Readers Digest (Sat, 08 Jan 2011) - Calibre

[Sat, 08 Jan 2011]
New in RD
Your America
Advice and Know-How
Jokes
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New in RD
7 Key Ways to Making Getting Fired Work for You [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
If you suspect you may be laid off, or the moment has arrived, follow these guidelines for making the most of the situation.
11 More Things Your Mail Carrier Won?t Tell You [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
Letter carriers from around the country reveal the secrets of their job.
A Safer Way to Heal Heartburn [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
Heartburn hurts?but so can overzealous heartburn treatment.
10 Tips for Stopping Dirt at the Door [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
What's the best kind of dirt? The sort that you never allow into your house in the first place.
5 Ways to Control Your Body Language [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
Study these common poses so that you can send the right message.
6 Additions and Subtractions for a Healthier Life [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
From research labs around the world, simple additions and subtractions that just might result in a healthier life.
Learn to Speak Body Language [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
Find out what 10 common poses people often strike indicate about what they are thinking.
Is Agave Syrup Better Than Sugar? [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
Find out the facts about this sweetener.
8 Kitchen Cabinet Makeovers for Weight Loss [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
Don't just say you want to lose weight as your New Year's resolution, make these easy changes to your pantry.
Easy New Year's Resolution: Be Happy! [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
Expecting good things can make you healthier and might even lengthen your life.
Diabetes: What to Do Now [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
Diabetes can shorten your life by as many as 15 years. Here are some important recent findings.
10 Outrageous Markups [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
Where does your money go with these unbelievable markups on common products?
8 Simple Time Saving Search Tricks [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
Instead of taking the long way around, go directly to Google. These tricks let you skip the multistep clicking and sifting that other sites require.
How to Give Back For the Holidays [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
3 ways to keep that spirit of giving alive.
Everything You Need to Know About Surviving a Line [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
Waiting in line is a universally despised experience, but scientists around the world are dedicated to making it less odious.
6 Ways to Handle Prescription Drugs [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
Parents have an enormous impact on their children?s attitudes toward prescription drugs?and the risk that their kids will abuse them. Here?s what experts suggest you do:
The Killers in Your Medicine Cabinet [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
Do these names inspire fear in your heart--Vicodin, Xanax and OxyContin? They should.
Want a Good Relationship? Treat Him Like a Dog [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
Want a more loving marriage? Learn from your pet.
The Story Behind the Holiday Gifts We Give [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
Find out why gift cards may be overrated and fruitcakes are more popular than you think.
5 Memorable Christmas Gift Ideas [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
We all know that finding the perfect gift around the holidays can be overwhelming, but that doesn?t mean you should settle for giving boxers or a yet another Bratz doll. Ensuring
your gift is both personal and meaningful isn?t as hard as you might think. Here are five keepsake gift ideas to ensure your gift sees more than the inside of a closet, stomach or
dusty shelf.
7 Quick Fixes for Minor Burns, Bumps and Bruises [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
Use these common household objects for minor annoyances.
Can Your Heart Handle Christmas? [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
Holidays can be a dangerous time for people who have heart disease. In fact Christmas has the highest rate of cardiac death. Find out what you should know about heart attacks.
5 Pro Secrets for Fast Cleanups [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
Simple tips for easier cleaning anywhere in your home.
13 Things You Didn't Know About Christmas Traditions [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
Discover the meaning of different holiday traditions around the world.
6 Kitchen Cabinet Cures for Indigestion [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
Indigestion symptoms are especially easy to tame by employing easy home remedies.
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7 Key Ways to Making Getting Fired Work for You

If you suspect you may be laid off, or the moment has arrived, follow these guidelines for
making the most of the situation.
1. Ask for a reference
How crazy is it to ask somebody who has just fired you to provide a reference for your next job? Under the circumstances, what are your chances of
getting a positive one? Well, it's certainly not crazy and the chances of walking out with a decent reference are better than you might think. In fact,
it's always worth trying to negotiate some sort of reference before you empty out your desk or locker and leave. Securing some sort of reference will
help to diffuse any worries you may have about explaining your exit to prospective future employers.
And here's the good news. These days, employers are so worried about possible legal issues that can result from giving a poor reference that you'll
find they're generally very limited on detail. They will often just confirm your job title and dates of employment – and only occasionally give details of
reasons for leaving. So unless you've been fired for gross misconduct – in other words, you've done something really bad, such as harassing a
colleague – your employers will be loath to say anything negative about you in a reference.
Many companies are happy to say they will provide a good reference in order to get you to sign on the dotted line of a severance package that suits
them. Then the reference is soon forgotten about.
But, be wary of references containing "back-handed compliments." Employers are adept at reading between the lines, and are sure to pick up on
any hint of a scandal. Vet your references carefully.
2. Approach a friendly manager

If the company itself won't provide a reference, seek out a supervisor, a manager in another department with whom you worked regularly and well,
or a respected veteran. Even if that person cannot go on record with a formal letter on your behalf, he or she may agree to be listed as a reference
and may be happy to speak well of you if telephoned by a prospective employer.
3. Quit before you're fired

You may remember the old cliché: "You can't fire me, because I quit!" This line is usually heard in films, when a character says it to save their pride.
But in real life, resigning before it gets to an unpleasant dismissal does make more sense if you're truly dissatisfied with your job. Your boss may
have noticed something you haven't – that your performance has been suffering recently. The real forbidden knowledge in this case may be
something you're keeping from yourself – that deep down inside, you know you're slacking because, frankly, you hate your job. You may even
subconsciously want to be fired. If that's the case, the solution is to start looking for another job right away. Don't just resign; the best time to look for
a new job is when you already have one. You will then retain the security of a regular salary coming in, and still be out there in the working world with
all its energy and useful connections, instead of making phone calls from the isolation of your kitchen table. Don't feel guilty about looking while
you're working; in fact, it's likely that you'll be doing your current job far better, fueled with new energy because you have finally made a constructive
decision about your future. Be honest with prospective employers about your current situation. And do tell your current boss about your plans, too –
but not straight away. First decide what you're really looking for. Then send out a batch of resumes and wait until you've had favorable responses
and the prospect of a job offer before breaking the news. Your boss may be hurt or even angry, but if your poor performance and attitude have been
noticed, he or she may also be relieved that the situation is moving towards a solution that won't include a messy dismissal.
4. Ask for a promotion

Here's a variation on your preemptive dodge-the-axe strategy. After you've done some soul-searching, you decide that you're so dissatisfied with
your job that resigning is the best solution. Your next move is to march straight into the boss's office – not to say you're leaving, but to air your
grievances. Say how you feel, state clearly what you want and ask what plans, if any, the company really has for your future in the company. What
have you got to lose?
You may wonder why you should bother to take this approach, if you're thinking of leaving anyway. Well, it's because that's the best time to do it.
Voicing your desires provides a context when you do give notice and may even help to make what you're seeking much clearer in your own mind,
as you look for a new job. But be aware that your employer may be sympathetic to your problems and offer to help to improve your conditions of
employment. You may end up not resigning after all. Sometimes an employer has no idea that you have any difficulties with your job and, if your
work is satisfactory and valued, may make an effort to accommodate your concerns. And if you're not valued enough for them to do that, then you'll
know that your decision to leave was certainly the right one.
5. Is legal action the answer?

Do you have any legal redress if you are dismissed from your job? The answer depends on two key issues – why you were fired and how you were
fired.
Firstly, why did you lose your job? A person who does something obviously wrong – such as embezzlement – may not have much to complain about
if they are sacked. On the other hand, some reasons for dismissal are clearly unlawful – such as racism – and legal action can be taken. But what of
those who are fired because they made a few mistakes too many? Or simply because they did not fit the "company culture." Can they seek
redress? The second issue governs how people can be dismissed. Depending on the situation, there may be a requirement to give a certain
number of warnings before dismissal can take place. If you are a union member, ask them for advice as to your rights. Alternatively, seek advice
from a lawyer experienced in employment law.
6. Turn getting fired into an asset
The moment of truth has arrived – when an interviewer asks you why you left your previous job. Don't panic. You can handle it if you know what the
people interviewing you are really thinking. Prospective employers are not interested in being your judge and jury, nor are they interested in
rescuing your career. All they're trying to ascertain is if there's a problem or not with your attitude and approach to your work.
Don't plead your case. Don't try to defend yourself with detailed complaints about what "they" did to you. Don't be morose or express anger or
bitterness over the situation. And, most important of all, don't badmouth anybody. All that you will accomplish with such defensive behavior is to
convince your would-be employer that the business of your dismissal is still festering. They may be worried that this may affect the way you handle
all future business dealings.
Instead, compose a carefully considered response, well in advance of your interview. Spend some time putting together three or four sentences that
sum up how you have dealt with, understood and moved on from your dismissal. Rehearse this little speech over and over again, until it begins to
sound believable and will leave the interviewer wondering how you could have possibly stayed on in your job under the circumstances you describe.
Close with something like this: "It was one of those unfortunate situations that was bound to end in a parting of company, and they took action
before I did. I realize now that I should have expressed my own concerns about the job, instead of letting things fester, but I've learned from the
experience." If you put this type of positive spin on the situation, a prospective employer will usually accept it and may even be impressed by your
ability to handle problems and to learn something from them.
7. Ashamed? Get over it

You might never have imagined that someone as skilled and talented as you could possibly be without paid employment for an extended period of
time. What's more, the idea of filing for unemployment benefits makes you feel uneasy. It's as if you're asking for a handout, when you're not actually
destitute. Get past that mental block. If your car or your home got damaged, you would happily accept money from your insurance company to cover
any necessary repairs and other problems that arise. Unemployment benefits are just another form of insurance. Anyway, you've been contributing
your hard-earned cash – year after year, while you were gainfully employed – to the funds from which any benefits you receive are drawn. So don't
feel embarrassed about accepting what's on offer. Take it with a clean conscience – after all, you've worked hard for it.
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/home-garden/7-key-ways-to-making-getting-fired-work-for-you/article187612.html
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11 More Things Your Mail Carrier Won’t Tell You

Letter carriers from around the country reveal the secrets of their job.
By Michelle Crouch
1. Most of us love our jobs and the people we serve. I met my wife and my best friend because I was their letter carrier.
2. We go to great lengths to deliver to every address, no matter how remote. That’s why, in the most rural areas, even UPS and FedEx rely on
us to make their final deliveries.
3. Those plants around your mailbox are beautiful, but I’d like them better if you kept them trimmed back.
4. Is it hot enough for me? The heat index is 110 degrees. What do you think? (Instead of asking that, offer me a cold drink.)
5. Despite the “neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night” motto, we’re instructed not to deliver to a mailbox if the snow and ice
around it isn’t cleared. Most of us take the motto to heart, though, and do our best to deliver in even the most hazardous conditions.
6. I have people who leave a letter in their box and tape 44 cents in change to it. I’ll take it, but the next day I’ll be waiting in line like everyone
else to buy you a stamp.
7. One day while delivering to a woman who had been very sick, her daughter met me by the mailbox and asked me if I wanted to say goodbye
to her mom. She was unconscious and didn’t know that I was there, but I held her hand and said a silent prayer for her and her family. It wasn’t
even an hour later when another customer met me at his door. He was a new father, overjoyed, telling me that his wife had just given birth to his
son. The whole cycle of life, in just one day.
8. It’s a small thing that makes my job so much easier: Please park your car in the driveway instead of in front of the mailbox.
9. If a letter has your name but the number is wrong and it gets to you, thank your carrier. We still sort our mail before we hit the street.
10. If your carrier walks his route, it would be nice if you would sweep or shovel your stairs when it snows.
11. Sometimes, when my wife and I are shopping or out to dinner, I ask if they give discounts to people in the “service.” They usually say
“yes,” then ask “What branch are you in?” I reply, “postal.” I usually get a funny look and a little snicker... I guess that means I’m just going to have to
wait for my senior citizens discount.
Sources: Letter carriers in Missouri, New Jersey, and North Carolina; Fredric Rolando, president of the National Association of Letter Carriers;
and a spokesman for the U.S. Postal Service.
PLUS:
Lessons From the Recession: 10 Things We Learned in 2010
10 Best Places to Buy a Home in 2011
5 Scams to Avoid in the New Year
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/your-america-inspiring-people-and-stories/11-more-things-your-mail-carrier-wont-tell-

you/article187841.html

A Safer Way to Heal Heartburn

Heartburn hurts—but so can overzealous heartburn treatment.
Heartburn hurts—but so can overzealous heartburn treatment. That’s the takeaway from a recent collection of studies in the Archives of Internal
Medicine, which looked at the risks of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)—the powerful drugs that shut off production of stomach acid. They’re effective
but overused: 113 million prescriptions for it are filled each year, and that doesn’t include over-the-counter versions of Prilosec and Prevacid. The
researchers found that hospital patients who take a PPI are more likely to be infected with Clostridium difficile, a dangerous superbug. For older
women, long-term use ups the odds of breaking a bone. And previous studies have shown it increases the likelihood of catching pneumonia.
What you should do Start with less-powerful drugs: antacids (like Tums) and acid blockers (like Tag-amet). Don’t forget such lifestyle changes as
losing weight and eating smaller meals, which can make a huge difference. And consider home remedies—they can be very effective, say Joe and
Teresa Graedon, the pharmacologist–medical anthropologist pair who make up the People’s Pharmacy. Their favorites:
1. Gum. It gets saliva flowing, which can prevent stomach acid from burning your esophagus.
2. Ginger. The root is a traditional stomach soother, so try a bit of candied ginger or a cup of ginger tea. For tea, grate the root, steep in hot water,
and strain.
3. Mustard. "This is going to sound wacko, but we’ve heard from many People’s Pharmacy readers that a teaspoon of yellow mustard alleviates
heartburn," Teresa Graedon says. "We haven’t heard that any of the fancy mustards work, so stick with the cheap stuff."
4. Almonds. Munch two or three after a meal. "I have no idea why," Graedon says, "but it might help and won’t hurt."
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/living-healthy/a-safer-way-to-heal-heartburn/article187691.html

10 Tips for Stopping Dirt at the Door

What's the best kind of dirt? The sort that you never allow into your house in the first
place.
From How to Clean Just About Everything
What's the best kind of dirt? The sort that you never allow into your house in the first place. That's dirt in its proper place – dirt that you don't have to
clean up. It's much easier to head off a problem before it takes root, than to fix it after the damage is done. So here's lots of advice on how to stop
dirt in its tracks.
1. Keep dirt on the mat

Actually, what you want to do is stop the dirt in your tracks – specifically, on the soles of your shoes. There are other ways that dirt gets in – and in
particular, you may be thinking of dirt that comes through the air and open windows – but what you bring in on your feet is of far greater significance.
So use doormats at every entrance to your home, inside and out. Most of the grime in your home comes from the outside, the bulk of it coming in
unnoticed on shoes that don't appear to be either muddy or dirty.
2. Choosing the right doormat

Choosing the right doormat will reduce the time you spend cleaning and chasing down dirt. The key here is the size of your mat. For a mat to work
thoroughly, it has to be longer than a typical stride. A mat should be long enough so that you can walk across with both feet before entering the
house, with the width no wider than the door itself. So people coming into the house literally walk along it, shifting off dirt onto the mat as they do so.
Acrylic with either a vinyl or rubber backing is the best choice for an indoor mat as you'll be able to vacuum or shake it outside to get rid of the dirt.
Buy one that will coordinate with your décor, but several shades darker. That way, it will hide the worst of the dirt. Mats for outside your door are
usually made of rubber. If you live in the country, or have a driveway that gets very muddy, keep a wire rack underneath the mat. This will be handy if
your family or guests need to scrape mud from their boots or shoes before they enter the house.
3. Floor mats also are a good idea

Floor mats also are a good idea near high-traffic or spill-prone spots such as the fridge, the bath and the toilet. However, you should always weigh
up whether you might slip or trip on a rug, plus how you view its appearance. So most people choose not to have a mat in front of the kitchen sink. It
doesn't look good and there's a risk you could trip, possibly when carrying hot liquids.
4. Doormats need minimal maintenance

Just take them outside occasionally and give them a good shake to remove the dust as well as a once-over with the vacuum cleaner now and then.
5. When mats are really grimy

When mats are really grimy, hose them down and scrub them with a squirt of liquid soap in warm water. Rinse and allow to thoroughly air-dry. If you
prefer, upholstery shampoo is also fine. Make sure the mats are completely dry before you put them back on the floor. Moisture trapped underneath
could damage your floors. Replace mats when they get threadbare, as worn ones are less effective at trapping dirt.
6. To reduce the dirt entering your house

To reduce the dirt entering your house, limit the number of entrances that are used. This way, you'll cut down on the places where people and pets
can walk dirt in. And if most people enter your house through a room that has an easy-wipe floor, most of the grime will never make it past first base
and into the rest of your home.
7. Make your house a shoeless zone

Make your house a shoeless zone for everyone. Politely ask family members, guests and friends to shed their shoes just inside the entrance.
Provide a decorative basket or some other receptacle where people can stash their shoes.
8. Design to reduce grime

It's not every day that you buy new furniture or redecorate the kitchen or bathroom. But when you do, choose the fabrics and surfaces wisely. Always
think as you buy, "will this increase the work I have to do around the home?"
Laminate and solid wood floors almost look the same, but only one needs waxing and refinishing. The laminate mostly just needs a vacuum. For
kitchen worktops, you'll find that solid surfaces – rather than tiles, and in particular, small tiles – don't have grooves and indentations where dirt can
gather. Over time, curtains and blinds can become magnets for dust and cobwebs. Instead of dust-catching materials, choose fabrics treated with a
stain-and-dust-resistant finish, or treat the fabric yourself with a product such as Scotchguard fabric protector, following package instructions.
9. Close your doors

Dirt just likes to travel. It's happiest when it can roam freely all over your home, hiding in nooks and crannies where it's most labor-intensive to find
and remove. So stop dirt at the borders. That is, habitually keep your doors, drawers, cabinets, wardrobes and other barriers closed. This will keep
dirt out in the open, where vacuum cleaners and cleaning cloths will be able to deal with it more readily.
If you're working on a messy, dust-producing project in the house, keep the doors to the room you're working in closed. Better yet, hang plastic
sheeting across the door and any air vents to confine the dust to one room.
Periodically wash Venetian blinds and other dirt-trapping window coverings such as net curtains. Remember that dirt loves company and acts as a
magnet for more.
10. Smart tricks for pets

Any pet with easy access to the garden will bring plenty of the great outdoors in on its coat and paws. Keeping your dogs and cats clean, and
taking preventative measures when you know they have got especially dirty, will reduce the amount of dirt they can bring into your house.
1. Keep a clean rag by the door that your pet uses so that you'll be more likely to remember to wipe off muddy, wet paws and claws before your
beloved animal makes unsightly tracks through the whole house.
2. Once a week, take your dog outside and give its fur a good going-over with the type of brush recommended for its coat. Do this well away from
the house, so that the tufts won't tumble back inside.
3. The miracle way to lift pet hair from furniture and other surfaces is to wipe with a damp sponge or cloth. The hair will gather in clumps, and onto
your cloth. An excellent alternative is a lightly-dampened rubber glove, rubbed quickly back and forth. It will pick up bundles of hair. Or you could use
one of those special rubber brushes with nubs on it that is intended for grooming cats and finer-haired dogs (available at pet shops).
4. Nothing beats your vacuum cleaner for pulling pet hair out of your rugs and carpets. If you have a number of pets or an animal that sheds a great
deal, it could be worth considering a vacuum cleaner which has been specially designed to deal with fur. Typically they have greater suction power
for sucking up fur and special filters for trapping potential allergens.
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/home-garden/10-tips-for-stopping-dirt-at-the-door/article187588.html

5 Ways to Control Your Body Language

1. How to signal concentration
To indicate that you are concentrating on what another person is saying, strike a "thinker's pose." Cross your arms, then place the fingers of one
hand on your chin, with the thumb pointing down, and the index finger pointing up.
2. How to conceal your hand
After being dealt strong hands, card players often extend and touch their index fingers together while keeping the remaining fingers entwined.
Beware of an opponent who strikes this pose — and try not to do it yourself.
3. How to show interest
In a job interview, project interest and enthusiasm by sitting up straight in your chair and looking directly into the interviewer's eyes. In a less formal
situation, lean forward to indicate that you're interested in what the other person is saying.
4. How to gain someone's trust
To gain someone's trust or to provide reassurance, pat that person's arm gently or put a hand on his shoulder. In a business situation, physical
contact may not be welcomed by another person, especially one of the opposite sex. In this situation, smile reassuringly or shake hands firmly.
5. How to be safe.
When walking along urban streets, especially those that might be dangerous, keep your back straight, your shoulders back, and your head up. Walk
briskly. This demeanor projects alertness and makes you less likely to be a target for crime.
Plus: Find out what someone's body language is telling you.

This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/home-garden/5-ways-to-control-your-body-language/article187508.html

6 Additions and Subtractions for a Healthier Life

From research labs around the world, simple additions and subtractions that just might
result in a healthier life.
From research labs around the world, simple additions and subtractions that just might result in a healthier life.
More:
Blueberries. In a recent study, obese volunteer slowered their diabetes risk by drinking a smoothie loaded with blueberries twice a day. The
blueberries increased insulin sensitivity, which helps keep blood sugar levels healthy. And another study, in mice, suggested the fruit can help
prevent hardening of the arteries.
Massages. In a small study, people who got a Swedish massage showed an increase in certain immune cells, possibly giving the immune system
a tune-up.
Rinsing in the dentist’s chair. A dental sealant is an effective cavity preventive for kids, say researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, but
some types of sealant may release bisphenol A (BPA) for a short time after it’s applied. If your child gets this treatment, make sure he or she rinses
for 30 seconds afterward.
Less:
Sleep deprivation. Dieters who got 8.5 hours of sleep nightly lost 56 percent more body fat than they did when eating the same diet but getting just
5.5 hours of sleep a night.
Cocktails as you get older. Among older volunteers walking on a treadmill, two alcoholic drinks doubled the likelihood that they would trip over a
sudden obstacle.
Skipping the mittens. According to a recent British study, for every 1.8° (Fahrenheit) drop in outdoor temperature, your risk of having a heart
attack in the next 28 days rises 2 percent. It’s not clear whether bundling up will prevent that increase in heart danger, the researchers say
(shoveling snow may account for some of it). But dressing appropriately can’t hurt—and it may help.
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/living-healthy/6-additions-and-subtractions-for-a-healthier-life/article187694.html

Learn to Speak Body Language

Find out what 10 common poses people often strike indicate about what they are thinking.
Find out what 10 common poses people often strike indicate about what they are thinking. Plus, learn five ways to control your own body language.
Body language — the physical expression of thoughts and feelings — can sometimes convey messages more eloquently than the spoken word.
Here are a few common movements that can help you easily decipher what others may be thinking, as well as master your own telltale body
language.
Body language:
Crossed legs or arms
What it may mean:
May indicate discomfort or defensiveness
Body language:
Picking dust or lint from clothes
What it may mean:
May indicate a lack of interest or an objection to what is being said
Body language:
Frequent fingering of a collar or touching the neck
What it may mean:
May show lying, shyness, or nervousness
Body language:
Blushing
What it may mean:
May indicate shyness or embarrassment
Body language:
Hands behind the head, leaning far back in a chair
What it may mean:
May signal arrogance; an "I'm in charge" attitude
Body language:
Hands on hips, legs astride
What it may mean:
A "don't-mess-with me" pose
Body language:
Darting eyes
What it may mean:
May indicate shyness or lying
Body language:
Fidgeting with a button or twisting a ring around a finger
What it may mean:
May indicate discomfort or shyness
Body language:
Open arms
What it may mean:
May indicate a receptive attitude
Body language:
Mirroring the behavior of someone else
What it may mean:
A sign of interest or physical attraction
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/home-garden/learn-to-speak-body-language/article187504.html

Is Agave Syrup Better Than Sugar?

Find out the facts about this sweetener.
By Janis Graham
Claim: Agave nectar or syrup—made from the sap of a succulent Mexican plant—is a “healthier” alternative to sugar. You can find agave in
squeeze bottles at supermarkets next to the honey, or online in a huge array of flavors such as maple, blueberry, hazelnut, and cappuccino. It’s also
used as an ingredient in beverages, energy bars, and baked goods.
Truth: “Agave syrup is no better for you than other sweeteners,” says Nora Saul, RD, a certified diabetes educator and licensed dietitian at Joslin
Diabetes Center in Boston. It has more calories—20 per teaspoon—than table sugar and actually ranks lower in disease-fighting antioxidants than
many other natural sweeteners, including honey and maple syrup. What about the claim that agave is a better choice for diabetics? The Glycemic
Research Institute in Washington, D.C., recently rescinded the “diabetic friendly” seal it had given to agave after studies revealed some products
caused severe blood sugar swings. (Some were mixed with high-fructose corn syrup, which was not disclosed on the label.) So enjoy agave for its
unique flavor, but “limit your intake for good health,” says Saul.
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/living-healthy/is-agave-syrup-better-than-sugar/article187695.html

8 Kitchen Cabinet Makeovers for Weight Loss

Don't just say you want to lose weight as your New Year's resolution, make these easy
changes to your pantry.
Don't just say you want to lose weight as your New Year's resolution, make these easy changes to your pantry.
1. Portion nuts in snack-sized bags. Sure, you know that nuts are a healthy snack — we've certainly recommended eating these crunchy taste
treats often enough throughout this book. Here's yet another reason to make them a snacking habit: A study from the City of Hope National Medical
Center found that overweight people who ate a moderate-fat diet containing almonds lost more weight than a control group that didn't eat nuts.
Really, any nut will do.
But if you're unaware of how many nuts you're eating, you could end up gaining weight instead of losing it. The appropriate serving size for nuts is 1
ounce, or about 200 calories, depending on the nut. To keep yourself from mindlessly nibbling more than you need, do this: When you buy nuts,
open the container and put handful-sized portions into ziplock snack or sandwich bags. And by handful, we mean the amount of nuts you can hold in
the palm of your hand with your fingers closed. Then, limit yourself to a serving or two a day.
2. Buy the smaller size. It's a fact that the larger the portion in front of you, the more you'll eat. When researchers sent 79 parents home with a
movie and either 1- or 2-pound bags of M&Ms along with either a medium or jumbo tub of popcorn for each family member, they ate more M&Ms
from the 2-pound bag than from the 1-pound bag and about half a tub of popcorn, regardless of the tub size. Though we're certainly not promoting
M&Ms as a weight-loss food (we sincerely wish we could), we do recommend ordering the small bag of popcorn when you're at the movies and
buying single-serving — sized snack food packs instead of jumbo sizes. The extra money you might save buying larger sizes isn't worth derailing
your weight-control efforts.
3. Stock these three cans. Canned beans, corn, and tomatoes stretch higher calorie dishes and also combine to make yummy, low-cal meals.
Try these great ideas:
Add a can each of corn, garbanzo beans, and plum tomatoes to your pasta salad recipe. You'll boost the salad's texture and flavor, and as a
bonus, you'll be able to eat more salad for just a few more calories. As a double bonus, you'll get healthy amounts of fiber and important
nutrients.
Toss a can of light tuna with a can of white beans. Add a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze or two of lemon, and a sprinkle of oregano.
Mix a can of kidney or black beans with a can of corn, and add some canned salsa and a few shots of hot sauce for a tasty lunch.
Simmer a can of Italian plum tomatoes with a little garlic for a superfast pasta sauce. Serve over 1 cup of whole-wheat pasta.
4. Pull a caper in your kitchen. You can add oodles of flavor to many foods — for next to no calories — by keeping capers and anchovies in your
pantry. Since richly flavored foods are more satisfying than bland foods, you can eat less without feeling deprived. Capers are the tiny pickled buds
that give a great zing to bean, tuna, and salmon salads. Rinse before using. And even if you think you don't like anchovies, try adding a few, well-
minced, to chicken or tuna salads and tomato sauces. For a delicious low-cal pasta, simmer a large can of Italian plum tomatoes with a can of light
tuna, minced garlic, a pinch of dried red pepper flakes, and a few minced anchovies for a few minutes. Serve over whole-wheat pasta. Omega-3
alert: Anchovies are a rich source of this heart-healthy fat.
5. Use nonfat powdered milk in coffee. You get the nutritional benefits of skim milk, which is high in calcium and low in calories. And powdered
milk doesn't dilute coffee the way liquid milk does. And it's far lower in calories and fat than half-and-half.
6. Eat cereal for breakfast five days a week. Studies find that people who eat cereal for breakfast every day are much less likely to be obese
and have diabetes than those who don't. They also take in more vitamins, fiber, and calcium — and less fat — than people who eat other breakfast
foods. Of course, that doesn't mean reaching for the ultrasweet kid choices (which is as unhealthy for them as it is for you, by the way). Instead,
serve a high-fiber, low-sugar cereal like Kashi GoLean, Total, or Grape-Nuts. To sweeten, add berries (fresh or dried) or sliced banana. And check
the package to see what is considered a single portion size. For many dry cereals, a healthy serving is just 1 cup — but many adults pour out at
least twice that amount.
7. Have oatmeal on the weekends. You may not have time on weekday mornings to cook a bowl of oatmeal, so weekends are ideal for enjoying
this satisfying, nutrition-rich breakfast. An especially toothsome, stick-to-the-ribs choice is steel-cut Irish oats. Oats are packed with unique
compounds, like beta-glucan, which helps lower cholesterol and stabilizes blood sugar, and potent antioxidants called avenanthramides, which
reduce heart attack risk. Oats also pack a healthy 4 grams of fiber and just 150 calories per 1-cup serving. Best of all, a bowl of oatmeal keeps you
feeling fuller longer, so you're better able to resist food cravings between breakfast and lunch.
8. Spice it up! Use hot sauce, salsa, cayenne, and Cajun seasonings instead of relying on butter and creamy or sugary sauces. Besides providing
lots of flavor with no fat and few calories, many of these spicy seasonings turn up your digestive fires, causing your body to temporarily burn more
calories. What's more, capsaicin, the ingredient that puts the fire in hot peppers, can put the chill on your appetite. For a surprising taste treat,
sprinkle a little cayenne pepper over air-popped popcorn.
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/living-healthy/8-kitchen-cabinet-makeovers-for-weight-loss/article187659.html

Easy New Year's Resolution: Be Happy!

Expecting good things can make you healthier and might even lengthen your life.
By Meryl Davids Landau
Expecting good things can make you healthier and might even lengthen your life, says researcher Suzanne Segerstrom, PhD, author of Breaking
Murphy’s Law. Segerstrom is coauthor of a recent review of studies on the benefits of a positive attitude—and has experienced them herself. We
asked her about optimism’s principles and payoffs.
1) Feeling well helps when you’re not well.

“When researchers look at people who have similar medical conditions, they can predict who’s likely to live longer: the one who feels his health is
better. There’s something about that feeling of wellness that’s important, even—maybe especially—if you’re ill. Optimism also seems to help buffer
you against stress. I’ve been studying first-year law students for 16 years. That’s a very stressed group, but in my most recent study, each time a
student’s optimism increased one point on a five-point scale, his immune response to an injected virus or yeast improved by 20 percent.”
2) Optimism is something you do.

“Anxiety and other negative emotions are known to be detri-mental to the body, especially to your cardiovascular and immune systems, and having
an optimistic nature seems to protect against those effects.
In addition, research shows that people who are optimistic about their future behave differently. They exercise more, are less likely to smoke, and
follow a better diet. And if they get sick, they’re more apt to actively participate in their treatment. I’ve seen that myself—I have back pain from
arthritis, but I think my willingness to do whatever it takes has helped a lot.”
3) Not happy? Don’t worry.

“Happiness is a feeling; optimism is a belief that aspects of your future will turn out well. Happiness can fluctuate a lot, but an optimistic disposition
is usually pretty stable. If you’re not optimistic, you can try creating a ‘positive events’ log. Good things happen to everyone, but pessimists often
don’t take notice; spending a few minutes every day writing about at least three positive things may help you expect them more often. Or instead of
trying to be optimistic, do what optimists do: Work hard to reach your goals. Each accomplishment should make it easier to be hopeful about the
next one.”
Depending on which study you read, optimists …
...are 9 percent less likely to develop heart disease.
...are only 77 percent as likely to be rehospitalized after some types of major surgery.
...have blood pressure that’s five points lower, on average.
...live an average of 9.5 years longer.

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Diabetes: What to Do Now

Diabetes can shorten your life by as many as 15 years. Here are some important recent
findings.
Diabetes can shorten your life by as many as 15 years. Michael Dansinger, MD, assistant professor at Tufts University School of Medicine and host
of the diabetes community at WebMD, shares important recent findings:
1. You should take it personally. “About 35 percent of all adults have diabetes or prediabetes, and most people with prediabetes don’t know it. If
you’re over 45, have parents or siblings with the disease, and can grab a handful of fat on your belly, ask your doctor about getting a blood-sugar
test.”
2. Surgery can help. “If you have type 2 diabetes and can’t get your blood-sugar numbers down, the most reliable treatment is bariatric surgery,
such as gastric bypass. And I say that even though I usually recommend lifestyle changes first! Studies this year have shown that 80 percent of
people with diabetes who have this surgery end up with normal blood-sugar levels and can stop taking medication. You don’t have to be severely
obese to benefit. If you’re five foot three and 200 pounds—or five foot ten and 240—you qualify.”
3. We know the worst diet. “It turns out that blood-sugar levels stay high longer after starchy or sugary meals that are also high in fat. The Ornish
diet says don’t eat fat with your carbs. The Atkins diet says don’t eat carbs with your fat. They may both be right. It’s like guns and bullets: Neither
one alone is lethal, but together, they can wreak havoc. This explains why so many different kinds of diets can help with diabetes: You benefit if they
restrict fat or carbs or both.”
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/living-healthy/diabetes-what-to-do-now/article187692.html

10 Outrageous Markups
Where does your money go with these unbelievable markups on common products?
From AOL's walletpop.com
Know before you spend. A few helpful calculations:
1. Bottled water: 4,000 percent markup
2. Text messages: 6,000 percent markup.

A typical text message costs you 20 cents and the phone company 0.3 cents to transmit, according to the Chicago Tribune. If the phone company
applied text-message rates to a short phone call, you'd pay $120 for the call.
3. Movie theater popcorn: 1,275 percent markup
4. Brand-name drugs: 200 to 3,000 percent markup
5. Hotel minibar: 400 percent markup
6. Coffee on the go: 300 percent markup. A $3 cup made by a barista costs 25 cents at home.
7. Wine at a restaurant: 300 percent markup
8. Greeting cards: 200 percent markup
9. In-room hotel movies: 200 percent markup
10. Precut produce: 40 percent markup
PLUS:
Top Ways to Waste Money
Riskiest Places to Disclose Your Social Security Number
8 Things to Pay For No Matter What
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/home-garden/10-outrageous-markups/article187664.html

8 Simple Time Saving Search Tricks

Instead of taking the long way around, go directly to Google. These tricks let you skip the
multistep clicking and sifting that other sites require.
1. What’s playing at the multiplex? “Movies in” + your ZIP code gets you the list.
2. Where’s my package? If you have the UPS, FedEx, or post office tracking code, type it in and you’ll have your answer.
3. Is it time to pick up Granny at LaGuardia, or can I wrap another present? Skip the unfriendly skies of an airline’s website. Type in the
airline and a flight number and get the status.
4. Am I rich yet? The stock-ticker symbol and “stock” brings up the price of a share.
5. A pint is how many ounces? A dollar is how many euros? Fifteen hundred yards is how many miles? “Pint in ounces,” “dollar in euros,” or
“1,500 yards in miles” gets you the conversions you need (16 ounces, 0.72 euros, and 0.85 miles).
6. Do I need an umbrella or snowshoes? “Weather” and your ZIP code tells you how to dress appropriately.
7. Who won? Type in the name of your baseball or football team and Google lets you know the score.
8. What time is it in Paris? “Paris time” tells you whether they’re eating croissants at breakfast or croque-monsieurs at lunch.
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How to Give Back For the Holidays

3 ways to keep that spirit of giving alive.
By Sara Dunham
“I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.” –Maya Angelou
If giving of oneself is the ultimate gift, families have more of an opportunity than ever before to spread the wealth. Everyone has a little extra time
and money, whether they know it or not. But taking the time out to volunteer at the local soup kitchen, distribute holiday meals to the hungry or
bargain hunt for the items on a struggling family’s wish list can mean the difference between a merry Christmas and an unforgettable one. Here are
a few tips from Savings.com's DealPros to help your family make another’s holiday season bright!
1. The Greatest Gifts Aren’t “Things”
For some, it’s the intangibles that mean the most. “Consider giving of your time as well,” says Savings.com DealPro Claire Diaz Ortiz of the blog
Saving Money Plan. Finding time in our hectic holiday schedules for volunteering can be tough, but the payoff is well worth the effort. “One of the
great benefits of the holidays is spending time with family – why not spend some time with your family in a volunteering capacity?” Diaz Ortiz says.
The holidays are the perfect time to reinforce the values we try to teach our children throughout the year. “By encouraging an ‘others first’ mentality
and opening their eyes to the true needs of the community, they are better able to distinguish and learn the difference between ‘need’ and ‘want’,”
says DealPro Jennifer Schmidt of Balancing Beauty and Bedlam, whose family spends Christmas delivering meals to refugee families in her area.
“How can we not take the time to help?” she says.
2. The Need Is Year-Round
Charitable giving reaches its height during the holidays but savvy shoppers can add to their stockpile of donations throughout the year. Bargains
are often at their best just after the holidays, when clearance racks are crowded with end of season specials. “Now is the time to clear out that
stockpile and bless others with the abundance,” says DealPro Jennie Sanford, who runs the blog Bargain Blessings.
Seasonal gear like winter coats, sweaters and boots bought after the New Year can be had at a fraction of the price they would fetch during the
holidays. “We shop all year long using all the resources available around us, such as instant rebates, online freebies, coupons with sale items and
clearance deals, to gather gifts to give at Christmas,” says DealPro Kelly Hancock of Faithful Provisions. The year-round reinforcement helps “instill
a heart of generosity,” Hancock adds.
3. Don’t Be Shy, Double Dip!
By combining coupons with clearance prices, families can give generously without breaking the bank. “Pairing a coupon with an item on sale is one
of the easiest ways to stretch your charitable dollars,” says DealPro Jessica Killion of This Frugal Life, who managed to donate over 30 boxes of
Kellogg’s cereal (more than $100 value!) to her local food pantry, without spending a cent.
From non-perishable food items to toiletries, great deals are waiting to be had throughout the year. From traditional saving strategies like clipping
coupons from the Sunday newspaper to a more modern approach like following a local blogger who hunts down deals, it’s easy to add to your
philanthropic arsenal for next to nothing.
For more tips, follow the 2010 Savings.com DealPros on Twitter.
Sara Dunham is community manager of savings.com

This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/home-garden/how-to-give-back-for-the-holidays/article187760.html

Everything You Need to Know About Surviving a Line

Waiting in line is a universally despised experience, but scientists around the world are
dedicated to making it less odious.
By Tarah Knaresboro from Popular Mechanics
Waiting in line is a universally despised experience, but scientists around the world are dedicated to making it less odious. In June, Taiwanese
researcher Pen-Yuan Liao published an equation that predicts when a customer will avoid a line if he feels it’s too long. Liao’s formula calculates
the expected length of a line and the mean arrival rate to determine the number of customers who will retreat. His research, intended to inform
stores’ staffing needs, represents only one niche in the growing field of queueing theory.
The owners of corporations, amusement parks, banks, and fast-food chains can scan the monthly journal Queueing Systems: Theory and
Applications for trends that suit their clientele. “There’s no such thing as the perfect line,” says MIT queueing theorist Richard Larson. “The trick is to
convince people they’re being treated fairly.” Many people’s aversion stems from bad design, Larson says. “Some large companies don’t even
know the kindergarten basics.”
But now you do. Start with the line lexicon:
Jockeying: The act of switching to a parallel line.
Faffing: The time delay when a person gathers his things after paying at checkout—an average of 3.17 seconds.
Reneging: A customer leaves a queue he believes he has spent too much time waiting in.
Balking Index: An equation that predicts when someone will turn away from a long line.
First In, First Out: The principle stating that the person who has waited the longest will be served first.
6 Qualities of Queueing Up
1) Customers waiting in parallel lines jockey, feeling sure the other line is faster.
2) Distractions, such as TVs and smartphones, shorten perception of time.
3) Without signs displaying wait time, people overestimate it by 23 percent.
4) The more people waiting behind a customer in line, the less likely that person is to renege.
5) Lines surrounded by lavender scent tend to be less annoying.
6) Serpentine lines look longer, increasing balking loss, but people feel they are more fair.
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/home-garden/everything-you-need-to-know-about-surviving-a-line/article187753.html

6 Ways to Handle Prescription Drugs

Parents have an enormous impact on their children’s attitudes toward prescription drugs
—and the risk that their kids will abuse them. Here’s what experts suggest you do:
The Killers in Your Medicine Cabinet
Parents have an enormous impact on their children’s attitudes toward prescription drugs—and the risk that their kids will abuse them. Here’s what
experts suggest you do:
1. Don’t be shy. Many teens believe that parents won’t care as much if they’re caught abusing prescription drugs because the meds are legal. Tell
them that you do care and that you want to help if they’re in trouble.
2. Keep track of quantities. Even a few missing pills could be a red flag.
3. Store your drugs—and those of your children—in a secure location in your home, under lock and key if you have reason for concern.
4. Properly dispose of old or unused medicine. Some experts advise against flushing drugs down the toilet because doing so pollutes the
water supply; instead, you can put them in a bag or container with coffee grounds or kitty litter to discourage pill hunting. Or check with your local
police, sanitation department, and pharmacies. Increasingly, towns are sponsoring prescription-pill drop-offs to help families dispose of unused
pills.
5. Talk to other family members (especially grandparents) and parents of your child’s friends about safeguarding drugs in their homes as well.
6. Go to theantidrug.com for more information.

This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/living-healthy/6-ways-to-handle-prescription-drugs/article187737.html

The Killers in Your Medicine Cabinet

Do these names inspire fear in your heart--Vicodin, Xanax and OxyContin? They should.
By Alexis Jetter
The Pills They Take
In 2009, high school seniors admitted to abusing these five commonly prescribed drugs.
Vicodin, 9.7%
OxyContin, 4.9%
Xanax, 3.6%
Valium, 1.9%
Klonopin, 1.5%
Lots and lots of kids. Nearly one in five teens has used prescription drugs to get high; one in ten high school seniors reports having abused a
prescription drug in the past year. And that’s just what teens are willing to admit. They say they like the woozy, light-headed feeling that drugs like
Vicodin, used in excess, can induce. “It takes everything away,” says Jack,* 17, from rural Maine.
“You don’t feel hurt; you don’t feel stress. Nothing bothers you.”
Accidental fatal drug overdoses have soared by 500 percent since 1990, and federal officials say prescription medications—primarily painkillers
such as OxyContin, Vicodin, and methadone, all synthetic versions of opium—are largely to blame. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC), opioid painkillers now cause more lethal overdoses than heroin and cocaine put together. Most alarming: The rate
of fatal overdose among 15- to 24-year-olds has spiked 300 percent in recent years. Young people simply don’t understand that even legal
prescription drugs have a “wild-card factor,” says Thomas Andrew, MD, New Hampshire’s chief medical examiner. Methadone, the biggest
prescription drug killer in New Hampshire, kicks in slowly, then lingers at full strength. That long “half-life” is dangerous for anyone not used to the
drug, Dr. Andrew says. “They’ll take 40 milligrams, which is a big dose, and a little while later, they’ll say, ‘I’m really disappointed. I thought I’d get a
buzz on from this. I’m just going to take another 40.’
“But by the time the full 80 milligrams kicks in, it’s not going to make them feel the way they want to feel,” Dr. Andrew says. “It’s going to stop their
respiration.”
Nora Volkow, MD, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), is most worried by the growing trend among teens of sampling a variety
of prescription drugs and then drinking alcohol. “Kids are not pharmacologists,” she says. “They may say, ‘Fentanyl, OxyContin—what’s the
difference?’ So they take a bunch of things and may combine them with alcohol.”
That’s a deadly miscalculation, Dr. Volkow says. The amount of opioid painkiller needed to induce euphoria is already frighteningly close to the
amount that can kill you. That margin virtually disappears if you add alcohol or tranquilizers like Klonopin, Valium, and Xanax, which also depress
the brain’s respiratory center. One 40 mg methadone pill, washed down with two gin and tonics, can be fatal. Says Dr. Volkow, “You are playing a
game of Russian roulette you do not understand.”
“People think of drugs as coming into the United States from another country,” says David Pavlik, a senior intelligence analyst at the Justice
Department’s National Drug Intelligence Center. “But increasingly, these drugs are coming from inside our own medicine cabinets.”
Americans used to grab an aspirin for a sore back or a toothache. Now we’re much more likely to select from an array of leftover prescription
painkillers on our bathroom shelves, says Dr. Volkow. Doctors write 180 million prescriptions for opioids every year, a fourfold increase in the past
20 years, she says. (The CDC, using a different calculation, cites a tenfold spike since 1995.)
Why so many opioid prescriptions? Experts say that after years of undermedicating pain, even for cancer patients, doctors now understand that
pain thwarts the healing process. “Now people don’t fear cancer as much as they used to, because of opioids,” explains Seddon Savage, MD, a
New Hampshire anesthesiologist and an addiction expert, who is president of the American Pain Society.
But the pendulum may have swung too far. Many opioid prescriptions are written to ward off discomfort from minor medical procedures, Dr. Volkow
says. Half of those pills don’t get used.
Even children barely into adolescence are routinely prescribed powerful painkillers. Dr. Volkow was astonished when she took the helm at NIDA
seven years ago and saw the statistics: Painkillers like OxyContin, Percocet, and Vicodin are now the most commonly abused pills among 12- to
13-year-olds.
“It just blew my mind,” she says. “Adolescents are being prescribed opioids by dentists and oral surgeons. They’re sent home after molar extraction
with many more pills than they need.” In fact, a recent NIDA study found that 30 percent of teen prescription drug abusers have a doctor’s
prescription for their medication.
Of course, teens get hurt just like adults do, and opioids relieve their pain. But doctors sometimes prescribe pills for too long or lose track of how
many their young patients are taking. Greg,* 18, a high school athlete in rural Maine, got a prescription for Vicodin after he tore a rotator cuff in his
sophomore year. He started by taking one pill a day, but at a party, he heard that Vicodin was an easy high. Soon he was taking four or five pills a
day. Greg’s doctor, unaware that he had gotten hooked, renewed the prescription for two years.
Greg ultimately stopped taking Vicodin cold turkey and suffered through a harrowing week of withdrawal. Now he has strong advice for parents. “If
your son or daughter is prescribed Vicodin, you should be watching the pills,” he says. “You should count them. Because some kids will take five or
six in an hour.”
Even if you don’t have a prescription, pills aren’t hard to find. More than three out of five teens say that prescription pain relievers are easy to pilfer
from the family bathroom, according to a recent survey by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America.
“Kids will text their friends,” says Jeff Upton, a police officer stationed in South Berwick’s Marshwood High School. “‘I’m at my grandma’s house. I
can snag a few Oxys from her hip surgery.’ ‘My buddy’s brother has a prescription for Ritalin.’”
Medicine cabinet empty? Not a problem. “It’s way easier to buy pills than beer,” says Jack, the 17-year-old from rural Maine. “Beer, you have to buy
from somebody who’s 21, and the store has to be open.” At school, pills can be exchanged for money in a handshake or by swapping jackets. You
don’t need a pipe, rolling papers, or even a match. “It’s just one small white pill,” Greg says. “A lot of kids do it for the convenience.”
Another advantage: An opioid high isn’t immediately detectable. “If a kid has just smoked marijuana, I can smell it,” Upton says. “If he drank alcohol,
I can smell it. If he takes some prescription drugs—I won’t know it.”
6 Ways to Handle Prescription Drugs

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Want a Good Relationship? Treat Him Like a Dog

Want a more loving marriage? Learn from your pet.
Our pets wreak havoc, and we love them still. Do we tolerate our spouses in the same way? We ought to, says clinical psychologist Dr. Suzanne B.
Phillips on psychcentral.com. “Most pets are loved in a way that makes us minimize … their demands.” Any animal behaviorist will tell us that when
we shower our pets with positivity, we get back unconditional love. Want a more loving marriage? Learn from your pet.
Lighten up. “Whatever your mood, you will likely give your pet an animated hello and a display of affection” when you walk in the door, says
Phillips. Your spouse should get the same.
Don’t assume bad intentions. The dog ate some of the mail. Then your husband hid the mail to keep it away from the dog. Now the mail can’t be
found. You know the dog wasn’t trying to torture you by eating it. “While you may react to the dog’s deed with a choice expletive, you’ll probably
choose cuddling later over holding a grudge,” Phillips says. Reality check: Your spouse wasn’t trying to torture you either.
Rise above. “Few owners fear their image will be tarnished by their pets’ behavior,” she says. So when your husband starts in with the corny jokes
at a dinner out with friends, why not just smile and scratch his head?
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/living-healthy/want-a-good-relationship-treat-him-like-a-dog/article187735.html

The Story Behind the Holiday Gifts We Give

Find out why gift cards may be overrated and fruitcakes are more popular than you think.
By Rich Aberman, cofounder at WePay.com
We’re in the midst of the biggest shopping frenzy of the year – it’s those last few days during which so many of us completely lose sight of the
carefully budgeted shopping lists that we created back in October and start shelling out cash left and right in hopes of finding our way out of the
mall. While you’re hurrying around picking up those last minute gifts, do you have any time to think about how much your
husband/wife/cousin/boss/kid will actually value the wrapped treasures they find tucked under the tree?
WePay, a website that helps people collect, manage and spend money online, set out to do it for you. Over the shopping season, the company
sees many of its users visiting the site to collect money from friends and family for group gifts. It begs the question, what’s the real story of
‘giftonomics’? WePay analyzed tons of research, reports and surveys from sources ranging from the Wharton School to Consumer Reports to the
people behind National Regifting Day, and the results were surprising!
Are Gift Cards a Good Idea?
Rather than give someone a gift that they might not like, it’s better to just pick up a gift card so they can buy what they really want, right? Wrong. This
year, $2.5 billion in gift cards will go unspent. Of that amount, $1.3 billion goes unspent because people won't bother making the time. Another $1
billion or so will be forgotten altogether.
How Much Do We Really Value the Gifts We’re Given?

As fluffy as that cashmere sweater might be, its lucky recipient will perceive its value as significantly less than the amount it was purchased for. And
ladies, contrary to what you might think, you place less monetary value on the diamond ring you are given than the guy who bought it for you.
What Happens to Our Gifts After They’re Given?
Many complain that the holiday season revolves around shopping and consumerism, but studies show that once the big day arrives, we are less
focused on gifts than we think. Every year, at least one gift per person is regifted, returned or never even opened.
And How Do We Really Feel About Fruit Cake?
We all know that no one likes fruitcakes, right? Wrong, once again. Although fruit cakes continue to be unceremoniously shoved behind the rest of
the holiday cookies and cakes on the dessert table, one in four people still consider giving them as gifts.
What does this all really mean? To be clear, it’s certainly not that you shouldn’t enjoy and partake in the holiday spirit and feel great about giving to
those most important to you. While so many of us are worrying about how much money we’re spending and who we still need to buy for, it simply
helps to take a step back and rethink what it really means to give a gift.
(Based on the data, you’ll get more value for the money you spend if you splurge on a few gifts for yourself, so be sure to keep that in mind when
you walk into that department store.)
Go to the WePay blog to view the complete Holiday Misgivings infographic.
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5 Memorable Christmas Gift Ideas

We all know that finding the perfect gift around the holidays can be overwhelming, but
that doesn’t mean you should settle for giving boxers or a yet another Bratz doll. Ensuring
your gift is both personal and meaningful isn’t as hard as you might think. Here are five
keepsake gift ideas to ensure your gift sees more than the inside of a closet, stomach or
dusty shelf.
1. Homemade Ornaments: A good Christmas tree can never have too many ornaments - especially ones bursting with memories. Have an old
ski lift ticket from a family trip? Don’t know what to do with the ticket stub from your first date with your spouse? Kids color a cute picture of Santa on
a napkin? Laminate it and hang it on the tree!
2. Baby’s First Christmas Keepsake: Brag books aren’t just for grandma. Now you can document all of baby’s Christmas firsts with a book that
holds all the memories. Pearhead Bragbook First Christmas, Diapers.com, $6.95
3. Patchwork Holiday Stockings: As the kids grow up and outgrow their old holiday sweaters and dresses, recycling the fabric, buttons and
bows to create a holiday stocking is a great way to capture the memories. Whether you create the whole stocking in one sitting or add a patch
holiday season, you’re putting old memories to good use so you can enjoy them each year.
4. Digital Photo Frame: One of the best ways to show a friend or family member how much you care is by reminding them of the fun time you have
together. Scan through old photos to find the gems hidden on your computer and bring them to the light on a digital photo frame! Pandigital
PAN7000DW 7-Inch Digital Picture Frame, Amazon.com, $59.99
5. Recipe Scrapbook: From Santa’s cookies and pumpkin pies to the family’s Tuesday night spaghetti tradition, compile your favorite childhood
meals and savory cravings to create the ultimate recipe scrapbook for the food lover in your family. Scrapbook albums, Joann.com, prices vary.
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/home-garden/5-memorable-christmas-gift-ideas/article187661.html

7 Quick Fixes for Minor Burns, Bumps and Bruises

1. Soothe minor burns in the kitchen
Grabbed a hot pot handle or touched the edge of a baking sheet fresh from the oven? Keep a tube of white, minty toothpaste nearby to soothe a
minor burn. First, run cold water over the burn, then gently pat dry and spread on a layer of toothpaste. The pain will quickly fade.
2. Help heal a bruise
When you bump your arm or leg and you feel a bruise coming on, alleviate the pain and cut down on the discoloration by rubbing the surface of the
skin with a splash of an alcohol-based mouthwash.
3. Cure a headache
Stop a headache in its tracks with a bandanna. Tie one around your forehead, tightening it until you feel pressure at several points around your
head. The bandanna will reduce the flow of blood to your scalp, which in turn will reduce the pain you feel from swollen blood vessels. For extra
benefit, soak the bandanna in vinegar. You may not like the smell, but you'll like the added relief.
4. Relieve a bee sting
After taking out the stinger, spray the area with ammonia window cleaner. It will help reduce the swelling and soothe the pain. (Just never use a
concentrated product.)
5. Tame a toothache
Cut a piece from a brown paper bag and soak it in vinegar. Sprinkle black pepper on one side, and hold that side to your cheek. Your cheek will
feel nicely warm — which may pull your attention from the pain in your tooth. Of course, call your dentist as soon as you can to get rid of the pain
permanently.
6. Heat up a sports cream
When you spread a heating sports cream over aching muscles, you get relief for a short time, but the effectiveness often seems to cease before the
pain is gone. Enhance the effect of a liniment by wrapping a sheet of plastic wrap around the affected area after you apply the cream. It will
increase the heating effect and treat the pain better. (This treatment is so effective that you may want to test it on a small patch of skin to make sure
it doesn't burn you.)
7. Cover a blister
Breaking in a pair of shoes? A heel blister makes walking miserable, and most heel bandages rub as you go, worsening the pain. Put a gauze
square over the actual sore, then cover your heel with a wide strip of duct tape and you'll be back on the road.
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/living-healthy/7-quick-fixes-for-minor-burns-bumps-and-bruises/article187497.html

Can Your Heart Handle Christmas?

Holidays can be dangerous times for people who have heart disease. In fact Christmas has
the highest rate of cardiac death. Find out what you should know about heart attacks.
Winter holidays can be a dangerous time for people who have heart disease. In fact, according to a WebMD.com article citing a study by
Circulation, Christmas has the highest rate of cardiac death, followed by December 26 and New Year's Eve. Why? "During the holidays, legions of
Americans eat too much and drink more alcohol -- while ditching their exercise routine," said Robert A. Kloner, MD, PhD, a researcher at Good
Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles. Plus, the good doctors may be off and hospitals could be understaffed. Read these 7 common questions about
heart attacks and be prepared in case you or a loved one needs help fast. Read the full article at WebMD.com
I have chest pain. How do I know if it's heartburn or a heart attack? Should I wait and see?
Don't hesitate to call 911. A heart attack can start slowly with a clot blocking blood flow to the heart, but as the minutes tick by, the heart muscle is
suffering permanent damage. The telltale signs of a heart attack include feelings of fullness, pressure, or squeezing in the chest, and the sensation
may come and go. Pain may spread to the shoulders, neck, jaw, arms, or back, and you could feel light-headed and suffer nausea and heavy
perspiration. The sudden onset of unexplained anxiety, weakness, or fatigue is also a sign. Women are more likely than men to experience vague
symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, and jaw or back pain. Youth — relatively speaking — is no reason to disregard these
symptoms, especially if you're female. Heart attacks are up 32 percent in the last decade among women under the age of 50, which is troubling in
light of a 2007 study that found more than half of women under the age of 55 who suffer a heart attack ignore their symptoms for more than an hour.
Should I give someone aspirin if I think they might be having a heart attack?
Yes, but only after calling 911. The usual dose is one full-strength aspirin (325 to 500 milligrams) or four baby aspirin; the 911 operator will guide
you. The victim should chew the pill so that it will enter the bloodstream more quickly. Given after a heart attack, aspirin can reduce the risk of dying
by 20 to 30 percent. The protection comes from aspirin's anticlotting effect: It helps restore and maintain blood flow until surgeons can reopen
arteries.
When I cough or breathe deeply, the side of my chest burns. Is that a heart attack?
Figuring out the difference between heart attack symptoms and other chest pain issues is tricky, and most emergency physicians would rather you
be safe than sorry. Always seek medical help first and question your symptoms later. That said, what you're describing sounds more like a broken
rib. If you've fallen recently or bumped into something, probe your chest for tender spots. If you can identify a particularly sensitive area, you
probably have a dislocated or broken rib. You should still see a doctor, but you don't need an ambulance.
I have bad indigestion and a pain along my arm. Should I take Tylenol or Tums?
You should call 911 and then chew an aspirin. You could be having a heart attack.
My chest hurts but it's not bad enough to be a heart attack — or is it?
Any chest pain is cause for concern. If it's a crushing pain that extends to your jaw or arm, call 911 immediately. You may be having a heart attack.
Even moderate pain could be a sign of a heart attack, particularly in women or in people with diabetes, who often don't have significant pain during
a heart attack. Other symptoms of a heart attack include shortness of breath, fatigue, weakness, nausea and vomiting, extreme sweating, and
dizziness. Pain that comes on with exertion, like shoveling snow, but improves when you rest may be angina. Angina results from narrowed
coronary arteries and reduced blood flow. While it's not a heart attack, it is a warning sign of heart disease. See your doctor as soon as possible.
Can you have a heart attack and not even know it?
Yes. Silent heart attacks don't cause pain, at least not the intense, chest-crushing type most of us expect. And they may not even show up right
away on an electrocardiogram, a test of electrical activity in the heart that can detect muscle damage caused by conventional heart attacks. But an
estimated 200,000 people in the United States alone may have one each year. People with diabetes are at higher risk because high blood sugar
levels can damage nerves that would normally transmit pain signals during an attack. Having heart disease, of course, also increases a person's
risk. In fact, when Duke University cardiologists used magnetic resonance imaging to check the hearts of 185 people with heart disease, they found
that 1 in 3 had signs of a history of silent heart attacks. Over the next 2 years, the people who'd had a silent heart attack in the past were 17 times
more likely to die from heart disease as those who hadn't had what doctors call unrecognized myocardial infarctions.
Some people experience atypical symptoms during a heart attack, including unusual tiredness, indigestion, and a burning, tingling, or full feeling in
the chest, and they might not recognize these as heart attack symptoms. If you think you might be having a heart attack, call 911 right away.
My Dad had a heart attack in his forties. Will I have one, too?
Early heart disease in your family — in men before age 55 and women before 65 — increases your risk two to nine times higher than average. But
family history isn't limited to your parents. A brother or sister's heart disease may raise your risk even higher: four times higher than a parent's.
family history isn't limited to your parents. A brother or sister's heart disease may raise your risk even higher: four times higher than a parent's.
If heart disease is a family legacy, make a commitment to a heart-healthy lifestyle: Maintain a healthy weight; aim for a half-hour of exercise at least
five days a week; eat a diet rich in produce, whole grains, lean protein and with moderate amounts of "good" fats like nuts and fish; and limit the
amount of saturated fat from sources such as whole milk, full-fat cheese, ice cream, and hamburger meat. Keep blood pressure, cholesterol, and
triglyceride numbers in check. Be sure to tell your doctor about your family history; the information could be a tiebreaker in deciding if you need
cholesterol medication and if you need advanced heart tests such as a coronary calcium scan to look for signs of plaque in the arteries of your
heart.
Good to Know: How Long the Brain Can Survive without Oxygen
If a victim stops breathing, whether it's due to drowning, a heart attack, or choking, you have about 6 minutes after breathing stops before brain
damage begins.
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5 Pro Secrets for Fast Cleanups

Simple tips for easier cleaning anywhere in your home.
1. Clean clockwise.
Start at the stove and move clockwise around your kitchen.
2. Clean from top to bottom.
Wipe the exhaust hood over the stove before cleaning the cooking surface; wipe down counters, tabletop, and chair seats before sweeping the
floor.
3. Clean dry before cleaning wet.
Collect crumbs with a dishtowel or microfiber cloth before spraying and wiping surfaces, use a dust mop or vacuum on the floor before using a
disposable wet floor cloth.
4. Minimize your motion.
That is, develop a cleaning style that keeps you from repeatedly walking back and forth. For example, if lots of pantry items need to be returned to
storage, place them on a tray as you clean. Once all have been gathered, carry them to the pantry.
5. Let cleaning products do the dirty work.
Spray cleaners on all surfaces, and let them go to work before you apply elbow grease. Start at the stove and move around the kitchen, spritzing
appliances, countertops, and cabinets. Return to the stove and repeat the circuit, simply wiping the surfaces clean.
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/home-garden/5-pro-secrets-for-fast-cleanups/article187495.html

13 Things You Didn't Know About Christmas Traditions

1. The earliest decorations on trees associated with Christmas are detailed in the Medieval plays that tell the story of Adam and Eve. The trees
in the Garden of Eden were, according to these legends, adorned with apples and cookies.
2. Reindeer are resourceful animals. They not only pull sleighs, but are also raised for their milk. In the town of Wales in Alaska, the mail used to
be delivered by reindeer-drawn sleigh. The story of Rudolph is a modern invention that has become a classic. It is based partly on the tale of the
Ugly Duckling.
3. Candles are an important part of Christmas for many and they play a crucial part in Christmas Eve celebrations in Gouda, Holland. Gouda is
the center of the Dutch candle-making industry. On Christmas Eve all of the electrical lights are turned off while the mayor reads the story of the
Nativity to an audience by candlelight in the town square.
4. In many European countries, gifts are traditionally given to children by St. Nicholas, who arrives on December 6th with his mischievous
servant Black Peter. If the children are good, St. Nicholas gives them nuts, sweets, or small presents. However, if the children are bad, they will be
threatened with sticks by Black Peter.
5. Ivy has been a popular plant to use as a Christmas decoration in houses for centuries. The custom of decorating homes with ivy and other
evergreens dates back to pre-Christian times when ivy was believed to be linked with the power of eternity. Ivy represented life continuing through
the cold months of winter.
6. The use of mistletoe dates back to pagan times when Druids coveted it for its magical healing powers. The tradition of a kiss under the
mistletoe at Christmas, however, is a relatively recent one. This became popular with the servant class in 19th century England, and was slowly
adopted by the middle classes. This custom has now spread to many other countries.
7. Gifts have been wrapped since the invention of paper circa 105 A.D. in China. Decorative gift wrap didn't take off until Christmas 1917,
when the Hall Brothers' store in Nebraska sold out of tissue for customers to wrap holiday packages. As a substitute, they sold decorative French
envelope lining.
8. Wrapping Christmas presents is quite a recent tradition. In the 19th century, unwrapped gifts were put under a Christmas tree, or hung on
the branches. Sometimes, people would even hide a gift to prolong the excitement of finding out what it was.
9. Baboushka is a Russian gift-bringer, an old woman who, according to custom, would not go with the Wise Men to visit the baby Jesus. She
later realized she should have traveled with them, and so she still searches for the baby. On the eve of Epiphany (January 5th) she visits sleeping
children to leave them gifts.
10. In parts of Italy, the Christmas meal includes seven different fish dishes, to commemorate the Seven Sacraments. The fish is
accompanied by pasta, salads, fruits, and breads, as well as Italian wine. Desserts usually include salads, the panettone fruit cake, spicy cookies,
nougat, and nuts.
11. The Germans call gingerbread houses "Hexenhaüsle" or "witches' houses" after the witch's house that featured in Grimm's fairytale
"Hansel and Gretel."
12. Charms were often dropped into the plum pudding pudding mix before it was cooked. Tradition states that a ring, a button, a thimble,
and a coin should be added. The lucky (or unlucky), person to find one of these objects can expect marriage, spinsterhood, bachelorhood, or wealth
respectively, during the following year.
13. A yule log is a popular dessert in many countries. It has its origins in the belief that when a log was burned in an open fire at Christmas, the
ashes had miraculous powers. The first mention of this custom can be traced back to Germany in 1184.
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traditions/article187296.html

6 Kitchen Cabinet Cures for Indigestion

Indigestion symptoms are especially easy to tame by employing easy home remedies.
The term "indigestion" means different things to different people, and the territory of troubles it covers is huge. Just to clear up any confusion,
indigestion and heartburn are two different problems. Heartburn produces a painful or burning sensation in the center of your chest, due to acid
spilling upward into your esophagus. Indigestion happens further south: It produces bloating, a feeling of uncomfortable fullness during or after a
meal, or pain or burning concentrated in the upper abdomen. Smokers, pregnant women, and people who are overweight are especially
susceptible. Luckily, indigestion symptoms are especially easy to tame by employing easy home remedies.
1. Make a four-seed chew. Mix a batch of this seedy chew, which combats indigestion by helping your system expel excess gas. Take 1
teaspoon each of fennel, dill, anise, and caraway seeds and blend. Chew up a half-teaspoon or so, slowly, when you're having indigestion after
you've eaten a big, spicy, or fatty meal. You might see this same mix in Indian restaurants, where it is often put in bowls for customers to sample as
they leave.
2. Order up some mint or chamomile. A steaming cup of one of these teas will quickly dispel that dyspeptic feeling. Simply use one of either
kind of tea bag to a cup of water. Cover and steep for 10 minutes before drinking. Many restaurants stock these two calming brews, so have it after
dinner if you've eaten something rich that might not agree with you.
3. Sip this before eating. If you know you're going to indulge in foods that will make you sorry later, try this folk remedy first. Add 1 teaspoon of
honey and 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm water and drink it 30 minutes before you dine.
4. Soda to the rescue. Stir a teaspoon of baking soda into a glass of water, add a few drops of lemon juice, and drink it. If your stomach is too
acidic, this solution neutralizes stomach acid and helps relieve painful gas. In very rare cases, baking soda has been known to explode in the
stomach and cause tearing, so squirt the lemon juice into the water first, to dispel some of the gas before it hits your stomach.
5. Nibble on candy. Candied ginger, that is. Ginger slices that have been dried and sugared are sold in supermarkets and health or natural food
stores. They keep forever in the pantry and taste yummy. Two or three pieces can tame your tummy woes. This makes a great remedy for children's
minor stomach aches.
6. Have half a bitter beer. Beers that have a bitter bite are rich in hops, an herb that helps stimulate digestion. But don't get carried away — more
than a half glass of beer will depress your digestion.
Weird & Wacky

It's no surprise to us that a condition so ubiquitous would rack up scores and scores of crazy treatments. But these three tickled our funny bones:
• Bend over, turn over a rock, and walk forward without looking back.
• For a child's indigestion: Pass him backward around a table leg seven times.
• Execute a somersault.
When to Call the Doctor

The vast majority of indigestion cases are simple, one-time affairs, easily cured with home remedies. But call 911 if you experience nausea along
with sweating or an ache or pain in the chest; you may be having a heart attack. See your doctor if you have intense abdominal pain, especially if
you also have black or bloody stools or if you're vomiting. And you need a checkup if indigestion lingers for more than a couple of weeks, despite
your best attempts at self-care.
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Your America
13 Quick Fixes for a Diet-Friendly Kitchen [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
13 Things Your Salesclerk Won't Tell You [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
13 Cheeses You Need to Know [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
Pulled [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
Deep Thoughts From Will Ferrell and Tina Fey [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
13 Health Food Buzzwords We're Sick Of [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
Extreme Makeover: College Edition [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
13 of Your Most Embarrassing Health Questions Answered [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
21 More Things Your Car Dealer Won't Tell You [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
13 Things Your Car Dealer Won't Tell You [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
13 Chefs' Secrets for the Perfect Breakfast [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
13 Foods That Scare You Away [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
13 Natural Foods for Healthy College Care Packages [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
13 Places in Airports to Get Healthier Choices [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
The Funniest Things We Found From A to Z [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
Quick Study: Greener Grass [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
13 Ways to Be a Better Co-Worker [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]


Ugly Duckling.
envelope lining.
nougat, and nuts.

13 Quick Fixes for a Diet-Friendly Kitchen

Keeping your kitchen organized for diet success is the key to a healthier diet.
© Ryan McVay/Digital Vision/Thinkstock

1. Keep the kitchen clean. Make a rule and impress it on all family members: dirty dishes are never to be left in the sink, and the counter tops and table must remain clean. You'll
be far more motivated to cook healthy meals if you don't have to clean the kitchen first.
© Duncan Smith/Photodisc/Thinkstock
2. Place an enticing jug of water in the fridge. Get out a nice jug, fill it with ice, water and lemon wedges, and place it in your fridge in full view. Whenever you open the
refrigerator out of boredom, pour yourself a glass of water. Researchers in Germany studied people's metabolismafter they drank about 500ml of water. Within 10 minutes of taking
the drink, they burned 30 per cent more calories than before they drank the water, and the boost in their metabolismlasted for 30 to 40 minutes. Another bonus is that water
flushes impurities fromyour body, which is important for people with diabetes, who have a high risk of developing kidney disease. Drinking plenty of fluids also protects against
water retention, a common problemwhen kidneys aren't functioning at their best.
© Hemera/Thinkstock
3. Keep a bowl of fruit on the counter top. Make sure that fruit such as apples, pears, peaches and kiwi fruit are the first foods you see when you enter the house ravenous at
the end of the day or pop into the kitchen for a snack. A shallow bowl is better than a deep one because most fruit keeps best unstacked. But in hot weather limit the amount of
fruit kept out of the fridge as it will go bad more quickly.
© Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Thinkstock
4. Stock the spice rack. Spices will help you to flavor your meals without adding fat or calories. Keep dry rubs for meats, Italian seasoning and other favorites in a spice rack on
your kitchen counter top or tucked in your cupboard door for easy access. Some spices, including ginger, cayenne, turmeric, fresh garlic, curry powder, basil, oregano and
rosemary, have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant powers, which help with diabetes. Keep themhandy to flavor meat and vegetables.
© iStockphoto/Thinkstock
5. Save a special place for cinnamon sticks. Some doctors now believe that cassia cinnamon should be the one spice that you reach for every day. Recent research has suggested
that cinnamon may improve bloodglucose levels and blood fats in people with type 2 diabetes. More research is required and it is not advisable to take large doses of the spice,
although using a little cinnamon regularly in your cooking may prove beneficial. And it will undoubtedly impart a wonderful flavor to your food.
© Kraig Scarbinsky/Digital Vision/Thinkstock

6. Keep a small bottle of olive oil within easy reach. Olive oil is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, which, unlike the saturated fat in butter, will protect your heart fromheart
disease. Because heat and light can turn olive oil rancid over time, keep a larger bottle in the fridge to refill your counter top bottle. Olive oil becomes cloudy in the fridge, but
bringing it to roomtemperature will restore its clarity. Use extra-virgin olive oil. Because extra-virgin olive oil comes fromthe first pressing of olives and contains no refined oils, it
has high levels of phenols - antioxidants that help prevent high cholesterol, high blood pressure and heart disease, as well as complications of diabetes, such as nerve problems.
7. Buy a vegetable steamer. Steaming is the healthiest way to cook vegetables because important nutrients aren't lost in the water. Choose a metal steamer basket (then fill it with
vegetables, place over a saucepan of rapidly simmering water, cover, and cook for 5 to 10 minutes) or a microwave steamer (add a small amount of water to the bottomof the
container, add vegetables to the basket, and cook for 2 to 5 minutes).
© Noel Hendrickson/Digital Vision/Thinkstock

8. Limit your corn oil. Corn oil doesn't compare well to olive oil when you examine their health benefits. Olive oil contains 72 percent monounsaturated fats, while corn oil
contains only 24 percent. Even more important, olive oil fights inflammation in the body, which is linked to many diseases including diabetes and heart disease, whereas corn oil is
thought by some health experts to promote inflammation. When olive oil won't work in a recipe, such as in baking, use canola (also known as rapeseed) oil or rice bran oil. They
have a milder taste than olive oil but also contain an impressive amount of heart-healthy monounsaturated fat.
9. Keep several kinds of vinegar on hand. Cider, white, rice, balsamic and red and white wine vinegars will come in handy for making quick salad dressings and marinades for meat
or vegetables. And they bring an extra bonus: research suggests that adding acids to meals (such as vinegar or lemon juice) blunts the effect of the meal on your blood glucose. Try
balsamic vinegar on top of sliced strawberries for an unexpected taste sensation.
10. Place healthy snacks within sight. You know you shouldn't be eating cookies, so why did you pop one into your mouth the second you walked into the kitchen? Maybe
because the open package was sitting in the front of your cupboard, taunting you. Banish the cookies to the back of a high shelf or even the freezer. Put in their place some
almonds, walnuts and peanuts. Also keep some low-fat yogurt in the front of the fridge, and store some cut-up carrot sticks or a bowl of cherry tomatoes or sugar-snap peas there,
too.
© Stockbyte/Thinkstock
11. Better yet, banish junk food. Get the whole family making the same healthy food choices. Banishing junk food fromthe kitchen will benefit everyone!
© George Doyle/Stockbyte/Thinkstock
12. Invest in a blender. You'll read know how important it is to eat breakfast every day. 'Real' food is always preferable to meal replacement drinks, but for those mornings when
you don't have time even for a bowl of cereal, whip up a low-fat fruit smoothie or shake to grab and go. You are much more likely to do this with a blender sitting on the kitchen
bench beside the fruit bowl, and it will give you the carbohydrate and fiber you need to start the day.
© Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Thinkstock
13. Keep at least one emergency meal in the freezer. Forgot to buy chicken for Tuesday night's chicken Marsala? No problem. Individual servings of vegetable lasagna await in the
freezer. Just heat and serve. When you run out of back-ups, make a double batch of your next meal and freeze the extra. Casseroles, soups and cooked meat can be frozen for up
to three months. Use plastic bags and wrap made for the freezer or keep in airtight freezer containers.
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slideshow/article187426.html

13 Things Your Salesclerk Won't Tell You

Salesclerk give us the scoop on what really goes on at retail stores.
By Michelle Crouch
1. The greeters who welcome you to our store aren’t really there to greet you. If we look you in the eye as you’re coming and going, you’re less
likely to shoplift.
2. I won’t ask a yes-or-no question like "Can I help you?” Instead, it’s always an open-ended “What can I help you find today?"
3. Many retailers count the shoppers who come in, then calculate the percentage who actually buy something. If I don’t “convert” enough
browsers to buyers, I hear from my district manager.
4. New merchandise goes at the front of the store, bargains at the back. The endcaps on the back side of aisles at Target, for instance, usually
have items 15 to 75 percent off. If you want a deal, try to figure out when your favorite retailer does its markdowns. Some do them on Thursdays or
Fridays, others at the end of the month.
5. When you ask me if something looks good on you and I suggest a different style, take the hint.
6. Sure, I’ll put that sweater on hold for you. But most of the time, you don’t come back. So don’t blame me if I sell it to someone else.
7. My pet peeve? Customers who paw through a stack of shirts. Now I’ve got to spend 15 minutes board-folding that whole pile again.
8. Even though most of us don’t work on commission, sometimes we’re given a salesgoal for each customer. If we meet it consistently, we’ll
get bonuses and, eventually, a promotion. So when I tell you about a pair of earrings that would go perfectly with that sweater, I might have an
ulterior motive.
9. Please don’t tell the cashier no one was helping you after I brought you six different sweaters in the fitting room. It’s rude.
10. We do a lot more than unlock fitting rooms. We scrub the bathrooms, Windex the mirrors, dust the shelves, answer the phone, and clean up
after our customers. And that includes two-year-olds.
11. And what is it about fitting rooms that brings out the worst in people? You stick gum to the walls and even leave dirty diapers in there.
12. After you buy something, keep your receipt and pay attention. Most mainstream retailers promise a refund if the item goes on sale within a
certain number of days after you buy it. Websites like priceprotectr.com track the prices of hundreds of products from retailers such as Best Buy,
Amazon, and Sears.
13. With savings clubs, e-mail deals, coupons, Internet discount codes, and other incentives, fewer and fewer people are paying full price.
Sources: Retail sales associates in North Carolina, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Texas, and Florida, and a clerk in the Pacific Northwest who
blogs at blametheclerk.blogspot.com.
PLUS:
19 More Things Your Salesclerk Won't Tell You
America's 15 Most Popular Jobs
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/your-america-inspiring-people-and-stories/13-things-your-salesclerk-wont-tell-you/article186890.html

13 Cheeses You Need to Know

Learn about the cheeses of the world and start incorporating new flavors into your diet.
From Eat Yourself Healthy

Gruyère looks similar to Emmenthal (top) but has fewer and smaller holes. Also fromSwitzerland, it has a stronger, nuttier flavor. Its good melting qualities make it very popular in
cooking.
Try this Asparagus and Gruyere Tart recipe.

Cheddar, one of the world's greatest cheeses, originated in the Cheddar district of Somerset, but is now made all over the world. Factory-produced Cheddar tends to have an
almost waxy consistency, while well-matured traditional farmhouse Cheddar has a very hard, slightly crumbly texture. The taste ranges fromsweet and very mild in young cheeses
to strong, sharp and savory in those that are mature.
Try a good-quality cheddar in this Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe.
Stilton, often described as the king of English cheeses, is a semi-hard, unpressed cheese made fromfull-fat cow's milk, traditionally with creamadded. It varies in strength
depending on how long it has been matured, but the flavor should be rich and piquant rather than sharp. Traditional farmhouse Stilton, molded into tall cylinders, is strongest of
all, with more grey-green veining than younger cheeses. Stilton can only be made in certain areas of central England.
Try this Roasted Pear-Butternut Soup With Crumbled Stilton recipe

Edam, the well-known Dutch cheese, is yellowy-orange within its red or yellow wax coating. It is usually factory made, fromsemi-skimmed milk, and has a waxy, semi-hard texture.
When young it can be quite bland, but matures to a mellow flavor.
Try this WarmEdamCheese Souffle With Crispy Bacon
Manchego, fromSpain, is a hard waxed cheese sometimes pitted with tiny holes. Made fromfull-fat sheep's milk, it has a rich, mellow flavor with a sharp edge.
Try this delicious Arugula Salad With Manchego, Apples and Caramelized Walnuts

Gorgonzola is a semi-hard cow's milk cheese fromcentral Italy, with a slightly crumbly texture. Mass-produced versions can be quite mild, while farmhouse ones are more pungent.
Try Pumpkin Ravioli with Gorgonzola Sauce

Roquefort comes fromthe region of the same name in France, where it is matured in limestone caves. A full-flavored yet subtle, semi-soft blue cheese, with a smooth, creamy
texture, it is made fromfull-fat sheep's milk. It is almost rindless.
Try Roquefort Salad with WarmCroutons and Lardons

Fontina, made fromfull-fat cow's milk, is a semi-hard cheese fromItaly. It has a slightly nutty flavor and a creamy texture.
Try Wisconsin Fontina Fondue With Chardonnay
Gouda, produced in the Dutch town of the same name, is made fromfull-fat cow's milk, so it is slightly higher in fat and calories than Edam, to which it is very similar. Normally in a
yellow wax coating, Gouda that has been matured for at least 7 years is coated with black wax.
Try this Asian Pear and Gouda Grilled Cheese recipe

Havarti, fromDenmark, is a semi-hard washed-rind cheese full of tiny holes. Made fromfull-fat cow's milk, it may be mild in flavor or strong and pungent when mature.
Try this Asparagus and Tomato Frittata With Havarti and Dill
Parmesan, the world-famous Italian cooked, pressed cheese, is made with semi-skimmed cow's milk and is aged for at least a year (often much longer). Look for cheese marked
Parmigiano Reggiano – this is the genuine article, made by traditional methods in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, with milk fromcows fed only on grass or hay. Parmesan has a
soft yellow color, crumbly texture and slightly salty, rich taste. It is well worth buying a piece for shaving or grating, as the flavor is vastly superior to ready-grated Parmesan. It will
keep for weeks in the fridge if well wrapped in foil.
To enjoy the wonderful flavor of Parmesan cheese, try these crisps and dip themas you would potato chips.

Provolone is made like mozzarella. Young provolone, called dolce, has a very mild flavor, whereas picante provolone, a hard cheese matured for up to 2 years, is much stronger and
sharper. Smoked provolone is also available.
Try this Broccoli Rabe-and-Provolone Panini
Halloumi, a medium-hard non-rinded cheese from Cyprus, has a slightly rubbery texture and a distinctive flavor that owes much to the addition of chopped
mint. Like feta, halloumi is traditionally made from sheep's milk, but may now be made from a combination of milks. Unusually, it retains its shape when
cooked, making it suitable for grilling or frying in slices.
Try grilled halloumi in this delicious salad recipe.
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/your-america-inspiring-people-and-stories/13-cheeses-you-need-to-know/article187136.html

Pulled "Pork" for Vegans

A secret ingredient makes BBQ and more a reality for vegans.
Hardcore vegans can now enjoy mock pulled pork sandwiches. The secret is jackfruit, the world’s largest tree fruit, which stands in for the meat.
Kansacity.com reported on the startlingly accurate-looking vegan rendition from the restaurant Füd in Kansas City, MI.
According to the author, the sandwich "meat" is soft like a "barely ripe mango." Toward the middle of the sandwich, the sauce covering the fruit
becomes a little too sweet. Others have told Heidi Belle, the owner of Füd that the jackfruit frightens some vegans because it tastes too much like
the real thing.
At 165 calories per cup, jackfruit is a low-calorie substitute for meat, but it doesn’t contain enough protein to truly replace other sources of protein in
the vegan diet. Check out this recipe for a BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sandwich from Chow Vegan and find out how to use this meat substitute in your
cooking.You’ll most likely have to find the exotic bumpy fruit in a can as the author of Chow Vegan did.
Read the full article: At vegan eatery Füd, barbecue means jackfruit
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/living-healthy/pulled-pork-for-vegans/article186820.html

Deep Thoughts From Will Ferrell and Tina Fey

The former Saturday Night Live stars talk about themselves, and each other.
By David Hochman
In the upcoming animated comedy Megamind, Will Ferrell and Tina Fey are out to save the world—if they don’t destroy it first. Ferrell voices the
bumbling title character, a blue-faced supervillain who questions the meaning of life after killing his archrival, Metroman (Brad Pitt). Fey plays
Roxanne Ritchi, the plucky reporter who helps Megamind put the kick back into his baby-seal boots. They seem to make a neat team on-screen,
but we got to wondering, How about in real life? Do they know each other at all? So we quizzed them. Fey was all too ready to dish, while Ferrell
said, “I’m going to fail miserably.” You be the judge.
Why was Will an ideal costar?

Fey: Because he’s made of wood. Also, he is very funny and has a soothing, friendly voice. And he looks good with blue skin.
Ferrell: Tina probably said the dashing good looks. Height. Prominent bone structure. Ability to whittle.
And Tina? What made her ideal?

Ferrell: Her beautifully conditioned hair.
What is Tina’s particular scent?

Ferrell: Not unlike that of an evergreen forest with the aroma of birthday cake.
Fey: Have you ever smelled an Italian sub sandwich? Like that.
And Will’s?
Fey: Rhubarb-y.
Any annoying habits on the set?

Fey: Will likes to shoot off firecrackers while you’re talking. He’ll probably say it’s my habit of bringing stray animals into the recording studio.
Ferrell: Tina will eat only with chopsticks.
How are you like your characters?

Fey: Roxy is not easily scared or intimidated, which I’d like to believe is a quality we have in common. She is a fast talker, as am I. And she has a
tiny body and a big behind.
Ferrell: Let’s see. Megamind is handsome against all odds. We share that. He’s tenacious. I’m tenacious. He’s remarkably sensitive, and so am I.
And we both have wardrobes consisting primarily of black leather. Wait. Scratch that. I don’t own any black leather.
Do either of you have any secret superpowers?

Fey: I’m able to turn anxiety into sleepiness.
Ferrell: I’ll go on record that Tina can do a 47-inch vertical leap and actually dunk a tennis ball. I can shuffle cards Vegas-style. Not everyone can do
that.
What was the best thing about making this movie?

Ferrell: No personal grooming or hygiene was required. I prefer working that way.
Fey: There was no physical comedy, which can be hard on the old bones.
Did you see a different side of Will during filming?

Fey: I got to see so many facets of Will on SNL, so no. I wish you would take that up with him. I was promised new sides.
Do you know what you’ll be for Halloween this year?

Ferrell: Not yet. Two years ago, I went as Batman, and my son Magnus went as a smaller Batman. Anytime anyone would say to Magnus, “Hello,
Batman,” he would whisper to me, “They think I’m the real one.” I hope Tina says Roxy. Both she and Tina are incredibly intelligent. Both are sharp
dressers, and they love the same color of lipstick, which I believe is topaz.
Fey: Last year, I dressed up as Joan from Mad Men. Nobody really knew what I was trying to pull off, but I was really happy with it. I had the vintage
dress and a red wig, and, let’s be honest, I had to stuff my bra a lot. I think it would be good marketing for Will to go as Megamind. It would be nice
to get that moving.
What candy bar best describes you?

Ferrell: I’d have to say Snickers. Very solid. Dependable. Classic. Tina? No question. She’s 100 percent Almond Joy.
What historical figure are you like?

Fey: Betsy Ross. We both started off behind the scenes—she as a seamstress, I as a writer. We both sewed things together to aid the revolution.
Ferrell: Can I say God? No? Then pass.
What is your most impressive quality as a parent?

Ferrell: Not misplacing them. The children, that is. [Will and his wife, actress Viveca Paulin, have three sons, Magnus, six, Mattias, three, and Axel,
ten months.]
Fey: I’ve only recently gotten to know Will as a dad. But I suspect he sings bedtime lullabies in a very, very high octave. For me, I’d say bending
over to pick up my daughter. If you think I’m joking, you’re obviously not a parent. [Fey and composer husband Jeff Richmond have a daughter,
Alice, five.]
What movie should Will remake?

Fey: Being There.
And you?
Fey: Mothra.
What was striking about Will’s on-set friendship with Brad Pitt?
Fey: I suspect Will is going to tell the truth if you ask him, which is that when he looked at Brad, he felt as if he were gazing at himself in the mirror.
Ferrell: To be honest, the most striking part is that I never saw him while making this movie. Tina never saw him either. Our recording sessions
were done at different times. That’s how it goes with animation sometimes.
Did you and Tina see each other while making this?
Ferrell: We actually did. We got the unique opportunity to work together, so now when people ask what it was like to work together, I can
legitimately say, “It was great!”
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/your-america-inspiring-people-and-stories/deep-thoughts-from-will-ferrell-and-tina-fey/article186501.html

13 Health Food Buzzwords We're Sick Of

If just about everything we eat is super and natural, is anything?
By Meaghan Cameron
Marketing food is a difficult job. Trying to convince a mother who wants to put a quick dinner on the table to buy acai berries for cereal and agave
syrup for coffee is doubly so. Buying healthy foods shouldn’t be so complicated yet the below lexicon of health buzzwords is proof that it often can
be. Are you as sick of these buzzwords as we are?
1. Superfoods—So-called 'superfoods', such as goji and acaci berries, have been getting a great deal of press, but don't believe the marketing
hype, says nutritionist Fiona Hunter. “There's no legal definition of ‘superfood‘, so it's a term that's open to abuse,” she warns. “Eat goji berries if
you like the taste, but don't expect them to change your life and don't think they'll turn a bad diet into a good one. Strictly speaking, all fruit and
vegetables are ‘superfoods‘, because they all provide important vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals that help keep us healthy. Some, such as
blueberries and broccoli, contain such large amounts of these health-promoting substances that it is a good idea to include as much of them as
possible in your diet. This doesn't mean that you should stop eating more commonplace produce, such as apples and bananas. When it comes to
fruits and vegetables, variety is the thing.”
--From Forbidden Advice
2. All-natural—Just because something is all-natural doesn't make it healthy. Haagen Dazs vanilla ice cream is all natural but high in fat and
calories. (Moderation is a good general rule). 7UP is also all-natural but has no nutritional value. Watch this 7UP commercial to see the power of
marketing at work.
3. Organic—While organically grown food is a great option, this word is fast becoming overused. Next time you read about the new organic
chocolate with almonds and marshmallows or cookies and cream ice cream, remember it's still dessert. "Organic doesn't necessarily imply that a
food is nutritious or that it's heart-healthy," says Cynthia Sass, R.D., American Dietetic Association spokesperson. "It can actually be a high source
of calories or sodium or any other number of nutrients that people should avoid." Read more in Food Labels: Can You Tell Fact from Fiction?
4. Fresh—Proclaiming a food or foods are fresh seems pointless. How many products and places tout “Now Frozen!” or “Yesterdays Bread!” The
food you cook is fresh, too, and you know what's in it.
5. Energy boosting—The great energy booster, caffeine, is being added to just about everything.. Caffeine-laden energy drinks are made up of
mostly sugar and chemicals. For a natural energy boost, try taking a walk, heaving a healthy meal or getting more sleep.
6. Antioxidants—See superfoods. Fruits and vegetables have antioxidants. Eat them.
7. Sun-kissed, or drenched—Unless it's hydroponically grown in an artificially-lit greenhouse, most everything is sun-kissed, including pure sugar.
8. Probiotic-This word is 100% the work of good marketing. People are clamoring for a source of bacteria while scourging it elsewhere from their
lives; now that's a miracle in advertising. Yes, they're good for you, we get it but yogurt has been around for centuries. Who is to say that probiotics
elsewhere have the same effect?
9. Whole—What is a whole food? Have we been eating too many half-foods? The whole label is sometimes important – particularly when it comes
to grains. But the labeling has gotten out of hand. Fruits and vegetables are whole foods and they shouldn’t get a special label to tell us.
10. Diet—Foods and drinks labeled diet, low-carb, or sugar-free are often filled with chemicals. Read the nutritional information. The labels are
there to guide you.
11. 7-grain (or any number of grains)—These may not be whole and the product could include multiple sources of sugar and other flavors and
preservatives. Look for high-fiber and 100% whole grain breads.
12. 100-calories—Do we really need companies to dole out 100-calorie miniature packs like they are our weight-loss counselors? Plus, 100
calories of Oreos will satisfy so few people. Have an apple or banana instead. Both have about the same calories and are much more satisfying.
13. Healthy—What’s healthy is a judgment call if ever there was one. People are on different diets with different needs. One man's healthy food is
another man's poison. Looking for what’s healthy at the supermarket? Skip the promises on a label and shop the perimeter of the supermarket
instead. That’s where fresh foods like fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, and fish are usually located.
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/your-america-inspiring-people-and-stories/13-health-food-buzzwords-were-sick-of/article186313.html

Extreme Makeover: College Edition

With tuition sky-high and the job market bottoming out, one professor suggests major
changes.
By Dawn Raffel
In Crisis on Campus: A Bold Plan for Reforming Our Colleges and Universities, Mark C. Taylor joins a growing number of pundits and
academics alarmed by the high price and low yield of a college education. Taylor, chair of the department of religion at Columbia University, argues
that our higher education system fails to prepare young people to thrive in a global economy—and that it’s headed for a financial meltdown.
“If we project from where we are today, within ten years, the cost of four years at a top-tier school will be $350,000,” he says. “Parents used to pay
for their kids’ education by taking out a second mortgage, but of course that option has blown up.” Students are also going into deeper debt—an
average of $23,000 among those who’ve borrowed.
Taylor believes that liberal arts and a deep understanding of culture—our own and others’—are more important than ever. His beef is that while the
world has become interconnected, departments on many campuses have grown increasingly specialized and insular. “We have institutions made
of walls, in a world of webs,” he says. It’s worse in graduate schools, where students develop arcane expertise: “We’re training people for whom
there are no jobs.” At the same time, networking between schools—sharing resources and creating partnerships—could provide salvation. Taylor’s
suggestions:
Shake up academic departments. Yes, kids will still choose a major, and some fields require specialized study. But a physics major might, for
example, be required to collaborate with a math major, a student in natural sciences, and perhaps an art student on a “zone of inquiry” such as
media or the coming water shortage. “My wager is that over time, more innovative work will be done in the interdisciplinary zones,” he says.
“Creativity always emerges at the edges, at the intersections.”
Encourage colleges to partner with one another. Schools can’t afford to excel in every discipline—or offer every class. More students should
be allowed, even encouraged, to take courses at colleges other than the one in which they’re enrolled, possibly via the Internet. Taylor also believes
that wealthier schools—the educational haves—have a moral obligation to share with the have-nots via videoconferencing, not only in this country
but also throughout the world.
Partner with (gasp) for-profits. Professors could participate in low-cost, widely accessible for-profit education online and create other income-
generating alliances, possibly with corporations. Many science departments already do this. “It’s incumbent on us to find new ways of financing
what we do,” Taylor says.
Kill tenure. “No matter how well educators do what they do, you can’t know if there’s going to be a need for them in five years, let alone ten or 30,”
Taylor says. “If you were the CEO of a start-up, would you hire anybody on a lifetime contract with no possibility of dismissal, regardless of
performance? That’s what you have with tenure.”
Focus on teaching. Too much emphasis is placed on professors’ research and writing, especially at top-tier schools. “In my experience, faculty
members at Williams College typically spend only 120 hours teaching in the classroom in a school year. At Columbia, it’s usually 140,” he
calculates.
Question everything. Schools are built on an old model, Taylor says. “We should ask, ‘Why are all courses the same length? Why are they worth
the same credits? Why is college four years?’ ”
Stay positive. “Addressing the problem of higher education and marshaling the resources to do it,” Taylor says, “are absolutely essential.
Education is what makes us tick.”
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/your-america-inspiring-people-and-stories/extreme-makeover-college-edition/article186060.html

13 of Your Most Embarrassing Health Questions Answered

The body does some crazy things--many we don't want to talk about. Here are some quick
fixes for body embarrassment.
1. My husband claims he can't control his loud, frequent belches. Should he see a doctor?
Rafter-rattling burps can be a sign of acid reflux or even an infection with the ulcer-causing bacterium Helicobacter pylori. But it's more likely that
your spouse is simply swallowing more air than he realizes. We suck in about a teaspoonful with every swallow; body heat makes the extra air
expand in our stomachs, creating the perfect set-up for an explosive belch. Gum chewing, sucking on hard candy, smoking, drinking carbonated
beverages, gulping down food and beverages, and even things like excess saliva generated by poorly fitted dentures and sinus drainage (due to
an infection or allergy) can lead to an excessive intake of air. Try to correct those problems first. If belching continues, your husband may need relief
for reflux or an H. pylori infection, especially if he also has abdominal discomfort, indigestion, a bloated feeling, or frequent, mild nausea.
2. Nothing I do — brushing, flossing, mouthwash — gets rid of my bad breath. What will work?
Brush your tongue or clean it with a tongue scraper. Bad breath usually means bacteria are munching on food residue in your mouth, then emitting
nasty-smelling sulfur compounds. Cleaning the tongue removes the film of microscopic food particles and also evicts some of those ill-mannered
microbes before they can gas again. In one New York University study, people who brushed their teeth and tongues twice daily for 60 seconds had
a 53 percent reduction in breath-souring sulfur compounds after 2 weeks.
Rinsing with a mouthwash containing a germ-fighting ingredient, such as chlorhexidine, cetylpyridinium chloride, zinc lactate, or chlorine dioxide, is
also effective. If these strategies don't work, check your dinner plate: Garlic and onions contain odoriferous oils which, when digested, wind up in
your bloodstream; they're released in your lungs and can sour your breath for up to 3 days.
Talk with your doctor or dentist if nothing seems to help. Stubborn bad breath can be a symptom of advanced gum disease, dry mouth, a sinus
infection, tonsillitis, cryptic tonsillitis (when white debris collects in pockets in the tonsils), acid reflux, or a gastrointestinal or respiratory infection.
3. Nothing helps my BO. Am I doomed to stink?
Stubborn body odor can be caused by bacteria that live on your sweat, by the foods you eat, even by your emotions. Start by washing your armpits
— and a wide area around them — with antibacterial soap twice a day. If BO returns during the day, clean up again with alcohol wipes — portable,
individually wrapped alcohol-drenched pads. After you wash up, apply a clinical strength antiperspirant/deodorant; these contain higher
concentrations of sweat-inhibiting aluminum compounds, plus ingredients that make your skin more acidic, discouraging bacteria. Also apply it
after bathing at night to keep the pores of your sweat glands closed. Keeping underarms shaved also helps discourage bacteria.
Wear loose, natural-fiber shirts that allow sweat to dry; a moist environment encourages bacteria to grow. Check your diet, too. Garlic, onions, chili
peppers, black pepper, vinegar, blue cheese, cabbage, radishes, and marinated fish can all make BO stronger. In one study from Czechoslovakia,
so did red meat.
If BO persists, talk to your doctor. She can rule out medical causes such as hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) as well as an abscess under your
arm. While you're there, ask about a prescription antibiotic cream containing clindamycin (such as Cleocin) or erythromycin (such as E-Mycin,
Erythrocin, or Ilosone) to fight underarm bacteria.
If your problem is excess sweating, another option is a drug containing oxybutynin (Ditropan) or glycopyrrolate (Robinul). These drugs are normally
used for other purposes but have the side effect of drying up sweat. Unfortunately, they dry up all sorts of other secretions, too, and can have side
effects including dry mouth and vaginal dryness.
Another solution is botox. Injections of this toxin stop nerve impulses that trigger overproduction of sweat. In one study, botox reduced sweat
production by up to 70 percent. You may need repeat injections to keep your shirts dry, however.
PLUS: 15 Secrets ER Staff Won't Tell You
4. I had a painful, embarrassing boil. How can I prevent another one?
A boil is a hair follicle that's become infected with the highly contagious Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. These "staph" bugs live on the surface of
human skin and even in our respiratory systems. Normally, the immune system keeps them in check. You can't wipe them out, but there's plenty you
can do to prevent their spread.
Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water, and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer gel when you can't get to a sink.
Bathe or shower daily and after using a hot tub, a swimming pool, a sauna, or a steam room. Use a mild antibacterial soap and clean towels
and washcloths.
Don't use oils, oily moisturizers, or greasy sunscreen — they can trap bacteria. Opt for oil-free lotions and sunscreens instead.
If boils return in an area that you shave, use a clean razor blade every time you shave. That means replacing the blade or soaking it in alcohol
before reuse. Or opt for a hair-removal cream instead.
Rinse scrapes and cuts, apply an antibiotic ointment, and keep them covered with clean bandages until healed.
Don't share razors, towels, clothes, or athletic equipment (at the gym, use germ-killing cleaner on equipment seats and handles).
Avoid using powder in those areas that seem to build up sweat. The powder holds onto moisture, which breeds bacteria.
PLUS: 7 Home Health Checks That Can Save Your Life
5. When I wear a dark shirt, there's a snowstorm on my shoulders. What will get rid of serious dandruff?
Start with a new shampoo, something mild; overenthusiastic washing simply may have dried out your scalp. If dandruff persists, use trial and error
to find the right flake-fighter. Dandruff may be the result of anything from a desert-dry scalp to a skin condition called seborrheic dermatitis to
eczema, psoriasis, or, very commonly, an overgrowth of a yeastlike fungus called malassezia. Different dandruff shampoo ingredients do different
things. Zinc pyrithione targets fungus and bacteria; ketoconazole also fights fungus; coal tar and selenium sulfide slow the growth and die-off of skin
cells on your scalp; salicylic acid loosens flakes so they can be washed away. If one doesn't work, buy two or three different types and alternate
between them.
Still flaky? If nothing's helped after a few weeks of shampooing with various formulas or if your scalp is irritated, see your doctor. She may prescribe
a prescription-strength dandruff shampoo or another treatment if a skin condition like seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, or psoriasis is the real cause.
6. My feet stink so much that I'm afraid to take my shoes off in public. What will stop the odor?
Beating "toxic sock syndrome" involves keeping your feet as well as your shoes and socks clean, dry, and bacteria-free. Controlling moisture is
crucial; your feet have more sweat glands than any other body part, with the exception of the palms of your hands. Trapped in footwear for hours on
end, sweat builds; bacteria feed on a protein in sweat and emit stinky isovaleric acid.
For drier feet, change your socks at least once a day, wear shoes made from natural, breathable materials such as leather or canvas, and let shoes
air out for at least a day before you wear them again. Knock out bacteria by washing your feet every day (some foot doctors recommend using an
antibacterial soap). If foot odor persists, try soaking your feet in a solution of 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water once a day for a week; the acidity helps
kill bacteria. Foot odor can also be caused by a bacterial infection set off by an advanced case of athlete's foot. If you've noticed peeling skin
between your toes or on the soles of your feet, see your doctor if an athlete's foot cream or spray doesn't solve the problem.
PLUS: 8 Old Wives' Tales: Which Should You Believe
7. I'm frequently gassy. What can I do?
Nobody's gas-free. From prim-and-proper Aunt Martha to your gassy teenage nephew, everybody releases intestinal gas 13 to 21 times a day.
Reduce your personal emissions by cutting back on beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and asparagus, all of which contain an
indigestible sugar called raffinose that's broken down by bacteria in your digestive tract. The by-product: stinky hydrogen sulfide. Taking a remedy
like Beano before you eat may help; it contains an enzyme that breaks down raffinose. You can also reduce the raffinose in beans by thoroughly
rinsing dried beans after soaking and by rinsing canned beans just before eating. Have heartburn? Stay away from sodium bicarbonate (the stuff in
baking soda), found in some products such as Alka-Seltzer. It produces carbon dioxide, a gas that's gotta go somewhere!
If gas won't quit, talk with your doctor. Medical conditions such as lactose intolerance (the inability to digest sugars in milk), gluten intolerance (the
inability to digest the gluten protein in wheat and other grains), and irritable bowel syndrome may be behind it.
8. How do I avoid "leaks" when I laugh, sneeze, or pick up a grocery bag?
Lose weight, quit smoking, and exercise your pelvic floor muscles every day. Carrying extra pounds and smoking both increase the risk for
embarrassing stress incontinence. Age, hormonal changes, and pregnancy also contribute by weakening pelvic muscles and reducing the ability of
the urethra (the fragile tube that lets urine exit from your bladder) to close tightly.
Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles helps support the urethra and can reduce leaks by up to 60 percent. The trick? Working the right muscles.
For women, it's those that stop a stream of urine. For men, it's the muscles you use to stop the passage of urine. The exercise: Contract your pelvic
floor muscles for 3 seconds, then relax them for 3 seconds. Do ten repetitions, three times a day. Build up to 10 seconds for each contraction and
each relaxation. Men should feel their penises pull in slightly toward their bodies. It's also smart to go to the bathroom more often. If you empty your
bladder regularly, it will less often fill up to a point of overflowing.
PLUS: 11 Secrets of Getting Better Doctor Care
If leaks continue, women can wear a disposable "incontinence tampon" available by prescription. Inserted in the vagina to press against the
urethra, they can be helpful during physical activities such as tennis. A pessary is another possibility. This is a stiff ring placed in the vagina that
presses on the urethra, repositioning it to reduce leaks. Wearing a pessary can increase your risk for vaginal and urinary tract infections, so be sure
to talk with your doctor about symptoms to watch out for.
If low-tech strategies don't keep you dry, surgery may. For women, several procedures are available using surgical threads, transvaginal positioning
tape, or even sections of your own tissue to hold the bladder and urethra in position. A simpler procedure injects bulking agents into the urethra and
neck of the bladder, to make them close more tightly. Medications called anticholinergics may also help by preventing bladder spasms. For men,
an enlarged prostate may cause "urge incontinence," leakage after a sudden, strong need to urinate. Your doctor can diagnose this condition and
discuss options with you such as medications for prostate enlargement and surgery.
9. My ears and nose are sprouting hair like weeds. Do I get out the garden tools?
Leave the lawn trimmer in the garage. And forget about plucking; it hurts like heck and can lead to infection. The best way to trim an unfortunate
outcropping is with a nose and ear hair trimmer. These devices protect your skin from the cutting blades and are cleanable (a must!); some even
have tiny headlights or can suck shorn locks out of your nose, so you don't inhale them.
PLUS: Top 10 Tips for a Healthy Brain
10. I keep forgetting names, words, appointments, and even where I've left the car. How do I know if it's Alzheimer's?
Everybody forgets things once in awhile, and aging, stress, multitasking, and even some common medications can make memory lapses a little
worse. It's normal to occasionally forget names, appointments, or where you put those pesky car keys, and then remember the information later on.
But one potential early warning sign for Alzheimer's disease is forgetting important dates and names as well as new facts you've just learned (such
as how to work the new TV), and then asking for the information over and over again. While it's normal to lose your car keys, it's not normal to forget
how to use them.
Forgetting why you've opened the refrigerator on a busy morning is normal, but forgetting how to find the kitchen in your home isn't. Forgetting a
name on the tip of your tongue is not a problem, but failing to recognize a close friend is. Other red flags include trouble doing familiar things like
balancing a checkbook or following a recipe, losing track of what day it is, difficulty following a conversation, mood changes, and poor judgment. All
are signs that its time to see a doctor for an evaluation.
11. I'm a woman with thinning hair. Are there any medical ways to regrow it?
Try minoxidil (Rogaine). This over-the-counter hair restorer works by slowing down hair loss and encouraging the growth of new hair. In studies, 50
percent of the women who tried it for hair loss saw at least a little hair regrowth and 13 percent reported moderate regrowth. Developed originally
for men, a 2 percent minoxidil solution is FDA approved for women, too. The 5 percent strength is not; it's more likely to cause side effects like
itching, irritation, and hair growth in unexpected places such as the face. Some dermatologists use the stronger formula but suggest doing so only
under a doctor's care. Women should steer clear of another male hair restorer, finasteride (Proscar). It is not FDA approved for women and can
cause birth defects if used during pregnancy. Sometimes thinning hair is a sign of an underlying medical condition, like thyroid problems. It's a
worth a mention to your doctor.
PLUS: 10 Tips for Healthy, White Teeth
12. What's the best way to clean up crusty, yellowed toenails?
Prescription antifungal pills. They clear up 50 to 75 percent of nail infections, which are usually caused by dermatophytes, the same fungus
responsible for athlete's foot. The best of the bunch contain the fungus-zapping active ingredient terbinafine (Lamisil), which studies show is more
effective than two other types, itraconazole (Sporanox) and fluconazole (Diflucan). But these oral medicines can cause liver damage, raise risk for
heart problems, and may interact with other drugs. If you'd rather not risk complications and interactions, ask your doctor about a prescription
antifungal toenail "polish" containing ciclopirox (Penlac). This clear lacquer cleaned up crusty, fungus-ridden nails for 36 percent of the people who
tried it in one 48-week study.
Your treatment may work better if you also see your doctor several times during the 12-week treatment to have infected areas of your nails
debrided, or cut away.
13. I have a wart on my finger. Is it contagious?
Yes, but not very. All warts are infections caused by 1 of over 100 varieties of the human papilloma virus (HPV). In contrast to the highly contagious
HPV types that cause genital warts, the types behind common warts of the hands and fingers are much less so. Still, direct contact could spread
the virus to another person or to another part of your body. To treat one, try an over-the-counter remedy containing 17 percent salicylic acid. In one
review of 13 wart-removal studies, salicylic acid cured 75 percent of warts.
Plus:
20 Secrets Your Waiter Won't Tell You
13 Things You Never Knew About Your Weight
13 Camp Counselor Secrets
13 Things a Burglar Won't Tell You
13 Things Your Plumber Won't Tell You
13 Teacher Secrets
13 Things Your Shoe Salesman Won't Tell You
13 Hotel Secrets
Get more insider secrets!
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21 More Things Your Car Dealer Won't Tell You

The secrets that car salesmen won't tell you. Plus: 13 Things Your Car Dealer Won't Tell
You
1. Go in armed and educated. Study the pricing of the car you like and have your financing lined up. If you walk in with nothing, you're not a
customer, you're a victim.
2. Here's a favorite trick: Once you give us the keys to appraise your trade-in, you won't get them back until you're ready to leave and
you ask for them. While I'm getting them for you, another salesman will try to close a deal.
3. An older woman who walks in without an appointment, alone, is typically someone we can make a lot of money on. She's usually
uncomfortable with the process and just wants to get it over with.
4. Attractive people sell more cars. I've seen some incredible deals go down because the only thing the customer was paying attention to was
the salesman paying attention to her.
5. When you bring in your friend or your father to negotiate for you, we call him "the quarterback." Just know that he's often as clueless
about the process as you are.
6. If you want to test drive a bunch of models or need a lot of information, don't pull in on a weekend without an appointment. Come by
on a Tuesday or Wednesday.
7. Despite the stories you've heard about sleazy car dealers, plenty of us are honest folks frustrated by the guys who give the rest of us a
bad name.
8. Once you've agreed on a price, you think you're done – but we're just getting started. Worn out and ready to go home, you sign
document after document. Then you wake up the next day, look down, and you signed a contract that had a $1,995 extended warranty that isn't
worth the paper it's written on. And you're stuck.
9. Forget the overall cost of the car. Let's talk about what you want to pay each month. Then I can build in profit generators such as
extended warranties and credit insurance, and you won't even notice.
10. Think you'll get a good deal by coming in at closing time when I'm anxious to get home? Think again.
11. I'll promise you just about anything to get you to sign on the dotted line. But if I don't put it in writing, I may not remember the next day.
12. You shouldn't leave the dealership not knowing how to turn on the windshield wipers. Make us show you everything before you drive
away.
13. Banks almost never require you to buy a particular warranty or a particular add-on to get the loan. If the finance officer tells you
otherwise, ask to speak to someone at the bank.
14. Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds and NADA (National Automobile Dealers Association) all offer guides for car values. We're the experts
who do this every day and can evaluate what a 2008 Honda Accord EX is really worth in our market.
15. You accuse us of being the biggest liars in the world, but we like to say "buyers are liars." You tell us you're looking for a car for a
friend, that you've got to run to get to daycare, that you've got perfect credit. Right.
16. If I ask "Are you here to buy?" in the first 10 minutes, that's not a good sign.
17. Don't expect retail for your trade in and wholesale for our car. We have to recondition your trade, advertise it, warranty it and pay interest
on the amount we have in the car, then sell it for less than we want after it sits on the lot for months.
18. You think I'm pushy? I've had attractive young women raise their eyebrows at me and say, "I'll do anything to get a better deal. Anything."
19. Seven words I hate: "I have to check with my wife (or husband)."
20. Please do the math. You can't get a $40,000 Tahoe for $250 a month for 72 months! Even at zero percent, $40,000 divided by 72 months is
$555 before tax, title, and license fees. If you want a bargain, try to wait until the end of model year, usually in September or October, when we need
to move cars off the lot.
21. Sure, I'd be happy to tint your windows, apply rustproofing, or paint a pinstripe on your truck. But I'll probably charge you two or three
times the cost of doing it elsewhere.
Plus: 13 Things Your Car Salesman Won't Tell You

This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/your-america-inspiring-people-and-stories/21-more-things-your-car-dealer-wont-tell-you/article185336.html

13 Things Your Car Dealer Won't Tell You

Find out how to get the most value out of your purchase by side-stepping these common
car dealer practices. Plus: 21 More Secrets Your Car Dealer Won't Tell You
1. That car we advertised at the unbelievable price? It's a stripped-down model with a manual transmission, no air-conditioning, and crank
windows. But we got you in, didn't we?
2. The best time to buy is at the end of the month, and it's best to negotiate the trade-in separately. Negotiate up from the invoice price (what
we paid for the car, easy to find on the Web), not down from the sticker price.
3. Everybody believes his trade-in is worth more. You've got bald tires, chicken bones under the seats, and dust blowing from the vents, but
you're going to tell me your car is in “excellent” condition? Now who's the pushy salesperson?
4. To get a great price with minimal haggling, call and ask for the Internet manager or fleet manager.
5. Once I'm sitting behind the desk, you'll feel like I'm in control and may be willing to pay a little more. (We learn this during training.)
6. Ever wonder about those ads that promise a minimum $3,000 trade-in value for your clunker? Those dealerships also pad the sales
price to make up for the difference.
7. Never pay the VIN-etch fee. It's a $250 optional add-on that's almost pure profit for us.
8. Every spring we have guys who show up and say they're interested in one of our trucks and want to give it a spin. They think we
don't see the mulch on the floor when they bring it back.
9. Notice how many times we go back and forth to our manager? The loud music, the gongs, and the blaring flat-screen TVs? All are
distractions designed to help you lose track of what we're doing with the deal.
10. Plenty of cars get stolen at gunpoint or knifepoint on test-drives.
11. We're making less money on the car than you think. Our profit margin is typically 2 to 4 percent.
12. We all get our cars from the same place at roughly the same price. So if one dealer is offering to sell it for $2,000 less, there's probably a
catch.
13. If your auto credit score is under 600, expect to get an interest rate over 16 percent and to put 20 percent down. If your score is
under 550, we may put a tracking device in your car that will shut it off if you don't make a payment.
Sources: Car dealers in Florida, Ohio, North Carolina, and New York; Sarah Lee Marks, a Las Vegas–based personal car buyer who sold cars
for almost a decade; and Jeff Ostroff, president and CEO of carbuyingtips.com.
Plus:
10 Most Overpriced Products You Should Avoid
Cheap Airfare Tips From a Travel Expert
21 More Things Your Car Dealer Won't Tell You
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/your-america-inspiring-people-and-stories/13-things-your-car-dealer-wont-tell-you/article185317.html

13 Chefs' Secrets for the Perfect Breakfast

Here are the professionals' tips for flawlessly executing the most important meal of the
day.
1. Omelet
Want a perfect omelet? Getting the egg out of the pan is the challenge. Here are some helpful hints chefs already know:
Heat the pan hot! When you pour in the egg, it should sizzle and bubble. The pan should be hot enough to cook in just moments, without
browning.
Use a heavyweight nonstick pan, and make sure it is spotlessly clean.
Use a heatproof rubber scraper. These flexible tools, once used merely to scrape batter out of pans, have become major cooking tools with
the advent of heatproof silicone blades.
2. Hash Browns
Boil the potatoes in advance and — this is the key — refrigerate them overnight before grating them, resulting in picture-perfect hash browns that
are golden-edged and crisp. That's because cooking and chilling will crystallize the potato starch, allowing them to cook up dry and crisp, not
gooey.
3. Frittata
For an extra crispy, perfectly browned frittata top, drizzle with a light splash of extra-virgin olive oil before popping into the oven.
4. French Toast
Ever wonder how restaurants get their French toast so brown and sweet without overcooking the middle? Here's the trick: When you melt the butter,
add a pinch of brown sugar, a pinch of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to the pan at the same time. When the butter begins to foam, put the
bread in the pan, but do not move it around until it's time to flip!
5. Muffins and Scones

Are your breakfast baked goods a little tough? Here's a secret weapon that just might help: sugar. Stir a few tablespoons of sugar in when
combining the dry ingredients. Sugar helps weaken the gluten in the flour so it can't form such tough bonds. When it comes to baking, sugar is a
natural tenderizer.
6. Pancakes
The best and lightest pancakes are made from buttermilk and baking soda, which together create air bubbles that are trapped by the gluten in the
flour. This simple chemical reaction happens and subsides quickly, so don't wait around. Mix the pancake batter quickly (and minimally —
overbeating makes them tough and flat) and cook them immediately. Discard any leftover batter.
7. Bacon
To avoid splatter, and for even cooking, cook bacon in the microwave. For 1 sandwich, place 1 or 2 slices of bacon on a folded paper towel and lay
it in the microwave. Cook on high for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and sizzling. For more than 2 slices of bacon, lay the paper towel on
a plate and increase the cooking time as needed.
8. Oatmeal
The key to perfect oatmeal every time is to not add milk until the end; otherwise, it will curdle and throw off the texture of the cereal (not to mention
its flavor).
9. Scrambled Eggs
The secret to scrambled eggs is in the cream cheese. When cream cheese melts, it doesn't melt into a liquid; it melts down to the consistency of
sour cream, which adds a velvety smoothness to this delicious dish.
10. Breakfast Stratas

Everyone loves the crunchy bits on baked dishes like stratas and even lasagnas. The ingredient that's bound to make crunch-lovers happy is
cornflakes! Sprinkle them on just before baking, and watch your family beam with delight when the dish comes out of the oven.
11. Granola
Most granolas involve masses of raisins, which can get old and stodgy after a while. The secret to the delicious tang that gives granola such bright
flavor are crisp and tart dried cranberries and dried cherries.
12. Cornbread
The real secret to the best cornbread isn't in the batter; it's in the process. The hotter the cast-iron pan is before you pour in the batter, the crispier
the crust will be. (Just be careful removing it from the oven!)
13. Muffins
If your muffins emerge from the oven flat instead of puffed into a dome, you're probably overbeating the batter. Resist the impulse to beat it smooth.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet all at once and turn the batter over from the bottom with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula, not a whisk. Several
brisk stirs should do the trick. When you can still see a few streaks of unincorporated flour, that's the time to spoon the batter into the prepared
muffin pans.
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/home-garden/13-chefs-secrets-for-the-perfect-breakfast/article185272.html

13 Foods That Scare You Away

We asked our Facebook friends which foods they were scared to try. Here are some of them
with recipes to give you a foray into new flavors. Try one tonight! Also, join the
conversation on your most-feared ingredients.
From Healthy One-Dish Cooking

Habaneros
Habaneros can be very hot but used in small amount and they add an almost citrusy depth of flavor you cannot get anywhere else as in the recipe shown above.
Get the Jerk Pork With Grilled Pineapple recipe
From Vegetable for Vitality

Beets
Many people fear beets, but their natural sweetness is easily teased out to please the most fickle palates. Plus, they are a powerful cancer fighter according to the World's
Healthiest Foods website and an excellent source of folate, a mineral that is of utmost importance during pregnancy.
Get the Balsamic Beets With Toasted Pecans recipe

From Natural Solutions for Diabetes
Tofu
The recipe above will give you your cheesecake and tofu too. You won't be able to tell this creamy dessert is made with this healthy food. Did you know that tofu is high in Omega-
3 fatty acids, the same beneficial fats found in salmon?
Get the Marbled Cheesecake recipe
From Fight Back With Food

Lima Beans
Try buttery lima beans in place of chickpeas in your favorite hummus recipe. They also add a delicious texture to this warming, vitamin-packed soup.
Get the Mushroom& Winter Vegetable Soup recipe
From Magic Foods for Better Blood Sugar
Sushi
This sandwich is made with canned salmon that is kicked up with the flavors of sushi. Consider it a gateway sandwich.
Get the Salmon Sandwiches With Wasabi Mayonnaise recipe
From Midweek Meals Made Easy

Squid
Squid hides among other healthy seafood in this tasty wrap.
Get the Creamy Seafood Wraps recipe
From Your Cookery Questions Answered
Caviar
Simple, elegant and refined, these little eggs are feared by many. However, try any type of roe on top of hors d'oeurves like these for a salty touch. Or just make the edible cups
for any other topping you are not afraid of.
From Eat to Beat Diabetes

Liver
A frequently feared food, we urge you to try blending buttery liver into a pate. Liver is off the charts in B12 and many other B vitamins for high energy so a little goes a long way.
Turkey and turkey livers are pureed with lentil to create a low-fat, creamy textured dip in this recipe.
Get the Turkey and Lentil Pate recipe
From Healthy One-Dish Cooking
Duck
The dark meat of duck can scared people away, but its succulent flavor needs to be tried. You'll be a convert. This bright salad stars seared duck breast which pairs perfectly with
the tart sweetness of pomegranate and oranges.
Get the Duck, Rice, Mushroomand Orange Salad recipe
From Eat to Beat Diabetes

Rabbit
High in protein, B vitamins and other nutrient, rabbit has been enjoyed for centuries. Try something new today. You'll never guess the succulent meat in this stew is rabbit.
Get the Spanish Rabbit and Chickpeas recipe
From Vegetables for Vitality
Okra
Okra and gumbo cannot be separated. The crunchy vegetable swims among delicate pieces of crab in this New Orleans classic dish helping to thicken the stock.
Get the Crab Gumbo recipe
From Complete Book of Herbs

Fish Sauce
Those wary of seafood in general are probably petrified of fermented fish sauce. However you may use the American equivalent and not even know it: Worcestershire sauce. This
dark brew has anchovies to that create a beguiling tang. Fish sauce is less scary among the spicy yet delicate flavors in this Thai dish.
Get the Pad Thai recipe
From Midweek Meals Made Easy
Passion Fruit
The fearful insides of passion fruit are teased into this luscious but light Italian dessert.
Get the Passion Fruit and Honey Zabaglione recipe
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/home-garden/13-foods-that-scare-you-away/article185157.html

13 Natural Foods for Healthy College Care Packages

Don't send your child sugar-laden food to contribute to the freshman 15. Try these natural
choices instead.
1. Popcorn
Bearitos Microwave Popcorn

This popcorn was voted the best natural popcorn by Real Simple.
2. Salsa
2 Olive Roasted Garlic Salsa

Desert Pepper salsas are all-natural. The 2 Olive Roasted Garlic Salsa is deeply flavored by real kalamata olives and seasoned with a
subtle touch of orange peel.
3. Tortilla Chips
Tostitos Baked Scoops

These corn chips are shaped like little bowls to scoop up all that healthy salsa without the mess that other chips can create. They
were also rated the best healthy tortilla chips from Everyday With Rachael Ray.
4. Mac and cheese
Annie's All Natural Microwavable Mac and Cheese

Your child will love this healthy take on a snack staple that skips the unnatural colors and flavors.
5. Soup
Pacific Foods Creamy Tomato Soup

As soothing and delicious as the kind you served when she was little with less sodium. No can opener required.
6. Tea
Celestial Seasonings
Over 90 flavors of all-natural teas that can perk up, calm down and even get your child to sleep. Send a different one with each care
package. Different kinds are available at different locations. There is a finder on their site that is very useful to locate a desired
product.
7. Cereal
Kashi Go Lean Cereal

The super-healthy choice has 10 grams of fiber. Topped with a touch of honey it is a great breakfast or late night alternative to ice
cream.
8. Hot Cocoa
Ghirardelli Unsweetened Cocoa

Skip the additives that hot cocoa mixes can contain and send this. Your child can just add water and mix in sugar or sugar substitute
for a quick soothing treat. Marshmallows optional.
9. Apple Sauce
Santa Cruz Organic Apple Cinnamon

Get some fruit into your child with this deliciously spiced sauce. It was voted the best cinnamon apple sauce by Real Simple.
10. Peanut Butter
Arrowhead Mills Peanut Butter

This healthy choice need only be stirred once and then it will not separate in the refrigerator. Enjoy on crackers, bananas or simply
by the spoonful.
11. Instant Oatmeal
Nature's Path Organic Hot Instant Oatmeal

Tasters at Everyday With Rachael Ray were impressed with the creaminess of this instant oatmeal. They rated it the best instant
oatmeal.
12. Natural Almonds
Planters Harvest Almonds

Lightly seasoned with sea salt and roasted these are a tasty, protein-filled alternative to chips.
13. Chocolate Bar
Green & Black's Organic

These chocolate bars come in a wide range of flavors from creamy milk chocolate to almond to 85% dark chocolate. There's a flavor
for any chocolate lover.
All products are available at grocery stores or health food stores.
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/living-healthy/13-natural-foods-for-healthy-college-care-packages/article184525.html

13 Places in Airports to Get Healthier Choices

Airport food choices are expanding as airlines drop their meal services to save money.
Here are some places with healthy options that you can bring on board.
By Meaghan Cameron
1. Starbucks
The ubiquitous chain has more than fun drinks and strong coffee. Starbucks has many healthy options for you and your family. Take their lovely
packaged meals—most with calorie counts—on your flights. Grab a nice Calm tea as well to soothe those nerves.
What to try:
Roma Tomato & Mozzarella Sandwich: 380 calories
Ham & Swiss Sandwich: 360 calories
Chicken on Flatbread with Hummus Artisan Snack Plate: 250 calories
Farmer's Market Salad: 230 calories
Where:
Most airports
Get more nutritional information from Starbucks.
2. Gordon Biersch
This brewery chain has many locations for the hungry traveler. Here are a few of the lighter options. As always salads without crispy things and light
on the dressing are always a good choice.
What to try:
Sandwiches
Lobster & Crab Cake Sandwich: 500 calories
Half Roasted Turkey & Swiss Sandwich: 500 calories
Salads
Wedge Salad: 200 calories
Grilled Chicken Cashew Salad: 550 calories
Ahi Salad: 520 calories
Olive Lemon Vinaigrette: 1 fl oz is 90 calories
Entrees
Bistro Steak & Crab Stuffed Shrimp: 440 calories
Grilled Mahi Mahi (with pineapple salsa): 430 calories
Grilled Chilean Sea Bass: 290 calories
Where:
Click here to see Gordon Biersch's 11 airport locations.
Get more nutritional information from Gordon Biersch
3. California Pizza Kitchen

There is more to this restaurant than pizza, and it has locations all over the U.S.
What to try:
Asparagus Soup: (vegetarian and creamless) 106 calories per cup, 213 for a bowl
Moroccan Chicken Salad (half): 421 calories
Chinese Chicken Salad (half): 376 calories
Frozen Lemonade: 70 calories
Where:
Find out if there's a location where you are traveling.
Get more nutritional information from California Pizza Kitchen
4. Wolfgang Puck Express

This chain can be found in many airport locations. Try one of the salads or sandwiches light on the dressing and sauce.
What to try
Chinois Chicken Salad: 284 calories
Smoked Ham and Swiss: 570 calories
Where:
Find out if your airport has a location.
Calorie counts from Livestrong.com

5. Paradise Bakery and Cafe
Drop into this healthy cafe for a few wholesome options before you fly.
Paradise Pasta Salad: 330 calories

Traditional Turkey Sandwich: 510 calories
Summer Berry Salad (large): 240 calories
Where:
Phoenix Sky Harbor International
Denver International
Get more nutritional information from Paradise Bakery and Cafe
6. Legal Sea Foods

Traveling through Boston or Philly? Check out these little Legal Sea Foods outposts.
What to try:
Try a shrimp cocktail, fresh fish, or a wedge salad with grilled shrimp or scallops, light on the dressing. This is airport food?!
Where:
Boston Logan International
Philadelphia International
Find out more about Legal Sea Foods
7. Au Bon Pain
If you're a New Yorker you know Au Bon Pain is an essential for quick, healthy food. Here are a few delicious options at this chain.
Sandwich
Demi Ham Sandwich on a Baguette: 330 calories
Demi Turkey Sandwich on a Baguette: 320 calories
Salad
White Bean and Asparagus Salad: 250 calories
Grilled Chicken Caesar Asiago: 290 calories
Fat Free Raspberry Vinaigrette: 50 calories
Soup
Butternut Squash and Apple Soup (Small):140 calories
Carrot Ginger Soup (Small): 90 calories
Where:
Miami International
Orlando International
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International
Baltimore-Washington International Airport
Logan International Airport, Boston
JFK, NY
LaGuardia Airport, NY
Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport
Philadelphia International
Get more nutritional information from Au Bon Pain
8. Nature's Table
When traveling through Atlanta and Orlando catch these rare fresh options.
Salad
Shanghai Chicken Salad With Dressing: 385 calories
Greek Salad With Dressing: 377 calories
Sandwich
Avocado Cucumber Sandwich: 344 calories
Mediterranean Chicken Wrap With Feta (no dressing): 483 calories
Where:
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International
Orlando International
Get more nutritional information from Nature's Table
9. Chili's Too
Chili's has some good options for low-cal satisfying fare. Just choose wisely and, sorry, anything called a "big mouth burger" is off the healthy menu.
What to try:
Broccoli Cheese Soup: 120 calories
Guiltless Grill Asian Salad: 410 calories
Santa Fe Chicken Wrap With Veggies: 610 calories
Get more nutritional information from Chili's
10. TCBY
Sometimes you need something sweet to complete a meal. The frozen yogurt at TCBY will keep your diet on track as you wait for the plane.
All of the soft-serve yogurt is under 120 calories per ½ cup serving, top with any berries for less than 10 calories extra. Have it on a sugar
cone for 50 more calories
Get more nutritional information from TCBY
11.Cosi
Cost has many sandwiches and salads to choose from. Try their lighter side menu as well to cut calories from your favorite choice.
What to try:
Mediterranean Shrimp Salad: 357 calories
Shanghai Chicken Salad: 313
Fire Roasted Veggies Sandwich: 324 calories
3 Bean Chili (small): 150 calories
Where:
Reagan National, Virginia
Boston Logan International
Dulles International, Virginia
Get more nutritional information from Cosi
12. Jamba Juice

You know all about Jamba Juice and their great juice options. Well, they also carry food and are opening in airports all over the country. They don't
post their grab-n-go menu options with calories, but it says calories counts are available at the locations.
What sounds good?

Chimichurri Chicken Wrap
Ginger Soy Grilled Chicken Salad
Where:
Chicago O'Hare International
San Diego International
George Bush Intercontinental, Houston
JFK, NY
Newark Liberty International
Denver International
Charlotte Douglas International
Portland International
Get more nutritional information from Jamba Juice
13. Quiznos
Quiznos has some good options for the hungry traveler. Many sandwiches are under 500 calories.
What to try:
Classic Honey Bourbon Chicken (small): 315 calories
Veggie Bullet: 330 calories
Find out if there's a Quiznos at your airport.
Get more nutritional information from Quiznos

This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/living-healthy/13-places-in-airports-to-get-healthier-choices/article184102.html

The Funniest Things We Found From A to Z

An alphabet soup of what cracks us up.
A
Awards for the Truly Deserving
In Communication
To the captain on a Vueling Airlines flight. He greeted Madrid-bound passengers this way: "We have a safety problem with the door at the front.
Don’t worry—it’s only a safety problem."
—From The Titanic Awards, by Doug Lansky (Perigee Books)
In Recreation
To an angler in Logmozero, Russia. He reportedly gets his neighbors’ attention each time he takes his boat out. That’s because he uses a
functional World War II–era aviation bomb as an anchor.
—From the Darwin Awards
In Problem Solving
To Shandong Airlines. When one of its planes broke down shortly after landing, the passengers were asked to push it half a mile to the gate.
"Thank God it was only a 20-ton medium-size plane," said an airport worker.
—From The Titanic Awards
Barack-isms
"I’m pleased that Michelle accompanied me. There are few things in life that are harder to find and more important to keep than love. Well, love and
a birth certificate."
—President Barack Obama, at the 2010 White House Correspondents’ Dinner
"I don’t want to be invited to the family hunting party.’’

—On revelations that he and former vice president Dick Cheney are eighth cousins
Business Opportunities
What will people do for $5? Quite a bit, according to posts on fiverr.com.
I will make up your mind for you for $5.
I will be your Internet boyfriend for a week for $5.
I will clean my room for $5.
I will listen to your side of the story for $5.
I will tell you if you look fat in those jeans for $5.
I will say anything for you in a nearly perfect Gollum (Lord of the Rings) voice for $5.
Comic, Funniest One I Know

Nia Vardalos on Will Ferrell
"I love it whenever Will Ferrell plays a guy valiantly fighting off the dull responsibility of male adulthood. His lack of vanity is jaw-droppingly sexy. I
mean, c’mon, in Old School, he streaks down a residential street without sucking in his gut. If I were in that scene, I’d be wrapped head to toe in
control-top panty hose. In Anchorman, he makes a sad ’70s mustache cool.
And in Step Brothers, when his 40-year-old man-child character petulantly declares, ‘I’m not going to call him Dad … Ever. Even if there’s a fire,’ I
am on his side. Most women, while eye-rolling the antics, quietly enjoy this kind of guy. Admit it, most of us date or are married to one. Because …
here’s a little secret: Compliment a woman and, sure, she will smile. But make a woman laugh, and she may get naked."Nia Vardalos wrote and
starred in My Big Fat Greek Wedding. She cowrote Larry Crowne, due out next year.
Dave Barry on humorist Roy Blount, Jr.

"Everything Roy says in his Category Five Southern drawl is funny. We were in a men’s room once and the urinals had this high-tech flushing
mechanism with lights flashing ‘System On!’ Roy couldn’t figure out how to flush it, and he started drawling on in such an entertaining manner that I
nearly wet my pants, which I rarely do in men’s rooms."Roy has also brought me to near incontinence as a member of the Rock Bottom
Remainders, our profoundly mediocre all-author rock band. Roy can’t play an instrument or sing, so his contribution is to gyrate randomly around the
stage with all the rhythmic grace of a walrus on stilts. He also happens to be a great humor writer, but even if he were a pension actuary, he’d be
hilarious. I would pay to see him actuarize a pension or whatever it is they do."
Dave Barry’s I’ll Mature When I’m Dead is on sale now.
B. J. Novak on Ricky Gervais, et al

"The first funniest person in the world to me was Mitch Hedberg, the late comedian. He was rebellious and sweet. I remember one line: ‘An
escalator can never break—it can only become stairs.’ I quoted him for weeks until my girlfriend broke up with me. Peter, the caterer on the set of
The Office, is very funny. He believes that every item he has can improve your sexual prowess. He will create a narrative about who he thinks you’re
dating and how his vegetable soup will increase your stamina. Ricky Gervais, who created The Office, is the most recent funniest person in the
world to me. He gives me faith that you don’t have to be crazy to be a genius. And his giggle is the most high-pitched squeal of delight. It’s a no-
vanity sign of his comedy because it’s really an unpleasant sound. Your sense of humor changes. I’m lucky that I keep meeting new people who
seem funnier than the last."
B. J. Novak is a writer and actor on The Office.
Defense
One writer dares to speak up for that much maligned breakfast icon—imitation syrup. "People give 100 percent real maple syrup as gifts. They
take their kids to a farm to see it being collected and cooked. In the Northeast, it’s extolled. Which is strange because it’s not as good as Aunt
Jemima or Mrs. Butterworth’s, its mass-market imitators. First of all, syrup shouldn’t run; it should ooze. Real maple syrup runs. The mass-market
stuff—the stuff you grew up on—that stuff oozes. It has viscosity. So instead of going straight into the pancakes, like water into a sponge, it
maintains their integrity. And the taste: Mass-market syrup is sweet. Real maple syrup is a beguiling combination of sugar and resin. Which is
authentic, sure. But bark is authentic. Is there anything else we eat that tastes vaguely of tree?"
—Ross McCammon, in Esquire
E
Entombment
For years we’ve been screwing in lightbulbs and screwing off bottle tops. Who knew we were just practicing for our final days? Introducing the
Screw-in Coffin. Mourners turn the casket until the deceased is buried vertically, saving space and money. The only thing that could possibly
improve upon Donald Scruggs’s patent-pending idea is if it came with a giant power drill.
F
Fanatics
Fans of the film Twilight have gone gaga over characters Edward the Vampire and his human girlfriend, Bella. They even have their
own website/confessional, the URL of which says it all: mylifeistwilight.com. Some entries:
"I have a life-size cardboard cutout of Edward in my room. When I saw New Moon again, I bought an extra ticket and had Edward
sit next to me. Best date ever."
"Today I met the most amazing boy ‘ of my life. As we were talking, he cracked a funny joke, and I accidentally responded with ‘Oh,
Edward!’ "
"In the ninth-grade biology class I teach, there is a boy named Ed and a girl named Bella. I pair them up for every lab assignment in
hopes that they will get together."
"Today my ex-boyfriend threw my Twilight book across the room. He was still my boyfriend before that."
"Today I watched Twilight for the 25th time … this month."
G
Gripe
What’s keeping screenwriter Greg Grabianski up at night seething with anger? The self-checkout lane at his grocery store.
"When did I start working for the supermarket? When I buy groceries, I expect someone to give me service, not employ me for zero
cents an hour to check myself out. What’s next, corral shopping carts? Mop spills in aisle five? Work security? I can see that. After I
catch myself shoplifting, I’ll wrestle myself to the ground, call 911, and hand myself over to the cops."
H
Headlines—Real
Stop the presses! What’s on top of an article might be the real story:
Man Opts for Jail Over New Year With Relatives – Reuters
Floor Collapses at Weight Watchers Meeting – timesonline.co.uk
Stylish Family Living in Guilford – New Haven Register
Funeral Home Breathes New Life into Downtown Aurora – The County Compass
Police Expose Serial Flasher – Brisbane Times
Headlines—Fake
One Killed, Six Injured in Pie Factor Explosion. Blast Heard up to 3.14159265 Miles Away – fark.com
China to Stop Spying on Its People; Will Use Facebook Instead – Borowitz Report
Computer Company Started in Garage 30 Years Ago Now in Smaller Garage – The Onion
I
Insult
"You have the honesty of Abe Lincoln and the charm of the guy who shot him." —Dane Cook to Simon Cowell
Interface
"I see eight-year-olds at the mall talking on their cell phones. About what? Is there something one eight-year-old has to say to another
eight-year-old that can’t wait?" —Larry Winget, author of Your Kids Are Your Own Fault
Irony
Earlier this year, the Mortgage Bankers Association, a trade group that represents real estate finance companies, sold its
Washington, D.C., headquarters for $41 million. They’d bought it three years earlier for $79 million. Source: huffingtonpost.com
Nadya Suleman, aka the Octomom and the mother of 14, has arranged with PETA to place a sign on her front lawn. It reads "Don't let
your dog or cat become an 'octomom.' Always spay or neuter."
Justice
A phantom serial killer had vexed German police for two years. Their only clue: DNA found at 39 crime scenes. But according to the
German magazine Bild, after hundreds of detectives were deployed, the mystery was solved: The DNA belonged to the woman who
made the cotton swabs used to collect samples at the scenes of the crimes.
Kids’ Toy Critique

Thirty years after last playing with them, sfgate.com writer Peter Hartlaub found his plastic green toy soldiers and wondered how
some of them were ever drafted.
The Minesweeper: "Even when I was a kid, this soldier reminded me of the old guys who used a metal detector to find spare change
on the beach. All my other combat men were locked in mortal combat, and this guy is looking for his car keys."
The Radio Operator: "Considering that I had multiple soldiers wielding flamethrowers and machine guns, you’ll have to excuse me
for not getting excited about the guy making a phone call."
???: "I’m not even sure what this guy is doing. Setting up bowling pins?"
Love
For Dick Kleis, flowers and a box of chocolates won’t cut it when it comes to celebrating his wife’s birthday. So for Carole’s 67th, he
wrote a massive "HAP B DAY LUV U" in the cornfield of their Zwingle, Iowa, farm … with 123,850 pounds of cow dung. "I was going to
put a heart there after ‘happy birthday,’" he told thonline.com, "but I ran out of manure."
M
Meatscape
Finally, a work of art a butcher can love! From the prosciutto trees to the salami road, photo-illustrator Carl Warner has created a truly
tasteful masterpiece. Source: carlwarner.com
New Math
Have life’s conundrums left you scratching your head? Good news: Artist Craig Damrauer explains it all with the help of mathematical
formulas.
Modern Art = I Could Do That + Yeah, But You Didn't
First Impression = Everything You Figure Out Later + Later
Ignorance = It - What I Know About It

Source: morenewmath.com
Online Update
When two Australian girls, ages 10 and 12, got stuck in a storm drain, they were lucky to have a cell phone and reception. And they
quickly put that technology to work. No, they didn’t call police—they updated their Facebook statuses to "Lost under the streets."
The girls were eventually rescued, but only after friends called for help. Source: switched.com
P
Prank
How do you tweak a multinational oil giant after it has dumped millions of gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico? Invent a Twitter
account called BPGlobalPR.
"Proud to announce that BP will be sponsoring the New Orleans Blues Festival this summer with a special tribute to Muddy
Waters."
"Please do NOT take or clean any oil you find on the beach. It is the property of British Petroleum, and we WILL sue you."
"As part of our continued rebranding effort, we are now referring to the spill as ‘Shell Oil’s Gulf Coast Disaster.’ "
Q
Quaint Inn
If you have ever envied your hamster's lifestyle, you're in luck! The Villa Hamster, in Nantes, Frances, has opened for the discerning
rodentphile. Guests dine on hamster grain, scamper in a giant hamster wheel, and sleep on hay, all for a fur-raising $145 a night. Why
choose to stay here, say, a Best Western? Because it's a "real experience," owner Yann Falquerho told the (London) Guardian. "We
wanted it to be eccentric, and the funniest experience would be to become an animal." Up next: a hotel room that simulates a womb.
R
Remorse, Lack Thereof

Sometimes the hardest hitters are the ones with a smile on their faces. Here’s one such example—a postcard seen on
passiveaggressivenotes.com.
Separated at Birth
Ever wonder what famous people would look like if they were just normal, everyday folk? Well, lolrednecks.com has removed the
guesswork.
Stage Directions
Sadly, the best parts of many movie scripts are the stage directions from the screenwriter. Names and titles have been omitted,
because someone should be embarrassed.
"A very weird-looking woman greets him at the door. She should be very gaunt and nervous, sort of like the MGM executive on this
picture."
"A Confederate soldier enters the room, his blue uniform covered with road dust."
"The detective enters and finds a body. (You don’t have to use a real dead body. You could use a dummy or give a real actor
knockout drops to make sure he was still and looked dead.)"
"He is shot in the chest. It hurts."
"Seeing the suspect drive off, the detective starts the motor of his car. First he opens the door and gets in the car."
"He sees a woman in the alley, picks up a rock, and throws it at her. (If you use my ex-wife, I’ll throw the rock.)"
"The dog sniffs the fire hydrant and marks his territory. (I have enclosed a diagram for an invention I’ve come up with that you can
hook onto the dog to raise his leg by remote control.)"
Selected by film producer Matty Simmons
Texts
The only thing worse than drinking too much at night is texting about it the next day.
"I got us kicked out of the bar because the waitress found me in the kitchen trying to make spaghetti."
"I literally forgot his name and just started calling him Waffles."
"My blind date arrived. She looked like something I’d draw with my left hand."
"My mouth tastes like poor choices."
From Texts from Last Night, by Lauren Leto and Ben Bator (Gotham Books)
Unforeseen Danger
What’s the No. 1 cause of injury in Tokyo? Apparently, giants dropping their bowls of soup.
Source: signspotting.com
Voluble Expression
"Sure, you like Glee and want to interact with other fans on Facebook, but do we really need a fan site dedicated to Ziploc bags?
There are actual people in this group … writing on the site! About what, you ask? Someone recently posted how much of a time-saver
these bags are. If you’re posting on the Ziploc Fan Site page, I’m pretty sure you know nothing about saving time."
—Comic Ophira Eisenberg
Words of Warning
Who says the church doesn’t have a sense of humor? A cautionary note outside the Willesden Revival
Centre church in Willesden, England:
X
XL Ego
Hey, girls, on the prowl for a real catch? Look no further than this gent’s personal ad on Craigslist:
"Muscular, Gifted Man Seeks Woman—31 (Dubuque)
"If you’re reading this, you’re a very lucky woman. I am an immaculate specimen of a man with rippling muscles and a very strong
jawline. I have been compared numerous times to Jean-Claude Van Damme, both in musculature and in dancing abilities, once even
by Jean-Claude’s cousin Adelbert, who is a friend, btw.
"If you expect to receive a reply from a man such as me, I expect several full body pictures of you and ideally, a recent video, which
must be in WMV format as the computer at the public library will not play QuickTime.
"You must be completely disease-free, although I have found that my immune system is far too strong for most diseases. I will
furthermore need a ride to and from our trysts, as my van is presently in an incapacitated state."
Young Comics You Haven’t Heard of ... Yet

Being funny is tough. Being paid to be funny in front of a group of strangers is even tougher. Here are a few who have tickled our
very critical funny bone.
"I had a teacher who was very rude. She said, ‘John, the sky’s the limit!’ Sure, it sounds nice, but I had just told her I wanted to be an
astronaut." —John Ramsey
"I got kicked out of a costume party for wearing nothing but a red shirt. I guess no one had heard of Winnie the Pooh." —Kellen
Erskine
"At the Olive Garden, they like to say, ‘When you’re here, you’re family.’ It’s true. I showed up with a date, and the hostess said, ‘We
think you could do better.’ "—Aparna Nancherla
By Eddie Brill, comedy booker for Late Night with David Letterman
Zebra
Mohammed Bargouthi didn’t let a little thing like an Israeli embargo keep him from having a zebra in his Gaza zoo. Using ingenuity
and guile, he made his own. His recipe: one donkey, some masking tape, and a little black hair dye. "The children don’t know, and
they are happy to see something new."
Source: Ananova News Service
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/clean-jokes-and-laughs/the-funniest-things-we-found-from-a-to-z/article184296.html

Quick Study: Greener Grass

Lawns are becoming battle zones, with national groups and local neighborhoods fighting
about weeding, feeding, watering, mowing, and sowing. The environmental issues in your
front yard.
By Kathleen Fifield
Flash Points
Mandatory maintenance. Green lawns—yours, your neighbors’—are good for property values, and the pressure for upkeep can be intense.
In some places, it’s nonnegotiable—as Betty Perry, a 70-year-old widow in Orem, Utah, found out. In July 2007, after refusing to provide her
name to a police officer who had cited her for a less-than-lush yard, she was led to jail in handcuffs.
Water wars. While the average American family uses about 30 percent of its water outdoors, that number spikes to 70 percent in the West,
where water is especially scarce. Last year, Clark County, Nevada, banned planting turf in the front yards of new homes. The EPA is now
offering incentives to builders to design landscapes that use a “regionally appropriate” amount of water. Grass is probably the largest
irrigated crop in this country, says Cristina Milesi, a NASA-funded researcher.
Fertilizer overkill? Americans buy some 4.5 million tons of chemical fertilizer a year—mostly concentrated, water-soluble products that may
dish out more nutrients than your lawn can use. Phosphorus and nitrogen can run off during rainstorms, contaminating drinking water and
leaching into rivers and streams and turbo-feeding algae, which then dies and smothers fish. Another downside: It takes lots of fossil fuel to
manufacture most synthetic fertilizers.
Pesticides. Moms worried about the effects of pesticides on their kids’ health have led to a “quantum shift” in awareness of organic lawn
care, says Paul Tukey, founder of safelawns.org. In Canada, more than 100 cities, including Toronto, restrict the use of pesticides. Nothing
prevents U.S. cities from doing the same. But lobbyists have helped pass “preemption laws” in 41 states to make community pesticide bans
illegal.
Redefining a weed. What, exactly, is a lawn invader, and what needs to be eradicated? Some “weeds,” like white clover, cut down on grubs,
and others, like yellow dock, ferry nutrients from deep in the soil to your grass.
Forward Thinking
New seeds. Drought-tolerant grasses like sheep fescue, buffalo grass, and blue grama are all widely available from seed suppliers. This
year, Scotts introduced Turf Builder EZ Seed, which uses coconut fiber to yield “50 percent thicker grass with half the water,” according to
company claims. One of the most promising new grass seeds is Eco-Lawn, from Canada, which doesn’t require any fertilization and can be
planted over existing grass.
No grass—or faux grass. Ground covers like blue carpet juniper, wildflowers, and sprinkle-on moss don’t require much water and need little
tending. Another alternative is artificial turf, such as the recently introduced K9Grass, from ForeverLawn in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which
boasts a porous backing for rain (and dog urine). Despite health concerns over lead levels in fake turf made from recycled tires—and its
tendency to retain heat (it can get up to 60 degrees hotter than real grass)—cities such as Scottsdale, Arizona, are encouraging homeowners
to go faux.
It’s the soil. Manure was once the fertilizer of choice to beef up soil and feed grass. Today, organic landscapers advocate composting with
lawn or kitchen scraps, mulching with grass clippings, or fertilizing with organic products that combine anything from llama manure to fish
emulsion and alfalfa. Last year, Harvard eliminated chemical treatment on 25 acres of its greens; it now relies only on “basic soil health
techniques,” using natural mulch and the “compost tea” brewed in giant vats on campus. In one year, by composting and recycling 500 tons of
grass clippings, pruned branches, and leaves for mulch, the college saved two million gallons of water and $35,000 in disposal costs.
Rebates. Some states, even cash-strapped California, are offering cash incentives to people who shrink their lawns, limit watering during
peak usage times, or use “smart water meters” that let homeowners monitor how much water they’re using.
The Back-and-Forth
“Pretty much by definition, a lawn is unnatural.”
—Elizabeth Kolbert, “Turf War,” the New Yorker
“It’s not the grass but the irrigation and the people who are managing it—or maybe not managing it—that’s the problem.”
—Michael Dukes, University of Florida
“In general, chemicals in the United States are innocent until proven guilty, while in Canada and the European Union, chemicals have to be
considered safe first.”
—Paul Tukey, founder, safelawns.org
The Time Line

1600s
Discarded bedding and manure dumped into East Coast ports by arriving settlers introduce grasses and weeds from Europe.
1661
Louis XIV commissions the designs and layout of the gardens of Versailles; the work takes 40 years to complete. Lawns in England and France
become dalliances of the superrich.
1780
The Shakers produce top-quality grass seed.
1808
Thomas Jefferson creates an English-style lawn at Monticello.
1868
The first three patents for lawn mowers are issued.
1888
The St. Andrews Club in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York, the oldest continuously operating golf club in the U.S., is founded.
1944
The herbicide 2,4-D is introduced to the public to fight weeds; later used as one of the chief ingredients in Agent Orange.
1947
Scotts Company sells first “weed-and-feed,” making herbicide use as routine as the use of fertilizer.
1962
Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring condemns use of DDT on lawns.
1984
U.S. applies more chemical fertilizer to lawns than India uses on all its crops.
1990
Illinois bans the dumping of lawn clippings in landfills.
2000
EPA demands a phaseout of diazinon sales by 2005, citing health concerns in humans.
2001
Supreme Court of Canada rules that the nation’s municipalities can restrict pesticide use on private as well as public land.
2002
A report reveals traces of 37 pesticides were found in streams feeding a reservoir supplying some of New York City’s drinking water.
2007
Connecticut bans pesticides on elementary- and middle-school grounds.
2009
First Lady Michelle Obama turns part of the White House lawn into an organic vegetable garden.
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/your-america-inspiring-people-and-stories/quick-study-greener-grass/article184303.html

13 Ways to Be a Better Co-Worker

Get to know the people you spend 40 hours a week with better with these simple
behavioral changes.
1. Say a cheery "Hello!" in the morning. Do you plod into the office, eyes down, shoulders slumped, and immediately start work? If so, you're
likely to find that co-workers ignore you (at best) or avoid you (at worst). Get into the habit of smiling and greeting everyone as you arrive in the
morning or begin your shift. It's amazing how fast this little courtesy can thaw chilly workplace relations.
2. Learn the art of small talk. Ask your co-workers about their interests – their favorite music, films, books, hobbies. Showing a genuine interest
in them will make them feel comfortable around you. Talk about your life outside the office when it's appropriate. This will remind the people you
work with that you're a person first, not just an employee or employer.
3. Ask what they think. People love to be asked their opinion, so go out of your way to ask, "What do you think is missing from this report?" or
"How do you think I should handle this situation with X?" Then give the advice-giver a sincere thank you, even if the ideas are less than helpful.
4. Avoid gossip. You don't want anyone talking about you behind your back, so return the favor. When a co-worker sidles up to you bearing some
gossip about an office romance or someone's impending firing, respond with, "Really?" Then change the subject or get back to work. If you don't
respond, the gossiper will move on – and you'll retain the trust and respect of your co-workers.
Plus: How to Find a Job Through Social Networking

5. When dealing with a difficult co-worker, pretend your children are watching. This simple visualization technique will help you to keep a
cool head. After all, you've taught your children to have good manners. With them "watching," it will be difficult to stoop to the level of your infuriating
co-worker.
6. Ladle out the compliments. Did Tom fix the office photocopier – again? Has Ann stopped smoking? By all means, compliment your co-
workers on their achievements – personal or professional. Too often, we focus on what people are doing wrong.
7. Spread your good cheer. You don't have to be a Pollyanna, but try to perform one kindly act a week, choosing a different co-worker each time.
For example, one week you might bring in muffins for no reason. Another week, it might be a card for a co-worker – maybe a thank-you note for
helping you out the week before, or a light, humorous card for a co-worker who seems to be a bit down.
8. Return calls and e-mails promptly. To win friends at work, a good place to start is good office etiquette. There's nothing more frustrating to
busy people than to have their e-mails and phone messages ignored. Your silence doesn't just make their job harder to do; it also conveys an
unpleasant message to them: you're unimportant to me.
9. Give credit where credit is due. Don't withhold credit from deserving co-workers. You'll alienate them, and they won't be there for you when you
need them (or when they all go out for lunch). Embrace the attitude that we all win together, and let others know when someone has done something
above and beyond the call of duty on a project. Also, if someone incorrectly gives you credit and praise, acknowledge your co-worker who does
deserve the accolades. It will be remembered.
10. Here's one for the boss: always work at least as hard as anyone working with or for you. Make it clear that you would never ask
anyone to do a level of work you wouldn't be willing to take on yourself.
11. Always be on time to show you respect other people's time.
12. Express your good ideas in a way that makes it clear that they are not the only good ideas, and that others may have equally good
insights to add.
13. Assume the positive about what you don't know. Isn't it funny how a team of workers often think they're working harder than another team
elsewhere in the building? Or that the bosses are clueless? Don't subscribe to that kind of toxic thinking, even if it's rampant. It's a negative attitude
that makes work become miserable. Instead, assume that everyone else is working hard and doing their best, even if you don't know what their
work is. You should believe both in the work you're doing and the organization you're doing it for. If you can't, perhaps it's time to move on.
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/home-garden/13-ways-to-be-a-better-coworker/article184103.html

Advice and Know-How

Plan an Easy New Year's Eve Cocktail Party [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
6 Creative Ways to Decorate Your Christmas Tree [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
5 Minute Feng Shui for the Front Door [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
The Most Popular Christmas Cookies in America: Northeast [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
The Most Popular Christmas Cookies in America: South [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
The Most Popular Christmas Cookies in America: Midwest [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
The Most Popular Christmas Cookies in America: West [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
Top Tips for Affordable Holiday Lighting [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
7 Ways to Use Anchovies in Secret [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
5 Stories That Celebrate the Spirit of Giving [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
27 Christmas Gift Ideas You'll Love [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
Bacon and Apricot Bites [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
Greek Meatball Kebabs With Lemon Dip [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
The No. 1 Holiday Cookie in Each of the 50 States Is... [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
#1 Cookie in America Last Christmas: Easy Sugar Cookie [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
Gingered Crab Filo Parcels [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
11 Homemade Alternatives to Take Out [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]

Plan an Easy New Year's Eve Cocktail Party
An effervescent party with a sophisticated silver theme is the perfect way to make the
coming year feel exciting and special. Prepare well, and then let the magic take over.
From The Ultimate Christmas

The time and place
Each year, there are lots of New Year's parties, so invite guests early to make sure your celebration is well attended.
Use a good white damask cloth, which will subtly reflect the light, and strew it with glittering confetti and decorative tree lights. A silver clock on the table is a fun way to make
sure everyone is set for midnight.

The table setting
Set out serving tables that positively glow with light. Keeping colors to a minimumwill enhance the effect, as will lots of candles and glass bowls of silver ornaments.
Festive glassware
Don't be tempted to use your good crystal — let the rest of your decorations lend sparkle to a mixture of less expensive glasses. Plan on two glasses per person to allow for ones
that are broken or abandoned.
Decorated cocktail glasses are available, but you can easily make decorations with silver wire and shiny plastic motifs sold by the bagful in craft stores.
SECRETS OF SUCCESS
1. Premix cocktails in large glass jugs so you don't have to play bartender all night
2. Make sure you have enough chilled champagne, soft drinks, and ice
3. Allow about 3–4 alcoholic drinks per person.

Plates and napkins
There is no reason why you should not use paper plates and napkins, decorated in silver. But show off with china coffee cups and the most glamorous serving plates you can find.
Small mirrors would look great as serving trays or platters. Bring out the silver forks (or borrow some — you will need up to 80) and remember to count thembefore throwing out
the garbage!
Try to have one table for food and another for drinks. If possible, serve drinks froma separate roomthat is accessible frommany sides — a large hall would be ideal. In addition,
serve drinks fromtrays taken around the roomfromtime to time.

Silver centerpieces
You can create an impressive display with sparkling gilded "trees" placed strategically on your serving tables and mantel. Simply wind strings of gold and silver metallic beads around
tall Styrofoamcones, and secure in place with white (PVA) glue and T-pins. Attach white flowers, set trees on raised stands, and surround with candles so they will catch the light.

Did you know?
Making noise at New Year is believed to scare off evil spirits. In South America, a dummy burned on a bonfire is meant to symbolize an event of the past year: It burns, the old year
is forgotten, and the New Year begins.
7 Lucky New Year's Foods
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/home-garden/plan-an-easy-new-years-eve-cocktail-party/article187587.html

6 Creative Ways to Decorate Your Christmas Tree

The centerpiece of the home during the holidays is the Christmas tree. And for many
people, the festive season doesn't truly begin until its branches are beautifully decorated
with brilliant lights, dazzling ornaments, and treasured family mementos.
From The Ultimate Christmas Book
Look out for the way Christmas trees are styled in malls, hotels and restaurants. Colors and ornaments change year by year — don't be afraid of adopting new ideas.
For a Monochromatic Tree
Using only one color with a white complement creates an elegant effect. Gold, for example, is eternally elegant, and reflective white lights make the ornaments sparkle. Stand a
tree close to a mirror for increased impact, but make sure your tree is decorated all around. Simple lengths of satin-edged ribbon embellish the sophisticated effect.

For a Traditional Tree
For a stunning look, make sure your tree is laden with ornaments. The traditional colors of red and gold, mixed with green suits every home and welcomes your guests.

For a Country-Style Tree
Dress your tree with simple-shaped, plain ornaments and feature hearts made fromplain and ginghamfabrics. Use imitation candle lights for a cozy Christmas in the country appeal.
Continue your theme through to the tree's container or surrounding objects, such as a wooden nativity scene.

For a Snow-Covered Tree
For a stylish look, discard bright colors and decorate your tree with swathes of white marabou feathers or loops of fancy "eyelash" yarn. Choose pale-colored ornaments in a few
basic shapes. Top the tree with a whimsical star and carry the look through to the tree stand — use a plain silver bucket or pail.

For a Blend of Pretty Foliage
Red poinsettias and gold-sprayed weeping fig leaves are surrounded by clear lights to make a sumptuous tree. Potted poinsettias can be placed around the foot of the tree to echo
the decorations. Holly, ivy, and cinnamon sticks can all be colored with gold spray paint, and tied to the tree with gold cord.

For a Tree with a Theme
Amuse your visitors by trimming your tree with surprising motifs — gorgeous jeweled butterflies, tiny toys, miniature dolls, or fine china cups. Plan your theme early so you will have
lots of time to collect or create ornaments in the theme you choose.
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/home-garden/6-creative-ways-to-decorate-your-christmas-tree/article187324.html


Ugly Duckling.
envelope lining.
nougat, and nuts.

5 Minute Feng Shui for the Front Door

The ancient Chinese principles of feng shui ('fung shway') are thought to promote well-
being through the positioning of objects. Nothing is more important than the front
entrance, which must attract positive energy (chi) into the house. Here are some basics:
1. Hang a wind chime outside the front door.
2. Never attach dead or dried plants to the door.
3. The path leading to the front door should be curved, never straight.
4. The front hall should be appealing – the paint fresh and a vase of flowers near the door whenever possible.
5. The area in front of the house and the door should be uncluttered.
© Jupiterimages/Comstock/Thinkstock
6. If the front door looks straight through the house to the back door, block the view with a large plant or piece of furniture. Otherwise, the chi may pass straight through.
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/home-garden/quick-feng-shui-for-the-front-door/article187472.html

The Most Popular Christmas Cookies in America: Northeast

Everyone loves sugar cookies, chocolate-chip cookies, and gingerbread. But what did
bakers in each of the 50 states pick for their holiday trays besides the straight-up national
favorites? Based on page views last December at allrecipes.com, the sister site of Reader’s
Digest, the winners in the Northeastern states are …
From allrecipes.com
Photo by: The Messy Cook/Allrecipes

New York: Rainbow Cookies
PLUS:
Basic Sugar Cookie Recipe
The Most Popular Christmas Cookie Recipes in the Midwest
The Most Popular Christmas Cookie Recipes in the South
The Most Popular Christmas Cookie Recipes in the West
Photo by: Kimberly Harvey/Allrecipes

Maine: Cranberry and Orange Cookies
Photo by: doristam/Allrecipes
New Jersey: Pignoli Cookies
Photo by: GodivaGirl /Allrecipes

Connecticut: Italian Cookies
Photo by: Alexandra Canizales/Allrecipes
Vermont: Ultimate Maple Snickerdoodles
Photo by: CHRISTINE M/Allrecipes

Massachusetts: Italian Anisette Cookies
Photo by: Allrecipes

New Hampshire: Molasses Cookies
Photo by: Soifua/Allrecipes
Pennsylvania: Pizzelles III
Photo by: Mixed Salad Annie/Allrecipes

Rhode Island: Prune-and-Raisin-Filled Cookies
PLUS:
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/home-garden/the-most-popular-christmas-cookies-in-america-northeast/article187377.html

The Most Popular Christmas Cookies in America: South

Digest, the winners in the Southern states are …
From allrecipes.com
Photo by: cookin'mama/allrecipes

Maryland: Chewy Peanut-Butter Chocolate-Chip Cookies
PLUS:
The Most Popular Christmas Cookie Recipes in the Northeast
Photo by: What a Dish!/allrecipes
West Virginia: Pecan Sandies
Photo by: Deanna Alicia/allrecipes

Arkansas: Easy Lemon Cookies
Photo by: cookin'mama/allrecipes
Virginia: Saltine Toffee Cookies

Mississippi: Russian Tea Cakes
District of Columbia: Rugelach 2
Photo by: BABY/allrecipes

North Carolina: Easy and Fun Peanut-Butter Balls
Photo by: ABABEINARMS/allrecipes
Oklahoma: Cowboy Cookie Mix in a Jar
Photo by: ShawnaRae/allrecipes

Florida and Texas: Mexican Wedding Cookies
Photo by: twebby /allrecipes

Tennessee: Peanut Blossoms
Photo by:KY Piano Teacher/allrecipes
Kentucky: Kentucky Bourbon Balls
Photo by: JStoddard /allrecipes

Louisiana: Yummy Pecan Pralines
Photo by: pomplemousse/allrecipes

Georgia: Fruitcake Cookies
Photo by: Michael Carmody /allrecipes
South Carolina: Pecan Chewies
Photo by: Soifua/allrecipes

Delaware: Pizzelles III (Italian wafer cookies)
Photo by: CNCETD /allrecipes

Alabama: Grandma’s Old-fashioned Tea Cakes
PLUS:
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/home-garden/the-most-popular-christmas-cookies-in-america-south/article187387.html

The Most Popular Christmas Cookies in America: Midwest

Digest, the winners in the Midwestern states are …
From allrecipes.com

Illinois: Cream Cheese Kolacky (small filled pastry)
PLUS:
Photo by: JOANNAH /Allrecipes

Indiana: No-Bake Cookies
Photo by: GodivaGirl /Allrecipes
Ohio: Buckeye Cookies III (Peanut Butter and Chocolate Balls)
Photo by: SavvyTech /Allrecipes

Minnesota: Spritz Cookies IV
Photo by: uscberta /Allrecipes
Wisconsin: Chocolate Toffee Crunchies
Photo by: Jenni/Allrecipes

Iowa and Kansas: Peanut Clusters

Michigan: Cranberry and Pistachio Biscotti
Photo by: maple70 /Allrecipes
North Dakota: Rosettes
Photo by: B Spradley /Allrecipes

South Dakota: Seven-Layer Bars
Photo by: Renae Sattazahn/Allrecipes

Missouri: Gooey Butter Cookies
Photo by: emb641 /Allrecipes
Nebraska: Cherry Mash Bars
PLUS:
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/home-garden/most-popular-christmas-cookies-in-america-midwest/article187394.html

The Most Popular Christmas Cookies in America: West

Digest, the winners in the Western states are …
Photo by: CHOBUNNY/Allrecipes

Alaska: Iced Pumpkin Cookies
PLUS:
Photo by: Keith Beaton/Allrecipes

Wyoming: Candy Cane Cookies
Photo by: Momster/Allrecipes

Idaho and Nevada: Pumpkin Chocolate-Chip Cookies III
Photo by: Auntie D in MN/Allrecipes

Montana, Oregon and Washington: Marbled Almond Roca (cookie bars)
Photo by: : BrooklynKyler/Allrecipes
Hawaii: Melt-in-Your-Mouth Shortbread

New Mexico: Biscochitos I

Colorado: Ultimate High-Altitude Chocolate-Chip Cookies
Photo by: squishy/Allrecipes
California: Persimmon Cookies
Photo by: MSAMERICA941008/Allrecipes

Arizona and Utah: Pumpkin Chocolate-Chip Cookies
PLUS:
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/home-garden/the-most-popular-christmas-cookies-in-america-west/article187395.html

Top Tips for Affordable Holiday Lighting

Appropriate lighting creates a welcoming ambiance. Use party lights and a selection of
taper-style and column candles to help create a party atmosphere with a minimum of
expense.
Change color. Swap plain light bulbs for colored ones. Warmcolors give a flattering soft glow to a room, while cool colors can help conjure up a mood for themed occasions.
© Siri Stafford/Photodisc/Thinkstock
Grab bargains. Tealights cost as little as $8 for 100, and larger candles are not expensive when bought in bulk. IKEA's white Jubla candles are $6.50 for 20.
© Comstock Images/Comstock/Thinkstock
Make the most of singles. If you have leftover single candles in a variety of shades, place themin a matching pair of candelabras on the dining-roomtable or mantelpiece for a
colorful display. Buy candelabras cheaply froma street market or in secondhand and charity shops.
Bargain garden lights. If you are throwing an evening party, place tealights in old jars and use wire to hang themin trees or along a fence. Or set themin paper bags half-filled with
sand and position around a patio.
Bonus tip: To save even more money on candles, store themin a sealed box in the fridge and light themwhen cold. They will burn more slowly.
© Thomas Northcut/Lifesize/Thinkstock
Reusable party lights. Start snapping up strings of indoor/outdoor Christmas lights during post-festive sales. These tiny lights add enchantment to any party scene, indoors or out.
You can reuse themand they can be left unattended, unlike candles.
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/home-garden/top-tips-for-affordable-holiday-lighting/article187295.html

7 Ways to Use Anchovies in Secret

Most people would scoff at adding anchovies to their food, but if you've eaten classic
Caesar salad you've experienced the pleasure of well-integrated anchovy flavor. Here are
some other ways to sneak this aromatic fish into your dishes.
Most people would scoff at adding anchovies to their food, but if you've eaten classic Caesar salad you've experienced the pleasure of well-
integrated anchovy flavor. Here are some other ways to sneak this aromatic fish into your dishes.
1. To add a savory flavor to tomato sauce, add 1/4 teaspoon anchovy paste or mashed anchovies per cup of sauce. Don't stop at tomato
sauces. Anchovies are the secret behind the savoriness of many sauces such as those in braised meats and vegetables.
2. For a one-of-a-kind twist on roasted chicken, slip a few anchovies under the skin before roasting. Or spread anchovy paste under the skin.
The briny taste of the anchovies seasons the meat as it cooks, lending an incredible flavor boost.
3. To kick up the taste of tuna salad, stir in 1 to 2 teaspoons anchovy paste. A squeeze of lemon juice also blends well with anchovy paste and
balances the saltiness with acidity.
4. For more complex tasting vinaigrettes, whisk 1/2 teaspoon mashed anchovy into the dressing. Taste the dressing before adding salt, as
anchovies pack their own punch of sodium. You can even add anchovy to store-bought bottled dressing. Just pour the needed amount into a small
bowl and whisk in the mashed anchovy.
5. For an Italian-style chicken salad sandwich, combine the following ingredients: 1 cup finely chopped cooked chicken breast, 4 finely
chopped hard-cooked eggs, 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 1 can (2 ounces) drained and chopped anchovy fillets, 1 small grated onion, 1/4 teaspoon freshly
ground black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Spread butter over your favorite sandwich bread and top with the chicken filling.
6. To give plain old couscous a more aromatic flavor, prepare a box (10 ounces) instant couscous according to the package directions. Drain
1 jar (6 ounces) roasted red peppers and cut into strips. Add to the couscous along with 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, 3 tablespoons grated
Parmesan cheese, 8 chopped anchovy fillets, the juice of 1/2 lemon, 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/8 teaspoon salt,
and 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
7. To make a Mediterranean-style sauce for pan-fried fish, remove the fish fillets after frying and transfer to a platter to keep warm. Add 1
tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet, and cook until the butter melts. Stir in 1 1/2 tablespoons tiny, well-drained capers, 3
chopped anchovy fillets, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice. Cook for 1 minute over medium heat, then
pour over pan-fried fish fillets. The anchovy, while not a dominant taste, adds an irreplaceable depth of flavor to the sauce.
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/home-garden/7-ways-to-use-anchovies-in-secret/article187298.html

5 Stories That Celebrate the Spirit of Giving

Bicycles, warm coats, and strings of Christmas lights—these five stories celebrate big
hearts and small acts of kindness to brighten the holiday season.
By Gary Sledge
For information on making donations to Project Mobility, visit www.projectmobility.org. For information on making donations to Giving Tree, visit
www2.fosterangels.com:81/
Special Delivery
Ten-year-old Riley Christensen and her mother, Lynn, were huddled in front of the family computer, checking out models and prices of bikes. "Let's
pick one out for Dad's birthday," Christensen suggested to her daughter.
As Christensen scrolled down the home page of the Bike Rack, a shop in their town of St. Charles, Illinois, a video link for Project Mobility caught
her eye. She clicked on it out of curiosity. The clip told how Bike Rack co-owner Hal Honeyman had created an organization to provide specially
engineered bicycles to people with disabilities. It showed the happy faces of those who were now riding them—accident victims, injured veterans,
and children with disabilities, including Hal's own son, who had been born with cerebral palsy.
"I'm going to buy a bike for one of those kids," Riley told her mother. Two days later, she showed Christensen a letter she had written asking for
donations: "I think it's amazing for a guy to make bikes for kids who can't walk," the letter said. "I saw how happy a boy was when he got one ... I'm
writing to ask for your help."
Christensen was blown away by her daughter's effort, but doubts quickly emerged. The cost of just one of those special bikes could be as high as
$4,000. Riley could never raise the money. Nonetheless, her letter went out to 75 relatives and friends. Within three days, checks and cash began
arriving. Then word got around about Riley's campaign, and as Christmas neared, more and more donations rolled in. The teen ultimately raised
more than $12,000, enough to pay for seven bikes.
Last Christmas Eve, Riley pulled on a Santa hat and delivered the bicycles to three of the lucky kids: Ava, a 13-year-old girl with spina bifida; Jenny,
a 15-year-old girl with cerebral palsy; and Rose, a 4-year-old girl with a rare genetic disorder. "This is the best Christmas I ever had," said Riley.
She and Ava have since ridden together. "When I ride, I like to go fast, get sweaty, and feel the breeze," Riley says. "So does Ava. She pumps with
her arms, not her feet, but she really flies."
Riley is determined to keep her campaign going every holiday season. "I want kids to feel the wind in their faces," she says.
Secret Santa
For the Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center in Evansville, Indiana, the month between Thanksgiving and Christmas brings the excited anticipation of
another phone call from an old friend. Last year, it came while Terry Haynie, vice president of development, was knuckling down to serious work the
afternoon of November 30. "Do you know what time of year it is?" a mischievous-sounding male voice asked. This signaled the start of a
mysterious annual treasure hunt. "Yes, sir," Haynie replied. "It's Pete's time!"
Every year, the caller, who identifies himself only as Pete, telephones the center with a clue-filled message that sends the staff on a search of the
two-story building and its grounds to find Pete's donation to children with disabilities. In the past, this Secret Santa has stashed money in a
snowman cookie jar and attached it to candy canes hung from a tree by the parking lot. Last year, his instructions led staff members out the door,
around to the back of the building, and toward a Dumpster. Placed in a gift bag on the ground near the Dumpster was a miniature tin Christmas
tree hung with 30 crisp $100 bills. At the sight of the treasure, the staff members always applaud, wave, and yell, "Thank you, Pete!" in the hope that
he is watching.
Since 1990, Pete has donated nearly $65,000 to the center, which serves 5,000 adults and children in need of physical and medical rehabilitation
in a 30-county stretch of Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky. Pete asks only that his gift help the children served by the center. "He always says to use his
gifts to make Christmas merrier for the kids whose families can't afford it," Haynie reports. Last year, 70 children got new clothes and toys because
of Pete. And every year, his donation comes with a note on purple paper that promises, "You will hear from me again!"
A Brilliant Display
One morning last December, Bill McDonald read in the paper that a local man, Joe Day, was sick with small-cell lung cancer. That meant Day
couldn't assemble the magnificently lit, handcrafted Christmas displays that had made his house in Versailles, Indiana, an annual holiday
pilgrimage site for as many as 95,000 people.
It wouldn't be Christmas without Joe's lights, thought McDonald. Somebody has got to help this guy, he decided.
Day had made his own quick decision 33 Christmases ago when he came home one afternoon from his job as an electrician and found his five-
year-old grandson, Nicholas, waiting. "What do you want to do today?" Day asked.
"Let's build a reindeer, Papa," Nicholas said. They fashioned one using wood from a fallen tree, then set it out on the lawn and lit up its cherry-red
nose for the holidays.
Each year, Day added to his handi-work, placing reindeer on a track above his roof and winding lights as if they were electric vines around his
windows and doors. Eventually thousands of lights, figures, mannequins, and models filled his yard and spilled into his sister's property next door.
Then came December 2009. Day's cancer, diagnosed in March, had spread to his liver and spleen. After 19 rounds of chemotherapy and 43
radiation treatments, he was too tired and despondent to celebrate Christmas.
Until McDonald called.
"You don't know me," McDonald said, "but I want to help you get your lights up." Through word of mouth, McDonald and his wife, Toni, enlisted the
Knights of Columbus, the Masons, the Lions, local firefighters, friends, and strangers to set up Day's displays. For two days, more than 100
volunteers climbed in and around Day's house and yard, following his hand-drawn diagrams that showed where everything should go.
On the evening of December 12, with crowds of volunteers cheering him on, Day flipped the switch and lit up the spectacle. "This is what the Lord
wanted us to do," says McDonald, "to pull together, and be together, and help one another."
Day's cancer is in remission, and he looks forward to Christmas 2010. "In their hearts," Day says, "people love to give." He is confident that his
brilliant displays will continue to light up the darkness for many years to come because Bill McDonald has promised that he'll get the job done.
A Family Saved
Lt. Bobby Qualls was shopping when he received a text message: Fire on Beechmont, one-story house, child trapped inside. "I was picking out
gifts for the family our engine house adopted for Christmas," remembers Qualls, who has been fighting fires in Memphis for 24 years. "I had this
sinking feeling as I got in my car and headed over."
The last time Qualls had been on Beechmont Street was to install smoke detectors at the Bateman-Tubbs home. He'd been on a secret mission to
see if they needed an extra boost during the holidays. There he discovered that the four Bateman-Tubbs children were sleeping on bare
mattresses, and he found two of the boys playing outside in 30-degree weather with no shoes or coats.
Qualls learned that Leonard Tubbs was doing his best to make ends meet laying floors while Kimberly Bateman stayed home with the kids.
"When Bobby told me his team wanted to be Secret Santas and buy my kids toys, at first I thought we didn't need any help," Bateman recalls. "It
really touched me. I told him what the kids really needed was warm clothes."
That's exactly what Qualls was shopping for on December 9, 2008: winter jackets for Christopher, seven; JoJo, four; Madison, one; and two-month-
old Charles. While driving over to Beechmont Street, he dialed Bateman's cell phone. She answered on the first ring, screaming, "The house is on
fire—JoJo's trapped inside!"
By the time Qualls reached the house, the family had gotten out, but their home was severely damaged. His coworkers had found JoJo hiding under
a pile of clothes in a back bedroom. He had stopped breathing and had been given CPR and rushed to the hospital. Qualls learned that JoJo was
now on life support and might not make it through the night. He rushed to the hospital with Lt. Mark Eskew, who placed a stuffed teddy bear in a
firefighter's suit on JoJo's bed.
"I just kept praying my little boy would open his eyes," Bateman recalls. "There was nothing else I could do. They were pumping soot as black and
thick as tar out of his lungs and stomach for days."
After a few days, though, JoJo regained consciousness, and the tubes were taken out of his throat. While he began to slowly recover, the local
newspaper and TV stations got hold of the story, and the Secret Santa mission of Qualls and his fellow firefighters snowballed. Before long, the fire
station was overflowing with boxes of toys, food, toiletries, towels, and clothes. People called, wanting to donate furniture and appliances too. By
December 23, Bateman and Tubbs had moved their kids into a new rental home. By Christmas Eve, JoJo was ready to leave the hospital, and the
firefighters were ready to deliver the family their very own Christmas miracle.
"These guys aren't just firefighters," says Bateman, "they're our guardian angels. If they hadn't installed a smoke detector that first day they came to
our house, we wouldn't have known when the fire started. Then they went the extra ten miles to give us a Christmas."
Reported by Jennifer Haupt
Christmas Angel
When Delwyn Collins was a kid growing up in the projects of Fort Worth, Texas, he was labeled handicapped with a learning disability and sent to a
special education school. His teachers never suspected that Collins was a genius at caring: Today the 52-year-old cafeteria worker at Tampa
General Hospital is nothing less than an angel to hundreds of foster children in Hills-borough County, Florida. These children—many with special
needs and often moved from home to home—tug hard at Collins's heart. Christmas 2010 will mark the 21st year he has set up a Foster Angel's
Giving Tree decorated with paper angels bearing the first names, ages, and gender of foster children and the gifts each child would like to receive.
Collins is a man of modest means, but each week he sets aside a portion of his paycheck to buy gifts to put under the tree. "I just want to show
these children there is somebody out there in the community who loves them." His unpretentious example has inspired the doctors, nurses, and
administrators he works with to make the Giving Tree a priority. Hospital employees and visitors take an angel off the tree and buy the present the
child has requested.
As Christmas nears, bicycles, dolls, clothes, and video games begin to overflow the cafeteria. In recent years, the program has begun to receive
presents from donors throughout the county. More than 1,000 kids in foster care in and around Tampa received gifts in 2009. "My job is to help and
give to others," says Collins. "God doesn't care if we're rich or poor."
For information on making donations to Project Mobility, visit www.projectmobility.org. For information on making donations to Giving Tree, visit
www2.fosterangels.com:81/
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/home-garden/5-stories-that-celebrate-the-spirit-of-giving/article186962.html

27 Christmas Gift Ideas You'll Love

We’ve whittled your to-do list down to the most wanted games, gadgets, gags, goodies,
and other holiday gifts for the nice, the needy, and even the naughty.
Courtesy Cookies for Kids' Cancer/Glad to Give

NEEDY
Cookies
Buy a dozen Liam’s Lemon Sugar Cookies for $30 at cookiesforkidscancer.org, and Glad will kick in $30 for pediatric-cancer research. Or try one dozen cookies ($19.95) or two
dozen ($35.95) at cookiesforakoz.com, and 10 percent of sales goes to the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
PLUS:
10 Hot 'Sleeper' Toys, and Where to Find ThemBefore They Sell Out
How to Buy Cheaper Holiday Airline Tickets
Debt-Free Holidays: Eight Ways to Decorate on a Budget
Photographed by Erik Rank

NICE
My Mini Golf
Start a putt-putt course for the whole family in your backyard (or in the living room) for less than the price of Dad’s titaniumdriver. Choose your features—bridges, mazes, loop-de-
loops, all in heavy-duty German plastic—and you’re set.
Sets from$169.95 to $299.95, 800-851-5442.
startingtimegolf.com
NAUGHTY
Giant Microbes
Who says you can’t enjoy anthrax, chicken pox, Ebola, E. coli, or staph? With germ-shaped plush dolls, the fun is catching!
From $8.95 to $29.95
giantmicrobes.com
Courtesy Portrait Puzzles

NICE
Portrait Puzzle
It’s the perfect gift for the jigsaw inclined. You submit a favorite photo and get a box of puzzle pieces in return.
From $27.99 for 15 pieces to $59.99 for 1,008 pieces
portraitpuzzles.com
Chris Knorr/Design Pics/Corbis; Moodboard/Corbis
NEEDY
“Hope in a Bottle”
Help bring clean water to the billion people in the world who don’t have it by supporting Matt Damon’s water.org. Choose a BPA-free plastic bottle
($18.99) or an insulated stainless steel version ($24.99). Ten dollars from each sale goes to the charity.
gift.water.org
Courtesy Amazon
NAUGHTY
Marie Antoinette Action Figure
Thanks to “Ejector-Head Action,” kids can learn French history and anatomy at the same time. What’s next? The Joan of Arc cigarette lighter?
$10.16
amazon.com
Courtesy Good Karmal
NICE
Gourmet Caramels
The next big family fight may be over the chocolate sea salt caramels from Good Karmal. Or maybe the espresso. Or maybe the vanilla with sea salt.
$10 to $140
goodkarmal.com
Courtesy Organic Bouquet

NEEDY
Organic Bouquet
Each bouquet benefits a charity, which gets 5 percent of the price; use the code DIGEST 10 to get 10 percent off.
From $39.95
organicbouquet.com
NAUGHTY
The Giant Wine Glass
The worst part about drinking wine is having to refill your goblet four or five times. No more! This brilliant invention holds a full bottle—
perfect if you’re trying to cut down to one glass a night.
$11.95
vat19.com
NICE
Looftlighter
Light up firewood or the grill in 60 seconds with this elegant tool that only looks like a curling iron.
$79.95
amazon.com
NEEDY
Moisturizer
Kiehl’s famously thick Creme de Corps comes in a bottle designed by artist Jeff Koons for the holidays. Profits
go to the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children.
$27 for 8.4 ounces, $45 for 16.9 ounces
kiehls.com
Courtesy TogetherBe
NAUGHTY
Peekaru
For that parent on your list who has always wondered what it would feel like to be a marsupial. This fleece
vest zips over a baby carrier, leaving only Baby’s head (eerily) peering out. More fun: Pretend your long-lost
twin is growing out of your sternum.
$79.95
togetherbe.com
NICE
Jishaku
It’s Jenga without splinters. Try to place your superstrong magnets on the playing surface
without upsetting the ones that are already there. Like bipartisanship, it’s easier said than
done.
Ages 14 and up, $19.95
playjishaku.com
NICE
Colonel Roosevelt
The last book in Edmund Morris’s trilogy about the lion-hunting, rough-riding, tough-
talking Teddy Roosevelt.
Random House, $19.25
amazon.com
NAUGHTY
Danger Bomb Clock
Why not start your day by trying to defuse a bomb? Three minutes before the
alarm goes off, the clock beeps. If you don’t defuse it in time: a loud
“kaboom!”
$42
japantrendshop.com
NICE
Scrabble Flash
You’ve got 75 seconds to create as many words as you can from
these five electronic letter blocks. The dictionary is built in, and
scoring is automatic.
Ages 8 and up, $29.99
amazon.com
NICE
Smarter by Sunday
The subtitle is 52 Weekends of Essential Knowledge for the
Curious Mind, and if you read a chapter a week, you’ll soon
be ready to discuss politics, religion, science, and more with
complete confidence.
St. Martin’s, $24.99
nytstore.com
NICE
The Pacific
The producers behind Band of Brothers turn their
attention to World War II’s Pacific theater. Winner of
the Emmy for Outstanding Miniseries, the HBO
production—all ten parts, all six discs, boxed—follows
three Marines through battles at Guadalcanal, Iwo
Jima, Okinawa, and, finally, home.
$50.99 DVD, $56.99 Blu-ray
amazon.com
Courtesy As Seen on TV
NAUGHTY
TV Hat
Does anyone—even a techno- geek—need a “personal
theater” so he can watch his iPod in the privacy of his
hat?
$29.95
asseenontv.com
NICE
The Now We Are Six Gift Set
The gift set has bath and shower gels that are
masculine enough for him, appealing enough for
everybody.
$48
moltonbrown.com
NICE
The Little Book of Big Brain Games
A compendium of 517 colorful, crisply
designed puzzles that will “stretch,
strengthen, and grow your brain.”
Patterns, polygons, probability, coins,
cones—there are 12 puzzle types and ten
degrees of difficulty to provide a mental
workout for adults and overachieving
children alike.
Workman, $9.95
workman.com
NICE
Thank-You Notes
Every gift deserves thanks, and these
“moss-leaf bundle” notes, tucked into
teenagers’ stockings, will remind them
to put pen to paper already.
Set of ten, $12.25
paper-source.com
NICE
Moleskine 2011 Daily Planner Box
Set
Twelve colorful monthly booklets
—each a page-a-day calendar
filled with charts and lists of
useful information, as well as a
pocket for receipts—nestle inside
a mother ship for easy reference.
$39.95
moleskineus.com
NICE
The Book of Leaves
Is that a black cherry or a pin
cherry in the backyard? This
leaf-by-leaf guide to 600 trees
is authoritative—if not exactly
portable.
University of Chicago Press,
$39.60
barnesandnoble.com
NICE
Claus Porto Assorted Guest
Soaps
They’re from Portugal,
and they say “posh,” even
though the set of 15 soaps
is just $19. There’s shea
butter in the formula, and
thankfully not a
strawberry-banana bar in
the bunch. Best of all, the
set comes gift-wrapped—
one more thing you can
cross off your list.
lafcony.com
NICE
1001 Songs You Must
Hear Before You Die
A compilation of
essential listening,
heavy on classics and
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bushnell.com
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/home-garden/27-christmas-gift-ideas-youll-love/article187133.html

Bacon and Apricot Bites

These little sweet and savory bites are always a party favorite.
Dried apricots moistened with freshly squeezed orange juice, then wrapped in bacon slices and grilled until hot make a tasty snack to pass round
with drinks.
Preparation time 10 minutes

Cooking time 5 minutes
Makes 24
Ingredients
24 Turkish dried apricots
Juice of 1 orange
2 tsp marmalade
2 tsp wholegrain mustard
6 × 97% fat-free bacon slices (about 150 g in total)
1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley to garnish (optional)
Directions
1. Put the apricots in a small bowl, sprinkle the orange juice over them and toss so that they are moistened all over (this will prevent them from
burning under the grill).
2. Mix the marmalade with the mustard. Spread each bacon rasher with a little of the mustard mixture, then, using kitchen scissors, cut each in half
lengthways. Cut each piece in half again, this time across the middle, to make a total of 24 strips.
3. Preheat the grill to moderate. Drain the apricots. Wrap a strip of bacon around each apricot and secure it with a wooden cocktail stick.
4. Arrange the bacon bites on the grill tray, then brush each with a little of the oil. Grill for 1 minute on each side or until the bacon is just cooked.
5. Pile the bites in a small shallow bowl and sprinkle with chopped parsley, if you like. Serve hot.
Some more ideas…

Turkish dried apricots are whole apricots that have been dried and had the stones removed. Grown in Turkey, they are slightly juicier, sweeter and
fatter than other types of dried apricots.
Instead of the mustard and marmalade mixture, spread the bacon slices with a little pesto.
Bacon and Banana Chutney Bites:

Cut 3 medium-sized bananas into chunky pieces (8 pieces each) and toss in a little lemon or lime juice to prevent them from discoloring. Wrap
each piece in a strip of bacon that has been spread with a little mango chutney, then grill for 1 minute on each side. Serve hot.
Health points
✓ Dried apricots are one of the richest fruit sources of iron and a useful source of calcium.
✓ Today, it is possible to buy 97% fat-free bacon slices. These offer an excellent lower-fat alternative to normal bacon: 3 ½ ounces of 97% fat-free
bacon contains 3 g fat and 102 calories, whereas the same weight of regular bacon contains 22.5 g fat and 320 calories.
Each bite provides

Key nutrients: 24 calories, 2 g protein, 0.5 g fat (of which 0.1 g is saturated fat), 4 g carbohydrate (of which 4 g are sugars), 1 g fiber, 114 mg
sodium. GI estimate not able to be calculated because the carbohydrate content is minimal.
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/home-garden/bacon-and-apricot-bites-tapas-recipe-for-thanksgiving/article186834.html

Greek Meatball Kebabs With Lemon Dip

Mini meatballs are a perfect party finger food.
These little meatballs, made from a mixture of minced lamb and rice, flavored with thyme, lemon and nutmeg, are grilled on cocktail sticks with
vegetables for easy eating. The classic Greek egg and lemon dipping sauce has a tangy flavor, which is a perfect partner for the meatball kebabs.

Serves 12 (Makes 24)
Ingredients
2 tbsp long-grain rice
2 small red onions
14 ounces lean minced lamb
1 small onion, very finely chopped
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, plus extra to garnish (optional)
1⁄2 tsp grated nutmeg
Finely grated zest of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper
1 large red pepper, deseeded and cut into 24 small squares
Extra virgin olive oil for brushing
For the dip:

1 1⁄2 tsp arrowroot
Juice of 2 small lemons
½ cup chicken stock
1 small egg
2 tsp chopped fresh thyme
Salt and pepper
Directions
1. Place the rice in a saucepan, cover with cold water and bring to the boil. Cook for 10 minutes or according to the packet instructions. Drain and
set aside.
2. Soak 24 long wooden cocktail sticks in warm water for about 10 minutes, then drain. Preheat the grill to moderate.
3 Cut each red onion into 12 thin wedges, keeping them attached at the root end so each wedge remains intact.
4. Combine the minced lamb, finely chopped onion, cooked rice, garlic, thyme, nutmeg and lemon zest in a bowl, then season with salt and pepper
to taste. Mix together well using your hands. Shape the meat mixture into 24 small balls.
5. Thread a meatball, 1 red onion wedge and 1 piece of pepper onto each cocktail stick. Arrange in one layer on the grill tray. Brush lightly with the
oil, then grill for 15–18 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and thoroughly cooked.
6. Meanwhile, make the dip. Mix the arrowroot with about half of the lemon juice, then stir in the rest. Heat the stock in a small saucepan until boiling,
then stir in the arrowroot and lemon juice mixture. Bring back to the boil, stirring constantly, then remove from the heat.
7. Put the egg in a bowl and whisk lightly. Slowly pour in the hot stock mixture in a thin, steady stream, whisking constantly. Return to the pan and
whisk over a low heat for about 4 minutes or until the sauce is smooth and thick. Do not boil or the egg may curdle and spoil the texture. Stir in the
chopped thyme, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve the kebabs with the hot lemon sauce, sprinkling with thyme, if you like. Allow two kebabs per person.
Some more ideas…

Use green or yellow pepper instead of red, or replace it with wedges of fennel. For a quick and easy lemon-mint dip, stir the grated zest of 1 lemon
and 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint into 1 cup (260 g) Greek-style yogurt.
The kebabs can be prepared 3–4 hours ahead and then kept in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap.
Health points
✓ Minced lamb can have quite a high fat content but, because these meatballs are grilled, much of the excess fat is drained off during the cooking
process.
✓ Making the meatballs with a mixture of lamb and rice means less meat is used than normal, and healthy starchy carbohydrates are added with
the rice.
Each serving provides
Key nutrients: 75 calories, 7 g protein, 4 g fat (of which 2 g is saturated fat), 4 g carbohydrate (of which 1 g are sugars), 0.5 g fiber, 91 mg sodium.
GI estimate not able to be calculated because the carbohydrate content is minimal.
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/home-garden/greek-meatball-kebabs-with-lemon-dip-tapas-recipe-for-thanksgiving/article186836.html

The No. 1 Holiday Cookie in Each of the 50 States Is...

Get recipes for 50 delicious cookies.
From allrecipes.com
Everyone loves sugar cookies, chocolate-chip cookies, and gingerbread. But what did bakers in each of the 50 states pick for their holiday trays
besides the straight-up national favorites? Based on page views last December at the sister site of Reader’s Digest, the winners are …
Alabama: Grandma’s Old-fashioned Tea Cakes

Alaska: Iced Pumpkin Cookies
Arizona: Pumpkin Chocolate-Chip Cookies
Arkansas: Easy Lemon Cookies
California: Persimmon Cookies
Colorado: Ultimate High-Altitude Chocolate-Chip Cookies
Connecticut: Italian Cookies
Delaware: Pizzelles III (Italian wafer cookies)
District of Columbia: Rugelach 2
Florida: Mexican Wedding Cookies
Georgia: Fruitcake Cookies
Hawaii: Melt-in-Your-Mouth Shortbread
Idaho: Pumpkin Chocolate-Chip Cookies III
Illinois: Cream Cheese Kolacky (small filled pastry)
Indiana: No-Bake Cookies
Iowa: Peanut Clusters
Kansas: Peanut Clusters
Kentucky: Kentucky Bourbon Balls
Louisiana: Yummy Pecan Pralines
Maine: Cranberry and Orange Cookies
Maryland: Chewy Peanut-Butter Chocolate-Chip Cookies
Massachusetts: Italian Anisette Cookies
Michigan: Cranberry and Pistachio Biscotti
Minnesota: Spritz Cookies IV
Mississippi: Russian Tea Cakes
Missouri: Gooey Butter Cookies
Montana: Marbled Almond Roca (cookie bars)
Nebraska: Cherry Mash Bars
Nevada: Pumpkin Chocolate-Chip Cookies III
New Hampshire: Molasses Cookies
New Jersey: Pignoli Cookies
New Mexico: Biscochitos I
New York: Rainbow Cookies
North Carolina: Easy and Fun Peanut-Butter Balls
North Dakota: Rosettes
Ohio: Buckeye Cookies III (Peanut Butter and Chocolate Balls)
Oklahoma: Cowboy Cookie Mix in a Jar
Oregon: Marbled Almond Roca
Pennsylvania: Pizzelles III
Rhode Island: Prune-and-Raisin-Filled Cookies
South Carolina: Pecan Chewies
South Dakota: Seven-Layer Bars
Tennessee: Peanut Blossoms
Texas: Mexican Wedding Cookies
Utah: Pumpkin Chocolate-Chip Cookies
Vermont: Ultimate Maple Snickerdoodles
Virginia: Saltine Toffee Cookies
Washington: Marbled Almond Roca
West Virginia: Pecan Sandies
Wisconsin: Chocolate Toffee Crunchies
Wyoming: Candy Cane Cookies
Plus: See the #1 Christmas cookie in America last year.

This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/home-garden/the-50-favorite-cookies-by-state-last-christmas/article187155.html
#1 Cookie in America Last Christmas: Easy Sugar Cookie

This easy cookie can be decorated any way you like.
Plus see the #1 cookie in each of the 50 states from Allrecipes.com.
Makes 4 dozen cookies
Ingredients
2¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. baking powder
1 cup butter, softened
1½ cups white sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
2. In large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla. Gradually blend in dry ingredients. Roll rounded teaspoonfuls
of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets.
3. Bake 8 to 10 minutes in preheated oven, or until golden. Let stand on cookie sheet two minutes before removing to cool on wire racks.
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/home-garden/number-1-cookie-in-america-last-christmas-easy-sugar-cookie-/article187158.html

Gingered Crab Filo Parcels

These look and taste wonderful and are really easy to make.
These Chinese-style, triangular parcels of crisp, light filo pastry enclose a ginger-flavored filling of crabmeat, water chestnuts and corn. Prepare
them ahead for a party, then bake just before serving with a sweet chile dipping sauce.

Makes 18
Ingredients
1 can white crabmeat (about 170 g), drained
1 can sliced water chestnuts (about 230 g), drained and coarsely chopped
1 can (310 g) corn kernels, drained
4 spring onions, chopped, green parts reserved
1 tbsp finely chopped fresh ginger
1 fresh red chile, deseeded and finely chopped
2 tbsp Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
Salt and pepper
2 tbsp canola oil
2 tbsp sesame oil
6 sheets filo pastry (about 45 × 30 cm each)
1 tbsp sesame seeds
Sweet chile sauce to serve.
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Combine the crabmeat, water chestnuts, corn, spring onions, ginger, chile and Chinese rice wine in a bowl and
season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix together the canola and sesame oils in a cup.
2. Stack the filo sheets on top of one another and roll up the sheets loosely, rolling from a short side. Using a sharp knife, cut the roll across evenly
into three pieces. Cover two of these shorter rolls with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. Unravel the third roll, remove one of the strips
and set the rest aside, covered.
3. Lay the strip of filo flat on the work surface, with a short end nearest to you, and brush with a little of the oil mixture. Place a heaped teaspoon of
the crab mixture near the bottom, towards the right-hand corner of the short end, and fold the pastry diagonally over it. Continue folding diagonally,
over and over, until you reach the end of the strip, making a neat triangular parcel. Place on a baking tray, seam-side down.
4. Repeat with remaining strips of filo, uncovering them only when needed, until all of the crab mixture is used.
5. Lightly brush the tops of the parcels with any remaining oil mixture and sprinkle with the sesame seeds. Bake for 12–13 minutes or until crisp and
golden.
6. Transfer the parcels to a wire rack and cool slightly. Meanwhile, shred the green tops of the spring onions for garnishing, to form 'brushes'. Serve
the parcels warm, on a tray garnished with the spring onion brushes and a small dish of sweet chile sauce.
Some more ideas…

Prawn filo parcels: Use 4 ounces chopped cooked peeled prawns in place of the crab. Replace half of the water chestnuts with canned sliced
bamboo shoots.
The parcels can be prepared in advance; cover the baking trays with plastic wrap and keep in the refrigerator. The baking time may need to be
increased by 2–3 minutes if the parcels are very cold.
Health points
✓ Using filo for these parcels keeps the fat content low. This is because only a light brushing of oil is needed to stick the pastry edges together and
to give a golden sheen and crisp texture. By baking the parcels rather than frying, these are even healthier.
✓ Ginger is believed to aid digestion and help to stimulate the circulation. It is also used as an antiseptic; to help to relieve the symptoms of colds;
as well as to help relieve morning and travel sickness.
Each parcel provides

Key nutrients: 81 calories, 2 g protein, 5 g fat (of which 1 g is saturated fat), 8 g carbohydrate (of which 2 g are sugars), 1 g fiber, 177 mg sodium.
GI estimate not able to be calculated because the carbohydrate content is minimal.
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/home-garden/gingered-crab-filo-parcels-tapas-recipe-for-thanksgiving/article186837.html

11 Homemade Alternatives to Take Out

Try one of these veggie-filled recipes instead of opting for take out. Plus, check out a
healthy dessert with a sweet take on pizza.
From Healthy One Dish Cooking

Four Seasons Pizza
This tasty pizza includes a variety of toppings to suit every taste. It's lower in fat and salt than ready-made pizzas, yet has just as much flavor. Don't be put off by the long
ingredients list. It's easy to make. Serve with a big green salad.
135 calories per serving
Get the recipe.

Chicken and Spinach Calzone
The delicious filling here is ready-cooked roast chicken mixed with spinach, peppers and creamy ricotta cheese. Serve with a side salad.
Get the recipe.

Salad Pizza
Instead of serving pizza with a salad, combine the two for a light, healthful one-dish meal and wait for the bravos.
Get the recipe.

Pita Pizzas
The super-fast pizzas are topped with healthy vegetables.
Get the recipe.

Corned Beef and Cabbage Calzones
This unique take on the traditional calzone is healthier, too.
Get the recipe.

Grilled Chicken and Red Pepper Pizzas
Rounds of Middle-Eastern “pocket bread,” or pita, make a perfect base for mini-pizzas topped with grilled chicken, feta cheese, red onions, and bell
peppers. Because feta is so flavorful, you only need a small amount, and that helps keep the fat levels low.
Get the recipe.
From Diabetes Cookbook

Pissaladière
The thick bread base, enriched with olive oil, is topped with a flavorsome tomato and onion mixture, then decorated with a lattice of anchovies and black
olives. Serve warm or cool, cut in bite-sized squares for canapés, or into 16 larger snack-sized squares.
Get the recipe.
Focaccia with Tomatoes, Peppers and Parsley
Fresh parsley adds even more antioxidant power to the vitamin-rich veggie mix that tops this classic Italian yeast bread. Focaccia is flat like pizza, but
more moist and thicker.
Get the recipe.
Tuna and Tomato Pizza

of crusty Italian bread or whole wheat English muffins.
Get the recipe.
Potato Pizza With Chicken and Arugula
Scattered with pancetta, ready-cooked chicken and peppery arugula leaves, these pizzas are satisfying to eat and quick to prepare using
ready-made pizza bases. Serve with a cherry tomato salad.
Get the recipe.
From Diabetes Cookbook

Peach and Blackberry Filo Pizzas
Filo pastry is made with very little fat, most of which can be limited by sparingly brushing butter onto the sheets.
Get the recipe.
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/home-garden/11-healthy-pizza-and-calzone-recipes/article187007.html

Jokes
Job Hunting Joke [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
Read more about this interesting rd.com article.
Christmas Shopping Joke [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
Limited Knowledge Joke [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
Top 5 Joke [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
Alternate History Joke [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
Exciting Palindromes [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
Minor Procedure [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
Funny Things That Parents Say [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
Work Gripes [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
Organization Joke [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
Lots of Love Joke [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
Tagged Joke [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
Better Technology [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
Cause and Effect in the News [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
More Lost in Translation Jokes [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
On Retirement Time Joke [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
Honey, I'm Home Joke [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
Overseas Help Joke [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
Good Neighbors Joke [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
Rockstar Life Joke [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
Packing for War Joke [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
Lincoln Memorial Joke [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
Home Again Joke [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
House Call Joke [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]
Life 101 Joke [Sat, 08 Jan 22:20]

Job Hunting
-- Amy Goss
I just saw an ad for a position I feel completely qualified for: "Wanted: bartenders. No exp. necessary. Must have: legal ID, phone, transportation,
and teeth."
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/clean-jokes-and-laughs/job-hunting-joke/article187543.html

Christmas Shopping
-- Glenn Petty
A customer walked into our store looking for Christmas lights. I showed her our top brand, but—wanting to make sure each bulb worked—she
asked me to take them out of the box and plug them in. I did, and each one lit up.
"Great," she said.
I carefully placed the string of lights back in the box. But as I handed them to her, she looked alarmed.
"I don't want this box," she said abruptly. "It's been opened."
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/clean-jokes-and-laughs/christmas-shopping-joke/article187539.html

Limited Knowledge
-- Kelly LeDoux
As we were putting out cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve, I accidentally dropped one. "No problem," I said, picking it up and dusting it off before
placing it back on the plate.
"You can't do that," argued my four-year-old.
"Don't worry. Santa will never know."
He shot me a look. "So he knows if I've been bad or good, but he doesn't know the cookie fell on the floor?"
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/clean-jokes-and-laughs/limited-knowledge-joke/article187537.html

Top 5
-- William Holmes
After I spoke at a grade school assembly about veterans, a student asked, "Were you ever in a war?"
"Yes, two," I said. "World War II and Korea."
The girl's follow-up question: "Which war did you like best?"
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/clean-jokes-and-laughs/top-5-joke/article187535.html

Alternate History
-- Alex Domokos
My mother cast one of her students as the innkeeper for the Christmas pageant. All the third grader had to do was tell Joseph, "There is no room at
the inn."
But during the performance—after Joseph begged for a room for his pregnant wife—the boy didn't have the heart to turn him down.
"Well," he said,
"if it's so urgent, come on in."

This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/clean-jokes-and-laughs/alternate-history-joke/article187533.html

Exciting Palindromes
-- Barbara Murphy
The topic for my ninth-grade class was palindromes, words or sentences that are the same read forward and backward. I asked the question "What
is the first thing Adam said to Eve?"
I was expecting the answer "Madam, I'm Adam," but one student had a better reply:
"Wow."
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/clean-jokes-and-laughs/exciting-palindromes/article187431.html

Minor Procedure
-- Kathleen Howell
As I performed a simple medical procedure on my patient, I warned her, "After this, you can't have sex for at least three days."
"Did you hear that?" she asked her husband. "No sex for three days."
"I heard," he said. "But she was speaking to you."

This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/clean-jokes-and-laughs/minor-procedure/article187184.html

Funny Things That Parents Say
Sometimes after you hear what comes out of a parent's mouth, it's hard to believe you're related. Crazythingsparentssay.com has the proof:
"You shouldn't be eating candy so early. We have doughnuts."
"The key is to put the mousetrap outside the house. That way, the mice don't come in." "Your aunt couldn't make it, so I brought the cat."
"Don't do drugs. They're hell on your body, and I may need one of your organs someday."
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/clean-jokes-and-laughs/funny-things-that-parents-say/article187186.html

Work Gripes
From meetingboy.com
The Twitter account @MeetingBoy invites viewers to gripe about work. Some of our favorite responses:
Hey, everybody! My boss is running a special on poorly thought-out, unworkable ideas today. The discount code is YESSIR.
Making up new words for business jargon embiggens us all.
Is he replaceable? Only if there's a 180-pound rock that can keep his chair in place.
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/clean-jokes-and-laughs/work-gripes/article187182.html

Organization
-- Ting Sun
I always thought my friend was disorganized, but after helping her move, I stand corrected. The label on a box I carried read "Stuff off the floor."
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/clean-jokes-and-laughs/organization-joke/article187180.html

Lots of Love
-- Jeanne Hendrickson
"I'll miss you, Great-Grandma," wrote my mother's great-grandson in an e-mail he sent before shipping out to Iraq.
"I'll miss you too, dear," she responded. "Stay safe. LOL, Great-Grandma."
Poor Mom didn't realize that LOL doesn't stand for "lots of love."
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/clean-jokes-and-laughs/lots-of-love-joke/article187178.html

Tagged
-- Alice Petersen
One side of the tag in my husband's cap read "Best Quality." The other side: "Ceptificate of Inspetion."
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/clean-jokes-and-laughs/tagged-joke/article187176.html

Better Technology
Scene: A bookstore
Customer: Can you help me find a book?
Me: Of course. Do you know the author or title?
Customer: Well, I was at the beach and I saw this girl reading a purple book. She looked like she was really enjoying it. I want that book.
Me: Ma'am, you're going to have to be more specific. There are a lot of books with purple covers.
Customer: Can't you search on your computer for purple books?
Me: Unfortunately, no.
Customer: In that case, I'll take my business to a bookstore that has better computers.
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/clean-jokes-and-laughs/better-technology/article187199.html

Cause and Effect in the News
A newspaper editor missed this headline: "State population to double by 2040; babies to blame."
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/clean-jokes-and-laughs/cause-and-effect-in-the-news/article187197.html

Lost in Translation
-- Sandra Eckert
Dad passed away recently, and among the messages received by my mother was this e-mail from a great-niece: "Our thoughts are with you, Lucy.
You and Chas are the last of an error."
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/clean-jokes-and-laughs/more-lost-in-translation-jokes/article187195.html

On Retirement Time
-- Donald Reichert
Retirement is the best thing that has happened to my brother-in-law.
"I never know what day of the week it is," he gloated. "All I know is, the day the big paper comes, I have to dress up and go to church."
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/clean-jokes-and-laughs/on-retirement-time-joke/article187193.html

Honey, I'm Home

-- Timothy Scott Foubert
I arrived home from work to find all the windows and doors wide open. Apparently our puppy had had an accident.
"Yeah, it really stank," my daughter told me. "In fact, when we first walked in, I thought you had come home early and were cooking dinner."
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/clean-jokes-and-laughs/honey-im-home-joke/article187191.html

Overseas Help
-- Clinton Myrick
Days after we invaded Marja, Afghanistan, one of my Marines found out his wife hadn't paid the cell phone bill. He called the company and asked
how he could settle up.
"You can go to Western Union and place a money order," the billing agent told him.
"Ma'am, I'm in Marja, Afghanistan," he explained. "We don't have Western Unions."
"No problem. You can also go to Walmart."

This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/clean-jokes-and-laughs/overseas-help-joke/article187188.html

Good Neighbors?
-- Wayne Arihood
A sign spotted at a housing development: "This is a private road maintained by the owners of the homes which affront the street."
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/clean-jokes-and-laughs/good-neighbors-joke/article187201.html

Rockstar Life
The band Kings of Leon cut short a concert after pigeons bombarded them with poop. Bass player Jared Followill couldn't say how many birds
there were. "The last thing I was going to do was look up," he told CNN.
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/clean-jokes-and-laughs/rockstar-life-joke/article186515.html

Packing for War

-- Terry Welch
I was in Afghanistan speaking with a reporter as a soldier packed her things. The major came over and noticed some odd-looking pieces of cloth
on her cot.
"What are you doing with all these eye patches?" he asked, lifting one up.
Taking it from him, she mumbled, "Um ... this is my thong underwear."
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/clean-jokes-and-laughs/packing-for-war-joke/article186513.html

Lincoln Memorial
-- Daniel Palomo
When my eight-year-old sister came to visit, I took a day off from my job at the Pentagon and showed her the Lincoln Memorial. There she saw a
large block of text—273 words long—etched into the monument.
"What's that?" she asked.
"Lincoln's Gettysburg Address," I told her.
"If that's his address, how does he get any mail?"

This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/clean-jokes-and-laughs/lincoln-memorial-joke/article186511.html

Home Again
-- Teresita Corcuera
Our 25-year-old son moved back home with an eye toward socking away money to buy a condo. We never bothered asking how long he'd planned
to stay, but I got a pretty good idea when I walked into his room recently. In the corner was a milk jug with a few coins in it and a label that read
"Condo down payment."
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/clean-jokes-and-laughs/home-again-joke/article186509.html

House Call
-- Kristen Kimball
When our minister and his wife visited our neighbor, her four-year-old daughter answered the door. "Mom!"she yelled toward the living room.
"God's here, and he brought his girlfriend."
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/clean-jokes-and-laughs/house-call-joke/article186507.html

Life 101
Experience is a great teacher, especially when it's someone else's. These examples were submitted to learnfrommyfail.com:
"When trying to compliment your girlfriend, tell her that she is prettier than her sister, not that her sister is uglier than she is."
"Never name a goldfish after your child, or his younger brother might go to school and tell his teacher that Eric died."
"When a coworker calls to say she's going to be late because she 'has to wait for the paramedics,' don't respond, 'Okay. Have fun!'"
"When your boyfriend is rehearsing for a play, don't tell your roommate that he is 'upstairs doing lines.'"
This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/clean-jokes-and-laughs/life-101-joke/article186503.html

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Readers Digest (Sat, 08 Jan 2011) - Calibre

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7 Key Ways to Making Getting Fired Work for You

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11 More Things Your Mail Carrier Won’t Tell You

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This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/home-garden/learn-to-speak-body-language/article187504.html

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Easy New Year's Resolution: Be Happy!

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2) Optimism is something you do.

3) Not happy? Don’t worry.

Depending on which study you read, optimists …

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...have blood pressure that’s five points lower, on average.

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Diabetes: What to Do Now

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1. Bottled water: 4,000 percent markup

2. Text messages: 6,000 percent markup.

3. Movie theater popcorn: 1,275 percent markup

4. Brand-name drugs: 200 to 3,000 percent markup

5. Hotel minibar: 400 percent markup

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This article was downloaded by calibre from http://www.rd.com/home-garden/10-outrageous-markups/article187664.html