Cover of Time magazine

Does Breastfeeding Really Save Money?

By Kimberly Palmer | U.S.News

This week's cover of Time magazine, featuring a woman breastfeeding her tall three-year-old son, launched a range of strong reactions across the blogosphere. Some supporters of attachment parenting lauded the cover as "normalizing" breastfeeding past the age of one, while others felt the defiant stance of mother and son seemed designed to spark outrage and even evoked pornography.

Amid the controversy, the actual article, which explores the birth of attachment parenting, was barely discussed. But attachment parenting, which often includes co-sleeping, long-term breastfeeding, and near-constant togetherness of mother and child also comes with a price. As Hanna Rosin of Slate has pointed out, round-the-clock breastfeeding is hardly compatible with most women's jobs, and the constant sleep deprivation can interfere with getting work done during the day.

Rosin writes in Slate, "There is the very basic objection that it is virtually impossible to do what the advocates say is best for your baby and have a job, which the vast majority of American mothers have these days."

There's also evidence that extended breastfeeding can have a negative impact on earnings. As Ruth Mantell wrote in the Wall Street Journal, breastfeeding can hurt a woman's ability to earn money for her family, largely because of the time it takes. She cites research that shows women who breastfeed for six months or longer face a steeper income decline than those who breastfeed less than six months. And as the researcher points out, money plays a vital role in children's well-being.

Breastfeeding itself is not always as free and easy as it might seem, either. In fact, it can be costly. While avoiding formula certainly saves a lot of money in the first year, by some estimates. and breastfed babies are less likely to come down with certain illnesses, which reduces healthcare costs, breastfeeding today is certainly not "free," at least not for most people.

For parents committed to the attachment parenting model and breastfeeding, there are free resources that can help. La Leche League and the website kellymom.com offer assistance and support to nursing moms. The IRS also recently changed flex spending rules so breast pumps and related nursing supplies are eligible for tax breaks. But it's not so easy to overcome the challenge of finding the time to both work and practice attachment parenting. For parents with jobs that require them to be away for nine to 10 hours a day, it might not even be possible.

What do you think about the price of attachment parenting--is it worth it?

Why does your car's oil light come on?

By Mark McDonald | Popular Mechanics 

Q: The oil light on my 2000 Chevy Cavalier comes on at low rpm and then shuts off as I start driving. I checked the oil level and it's fine. Is this something I should be worried about?

A: Any time the oil light goes on, it's cause for concern. Many newer and high-­feature cars have oil-life monitors that determine when the oil needs to be changed, but the glowing red oil light in your Cavalier indicates the oil pressure is low. That's bad for several reasons. Low pressure means there either isn't enough oil in the system or the oil pump isn't circulating enough oil to keep the critical bearing and friction surfaces lubricated. If the light comes on while at speed, do your best to pull off the road quickly, turn the engine off, and investigate the problem to avoid damage.

Oil is the lifeblood of any engine, but the oil circuit is probably the least appreciated­ engine system. The oil-supply path starts in the oil pan, where a pump sucks up the lubricating fluid and distributes it to passages cast into the block. From there oil is directed to the crankshaft bearings, the camshaft bearings, the valve shafts, and ­other important moving parts. Modern oil formulations include detergents, so regular oil and filter changes at intervals recommended in the owner's manual generally keep the system happy. Unfortunately, everything wears over time, which increases the tiny gaps between sliding parts. Those alone can cause a slight drop in oil pressure, as can an aging pump. 

Before you go too far in diagnosing the problem, it probably makes sense to double-­check the oil level and top it off to make sure that isn't the problem. Since the light comes on at low engine speeds and then shuts off, the oil pump is probably fine; if the pump were dying, you'd see low pressure at high engine speeds as well. The most likely culprit is the sensor that operates the light. The sensor is screwed into the engine and has a probe that resides in an oil passage. It's basically an on/off switch that uses the oil pressure to close an electrical circuit. Sometimes a particle of dirt or some other foreign matter gets into the probe and fouls the part. The sensor is fairly easy to replace—as long as you can get at it, which is ­sometimes difficult. Unhook the wiring, loosen with a wrench, and follow the instructions to replace the sensor. Take the car for a test drive and see if the light still goes on at idle. If it does, you might be due for a new oil pump after all.

Common Conversation Mistakes

Common Conversation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Have you ever shown up at a job interview and not known what to say? Ever had to make friendly conversation with an important client or colleague and been at a loss for words? Of course you have- we ALL have!

One woman who has navigated these obstacles and mastered the art of the conversation is NBC Veteran and Emmy Award winning journalist, Jane Hanson.

For close to 30 years, Jane has interviewed everyone from U.S. Presidents to people on the street (and she happened to be the anchor of Today In New York when I started out as reporter for the show!)

Informed, warm, direct and always charming- Jane has truly learned the tricks for building instant rapport and getting people to open up- be it on-camera or in the elevator.

To get the secrets to conversation etiquette "do's" and "don'ts", we headed to NYC to sit down with the pro and do what she does best…chat.

BUILDING INSTANT RAPPORT

When it comes to first meetings, most of us tend to talk a lot more about ourselves than listen. This is often out of nerves or a desire to be interesting or entertaining. Jane emphasizes that this is a no-no. Instead, look for things that might be of interest to the person you're talking with and use them to open up the conversation. Notice a baseball on their desk and ask about it. If they are wearing a colorful brooch, ask them where they got it from. Keep your eyes open and your mouth shut. It's that simple.

Jane's advice:

Don't talk too much about yourself on initial meetings.

Do ask more about others. Look around for clues for conversation openers.

BEATING NERVES

For many of us, walking into a job interview feels like walking into a death trap. We get that sick feeling in the pit of our stomach and those charming sweaty palms (perfect for shaking hands, not!). But it doesn't have to be this way. We figured if Jane can stay calm on LIVE TV, perhaps there were some tips we could learn.

Jane believes that a lot of the nervous energy stems from a lack of research and going into a meeting unprepared. Her secret to beating the nerves is to fully research the person and company you're meeting with. With online search engines able to reveal practically what your interviewer ate for breakfast, there's no excuse to go in blind.

Jane's advice:

Don't go to any interview unprepared.

Do research your interviewer.

LOSE THE "DO OR DIE ATTITUDE"

Instead of going into a job interview and treating it like an audition, take the pressure off and think of it as a place to practice. Don't worry so much if you don't get the job, see it as a learning process for the next interview.

Jane's Advice:

Don't stress.

Do see each interview as practice- taking that pressure off will help you shine.

DEALING WITH "FOOT IN MOUTH"

We've all said the wrong thing, at the wrong time, to the wrong person- and that was just this week! Sure it can be embarrassing but it's also very human and normal.

Jane believes that owning up to a mistake is a much better direction to go than covering up. Don't dwell on it, admit it and then move on. Done!

Jane's Advice:

Don't make excuses or brush over mistakes hoping they will go away.

Do own up to your errors, apologize and get on with it.

PUT A CORK IN IT

When it comes to the best advice Jane has ever been given- it's all about paying attention. Jane highlights how not listening is a problem not only as a journalist, but also as a person navigating everyday life and relationships. If you find yourself in a difficult conversation make sure you really listen to what's being said for clues as to how to respond. Most misunderstanding comes from spending too much time talking and not enough time listening.

Jane's Advice:

Don't blabber on hoping that they will understand you. Eventually.

Do really listen to what they are saying. Often people will give you the answers you're looking for if only you would be quiet long enough to hear them speak. 

How to Ask for a Raise

How to Ask for a Raise

By Kathryn Eisman | Secrets to Your Success 

Show me the $

You're heart is racing, your palms are sweating, swallowing feels you have a bolder in your throat -- if only you could get those five little words out…Can I have a raise?

We've all been through it and know that asking for more money at work is one of the most nerve-wracking, stomach-churning, knee-weakening experiences we have to go through in our professional lives. It's little wonder most of us would prefer to ask for a lobotomy than a raise. But it doesn't need to be this way… 

To find out how to ask for more mullah we headed to New York City to catch up with workplace champion Tory Johnson. Not only is Tory "Good Morning America's" go-to gal for career advice, she is also the founder and CEO of Women for Hire, the countries first and most successful female only career expo, so we figured she might have some words of wisdom…boy were we right! 

Your career fairy godmother has left the building

Most of us grow up thinking that if we work hard, keeps our heads down and our tails up then eventually someone at work will notice and tap us on the shoulder and offer us a raise. Wrong! 

You're going to have to be your own fairy godmother and make your professional career dreams come true for yourself, and here's how… 

1. Justify your raise

In today's economy, with so many people losing their jobs, going the extra mile at work is almost expected. Once upon a time just being with the company a certain amount of years justified a pay increase; these days you will only get paid more if you can prove that you deliver more value to the company. Show your boss just how much you are bringing to the business and that a pay increase is still a bargain considering the extra revenue and value you contribute. Tory says that you should ask yourself: What are you really worth? And if it's what your current salary is paying you to do, focus on stepping up your value before asking for a raise. 

2. "No" can mean "Yes"

Sure it hurts when you hear the dreaded "No", but don't be disheartened. Find our why your boss has rejected your request and ask him, "what could I do that would turn that 'no' into a 'yes'?" Tory suggests that you shouldn't take it to heart, but rather use it to open a dialogue about what areas the company is hoping to grow in and how you can be a part of that growth. And before you walk out that room and eat a chocolate block, ask your boss if you can reschedule to discuss this further at a later date. As Tory says, "No" isn't always a solid no - it could mean "Not Now."

3. Don't be afraid of butterflies

Don't kid yourself, it's NEVER easy picking up the phone or stepping inside an office and asking for a raise, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't still do it. In life, fortune favors the brave, quite literally. If you want to make that fortune you better start working on your courage. To overcome nerves, be sure to prepare in bullet-point form all the reasons why you truly deserve a raise and why it's not just in your interest, but more importantly, in the best interest of the company. Think about all the reasons why your boss may object and consider if the objections are valid and if you can do something to overcome them. The more prepared you are, the better, but set a timeline for your meeting or you'll be preparing (read: procrastinating) for years. Remind yourself that while you hope they say yes, it may be the first step in getting a yes down the road. 

4. Find a champion

Most people are told to look for a mentor, but Tory suggests getting a champion instead. What's the difference? A champion not only supports and encourages you as a mentor does, but is in a position to actually help leverage her contacts and political clout to help you get what you seek. Having someone believe in you who is in a position to help you is far more powerful than someone simply cheering from the sidelines.

5. If you want a raise, step up

If you are seen to be taking initiative, moving forward with confidence and commitment, and seeking to be the very best you can be…it's only a matter of time before you find people to support you. People are attracted to others that have a passion and are making it happen for themselves. If you want others to help you (and give you more money), start by elevating your own efforts. Step up to the plate...after all, they don't call it a "raise" for nothing!

Ketchup. We love it.

Ketchup's Unsavory Secret History

By Piper Weiss, Shine Staff | Summer Kick-Off 

Ketchup. We love it. But do we really 

know it?

An estimated 97 percent of American households have a bottle in their fridges right now. Most people like Heinz' original recipe, which consists of tomatoes, vinegar, high fructose corn syrup, salt, spice, onion powder and some other "natural flavorings" the company isn't required to list. Heinz recentlyre-introduced its limited edition ketchup with balsamic vinegar in time for burger season for all you fancy types. But before Heinz, ketchup, or even catsup, there was katchop. The Chinese condiment, from which the burger topping originated, was nothing more than shellfish brine.

A mixture of sea creatures, soaked for days in pickling vinegar and spices, was the basis for the french fry dip we know and love. When British explorers caught wind of it in Singapore in the 1700s, they brought it back to their own Western European kitchens. The result was the first ketchup recipe: a mixture of vinegar, shallots, spices, horseradish, and get this, ANCHOVIES. 

Gizmodo's Rachel Swaby dug up the first English recipe on record published in the 1727 cookbook, Compleat Housewife, which called for 12 to 14 anchovies and zero tomatoes.

"Way back it was more like a fish sauce than our condiment today… and maybe really gross," writes Swaby. "But apparently people didn't think so, because cookbook authors were reprinting the above recipe well into the 19th century." 

Ketchup made from pickled oyster juice was another popular dipping sauce. It wasn't until the 1820s that tomatoes got involved in the mix, and slowly muscled out sea creatures. Thank Heinz, which brought the bottled version to homes in the 1870s. 

Not that the brand has had a perfect record. Remember not too long ago, when Heinz introduced 'funky purple' and 'blastin' green' EZ Squirts ketchup? I'll take ground anchovies over Blue No. 1 and Red No. 3 any day. 

Secret nuclear reactor

Kodak’s (sort of) secret nuclear reactor

By Jeff Stacklin | The Lookout 

How's this for a revelation: The Kodak Eastman Co. had a small nuclear research reactor in a little-known underground labyrinth at its Rochester, N.Y., facility.

And, although locked down and under tight security, it also contained 3½ pounds of highly enriched uranium, reports the the Democrat and Chronicle in Rochester. The writer succinctly notes:

That's the material that nuclear bombs are made of. Terrorists covet it.

The imaging company, which has filed for bankruptcy, used the reactor to check chemicals and other materials for impurities, as well as for neutron radiography testing, the newspaper reported. The reactor, acquired by the company in 1974, was about the size of a refrigerator and kept in a 14- by 24-foot cement-lined cavity dug below a basement of one of its research buildings.

"This device presented no radiation risk to the public or employees," company spokesman Christopher Veronda told the newspaper. "Radiation from the operation was not detectable outside of the facility."

Kodak didn't necessarily mean to keep the reactor a secret, the newspaper reported. Rather, it was just never truly public knowledge.

Although it had been mentioned in research papers, Veronda told the newspaper, the company never made a public announcement about it. And he wasn't sure the company ever notified local police, fire or hazardous materials officials that it possessed 

the reactor.

The newspaper acknowledged it learned of the reactor when a Kodak employee mentioned it.

As for the uranium, it is no longer at the facility. It has been shipped to a federal facility in South Carolina, 

the newspaper reported.

Slash Your Car Insurance

How to Slash Your Car Insurance Bill in Half

These nine tips could help you make significant savings in your car insurance.

By John Loos    

We all want to cut our expenses in half. The good news is that while the monthly costs for your smartphone or cable TV may be relatively fixed, your auto insurance rate may have some room to shrink.

The average driver may spend up to $84,000 in a lifetime on car insurance, according to a February 2011 posting on the Motor Trend magazine's website - a figure that could be reduced if you know how to save on your policy.

"The average yearly auto insurance premium is about $850, but there is wide variation around this average," says Loretta Worters, a vice president of the Insurance Information Institute (III), an organization dedicated to improving the public's understanding of insurance. "Many factors can affect your premium."

Check out these nine saving methods to see how you can reduce your car insurance rate.

#1 - Get a Variety of Quotes

Be curious. When purchasing auto insurance, explore your options instead of simply buying the first policy presented to you.

"A good rule of thumb is to get three identical quotes from different insurance companies," says Melissa Fox, deputy press secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Insurance.

A quote is the estimated price you will pay if you purchase the policy in question.

Quotes can vary significantly from company to company. For example, a sampling of prices given through the Texas Department of Insurance's Price Guide revealed that annual rates can run as high as $1,795 and as low as $316. That's a $1,479 difference!

#2 - Dig for Discounts

Just as you might scour a store for sales and deals, make sure to research your insurer to know what discounts you could qualify for.

According to the III, available discounts provided by your insurer may include:

• Low annual mileage - Drivers who use their vehicles sparingly throughout the year.
• Anti-theft devices - Devices that could prevent car theft, such as car alarms and wheel-locking devices.
• Long-time customer - Sticking with the same insurance company could yield customer loyalty discounts.
• Defensive driving courses - Completion of accredited driving courses, particularly for drivers over 50.
• A college student away from home - If your child is driving your vehicle less often, you may be able to take him or her off your policy.

#3 - Regularly Review Your Policy

What fit your driving needs a year ago may not be the best fit today. To allow your policy to reflect your lifestyle, you should get into the habit of regularly reviewing your car insurance policy. Otherwise, you could be paying for unnecessary coverage on your policy.

In order to make sure that you're taking advantage of possible discounts, you should review your policy if you've changed vehicles, added or removed a vehicle, added or removed a driver, or had a significant change to your number of annual miles, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' (NAIC) website, a group comprised of insurance commissioners from all 50 states.

#4 - Improve Your Credit Score

How you spend money says a lot about how responsible you are. Depending on the state, insurance companies could look to your credit score when determining if you are likely to be a safe or more reckless driver.

"For many insurers, credit-based insurance scoring is one of the most important and statistically valid tools to predict the likelihood of a person filing a claim and the likely cost of that claim," says Worters.

What makes up your credit score? Factors such as your payment history, any unpaid debt, your credit history length, or bankruptcies help formulate these credit-based insurance scores, according to Worters.

#5 - Maintain a Good Driving Record

Drive smart, drive safe.

Insurers often reward good driving habits with reductions in rates or lower initial rates, according to the "What Determines the Price of My Auto Insurance Policy," an article on III's website.

For example, look at these annual sample rates - randomly produced by the Texas Department of Insurance's Price Guide - from three insurance companies:

• Male, 25-65, no violations: $495, $365, $599
• Male, 25-65, 1 at-fault accident in the past three years: $767, $459, $699

Between the three companies, the motorist with no violations could have saved $272, $94, and $100 per month, respectively.

#6 - Drop Unnecessary Coverage

Trim the fat! Find out what types of coverage are required in your insurance policy.

Most states require some type of minimum liability coverage, which covers damage to other people and their property, according to the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association website, a nonprofit insurance information organization.

But some types of coverage could be considered optional. Check with your state's Department of Insurance or your insurance company to learn which insurance elements are required for your policy.

According to Fox, these types of coverage may be optional in your state:

• Collision - Covers damage to your vehicle.
• Comprehensive - Covers theft or damage to your vehicle from various hazards, such as a fire or extreme weather.
• Uninsured Motorist - Covers you in the event of a hit-and-run, or if you're hit by a motorist with no insurance.
• Underinsured Motorist - Covers you if you are hit by a motorist without sufficient insurance to cover your claim.

#7 - Change What Car You Drive

"If I could recommend one or two ways to make significant savings on your rate, it would probably be the car [you] drive," says Worters.

Worters recommends looking at a vehicle's overall cost, repair costs, safety record, and probability of theft - each of which can affect your rate.

The III article supports Worters' point.

"Some cars cost more to insure than others," notes the article. "Engine sizes, even among the same makes and models, can also impact insurance premiums."

Know the cost of insuring your vehicle. Changing your ride may significantly lower your costs.

#8 - Move to a Suburban or Rural Area

“More cars equals more chance for an accident,” says Fox.

So what does this mean for you? Where you drive and live may be affecting how much you pay for your auto insurance.

"Generally, due to higher rates of vandalism, theft, and accidents, urban drivers pay a higher auto insurance price than those in small towns or rural areas," says Worters.

Some locations also see a greater number of lawsuits as well as higher medical and car repair costs, adds Worters.

#9 - Raise your Deductible

One of the simplest ways to see immediate savings could be changing your deductible, or the amount you agree to pay in the event of an accident before your insurer will contribute any money.

"Increasing your deductible from $200 to $500 could reduce your collision and comprehensive coverage cost by 15 to 30 percent," says Worters. "Going to a $1,000 deductible can save you 40 percent or more."

The reason that higher deductibles may result in lower monthly rates is because a higher deductible means an insurance company will end up paying a smaller amount in the event that you file an accident claim, according to the Texas Department of Insurance website.

But be careful. You should have enough money set aside to pay your deductible in the event of an accident. If you are unable to cover your deductible, your insurance company will only pay part of your claim or could refuse to pay anything.

While each of these tips may not cut your bill in half on its own, when combined they could noticeably slim down your car insurance rate. Know what is necessary for your policy and understand the available discounts at your insurance company.

Can a Kid Be a Psychopath?

Can a Kid Be a Psychopath?

By Lylah M. Alphonse, Senior Editor

Can a young child really be a psychopath?The groundbreaking HBO documentary "Child of Rage" years ago showed how horrific abuse and neglect could leave a child unable to bond with other people, turning them into children "without conscience, who can hurt or even kill without remorse." In other words: the child becomes a psychopath. 

But what about the kids who aren't abused? What about the ones who, for no discernible reason, do horrible things to other people? 

"I've always said that Michael will grow up to be either a Nobel Prize winner or a serial killer," his mother, Anne, tells Jennifer Kahn in a recent shocking New York Times Magazine article. At age 9, her son has an extreme temper, lashing out violently and deliberately and showing no empathy or remorse. He's intelligent, cold, calculating, and explosive. "It takes a toll," she says, explaining her comment. "There's not a lot of joy and happiness in raising Michael." 

Experts are divided about whether it's right to label a child as a psychopath. On the one hand, their brains are still developing; since psychopathy is largely considered untreatable, such a label would carry a heavy, life-altering stigma. On the other hand, identifying "callous-unemotional" children early could allow for successful treatment -- or at least a heads-up to society. 

But reaching such a diagnosis can be tricky. Certain tendencies, like narcissism and impulsiveness, that are obvious signs of a psychopath are also part and parcel of childhood. And callous-unemotional kids are often extremely intelligent; they're able to lie and manipulate without remorse, making it harder to understand what they're doing and why. "They don't care if someone is mad at them," Paul Frick, a psychologist at the University of New Orleans, told the New York Times. "They don't care if they hurt someone's feelings." 

"If they can get what they want without being cruel, that's often easier," adds Frick, who has spent 20 years studying risk factors for psychopathy in children. "But at the end of the day, they'll do whatever works best." 

The New York Times article mentions the case of 9-year-old Jeffrey Bailey Jr., who in 1986 pushed a 3-year-old into the deep end of a Florida swimming pool and then pulled up a chair to watch the child drown; after the toddler died, Bailey got up and went home. It's a disturbing crime -- and there are other equally disturbing cases of young kids committing cold-blooded murder.

• In 1993, Jon Venables and Robert Thompson, both 10 years old, took 2-year-old James Bulger by the hand and led the trusting toddler out of a shopping mall in Liverpool, England. Once away from the mall, they spent hours torturing him before beating him to death, reports said.
• In 1984, Joshua Phillips' mother was cleaning his room when she discovered the dead body of their 8-year-old neighbor, Maddie Clifton, under his bed. The 14-year-old Phillips says he accidentally hit the girl in the eye with a baseball bat and then panicked when she screamed, so he took her to his room and beat and then stabbed her until she stopped.
• Alyssa Bustamente was 15 when she confessed to luring her 9-year-old neighbor Elizabeth Olten into a nearby forest and killing her in 2009. "I strangled them and slit their throat and stabbed them now they're dead," Bustamante wrote in her diary at the time. "It was ahmazing. As soon as you get over the 'ohmygawd I can't do this' feeling, it's pretty enjoyable. I'm kinda nervous and shaky though right now. Kay, I gotta go to church now...lol." In February, she was sentenced to life in prison.
• Eric Harris -- who, with his friend Dylan Klebold, killed 13 people and injured 24 others when they opened fire at Columbine High School in Colorado in 1999 -- had several of the hallmarks of being a psychopath. As ABC News points out, he was described as "controlling, manipulative, and sadistic, but very much in touch with reality."

"Psychopaths don't feel guilty because they are blind to guilt," Frank Ochberg, a former FBI psychiatrist who led the counseling team after Columbine, told ABC News. And, unlike with psychosis (when people are delusional or out-of-touch with reality), psychopaths know exactly what they're doing -- they just don't care how it affects others. 

It's not as if these kids simply lack a moral compass. In "Child of Rage," 6-year-old Beth opens her blue eyes wide and calmly tells her psychiatrist how she'd like to hurt, and even kill, her adoptive parents -- a Baptist preacher and his wife -- and her biological brother. She's calm and conversational as she describes how she has deliberately harmed and killed animals, how she drives pins into her brother and sexually molests him, how she repeatedly slammed his head into a cement floor and only stopped because someone caught her. 

  

Beth suffered extreme physical and sexual abuse and neglect by her biological parents, which experts say could explain her detached, calculating demeanor and her lack of "a sense of conscience." (She now claims that she was "healed" by the time she was 7 or 8, thanks to intensive therapy.) But Michael, in the New York Times Magazine article, seems to have grown up surrounded by love and affection. 

So if nurture (or a lack of it) isn't the only way a person becomes a psychopath, how much does nature have to do with it? Some experts say that psychopathy, like other mental illnesses, may have a genetic component; others think that it is a neurological condition all its own, like autism is, though it's not part of the autism spectrum. Though some psychologists believe one can start seeing psychopathic traits as early as age 5, there is not yet a definitive test for children 

that young. 

"You're not born a psychopath but the foundation is there," Robert Hare, a professor emeritus of psychology at the University of British Columbia and author of "Without Conscience: The Disturbing World of the Psychopaths Among Us," told MSNBC. He has developed specialized checklists to determine whether people age 12 and older show psychopathic tendencies. "We're all born with temperaments that can be shaped by the environment."

Lets get down and dirty!

Lets get down and dirty!

Divya Sudarsanan likes to get her fingers dirty with her mangoes. The messier the experience, the sweeter the taste.

By Divya Sudarsanan

How do you like to eat mangoes?  Yes, this is a fairly innocuous question and not to be met with “a is-this-a-trick-question” glance.  

Let me rephrase:  If I were to place a mango in front of you, how would you prefer to eat it? Eat it organically like it was gorgeously meant to, or have someone cut it up into slices and scooped with a spoon, or diced and cubed to be eaten in piece-meal fashion?

Depending on your answer, you’re either dead to me or an esteemed member of our mango tribe, if you will.

But it just boggles the mind, really, when I hear lame-ass excuses that range from the usual “Oh, mangoes are just so messy” to “I do my own laundry” and an appalling “Why on earth would you want to eat it like that? It’s just so… primitive,” and so on.

Seriously, people, when did you’ll become such sissies and prissies?   

Mangoes, if you haven’t noticed already, are an incredibly versatile fruit. And it is probably the only fruit you can indulge in your childhood fantasies without coming across as a douchebag.

Anyway, to the sissies and prissies above, here’s what I have to say:   •    Well, duh, mangoes are supposed to be messy.  I don’t see a manual that says otherwise.

•    Laundry missy, I don’t suppose you’re feasting on mangoes dressed in your Chanel or Prada?

•    Oh, honey. Opposable thumbs, much?

The best, and dare I say, the only way to eat a mango is with your hands.  Get down and dirty. There are no ifs and buts about mango eating. It is what it is, and the results are marvelous:  Pure. Simple.  Unadulterated.  Joy.  

No fruit can take you on such a wonderful and wholesome experience like a mango.   Eating a mango, especially the juicy and pulpy ones is such a holy treat for your senses. Right from the tearing of the skin with your teeth to the first party-in-your-mouth bite and  the subsequent trickle around your mouth followed by succulent mouthfuls of sweet and sunshine-y goodness.  Nothing can beat the feeling of your teeth running against the skin in a ribbed-like fashion just to savour the last piece of fibrous goodness before you rid the skin completely. By then you ought to have had a delicate sweet and sticky trail of golden goodness running down your arms which, surprise, you are allowed to indulge in – adult or otherwise.    

What’s more if you have a group of friends partaking in this communion at the table, it makes for great food fights and nostalgic childhood memories.

For me, the pièce de résistance is the seed.  This is where you unleash your creativity and make several works of art that range from trolls to paperweights. Alternately, you could use them as weapons at the anal  I-like-my-mangoes-chopped-and-diced-into-bite-sized-mango pieces who tragically don’t know what they are missing. Evidently, the taste of metal holds more promise when they eat their mangoes.  

Like a friend said:  “Mangoes just tastes better when it’s half running down your face”. 

Let’s get down and dirty, shall we? 

Fitness and health

Exercise 'crucial to older adult's fitness and health'

By ANI | ANI 

From Washington (ANI): Several people consider aging to be a time to slow down 

and take it easy.

However, a recent study suggests that the more we age, the more we need exercise to keep us independent and healthy.

Yet, sometimes it takes a prescription from the doctor to get adults up and moving.

"Exercise is important for almost everyone. There are very few medical conditions that exercise won't benefit. In fact, I sometime write a prescription to get my patients to start taking this seriously and help them understand exercise can be just as helpful as medication," said Keith Veselik, director of primary care at Loyola University Health System and associate professor in the Department of Medicine at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine.

"Around age 35 is when our muscle mass and resting metabolism starts to decrease. When this happens our bodies require more, not less exercise to manage our caloric intake. When this starts to happen we can eat the same things, do the same things and may gain 3 pounds a year. That's 30 pounds in a decade, "he said.

Though exercising is beneficial to nearly everyone, before starting a program he advises that people, especially those who have not been active, to consult a doctor to determine their baseline and to get guidance about what exercises would be most advantageous.

"In my own life I've seen the benefits of exercising. When that alarm goes off in the morning I want to just roll over, but I've seen such a positive change in so many ways. It can be difficult, especially at first, but the benefits truly out weigh the struggles," said Veselik.

Veselik claimed that the best workout program balances cardiovascular exercise, strength training and flexibility. He recommends an hour of cardiovascular exercise four days a week, two days of strength training for 30 minutes and balance and flexibility exercises such as stretching, yoga or pilotes, one to two times a week.

But what is most beneficial doesn't always translate into what is doable.

Each decade of the old age has unique challenges. Veselik gives some ideas of how to use exercise to counter those health hurdles.

For those who are in 50's cardiovascular exercise are the most favourable one.

Muscle and joint aches and pains start becoming more apparent, so Veselik suggests that one should get creative about how to keep up cardiovascular exercise as it is easy on the joints but get the heart rate up.

He recommends trying exercising in a pool or riding a bike instead of running. If you do run, make sure you have good shoes and try to run on softer surfaces.

Cardiovascular exercise also helps to fight many of the most common and deadly medical problems, including heart disease, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

"But don't go from doing nothing to running a marathon. Talk to your doctor, ask about risk factors and together create a plan that's right for you," said Veselik.

Another complaint for people in their 50s is back pain.

"The best way to protect your back is to build strong core muscles and make sure you are lifting heavy objects correctly," said Veselik.

In the 60's balancing and leg strengthening exercises should be prime concern.

As we enter our 60s, balance and strength should be a major focus. Many people are scared of breaking a hip which can limit independence. Also, our bones aren't as strong and both men and women become more susceptible to osteoporosis.

To help fight these concerns Veselik suggests that incorporating balance and leg strengthening exercises to increase flexibility as well as balance to help prevent accidental falls. Weight-bearing exercise is vital to bone health and keeping bone density strong.

In addition, many adults in their 60's begin to experience symptoms from arthritis, making the exercise difficult.

"Exercise has been proven to help people deal with their arthritis. It's just making sure your exercise routine is working for you, not against you. Some people forget that walking is a great form of exercise, just make sure you get your heart rate up. Also, aquatic classes or swimming are a great way for people with arthritis or fibromyalgia to exercise," said Veselik.

For the people in their 70's and beyond, Alzheimer and vascular dementia becomes the most regular problem and exercises are crucial to fight them.

"The biggest worry I hear from my patients who are entering their 70s, 80s and beyond is dementia. The two most common forms are Alzheimer's and Vascular dementia," said Veselik.

He also insisted that exercise is the only thing that is proven to prevent Alzheimer's. And, many of the major risk factors for vascular dementia, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, can be countered with exercise.

"Exercise is important, but it's not the end all. It needs to be coupled with eating right and incorporating other healthy habits to lead to a better quality of life," Veselik added. (ANI)

Benefits of Breastfeeding

Benefits of Breastfeeding

By Jené Luciani for SHAPE.com | Shape 

Should you breastfeed or not? When supermodel and mom Gisele Bundchen famously declared that breastfeeding should be required by law, she re-ignited an age-old debate. Is breastfeeding really better? Bundchen isn't the only one to tout the effects of feeding your offspring the old fashioned way (and we've all heard it burns up to 500 calories a day).

There is a downside too. Some women simply don't make enough milk, their babies aren't able to 'latch on' properly, other health issues or illnesses prevent it entirely, or for some women, it's a fear that breastfeeding can lead to sagging and volume loss in breasts (an issue looked at in-depth in The Bra Book). Plus, sometimes it's just 

plain painful!

So whether you prefer the bottle or the boob, here are seven good reasons to choose 

the latter.

1. Feel the burn: Plain and simple, breastfeeding burns calories! "Our bodies burn almost 20 calories to make just an ounce of breast milk . If your baby eats 19-30 ounces a day, that's anywhere between 380-600 calories burned," says Joy Kosak, co-founder of Simple Wishes, a hands-free pumping bra.

It can also help eliminate that post-preg pooch. "When you nurse, your body releases certain hormones that shrink your uterus back down to its former pre-pregnant size," says Elisabeth Dale, author of Boobs: a Guide to your Girls.

What do both of these things mean? You'll be back in your pre-pregnancy skinny jeans before you know it!

2. Ward off disease: Studies have found that the longer a woman breastfeeds, the more she is protected against certain types of cancers such as ovarian and breast cancer. Breastfeeding can also potentially lower your risk for heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis.

3. The mind-body connection: The stress of a new baby is enough to drive any woman over the edge. "It has been documented that women who stopped breastfeeding early on or didn't breastfeed altogether were at a higher risk of postpartum depression than breastfeeding moms," Kosak says.

While the jury is still out on this claim, it does provide hope for women who suffer from this devastating condition.

4. It's a natural high: That same hormone that helps shrink your uterus back to size also makes you feel good-really good.

"When you nurse your baby, your body releases a big dose of hormones. Oxytocin, or the "bonding" hormone as it's commonly known, sends a feeling of relaxation and euphoria to your brain," Dale says.

5. It's cheap: Obviously, if you're feeding your baby breast milk, you're not spending your precious cash on bottles or expensive formula.

"Since raising a child doesn't come cheap, you can take those extra pennies and start up that college fund," Dale adds.

6. It's good for the baby: Breast milk contains all the vitamins and nutrients needed for the first six months of your baby's life, along with disease-fighting substances designed to protect your little one from obesity, diabetes, and asthma, among other illnesses.

"Not to mention that breast milk is proven to help protect your baby from developing allergies and helps to reduce the risk of infection," Kosak says.

Because of antibodies in mom's milk, breast-fed babies have 50 to 95 percent fewer infections than other babies, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

7. It's convenient: In the age of multi-tasking mamas, solutions have surfaced to make breastfeeding today more convenient. Whether it's going back to work and needing a hands-free pumping solution or alcohol testing strips that allow you to enjoy a relaxing glass of wine at the end of the day without worry, there is an abundance of products and services available for today's modern nursing mom!

Facebook addiction disorder

The latest fad–Facebook addiction disorder

When you start telling people “I’ll Facebook you” instead of “I’ll see you around”, its time to face reality and accept that you are the latest victim of the FAD – Facebook addiction disorder.

By Mdhil | Mdhil 

The latest fad–Facebook addiction disorder

Just the other day, I read that Facebook was going to enforce Timelines on everybody 

by 2nd February.

My first reaction? Panic!

Why, you ask? I had to choose a new cover photo you see! I had to find an appropriate picture with the perfect dimensions – something that made me look cool without making it seem that I tried too hard. With so many conditions to fulfill, panic was an obvious reaction.

So you think I’m overdramatizing things?

Good morning Facebook!

Don’t tell me you don’t start your day with Facebook. That you don’t log in at wee hours to check what your friends have been up to. Or that you don’t spy around your ex’s profiles to see whether they’ve been poking random people.

What is the first thing you do once you get up? Brush? Pick up the newspaper? Get a cup of chai? Head to the loo? Or do you, like me, head straight to your laptop? Before I have even finished rubbing the sleep away from my eyes, I’m on my wall, wondering what all happened in my friends’ lives while 

I slept.

On most days, there are no new friend requests, no new messages and no new notifications. Disappointment hits me when I realize that none of my 500+ friends missed me (at least on Facebook) for eight whole hours!!

It’s just a FAD

I then spend a good half an hour surfing through my news feed, checking out random pictures and statuses people put up.  I login again from my phone and then from work and then again when I’m home! Sound familiar? I’m not surprised. FAD or Facebook Addiction Disorder has just started to gain momentum as the newest disorder to hit the town!

If you are still not convinced, check your browser. Do you have Facebook open on multiple tabs? Do you keep hitting refresh to update your newsfeed? Do 8 out of 10 of your friends seem unknown to you? Do you keep checking your status update and get disappointed if no one “likes“it or comments on it? You my friend, may be afflicted with FAD!

Don’t worry, there’s help at hand! If you think things are spiralling out of control, just add a cute and simple reminder, like a cross on the back side of your hand. Every time you reach for your laptop, you’ll be reminded why you put it there. Trust me, it acts more as a deterrent than as a reminder. Just decreasing the frequency with which you check Facebook helps too. Every minute you spend away from your computer and Facebook helps you overcome FAD!

All addicts are not born equal

To make it easier, I’ve listed out some common types of Facebook addicts. Take a look and see if you can spot yourself!

The lurkers: These are the ones who see everything, read everything but leave no sign that they were ever online. No comments, no shares, heck, these people don’t even hit the like button!

The likers: Speaking of the like button, there are those who seem to hit the like button for everything they see. At their worst, they may end up liking their own status messages!

The attention seekers: These people are always active on Facebook. These people upload pictures, put up status messages with an alarming regularity and usually have more than 1000+ friends.

The gamers: These are the people who flood your newsfeed with random requests from Farmville, Castleville, Mafia wars and the likes. They may even invite you to be their neighbours or join their gang!

Are you one of them?

Experts say the first step to solving a problem is admitting to it. So if you did find yourself in the list above, take a deep breath and repeat after me, I’m I’m(insert your name here) and I’m a Facebook addict.

You Could Be an Entrepreneur

Shoddy Employee? 

You Could Be an Entrepreneur

By Young Entrepreneur Council | U.S.News & World Report LP 

Being bad at your current job might just be your cue to start an entrepreneurial career.

At a recent meeting, I heard the story of someone who announced that she was "smarter than everyone else in the company" and that she had been fired because the boss was jealous and insecure. While the room laughed at the perceived arrogance, I couldn't help but wonder, "Is this visitor delusional, or is she an undiscovered entrepreneur?"

Entrepreneurs often get a bad--though sometimes well-deserved--reputation for having a big ego. But what they may lack in humility is certainly compensated for by their sense of empowerment, fulfillment, and freedom. In fact, some of the worst employees make the best entrepreneurs and are often considered--by the corporate world at least--to be unemployable. Even more so, all current entrepreneurs had that moment when they knew that the promises of a traditional job or work environment would pale in comparison to a new opportunity.

Do you recognize the signs that a traditional workplace isn't for you? How do you know when it's time to take the leap?

Here are three signs you possess the skills it takes to be an effective entrepreneur:

Sign No. 1: You're Quick to Start, But Slow to Finish

In the Kolbe Index Test, entrepreneurs often score high in the Quick Start action mode and lower in the Implementor and Follow Thru action modes. This is because the big dreams of entrepreneurship often trigger hundreds of ideas. But for an employer, this type of team member is hard to manage when it comes to finishing projects and staying on task.

These personalities are best described as expanders--a little bit like bread dough that's infused with too much yeast. The entrepreneur who is an expander works best with a team or partner who can act as the container, one who reins in the expansion and supports with all the details. The corporate world attempts to beat the rising dough back into the smallest container possible, while entrepreneurship relies upon expansion and growth.

It's difficult to leave tasks unfinished in a traditional business environment, even when it becomes apparent that the goals have changed or the outcomes are not achievable. In this situation, an entrepreneur will see a new path--or 15 new paths--and want to jump into a new project with a greater chance of success. However, the same individual working a 9-to-5 will often drag out a project, never reach completion, but be unable to abandon it due to office politics or sunken costs.

Sign No. 2: You Can't Leave Good Enough Alone

For the cubicle-dwelling entrepreneur, few things are more frustrating than seeing opportunities to grow or transform a business go ignored. For the company, this desire to tinker with what's working well is viewed as meddlesome, encouraged (in small doses), or outright prohibited.

For established companies who have figured it all out, the entrepreneur's desire to improve, test, and try new ways of working can be threatening or viewed as a waste of time. The admonishment to just get the work done or leave good enough alone is frustrating to the entrepreneur who thrives in circumstances where convergent thinking is less important than following the rules.

While many entrepreneurs work with mentors, coaches, and colleagues to avoid reinventing the wheel, it's often the on-the-ground thinking that contributes to success. Seeing many paths and outcomes, judging the best one for the circumstances, and then implementing it is fun for the person who can't leave it alone. It's also essential to adaptive growth.

Sign No. 3: You Love Lazy Shortcuts

An entrepreneur has the tendency to find new paths and solutions, which often results in discovering shortcuts previously unseen. To some, this is seen as laziness. Three years ago, I was in my downtown office on a quiet Friday afternoon when nearly the entire office had left for the day. It was then that I heard the ironic judgment that propelled me into an entrepreneurial lifestyle:

"We love the work you do ... you're so efficient ... no one has done this job better," my boss said. "So we're cutting your hours." It wasn't easy to hear, and was even harder to understand at the time. But that moment has brought me much further than if I had continued to work 40-hours a week at a dead-end job.

Nowhere else is the shortcut celebrated as much as in entrepreneurial business. We're forging a new path and learning what works to make life easier, tasks smoother, and expenses lower--things critical to survival. Instead of working for the sake of work or spending eight hours doing a task, entrepreneurs push boundaries, find shortcuts, and improve the process.

So are you a bad employee? Or a great entrepreneur? If you find your work style resembles these three scenarios, there is no surefire way to transform your cubicle environment so that your co-workers can appreciate and reward your unique approach. In fact, many managers don't know what to do with you and may be unable or unwilling to adapt. When you find yourself less engaged, frustrated by the politics, or expanding beyond your job description, you may in fact be unemployable and an undiscovered entrepreneur.

Kelly Azevedo is the founder of She's Got Systems, a custom coaching program that leads clients to get support, documenting and dominating in their fields. Kelly learned that her innate ability to create and utilize systems allowed her to complete tasks at corporate jobs in a fourth of the time and she sought out a more challenging environment. She has worked in successful six-figure and million-dollar online businesses, helping owners create the systems to serve their startup needs. Adapting quickly to the fast paced environment, constant changes and ever present challenge of communication in the online world, Kelly has supported her private clients in their group programs, private clients, product launches and all the daily business.

The Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) is an invite-only nonprofit organization comprised of the world's most promising young entrepreneurs. The YEC leads #FixYoungAmerica, a solutions-based movement that aims to end youth unemployment and put young Americans back to work.