Apr 10 2012

Malawi Swears In Its First Female President, When Will America Follow Suit?

Malawi Swears In Its First Female President, When Will America Follow Suit? – http://pulse.me/s/82aRy

Malawi Swears In Its First Female President, When Will America Follow Suit?

TUESDAY APR 10, 2012 – BY BRITNI DANIELLE

Joyce Banda was sworn in as Malawi’s first female president, assuming control after the death of former President Bingu wa Mutharika.

Banda becomes the first female president in southern Africa, and has promised to ”defend and preserve the constitution” as well as the people of Malawi.

Banda was the country’s vice-president (elected in 2009), but was very critical of former President Mutharika and had joined the opposition party. After his death on Thursday, many wondered if President Banda would assume control of the nation or if her rule would be usurped by his brother, Malawi’s Foreign Minister, Peter Mutharika. Foreign Minister Mutharika initially said that Banda could not be Malawi’s president because she joined the opposition party, but the UK, US, and EU urged Malawi to respect its constitution and inaugurate Mrs. Banda as president.

During her swearing-in ceremony, President Banda told her countrymen, ”It is with a great sense of humility and honour that I accept the huge responsibility of that the people of Malawi have entrusted me with,” and told her constituents that they must now focus their efforts on burying their deceased former president.

With President Banda now at the helm in Malawi, she becomes the 18th woman to head a nation across the would. From Jamaica and Germany, to India and Brazil, women are making political headways and are leading some of our world’s most influential nations.

But is America Next?

Do you think we will have a female president of the United States soon?

Apr 10 2012

The Science of Fox News: Why Its Viewers are the Most Misinformed: via Alternet

In other words Fox News is both deceiver and enabler simultaneously. First, its existence creates the opportunity for conservatives to exercise their biases, by selecting into the Fox information stream, and also by imbibing Fox-style arguments and claims that can then fuel biased reasoning about politics, science, and whatever else comes up.

But at the same time, it’s also likely that conservatives, tending to be more closed-minded and more authoritarian, have a stronger emotional need for an outlet like Fox, where they can find affirmation and escape from the belief challenges constantly presented by the “liberal media.” Their psychological need for something affirmative is probably stronger than what’s encountered on the opposite side of the aisle—as is their revulsion towards allegedly liberal (but really centrist) media outlets.

And thus we find, at the root of our political dysfunction, a classic nurture-nature mélange. The penchant for selective exposure is rooted in our psychology and our brains. Closed-mindedness and authoritarianism—running stronger in some of us than in others—likely are as well.

But nevertheless, it took the emergence of a station like Fox News before these tendencies could be fully activated—polarizing America not only over politics, but over reality itself.

Chris Mooney is the author of four books, including “The Republican War on Science” (2005). His new book is “The Republican Brain: The Science of Why They Deny Science—and Reality”.

© 2012 Independent Media Institute. All rights reserved.

View this story online at: http://www.alternet.org/story/154875/

via AlterNet: The Science of Fox News: Why Its Viewers are the Most Misinformed.

Apr 10 2012

5 Ways to Avoid Getting Busted for Pot | | AlterNet

5 Ways to Avoid Getting Busted for Pot | | AlterNet.

5 Ways to Avoid Getting Busted for Pot

By Scott Morgan, AlterNet
Posted on April 9, 2012, Printed on April 10, 2012

http://www.alternet.org/story/154845/5_ways_to_avoid_getting_busted_for_pot

 

Each year, close to a million Americans are arrested for possessing marijuana, and many millions more are targeted and searched by police on suspicion of being a marijuana user. It’s an incredible waste of limited law enforcement resources, and the experience of being harassed, arrested, and slapped with a criminal record isn’t exactly getting rave reviews from anyone either. Heck, even cops are getting sick of this idiocy.

I’ve spent several years teaching the public how to deal with police. I’ve heard more than my share of horror stories from people who froze up when confronted by the cops and soon found themselves in the back of a squad car. When that happens, chances are it wasn’t because they hurt someone, but rather, because they possessed a small amount of marijuana.

Now that half the nation is in favor of legalizing marijuana, there is hope that we’ll soon see a day when none of us are placed in handcuffs for having a little pot in our pockets. But until then, those who use marijuana –- whether to treat an illness, or simply as part of a healthy lifestyle –- should have a plan prepared just in case they find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The following tips are designed to help responsible adults avoid becoming statistics in our nation’s enormous, expensive and embarrassing war on marijuana.

1. Don’t Consent to Searches

This is a pretty straightforward concept, but a lot of people get hung up on worrying how the officer will react. Don’t. Just be cool and keep in mind that agreeing to a search will automatically lead to your arrest if you’re in possession of marijuana. Refusing will often prevent the search, but even it doesn’t, you’ll have a better chance of winning the case once you get to court. 

2. Don’t Let Them Into Your House

If you enjoy marijuana, then you probably don’t want police officers coming inside your house. Unfortunately, cops are quite good at convincing you to let them in. They might make it sound like you don’t have a choice, or simply try to convince you they’re not looking to get anyone in trouble. Whatever they say, your answer should stay the same: No. Unless they have a search warrant, they can’t come in without your permission. Your best move is to politely explain that you’re not letting anyone in without a warrant.

3. Ask if You’re Free to Go

The longer your police encounter lasts, the greater the risk of something going wrong. If you refuse a search, officers will often say, “okay, wait here,” or they might even threaten to “call in the dogs.” What they won’t tell you is that they may not actually have any legal authority to make you stay. Police need evidence (reasonable suspicion) to justify detaining you, and refusing a search doesn’t count.

If you don’t feel like hanging out with the cops, ask if you’re free to go. If they say “yes,” leave immediately. If they say “no,” then you’re being detained and they will need to prove in court that they had a legal reason to detain you. Even if they search you and find marijuana, the fact that you asked to leave before the search will improve your chances in court, because any evidence found during an illegal detention is not admissible. The legal concepts here get a bit complicated, but just remember that after you refuse a search you should also ask if you can leave.

4. Don’t Do Dumb Stuff in Public

When the temptation to put fun before common sense takes over, the consequences can be quick and vicious. Knowing your rights can increase your odds of avoiding trouble, but if officers actually observe you committing a crime, the only tip I can give you is to call a good lawyer. If police see, smell, or hear evidence of criminal activity, that’s all the grounds they need to search and arrest you.

Remember that good herb reeks, literally spilling a cloud of probable cause in every direction. Lighting up in cars, parks, dorms and other exposed areas is just asking for trouble. Some regions are more lenient than others, but don’t push your luck, and don’t assume it’s okay just because you see others doing it. I’ve seen people get popped for pot in Berkeley of all places, so remember there are no drug-war-free zones in America yet. Be cool, and watch your back.

5. Don’t Snitch on Yourself

It’s tempting to think that honesty will win you some points with police. Heck, they’ll even promise to cut you a break in exchange for a straight answer. But coming clean is a mistake you’ll regret seconds later when they order you to put your hands behind your back. Most people don’t think pot is a big deal, so it’s easy for the cops to convince you they don’t care about it either. But it’s their job to bust you for pot, and they’re allowed to lie if necessary to trick you into cooperating. If they didn’t care, they wouldn’t ask.

If police are asking you incriminating questions, just politely tell them you choose to remain silent until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.

This is the most helpful advice I can give for protecting yourself from the tricks police use to bust millions of Americans for marijuana. But remember that knowing your rights and watching your back will only get you so far. Escaping unscathed from a scary police encounter also requires controlling your emotions and remaining calm and cool.

Maintaining a relaxed attitude is the key to pulling off tactics such as refusing searches, asking if you’re free to go, and declining to answer incriminating questions. Even if you do everything right, there’s still a chance you’ll end up in court fighting for your freedom, but your odds of winning will be far greater if you’ve calmly asserted your rights throughout the encounter.

I’d like to hear any strategies I might have missed. What’s your favorite tip for preventing a pot bust?

Scott Morgan is associate director of FlexYourRights.org and co-creator of the film 10 Rules for Dealing with Police.

© 2012 Independent Media Institute. All rights reserved.
View this story online at: http://www.alternet.org/story/154845/

References

http://blog.norml.org/2011/09/19/marijuana-arrests-driving-americas-so-called-drug-war-latest-fbi-data-shows/

http://www.leap.cc/

Apr 10 2012

Too much junk food can lead to depression: Study – CBS News

April 7, 2012 11:41 AM

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Too much junk food can lead to depression: Study

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(CBS News) Most Americans love junk food. But a new study finds such foods can do more than expand your waistline – they can also affect your brain.

The study, in the journal Public Health Nutrition, indicates people who regularly eat commercial baked goods like doughnuts and croissants, or fast foods such as pizza, hamburgers and hot dogs, are at greater risk for depression.

In the study, done by Researchers from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and the University of Granada, researchers looked at nearly 9,000 people for about six years. Participants were asked to report how frequently they ate certain foods – specifically fast foods such as burgers and fries, as well as baked goods.

At the beginning of the study, none of them had been diagnosed with depression, but by the end, almost 500 had depression. Those who ate the most fast food were 51 percent more likely to develop clinical depression than those who ate the least.

Is sugar toxic?

The study’s findings are “really, really shocking,” contributor Dr. Holly Phillips said on “CBS This Morning: Saturday.”

She discussed the research, and suggested foods that might boost moods. To watch the Phillips interview, done by co-hosts Jeff Glor and Rebecca Jarvis, click on the video in the player above.

© 2012 CBS Interactive Inc.. All Rights Reserved.

via Too much junk food can lead to depression: Study – CBS News.

Apr 10 2012

6 Signs That Your Job Isn’t For You | Madame Noire | Black Women’s Lifestyle Guide | Black Hair | Black Love

6 Signs That Your Job Isn’t For You | Madame Noire | Black Women’s Lifestyle Guide | Black Hair | Black Love.

April 10th, 2012 – By Blair Bedford

 

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You Can’t See Yourself Advancing

The anticipation of advancement in the workplace should have you excited and should be expected as an employee. But if you have been on the job for more than a year or two and you still don’t see yourself advancing in the company or field, it’s time to evaluate your professional happiness and relevance in that position. As a businesswoman, you should always look for ways to advance and grow within your company, from entry to mid-level status, or at least in the field. If you cannot visually picture yourself growing as an employee, it is time to move on to find a career path that will keep you engaged, enthused and continuously moving forward.

Management Issues

The unforgiving aspect about a company is the mid and upper-level management. The reflection of the work culture and ethic established by these executives always trickles down to the lower level employees eventually. If you have professional issues with the way your management works with their lower level staff, address it first, and if no progress or change can be established to suit your comfort level with the company as an employee, evaluate your specific position.

You Don’t Really Believe In The Company

One important but little known tell-tale sign of whether your job and company suits you is if you believe in the brand and culture of your company. Although having a job in your field in this economy is a godsend, it doesn’t pay off personally to work for a company you can’t put your all into and have no faith in. It can challenge your professional beliefs, as well as your career goals. If you feel that you can withstand things like your company’s unfair practices, the hectic demands of your field or the company’s limitations, then grow more as an employee and maybe things will eventually change as time goes on. But if you do not believe in the company’s brand, whether it be a strong conviction professionally or personally, consider all of your career options, like changing companies to possibly changing job fields altogether.

The Job Bores You

There’s a fine line between boredom and not being challenged professionally, and it could be difficult to identify when your job crosses it. If you feel that you are not being challenged at your job, keep in mind that you must first observe whether you are doing your daily tasks effectively, then possibly more responsibilities would be given to you. Repetitiveness could be a sign of boredom, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that you are not being challenged on the job.

Speak with your supervisor about possibly taking on more roles in your position after you have proven yourself to be a pro at your daily tasks. But if you feel that you have mastered your every day workload and you still are stagnant as an employee after multiple attempts of requesting more relevant work challenges, then that is the time to question whether you are being utilized to the fullest extent. The skills and talents you have acquired over the years as a professional should be used in various ways, and if you feel that your best assets are not playing a role in your every day work life, then speak up and find ways (or another position) that can give you full satisfaction.

The Overflow Into Your Personal Life

When your job starts to occupy your personal time, your thoughts or your emotions, the job might not be right for you. It is fine to get passionate about what you do from time to time, especially if you are in a field that you love, but if it starts to make you resent your career choice personally and emotionally, then you might need to consider a job with a lighter workload involved. First, evaluate yourself and realize that you can’t bring the work home. Make limitations for yourself as an employee, whether it is the amount of time you give to your job to what projects you decide to take on. If this is not an option in your company or field, but it is killing you softly and slowly both emotionally and possibly physically, it might be time to settle down a little professionally with the workload or with the type of field you’re in.

our Job Search Gets Erratic

One of the most noticeable signs of when your job isn’t really for you (and you start to notice it for yourself) is when your job search outside starts to become “a shot in the dark,” meaning you are throwing your resume at any available position that remotely fits your previous experience. It’s not a bad thing to go after a job that might seem out of your comfort zone professionally, but if you are searching for jobs just to escape your current one, no matter what the position entails or how you fit in it, then you are not evaluating your current situation good enough.

Are you looking at positions that are giving you what you don’t have, like benefits or heftier bonuses? Are you looking for jobs that fill that void you have with your current one? Analyze your REAL reasons for why you are looking for a new job before you jump out and make a rash decision based on your unhappiness. This is an obvious sign of knowing you’re not content with your position. Acknowledge it and make progress, but do not let the excitement of finding just any job take over. Make sure it’s a career move from better to worse, not from unhappy to just ‘content.’

Apr 10 2012

Don’t White People Kill Each Other, Too?

Don’t White People Kill Each Other, Too? – http://pulse.me/s/80l06

And yet we keep hearing about black-on-black crime because it fits the false media narrative. By: Edward Wyckoff Williams | Posted: April 10, 2012 at 12:40 AM

Bill O’Reilly, the Fox News host and one-man propaganda machine, recently interviewed Columbia University professor Marc Lamont Hill to discuss similar claims from Wall Street Journal contributor Shelby Steele, who wrote in “The Exploitation of Trayvon Martin” that “black teenagers are afraid of other black teenagers, not whites.” O’Reilly vehemently defended Steele’s premise that the Trayvon Martin case is an anomaly.

“Blacks today are nine times more likely to be killed by other blacks than by whites,” Steele wrote. He went on to attack the Revs. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson for “exploiting” Trayvon’s death in an effort to promote a “liberal” agenda — a point that O’Reilly was all too happy to expound.

Steele’s perspective, though myopic and misguided, remains pervasive and embedded in the broader social consciousness. This red-herring approach is not new, but in the face of Trayvon’s death — for which there remains no arrest, no charges and no arraignment — these obstructive tactics require an equal and opposite response.

What Will, Steele and O’Reilly failed to mention is the exacting truth that white Americans are just as likely to be killed by other whites. According to Justice Department statistics (pdf), 84 percent of white people killed every year are killed by other whites.

e system. Not only was he murdered in large part because of dangerous, persistent stereotypes, but the failure of police to judiciously respond to the crime underscores the inequities that characterize institutionalized racism.

Those who respond to the tragedy by retreating to narratives of black-on-black crime seek to promote it as a defense against an innocent child’s violent homicide. This reveals how entrenched the lies have become and how eager too many people are to absolve both Zimmerman’s guilt and their own tacit consent.

African-American media and policymakers have been equally complicit in promoting a “black-on-black crime” anecdote, thinking that it could help address some of the community’s problems; but what it has actually done is provide support for racial profiling and promote the disproportionate policing of black criminality as “legitimate” and “acceptable.” This over-policing has led to disproportionately higher rates of arrests in black communities, reinforcing the idea that blacks commit more crimes.

If we were to talk about “white-on-white crime,” then at least we’d be addressing issues like gun violence in a racially neutral way. That doesn’t happen because too many Americans remain convinced that black or brown people are the problem. Respected journalists like George Will further perpetuate lies as fact when they make blanket statements that support an ill-conceived narrative.

It seems that the media in general and white American society in particular prefer to focus on crime perpetrated by African Americans because it serves as a way to absolve them from the violence, prejudice and institutionalized discrimination engendered for generations against blacks. It offers a buffer against responsibility, a way to shift blame and deflect cause and effect. But the truth, and numbers, tell a different story.

The myth of black-on-black violence has become a stain on the sociopolitical consciousness and indelibly imbues mindsets as well as public policy. At the heart of an increasingly violent society is not a subculture among blacks but the violence and criminality of many Americans, and whites in particular. No one seems to speak about this. Why? Because the snake oil was duly purchased and consumed. It is time for race-based pseudo-facts to be challenged and dismantled.

Edward Wyckoff Williams is an author, columnist and political analyst for MSNBC and a former investment banker. Follow him on Twitter and on Facebook.

Apr 10 2012

Obesity linked to child disorders

Obesity linked to child disorders – http://pulse.me/s/80D0U

by bbc news

Obesity and diabetes link tochild disorders

Obese women and those with Type 2 diabetes could be increasing their chances of having a child with autism or another development disorder, a US study suggests.

Researchers at the University of California Davis said that high glucose levels during pregnancy could affect brain development in the child.

The Paediatrics study looked at 1,000 children and mothers over seven years.

Diabetes UK said further research was needed.

In California, where the study was carried out, 1.3% of women have Type 2 diabetes and 7.4% have diabetes which developed during pregnancy.

The children in the study were aged between two and five years old and were enrolled between 2003 and 2010.

Among children whose mothers had Type 2 diabetes during their pregnancies, the study found that 9.3% of those children had autism.

And 11.6% of that group of children showed evidence of a developmental disability.

This was nearly twice as high as the 6.4% of children with these problems born to women with no metabolic conditions.

Over 20% of the mothers of children with autism or other developmental disability were obese, compared with 14% of the mothers of normally developing children.

Communication skills

In the US, the study noted that 34% of women of child-bearing age are obese and nearly 9% are diabetic.

Around 29% of the children with autism had mothers with a metabolic condition during pregnancy, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity.

Nearly 35% of the children with another developmental disorder had mothers with metabolic conditions, compared to 19% of children in the control group.

The study also examined the link between hypertension and autism or developmental disorder.

The prevalence of high blood pressure was low for all groups, but more common among mothers of children with autism or developmental disorder, although it was not statistically significant.

When analysing children’s cognitive abilities, the study found that among the children with autism, children of mothers with diabetes did not perform as well as children of non-diabetic mothers in tests of expressive language and communication skills.

And the presence of any metabolic condition was linked to lower scores on all of the tests among children without autism.

The authors say that obesity is a significant risk factor for diabetes and hypertension, and is characterized by increased insulin resistance.

Paula Krakowiak, from the MIND Institute at the University of California Davis, said: “Our finding that these maternal conditions may be linked with neurodevelopmental problems in children raises concerns and therefore may have serious public-health implications.”

Dr Matthew Hobbs, head of research at Diabetes UK, said more research was needed to answer questions not investigated in the study.

“It is important to note that while it does show an association, it does not show that diabetes causes developmental problems.

“We continue to advise that women with diabetes should tell their diabetes health care team if they are planning to become pregnant. They can then work together to make sure they are aware of the steps they should take to help them have a healthy pregnancy.”

Apr 10 2012

Sex With Friends: Are There Benefits? | Psychology Today

Sex With Friends: Are There Benefits? | Psychology Today – http://m.psychologytoday.com/blog/i-can-relate/201204/sex-friends-are-there-benefits?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pulsenews

So, what happened?

Are you ready for a surprise? 76% of those who “went there” with a friend said the relationship got better. Better! Okay, the reality is about half of these folks started dating their friend after the fun, even though that wasn’t their original intention. But the other half kept on as friends—friends who said the quality of the friendship bond increased. That seems to challenge the treasured idea that sex outside a romantic relationship always leads to complicated emotions and destroyed relationships. Do some friendships have a bond of trust that protects them against complications that can occur in early dating relationships?

On the other hand, there was considerable damage to some of these friendships, and the difference appears to be related to whether men and women are clear about their intentions. For example, if you sense that sexual activity would really “mean something” to your friend, but not to you, and you go there anyway, friendship quality can take a hit. Suddenly there will be uncertainty about where the friendship (relationship?) is headed. If you can’t accurately “read” your friend’s intentions, and you want to keep the friendship strong, it’s best to directly talk with your pal about what sexual activity between the two of you would mean.

What’s the take-away message?

As I mentioned earlier, the point of this discussion is not to encourage or normalize friendship sex. What is interesting is that some men and women have friendships that are so solid that activities that can ruin a dating relationship don’t injure the friendship. We tend to assume that sex outside the context of a romantic relationship is always bad; that it will always lead to discomfort, to feelings of “going too fast,” or to someone feeling used. Indeed, that often is the case in fresh relationships or one-night stands. Perhaps we could realize that some friendships are different. Friends who are clear about their intentions don’t always act like awkward daters who come to realize it was a mistake to have sex too soon. Why? Because friends know who they’re dealing with, and they have a foundation of trust.

I said in the beginning that I’ve almost changed my mind. Based on the story of Paula and Trey and the research findings of Afifi and Faulkner, I am more open to the possibility that sexual attraction doesn’t always “ruin” a friendship. Now it’s your turn —What do you think?

Let’s connect!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Heidi-Reeder-PhD/370418959644528

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/HeidiReeder

Reference:

Affifi, W. & Faulkner, S. (2000). On being “just friends”: The frequency and impact of sexual activity on cross-sex friendship. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 17(2), 205-222.

Apr 10 2012

NYT: Studies Link Personalities to

NYT: Studies Link Personalities to – http://mobile.nytimes.com/2012/04/05/fashion/studies-link-personalities-to-buying-habits.xml?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pulsenews

By TIM MURPHY Published: April 05, 2012

IF you had $1,000 to splurge, would you buy French doors for the living room or a weekend vacation in France?

How you answer says a lot about you. According to a recent psychology study, people who spent money on food, travel and other experiences tend to be more extroverted and adventurous than those who spent their money on material things. Another study found that materialistic buyers were less happy, and even less liked, than experiential consumers.

In the first study, conducted by researchers at San Francisco State University, nearly 10,000 people answered online questionnnaires about their personality type (like how extroverted or introverted they were) and their purchasing habits. Correlating the results, the researchers calculated that about 6 in 10 of experiential spenders had overall life satisfaction versus about 4 in 10 of material ones. Experiential spenders also tended to get along better with others and feel less anxiety in social situations.

The results were published this January in the Journal of Positive Psychology. (The original surveys are on beyondthepurchase.org, which is financed by the Oregon Community Foundation.)

Experiential consumers are risk takers, said Ryan Howell, an assistant professor at San Francisco State and the study’s lead researcher. “You are taking a bigger risk on a night at a new restaurant or play,” he said. “You can’t return a trip or a meal the way you can return something from a store.”

The study echoed similar findings by researchers at the University of Colorado who found that materialistic buyers were less well-liked by their peers than experiential buyers were. In that study, published in 2010 in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, participants viewed enactments, in which actors played the role of either a experiential or materialistic consumer.

Participants said they found the experiential shoppers more charismatic and wanted to spend time with them. By comparison, they found the materialistic shoppers shallow.

Told of the studies, Brandon Holley, the editor in chief of Lucky, the shopping magazine published by Condé Nast, said she struggled with the two kinds of buying herself. “There’s an $1,800 Prada dress I want right now,” she said. “Do I spend it or take three weekends in Montauk?”

Still, she said, “When I think back on my life of things that stand out, I think of my trip to Alaska with my parents, or to Costa Rica with a boyfriend.” She later added, “But the immediate rush of getting that YSL bootie is also pretty great.”

Apr 10 2012

Superfoods for People with Diabetes

Superfoods for People with Diabetes – http://pulse.me/s/7WEzL

Superfoods for People with Diabetes

By Christine McKinney, M.S., R.D., L.D.N., C.D.E. Apr 07, 2012

The Foods

I am going to list the ADA’s top 10, and then give my tips on how to use them in your diet.

1. Beans. Beans, such as kidneys, pintos, lentils, and red or black beans, make a great meat substitute. Try making black-bean “burgers,” pasta with lentil sauce (instead of meat sauce), or a ground-bean dip like hummus.

2. Dark green, leafy vegetables. A spinach salad makes a great addition to any meal. And for more variety, try some different greens in your salads. Also try adding kale or collard greens to soups, casserole dishes, rice, or even a smoothie.

3. Citrus fruits. We have so many fruits to choose from, but try to eat at least one citrus fruit each day.

4. Sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes always make a good substitute for white potatoes because they have a lower glycemic index. Add sweet potatoes to meals, or mix mashed sweet potatoes into the goodies you bake. I even add mashed sweet potatoes to my kids oatmeal, waffles–and macaroni and cheese.

5. Berries. It’s so easy to add fresh or frozen berries to everything, from hot cereal to a salad. And of course, they make great snacks, too.

6. Tomatoes. Tomatoes are so versatile. I like to cook them up on the stove into homemade tomato sauce, which I then use with pasta and homemade pizzas. The second ingredient in most store-bought pasta sauces is high-fructose corn syrup, so make your own and avoid the extra carbs and calories. ]

7. Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon, mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, and albacore tuna are all fatty fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids can help you lower triglycerides and increase HDL (good cholesterol)–2 substances found in the bloodstream whose levels are often out of balance in people with diabetes.

8. Whole grains. The first step to getting more whole grains into your diet is to trade out any baked goods made from white flour and exchange them for whole-wheat foods. If you’ve already done that, start to think about using more unprocessed, whole grains such as barley, wild rice, rolled oats, quinoa, and bulgur.

9. Nuts. These make a great snack because they’re low in carbs and high in protein and healthy fats. Nuts, however, are not a low-calorie food, so watch portion sizes. Think about eating 1 ounce of nuts; then read the food label to determine how many nuts make up an ounce.

10. Fat-free milk and yogurt. Milk and yogurt make great snacks, too. And be sure to try Greek yogurt, which provides significantly more protein. Both Greek and American yogurts contain probiotics, which are good for the health of our digestive systems.

Apr 10 2012

Germs: Myths and Facts

Germs: Myths and Facts – http://pulse.me/s/810uG

The next time you back away from someone who sneezes, consider that the person spreading the most germs in the room just might be…yourself.

That’s the word from researchers at UC Berkeley and Yale University. Their study, just published in the journal Indoor Air, found that each of us adds 37 million bacteria to the air for every hour we stay in a room, many of which will linger long after we leave, mingling with dust and germs from new and former occupants.

Floor dust harbored most of the bacteria that study subjects breathed. Americans are believed to spend more than 90 percent of their time indoors, so it’s no surprise that most infectious diseases are spread in a closed space, rather than outdoors. But before you invest in a hazmat suit to wear to your next party, here are more myths and surprising facts about germs:

5 Hidden Dangers in Your Home

Myth or Fact? Toilet seats are the dirtiest places in public bathrooms.

Myth, says Dr. Charles Gerba, author of The Germ Freak’s Guide to Outwitting Colds and Flu. In a recent report for the TV show 20/20, Gerba found that the floor and sanitary napkin machine were the most germ-filled places in ABC News’s own bathrooms.

The sink, door handle and toilet seat—spots that most people expect to be contaminated—were the cleanest, with the least number of bacteria per square inch.

10 Worst Outbreaks in U.S. History

Myth or Fact? The best way to disinfect a kitchen sponge is to zap it in the microwave.

Fact: Microwaving a sponge will kill all of its bacteria, but so will cleaning it in the dishwasher. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Scientists (ARS) tested sponges that had been soaked for 48 hours in a ground beef solution and other germy substances to find the best way to eliminate germs. Soaking sponges in lemon juice, deionized water or a 10 percent bleach solution only killed between 37 and 87 percent of the bacteria, while cleaning them in the microwave or dishwasher both killed more than 99 percent of germs. But if you want to sterilize your sponge in the microwave, beware: a dry sponge can catch fire. Be sure to thoroughly soak your sponge before you nuke it.

Top 5 Medical Tests for 2012

Myth or Fact? Dogs have cleaner mouths than humans.

Myth. Dogs carry more bacteria in their mouths than humans, but their germs aren’t the type that would infect us or make us sick. Still, experts recommend that small children and people with weak immune systems should avoid contact with dog and cat saliva.

Myth or Fact? Double-dipping in the chip dip spreads germs.

Fact. And the type of dip also matters. A 2009 study published in the Journal of Food Safety showed that saliva on chips does contaminate chip dip as a result of double-dipping. However, researchers conducted the experiments on three types of dip—chocolate, cheese and salsa—and initially the salsa tested higher in harmful bacteria. However, after two hours at room temperature, the salsa showed fewer germs than the chocolate or cheese dips.

Myth or Fact? Using hand sanitizers creates drug-resistant superbugs.

Myth. Bacteria become resistant when they are exposed to antibiotics, but hand sanitizers are alcohol-based, and they contain no antibiotics. Therefore, the sanitizers play no part in creating antibiotic-resistant superbugs, reports a recent review of hand sanitizers published in Clinical Microbiology Reviews.

Myth or Fact? The 5-second rule applies; if you pick up dropped food quickly it’s safe to eat.

Myth: Food that spends even two seconds on the floor can pick up salmonella or E. coli bacteria. A high school student tested the theory, first contaminating a floor with E. coli, then dropping cookies and gummy bears onto the surface. Her analysis found that items left on the floor for two seconds or more contained significant levels of E. coli. We all hate to waste food, but if your baby drops food on the floor, toss it out. When a pacifier hits the floor, reach for a clean one until the contaminated “binky” can be washed with soap and hot water.

Myth or Fact? Pool-cleaning chemicals such as chlorine kill the germs that can make you sick.

Mostly fact: Chlorine and other pool-cleaning chemicals kill bacteria that cause illnesses—but not all germs are eliminated immediately. Chlorine does kill most harmful bacteria in minutes, but a few, such as the diarrhea-causing cryptosporidium, can take days to clear away. Swimmers can never be sure when a public pool was last treated, so it’s best to play it safe and avoid getting water in your mouth.

Myth or Fact? In the supermarket, the most germy place is the shopping carts.

Fact: A four-year study by University of Arizona’s Environmental Research Lab found that grocery carts ranked as #3 in the most germ-ridden public surfaces, after playground equipment and armrests in public transportation. What’s more, another analysis found fecal bacteria in 72 percent of the shopping carts tested.

And there are plenty of other places in the grocery where bacteria hide, such as the irrigation systems used to wet down the produce. Germs can breed wherever you see standing water, such as the asparagus containers, so be sure to wash your veggies—and your hands–when you get home.

Apr 10 2012

Race-Specific Groups Take Aim at Academic Disparity

Race-Specific Groups Take Aim at Academic Disparity – http://pulse.me/s/80jGD

Race-Specific Groups Take Aim at Academic Disparity

By Daarel Burnette II, Star Tribune , Minn. (MCT)

Students who used to self-segregate in the school cafeteria sit at the same tables now, joking and laughing. After school, in the lecture hall down the hallway, minority students and teachers are deep in discussion about race, class, culture and academics.

Four years after a surge of racial diversity erupted into fistfights and emotional faculty meetings, Woodbury High School is a very different place. Students and teachers are chalking it up to “Be the Dream,” an after-school student-teacher group that tackles head-on issues of race and the achievement gap that have left minority students lagging white students in test scores for years. In Minnesota, the gap is one of the widest in the nation.

The progress in Woodbury goes far beyond lunchtime banter. In 2009, 72 percent of Woodbury’s black students were proficient in reading. By 2011, 85 percent were—higher than both the district and state averages. Minority students are shouldering leadership roles in student.

Apr 10 2012

Attention: Approval Seeking Overachievers!

Attention: Approval Seeking Overachievers! – http://pulse.me/s/7YUvt

Attention: Approval Seeking Overachievers!

Posted by Robin Fisher Roffer

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There’s really no substitute for healthy self-esteem, but many of us try to find it outside of ourselves. Instead of doing good work for our own satisfaction, we do it for the approval of others.

If you grew up performing to get positive attention or the love you craved, more than likely you have cast yourself in that role as an adult. The good news is, your desire to please may actually be working for you on many levels. Overachieving, perfectionism, and enabling can play well in the workplace. Eighty-hour workweeks can often lead to bigger titles and more money. On the flip side, working that hard can also produce stress-related illnesses, divorce, and alcoholism.

If you’ve been looking for validation from your boss, coworkers, or clients, it’s time to look inside yourself instead.

In his book, “Healing the Shame that Binds You,” John Bradshaw talks about high achievers who seek approval from a place of shame. For those of us who played the family hero, we can end up becoming “human doings” instead of human beings–performing to overcompensate for bad feelings about ourselves.

That’s codependent.

Codependency is defined as “a loss of personal identity in a process of painful external validation.” Below are different types of workplace scenarios charged with codependency:

Your Boss = Your Parent

During my first ten years in business, I would put my bosses in parental roles–looking for their approval and special handouts. If their reaction wasn’t what I expected, I’d feel unhappy and unfulfilled.

Validation by Client

Many of us in the service business are people pleasers without boundaries looking for recognition and praise. By focusing on meeting our client’s needs we are secreatly looking to meet our own.

Work Husband or Wife

It can be a positive thing to find a coworker of the opposite sex that will ride the corporate ladder with you. But often this is a one up-one down relationship where resentments can form easily.

Mom and Pop Business Owners

Not only have I worked with my husband, but I have also consulted with many husband and wife teams in a struggle for control and power. There’s often difficulty recognizing individual needs and wants while each spouse tries to convince the other of what they should think or feel.

If you’re in the habit of throwing out a life preserver to those that need to be rescued, I’m guessing that you’re exhausted! That’s because codependency doesn’t work in the long run. You’ll eventually hit a wall. To find out if you already have, answer these four questions honestly:

Do I control others to relieve my fears?

Do I let others control me for fear of their abuse or neglect?

Do I adapt or change behavior for others?

Do I validate my value and worth as a person through others?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, start to become aware of the underlying feelings you have when you are controlling, caretaking, fixing, rescuing, people pleasing, or playing the victim or martyr. You’ll begin to realize that you may not be acting out these behaviors from a loving place, but a lonely place.

Lao-Tzu, the founder of Taoism once said, “If I keep from imposing on people, they become themselves.” It took me a long time to see the truth in this, and when I did, it set me free–and everyone else in my life.

Robin Fisher Roffer is a leading brand strategist and reinvention specialist. Founder and CEO of Big Fish Marketing, she is the author of Make A Name For Yourself: 8 Steps Every Woman Needs To Create A Personal Brand Strategy For Success, The Fearless Fish Out Of Water: How To Succeed When You’re The Only One Like You, and Reinventing Yourself: 10 Steps To Shifting Your Career Into High Gear. Learn about her Reinvent Yourself! Workshops at http://relevanceinstitute.com/

Apr 10 2012

Why This Year’s Tick Season May Be Worse Than Ever

Why This Year’s Tick Season May Be Worse Than Ever – http://pulse.me/s/7ZwwQ

Whether or not there are more ticks this year than usual, it’s important to protect yourself. “Prevention is the key,” says Dr. Wormser, who points out that it’s much easier to take a few precautions in advance than deal with Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses after the fact. Here are his top strategies for preventing tick bites:

1. Stay away from tall grass, bushy shrubs and areas where there’s a lot of leaf litter. “Manicured lawns that are well-mowed are less risky,” he says.

2. Use insect repellant on your exposed skin (other than your hands and face). Dr. Wormser recommends using repellant with DEET, because it’s proven to be effective. “You can easily see a tick that’s on your face or your hands,” he explains.

3. After you’ve been outside and potentially exposed to ticks, take a shower or a bath. “If you can bathe within a couple of hours of exposure, you will reduce your changes of getting a tick bite.”

4. Do a tick check! Dr. Wormser says one of the best strategies is to enlist someone’s help and check your body for ticks every 24 hours during the time you are potentially exposed to ticks. “Look at your entire body to see if there are any attached ticks, and remove them,” he says. “If you can remove the tick within 24 hours of it biting you, you usually don’t contract any of the related diseases.”

Apr 10 2012

Five “Healthy” Foods that Aren’t

Five “Healthy” Foods that Aren’t – http://pulse.me/s/7ZLR8

Reduced-Fat Peanut Butter: Peanut butter is relatively high in fat, so you might think that a reduced-fat version would be better for you. Not so. The fats in peanut butter are heart-healthy fats, so don’t let the higher number on the label scare you. You are better off keeping that healthy fat in the peanut butter and going with a natural version that is free of the hydrogenated oils and added sugars often found in reduced-fat versions.

Light Olive Oil: Light olive oil is not an olive oil with fewer calories. Instead, light in this case refers to the lighter color and milder flavor of the oil. Light olive oil can be a good choice for baking due to its more neutral flavor, but be sure it is 100% olive oil. Many times olive oil labeled as light is actually a blend of different oils-check the ingredient list to be sure.

Multigrain Bread: You might think the more grains a bread has the better and that multigrain bread is a great choice. But just because the bread may contain several grains, that doesn’t mean it is a 100% whole-grain bread. Even if the label on the front of the bread says multigrain, if the first ingredient is enriched flour and not whole-grain flour, then it is still primarily made with white flour. Go for a 100% whole-wheat or 100% wholegrain bread instead.

Protein Shakes: Many people believe that they need to consume protein shakes after they exercise to reap the most benefits from their workout. However, most protein shakes are high in calories and, many times, high in saturated fat as well. Not only do they most likely provide too many calories and too much protein after an average workout, they often contain potentially unsafe additives. Remember, supplements are not regulated by the FDA and protein powders fall in the supplement category. Rather than take that kind of risk, to refuel after your workout try other natural high-protein options like a glass of milk, a container of low-fat yogurt, or nut butters.

Vegetable Chips: You’ve seen those colorful chips before that claim they are made with veggies, and they are, but don’t think you are going to get all the benefits of eating your real veggies by snacking on these chips. They are still mainly potatoes, salt and oil, and their nutritional content is almost the exact same as a traditional chip in terms of calorie, fat and fiber content. Nothing wrong with having these as an occasional snack, but make sure you eat your real veggies too–these chips are not a substitute!