Conservatives Losing Trust in Science

Conservatives Losing Trust in Science, Study Finds

By Stephanie Pappas 

Politically conservative Americans have lost trust in science over the last 40 years while moderates and liberals have remained constant in the stock they put in the scientific community, a new study finds.

The most educated conservatives have slipped the most, according to the research set to appear in the April issue of the journal American Sociological Review. The change in conservative attitudes likely has to do both with changes in the conservative movement and with changes in science's role in society, said study author Gordon Gaulet, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

"There's been this need to cultivate conservative ideas in reaction to what is perceived as mainstream culture, which a lot of conservatives would suggest is biased toward secular liberalism," Gaulet toldLiveScience. "Part of what being a conservative means is looking for alternatives for mainstream ideas and bases of knowledge, and science and the media are those." [Life's Extremes: Democrats & Republicans]

Science and politics

The trouble with assessing the public's opinion of science over time is that few public opinion polls asked questions about trust in science before the 1980s. One major survey, the General Social Survey, did ask Americans about their trust in the scientific community starting in 1974, however.

Gaulet used this survey, which was conducted annually until 1994 and every other year through 2010, to gauge changes in different groups' trust in science over time. He found that overall, trust in science is not especially high — fewer than half of Americans surveyed over the time frame reported a "great deal" of trust in the scientific community.

Liberals had the most trust in science as a whole over the survey period (1974 to 2010), with 47 percent reporting a "great deal" of trust on average, while moderates were the most consistently skeptical of science, with 42 percent trusting the scientific community a great deal. (The moderates in the survey tended to have the least understanding of science as any group, possibly explaining the finding, Gaulet said.) An average of 43 percent of conservatives said they trusted scientists a great deal over the study period.

But only conservatives showed a change over time. At the beginning of the survey, in the 1970s, conservatives trusted science more than anyone, with about 48 percent evincing a great deal of trust. By 2010, the last year survey data was available, only 35 percent of conservatives said the same.

What's changed?

Gaulet said that conservatism itself has changed, with a greater emphasis on conservative thought and think tanks such as The Heritage Foundation that make a point of challenging the scientific community. The finding wasn't the result of conservatives being less educated than in the old days, he said. In fact, the decline in trust was most obvious among conservatives with a bachelor's degree or higher. [The World's Greatest Minds]

Meanwhile, science has changed, too. Research used to be done under the auspices of NASA and the Department of Defense, Gaulet said. Both of these agencies seemed far-removed from daily life. However, over the decades, science has become more intertwined with everyday policy. The Environmental Protection Agency is a "poster child" for science informing real-world regulation that some conservatives oppose, Gaulet said.

"It's almost a contradiction," he said. "We use science because it has this objective point of view or credibility to figure out which policy to use ... but by doing that it becomes politicized."

Interestingly, public opinion on science in Europe and Japan skews differently than in the United States, Gaulet said. There, skepticism about the scientific community usually comes from the left. The reason may be that the issues on the scientific forefront in Europe (genetically modified food, nuclear power) tend to push liberals' buttons, while those in the United States (climate change, stem cell research) tend to bother conservatives more. 

Gaulet doesn't favor pulling science out of the public sphere, in fact preferring that scientists be even more outspoken about their research. But they should be prepared for pushback.

"I think this is the new reality," he said. "If we want science to be a major part of our culture, and our political culture, then [politicization] is going to be a potential problem."

Stay Hydrated Summer

As the summer season arrives in full force in the subcontinent, the best thing you can do to beat the heat is to stay hydrated.

Your body depends on water for survival.  After all, it makes up more than half of our body weight and every organ in the body needs water to function. Don’t wait for symptoms of dehydration like extreme thirst, dry mouth, and headache to act.

Heed the following tips to stay hydrated this summer season.

Don’t wait to get thirsty this summer. The fact is that by the time your mouth is dry, you’re well on your way to dehydration. As water is the best natural drink available, guzzle at least 

2  litres a day.

• Be sensible about the amount of water you drink. If you are exercising or going out in the hot sun you will need to drink more water.
• Make drinking water a mindless habit. Let it be part of your early morning routine.  Keep a bottle within easy reach while you are relaxing in front of the television or working on the computer. Take regular sips even if you are not feeling thirsty. Drink a glass of water before every meal.
• Eating water-based foods is a great way to supplement your water intake and stay hydrated. Eat fruits like watermelon and pineapple rather than drinking the juice. They are cooling and perfect for hot summer days. They have high water content and are rich in minerals. Another perfect fruit for summer months is the apricot as it is good for fluid retention. Honeydew melon, commonly known as muskmelon cools the body so gorge on it. The vitamin C and minerals present in these fruits are an added benefit.
• Munch on cucumbers and tomatoes.  These foods have more than 90% of their weight in water content.
• In summer we sweat more and lose essential minerals from our bodies. Cucumbers are a cool way to put the potassium back and they also contain ascorbic and caffeic acids, compounds that help us stay hydrated because of their moisture retaining properties.
• Fresh citrus fruits such as orange, grapefruits, lemon and lime are excellent as they not only hydrate the body but also provide valuable nutrients.
• Take a break from coffee this summer and sip the benefits of green tea. Enjoy it with lemon, as it will keep the body from retaining water. Herbal iced teas are also great thirst quenchers. Be adventurous and mix and match flavours.
• Enjoy the miracle of tender coconut water. It hydrates perfectly as it has the exact proportion of electrolytes as human cells and plasma. It also contains a host of vitamins and minerals. 

Eat to avoid depression....

Feeling blue? Many people seek comfort from favorite foods like chocolate kisses, salty chips, and pillowy pastries when they're feeling down. But if you really want to boost your mood, make different choices, nutritionists say. Although clinical depression is a serious illness that requires treatment beyond nutrition, changing what you eat can help beat garden-variety blues caused by stress, and will boost low energy, too.

"We reach for what we think will make us feel better, but we too often wind up making ourselves feel worse in the long run," says Beth Reardon, director of nutrition at Duke University's Duke Integrative Medicine. The wrong foods can cause physiological reactions that intensify symptoms such as lethargy, irritability, and cravings. Meanwhile the right foods -- like the following five -- can stabilize blood sugar, eliminate mood swings, and boost neurotransmitters in the brain, all factors that influence your emotions.

Try these smart choices when your mood needs a little boost.

1. An omelet -- just don't skip the yolk

Eat it for: The B vitamins and protein. Egg yolks are the vitamin-B-rich part of the egg.

Other examples: Lean beef, wheat germ, fish, poultry

Why they help: A diet rich in B vitamins can help lessen the severity of depression symptoms. B vitamins, especially B-6 and B-12, can help improve neural function -- the way the neurotransmitters of the brain send signals, which helps govern mood. There's also a growing link between vitamin B deficiency and depression. A 2010 study of 3,000 older adults followed over 12 years found that those with lower intake of these vitamins had a higher risk of depression, according to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

The protein in eggs (as with lean meats) helps you feel satisfied longer, stabilizing blood sugar. And eggs can be consumed in a variety of ways, from scrambled to used as a French toast batter to boiled and chopped up as a salad topper -- so long as you go easy on the accompanying animal products that are high in saturated fats, like bacon or butter.

2. Nuts and seeds

Eat it for: The magnesium

Examples: Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, cashews, almonds, peanuts. (Green leafy vegetables and whole grains are also high in magnesium.)

Why they help: Magnesium, a mineral found naturally in nuts and seeds, influences production of serotonin, a "feel-good" brain chemical. Magnesium also affects overall energy production.

Bonus: Nuts are also a good source of protein and healthy fats. And as a whole food, they make a healthy alternative to processed snacks, provided you choose unsalted and unsweetened varieties. Salt and sugared coatings don't add any health benefits and may make you overeat because they set up cravings in the brain for more and more salt or sugar.

  

3. Cold-water fish

Eat it for: The omega-3 fatty acids

Examples: Wild salmon, herring, sardines, anchovies, tuna (not more than once per week), rainbow trout, mackerel. Fish-oil supplements are a practical alternative for those who don't eat these cold-water fish at least three times a week, Reardon says.

Why they help: There's a reason fish is known as "brain food." Fatty fish such as wild salmon contain the omega-3 fatty acid DHA, which has been shown to increase the membrane quality and nerve function of gray matter in the brain. Twenty percent of the gray matter in the brain is composed of DHA. Some studies have found that DHA consumption especially increases gray matter in the amygdala, the hippocampus, and the cingulate, three areas of the brain associated with mood. People with severe depression have less gray matter in these areas.

Fish is also a great source of lean protein, which stabilizes blood sugar. Eating small amounts of protein with meals can help keep your mood on a more even keel.

  

4. Ancient grains

Eat it for: The complex carbohydrates

Examples: Quinoa, millet, teff, amaranth, spelt, barley

Why they help: Complex carbohydrates take longer to digest, which means they don't cause spikes in blood sugar that can create roller-coaster moods. Complex carbs also increase levels of serotonin in the brain.

While any whole grain is good, so-called "ancient grains" are even better, according to Reardon, because they're less likely to be man-modified and processed. Packaged, processed, and refined foods made with wheat flour and sugar, in contrast, tend to be digested quickly, causing cause blood sugar to spike. When this happens, the body responds with an oversecretion of insulin, which winds up moving too much sugar into cells -- and blood sugars plummet. The end result: poorer concentration, fatigue, mood swings, intense cravings, and overeating.

Ancient grains are increasingly available at mainstream grocery stores and big-box stores such as Costco and Sam's Club. Look where rice products are shelved. Many ancient grains can be cooked like pasta or rice and served in their place as side dishes, in casseroles, or as a base for fish or chicken.

Bonus: Some ancient grains are a whole-grain alternative for those who are allergic to wheat or have gluten intolerance. (Barley, though, contains gluten.)

5. Green tea

Drink it for: The amino acid L-theanine

Examples: Hot green tea, brewed iced green tea -- including flavored varieties like jasmine green tea or berry green tea

Why it helps: L-theanine is an amino acid found mainly in tea leaves; it's been shown by EEG tests to stimulate alpha brain waves. This can improve focus while also having a calming effect on the body.

"Despite the caffeine, the L-theanine in green tea seems to be profoundly relaxing, with effects that last up to eight hours," Reardon says. L-theanine is easily absorbed and can cross the blood-brain barrier, adding to its effectiveness.

It is All About You

All About You

The human body is a great, sweaty, fluid-filled machine, moving and mixing chemicals with precision and coordination, making everything from memories to mucus. Here we explore some of the complex, beautiful or just plain gross mysteries of how you function.

Your Skin Has Four Colors

All skin, without coloring, would appear creamy white. Near-surface blood vessels add a blush of red. A yellow pigment also tints the canvas. Lastly, sepia-toned melanin, created in response to ultraviolet rays, appears black in large amounts. These four hues mix in different proportions to create the skin colors of all the peoples of Earth.

The World Laughs With You

Just as watching someone yawn can induce the behavior in yourself, recent evidence suggests that laughter is a social cue for mimicry. Hearing a laugh actually stimulates the brain region associated with facial movements. Mimicry plays an important role in social interaction. Cues like sneezing, laughing, crying and yawning may be ways of creating strong social bonds within a group.

Big Brains Cause Cramped Mouths

Evolution isn't perfect. If it were, we might have wings instead of wisdom teeth. Sometimes useless features stick around in a species simply because they're not doing much harm. But wisdom teeth weren't always a cash crop for oral surgeons. Long ago, they served as a useful third set of meat-mashing molars. But as our brains grew our jawbone structure changed, leaving us with expensively overcrowded mouths.

Cell Hairs Move Mucus

Most cells in our bodies sport hair-like organelles called cilia that help out with a variety of functions, from digestion to hearing. In the nose, cilia help to drain mucus from the nasal cavity down to the throat. Cold weather slows down the draining process, causing a mucus backup that can leave you with snotty sleeves. Swollen nasal membranes or condensation can also cause a stuffed schnozzle.

Puberty Reshapes Brain Structure, Makes for Missed Curfews

We know that hormone-fueled changes in the body are necessary to encourage growth and ready the body for reproduction. But why is adolescence so emotionally unpleasant? Hormones like testosterone actually influence the development of neurons in the brain, and the changes made to brain structure have many behavioral consequences. Expect emotional awkwardness, apathy and poor decision-making skills as regions in the frontal cortex mature.

Thousands of Eggs Unused by Ovaries

When a woman reaches her late 40s or early 50s, the monthly menstrual cycle that controls her hormone levels and readies ova for insemination ceases. Her ovaries have been producing less and less estrogen, inciting physical and emotional changes across her body. Her underdeveloped egg follicles begin to fail to release ova as regularly as before. The average adolescent girl has 34,000 underdeveloped egg follicles, although only 350 or so mature during her life (at the rate of about one per month). The unused egg follicles then deteriorate. With no potential pregnancy on the horizon, the brain can stop managing the release of ova.

Much of a Meal is Food For Thought

Though it makes up only 2 percent of our total body weight, the brain demands 20 percent of the body's oxygen and calories. To keep our noggin well-stocked with resources, three major cerebral arteries are constantly pumping in oxygen. A blockage or break in one of them starves brain cells of the energy they require to function, impairing the functions controlled by that region. This is a stroke.

Bones Break (Down) to Balance Minerals

In addition to supporting the bag of organs and muscles that is our body, bones help regulate our calcium levels. Bones contain both phosphorus and calcium, the latter of which is needed by muscles and nerves. If the element is in short supply, certain hormones will cause bones to break down upping calcium levels in the body until the appropriate extracellular concentration is reached.

Body Position Affects Your Memory

Can't remember your anniversary, hubby? Try getting down on one knee. Memories are highly embodied in our senses. A scent or sound may evoke a distant episode from one's childhood. The connections can be obvious (a bicycle bell makes you remember your old paper route) or inscrutable. A recent study helps decipher some of this embodiment. An article in the January 2007 issue ofCognition reports that episodes from your past are remembered faster and better while in a body position similar to the pose struck during the event.

Your Stomach Secretes Corrosive Acid

There's one dangerous liquid no airport security can confiscate from you: It's in your gut. Your stomach cells secrete hydrochloric acid, a corrosive compound used to treat metals in the industrial world. It can pickle steel, but mucous lining the stomach wall keeps this poisonous liquid safely in the digestive system, breaking down lunch.

Read along with Child.....

It's never too early (or too late) to introduce your child to reading. Here are some ways to help you along.

Buy beautiful looking books: Your toddler is likely to enjoy the touch, feel and look of the book. Get him on your lap and read aloud to him. He will begin to associate time with books and reading. Read aloud from "anything": As your child grows older, keep up (or create) the reading-time-together habit, but now introduce a variety into the reading material; A fairytale; an age-appropriate piece from the newspaper; a comic book.

Stop suddenly, build up suspense: As soon as your child learns to read small sentences, continue reading aloud to him, pointing out the words as you go along. But stop at an interesting turn to the story and feign tiredness. Chances are that he would soon be tempted to find out what happens next and pick up the book.

Get your older child involved: Siblings tend to imitate each other, so make sure that your older one is present when the younger one reads. Sometimes, he or she can take up your role and read to his little brother/sister - this makes a difference.

Don't link reading to learning: Let him enjoy reading, the learning will follow naturally. Give him a wide choice of books. Take him book shopping, make it a fun outing.

For The Late Beginner

Read yourself to set an example. Tell him you seldom get bored anywhere because you always have a book for company. The TV and computer do not compare because in reading a book, the descriptions and the word play taps your imagination and brings more lasting joy. Also, add variety to his leisure. Take him to a bookshop and help him pick up anything he feels he may enjoy (even comics are fine). Push him a little to get him to read at least 3-4 pages every day. If the book is interesting, he is likely to want to try more. Remember not to force him to read instead of watching TV. Give him time to get used to it.

A Thought For You

Reading broadens the mind like little else, but the fact is, today means of communication are far more than they were in your growing up years so don't fret too much if your child doesn't read as much as you did. It does not mean he is growing up "badly". Just keep trying and if he does read, engage him in a conversation about what he's read and encourage him to try some more books, maybe from the same author.

Urine-soaked eggs

Urine-soaked eggs a spring taste treat in China city

A girl looks at a pot of regular hard-boiled eggs, next to a pot of hard-boiled eggs cooked in boys' urine in Dongyang, Zhejiang province  REUTERS

DONGYANG, China (Reuters) - It's the end of a school day in the eastern Chinese city of Dongyang, and eager parents collect their children after a hectic day of primary school.

But that's just the start of busy times for dozens of egg vendors across the city, deep in coastal Zhejiang province, who ready themselves to cook up a unique springtime snack favoured by local residents.

Basins and buckets of boys' urine are collected from primary school toilets. It is the key ingredient in "virgin boy eggs", a local tradition of soaking and cooking eggs in the urine of young boys, preferably below the age of 10.

There is no good explanation for why it has to be boys' urine, just that it has been so for centuries.

The scent of these eggs being cooked in pots of urine is unmistakable as people pass the many street vendors in Dongyang who sell it, claiming it has remarkable health properties.

"If you eat this, you will not get heat stroke. These eggs cooked in urine are fragrant," said Ge Yaohua, 51, who owns one of the more popular "virgin boy eggs" stalls.

"They are good for your health. Our family has them for every meal. In Dongyang, every family likes eating them."

It takes nearly an entire day to make these unique eggs, starting off by soaking and then boiling raw eggs in a pot of urine. After that, the shells of the hard-boiled eggs are cracked and they continue to simmer in urine for hours.

Vendors have to keep pouring urine into the pot and controlling the fire to keep the eggs from being overheated and overcooked.

Ge said he has been making the snack, popular due to its fresh and salty taste, for more than 20 years. Each egg goes for 1.50 yuan, a little more than twice the price of the regular eggs he also sells.

Many Dongyang residents, young and old, said they believed in the tradition passed on by their ancestors that the eggs decrease body heat, promote better blood circulation and just generally reinvigorate the body.

"By eating these eggs, we will not have any pain in our waists, legs and joints. Also, you will have more energy when you work," said Li Yangzhen, 59, who bought 20 eggs from Ge.

The eggs are not bought only at street stalls. Local residents are also known to personally collect boys' urine from nearby schools to cook the delicacy in their homes.

The popularity of the treat has led the local government to list the "virgin boy eggs" as an intangible cultural heritage.

But not everyone is a fan. Chinese medical experts gave mixed reviews about the health benefits of the practice, with some warning about sanitary issues surrounding the use of urine to cook the eggs.

Some Dongyang residents also said they hated the eggs.

"We have this tradition in Dongyang that these eggs are good for our health and that it would help prevent things like getting a cold," said Wang Junxing, 38. "I don't believe in all this, so I do not eat them."

(Editing by Elaine Lies and Paul Casciato)

World's Longest Flights

World's Longest Flights

By Joel Fineman | U.S.News & World Report LP 

"Are we there yet?" usually issues from the mouths of children. But aboard these 11 flights, even the adults pester flight attendants with such questions. U.S. News Travel sought out the most painstakingly long journeys in the sky. While some people measure length by mileage, we believe the flight's duration is much more important to travelers. After all, you only want to be stuck on a plane with strangers for so long.

The numerical data below was provided by each airline.

11. New York to Hong Kong on Cathay Pacific (Tie)

-- Miles: 8,059 

-- Scheduled Duration: 16 Hours

Cathay Pacific offers not one, not two, but three direct flights every day from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). Each Boeing 777 takes about 16 hours to reach its Asian destination. The flight's carrier, Cathay Pacific, is unfamiliar to most Americans, but it is one of the largest airlines in Asia and Hong Kong's official airline. As travel between Asia and North America steadily increases, look for an escalating number of Cathay Pacific planes in your local airport.

10. Houston to Brisbane on Qantas (Tie)

-- Miles: 8,584 

-- Scheduled Duration: 16 Hours

Jumping 16 hours ahead, travelers flying from Texas Ranch Country to the Australian Outback will probably experience some jet lag. Add to that 15 hours of airtime, and the trek could be downright painful. Luckily, Qantas pampers its passengers with ergonomic seats, personal on-demand entertainment sets, three meals, and complimentary wine. Upon request, customers can also receive "dopp kits" complete with a razor, toothbrush, deodorant, and other products to freshen up on board. When travelers get restless or hungry, they can take a short walk to the self-service snack bar, which is fully stocked with free goodies.

9. Johannesburg to New York on South African Airways (Tie)

-- Miles: 7,970 

-- Scheduled Duration: 16 Hours

In May 2011, South African Airways began its nonstop service from Johannesburg, South Africa, to New York's JFK airport. Operating once a day, an Airbus 340-600 shuttles more than 300 passengers around the globe. During their voyage, travelers receive two full meals, one snack, and complimentary beverages, including wine and spirits. In coach, the 2-4-2 seat configuration reduces the number of middle seats that regularly appear on planes with 3-3-3 arrangements. The seat-back entertainment screen comes with lots of programming as well as instructional videos for stretching during the flight.

8. Newark to Hong Kong on United Airlines (Tie)

-- Miles: 8,065 

-- Scheduled Duration: 16 Hours

Departing from NYC's stepsister, travelers on United Flight 79 must sit tight for 16 hours before reaching their final destination. For frequent flyers, the commute from Newark to Hong Kong can be a rough one. International flights on U.S. carriers usually receive a bad rep. Small issues (like food quality and cramped seats) that are regularly overlooked on shorter flights balloon into big inconveniences during longer trips. American carriers also tend to receive lower customer satisfaction ratings on SkyTrax. For instance, United Airlines has a 4.1 out of 10 customer review score. Be sure to consider the onboard conditions before booking a lengthy flight on an American airline.

7. Atlanta to Johannesburg on Delta Airlines (Tie)

-- Miles: 8,433 

-- Scheduled Duration: 16 Hours 15 Minutes

It takes four pilots and two separate flight crews to handle Delta Flight 200 from Atlanta, Ga., to Johannesburg, South Africa. The Boeing 777LR used to make this trip travels 8,433 miles between the two cities and consumes almost 40,000 gallons of fuel. Meanwhile, when it comes to needing sustenance, the plane isn't alone. On board this 16-hour-and-15-minute flight, passengers annually consume approximately 70,000 cans of soda, 100,000 bags of pretzels, 200,000 bags of peanuts, and a half-million pounds of ice. The two in-flight meals offer a taste of American and South African cuisine. For instance, one current entree is a Lemon Spiced Kingklip, a type of fish native to South African waters.

6. Doha to Houston on Qatar Airways (Tie)

-- Miles: 8,047 

-- Scheduled Duration: 16 Hours 15 Minutes

Qatar Airways operates a marathon flight route between sunny Doha, Qatar, and humid Houston, Texas. Flying westward to the United States, the journey usually takes just over 16 hours. Economy passengers receive an amenity kit with an eye mask, toothbrush, and even socks to make them feel more at home. They can also follow the "Fly Healthy, Fly Fit" guide and perform some relaxation techniques onboard, such as deep breathing and stretching. While they're not sleeping or dining, travelers can view hundreds of films on their personal 10.6-inch TV screen.

5. Dubai to Houston on Emirates Airways

-- Miles: 8,164* 

-- Scheduled Duration: 16 Hours 20 Minutes

From oil capital to oil capital, Emirates Airways brings people from Dubai to Houston on a lengthy nonstop flight. Commonly called a luxury carrier, the airline prides itself on its service on and off the plane. Flight attendants conduct two meal services, while the "As You Like It" menu (which includes pizza, fruit, and chocolates) is available throughout the journey. Additionally, travelers can take advantage of the full complimentary bar to calm their nerves. On this 16-plus hour trek, there's plenty of time to try all of Emirates Airways' offerings.

4. Dubai to Los Angeles on Emirates Airways

-- Miles: 8,335* 

-- Scheduled Duration: 16 Hours 30 Minutes

Emirates Airways runs a flight between glamorous L.A. and even more opulent Dubai. On the massive Boeing 777-200LR, passengers can choose to spend the 16.5 hours in the 216-seat economy cabin, the 42-seat business class area (that features lie-flat seats), or the eight ultra-posh suites. Each cabin showcases Emirates' unique starlit ceiling that reflects the time of day at the destination. This lighting system helps combat symptoms of jet lag. However, the price you pay for your journey might give you a headache: An economy-class ticket runs between $1,800 and $2,400, while a first-class ride jumps into the $12,700 to $14,000 range.

3. Los Angeles to Bangkok on Thai Airways

-- Miles: 8,260* 

-- Scheduled Duration: 17 Hours 30 Minutes

Aside from having the most delicious food for economy travelers, Thai Airways operates one of the longest flights in the world, traveling from L.A. to Bangkok. Spanning 8,260 miles, the path of this Airbus A340-500 takes 17 hours and 30 minutes. Travelers appreciate the tasty onboard meals and congenial staff. In fact, Thai Airways receives SkyTrax's elite four-star rating, indicating a high level of customer satisfaction.

2. Newark to Singapore on Singapore Airlines

-- Miles: 10,371 

-- Scheduled Duration: 18 Hours

From Newark to Singapore, travelers aboard this 18-hour jaunt receive some much-needed pampering. For this long voyage, Singapore Airlines (SA) employs an Airbus 340-500. Normally holding more than 300 passengers, SA's luxury aircraft hosts only 100 seats. But to call them "seats" is really unfair; they're more like beds. Set in a 1-2-1 configuration (one at each window and two in the middle), the reclining chairs offer immediate access to the aisle. Should you be on this flight, you'll want to get up and move around, especially in the direction of the self-service snack bar. After all, you're on the longest flight in the world by distance.

1. Los Angeles to Singapore, Singapore Airlines

-- Miles: 9,500 

-- Scheduled Duration: 18 Hours 30 Minutes

Currently, Singapore Airlines operates the longest flight in the world by duration, racking up 18 hours and 30 minutes in the air in just one go. From Los Angeles to Singapore, a business-class only airplane shuttles 100 passengers halfway across the globe. Most people are surprised to learn that this trip takes longer than the airline's Newark-Singapore flight, which travels about 800 more miles. The Newark flight path across the North Pole subjects the aircraft to less wind resistance, allowing it to travel faster than the flight from L.A., which crosses the Pacific Ocean.

*These figures were taken from third-party sources, as the airline was unavailable for confirmation.

Happiest Jobs in America

The Happiest Jobs in America

By Forbes 

by Jacquelyn Smith

When you think of a cheerful job, you probably don't think of loan officer, warehouse manager, or accountant. But it turns out these are some of the happiest careers in America, according to online jobs site Careerbliss.com.

CareerBliss compiled a list of the 20 happiest jobs based on analysis from more than 100,400 employee-generated reviews between February 2011 and January 2012. Employees were asked to rate 10 factors that affect workplace happiness, including one's relationship with the boss and co-workers, work environment, job resources, compensation, growth opportunities, company culture, company reputation, daily tasks, and control over the work one does on a daily basis.

The employees valued each factor on a five-point scale, and also indicated how important it was to their overall happiness at work. The numbers were combined to find an average rating of overall employee happiness for each respondent, and then sorted by job title to find which occupations had the happiest workers. A minimum of 50 employee reviews was required to be considered for CareerBliss' 20 Happiest Jobs in America, and executive level jobs, like chief executive, were excluded from the study.

"Since we tend to spend more waking hours working than doing anything else, our work happiness is a huge factor in our overall happiness," says CareerBliss' chief executive, Heidi Golledge. "Nearly every person has a desire to feel valued and content, and a workplace or a career that provides that for its employees is key to not only happiness for the employees but the long-term success of the business."

The happiest job of all isn't kindergarten teacher or dentist. It's software quality assurance engineer. Professionals with this job title are typically involved in the entire software development process to ensure the quality of the final product. This can include processes such as requirements gathering and documentation, source code control, code review, change management, configuration management, release management, and the actual testing of the software, explains Matt Miller, chief technology officer at CareerBliss.

With an index score of 4.24, software quality assurance engineers said they are more than satisfied with the people they work with and the company they work for. They're also fairly content with their daily tasks and bosses.

These professionals "typically make between $85,000 and $100,000 a year in salary and are the gatekeepers for releasing high quality software products," Miller says. Organizations generally will not allow software to be released until it has been fully tested and approved by their software quality assurance group, he adds.

Golledge says, "In past studies, we have noted that the long hours and intense demands on software engineers' time caused them to rank as less than happy.  However, we are happy to report that software quality assurance engineers feel rewarded at work, as they are typically the last stop before software goes live and correctly feel that they are an integral part of the job being done at the company."

Tied for the second most blissful job is executive chef and property manager; both earned an index score of 4.15. Executive chefs, also known as chefs de cuisine or head cooks, do everything from menu creation and staff training to ordering and purchasing inventory. They cite the work that they do and the people they work with as the main drivers of their happiness.

Property managers plan, direct, or coordinate the selling, buying, leasing, or governance activities of real estate properties, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.  Workers in this profession are most satisfied with the people they work with and the work that they do.

"Many of the happiest jobs have some component with working with people," Golledge says. "Folks who work with others tend to rate their happiness higher on our site."

Bank teller and warehouse manager round out the top five happiest jobs in America, with index scores of 4.14 and 4.13, respectively.

"The roles that we did not expect to see were teller, accountant and financial analyst," she says. "Even though all three of these positions ranked low on compensation, they all ranked very high on 'the company you work for' and 'the people you work with.' Clearly, working with likeminded folks who share a love for calculators and numbers drive their happiness."

A few support roles, like customer service reps and administrative assistants, also made the list. Why? "Through our research we have seen that many people who take on these roles are typically happy supporting or servicing other people, and are therefore fulfilled in their jobs."

Golledge adds, "We have also noticed that happiness definitely does not align with pay, and once someone's basic needs are met, the additional money on the job is a nice perk but is not what drives employee happiness."

CareerBliss also found that many people appreciate their jobs more in a down economy.  "As the job market is improving every day, we see that employees are looking to evaluate if they are happy in their current position and if their company is providing the type of culture they identify with," Golledge says. "This year will be a very important year for employers as employees look at a possible career or job change to improve their satisfaction at work."

Here is a list of the top 10 Happiest Jobs In America, based on analysis from more than 100,400 employee-generated reviews between February 2011 and January 2012.

1. Software Quality Assurance Engineer

Score: 4.24

2. (tie) Executive Chef

Score: 4.15

2. (tie) Property Manager

Score: 4.15

4. Teller

Score: 4.14

5. Warehouse Manager

Score: 4.13

6. Administrative Assistant

Score: 4.11

7. Customer Service Representative

Score: 4.06

8. Accountant

Score: 4.05

9. (tie) Systems Engineer

Score: 4.01

10. (tie) Construction Manager

Score: 4.01

Airlines with the Most Delicious Food

Emily H. Bratcher

Airplane food has a reputation for being boring, even disgusting. In fact, an entirewebsite is devoted to posting passengers' images of airline food -- the good, the bad and the downright ugly. These real-life photos prove that Beef Stroganoff with roasted vegetables may sound scrumptious on the menu, but when the flight attendant hands you some congealed beef substitute with limp broccoli, your appetite vanishes as quickly as your excitement for the plane ride. After all, one of the ways you can avoid mile-high boredom (aside from reading and watching films) is to eat. If the food is inedible, then your airplane experience is tainted.

Still, not all airlines skimp on the quality of their grub. Some are true epicureans, offering passengers not only a choice chicken or beef, but also gluten-free options, fine champagne and food presentations so beautiful you could cry. And thanks to AirTrax, an organization that monitors airline satisfaction, we can pinpoint the airlines that serve the best food. For its 2011Passenger's Choice Awards, AirTrax surveyed more than 18.8 million people about their experiences on more than 200 airlines. We used AirTrax's findings (and a few other sources) to come up with these superlatives for the world's most delicious airline food. If you're already spending hundreds -- even thousands -- on an expensive plane ticket, you might as well book a flight on an airline that serves the best food.

Best Food for First Class Award goes to …

Etihad Airways

When you want the crème de la crème of cuisine, look no further than the United Arab Emirates-based Etihad Airways. Passengers rate its first-class catering as the world's best in AirTrax's survey, and there are several reasons why. The in-flight wines are hand-picked from boutique vineyards across the world -- and the wine, in any cabin, is complimentary. Arabian recipes -- served in generous portions -- are prepared with fresh ingredients and varied enough to appeal to different palates. Plus, with 24 hours notice, Etihad can accommodate dietary restrictions. And did we mention the flight attendants' abundant hospitality? Etihad Airways calls the entire experience "inspiring," and passengers agree.

Best Food for Business Class Award goes to …

Austrian Airlines

Winning AirTrax's Passenger's Choice Award for best business-class catering, Austrian Airlines has its meal service down to an art. First, the food comes from DO & CO, a catering company that has upscale restaurants and cafés in cities like London, Munich, New York, Salzburg and Vienna. Then, to make certain the delectable dishes are complimented by the perfect drinks, Austrian Airlines has hired an on-board sommelier to develop wine pairings. And when you need a caffeine kick (and who doesn't on those long international flights?), you get to choose from 11 different types of Austrian Meinl coffee. Plus, there are special meal options for those with dietary restrictions. So, it's not hard to see why Austrian Airlines is popular among business travelers.

Best Food for Premium Economy Class Award goes to …

Air New Zealand

Famous New Zealander chefs and wine connoisseurs preside over Air New Zealand's in-flight menus, which is probably why this airline places first in AirTrax's Passenger's Choice Awards for premium economy-class catering. Fresh New Zealand cuisine -- mainly seafood as well as agricultural products like honey, kiwi and sweet potato -- are served on elegant crockery, designed specifically for the airline. Air New Zealand also takes pride in serving native wines. And children need not go hungry either: There are palatable kid-friendly menus, which include items like pan-fried chicken and spaghetti and meatballs, and food options for infants as well. If you get thirsty or peckish between mealtimes, there's a self-service refreshment bar that contains drinks and snacks.

Best Food for Economy Class Award goes to …

Thai Airways International

When you book an economy class seat on an international flight, you might worry if your TV screen is going to work, if you're going to have any legroom and if the meal trays are going to make you ill. Well, you can scratch the food off your list of worries when you book on Thai Airways International. It wins first place in AirTrax's Passenger's Choice Award for economy-class catering. The airline's frequent flyers appreciate getting a choice for their entrée. Meals often use typical Thai flavors like chili peppers, curry and kaffir lime leaves, but there are plenty of other options for those with dietary restrictions. And lastly (but not least), alcoholic beverages are complimentary.

Best Food All-Around Award goes to …

Turkish Airlines

In AirTrax's Passenger's Choice Awards, Turkish Airlines was the only one to place in the top three for business, premium economy and economy class catering categories. For this reason, it receives our Best All-Around Award. Not only does Turkish Airlines serve beautifully presented and appetizing food, it also caters to passengers with special meal requirements. If you make your food petition at least 24 hours in advance of your international flight, you can request everything from a halal "Muslim Meal" (prepared without pork products or alcohol), a "Vegetarian Raw Meal" (for those who ascribe to the Raw Foods Movement), and even a celebratory meal (served with a cake for birthdays or honeymoons). And did you know that Turkish Airlines passengers always applaud when the plane touches down? Perhaps they're complimenting the chef as well as a safe landing.

Best in the U.S. Award goes to …

Virgin America and United Airlines

Not a single U.S. airline made it into the top spots of AirTrax's Passenger's Choice Awards for catering. Although the expectations are clearly lower on domestic airlines, two U.S. companies do rise above the rest. According to Travel and Leisure'sWorld's Best Awards 2011, Virgin America is travelers' favorite U.S. airline. Its in-flight menu items include a spinach and strawberry salad and an artisan cheese selection, but snacking on-board is going to cost you. You can also open a bar tab and sip everything from Glenlivet Scotch to Alice White chardonnay. United Airlines also earns a spot on this list for its healthfulness. A study by Charles Stewart Platkin of the CUNY School of Public Health at Hunter College names United's cuisine as the most nutritious among all American airline food. But if you're traveling domestically, you'll still have to pay about $9 for one of its calorie-conscious snack boxes.

U.S. News Editors' Choice Award goes to …

AirFrance

Although AirFrance did not rank in the top-three for any of the classes in AirTrax's awards, we give beaucoup applause all the same. In a much smaller Skyscanner survey conducted in 2011, AirFrance ranked as the 10th best airline for food. And in our opinion, the meals served are consistently magnifique. Plus, the airline offers gratis wine, even in its economy class. For flights exceeding two hours and 35 minutes in length, AirFrance also offers vegetarian or kosher options. And you'll never believe what those up in the first class receive: A menu presided over by famed French chefs Joël Robuchon and Guy Martin. Floral arrangements, a special wine list and elegant table settings round out the gourmet experience.