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Sunday, April 30, 2006
Don't Get Fooled by Foreign Lotteries
Greed is not a good thing:
I usually feel sorry for victims of scams, but this kind of greed is hard to sympathize with. Nevertheless, be careful and watch out for these scams.
They say you can't win if you don't play, but when it comes to foreign lotteries, you'll definitely lose. Americans lose tens of millions of dollars this way each year. Crooks running these foreign lotteries typically claim that you've won but tell you that you need to pay the taxes on your jackpot before they can forward it to you. Of course, they ask that you send the check to them. And what about the pesky fact that you never actually entered any foreign lottery? In their eagerness and greed, most victims never even consider that.
I usually feel sorry for victims of scams, but this kind of greed is hard to sympathize with. Nevertheless, be careful and watch out for these scams.
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Control your anger
Jeff Herring from Knight Ridder News Service says:
Most people believe their anger "just happens" in one of two ways: They either can't help themselves or someone or something makes them angry. The reality is, you can help yourself, and no one makes you angry because anger is a choice. Anger is a secondary emotion. In other words, before you feel anger, you have felt something else first. There are three primary emotions or feelings that typically come before anger:
1. Frustration — something has not gone your way, gotten in your way or frustrated you in some other way.
2. Fear — you have been scared by something or you are extremely worried about something.
3. Hurt — your feelings got hurt.
The next time you get angry, pay attention to what you were feeling before it happened. Was it frustration, fear or hurt?
As you get good at identifying which feeling usually comes first for you, you will be able to identify this as your primary anger language. Deal with that emotion first and the need for the anger will diminish or disappear.
Most people believe their anger "just happens" in one of two ways: They either can't help themselves or someone or something makes them angry. The reality is, you can help yourself, and no one makes you angry because anger is a choice. Anger is a secondary emotion. In other words, before you feel anger, you have felt something else first. There are three primary emotions or feelings that typically come before anger:
1. Frustration — something has not gone your way, gotten in your way or frustrated you in some other way.
2. Fear — you have been scared by something or you are extremely worried about something.
3. Hurt — your feelings got hurt.
The next time you get angry, pay attention to what you were feeling before it happened. Was it frustration, fear or hurt?
As you get good at identifying which feeling usually comes first for you, you will be able to identify this as your primary anger language. Deal with that emotion first and the need for the anger will diminish or disappear.
Friday, April 28, 2006
Movie Review: United 93
Rags to Riches in America: Not so easy
America's Rags-to-Riches Dream an Illusion, Says Study:
More and more it feels like the good days are behind us, not ahead of us... unless you're rich already, that is.
The likelihood that a child born into a poor family will make it into the top five percent is just one percent, according to "Understanding Mobility in America," a study by economist Tom Hertz from American University... He also found the United States had one of the lowest levels of inter-generational mobility in the wealthy world, on a par with Britain but way behind most of Europe. "Consider a rich and poor family in the United States and a similar pair of families in Denmark, and ask how much of the difference in the parents' incomes would be transmitted, on average, to their grandchildren," Hertz said. "In the United States this would be 22 percent; in Denmark it would be two percent," he said... Several other experts invited to review his work endorsed the general findings, although they were reticent about accompanying policy recommendations.
More and more it feels like the good days are behind us, not ahead of us... unless you're rich already, that is.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
New Repellants May Slow West Nile
Don't let the bugs bite
Bug and health experts say there's no way to predict whether 2006 will be another bad year for the West Nile virus. But they do say new repellants could help people protect themselves from mosquitoes that carry the disease. The products are made from either of two ingredients approved for use last year, Picaridin and Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus... Picaridin and Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus have been used in other countries for years.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
The timing really sucks
Jordan liked a girl, but she was engaged. Then she broke off her engagement and Jordan dated her. Things went well. But Jordan was planning to move to school in another state. Should he stay or should he go? Seems like a difficult decision, right? Well, luckily for Jordan, he has Lee's advice, and as usual, she nails it! Ask A Real Girl
Children and snoring
"People used to think snoring in children wasn't a problem, it was just cute," said Stuart Tomares, director of Suburban Hospital's pediatric sleep center. "But it's not cute. It can be indicative of a serious disorder." On the mild side, the condition can cause daytime sleepiness and irritability in young children. On the severe end, it can lead to learning disabilities, bed-wetting, heart problems and even stunted growth.I never knew that! More details here.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Naptime Monster
"My otherwise sweet, intelligent and well-behaved toddler becomes an absolute possessed monster at naptime." Ohhh sounds like the beginning of a question for Stacy, our super mom. Check out the full question and answer at Ask A Real Mom.
Learn financial responsibilities
Hip-hop artists on tour to help teenagers learn financial responsibilities:
So, listen to LL Cool J, Nas and singer Alicia Keys as they lead the "Get your Money Right Tour".
Federal Reserve data show that U.S. teens do not know the fundamentals of financial literacy. Gerrod Parchman, of Chrysler Financial, said Americans between the ages of 18 and 24 have the highest rate of bankruptcy.
So, listen to LL Cool J, Nas and singer Alicia Keys as they lead the "Get your Money Right Tour".
Learn financial responsibilities
Hip-hop artists on tour to help teenagers learn financial responsibilities:
So, listen to LL Cool J, Nas and singer Alicia Keys as they lead the "Get your Money Right Tour".
Federal Reserve data show that U.S. teens do not know the fundamentals of financial literacy. Gerrod Parchman, of Chrysler Financial, said Americans between the ages of 18 and 24 have the highest rate of bankruptcy.
So, listen to LL Cool J, Nas and singer Alicia Keys as they lead the "Get your Money Right Tour".
Monday, April 24, 2006
Our hero for the day is...
foxyshewolf. Check out this topic in our Forum to see why.
If it's too good to be true...
Authorities say [mortgage scams] are on the rise as more homeowners find themselves in trouble. That's because buyers tempted by adjustable-rate mortgages back when interest rates were low are now facing much higher payments. That has made them easy prey for unscrupulous lenders. Nationally, more than 323,000 homes were in some stage of foreclosure during the first quarter of this year, up 72 percent from a year ago.
Be informed and suspicious of "miracle" offers. Click here for more details.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Spending addiction
Stuff and more stuff:
We buy too much junk, it's that simple. Money is tight? STOP BUYING STUFF!
American society is the richest in the history of mankind. And the evidence of our wealth is perhaps easiest to see in rampant consumerism: there are twice as many shopping centers as high schools, the average American uses 12,000 shopping bags in a lifetime, and 160,000 TV and computers are discarded everyday.
We buy too much junk, it's that simple. Money is tight? STOP BUYING STUFF!
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Pay attention while driving
Keep your eyes on the road, says study:
A new study lends scientific credence to what many aready suspect: Drivers dabbing on makeup, chatting on cell phones or eating breakfast are three times as likely to be involved in a crash as more attentive motorists... Almost 80 percent of crashes and 65 percent of near-crashes happen within three seconds of some form of driver distraction.Remember, the only thing you should be doing in a car besides paying attention to the road is checking argville.com on your PDA. :)
Friday, April 21, 2006
India's arranged marriages
Our new short story by Ranjit Sinha Roy is outstanding. As he puts it: "A view in orthodox Indian perspective". We're taken into a slice of Indian life that may be quite strange to most westerners, yet is told with fascinating detail. Enjoy The Bloodline at Short Stories.
Sleep and High Blood Pressure
People who get less than six hours of sleep are 60 percent more likely to get high blood pressure. The pattern starts at age 32 but stops at age 60, possibly because people with high blood pressure and other risk factors die out. Theories: 1) Sleep deprivation overworks your heart. 2) It changes your insulin sensitivity and appetite, thereby making you fat. 3) It makes you cranky, gloomy, and impatient, thereby ruining your health habits. Skeptical reactions: 1) Maybe pre-hypertension causes sleep deprivation instead of the other way around. 2) Fat causes a lot more hypertension than sleep deprivation does.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
The going is gonna get tougher
Better start paying attention:
April 19, 2006 — The Bureau of Labor Statistics said in its monthly CPI report out this morning that consumer prices increased by 0.4 percent during March. The closely watched inflation gauge rose slightly more than expected. What's most worrying about this morning's report is the reading of the core rate, which strips out the volatile prices for energy and food. That number came in at +0.3 percent during March, the biggest one-month increase in a year.Say what!? What does that mean? Simple: prices going up, wages coming down, and nothing but war ahead. Tighten your belt because unless you're a millionaire, the going is gonna get tougher. But hey, at least ARGville will continue to be free.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Scientists found an obesity gene
Other obesity genes have been found but are very rare; this one occurs in roughly 10 percent of white and black people. According to researchers, "Those who inherit two copies of the variant, one from each parent, have a 22 percent extra risk of becoming obese." Inheriting one copy alone might increase your risk, but not enough to show up as statistically significant in this study. Since the gene appears to be more than 50,000 years old, researchers figure it became harmful only after something new in our environment, "presumably high-calorie food, interacted with it."
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Sex in the Future
This article talks about what some sex researches see coming in the next few years, one example being this:
The rest if the article is an interesting read.A field dubbed "teledildonics" already allows people at two remote computers to manipulate electronic devices such as a vibrator at the other end for sexual purposes. "People who use it are just blown away," said Steve Rhodes, president of Sinulate Entertainment, which has sold thousands of Internet-connected sex devices over the past three years. "This is not something that just the lunatic fringe does."
Monday, April 17, 2006
Perfect for Daytime TV
Lee answers a question that would make daytime talk shows proud. Ask A Real Girl
Warning for American taxpayers
If you get an e-mail from the IRS saying you need to update your information before you can get a tax refund, DELETE the email -- it's a scam! The IRS does NOT send out any such emails. For more details you can read this article.
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Movie Treatment
Our featured short story is a movie treatment. Not familiar with the term? Find out what it is. Short Stories
Preventing Computer Eyestrain
Americans spend an average of 26 hours a week on their computers at work and at home. While these tools have helped to make the office more productive and the home more entertaining, that glowing box you're staring into for hours on end may be doing damage to your eyes. A recent survey of optometrists found that more than 14 percent of patients complain of symptoms that stem from computer work. These symptoms include headaches, eyestrain, blurry vision, dry and irritated eyes, sensitivity to light and neck or backaches.
This article has some tips that may help.
Saturday, April 15, 2006
How You Like Them Apples?
Michael Jackson... Paul McCartney... The Beatles music catalogue... A whole big mess. Irina shares her thoughts about it all. Pop Culture
Breast Implants Linked to Suicide Risk
If it's not one thing, it's another:
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A new study adds to evidence that while women with breast implants are not at greater risk of breast cancer, they do seem to have an elevated rate of suicide... Some researchers believe the link is explained by higher rates of depression, anxiety and low self-esteem among women who undergo breast augmentation.
Friday, April 14, 2006
The nasty underside of E-harmony
Online dating services are a dime a dozen, each with their own little gimmick. But just about all of them have one thing in common: they take your money up front. As "P" has found out, that's not always a good thing. Singles Center
Does he or doesn't he?
anonymous wants to get back together with her ex-boyfriend, and she thinks her ex might want to get back together too. VictorM rains on her parade. Ask A Real Guy
Bowl and Live Long
CONNERSVILLE, Ind. -- George Blevins bowled his first frame when he was 7 years old -- and he says he hasn't stopped bowling in the 93 years since... Blevins has won the past two national Senior Olympics singles tournaments for the over-75 group... Blevins attributed his health to clean living and bowling. "I try to not act too old," he said.Ack! He had me until the "clean living" part.
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Are you up to helping "mother"?
In the Ask ARGers forum, on the "Sometimes I dont understand him" topic, "mother" posted a cry for help. See, her boyfriend hurts her feelings on purpose. When she complains, he acts as if everything is fine. Got any ideas for "mother"?
McDonald's lying to us again?
They are at it again:
Oh, like there's any doubt it has to do with money! People, try to eat a lot less of that stuff anyway.
Order french fries or hot wings at a McDonald's or a KFC in the United States and you're more likely to get a super-sized helping of artery-clogging trans fats than you would be at their restaurants in some other countries... The researchers said the differences had to do with the type of frying oil used, and the main culprit appeared to be partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, which is high in trans fats... McDonald's Corp., which promised in September 2002 to cut trans fat in half, and KFC parent Yum! Brands Inc. said the explanation is local taste preferences. But nutrition experts and consumer activists said it is about money: Frying oil high in trans fats costs less.
Oh, like there's any doubt it has to do with money! People, try to eat a lot less of that stuff anyway.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Will he fly the coop?
Christie is 31. Her boyfriend is 23 and still in college. He has not proposed. Christie is worried. VictorM is telling her to relax. Do you agree? If you have an opinion, go to Ask A Real Guy and tell Christie what you think.
Breaking the ice
Nikki needs help breaking the ice with this guy she likes. How to get their conversations started and interesting? Lee has some suggestions. If you have something to add, please post a Visitor Comment in the Ask A Real Girl blog.
Soft-drinks causing cancer?
Two soft-drink companies were sued Tuesday by parents complaining that there might be cancer-causing benzene in kids' drinks... They accused Polar Beverages Inc. and In Zone Brands Inc. of not taking steps to keep benzene from forming in their beverages... Benzene, a chemical linked to leukemia, can form in soft drinks containing two ingredients: Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, and either sodium benzoate or potassium benzoate... Atlanta-based In Zone makes BellyWashers, juice drinks that come in reusable bottles featuring Spiderman, Hello Kitty, Scooby Doo and dozens of other well-known characters. Worcester, Mass.-based Polar Beverages makes fruit-flavored sodas and seltzers as well as mixers.More details here.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Lee's Patented Move #326
If you're a guy you must check out Ask A Real Girl today. Lee has advice that is sure to get you the girl... or get you slapped if you do it wrong. But if the girl isn't worth the risk, you're not in love.
Are obese people blind too?
Is this a case of ignorance is bliss or ignorance is illnesses and early death?
Obese people have a blind spot when it comes to their own weight problem, according to a study that showed only 15 percent of people in that category view themselves as obese... "If somebody doesn't perceive themselves to be obese, they are most likely not going to pay attention to any public health information about the consequences of obesity"... The study of 104 adults, ages 45 to 64, showed that only 15 percent of people who fit the body type for obese correctly classified themselves that way... The CDC's [Centers for Disease Control] latest survey reported 71 percent of men are overweight and 31 percent are obese. For women, it's 62 percent overweight and 33 percent obese.People, people, people... easy on the donuts!
Monday, April 10, 2006
Are you good at giving advice?
Tamara's boyfriend won't say he loves her. He just won't utter the words. What is she to make of that? If you have some advice for her, join our Ask ARGers forum.
Brazil: Fountain of Youth?
Brazilian architect Paulo Mendes da Rocha was named the winner of the 2006 Pritzker Architecture Prize on Sunday. He is 78.
Why am I posting this here? Because on an interview with AP, he said this: "As long as I live I'm going to work. I keep myself alive. In Brazil, we're all young."
Ah, such wise words. I don't know about the work part, but the being "all young" part sounds good. Is that why Brazilians are such happy people?
Why am I posting this here? Because on an interview with AP, he said this: "As long as I live I'm going to work. I keep myself alive. In Brazil, we're all young."
Ah, such wise words. I don't know about the work part, but the being "all young" part sounds good. Is that why Brazilians are such happy people?
Sunday, April 09, 2006
Diet Soda relief
From the NY Times:
A large federally financed study done by government researchers at the National Cancer Institute found no link between the consumption of aspartame and elevated risks of brain cancer and blood-related cancers like leukemia. Aspartame is sold under the brand names NutraSweet and Equal and is found in drinks like Diet Coke, Diet Pepsi, Diet Snapple and Sugar Free Kool-Aid... the National Cancer Institute study, which looked at aspartame consumption among about 567,000 people from the ages of 50 to 69 and was presented at a research conference on Tuesday, showed no cause for concern, even among heavy users of aspartame.Diet soda is still crap but at least it won't kill you.
Saturday, April 08, 2006
More tantrums
Stacy continues to address what seems like a common problem: tantrums by children. Join Stacy at Ask A Real Mom for more on this topic.
Friday, April 07, 2006
Good news? Sounds like it.
The FDA on Thursday approved the first skin patch to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children. The patch called Daytrana, designed to be worn for 9 hours, contains methylphenidate, which has been shown to help children with ADHD. It is the same stimulant that is in Ritalin. The patch is made by Noven Pharmaceuticals Inc. of Miami.
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Rough day at work?
Tell us all about it at the ARGville Town Hall Forum. Just come in, register (it's all free) and vent about coworkers, bosses, the cafeteria cook... anybody. Writing about it will make you feel better.
More Women Getting Addicted to Gambling
Gambling seems to have gotten more popular. Not only lotteries, but office pools, online sites, poker, etc. And "Women are by far the fastest at-risk group of problem gamblers, and it's eye-opening to me to see it's you, it's me, it's your neighbor."
It usually starts with something small, some kind of win, and then, far too many women are getting biten by the gambling addiction.
It usually starts with something small, some kind of win, and then, far too many women are getting biten by the gambling addiction.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
How to handle a nasty boss
Sooner or later, you're bound to run into a nasty boss:
Even though supermodel Naomi Campbell's arrest in New York last week for allegedly flinging her BlackBerry at her housekeeper's head is an extreme example of workplace anger, it serves as a reminder of the bully bosses that many people endure daily. You can put an end to the aggression if you're willing to take action for yourself.The article lists several ways to handle different type of nastiness. Some of the advice sounds bland, but there are a few good pointers. Take a look. They might come in handy sometime.
Give us a tip (not the cash kind)
If you read an answer or an article that you find interesting, why not say so in the Visitor Comments section of the respective blog? Our Blog Moderators could use a little encouragement. Thanks.
Corporate Concierge
Here's one way to simplify your life, if you work for a company offering this service:
Modern life can leave many Americans desperate for a little help. Between the office, home and family, there's less time for those nagging little errands like bill paying, dry cleaning, dog walking, ticket buying and oil changing... Enter the corporate concierge. It's a service that helps corporate workers... get household tasks done while they're working.Are people really that busy? I suppose if you can afford it (the article seems to indicate it's a company perk), then why not? But, isn't this what husbands are for? :-P
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Can they find happiness?
He cheated on her, she cheated on him, he went to prison, he came out of prison, he's cheating on her again. Is happiness in their future? Ask A Real Guy has an opinion about it all.
How to post Visitor Comments
Some people are a bit confused, so here's how you do it: Click the "Click to View and Add" link directly below the post you want to add a comment. A window will pop up. Type your comment on the larger white box and choose "Anonymous" and click the [Login and Publish] button. That poorly worded button simply means "Add a Comment" (don't ask me why it doesn't say that.)
You can also choose the "Other" option instead of "Anonymous" and 2 new boxes will come up for your Name and Webpage (optional).
This visitor's comments service sucks. We need a new one! Suggestions?
You can also choose the "Other" option instead of "Anonymous" and 2 new boxes will come up for your Name and Webpage (optional).
This visitor's comments service sucks. We need a new one! Suggestions?
Irritating Phone Users
This came from a very comprehensive cell phone poll:
"Most cell users find their phones very useful, with half keeping them on all the time. But almost nine in 10 say they encounter others using those phones in an annoying way. Only 8 percent of cell users acknowledge their own use of cell phones is sometimes rude."Cell phone users talking in public places gets on my nerves. I never do it! *yarite* Isn't that what everyone says, which is why there's so many people doing it. Do you do it? If yes, STOP IT! If you don't, one of these days someone -- I can't blame them -- is going to shove that phone up your... your... nose?
Monday, April 03, 2006
Here, YOU are the expert
Our intention is to rely more and more on the real world experiences of our visitors as a way to help other visitors. Whether to offer a different perspective or to confirm the one given, please visit the advice blogs and login and publish visitor comments. The more views are presented the better it is for those asking the questions.
I just want to emphasize that your opinions matter a lot to the success of this site. So, if you ever wanted to be a Dear Abby or a Dr. Phil, this is your chance. :)
I just want to emphasize that your opinions matter a lot to the success of this site. So, if you ever wanted to be a Dear Abby or a Dr. Phil, this is your chance. :)
Where US Women Shop the Most
In what states do shoppers spend most for women's clothing?* I bet you've been wondering that question forever, right? Well, here's the answer:
- Connecticut... $975 per household per year
- New Jersey... $948
- Massachusetts... $929
* Source: USA Today
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Zzzzzzzzzzzz
Looks like we have found something new to keep us awake at night -- lack of sleep. After decades that saw fanatical levels of participation in things like jogging, tennis, nutrition, bicycling, rock climbing, and vitamins, we have a new obsession in the block. "Twenty-five years ago everyone started jogging, worried about fitness... Now sleep is having its moment. Ninety percent of your waking health is dependent on your sleep." "Think you have a sleep disorder?" asks the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, which accredits sleep centers, at its Web site, http://www.aasmnet.org/. "Find a sleep center near you!"
Sleeping centers?!?! You heard me. Read the article here.
Sleeping centers?!?! You heard me. Read the article here.
Relationships at work
How can you spot an enemy at work? This article has some good tips.
Saturday, April 01, 2006
It's a Soccer Day
It is a total coincidence that two of our blogs, Funny Pictures and What Boobs!, feature soccer as the topic. I just found out that today is the opening day for the Major League Soccer's 2006 season. Now soccer moms have something else to deal with -- little ones wanting to go see professional soccer games. Have fun you soccer fans.
New Blog Coming Tomorrow
We're introducing a new blog tomorrow. Called "Club a Seal", this blog will be all about the proper way of clubbing seals, the advantages of doing so instead of shooting them, safety measures to take, and the benefits of seal products. This page will have significant relevance to our site because clubbi