nostradamus, the Revelations of John, and anything else that might vaguely support the notion.
The apocalypse of 2012 is also linked to a mythical planet called Nibiru, which is said to have an odd orbit. It supposedly enters the solar system only every 3,600 years and will interact with Earth to add to the other astronomical effects, which include bombardment by meteors.
There is no astronomical evidence for the existence of such a planet, although believers insist that the government and the scientific community are aware of it and are hiding it from the public.
David Morrison of NASA's Web site concluded that anger concerning alleged conspiracies about Nibiru came "from people who seem to want the world to end in 2012, who are upset to be told that this catastrophe will not happen."
The human psyche is a unique feature in that it allows us to conceptualize the future and cogitate the certainty of our own demise.
There is no guarantee that the world will not end tomorrow, the day after, or in 2012, and there is nothing we could do to prevent it or prepare for it anyway.
The future is a Rorschach and we project our hopes and our fears onto it.
Ignorance of how science works and distrust of authority fuel these apocalyptic visions with a collective consciousness of fear.
I would rather not know when the end will come and just continue unabated enjoying the Earth as if it and civilization will outlive me.
* * *
[10/15/09] With humanity coming up fast on 2012, publishers are helping readers gear up and count down to this mysterious — some even call it apocalyptic — date that ancient Mayan societies were anticipating thousands of years ago.
Since November, at least three new books on 2012 have arrived in mainstream bookstores. A fourth is due this fall. Each arrives in the wake of the 2006 success of 2012: The Return of Quetzalcoatl, which has been selling thousands of copies a month since its release in May and counts more than 40,000 in print. The books also build on popular interest in the Maya, fueled in part by Mel Gibson's December 2006 film about Mayan civilization, Apocalpyto.
Authors disagree about what humankind should expect on Dec. 21, 2012, when the Maya's "Long Count" calendar marks the end of a 5,126-year era.
Journalist Lawrence Joseph forecasts widespread catastrophe in Apocalypse 2012: A Scientific Investigation Into Civilization's End. Spiritual healer Andrew Smith predicts a restoration of a "true balance between Divine Feminine and Masculine" in The Revolution of 2012: Vol. 1, The Preparation. In 2012, Daniel Pinchbeck anticipates a "change in the nature of consciousness," assisted by indigenous insights and psychedelic drug use.
[via berknovice4now@chucks_angels]
***
[8/6/12] Despite the cries of doomsayers, the Mayans themselves don't expect that the world will end. In fact, they believe it's a time of great celebration and luck when the planet lasts through a full Great Cycle. Think of it this way: To the Mayans, a Great Cycle is just a really long year. For them, worrying about Dec, 21, 2012, would be like us worrying every Dec. 31.
***
More on my other blog.
The basis for this growing phenomenon originates from the ancient Mayan calendar that ends in December of that year, the last cycle that they calculated with their sophisticated astronomical mathematics.
Some Mayan scholars contend that the Mayan calendar ends on the solstice that occurs on Dec. 21, 2012, at 11:11 a.m., which will supposedly coincide with an alignment of the sun with the center of the Milky Way galaxy, causing any number of imagined effects that defy reason.
Speculative doomsayers incorporate the prophecies of Nostradamus, the Revelations of John, and anything else that might vaguely support the notion.
The apocalypse of 2012 is also linked to a mythical planet called Nibiru, which is said to have an odd orbit. It supposedly enters the solar system only every 3,600 years and will interact with Earth to add to the other astronomical effects, which include bombardment by meteors.
There is no astronomical evidence for the existence of such a planet, although believers insist that the government and the scientific community are aware of it and are hiding it from the public.
David Morrison of NASA's Web site concluded that anger concerning alleged conspiracies about Nibiru came "from people who seem to want the world to end in 2012, who are upset to be told that this catastrophe will not happen."
The human psyche is a unique feature in that it allows us to conceptualize the future and cogitate the certainty of our own demise.
There is no guarantee that the world will not end tomorrow, the day after, or in 2012, and there is nothing we could do to prevent it or prepare for it anyway.
The future is a Rorschach and we project our hopes and our fears onto it.
Ignorance of how science works and distrust of authority fuel these apocalyptic visions with a collective consciousness of fear.
I would rather not know when the end will come and just continue unabated enjoying the Earth as if it and civilization will outlive me.
* * *
[10/15/09] With humanity coming up fast on 2012, publishers are helping readers gear up and count down to this mysterious — some even call it apocalyptic — date that ancient Mayan societies were anticipating thousands of years ago.
Since November, at least three new books on 2012 have arrived in mainstream bookstores. A fourth is due this fall. Each arrives in the wake of the 2006 success of 2012: The Return of Quetzalcoatl, which has been selling thousands of copies a month since its release in May and counts more than 40,000 in print. The books also build on popular interest in the Maya, fueled in part by Mel Gibson's December 2006 film about Mayan civilization, Apocalpyto.
Authors disagree about what humankind should expect on Dec. 21, 2012, when the Maya's "Long Count" calendar marks the end of a 5,126-year era.
Journalist Lawrence Joseph forecasts widespread catastrophe in Apocalypse 2012: A Scientific Investigation Into Civilization's End. Spiritual healer Andrew Smith predicts a restoration of a "true balance between Divine Feminine and Masculine" in The Revolution of 2012: Vol. 1, The Preparation. In 2012, Daniel Pinchbeck anticipates a "change in the nature of consciousness," assisted by indigenous insights and psychedelic drug use.
[via berknovice4now@chucks_angels]
***
[8/6/12] Despite the cries of doomsayers, the Mayans themselves don't expect that the world will end. In fact, they believe it's a time of great celebration and luck when the planet lasts through a full Great Cycle. Think of it this way: To the Mayans, a Great Cycle is just a really long year. For them, worrying about Dec, 21, 2012, would be like us worrying every Dec. 31.
***
More on my other blog.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Ted Turner on making a difference
OI: You contribute a great deal to charity, but few people can contribute on your scale. What can they do to make a difference?
Ted: They can do plenty. Wherever I am, in a city or on the ranch, when I see a can or bottle or piece of paper, I pick it up and place it in the closest receptacle. You don't have to have money to clean up your neighborhood. If you can't give money, give your time. Be a Big Brother or Sister and provide mentoring to help kids. Some people have lots of money but little time; others have time but not money. The important thing is to work to make the world a kind, better, more just place.
-- Schwab OnInvesting Magazine, Winter 2008
Ted: They can do plenty. Wherever I am, in a city or on the ranch, when I see a can or bottle or piece of paper, I pick it up and place it in the closest receptacle. You don't have to have money to clean up your neighborhood. If you can't give money, give your time. Be a Big Brother or Sister and provide mentoring to help kids. Some people have lots of money but little time; others have time but not money. The important thing is to work to make the world a kind, better, more just place.
-- Schwab OnInvesting Magazine, Winter 2008
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Swap A CD
I was listening to the music on Loraine's computer (that I was redoing) and liked some of the music from Sean Na'auao. I narrowed in on the album Still Pounding which is actually a compilation of music from a few different artists.
The album seems to be out of print, but I came across the Swap A CD website in which you can swap CDs with other CD owners. And can swap DVDs and books too. I may be investigating this further.
[4/26/09] I saw Olomana and Still Pounding at Wal-Mart. Maybe they're starting to reissue them? Anyway, it's a sale.
The album seems to be out of print, but I came across the Swap A CD website in which you can swap CDs with other CD owners. And can swap DVDs and books too. I may be investigating this further.
[4/26/09] I saw Olomana and Still Pounding at Wal-Mart. Maybe they're starting to reissue them? Anyway, it's a sale.
Monday, March 16, 2009
cheaper eyeglasses
FOR YEARS I'VE BEEN wondering why eyeglasses cost so much. Even at LensCrafters, which is to eyewear what Gap is to clothes, you can easily pay $500 for a few pieces of plastic and screws. The last time I went in, I tried on a $250 pair of retro-librarian frames that made me look real smart. So smart that I asked the sales guy why they cost so much. He gave me a funny look. "They're designer," he huffed.
That did it. With a little digging, I found someone offering a much cheaper alternative. Seven years ago optician Randy Appelbaum sold his three Manhattan retail locations to start EyeglassDirect.com, one of the growing number of discount-eyewear Web sites. By typing in your prescription and measurements, you can buy a decent set of specs off his site for as little as $28. His secret: He built a lab in his brick townhouse in the suburban outskirts of Brooklyn. His two Ukrainian assistants, Vladimir and Alex, grind 20 to 50 pairs of eyeglasses a day under the fluorescent lights, using the same equipment you'd find in the back of an optician's store. Alex is moonlighting from his job making lenses for — you guessed it — LensCrafters.
-- SmartMoney, April 2007
That did it. With a little digging, I found someone offering a much cheaper alternative. Seven years ago optician Randy Appelbaum sold his three Manhattan retail locations to start EyeglassDirect.com, one of the growing number of discount-eyewear Web sites. By typing in your prescription and measurements, you can buy a decent set of specs off his site for as little as $28. His secret: He built a lab in his brick townhouse in the suburban outskirts of Brooklyn. His two Ukrainian assistants, Vladimir and Alex, grind 20 to 50 pairs of eyeglasses a day under the fluorescent lights, using the same equipment you'd find in the back of an optician's store. Alex is moonlighting from his job making lenses for — you guessed it — LensCrafters.
-- SmartMoney, April 2007
a dime is such a deal
It costs 1.67 cents to produce a penny. It costs almost a nickel to make a dime and nearly a dime to make a nickel!
-- Ask Marilyn, Parade February 8, 2009
-- Ask Marilyn, Parade February 8, 2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009
is Ayn Rand relevant?
Ayn Rand died more than a quarter of a century ago, yet her name appears regularly in discussions of our current economic turmoil. Pundits including Rush Limbaugh and Rick Santelli urge listeners to read her books, and her magnum opus, "Atlas Shrugged," is selling at a faster rate today than at any time during its 51-year history.
There's a reason. In "Atlas," Rand tells the story of the U.S. economy crumbling under the weight of crushing government interventions and regulations. Meanwhile, blaming greed and the free market, Washington responds with more controls that only deepen the crisis. Sound familiar?
The novel's eerily prophetic nature is no coincidence. "If you understand the dominant philosophy of a society," Rand wrote elsewhere in "Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal," "you can predict its course." Economic crises and runaway government power grabs don't just happen by themselves; they are the product of the philosophical ideas prevalent in a society -- particularly its dominant moral ideas.
Why do we accept the budget-busting costs of a welfare state? Because it implements the moral ideal of self-sacrifice to the needy. Why do so few protest the endless regulatory burdens placed on businessmen? Because businessmen are pursuing their self-interest, which we have been taught is dangerous and immoral. Why did the government go on a crusade to promote "affordable housing," which meant forcing banks to make loans to unqualified home buyers? Because we believe people need to be homeowners, whether or not they can afford to pay for houses.
The message is always the same: "Selfishness is evil; sacrifice for the needs of others is good." But Rand said this message is wrong -- selfishness, rather than being evil, is a virtue. By this she did not mean exploiting others à la Bernie Madoff. Selfishness -- that is, concern with one's genuine, long-range interest -- she wrote, required a man to think, to produce, and to prosper by trading with others voluntarily to mutual benefit.
There's a reason. In "Atlas," Rand tells the story of the U.S. economy crumbling under the weight of crushing government interventions and regulations. Meanwhile, blaming greed and the free market, Washington responds with more controls that only deepen the crisis. Sound familiar?
The novel's eerily prophetic nature is no coincidence. "If you understand the dominant philosophy of a society," Rand wrote elsewhere in "Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal," "you can predict its course." Economic crises and runaway government power grabs don't just happen by themselves; they are the product of the philosophical ideas prevalent in a society -- particularly its dominant moral ideas.
Why do we accept the budget-busting costs of a welfare state? Because it implements the moral ideal of self-sacrifice to the needy. Why do so few protest the endless regulatory burdens placed on businessmen? Because businessmen are pursuing their self-interest, which we have been taught is dangerous and immoral. Why did the government go on a crusade to promote "affordable housing," which meant forcing banks to make loans to unqualified home buyers? Because we believe people need to be homeowners, whether or not they can afford to pay for houses.
The message is always the same: "Selfishness is evil; sacrifice for the needs of others is good." But Rand said this message is wrong -- selfishness, rather than being evil, is a virtue. By this she did not mean exploiting others à la Bernie Madoff. Selfishness -- that is, concern with one's genuine, long-range interest -- she wrote, required a man to think, to produce, and to prosper by trading with others voluntarily to mutual benefit.
Thursday, March 05, 2009
dirt is good for you
In studies of what is called the hygiene hypothesis, researchers are concluding that organisms like the millions of bacteria, viruses and especially worms that enter the body along with “dirt” spur the development of a healthy immune system. Several continuing studies suggest that worms may help to redirect an immune system that has gone awry and resulted in autoimmune disorders, allergies and asthma.
These studies, along with epidemiological observations, seem to explain why immune system disorders like multiple sclerosis, Type 1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma and allergies have risen significantly in the United States and other developed countries.
“What a child is doing when he puts things in his mouth is allowing his immune response to explore his environment,” Mary Ruebush, a microbiology and immunology instructor, wrote in her new book, “Why Dirt Is Good” (Kaplan). “Not only does this allow for ‘practice’ of immune responses, which will be necessary for protection, but it also plays a critical role in teaching the immature immune response what is best ignored.”
One leading researcher, Dr. Joel V. Weinstock, the director of gastroenterology and hepatology at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, said in an interview that the immune system at birth “is like an unprogrammed computer. It needs instruction.”
He said that public health measures like cleaning up contaminated water and food have saved the lives of countless children, but they “also eliminated exposure to many organisms that are probably good for us.”
These studies, along with epidemiological observations, seem to explain why immune system disorders like multiple sclerosis, Type 1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma and allergies have risen significantly in the United States and other developed countries.
“What a child is doing when he puts things in his mouth is allowing his immune response to explore his environment,” Mary Ruebush, a microbiology and immunology instructor, wrote in her new book, “Why Dirt Is Good” (Kaplan). “Not only does this allow for ‘practice’ of immune responses, which will be necessary for protection, but it also plays a critical role in teaching the immature immune response what is best ignored.”
One leading researcher, Dr. Joel V. Weinstock, the director of gastroenterology and hepatology at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, said in an interview that the immune system at birth “is like an unprogrammed computer. It needs instruction.”
He said that public health measures like cleaning up contaminated water and food have saved the lives of countless children, but they “also eliminated exposure to many organisms that are probably good for us.”
The Jones' clean house
Step 1 in making order out of chaos is often the most painful: getting rid of all the junk. Especially when folks have emotional attachments to most of the stuff.
The Style Network's "Clean House" makes the culling process part of its home makeovers with a garage sale that's a staple of every episode.
The sale at the home of Aina Jones on Saturday drew throngs of the show's fans, many bearing leis, pineapples and other tokens for show host Niecy Nash.
The night prior to the sale, the family had to decide what to give up, with the "Clean House" crew encouraging them to be brutal.
"I know that we don't need four sets of dishes, but the sentimental stuff is going to be the hardest," said Aina.
Parting with her books was so difficult that the cast offered her new living room flooring to sell them. "Clean House" designer Mark Brunetz explained that Aina reads her books over and over as a means to escape her problems. "It's easy to read a book and not have to live in the reality of life," he said.
"They really need to deal with this clutter issue and learn to let things go. They also need to make organizing fun," added Trish Suhr, the show's yard sale diva. "Otherwise, they are raising a 9-year-old clutterbug."
Once they started plowing through the mess, things got a bit easier.
"It was just time-consuming. ... Once we started sorting through stuff, it was easier to let things go. The hardest part was giving up control," Aina said.
Her sons had no problem handing over their junk.
"It was completely simple to put the clutter in a box and send it somewhere else," said Ben. "It took us years to collect all this junk. We brought two full Matson containers when we moved back from the mainland (nine years ago)."
"The process was long, tiring and dusty. We were sorting and moving things out until 3:30 a.m.," explained Thomas.
Yard sale tables were filled with the usual items like books, DVDs, toys and clothing with a few pieces of furniture on the side. Among the more unusual items were a furry spider that Nash sold to a woman who planned to hang it in her bedroom and a "to pee or not to pee ... that is the question" framed poster that Brunetz sold to another woman.
After a couple of days in a hotel, the family returned to their home and were blindfolded as they were led into the house for the big reveal. The entire family was ecstatic with the results of the makeover.
"This was a good experience. ... The rooms were incredible," said Aina.
"The boys' room is the size of a postage stamp. And, they are two adult boys. I needed to figure out how to accommodate both of them sleeping in there with some desks," Brunetz explained. They got a new divided closet organizer with shelving in the center with boxes for personal affects.
"Organization is key. And, the design needs to incorporate multifunctional furniture. Everything needs to serve more than one purpose," Brunetz said.
"I'm glad to have a bed. We had bunk beds, but they were being used like a closet," said Thomas.
The living room was transformed into a sanctuary for Dorothy. Her antique Chinese day bed had become a storage area and was lacking proper padding. Brunetz refurbished most of the old furniture in this room, providing a face lift that brought everything back to life. He also added gold foils on the cinder block wall.
The family room had a Polynesian/Asian vibe. The toys that were once scattered on the floor were given new homes in rattan baskets lined up on shelves.
"I love the family room. It gives us a great space to hang out," Aina said, noting that was her favorite part of the remodel.
The experience has taught Aina the value of ending clutter. "We need to throw things away that deserve to be thrown away," she said.
"Clutter doesn't allow people to live in the present," Brunetz said. "Space allows people to live comfortably in their own skin and environment."
* * *
Clean House, the Style Network’s No. 1 show in its seventh season, has hit the road in search of the messiest home in the country as part of a seven-episode event that started last Wednesday and continues at 7 tonight (May 27) Hawaii time. The Hawaii episode featuring the Jones family from Niu Valley airs June 3.
During their week on Oahu the Clean House team consisting of Nash, interior design guru Mark Brunetz, yard sale diva Trish Suhr and new addition, go-to guy Eugene Long dug their way through cluttered rooms and organized a giant public yard sale with proceeds matched by the show going toward that much-needed home makeover.
Through this experience, the Jones ohana - Aina Jones, her children Janie Jones, Thomas Purkiss and Ben Purkiss, and mother Dorothy Kangas - discover some of the root causes of their clutter and share with the public what most people would never want exposed: a messy house.
***
The Style Network's "Clean House" makes the culling process part of its home makeovers with a garage sale that's a staple of every episode.
The sale at the home of Aina Jones on Saturday drew throngs of the show's fans, many bearing leis, pineapples and other tokens for show host Niecy Nash.
The night prior to the sale, the family had to decide what to give up, with the "Clean House" crew encouraging them to be brutal.
"I know that we don't need four sets of dishes, but the sentimental stuff is going to be the hardest," said Aina.
Parting with her books was so difficult that the cast offered her new living room flooring to sell them. "Clean House" designer Mark Brunetz explained that Aina reads her books over and over as a means to escape her problems. "It's easy to read a book and not have to live in the reality of life," he said.
"They really need to deal with this clutter issue and learn to let things go. They also need to make organizing fun," added Trish Suhr, the show's yard sale diva. "Otherwise, they are raising a 9-year-old clutterbug."
Once they started plowing through the mess, things got a bit easier.
"It was just time-consuming. ... Once we started sorting through stuff, it was easier to let things go. The hardest part was giving up control," Aina said.
Her sons had no problem handing over their junk.
"It was completely simple to put the clutter in a box and send it somewhere else," said Ben. "It took us years to collect all this junk. We brought two full Matson containers when we moved back from the mainland (nine years ago)."
"The process was long, tiring and dusty. We were sorting and moving things out until 3:30 a.m.," explained Thomas.
Yard sale tables were filled with the usual items like books, DVDs, toys and clothing with a few pieces of furniture on the side. Among the more unusual items were a furry spider that Nash sold to a woman who planned to hang it in her bedroom and a "to pee or not to pee ... that is the question" framed poster that Brunetz sold to another woman.
After a couple of days in a hotel, the family returned to their home and were blindfolded as they were led into the house for the big reveal. The entire family was ecstatic with the results of the makeover.
"This was a good experience. ... The rooms were incredible," said Aina.
"The boys' room is the size of a postage stamp. And, they are two adult boys. I needed to figure out how to accommodate both of them sleeping in there with some desks," Brunetz explained. They got a new divided closet organizer with shelving in the center with boxes for personal affects.
"Organization is key. And, the design needs to incorporate multifunctional furniture. Everything needs to serve more than one purpose," Brunetz said.
"I'm glad to have a bed. We had bunk beds, but they were being used like a closet," said Thomas.
The living room was transformed into a sanctuary for Dorothy. Her antique Chinese day bed had become a storage area and was lacking proper padding. Brunetz refurbished most of the old furniture in this room, providing a face lift that brought everything back to life. He also added gold foils on the cinder block wall.
The family room had a Polynesian/Asian vibe. The toys that were once scattered on the floor were given new homes in rattan baskets lined up on shelves.
"I love the family room. It gives us a great space to hang out," Aina said, noting that was her favorite part of the remodel.
The experience has taught Aina the value of ending clutter. "We need to throw things away that deserve to be thrown away," she said.
"Clutter doesn't allow people to live in the present," Brunetz said. "Space allows people to live comfortably in their own skin and environment."
* * *
Clean House, the Style Network’s No. 1 show in its seventh season, has hit the road in search of the messiest home in the country as part of a seven-episode event that started last Wednesday and continues at 7 tonight (May 27) Hawaii time. The Hawaii episode featuring the Jones family from Niu Valley airs June 3.
During their week on Oahu the Clean House team consisting of Nash, interior design guru Mark Brunetz, yard sale diva Trish Suhr and new addition, go-to guy Eugene Long dug their way through cluttered rooms and organized a giant public yard sale with proceeds matched by the show going toward that much-needed home makeover.
Through this experience, the Jones ohana - Aina Jones, her children Janie Jones, Thomas Purkiss and Ben Purkiss, and mother Dorothy Kangas - discover some of the root causes of their clutter and share with the public what most people would never want exposed: a messy house.
***
After moving to Hawaii from
California 14 years ago, Gracie and her husband found there were far
more fun things to do than unpack.
"We planned to go through a box a
day, then decided on a box a week or month. We found hula and surfing
and never cared enough to unpack the boxes. If we needed a can
opener, we'd just go buy one," said the North Shore resident, who did
not want to be identified to protect her privacy.
Then when her husband died in February, it became difficult to let go of anything that reminded her of him.
While not quite a candidate for the reality show "Hoarders" yet,
Gracie's plea for help won the "Honolulu's Messiest Room" contest
sponsored by Aloha Organizers, which came to her house for a room
makeover last week.
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Paul Harvey
Paul Harvey, a familiar radio voice for six decades who used long pauses to punctuate his delivery of news and observations, died yesterday in Phoenix. He was 90.
Harvey's death was announced in a statement by ABC Radio Networks where his "News and Comment" was a fixture aired from coast to coast since 1951. He had impressed network executives with high ratings in Chicago, where he'd been a newscaster at ABC affiliate WENR-AM since 1944.
Harvey died in a Phoenix area hospital with his family by his side, said Louis Adams, a spokesman for ABC Radio Networks. The broadcaster lived in Chicago during the summer and moved his production to Arizona in the winter months.
"My father and mother created from thin air what one day became radio and television news," son Paul Harvey Jr. said in a statement on his father's Web site. "So in the past year, an industry has lost its godparents and today millions have lost a friend."
Harvey's wife, Lynne, who produced his shows, died in May.
Known for his resonant voice and trademark delivery of "The Rest of the Story," Harvey had been heard nationally since 1951, when he began his "News and Comment" for ABC Radio Networks.
He became a heartland icon, delivering news and commentary with a distinctive Midwestern flavor. "Stand by for news!" he told his listeners. He was credited with inventing or popularizing terms such as "skyjacker," "Reaganomics" and "guesstimate."
Harvey's death was announced in a statement by ABC Radio Networks where his "News and Comment" was a fixture aired from coast to coast since 1951. He had impressed network executives with high ratings in Chicago, where he'd been a newscaster at ABC affiliate WENR-AM since 1944.
Harvey died in a Phoenix area hospital with his family by his side, said Louis Adams, a spokesman for ABC Radio Networks. The broadcaster lived in Chicago during the summer and moved his production to Arizona in the winter months.
"My father and mother created from thin air what one day became radio and television news," son Paul Harvey Jr. said in a statement on his father's Web site. "So in the past year, an industry has lost its godparents and today millions have lost a friend."
Harvey's wife, Lynne, who produced his shows, died in May.
Known for his resonant voice and trademark delivery of "The Rest of the Story," Harvey had been heard nationally since 1951, when he began his "News and Comment" for ABC Radio Networks.
He became a heartland icon, delivering news and commentary with a distinctive Midwestern flavor. "Stand by for news!" he told his listeners. He was credited with inventing or popularizing terms such as "skyjacker," "Reaganomics" and "guesstimate."
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
buying happiness
Countless studies have shown that most humans fail to realize what makes them happy. Typically, we spend on short-term glitz instead of long-term satisfaction. And that often leads to misery -- not to mention loads of debt.
Right now, we all need to make a giant U-turn. When money's tight, it's vital to spend in a way that yields the biggest payoff, emotionally as well as financially. Buying more stuff just won't do it.
What follows are seven ways you can use your wallet to turn around your life and your finances. (That's a big promise, but I wouldn't say it if I hadn't experienced it myself.)
1. Relationships
Friends, Romans, countrymen, kids and spousal units: Studies indicate we're happiest when we feel connected to others. People with strong relationships tend to be happier and healthier, and live longer on average, according to psychologist Martin Seligman and many other researchers.
How can you invest more in these bonds of family and friendship? Splurge on a plane ticket to see your best friend. Get your buddies together and buy season tickets to your favorite team -- or the opera. Treat a friend to dinner.
After all, what would really make your month -- another pair of shoes from Piperlime or spending time with someone you love?
2. Time
Would you trade some of the money you make to have more time? A survey by Fortune magazine indicated most people would. Time is one asset that always seems to be in short supply; a free hour or two (or an unexpected day off) can feel like a windfall.
To buy yourself some time:
As part of a raise or promotion, ask for additional time off.
Explore flex-time options. A surprising number of companies support flexible work programs.
Consider paying others to do the chores you loathe because they eat up your time, from hiring a teen to do yardwork to paying a pro to do your taxes, paint the kitchen or organize the garage.
For a little bit of money, you can regain a chunk of your life.
3. Health
Some good health can be chalked up to genetics, but a lot of the rest is lifestyle. And buying good health is a lot like investing in the stock market: Steady investments at regular intervals are the best way to see big gains.
A few suggestions: Pay a bit more to join the gym that's closer to where you work, so you'll actually use it. Shell out for biweekly acupuncture visits. Buy the pricier healthful meal instead the Happy Meal. And take your vitamins.
4. Learning
Humans are born to grow. Research by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (pronounced "CHIK-sent-mee-high"), who created the concept of "flow" -- the state of wholly contented absorption in a task -- suggests we are often happiest when engaged in activities that challenge us and hold our focus.
You've been there: when you played in that garage band, when you went scuba diving on vacation, when you determinedly embarked on "War and Peace" and then couldn't put it down. Put your money there.
Buy the damn compact disc set so you can brush up on your Mandarin. Join the local archaeology club and do local digs. Try rock climbing. Or put away your air guitar and restart that garage band. You don't need to spend much to notice the uptick in sheer joie de vivre.
5. Debt relief
Owing money downgrades your quality of life, creating so much stress that it may even make you sick or depressed, according to some studies.
Stop viewing your credit card bills as bad news; instead, treat them like updates on an underperforming asset class. By doubling or tripling your monthly payments, cutting back spending and doing everything in your power to bring your debts down to zero, you won't just be paying a bill -- you'll be increasing your own net worth.
6. Giveaways
A surprise benefit of giving to others, or to a cause you believe in, is how good it makes you feel.
Studies show that altruism not only tickles the feel-good centers in the brain, but it also creates a sense of social bonding and mutual support that enhances your personal well-being.
You don't have to give millions to get that payoff. The most important thing isn't whether you spend money or volunteer time or contribute goods, but that whatever you share -- and however you share it -- means a lot to you.
Read to kids after school; bring canned food to a shelter; contact Kiva and help a South African woman build her business. There are countless ways to give. Just pick one that makes you happy.
7. Security
In an economic crisis like this one, it's tempting to stop putting money aside for the long term, but taking the reins of your future will make you feel more in control now and will beef up that cushion you might need someday.
A first step is to sign up for your company retirement plan (many Americans don't) or open an individual retirement account. At some companies, such as Fidelity, you can open an account with very little money as long as you set up automatic contributions.
Retirement is a huge topic, you can read more here at MSN Money. Making small, steady investments now can create double happiness: peace of mind now and greater wealth down the road.
Here's the real magic: When you start putting more money toward life (and less toward stuff), that shift quickly turns your financial picture from upside down to right side up. You spend less, but get more -- and in feeling more satisfied, reduce your desire to spend.
The net effect is more money saved, less debt and a sense of financial control and well-being -- oh, and more happiness. Now that's what I call getting your money's worth.
Right now, we all need to make a giant U-turn. When money's tight, it's vital to spend in a way that yields the biggest payoff, emotionally as well as financially. Buying more stuff just won't do it.
What follows are seven ways you can use your wallet to turn around your life and your finances. (That's a big promise, but I wouldn't say it if I hadn't experienced it myself.)
1. Relationships
Friends, Romans, countrymen, kids and spousal units: Studies indicate we're happiest when we feel connected to others. People with strong relationships tend to be happier and healthier, and live longer on average, according to psychologist Martin Seligman and many other researchers.
How can you invest more in these bonds of family and friendship? Splurge on a plane ticket to see your best friend. Get your buddies together and buy season tickets to your favorite team -- or the opera. Treat a friend to dinner.
After all, what would really make your month -- another pair of shoes from Piperlime or spending time with someone you love?
2. Time
Would you trade some of the money you make to have more time? A survey by Fortune magazine indicated most people would. Time is one asset that always seems to be in short supply; a free hour or two (or an unexpected day off) can feel like a windfall.
To buy yourself some time:
As part of a raise or promotion, ask for additional time off.
Explore flex-time options. A surprising number of companies support flexible work programs.
Consider paying others to do the chores you loathe because they eat up your time, from hiring a teen to do yardwork to paying a pro to do your taxes, paint the kitchen or organize the garage.
For a little bit of money, you can regain a chunk of your life.
3. Health
Some good health can be chalked up to genetics, but a lot of the rest is lifestyle. And buying good health is a lot like investing in the stock market: Steady investments at regular intervals are the best way to see big gains.
A few suggestions: Pay a bit more to join the gym that's closer to where you work, so you'll actually use it. Shell out for biweekly acupuncture visits. Buy the pricier healthful meal instead the Happy Meal. And take your vitamins.
4. Learning
Humans are born to grow. Research by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (pronounced "CHIK-sent-mee-high"), who created the concept of "flow" -- the state of wholly contented absorption in a task -- suggests we are often happiest when engaged in activities that challenge us and hold our focus.
You've been there: when you played in that garage band, when you went scuba diving on vacation, when you determinedly embarked on "War and Peace" and then couldn't put it down. Put your money there.
Buy the damn compact disc set so you can brush up on your Mandarin. Join the local archaeology club and do local digs. Try rock climbing. Or put away your air guitar and restart that garage band. You don't need to spend much to notice the uptick in sheer joie de vivre.
5. Debt relief
Owing money downgrades your quality of life, creating so much stress that it may even make you sick or depressed, according to some studies.
Stop viewing your credit card bills as bad news; instead, treat them like updates on an underperforming asset class. By doubling or tripling your monthly payments, cutting back spending and doing everything in your power to bring your debts down to zero, you won't just be paying a bill -- you'll be increasing your own net worth.
6. Giveaways
A surprise benefit of giving to others, or to a cause you believe in, is how good it makes you feel.
Studies show that altruism not only tickles the feel-good centers in the brain, but it also creates a sense of social bonding and mutual support that enhances your personal well-being.
You don't have to give millions to get that payoff. The most important thing isn't whether you spend money or volunteer time or contribute goods, but that whatever you share -- and however you share it -- means a lot to you.
Read to kids after school; bring canned food to a shelter; contact Kiva and help a South African woman build her business. There are countless ways to give. Just pick one that makes you happy.
7. Security
In an economic crisis like this one, it's tempting to stop putting money aside for the long term, but taking the reins of your future will make you feel more in control now and will beef up that cushion you might need someday.
A first step is to sign up for your company retirement plan (many Americans don't) or open an individual retirement account. At some companies, such as Fidelity, you can open an account with very little money as long as you set up automatic contributions.
Retirement is a huge topic, you can read more here at MSN Money. Making small, steady investments now can create double happiness: peace of mind now and greater wealth down the road.
Here's the real magic: When you start putting more money toward life (and less toward stuff), that shift quickly turns your financial picture from upside down to right side up. You spend less, but get more -- and in feeling more satisfied, reduce your desire to spend.
The net effect is more money saved, less debt and a sense of financial control and well-being -- oh, and more happiness. Now that's what I call getting your money's worth.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Corky Trinidad
The Honolulu Star-Bulletin’s “Corky” Trinidad, whose editorial cartoons for 40 years recorded life and lampooned politics in Hawaii and the world, died at 2 a.m. today of complications from pancreatic cancer. He was 69.
In a 2001 interview, Trinidad predicted he’d die at his drawing table, spilling ink one last time.
“Corky was a Star-Bulletin treasure,” said Frank Bridgewater, editor. “Many people, everywhere, started their day by checking out Corky. Even people without Hawaii connections who didn’t understand some of his cartoons looked forward to them. When Corky went on leave, readers immediately began calling and e-mailing me from everywhere wanting to know, ‘Where’s Corky?’”
* * *
Trinidad funeral attracts hundreds
In a 2001 interview, Trinidad predicted he’d die at his drawing table, spilling ink one last time.
“Corky was a Star-Bulletin treasure,” said Frank Bridgewater, editor. “Many people, everywhere, started their day by checking out Corky. Even people without Hawaii connections who didn’t understand some of his cartoons looked forward to them. When Corky went on leave, readers immediately began calling and e-mailing me from everywhere wanting to know, ‘Where’s Corky?’”
* * *
Trinidad funeral attracts hundreds
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
The Peacemakers Club
A fight has broken out on upper campus. There is chaos, as some students are attracted to the big event and others shuffle along the corridor as if it were just another day.
“We had six policemen here yesterday,” Matayoshi says. “There were disruptions all day. It’s starting up again.”
Anxious, authoritative voices - supposedly that of other teachers or adult supervisors - boom through the crowd. They mean business.
Students rush past us and out the gates toward the fight outside.
Suddenly, the gates close and Matayoshi turns the lock. He sternly instructs students inside the gate to proceed to their fourth-period class.
Those outside the gates are not permitted back in the classroom. They are locked out.
That is how decorum is maintained. Some students proceed obediently to the next class. Several others have already found safe haven in a room known as the Peacemakers Club.
The reconfigured classroom space is the brainchild of Matayoshi. It is filled with video games, recreational equipment and a living room setting where kids can relax during recess and find peace.
It’s a different world inside. The bullies might call this the losers’ den. But members of the Peacemakers Club consider it a hall of honor for those who walk away from senseless conflict and violence. They have been told by people like Matayoshi that irresponsible behavior is a blight on the Nanakuli community, and if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.
“The club will not stop the fighting. There will always be fights on any campus. My hope is that it will curb the fighting and make students aware that their actions affect the way the rest of the island views and treats their community.”
Disruptions of this sort make Nanakuli one of the most challenging teaching and learning environments on Oahu. It makes teaching a day-by-day, moment-to-moment scenario. One moment you’re breaking up ignorance, the next moment you’re breaking up fights.
But Matayoshi knew exactly what he was getting into when he asked for the Nanakuli assignment from the Teach for America program. TFA is a national teacher corps of recent college graduates who commit to two years to teach and effect change in under-resourced urban and rural public schools.
The 24-year-old Punahou and Claremont McKenna College graduate says, “I wanted to be sent to the worst school possible. I wanted a local school with the lowest test scores, poorest parent participation and the most challenging classroom situation.”
“I wish people could see the potential my students have,” he says. “When I mention that I work in Nanakuli, the looks I get are ones of sympathy, even dread. It is a stigma that I know my students will have to live with the rest of their lives, and that makes me sad and angry.
“I have never felt a stronger sense of community than I have at Nanakuli. My students are genuinely curious about science. Of course, there are difficult days and challenges, but the potential for success is there.”
He concludes, quoting Gandhi: “We must be the change we wish to see.”
“We had six policemen here yesterday,” Matayoshi says. “There were disruptions all day. It’s starting up again.”
Anxious, authoritative voices - supposedly that of other teachers or adult supervisors - boom through the crowd. They mean business.
Students rush past us and out the gates toward the fight outside.
Suddenly, the gates close and Matayoshi turns the lock. He sternly instructs students inside the gate to proceed to their fourth-period class.
Those outside the gates are not permitted back in the classroom. They are locked out.
That is how decorum is maintained. Some students proceed obediently to the next class. Several others have already found safe haven in a room known as the Peacemakers Club.
The reconfigured classroom space is the brainchild of Matayoshi. It is filled with video games, recreational equipment and a living room setting where kids can relax during recess and find peace.
It’s a different world inside. The bullies might call this the losers’ den. But members of the Peacemakers Club consider it a hall of honor for those who walk away from senseless conflict and violence. They have been told by people like Matayoshi that irresponsible behavior is a blight on the Nanakuli community, and if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.
“The club will not stop the fighting. There will always be fights on any campus. My hope is that it will curb the fighting and make students aware that their actions affect the way the rest of the island views and treats their community.”
Disruptions of this sort make Nanakuli one of the most challenging teaching and learning environments on Oahu. It makes teaching a day-by-day, moment-to-moment scenario. One moment you’re breaking up ignorance, the next moment you’re breaking up fights.
But Matayoshi knew exactly what he was getting into when he asked for the Nanakuli assignment from the Teach for America program. TFA is a national teacher corps of recent college graduates who commit to two years to teach and effect change in under-resourced urban and rural public schools.
The 24-year-old Punahou and Claremont McKenna College graduate says, “I wanted to be sent to the worst school possible. I wanted a local school with the lowest test scores, poorest parent participation and the most challenging classroom situation.”
“I wish people could see the potential my students have,” he says. “When I mention that I work in Nanakuli, the looks I get are ones of sympathy, even dread. It is a stigma that I know my students will have to live with the rest of their lives, and that makes me sad and angry.
“I have never felt a stronger sense of community than I have at Nanakuli. My students are genuinely curious about science. Of course, there are difficult days and challenges, but the potential for success is there.”
He concludes, quoting Gandhi: “We must be the change we wish to see.”
Sunday, February 08, 2009
first annual letter from the Gates Foundation
This is the first annual letter I plan to write about my work at the Gates Foundation. In this letter I want to share in a frank way what our goals are and where progress is being made and where it is not. Soon after Warren Buffett made his incredible gift, which doubled the resources of the foundation, he encouraged me to follow his lead by writing an annual letter. I won’t be quoting Mae West or trying to match his humor, but I will try to be equally candid.
... I love the work at the foundation. Although there are many differences, it also has the three magical elements. First there are opportunities for big breakthroughs—from discovering new vaccines that can save millions of lives to developing new seeds that will let a farming family have better productivity, improve their children’s nutrition, and sell some of the extra output. Second, I feel like my experience in building teams of smart people with different skill sets focused on tough long-term problems can be a real contribution. The common sense of the business world, with its urgency and focus, has strong application in the philanthropic world. I am sure I will make mistakes in over-applying some elements from my previous experience and will need to adjust. For instance, the countries where Microsoft does business are far more stable and have a lot more infrastructure than most of the places where the foundation does its work, so I’ll need to better appreciate how difficult it will be to execute our strategies. However, I am equally confident that our maniacal focus on drawing in the best talent and measuring results will make a difference. Finally, I find the intelligence and dedication of the people involved in these issues to be just as impressive as what I have seen before. Whether they are scientists at a university or people who have worked in the field in Africa most of their lives, they have critical knowledge and want to help make the breakthroughs. The opportunity to gather smart, creative people into teams and give them resources and guidance as they tackle the challenges is very fulfilling.
... Over the past 50 years childhood deaths have dropped dramatically. Take a look at Chart 1, which is one of my favorites. (I hope you didn’t think you were going to get through this letter without some figures being thrown at you.) What you see is that in 1960, when there were nearly 110 million children born, almost 20 million children under 5 died. In 2005, when more than 135 million children were born, fewer than 10 million children under 5 died. I think this is one of the most amazing statistics ever. The number of children born went up, while the number who died was cut in half. Two things caused this huge reduction in the death rate. First, incomes went up, and with that increase, nutrition, medical care, and living conditions improved. The second factor is that even where incomes did not go up, the availability of life-saving vaccines reduced the number of deaths. For example, measles accounted for 4 million children’s deaths in 1990, but fewer than 250,000 in 2006.
Despite this progress, 10 million children dying is still 10 million too many. Each death is a tragedy. In the United States we don’t think much about young people dying because it is so rare. It would be a huge breakthrough to cut that 10 million in half again, which I believe can be done in the next 20 years. Chart 2 shows a breakdown of what kills children under 5. As you can see, there are a few diseases, like diarrhea, malaria, and pneumonia, that cause over half of the deaths. The key to eliminating these conditions is the invention of a handful of new vaccines and getting them into widespread usage.
[via iluvbabyb, 1/26/09]
... I love the work at the foundation. Although there are many differences, it also has the three magical elements. First there are opportunities for big breakthroughs—from discovering new vaccines that can save millions of lives to developing new seeds that will let a farming family have better productivity, improve their children’s nutrition, and sell some of the extra output. Second, I feel like my experience in building teams of smart people with different skill sets focused on tough long-term problems can be a real contribution. The common sense of the business world, with its urgency and focus, has strong application in the philanthropic world. I am sure I will make mistakes in over-applying some elements from my previous experience and will need to adjust. For instance, the countries where Microsoft does business are far more stable and have a lot more infrastructure than most of the places where the foundation does its work, so I’ll need to better appreciate how difficult it will be to execute our strategies. However, I am equally confident that our maniacal focus on drawing in the best talent and measuring results will make a difference. Finally, I find the intelligence and dedication of the people involved in these issues to be just as impressive as what I have seen before. Whether they are scientists at a university or people who have worked in the field in Africa most of their lives, they have critical knowledge and want to help make the breakthroughs. The opportunity to gather smart, creative people into teams and give them resources and guidance as they tackle the challenges is very fulfilling.
... Over the past 50 years childhood deaths have dropped dramatically. Take a look at Chart 1, which is one of my favorites. (I hope you didn’t think you were going to get through this letter without some figures being thrown at you.) What you see is that in 1960, when there were nearly 110 million children born, almost 20 million children under 5 died. In 2005, when more than 135 million children were born, fewer than 10 million children under 5 died. I think this is one of the most amazing statistics ever. The number of children born went up, while the number who died was cut in half. Two things caused this huge reduction in the death rate. First, incomes went up, and with that increase, nutrition, medical care, and living conditions improved. The second factor is that even where incomes did not go up, the availability of life-saving vaccines reduced the number of deaths. For example, measles accounted for 4 million children’s deaths in 1990, but fewer than 250,000 in 2006.
Despite this progress, 10 million children dying is still 10 million too many. Each death is a tragedy. In the United States we don’t think much about young people dying because it is so rare. It would be a huge breakthrough to cut that 10 million in half again, which I believe can be done in the next 20 years. Chart 2 shows a breakdown of what kills children under 5. As you can see, there are a few diseases, like diarrhea, malaria, and pneumonia, that cause over half of the deaths. The key to eliminating these conditions is the invention of a handful of new vaccines and getting them into widespread usage.
[via iluvbabyb, 1/26/09]
Friday, February 06, 2009
Cholesterol Lowering Foods
Dear Savvy Senior
Are there certain kinds of foods a person can eat to help lower their cholesterol?
- Cholesterol Concerned
Dear Concerned
What you eat can actually play a huge role in lowering your cholesterol, and for many, it may even eliminate the need for cholesterol-lowering medication.
Know Your Numbers
As you may already know, your cholesterol level is the amount of fat in your blood. If it's too high, you're at a greater risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Ideally, you want your total cholesterol reading (that includes your LDL and HDL cholesterol) to be below 200, and your "bad" LDL cholesterol below 129 - less if you're at risk for heart disease. If your total level hits between 200 and 239, or your LDL reaches 130 - 159 you're considered borderline high. And if your total is above 240, or your LDL is over 160 you have high cholesterol.
On the other hand, a higher number is better when it comes to the "good" HDL cholesterol. Most men range between 40 and 50 HDL, and women range between 50 and 60. Anything below 40 (for men) and 50 (for women) is too low, and anything above 50 (for men) and 60 (for women) is great, because it provides extra protection against heart disease.
Cholesterol-Lowering Foods
Lots of research over the past few years has shown that certain foods can help lower your LDL cholesterol and/or boost your HDL, including:
Oatmeal and oat bran: Loaded with soluble fiber, oatmeal or oat bran is a great way to start the day and shave five percent off your LDL. Five to 10 grams per day are recommended. Other good sources for soluble fiber are apples, pears, prunes, citrus fruits, kidney and lima beans, barley, psyllium, carrots, broccoli and brussels sprouts.
Nuts: Studies have also shown that a daily dose of walnuts and almonds can lower your LDL by 10 percent, and raise your HDL by as much as 20 percent. Peanuts, hazelnuts, pecans, some pine nuts, and pistachios have also been shown to lower cholesterol. But be careful. Nuts are high in calories, so a handful (no more than 2 ounces) will do. The best way to add nuts to your diet is to substitute them for foods that are high in saturated fats like cheese and meat. That way you're gaining the benefits of nuts without adding more calories.
Sterols and stanols: These are substances found in plants that help prevent cholesterol from being absorbed into your bloodstream. A recommended dose of two grams per day can help knock 10 percent off your bad cholesterol level. The best way to get these substances is to consume store-bought foods that are fortified with sterols or stanols including certain orange juices, yogurts, breads, cereals, granola bars, cooking oils, salad dressings, margarine spreads and more. Check the labels to find products that contain sterols or stanols and watch out for high calories.
Fish: Rich with omega-3 fatty acids, eating fatty fish (mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, salmon and albacore tuna) a few times a week can help boost your good HDL cholesterol by as much as 10 percent, not to mention lower your triglycerides and blood pressure, and reduce inflammation. If you don't like fish, other food sources that provide omega-3s are walnuts, soybeans, flaxseed and canola oil, or take a fish oil supplement.
Olive oil: Contains a potent mix of antioxidants that can lower your LDL without affecting your HDL. A good way to work olive oil into your diet is to substitute it with butter or other cooking oils, or mix it with vinegar as a salad dressing. About two tablespoons a day are recommended.
Other Tips
Additional lifestyle tips that can help lower LDL and raise HDL include: reducing the saturated fats (fatty meats, butter and whole dairy products) and trans fats (found in store-bought cookies, cakes, crackers and many fried foods like french fries) you eat; lose excess weight (even 5 to 10 pounds can make a difference); exercise regularly (at least 30 minutes, five days per week); quit smoking; and drink some alcohol (no more than one drink per day for women and two for men).
Are there certain kinds of foods a person can eat to help lower their cholesterol?
- Cholesterol Concerned
Dear Concerned
What you eat can actually play a huge role in lowering your cholesterol, and for many, it may even eliminate the need for cholesterol-lowering medication.
Know Your Numbers
As you may already know, your cholesterol level is the amount of fat in your blood. If it's too high, you're at a greater risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Ideally, you want your total cholesterol reading (that includes your LDL and HDL cholesterol) to be below 200, and your "bad" LDL cholesterol below 129 - less if you're at risk for heart disease. If your total level hits between 200 and 239, or your LDL reaches 130 - 159 you're considered borderline high. And if your total is above 240, or your LDL is over 160 you have high cholesterol.
On the other hand, a higher number is better when it comes to the "good" HDL cholesterol. Most men range between 40 and 50 HDL, and women range between 50 and 60. Anything below 40 (for men) and 50 (for women) is too low, and anything above 50 (for men) and 60 (for women) is great, because it provides extra protection against heart disease.
Cholesterol-Lowering Foods
Lots of research over the past few years has shown that certain foods can help lower your LDL cholesterol and/or boost your HDL, including:
Oatmeal and oat bran: Loaded with soluble fiber, oatmeal or oat bran is a great way to start the day and shave five percent off your LDL. Five to 10 grams per day are recommended. Other good sources for soluble fiber are apples, pears, prunes, citrus fruits, kidney and lima beans, barley, psyllium, carrots, broccoli and brussels sprouts.
Nuts: Studies have also shown that a daily dose of walnuts and almonds can lower your LDL by 10 percent, and raise your HDL by as much as 20 percent. Peanuts, hazelnuts, pecans, some pine nuts, and pistachios have also been shown to lower cholesterol. But be careful. Nuts are high in calories, so a handful (no more than 2 ounces) will do. The best way to add nuts to your diet is to substitute them for foods that are high in saturated fats like cheese and meat. That way you're gaining the benefits of nuts without adding more calories.
Sterols and stanols: These are substances found in plants that help prevent cholesterol from being absorbed into your bloodstream. A recommended dose of two grams per day can help knock 10 percent off your bad cholesterol level. The best way to get these substances is to consume store-bought foods that are fortified with sterols or stanols including certain orange juices, yogurts, breads, cereals, granola bars, cooking oils, salad dressings, margarine spreads and more. Check the labels to find products that contain sterols or stanols and watch out for high calories.
Fish: Rich with omega-3 fatty acids, eating fatty fish (mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, salmon and albacore tuna) a few times a week can help boost your good HDL cholesterol by as much as 10 percent, not to mention lower your triglycerides and blood pressure, and reduce inflammation. If you don't like fish, other food sources that provide omega-3s are walnuts, soybeans, flaxseed and canola oil, or take a fish oil supplement.
Olive oil: Contains a potent mix of antioxidants that can lower your LDL without affecting your HDL. A good way to work olive oil into your diet is to substitute it with butter or other cooking oils, or mix it with vinegar as a salad dressing. About two tablespoons a day are recommended.
Other Tips
Additional lifestyle tips that can help lower LDL and raise HDL include: reducing the saturated fats (fatty meats, butter and whole dairy products) and trans fats (found in store-bought cookies, cakes, crackers and many fried foods like french fries) you eat; lose excess weight (even 5 to 10 pounds can make a difference); exercise regularly (at least 30 minutes, five days per week); quit smoking; and drink some alcohol (no more than one drink per day for women and two for men).
Zoroastrianism
On the Central Asian steppes between the years 1000 B.C. and A.D. 600, there flourished a faith ascribed to the teachings of Zarathustra, or Zoroaster as the Greeks called him. For 1,000 years it was the court religion of three Persian empires: the Achaemenians, the Parthinians and the Sassanians. The followers of this faith stretched from Greece in the west to the Hindukush in the east, across Central Asia, and were numbered in the millions.
Zarathustra preached the monotheistic religion of the One Supreme God, Ahura Mazda, and it was declared the state religion by Cyrus the Great in 558 B.C.
Zarathustra's message was positive, life-affirming, based on both faith and reason. Its principles were simple, namely of Humata, Hukta and Huverishta, which means good thought, good word and good deed. It was not a prescriptive ethic based on fear or obedience, but rather on love and personal responsibility.
A Zoroastrian is taught to lead an industrious, honest and charitable life, and there is no place for asceticism. It is based on the loftiest ideals of Asha, the divine law of truth, and Vohu Mana, or the good mind. Zarathustra declared that every person must think for oneself and that each has the freedom to choose between good and evil.
The faith is spread to achieve a harmonious, morally perfect social order. It promotes respect for the environment and teaches that there is mutually beneficial existence of the sun, fire, earth and water.
Zoroastrianism has been a peace-loving religion that resisted the onslaught of Alexander the Great and his destruction of the capital of the Persian Empire, Persepolis. Its philosophy has influenced many cultures and faiths, including Judaism and Christianity. It is of interest to note that the Magi who heralded the Infant Christ were Zoroastrians, and to this day, frankincense and myrrh are offered at the altars of their temples.
In the year A.D. 652, shiploads of followers of this religion fled Persia under the Muslim invasion and sought refuge on the shores of India. Despite having lived in India for 12 centuries, the Parsees, as they are known, have kept their religious distinctiveness. They contributed to the industrialization of India, and their influence is felt even today in the economic development of the country. Their philanthropy resulted in the establishment of schools, colleges and hospitals in India.
Now they have spread to North America and are integrated with all communities there. With the persecution by Ayatollah Khomeini in the late 1970s and 1980s, Zarthushtis fled from Iran to North America. Now they, jointly with the Parsees from India, preserve their belief without proselytizing.
The most important doctrine of this faith is the belief in one Supreme God with truth and right action to spread love for all human beings without discrimination. Like other doctrines, they believe that there is only one presence and one power in the universe and in our lives, God the Good Omnipresent.
Zarathustra preached the monotheistic religion of the One Supreme God, Ahura Mazda, and it was declared the state religion by Cyrus the Great in 558 B.C.
Zarathustra's message was positive, life-affirming, based on both faith and reason. Its principles were simple, namely of Humata, Hukta and Huverishta, which means good thought, good word and good deed. It was not a prescriptive ethic based on fear or obedience, but rather on love and personal responsibility.
A Zoroastrian is taught to lead an industrious, honest and charitable life, and there is no place for asceticism. It is based on the loftiest ideals of Asha, the divine law of truth, and Vohu Mana, or the good mind. Zarathustra declared that every person must think for oneself and that each has the freedom to choose between good and evil.
The faith is spread to achieve a harmonious, morally perfect social order. It promotes respect for the environment and teaches that there is mutually beneficial existence of the sun, fire, earth and water.
Zoroastrianism has been a peace-loving religion that resisted the onslaught of Alexander the Great and his destruction of the capital of the Persian Empire, Persepolis. Its philosophy has influenced many cultures and faiths, including Judaism and Christianity. It is of interest to note that the Magi who heralded the Infant Christ were Zoroastrians, and to this day, frankincense and myrrh are offered at the altars of their temples.
In the year A.D. 652, shiploads of followers of this religion fled Persia under the Muslim invasion and sought refuge on the shores of India. Despite having lived in India for 12 centuries, the Parsees, as they are known, have kept their religious distinctiveness. They contributed to the industrialization of India, and their influence is felt even today in the economic development of the country. Their philanthropy resulted in the establishment of schools, colleges and hospitals in India.
Now they have spread to North America and are integrated with all communities there. With the persecution by Ayatollah Khomeini in the late 1970s and 1980s, Zarthushtis fled from Iran to North America. Now they, jointly with the Parsees from India, preserve their belief without proselytizing.
The most important doctrine of this faith is the belief in one Supreme God with truth and right action to spread love for all human beings without discrimination. Like other doctrines, they believe that there is only one presence and one power in the universe and in our lives, God the Good Omnipresent.
walking is good for the brain
Earlier this year, researchers at Stanford University reported the results of a 21-year study that tracked more than 500 runners who were in their 50s or 60s, and are now in their 70s and 80s.
The joggers, who put in an average of 4 hours a week on the trail, were matched for comparison with an otherwise similar group of people who did not run.
Nineteen years into the study, 34 percent of the non-runners had died, versus 15 percent of the runners.
Of course, time still caught up with the runners -- with many of them reporting disability such as difficulty dressing or grooming or getting out of a chair. But on average, runners' initial report of a disability came 16 years later than that reported by the non-runners on annual questionnaires.
But for the brain, walking may actually be better than running, since there's more oxygen left in the blood to reach the brain than from most vigorous exercise. Studies in the elderly have found that stroke risk can be cut by as much as 57 percent in those who walked as little as 20 minutes a day.
Another study of older women found that those who walked 17 miles or more a week were about 40 percent less likely to experience mental decline than those who walked a half mile or less a week.
.. another study just published in December in the journal Psychological Science, suggests that where we walk may be as important as how much when it comes to brain benefits.
Researchers at the University of Michigan ran two experiments with a group of volunteers, testing them for memory and attention, then sending them out on a walk either in a park or through downtown Ann Arbor, then back for a re-test.
Performance on the memory and attention test improved greatly for the group that took a walk in the park, but did not improve for the group that walked downtown. A similar result was seen when the two groups sat for a while and viewed photos of nature or urban scenes.
The scientists suspect that walking around an urban setting presents the brain with a relatively complex, even confusing pattern of stimulation, while a walk down a tree-lined path takes less mental effort and has a more restorative effect for the brain's attention centers.
The joggers, who put in an average of 4 hours a week on the trail, were matched for comparison with an otherwise similar group of people who did not run.
Nineteen years into the study, 34 percent of the non-runners had died, versus 15 percent of the runners.
Of course, time still caught up with the runners -- with many of them reporting disability such as difficulty dressing or grooming or getting out of a chair. But on average, runners' initial report of a disability came 16 years later than that reported by the non-runners on annual questionnaires.
But for the brain, walking may actually be better than running, since there's more oxygen left in the blood to reach the brain than from most vigorous exercise. Studies in the elderly have found that stroke risk can be cut by as much as 57 percent in those who walked as little as 20 minutes a day.
Another study of older women found that those who walked 17 miles or more a week were about 40 percent less likely to experience mental decline than those who walked a half mile or less a week.
.. another study just published in December in the journal Psychological Science, suggests that where we walk may be as important as how much when it comes to brain benefits.
Researchers at the University of Michigan ran two experiments with a group of volunteers, testing them for memory and attention, then sending them out on a walk either in a park or through downtown Ann Arbor, then back for a re-test.
Performance on the memory and attention test improved greatly for the group that took a walk in the park, but did not improve for the group that walked downtown. A similar result was seen when the two groups sat for a while and viewed photos of nature or urban scenes.
The scientists suspect that walking around an urban setting presents the brain with a relatively complex, even confusing pattern of stimulation, while a walk down a tree-lined path takes less mental effort and has a more restorative effect for the brain's attention centers.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
smoking and heart attacks
A smoking ban in one Colorado city led to a dramatic drop in heart attack hospitalizations within three years, a sign of just how serious a health threat secondhand smoke is, government researchers said Wednesday.
The study, the longest-running of its kind, showed the rate of hospitalized cases dropped 41 percent in the three years after the ban of workplace smoking in Pueblo, Colo., took effect. There was no such drop in two neighboring areas, and researchers believe it’s a clear sign the ban was responsible.
The study suggests that secondhand smoke may be a terrible and under-recognized cause of heart attack deaths in this country, said one of its authors, Terry Pechacek of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The study, the longest-running of its kind, showed the rate of hospitalized cases dropped 41 percent in the three years after the ban of workplace smoking in Pueblo, Colo., took effect. There was no such drop in two neighboring areas, and researchers believe it’s a clear sign the ban was responsible.
The study suggests that secondhand smoke may be a terrible and under-recognized cause of heart attack deaths in this country, said one of its authors, Terry Pechacek of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Overcome Evil with Good
I happened to be scanning through the channels and I caught an attractive (well she caught my eye anyway) woman quoting "overcome evil with good". The women turned out to be Cheryl Cusella who was a Stevie Nicks impersonator at one time. And the quote is from Romans 12.
I like that philosophy, though the opposite seems to be the prevalent creed with many in this (and other) countries.
I like that philosophy, though the opposite seems to be the prevalent creed with many in this (and other) countries.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Alzheimer's information
Dear Savvy Senior: My overly dramatic mother is convinced my 72-year-old dad has early stage Alzheimer's disease.
He has gotten more scattered and forgetful in recent years and is a little more irritable, but I don’t think it’s anything serious.
My question is what are the signs of Alzheimer’s and what resources are available to help me learn more?
Prudent Daughter
Dear Prudent: Lots of seniors, like your mother, worry about memory lapses or confusion as they get older, fearing it may be the first signs of Alzheimer’s disease or some other type of dementia.
But the reality is few seniors (less than 14 percent of those over age 70) ever develop it.
Here are some warning signs that can help you spot a potential problem, and some resources to help if you do.
What’s not normal?
Forgetfulness, confusion and irritably is something everyone experiences from time-to-time but it doesn’t necessarily mean we’re developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Or does it?
Knowing the early warning signs is a good first step in recognizing the difference between normal age-related memory loss and a more serious problem.
To help you evaluate your dad’s condition, here’s a checklist of questions to ask yourself:
• Does he often repeat himself or ask the same questions over and over?
• Is he more forgetful, or is he having trouble with short-term memory?
• Does he need reminders to do things like chores, shopping or taking medicine?
• Does he forget appointments, family occasions or holidays?
• Does he seem sad or down in the dumps more often than in the past?
• Has he started having trouble doing calculations, managing finances or balancing the checkbook?
• Has he lost interest in his activities such as hobbies, reading, attending church or other social activities?
• Has he become more irritable, agitated or suspicious than usual?
• Are you concerned about his driving, for example getting lost or driving unsafely?
• Does he have trouble finding the words he wants to say, finishing sentences or naming people or things?
Even if your dad is experiencing some problems, it doesn’t necessarily mean he has Alzheimer’s.
Many memory problems and mood changes are brought on by other factors like stress, depression, side effects of medications, vitamin deficiencies and more. And by treating these conditions he can reduce or eliminate the problem.
What to do
After going through the checklist, if you’re still concerned about your dad’s mental health, get him in to see his doctor for a thorough medical examination.
They may then refer him to a neurologist, psychiatrist, psychologist or geriatrician who specializes in diagnosing and treating memory loss or Alzheimer’s disease.
Finding help
The single best resource to help you learn more and find help is the Alzheimer’s Association.
They offer lots of news and information on their Web site (www.alz.org), along with a 24 hour help-line (800-272-3900) that provides assistance and referrals to local resources that can help you locate medical professionals, caregiving resources, support groups and more.
Another great resource to tap is the Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral Center. Created by the National Institute on Aging, at www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers or 800-438-4380 you can ask specific questions about Alzheimer’s disease, locate clinical trials and order free publications including “What Happens Next?” — a new booklet by and for people with early-stage Alzheimer’s.
Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit www.savvysenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.
[starbulletin, 11/16/08]
He has gotten more scattered and forgetful in recent years and is a little more irritable, but I don’t think it’s anything serious.
My question is what are the signs of Alzheimer’s and what resources are available to help me learn more?
Prudent Daughter
Dear Prudent: Lots of seniors, like your mother, worry about memory lapses or confusion as they get older, fearing it may be the first signs of Alzheimer’s disease or some other type of dementia.
But the reality is few seniors (less than 14 percent of those over age 70) ever develop it.
Here are some warning signs that can help you spot a potential problem, and some resources to help if you do.
What’s not normal?
Forgetfulness, confusion and irritably is something everyone experiences from time-to-time but it doesn’t necessarily mean we’re developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Or does it?
Knowing the early warning signs is a good first step in recognizing the difference between normal age-related memory loss and a more serious problem.
To help you evaluate your dad’s condition, here’s a checklist of questions to ask yourself:
• Does he often repeat himself or ask the same questions over and over?
• Is he more forgetful, or is he having trouble with short-term memory?
• Does he need reminders to do things like chores, shopping or taking medicine?
• Does he forget appointments, family occasions or holidays?
• Does he seem sad or down in the dumps more often than in the past?
• Has he started having trouble doing calculations, managing finances or balancing the checkbook?
• Has he lost interest in his activities such as hobbies, reading, attending church or other social activities?
• Has he become more irritable, agitated or suspicious than usual?
• Are you concerned about his driving, for example getting lost or driving unsafely?
• Does he have trouble finding the words he wants to say, finishing sentences or naming people or things?
Even if your dad is experiencing some problems, it doesn’t necessarily mean he has Alzheimer’s.
Many memory problems and mood changes are brought on by other factors like stress, depression, side effects of medications, vitamin deficiencies and more. And by treating these conditions he can reduce or eliminate the problem.
What to do
After going through the checklist, if you’re still concerned about your dad’s mental health, get him in to see his doctor for a thorough medical examination.
They may then refer him to a neurologist, psychiatrist, psychologist or geriatrician who specializes in diagnosing and treating memory loss or Alzheimer’s disease.
Finding help
The single best resource to help you learn more and find help is the Alzheimer’s Association.
They offer lots of news and information on their Web site (www.alz.org), along with a 24 hour help-line (800-272-3900) that provides assistance and referrals to local resources that can help you locate medical professionals, caregiving resources, support groups and more.
Another great resource to tap is the Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral Center. Created by the National Institute on Aging, at www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers or 800-438-4380 you can ask specific questions about Alzheimer’s disease, locate clinical trials and order free publications including “What Happens Next?” — a new booklet by and for people with early-stage Alzheimer’s.
Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit www.savvysenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.
[starbulletin, 11/16/08]
Global Village
If we could shrink the earth's population to a village of precisely 100 people, with all the existing human ratios remaining the same, it would look something like the following.
There would be:
Sort of, but not quite.
There would be:
- 57 Asians
- 21 Europeans
- 14 from the Western Hemisphere, both north and south
- 8 Africans
- 52 would be female
- 48 would be male
- 70 would be non-white
- 30 would be white
- 70 would be non-Christian
- 30 would be Christian
- 89 would be heterosexual
- 11 would be homosexual
- 6 people would possess 59% of the entire world's wealth and all 6 would be from the United States.
- 80 would live in substandard housing
- 70 would be unable to read
- 50 would suffer from malnutrition
- 1 would be near death; 1 would be near birth
- 1 (yes, only 1) would have a college education
- 1 would own a computer
Sort of, but not quite.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Bodhisattva
"Bodhisattva" is a Sanskrit word that means a person who is pursuing Buddha's enlightenment not only for himself or herself, but also for others. The concept is important for Mahayana Buddhism. In any Mahayana sutra, bodhisattvas are described. In the Lotus Sutra it says that we are all bodhisattvas who have been given a mission to spread the Buddha's wisdom in this world.
The two most important attributes of the bodhisattva are respect and compassion.
The image of "Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds" has been popular in China, Korea and Japan since a long time ago. He can change himself into different forms to help and lead people to the Buddha's enlightenment through his compassionate and respectful heart. For example, when you are in the darkness and don't know where you are, he will give you a candle light. When you are hungry, he gives you a loaf of bread or a bowl of rice. When you are in danger, he will come to you and save your life. What a wonderful bodhisattva he is!
When you are driving your car and speeding, suppose there's a slow car in front of yours. You might be angry at the car. But think about it. That car's driver could be Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds. He might be preventing you from an accident or from receiving a speeding ticket. If you think this way, rather than getting angry at the driver, wouldn't you feel much better?
When you are warned by someone like your boss at work, you might get angry or hate your boss. But think about it; they could be right. No one takes the time to warn you unless they like you as their co-worker. They could be Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds and are preventing you from doing something wrong.
Given advice by your friend, you might not want to listen. But think about it. They could be right. Because they like you and care about you, they do that. They might be Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds and preventing you from being ignorant.
If you think this way, rather than being angry or hating them, isn't that feeling much better for yourself?
We, as bodhisattvas, endeavor to increase our understanding and appreciation of what others have given and contributed to us and to develop constant and mindful consideration of how our thoughts and actions will beneficially contribute to others.
The two most important attributes of the bodhisattva are respect and compassion.
The image of "Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds" has been popular in China, Korea and Japan since a long time ago. He can change himself into different forms to help and lead people to the Buddha's enlightenment through his compassionate and respectful heart. For example, when you are in the darkness and don't know where you are, he will give you a candle light. When you are hungry, he gives you a loaf of bread or a bowl of rice. When you are in danger, he will come to you and save your life. What a wonderful bodhisattva he is!
When you are driving your car and speeding, suppose there's a slow car in front of yours. You might be angry at the car. But think about it. That car's driver could be Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds. He might be preventing you from an accident or from receiving a speeding ticket. If you think this way, rather than getting angry at the driver, wouldn't you feel much better?
When you are warned by someone like your boss at work, you might get angry or hate your boss. But think about it; they could be right. No one takes the time to warn you unless they like you as their co-worker. They could be Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds and are preventing you from doing something wrong.
Given advice by your friend, you might not want to listen. But think about it. They could be right. Because they like you and care about you, they do that. They might be Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds and preventing you from being ignorant.
If you think this way, rather than being angry or hating them, isn't that feeling much better for yourself?
We, as bodhisattvas, endeavor to increase our understanding and appreciation of what others have given and contributed to us and to develop constant and mindful consideration of how our thoughts and actions will beneficially contribute to others.
Monday, January 05, 2009
Deciphering Women’s Code Words
My friend Sarah sent me an e-mail recently about words women use, which got me thinking about the kind of language we ladies choose to express our feelings and why these phrases need deciphering for most men.
Included on the list were the following:
Fine
Five minutes
Nothing
Go Ahead
(Loud Sigh)
Whatever
-- Katie Young, MidWeek, 12/03/08
Included on the list were the following:
Fine
Five minutes
Nothing
Go Ahead
(Loud Sigh)
Whatever
-- Katie Young, MidWeek, 12/03/08
Saturday, January 03, 2009
happiness is contagious
When you're smiling, the whole world really does smile with you. A paper being published Friday in a British medical journal concludes that happiness is contagious — and that people pass on their good cheer even to total strangers. American researchers who tracked more than 4,700 people in Framingham, Mass., as part of a 20-year heart study also found the transferred happiness is good for up to a year.
"Happiness is like a stampede," said Nicholas Christakis, a professor in Harvard University's sociology department and co-author of the study. "Whether you're happy depends not just on your own actions and behaviors and thoughts, but on those of people you don't even know."
Happy people tended to be at the center of social networks and had many friends who were also happy. Having friends or siblings nearby increased people's chances of being upbeat. Happiness spread outward by three degrees, to the friends of friends of friends.
Christakis and Fowler estimate that each happy friend boosts your own chances of being happy by 9 percent. Having grumpy friends decreases it by about 7 percent.
But it also turns out misery don't love company: Happiness seemed to spread more consistently than unhappiness. But that doesn't mean you should drop your gloomy friends.
"Every friend increases the probability that you're at the center of a network, which means you are more eligible to get a wave of happiness," Fowler said.
Being happy also brings other benefits, including a protective effect on your immune system so you produce fewer stress hormones, said Andrew Steptoe, a psychology professor at University College London who was not involved with the study.
According to the research, an extra chunk of money increases your odds of being happy only marginally — notably less than the odds of being happier if you have a happy friend.
"You can save your money," Christakis said. "Being around happy people is better."
"Happiness is like a stampede," said Nicholas Christakis, a professor in Harvard University's sociology department and co-author of the study. "Whether you're happy depends not just on your own actions and behaviors and thoughts, but on those of people you don't even know."
Happy people tended to be at the center of social networks and had many friends who were also happy. Having friends or siblings nearby increased people's chances of being upbeat. Happiness spread outward by three degrees, to the friends of friends of friends.
Christakis and Fowler estimate that each happy friend boosts your own chances of being happy by 9 percent. Having grumpy friends decreases it by about 7 percent.
But it also turns out misery don't love company: Happiness seemed to spread more consistently than unhappiness. But that doesn't mean you should drop your gloomy friends.
"Every friend increases the probability that you're at the center of a network, which means you are more eligible to get a wave of happiness," Fowler said.
Being happy also brings other benefits, including a protective effect on your immune system so you produce fewer stress hormones, said Andrew Steptoe, a psychology professor at University College London who was not involved with the study.
According to the research, an extra chunk of money increases your odds of being happy only marginally — notably less than the odds of being happier if you have a happy friend.
"You can save your money," Christakis said. "Being around happy people is better."
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
the first Christmas tree
In case you're under the impression that Christmas trees are an ancient Christian practice, they've really only been part of popular culture for the past couple of centuries. As recently as 1851, the first Christmas tree in an American church was erected by Pastor Henry Schwan of Cleveland. Did his flock sing hosannas? Nope. He was attacked and the tree removed, as such activity was clearly a pagan practice.
As the Good Book stateth in Jeremiah: "Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not."
As the Good Book stateth in Jeremiah: "Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not."
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
GTD
A clean desk might be the sign of an empty mind, as some bumper stickers suggest, but that’s exactly how David Allen likes it. The veteran coach and management consultant, leader of the Ojai, California–based David Allen Company and author of three bestselling books including Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity (Viking Penguin, 2001), has blazed the trail in productivity training, time management and stress reduction, aiding clients ranging from major global corporations such as American Express to Boy Scout troops.
The mission and method, as shared in Costco member Allen’s books and workshops are simple: Clear the to-do list clutter from your head so that your mind can get to work on creative action.
Allen’s productivity methods, titled GTD (for Getting Things Done), are being used by tens of millions of people around the world, from Estonia to Russia to India, and are successful because, according to company spokesman James Rider, “we don’t let work define us. We define our work. GTD is the bridge between the practicality of handling everyday tasks and finding the spiritual promise of relaxation, focus and control.”
The mission and method, as shared in Costco member Allen’s books and workshops are simple: Clear the to-do list clutter from your head so that your mind can get to work on creative action.
Allen’s productivity methods, titled GTD (for Getting Things Done), are being used by tens of millions of people around the world, from Estonia to Russia to India, and are successful because, according to company spokesman James Rider, “we don’t let work define us. We define our work. GTD is the bridge between the practicality of handling everyday tasks and finding the spiritual promise of relaxation, focus and control.”
Chris Rose is a liberal and a conservative
There's no getting around it: The C-word and the L-word are at the root of our nation's Great Divide. Together they are the elephant in the room and we need to wrestle it to the ground before we all end up looking like asses and, yes, puns intended.
Surprising signs of Longevity
Consider this: In the 20th century, the average life expectancy shot up 30 years — the greatest gain in 5,000 years of human history. And this: Centenarians — folks who make it into the triple digits — aren't such an exclusive club anymore, increasing 51% from 1990 to 2000. How to account for these dramatic leaps? Advances in health, education, and disease prevention and treatments are high on the list — and that makes sense. But what you may not know is that seemingly unimportant everyday habits, or circumstances in your past, can influence how long and how well you'll live.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
wealth gap widens
Economic inequality is growing in the world's richest countries, particularly in the United States, jeopardizing the American dream of social mobility just as the world tilts toward recession, a 30-nation report said yesterday.
The gap between rich and poor has widened over the past 20 years in nearly all the countries studied, even as trade and technological advances have led to rapid growth in their economies.
With job losses and home foreclosures increasing and many of these countries now facing recession, policy-makers must act quickly to prevent a surge in populist and protectionist sentiment as was seen after the Great Depression, said the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, or OECD, which is based in Paris.
In a 20-year study of its member countries, the OECD found that inequality had increased in 27 of its 30 members.
The United States has the highest inequality and poverty rates in the OECD after Mexico and Turkey, and the gap has increased rapidly since 2000, the report said. France, meanwhile, has seen inequalities fall in the past 20 years as poorer workers are better paid.
Rising inequality threatens social mobility -- children doing better than their parents, the poor improving their lot through hard work -- which is lower in countries such as the U.S., Great Britain and Italy, where inequality is high, than countries with less inequality such as Denmark, Sweden and Australia, the report said.
Wealthy households are not only widening the gap with the poor, but in such countries as the United States, Canada and Germany, they are also leaving middle-income earners further behind.
The OECD's Gurria urged governments to deal with the "divisive" issue of growing inequality.
"Greater income inequality stifles upward mobility between generations, making it harder for talented and hardworking people to get the rewards they deserve," he said in a statement. "It polarizes societies, it divides regions within countries, and it carves up the world between rich and poor."
In the United States, the richest 10 percent earn an average of $93,000 -- the highest level in the OECD. The poorest 10 percent earn an average of $5,800 -- about 20 percent lower than the OECD average.
*** [3/29/14]
Everyone knows someone (or is someone) who started from nothing and became something. The problem, as they say in journalism, is that the plural of "anecdote" is not "trend." Yes, some are born into poverty and work their way to the top. But most don't.
Just 4% of those born into the lowest income quintile eventually make it to the top income quintile, but 40% of those born into the highest income group will stay there as adults, according to the Pew Economic Mobility Project. Of those born into the lowest income quintile, more than 70% won't make it out of the bottom half of wage earners as adults. For those born into the top income quintile, two-thirds will remain in the top half as adults.
*** [3/29/14]
Movies on the subject on Netflix.
Inequality for All
Park Avenue: Money, Power and the American Dream
The One Percent
*** [4/25/14]
As a second-generation Irish American, I was a huge believer in the American dream as a kid. My parents quoted Walt Disney at the dinner table, and taught us that anyone could achieve whatever they wanted to in life, as long as they worked hard enough. Abraham Lincoln's rise from a one-room log cabin in Kentucky all the way up to the White House seemed to me like the perfect illustration of my parents' teaching.
It appears that my early faith in rapid social mobility in the United States might not have been entirely justified, according to a recent study. Gregory Clark, author of "The Son Also Rises: Surnames and the History of Social Mobility", has found that the pace of social mobility is much, much slower than we previously thought. According to his research, you may eventually succeed in raising the status of your family, but in some cases, it could "take 10 to 15 generations (300 to 450 years), much longer than most social scientists have estimated in the past."
Clark has conducted a rigorous analysis of surnames in order to track the rich and poor across the generations in England, the United States, Sweden, India, Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, and Chile. Instead of just looking at one aspect of social mobility, he considers a wide array of factors such as wealth, income, occupational status, and education. His research focuses on surnames inherited by fathers because most of the societies he studied were characterized by this form of surname inheritance. Clark doesn't think the results would be any different by studying the matrilineal lines.
This is how he concisely summarizes his main thesis:
*** [7/9/14] Blake's thread
[7/29/14] Read about this three generation rule in Ho'oulu 'Ohana Issue 04 2013 (which is a newsletter from First Hawaiian Bank Wealth Management Group. Don't see the issue online, but the above would seem to contradict this rule.
Anyway, here's an excerpt from the article.
In her role in wealth planning, [Jodene] Arakaki is aware of the problems families can run into that diminish their wealth across generations.
Issues arise when their is a lack of financial literacy, less emphasis on family values and differences in generational approaches to handling and managing wealth, she said, adding that each generation perceives money differently because of the experiences each has had with it.
"Those in the first generation were the creators of wealth," said Arakaki. "They are the immigrants who came to this country with hardly anything or the business owners who started their businesses from scratch. These individuals worked hard and made personal sacrifices to build that family wealth."
"The second generation may not have had it as hard as the first generation, but they at least witnessed what their parents went through. They had a chance to see the the struggle and sweat it took to get the family on track to a better standard of living. So the second generation understands what it took to build the wealth and is more motivated to preserve the family's wealth."
"The third generation is fortunate in that they grew up reaping the benefits of their hard-working family members before them," she said. "Because of this, they may not have the same perspectives or attitudes toward wealth as their parents or grandparents. Without a sense of the personal cost to build that wealth, some of them might spend it more freely."
[actually that makes sense to me]
The gap between rich and poor has widened over the past 20 years in nearly all the countries studied, even as trade and technological advances have led to rapid growth in their economies.
With job losses and home foreclosures increasing and many of these countries now facing recession, policy-makers must act quickly to prevent a surge in populist and protectionist sentiment as was seen after the Great Depression, said the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, or OECD, which is based in Paris.
In a 20-year study of its member countries, the OECD found that inequality had increased in 27 of its 30 members.
The United States has the highest inequality and poverty rates in the OECD after Mexico and Turkey, and the gap has increased rapidly since 2000, the report said. France, meanwhile, has seen inequalities fall in the past 20 years as poorer workers are better paid.
Rising inequality threatens social mobility -- children doing better than their parents, the poor improving their lot through hard work -- which is lower in countries such as the U.S., Great Britain and Italy, where inequality is high, than countries with less inequality such as Denmark, Sweden and Australia, the report said.
Wealthy households are not only widening the gap with the poor, but in such countries as the United States, Canada and Germany, they are also leaving middle-income earners further behind.
The OECD's Gurria urged governments to deal with the "divisive" issue of growing inequality.
"Greater income inequality stifles upward mobility between generations, making it harder for talented and hardworking people to get the rewards they deserve," he said in a statement. "It polarizes societies, it divides regions within countries, and it carves up the world between rich and poor."
In the United States, the richest 10 percent earn an average of $93,000 -- the highest level in the OECD. The poorest 10 percent earn an average of $5,800 -- about 20 percent lower than the OECD average.
*** [3/29/14]
Everyone knows someone (or is someone) who started from nothing and became something. The problem, as they say in journalism, is that the plural of "anecdote" is not "trend." Yes, some are born into poverty and work their way to the top. But most don't.
Just 4% of those born into the lowest income quintile eventually make it to the top income quintile, but 40% of those born into the highest income group will stay there as adults, according to the Pew Economic Mobility Project. Of those born into the lowest income quintile, more than 70% won't make it out of the bottom half of wage earners as adults. For those born into the top income quintile, two-thirds will remain in the top half as adults.
*** [3/29/14]
Movies on the subject on Netflix.
Inequality for All
Park Avenue: Money, Power and the American Dream
The One Percent
*** [4/25/14]
As a second-generation Irish American, I was a huge believer in the American dream as a kid. My parents quoted Walt Disney at the dinner table, and taught us that anyone could achieve whatever they wanted to in life, as long as they worked hard enough. Abraham Lincoln's rise from a one-room log cabin in Kentucky all the way up to the White House seemed to me like the perfect illustration of my parents' teaching.
It appears that my early faith in rapid social mobility in the United States might not have been entirely justified, according to a recent study. Gregory Clark, author of "The Son Also Rises: Surnames and the History of Social Mobility", has found that the pace of social mobility is much, much slower than we previously thought. According to his research, you may eventually succeed in raising the status of your family, but in some cases, it could "take 10 to 15 generations (300 to 450 years), much longer than most social scientists have estimated in the past."
Clark has conducted a rigorous analysis of surnames in order to track the rich and poor across the generations in England, the United States, Sweden, India, Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, and Chile. Instead of just looking at one aspect of social mobility, he considers a wide array of factors such as wealth, income, occupational status, and education. His research focuses on surnames inherited by fathers because most of the societies he studied were characterized by this form of surname inheritance. Clark doesn't think the results would be any different by studying the matrilineal lines.
This is how he concisely summarizes his main thesis:
To a striking extent, your overall life chances can be predicted not just from your parents' status but also from your great-great-great-great grandparents'.While believing that success depends very much on individual effort, Clark's findings seem to indicate that "the compulsion to strive, the talent to prosper and the ability to overcome failure are strongly inherited."
*** [7/9/14] Blake's thread
[7/29/14] Read about this three generation rule in Ho'oulu 'Ohana Issue 04 2013 (which is a newsletter from First Hawaiian Bank Wealth Management Group. Don't see the issue online, but the above would seem to contradict this rule.
Anyway, here's an excerpt from the article.
In her role in wealth planning, [Jodene] Arakaki is aware of the problems families can run into that diminish their wealth across generations.
Issues arise when their is a lack of financial literacy, less emphasis on family values and differences in generational approaches to handling and managing wealth, she said, adding that each generation perceives money differently because of the experiences each has had with it.
"Those in the first generation were the creators of wealth," said Arakaki. "They are the immigrants who came to this country with hardly anything or the business owners who started their businesses from scratch. These individuals worked hard and made personal sacrifices to build that family wealth."
"The second generation may not have had it as hard as the first generation, but they at least witnessed what their parents went through. They had a chance to see the the struggle and sweat it took to get the family on track to a better standard of living. So the second generation understands what it took to build the wealth and is more motivated to preserve the family's wealth."
"The third generation is fortunate in that they grew up reaping the benefits of their hard-working family members before them," she said. "Because of this, they may not have the same perspectives or attitudes toward wealth as their parents or grandparents. Without a sense of the personal cost to build that wealth, some of them might spend it more freely."
[actually that makes sense to me]
Friday, November 14, 2008
Gerald Celente
The man who predicted the 1987 stock market crash and the fall of the Soviet Union is now forecasting revolution in America, food riots and tax rebellions - all within four years.
Gerald Celente, the CEO of Trends Research Institute, is renowned for his accuracy in predicting future world and economic events, which will send a chill down your spine considering what he told Fox News this week.
Celente says that by 2012 America will become an undeveloped nation, that there will be a revolution marked by food riots, squatter rebellions, tax revolts and job marches, and that holidays will be more about obtaining food, not gifts.
“We’re going to see the end of the retail Christmas….we’re going to see a fundamental shift take place….putting food on the table is going to be more important that putting gifts under the Christmas tree,” said Celente, adding that the situation would be “worse than the great depression”.
“America’s going to go through a transition the likes of which no one is prepared for,” said Celente, noting that people’s refusal to acknowledge that America was even in a recession highlights how big a problem denial is in being ready for the true scale of the crisis.
Celente, who successfully predicted the 1997 Asian Currency Crisis, the subprime mortgage collapse and the massive devaluation of the U.S. dollar, told UPI in November last year that the following year would be known as “The Panic of 2008,” adding that “giants (would) tumble to their deaths,” which is exactly what we have witnessed with the collapse of Lehman Brothers, Bear Stearns and others. He also said that the dollar would eventually be devalued by as much as 90 per cent.
[via chucks_angels]
Gerald Celente, the CEO of Trends Research Institute, is renowned for his accuracy in predicting future world and economic events, which will send a chill down your spine considering what he told Fox News this week.
Celente says that by 2012 America will become an undeveloped nation, that there will be a revolution marked by food riots, squatter rebellions, tax revolts and job marches, and that holidays will be more about obtaining food, not gifts.
“We’re going to see the end of the retail Christmas….we’re going to see a fundamental shift take place….putting food on the table is going to be more important that putting gifts under the Christmas tree,” said Celente, adding that the situation would be “worse than the great depression”.
“America’s going to go through a transition the likes of which no one is prepared for,” said Celente, noting that people’s refusal to acknowledge that America was even in a recession highlights how big a problem denial is in being ready for the true scale of the crisis.
Celente, who successfully predicted the 1997 Asian Currency Crisis, the subprime mortgage collapse and the massive devaluation of the U.S. dollar, told UPI in November last year that the following year would be known as “The Panic of 2008,” adding that “giants (would) tumble to their deaths,” which is exactly what we have witnessed with the collapse of Lehman Brothers, Bear Stearns and others. He also said that the dollar would eventually be devalued by as much as 90 per cent.
[via chucks_angels]
Thursday, November 06, 2008
divine retribution
America's opponents in the Middle East are gloating over the financial meltdown in the United States, painting it as divine retribution for past misdeeds against Muslims and the last gasps of a dying empire.
Hardline clerics across the region and groups like Hamas and al-Qaida took delight in America's financial woes even though it has not left the region unscathed, with stock markets across the Middle East dropping more than 10 percent last week.
"We are witnessing the collapse of the American Empire," Hamas prime minister in the Gaza Strip, Ismail Haniyeh, told worshippers during Friday prayers. "What's going on in America is a result of the violation of the rights of people in Palestine, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan and Muslims around the world."
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Tuesday that America was paying the price for exporting inflation and deficits to the rest of the world.
"Now the world capacity is full and these problems have returned to the U.S." he said. "And finally they are oppressors, and systems based on oppression and unrighteous positions will not endure."
High level Iranian cleric, Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati, was more blunt addressing worshippers on Oct. 3.
"We are happy that the U.S. economy is in anarchy and the anarchy is reaching Europe," Jannati said. "They are seeing the result of their own ugly doings and God is punishing them."
Iran denies the financial crisis has hurt its economy, but the turmoil has helped drive the price of oil down more than 40 percent since July, shrinking revenues in a country that relies on oil for 80 percent of its budget.
Al-Qaida was one of the first groups to express satisfaction over the financial crisis.
"The enemies of Islam are facing a crushing defeat, which is beginning to manifest itself in the expanding crisis their economy is experiencing," said American al-Qaida member Adam Gadahn in a video released early this month.
One hardline Sunni cleric in U.S.-allied Lebanon saw the financial collapse as God's answer to Muslim prayers.
"God has responded to the supplications of the oppressed people," Mufti of Mount Lebanon Sheik Mohammed Ali al-Jouzo told the state-run news agency Thursday. "It is the curse that hits every arrogant power."
Associated Press writers Bassem Mroue in Beirut, Lebanon, Ali Dareini in Tehran, Iran and Karin Laub in Ramallah, West Bank, contributed to this report.
Hardline clerics across the region and groups like Hamas and al-Qaida took delight in America's financial woes even though it has not left the region unscathed, with stock markets across the Middle East dropping more than 10 percent last week.
"We are witnessing the collapse of the American Empire," Hamas prime minister in the Gaza Strip, Ismail Haniyeh, told worshippers during Friday prayers. "What's going on in America is a result of the violation of the rights of people in Palestine, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan and Muslims around the world."
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Tuesday that America was paying the price for exporting inflation and deficits to the rest of the world.
"Now the world capacity is full and these problems have returned to the U.S." he said. "And finally they are oppressors, and systems based on oppression and unrighteous positions will not endure."
High level Iranian cleric, Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati, was more blunt addressing worshippers on Oct. 3.
"We are happy that the U.S. economy is in anarchy and the anarchy is reaching Europe," Jannati said. "They are seeing the result of their own ugly doings and God is punishing them."
Iran denies the financial crisis has hurt its economy, but the turmoil has helped drive the price of oil down more than 40 percent since July, shrinking revenues in a country that relies on oil for 80 percent of its budget.
Al-Qaida was one of the first groups to express satisfaction over the financial crisis.
"The enemies of Islam are facing a crushing defeat, which is beginning to manifest itself in the expanding crisis their economy is experiencing," said American al-Qaida member Adam Gadahn in a video released early this month.
One hardline Sunni cleric in U.S.-allied Lebanon saw the financial collapse as God's answer to Muslim prayers.
"God has responded to the supplications of the oppressed people," Mufti of Mount Lebanon Sheik Mohammed Ali al-Jouzo told the state-run news agency Thursday. "It is the curse that hits every arrogant power."
Associated Press writers Bassem Mroue in Beirut, Lebanon, Ali Dareini in Tehran, Iran and Karin Laub in Ramallah, West Bank, contributed to this report.
Sunday, November 02, 2008
The Evolving American Dream
Much has been written about the broad economic and technological changes in our lives. But just how are we handling these changes? I have been tracking public opinion since the late 1980s, and the answer is simple: American attitudes and expectations are changing just as dramatically.
What do the changes mean for different age groups? We took a look:
The Private Generation (1926-45): The foot soldiers of a new army of volunteers grew to adulthood mostly without questioning authority. They will constitute the largest pool of octogenarians, nonagenarians and centenarians ever. From them we will learn how (and how not) to age with dignity and how to make the post-retirement years useful.
The Woodstockers (1946-1964): My fellow boomers stopped a war, marched for equality and helped usher in new values regarding gender, sex and the environment. We know the power of protest and how to use it. So we will force Congress to pass meaningful health care reform, and we’ll show how to live well and live within limits.
The Nike Generation (1965-78): Born into a world of assassinations, presidential scandals, abortion rights debates, military losses and record divorce rates, Nikes learned early that no institution is permanent, that relationships are fleeting. They’re creating a world of indie films and music, holistic medicine, organic food—and alternatives to traditional marriages, families and schools.
The First Globals (1979-90): Over half of these young Americans have passports and a worldview that is planetary. One in four “expect” to live and work in a foreign country. They’re instantly exposed to the entire world via the Internet, music, fashion and sports. They’re driving a new age of inclusion and authenticity. As our internationalists, they’re the least likely to feel that our culture is superior to that of other nations. They prefer not to take a simple pro or con on tough issues such as abortion, but rather to judge each situation on its merits.
In short, we see a fundamental transformation in the American character—and the American dream: living within limits, more modest expectations, a global view and a demand for authenticity.
What do the changes mean for different age groups? We took a look:
The Private Generation (1926-45): The foot soldiers of a new army of volunteers grew to adulthood mostly without questioning authority. They will constitute the largest pool of octogenarians, nonagenarians and centenarians ever. From them we will learn how (and how not) to age with dignity and how to make the post-retirement years useful.
The Woodstockers (1946-1964): My fellow boomers stopped a war, marched for equality and helped usher in new values regarding gender, sex and the environment. We know the power of protest and how to use it. So we will force Congress to pass meaningful health care reform, and we’ll show how to live well and live within limits.
The Nike Generation (1965-78): Born into a world of assassinations, presidential scandals, abortion rights debates, military losses and record divorce rates, Nikes learned early that no institution is permanent, that relationships are fleeting. They’re creating a world of indie films and music, holistic medicine, organic food—and alternatives to traditional marriages, families and schools.
The First Globals (1979-90): Over half of these young Americans have passports and a worldview that is planetary. One in four “expect” to live and work in a foreign country. They’re instantly exposed to the entire world via the Internet, music, fashion and sports. They’re driving a new age of inclusion and authenticity. As our internationalists, they’re the least likely to feel that our culture is superior to that of other nations. They prefer not to take a simple pro or con on tough issues such as abortion, but rather to judge each situation on its merits.
In short, we see a fundamental transformation in the American character—and the American dream: living within limits, more modest expectations, a global view and a demand for authenticity.
Saturday, November 01, 2008
older and wiser?
Are you getting older and wiser? Or just older?
The authors of a new edition of "Progress in Brain Research," a book for neurologists, suggest that in most adults a slowdown in reading speed (once assumed to be a sign of decline) actually indicates broader comprehension.
A younger brain may focus more deeply on relevant information, but an older one may take away more overall meaning from the material. The former behavior is fine for many purposes, of course, but the latter is instrumental in acquiring wisdom.
In studies where college students and older adults read material that included seemingly extraneous information, the older group took a longer time. But when both groups were quizzed on the material-including the extra items-the older adults performed better than the students. The authors credit a gradual widening of attention as a person grows older.
The authors of a new edition of "Progress in Brain Research," a book for neurologists, suggest that in most adults a slowdown in reading speed (once assumed to be a sign of decline) actually indicates broader comprehension.
A younger brain may focus more deeply on relevant information, but an older one may take away more overall meaning from the material. The former behavior is fine for many purposes, of course, but the latter is instrumental in acquiring wisdom.
In studies where college students and older adults read material that included seemingly extraneous information, the older group took a longer time. But when both groups were quizzed on the material-including the extra items-the older adults performed better than the students. The authors credit a gradual widening of attention as a person grows older.
Eating for a better mood
The next time you feel blue or irritable, you may want to take a look at what's in your fridge. Researchers who study the food-mood connection have found that certain vitamins and other compounds in food can change brain chemistry. Foods influence the activity of neurotransmitters, the chemicals that convey information from one neuron to the next. Anything that affects these chemical messengers affects your mood—making food a pretty powerful "drug" when it comes to how you feel and act.
For example, several studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids may be effective at combatting depression. One study found that a group of pregnant women taking 3.4 grams of omega-3s per day had significantly fewer depressive symptoms than those taking a placebo. And a review of 10 clinical trials showed a significant reduction in depressive symptoms among subjects taking omega-3s. The best food sources are fatty fish such as wild salmon, sardines, and herring. You may also want to consider taking a daily fish-oil supplement.
For example, several studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids may be effective at combatting depression. One study found that a group of pregnant women taking 3.4 grams of omega-3s per day had significantly fewer depressive symptoms than those taking a placebo. And a review of 10 clinical trials showed a significant reduction in depressive symptoms among subjects taking omega-3s. The best food sources are fatty fish such as wild salmon, sardines, and herring. You may also want to consider taking a daily fish-oil supplement.
Monday, October 27, 2008
reduce, reuse, recycle
While it’s great that an institution like UCLA boasts a wide array of recycling centers for paper, plastic and other materials, the big first step in eliminating unnecessary waste and pollution is preventing it.
“I believe we should reduce, reuse, recycle, in that order specifically,” said Robert Gilbert, the sustainability coordinator for UCLA housing and hospitality. “The less stuff you use, the less energy it consumes.”
“I believe we should reduce, reuse, recycle, in that order specifically,” said Robert Gilbert, the sustainability coordinator for UCLA housing and hospitality. “The less stuff you use, the less energy it consumes.”
Saturday, October 18, 2008
A Liberal Supermajority
If the current polls hold, Barack Obama will win the White House on November 4 and Democrats will consolidate their Congressional majorities, probably with a filibuster-proof Senate or very close to it. Without the ability to filibuster, the Senate would become like the House, able to pass whatever the majority wants.
Though we doubt most Americans realize it, this would be one of the most profound political and ideological shifts in U.S. history. Liberals would dominate the entire government in a way they haven't since 1965, or 1933. In other words, the election would mark the restoration of the activist government that fell out of public favor in the 1970s. If the U.S. really is entering a period of unchecked left-wing ascendancy, Americans at least ought to understand what they will be getting, especially with the media cheering it all on.
Though we doubt most Americans realize it, this would be one of the most profound political and ideological shifts in U.S. history. Liberals would dominate the entire government in a way they haven't since 1965, or 1933. In other words, the election would mark the restoration of the activist government that fell out of public favor in the 1970s. If the U.S. really is entering a period of unchecked left-wing ascendancy, Americans at least ought to understand what they will be getting, especially with the media cheering it all on.
Feldenkrais
During a Feldenkrais Method group class, you won't see much resembling "exercise." There is no repetition of movements, no competition or emphasis on "fitness" at all.
Rarely will anyone break a sweat. "Do it in a lazy way," instructed Eve Strauss during an Awareness Through Movement class last week at the Manoa Dance Studio, "Let it be easy."
While "lazy" and "easy" are rarely heard in other movement classes, they are near and dear to the Feldenkrais Method. "We are investigating options for moving, like a baby does. We are watching the effects of each movement on the whole organism. How do you breathe when you're in this position? Is it the same on the right and left side of your body?"
A concern with symmetry is integral to Feldenkrais. Special attention is paid to the diagonals of the body. Many lessons involve movements that clarify a connection between the right shoulder and left hip, and vice versa. Likewise with the right side of the ribcage and the left ankle.
Improvements are said to come from clarifying these subtle but important correspondences, what Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais called "the elusive obvious."
Rarely will anyone break a sweat. "Do it in a lazy way," instructed Eve Strauss during an Awareness Through Movement class last week at the Manoa Dance Studio, "Let it be easy."
While "lazy" and "easy" are rarely heard in other movement classes, they are near and dear to the Feldenkrais Method. "We are investigating options for moving, like a baby does. We are watching the effects of each movement on the whole organism. How do you breathe when you're in this position? Is it the same on the right and left side of your body?"
A concern with symmetry is integral to Feldenkrais. Special attention is paid to the diagonals of the body. Many lessons involve movements that clarify a connection between the right shoulder and left hip, and vice versa. Likewise with the right side of the ribcage and the left ankle.
Improvements are said to come from clarifying these subtle but important correspondences, what Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais called "the elusive obvious."
Friday, October 17, 2008
Slacker Uprising
[9/22/08] Michael Moore, the political provocateur behind the films “Fahrenheit 9/11” and “Sicko,” is releasing a new film Tuesday. But you will not be able to find “Slacker Uprising” at any theater.
Instead he is placing the film on the Internet for free viewing, at SlackerUprising.com. Mr. Moore said the unorthodox rollout is a gift to his fans and a rallying cry for the coming election.
“At times there’s nothing wrong with preaching to the choir,” he said in a telephone interview from his office in Traverse City, Mich.
[5/29/12] You can now watch Fahrenheit 9/11 and Sicko online. Linked above.
Michael Moore documentaries at topdocumentaryfilms.com.
Capitalism: A Love Story (2009)
Slacker Uprising (2008)
Sicko (2007)
Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004) [see above links for full movie]
Bowling for Columbine (2002)
Roger and Me (1989)
Instead he is placing the film on the Internet for free viewing, at SlackerUprising.com. Mr. Moore said the unorthodox rollout is a gift to his fans and a rallying cry for the coming election.
“At times there’s nothing wrong with preaching to the choir,” he said in a telephone interview from his office in Traverse City, Mich.
[5/29/12] You can now watch Fahrenheit 9/11 and Sicko online. Linked above.
Michael Moore documentaries at topdocumentaryfilms.com.
Capitalism: A Love Story (2009)
Slacker Uprising (2008)
Sicko (2007)
Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004) [see above links for full movie]
Bowling for Columbine (2002)
Roger and Me (1989)
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Soul masters
Filmmaker Sande Zeig wasn't interested in healing. And she definitely wasn't seeking enlightenment. But somehow she was compelled to direct and produce "Soul Masters," a film to be screened in the islands next week.
"Soul Masters" follows the work of two Chinese healers, Zhi Gang Sha and Zhi Chen Guo.
Guo, as a researcher, developed an herbal formula that helped contain the SARS outbreak in China. He has also contributed to the understanding of diseases including diabetes and cancer. At his clinic in China, some people claim he can cure the incurable.
Sha has integrated ancient healing traditions of the East with scientific principles from the West to establish a healing system known as Power Healing and Soul Mind Body Medicine. A New York Times best-selling author, his most recent book is "Soul Wisdom: Practical Soul Treasures to Transform Your Life" (Heaven's Library, 2007, $16).
For Zeig, it all began when Sha treated her father. "He had gangrene. Five doctors told him that if he didn't amputate his leg, he'd have three months to live. He refused to have the operation," she said.
Zeig's brother, Jeffrey Zeig, a psychologist, met with Sha during a visit to Phoenix, Ariz. "Master Sha came into our lives and did this healing for my dad," she said. "He didn't seem to do anything, but he was doing a spiritual healing for my father. We taught him how to chant and it was like a miracle. He was in hospice care but lived for another year and a half."
Zeig decided she needed to make a film about Sha. "Literally 10 days later, I was in China with him and a group of 60 students. I just knew that this was something that I had to do. ... It was so clear that there was a movie here."
"Soul Masters" follows the work of two Chinese healers, Zhi Gang Sha and Zhi Chen Guo.
Guo, as a researcher, developed an herbal formula that helped contain the SARS outbreak in China. He has also contributed to the understanding of diseases including diabetes and cancer. At his clinic in China, some people claim he can cure the incurable.
Sha has integrated ancient healing traditions of the East with scientific principles from the West to establish a healing system known as Power Healing and Soul Mind Body Medicine. A New York Times best-selling author, his most recent book is "Soul Wisdom: Practical Soul Treasures to Transform Your Life" (Heaven's Library, 2007, $16).
For Zeig, it all began when Sha treated her father. "He had gangrene. Five doctors told him that if he didn't amputate his leg, he'd have three months to live. He refused to have the operation," she said.
Zeig's brother, Jeffrey Zeig, a psychologist, met with Sha during a visit to Phoenix, Ariz. "Master Sha came into our lives and did this healing for my dad," she said. "He didn't seem to do anything, but he was doing a spiritual healing for my father. We taught him how to chant and it was like a miracle. He was in hospice care but lived for another year and a half."
Zeig decided she needed to make a film about Sha. "Literally 10 days later, I was in China with him and a group of 60 students. I just knew that this was something that I had to do. ... It was so clear that there was a movie here."
Friday, October 10, 2008
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Cyril Raffaeli
Kari sent me a video clip of this guy. He's kind of like a young Jackie Chan (or a stuntman for Jackie Chan). Turns out he's a stunt and fight choreographer too and was involved in the Transporter and Transporter 2.
Links also led me to David Belle and Parkour as well as Free Running.
Links also led me to David Belle and Parkour as well as Free Running.
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Phiten
Phiten Hawaii Co. has seen a surge in demand for its titanium products in the last few years, due largely to word-of-mouth advertising and celebrity endorsements, including star pitcher Randy Johnson of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Paula Radcliffe, the 2007 New York Marathon women's winner.
"Phild Processing," Phiten's patented process for using titanium in items such as fabric and liquids, is a closely guarded secret, which can raise red flags for naysayers. But Paul Vaughn, general manager for Phiten Hawaii, says the proof is in the results.
Vaughn says he invites customers to try a bit of titanium tape on a sore spot. "We'll tell them to shrug their shoulders and say, 'Do you feel that knot?' and they'll say, 'Yes, I've had that for years.'"
After applying a titanium patch, he says, many people can instantly feel the difference.
The "try it" approach and low-pressure sales strategy, combined with the relatively low prices of their best-selling bracelets and necklaces ($6 to $60) make Phiten a low-investment option for those investigating healing alternatives.
"Phild Processing," Phiten's patented process for using titanium in items such as fabric and liquids, is a closely guarded secret, which can raise red flags for naysayers. But Paul Vaughn, general manager for Phiten Hawaii, says the proof is in the results.
Vaughn says he invites customers to try a bit of titanium tape on a sore spot. "We'll tell them to shrug their shoulders and say, 'Do you feel that knot?' and they'll say, 'Yes, I've had that for years.'"
After applying a titanium patch, he says, many people can instantly feel the difference.
The "try it" approach and low-pressure sales strategy, combined with the relatively low prices of their best-selling bracelets and necklaces ($6 to $60) make Phiten a low-investment option for those investigating healing alternatives.
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