Calorie Count Puts Seven U.S. Eateries On "Xtreme Eating" List
(Washington, DC) -- Bob Evan's 13-hundred calorie breakfast helped put the company on a list of seven restaurant chains pushing calorie counts to new limits amid a growing obesity crisis. The Center for Science in the Public Interest published its "Xtreme Eating" awards, "dishonoring" eateries like Outback Steakhouse and CaliforniaPizza Kitchen. The CSPI has dubbed the Cheesecake Factory's pasta carbonara with chicken a "heart attack on a plate." Topping 15-hundred calories, the item boasts a saturated fat count of 48-grams. That's well over a day-and-a-half's worth of fat. P.F. Chang's double pan-fried noodles combo will provide 18-hundred calories and a five-day supply of sodium. CSPI Director Michael Jacobson said the restaurants named in the study, quote, "practice caloric extremism, and they're helping make modern-day Americans become the most obese people ever to walk the Earth." One aspect of the recently-signed healthcare overhaul law will require restaurants with 20 or more chains to post nutrition facts on the menu. The complete list can be found at www.cspinet.org.
Sunscreen Guide Recommends Only Eight Percent On Market
(Washington, DC) -- As summer nears, the Environmental Working Group's annual Sunscreen Guide only recommends eight-percent of the beach and sunscreens on the market. The low percentage is due to new government information citing a form of vitamin A used in 41-percent of sunscreens that may speed the growth of skin tumors and lesions. The Food and Drug Administration is conducting tests on the vitamin A compound to see if it accelerates skin cancer. Also, researchers have found that sunscreens with SPF ratings higher than 50 lead to a false sense of security, which results in people staying in the sun longer and being exposed to UVA radiation. EWG officials examined 14-hundred sunscreens, lotions, sprays, creams, make-up and lip balms. The 39 products that earned EWG's top honors contained the minerals titanium or zinc.
Arpaio Responds To LA Mayor's Bet Offer
(Phoenix, AZ) -- Maricopa County, Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio has responded to a bet offer made by Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa regarding the basketball series between the Suns and Lakers. Arpaio said via Twitter, quote: "I have a better deal to offer. Win lose or draw. CA can take possession of Phx Mayor where he will feel right at home ignoring laws in place." Villaraigosa offered a bet to Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon that if the Suns beat the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals, they would "humbly accept" Arpaio to move to Los Angeles. There has been no word from Gordon on Villaragoisa's offer.
LA Mayor Offers Bet To Phoenix Mayor Gordon
(Los Angeles, CA) -- Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has offered a bet to Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon regarding the Western Conference Finals matchup between the Lakers and Suns. Villaraigosa has sent a letter to Mayor Gordon saying if the Suns win, he will "humbly accept ownership" of Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio. He says "perhaps a stint in Los Angeles would teach him that you cannot deduce immigration status simply by looking at a person." Villaraigosa is referring to Arizona's new immigration law that takes effect in late July.
If the Lakers win, Los Angeles would send Republican gubernatorial candidates Steve Poizner and Meg Whitman to Arizona. A sub-bet ties in the Dodgers and Diamondbacks. If the Suns win, LA will send a group of students to Chase Field to cheer for the Diamondbacks. If the Lakers win, a group of students will be sent from Phoenix to LA to cheer for the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. There is no word from Gordon or Arpaio on Villaraigosa's idea.
Look Out Susan Boyle!
BritainsGotTalent09—May 07, 2010 — Season 4 Ep. 4 — Britain's Got Talent: 80-year-old Janey Cutler has been told she has a wonderful singing voice, and her friends have been egging her on to enter the competition as she's got nothing to lose. Can we find yet another good singer on the Glasgow stage? See more at www.youtube.com/watch
(Princeton, NJ) -- Most Americans say morality in the country is tanking. A new Gallup poll indicates people are three-times more likely to describe the state of moral values as poor rather than excellent or even good. Only 14-percent of those polled believe morality is improving, while 76-percent said moral bankruptcy is on the rise. The most commonly cited reasons included a lack of respect for others, declining values and a lack of good parenting. Dishonest government, rising crime and moving away from religion also ranked high.
The 14-percent who said the country is getting better cited a better understanding of people from different backgrounds, a decline in racism and Americans pulling together during tough financial times to help those in need.
Customers Threaten To Use Stun Gun Against Wendy's Workers
(Daytona Beach, FL) -- Two women who were unhappy with the order they received on Monday from a drive-thru at a Wendy's restaurant in Daytona Beach, Florida allegedly went inside the restaurant and threatened to use a stun gun on the employees. The workers say the women snapped because they didn't get the packets of condiments they requested. At one point, one woman was allegedly chasing the employee around the restaurant waving a Taser. The women were later tracked down to a nearby apartment and arrested on charges of aggravated assault. The women claim they only displayed the Taser in self-defense
Walmart To Spend $2 Billion On Hunger Effort
(Undated) -- Retail giant Walmart is planning to spend two-billion dollars on hunger relief efforts in the U.S. The retailer and its charitable foundation say more than one-point-one-billion pounds of food from stores and distribution centers will be donated. The goods have an estimated value of one-point-75 billion dollars. Another 250-million dollars in grants will be directed to hunger relief efforts at local, state and national levels. The company will also lend the services of its logistics team to help food banks operate more efficiently. Share Our Strength executive director Bill Shore applauded the effort, calling it a groundbreaking commitment. The national hunger relief organization has been named as a partner organization in the Walmart effort.
Department of Agriculture figures show hunger rates in the U.S. are at the highest since 1995. Numbers from the agency show nearly 15 percent of households lack access to adequate nutritious food.
She's Not Winning Mother Of The Year!
Woman Booked For Theft, Child Neglect
(Jacksonville, FL) -- A 22-year-old Jacksonville, Florida woman was arrested for allegedly stealing from a Burlington Coat Factory store and then leaving her toddler behind. Police say Warnisha Douglass was shopping Tuesday with her two-year-old daughter when she allegedly stole some items from the store and then left her daughter to fend for herself. When Douglass eventually went back, she was arrested. She has been charged with petty theft and child neglect.
Majority Of Employees Not Satisfied With Workplace Restrooms
(Undated) -- Most employees are less than impressed with the facilities at work. A new Kimberly-Clark Professional poll shows that 60-percent of office workers give the bathrooms in their building less than stellar remarks. Just 38-percent say the restrooms at work are, quote, "always being super-clean," while 26-percent note going to the john while on the job is, quote, "a 50-50 gamble, sometimes clean, other times a disaster." A quarter of respondents note their bathrooms at home are cleaner than the facilities at work, while seven-percent describe their office restroom -- and all public bathrooms -- as, quote, "basically disgusting."
However, just one-percent of those polled are concerned about, quote, "catching the crud" from their workplace bathroom. Overall, 46-percent think their company executives try to maintain their buildings to the satisfaction of the workers, while 42-percent believe the bosses are more interested in saving money than keeping employees happy with their surroundings.
MOST GRILLERS READY TO FIRE UP THE BARBEQUE
Most people don't see a need to wait for Memorial Day to start grilling. According to a FoodNetwork.com poll, only six-percent say they won't light up the barbeque until the end of the month, while 79-percent note they're "ready now." Another six-percent are waiting until the weekend to begin their grilling season, while eight-percent admit they aren't sure just when they'll begin cooking meals outdoors. Grill ownership is on the rise. The 21st Annual Weber GrillWatch Survey shows that 35-percent of those with grills have at least two, and 20-percent have both a charcoal and a gas grill. But charcoal is still king. Nearly 60-percent say food cooked on a charcoal grill tastes better than meals prepared on a gas grill, while just 14-percent think gas-grilled food is tastier. Hot dogs, hamburgers, and steaks are the most commonly grilled foods, but American grillers are looking to diversify their palette. Nearly a quarter would like to perfect grilling beef roasts, 18-percent are interested in grilling whole turkeys, and another 18-percent want to get better at making grilled pizza.
Vote For Sammy
Sammy Kershaw is once again throwing his hat into the political arena. The singer announced Monday that he's a candidate for Louisiana's Lieutenant Governor. He calls his platform "'Real People Campaign," noting notes, quote, "I am running for the average, hardworking citizens of this state, who are tired of career politicians and political insiders using this seat, and their taxpayer dollars, as a place to bide their time until they can run for some other position." The country star notes he's well suited for the position, explaining, quote, "The primary responsibility of the Lt. Governor is to serve as Louisiana's Ambassador. This job is about introducing the unique people, culture and heritage of this state. I have been in the promotion business my entire career and no one is more qualified to do this job than I am." In his literature he's described as a Republican and a conservative who is, quote, "pro-life, pro-marriage and pro-gun and proud of it." More information on his campaign is available online at www.sammykershaw2010.com.
Kershaw previously ran for Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana back in 2007. He came in second in the field of five contenders, earning 30-percent of the vote. He was running on the Republican ticket, and lost to the incumbent, Democrat Mitch Landrieu, who captured 57-percent of the vote to secure the position.
(Washington, DC) -- More than 40 over-the-counter children's medicines are being recalled. The Food and Drug Administration urges consumers to stop using liquid Tylenol, Motrin, Benadryl and Zyrtec for children and infants. Johnson & Johnson announced the wide ranging recall late Friday. FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg said, quote, "We want to be certain that consumers discontinue using these products.'' The FDA says the chance of serious problems using the recalled products is remote. A full list of the over 40 affected products made by McNeil Consumer Healthcare is available at www.mcneilproductrecall.. The company said it is recalling the products after consultation with the FDA "after discovering manufacturing deficiencies that could affect the quality, purity or potency of the medicines." The FDA said some of the products may not meet required quality standards.
MOST HAPPY MARRIAGES INCLUDE EQUALLY SHARED HOUSEWORK
When it comes to household chores, women are still likely to be the ones wearing the scrub gloves in the family. Nearly 70-percent of married women taking part in a new Jelmar survey say they do most of the housework, while just 18-percent of married men say cleaning up at home is primarily their responsibility. Only 26-percent of women but 25-percent of men believe the housework is shared equally. Among those marriages in which chores are evenly divided, 97-percent describe their relationship as "happy." However, among couples who don't think the housework is split fairly, 20-percent admit they argue with each other at least once a month over who's doing most of the chores. In addition, while 91-percent note that over the years women have done more to provide for their families financially, 68-percent believe women should still be the ones who handle most of the housework as well.
FIREFIGHTER MOST STRESSFUL JOB; MUSICAL INSTRUMENT REPAIR LEAST STRESSFUL
Think your job is stressful? If you're out there battling blazes, it is. Firefighter tops the CareerCast.com 2010 list of the Most Stressful Jobs, due to the high level of risk and the dangerous work environment. Number two on the list is Corporate Executive, which earns its rank due to the increased competition in the field stemming from the prolonged economic downturn. Taxi Driver takes the number three spot, while Surgeon and Police Officer round out the top five. If you're looking for a career that is a little less anxiety driven, Musical Instrument Repairer is the title you're seeking. Fixing musical instruments is number one on the 2010 Least Stressful Jobs list. Medical Records Technician, Actuary, Forklift Operator, and Appliance Repairer are other professions on the list.
CareerCast.com publisher Tony Lee points out there are advantages and drawback to the different types of jobs. He explains that while Firefighter might be the most stressful career, very few firefighters are out of work; meanwhile, the jobs on the low-stress list typically don't have high salaries or opportunities for advancement.
CareerCast.com's Top 10 Most Stressful Jobs for 2010:
1. Firefighter
2. Corporate Executive
3. Taxi Driver
4. Surgeon
5. Police Officer
6. Commercial Pilot
7. Highway Patrol
8. Public Relations Officer
9. Advertising Executive
10. Real Estate Agent
CareerCast.com's The 10 Least Stressful Jobs for 2010:
1. Musical Instrument Repairer
2. Medical Records Technician
3. Actuary
4. Forklift Operator
5. Appliance Repairer
6. Medical Secretary
7. Librarian
8. Bookkeeper
9. Piano Tuner
10. Janitor
Green Living Expert Offers Tips On Earth Day
(Undated) -- The world is observing Earth Day today, and green living expert Amy Lou Jenkins says there are a few simple things you can do to respect the planet. One important aspect is to eat and buy locally grown foods. Jenkins says you can inspect the local farms you buy from and get to know their practices. The food is also fresher and doesn't travel long distances, reducing its environmental impact. Jenkins also recommends getting acquainted with the natural space around you, like visiting local parks and reserves. These visits often inspire people to join their local Sierra Club chapter or other planet-friendly organizations.
(Undated) -- Spanking your toddler not only doesn't make them behave better, but actually makes them more aggressive and unmanageable by age five. That's the finding from the most comprehensive study of spanking every undertaken. Conducted by researchers at Tulane University, the study is the first to correct for all kinds of other factors in aggressive behavior. After scientists adjusted for variables such as domestic violence, child neglect, drug or alcohol abuse or depression during pregnancy, all that was left was the issue of corporal punishment. Among the mothers studied, nearly 46-percent said they hadn't spanked their three-year-old in the previous month. Another almost 28-percent reported spanking once or twice in the previous month, and the rest -- roughly 26-percent -- said they'd spanked more than twice. The kids who were spanked most often were more likely than the non-spanked kids to misbehave at age five. They were more likely to grow frustrated, throw tantrums, act out and attack other kids. Researchers say that spanking causes fear rather than understanding, and it models the very combative behavior its meant to stop. The findings are published in the journal "Pediatrics."
EU Proposal Would Subsidize Vacations
(Undated) -- Being a resident of a country in the European Union could definitely have its advantages for those who are short of vacation money. According to the "Sunday Times," a plan unveiled by EU Commissioner Antonio Tajani would create subsidies for those who can't afford a holiday trip. Tajani's proposal would be paid for by taxpayers and comes on the heels of Brussels' declaration that vacations aren't a luxury, but a human right. He says his goal is to affirm the rights of individuals to be tourists.
Under terms of the commissioner's plan, the program would be available to pensioners and anyone over the age of 65 as well as young people between 18 and 25. It would also extend to families facing "difficult social, financial or personal circumstances" and the disabled. The EU would subsidize about 30 percent of the cost of a trip. At the onset, northern Europeans would be encouraged to take a trip to southern Europe and vice versa. The proposal is based on a model in Spain where holidays are subsidized in the winter off-season for European residents 55 and over.
A Big Day For A.J.!
Mrs. Paisley Punk'd!
The first time Kimberly Williams-Paisley left her country star husband in charge of their son Huck, she was, he recalls, a nervous mother.
"She was going away to do a press thing in New York, and she gave me this list of things to do like: 'No gluten, make sure he takes his nap, don't let him watch TV,' " Brad Paisley says of the care needs of the now 3-year-old. So, he did what any caring husband would do: He punk'd his wife. read more @www.people.com/people/article/0,,20356062,00.html
Report: Prescription Drug Poisoning On The Rise
(Undated) -- A new study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds skyrocketing numbers of people being hospitalized for prescription drug poisoning. Dr. Kent Robertshaw, a New York-based addiction psychiatrist, says the abuse of sedatives, tranquilizers and opioids is now rampant.
According to the CDC, incidents of poisoning from prescribed sedatives, tranquilizers and opioids that required hospitalization rose 65-percent from 1999 to 2006. The number is nearly twice that of poisoning from other drugs. Researchers examined data from hospitalizations for poisoning to arrive at the findings. The drug methodone saw the largest spike in poisoning incidents, increasing 400-percent during the same time period. The recent prescription drug overdose deaths of celebrity actors Corey Haim and Brittany Murphy have brought increased attention to the growing problem. The study can be found in the May edition of the "American Journal of Preventive Medicine."
AMERICANS SKEPTICAL OF EFFECTIVENESS OF JUNK FOOD "SIN TAX"
The majority of Americans don't like the idea of putting a "sin tax" on their chips and sodas. Only a third of those responding to a new Rasmussen Reports poll say they think putting an additional tax on junk food is a good idea, while 56-percent are opposed to it. Many politicians who favor taxing soft drinks, potato chips, and other junk food items say it's a way to fight obesity and other diet-related health issues. But 86-percent of those polled note the government isn't responsible for what people eat and drink, and only 17-percent believe politicians are motivated by the health of their constituents. Nearly three-quarters think politicians are simply looking for another revenue source. In addition to the skepticism, 60-percent don't think a "sin tax" on soft drinks and junk food would be effective in the fight against obesity in the U.S.
Report: Many Middle Aged Women Fighting Losing Battle With Weight
(Chicago, IL) -- A healthy middle-aged woman in America needs a full hour of moderate exercise every day to avoid gaining weight as she ages. That's the unwelcome news published in the "Journal of the American Medical Association" on Tuesday. For many women that isn't possible because of time constraints. Some say between work and families an hour for exercise just isn't in the cards. For others seven hours of exercise each week is a physical impossibility. Experts with the Institute of Medicine are recommending national policy changes to help Americans exercise more. They suggest creation of bicycle paths in communities among other things.
Jesse James Apologizes For Pain He's Caused His Family
Jesse James is apologizing to his family, while offering a vague denial that he's been unfaithful to his wife, Oscar winner Sandra Bullock. In a statement to "People" magazine, the former "Monster Garage" host notes, quote, "The vast majority of the allegations reported are untrue and unfounded. Beyond that, I will not dignify these private matters with any further public comment." James continues saying, quote, "There is only one person to blame for this whole situation, and that is me. It's because of my poor judgment that I deserve everything bad that is coming my way. This has caused my wife and kids pain and embarrassment beyond comprehension and I am extremely saddened to have brought this on them. I am truly very sorry for the grief I have caused them. I hope one day they can find it in their hearts to forgive me."
Bullock has reportedly moved out of the home she shared with James, following tabloid reports that he had been having an affair. RadarOnline.com reports that James' alleged mistress is model Michelle McGee, who used to work for SocalGlamourGirls.com.
Report: Jesse James' Alleged Mistress Paid To Tell All
The "bombshell" at the center of a personal scandal for Oscar winner Sandra Bullock and her husband Jesse James may have been paid to tell all. Technocrati.com reports that sources close to James' alleged mistress -- Michelle "Bombshell" McGee -- say she was paid close to 30-thousand dollars to tell her story to "In Touch" magazine. McGee reportedly hoped that her tryst with James would help her to achieve "mainstream celebrity." Since allegations of an affair between James and McGee broke, Bullock has reportedly moved out the house that she shared with her biker husband.
According to RadarOnline.com, McGee, a tattooed mother of two, is a stripper who was raised Amish and left the church at age 16. In an interview she did while competing in the "Miss Ink" Las Vegas contest, McGee said, quote, "My parents don't talk to me but that's OK, I have good friends." McGee's forehead is tattooed with the words, "Pray for us sinners because we are all sinners." She says her goal is to be "completely covered" with tattoos.
Brad Paisley Shares Stats On "American Saturday Night Tour"
Brad Paisley is sharing some statistics about his recently completed "American Saturday Night" tour. Over the course of the eight-month trek, which he began last summer, the country star performed for nearly one-point-two-million fans. He played 74 95-minute shows, 42 of which were sell-outs, and traveled nearly one-million-152-thousand miles as he criss-crossed the country entertaining crowds. Paisley and his band went through nearly 13-thousand guitar picks, just over a thousand packs of guitar strings, and 214 pairs of drumsticks. It also took more than 35-hundred double-A batteries and 840 nine-volt batteries, 240 rolls of gaff tape, 836 square feet of video, and 340-thousand watts of power to stage his shows. Those on the trek consumed just under 18-thousand meals along with 41-thousand bottles of water, and his 12 semis and ten buses burned up more than 320-thousand gallons of diesel fuel. Paisley adds that his trek also included "one large bruise."
While Paisley just wrapped up his "American Saturday Night" earlier this month, he's already looking ahead to his next road trip. The singer is expected to announce his H2O World Tour next week.
34,000 tour photos taken by tour photographer (400 kept)
17-thousand-955 meals served
12-thousand-840 Guitar picks
four-thousand-165 local tour personnel
three-thousand-570 AA Batteries
one-thousand-56 packs of strings
924 Hotel rooms booked
855 people who took backstage tour
840 Nine-Volt Batteries
836 square feet of video
240 rolls of gaff tape
214 pair of drumsticks
95 minute show
74 shows
74 cowboy hats
45 stage jumpers
42 sell outs
12 semi trucks
ten tour buses
nine people arrested for lewd behavior in Charlotte
eight people arrested for lewd behavior in Tampa
seven people arrested (several cities) (you get the picture)
two births
one Las Vegas wedding
one large bruise
Private Company Advertises For Astronauts
(Cape Canaveral, FL) -- A private company has the "help wanted" sign out for astronauts. Bigelow Aerospace has posted a recruiting notice on its website for astronauts. The jobs are only for those with space flight experience. The Las Vegas-based company is staffing up in preparation for a planned orbital space complex. Bigelow says it anticipates a series of inflatable space habitats and notes the astronauts it hires could perform spacewalks. NASA is scheduled to retire its shuttle fleet at the end of this year. That could mean thousands of workers will lose jobs. Bigelow is advertising for about 45 positions, including engineering and technical openings.
Cancer Doctor Believes Man's Best Friend Offers Healthy Lessons
(Undated) -- Starting today, a cancer researcher is going to the dogs, 15 of them to be exact. Dr. David Waters is tracking down the oldest Rottweilers in the country to see if they can teach humans anything about aging. Waters told Smart Planet.com the 15 Rotties have all lived to at least 13 years old, or roughly 100 in people years. That's at least 30-percent longer than the average for their breed. Waters said the old dogs have "dodged cancer" and other debilitating diseases, and that could "shed light on what it takes to live well." Waters heads up a cancer foundation housed at Purdue University in Indiana. His expertise is in comparing aging and cancer in pets and people. He plans to spend three weeks visiting with the dogs and examining them and will bring back DNA samples. The owners have already filled out lengthy questionnaires about diet and medical history. All the data's going into the very first database for studying exceptionally long-lived canines. One of the first human mysteries Waters would like to solve is why women outlive men. Even among man's best friend, eleven of the 15 elderly Rotties are females.
Bill Gates No Longer World's Richest Man
(Undated) -- The annual list of the world's richest men is out from "Forbes" magazine, and for the third time in each of the past three years someone new is at the top. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has been unseated by Mexican telecommunications mogul Carlos Slim Helu, who has a net worth of 53-point-five billion dollars. That is up 18-point-five billion from where Helu was last year. Gates is second with a net worth of 53-billion, while investor Warren Buffett ranks third. Buffett's net worth stands at 47-billion-dollars. All three noted increases in their worth over the past year, with Gates gaining 13-billion thanks to a 50-percent rise in share prices of Microsoft and Buffett's fortune up by ten-billion from higher shares of Berkshire Hathaway.
Even with a global recession, the number of billionaires around the world is up by 793 to one-thousand-eleven. The record was set in 2008 when there were one-thousand-125 billionaires. Americans make up 40-percent of the list.
Ex-New Orleans officer pleads in shooting cover-up
NEW ORLEANS(AP)
A second former New Orleans officer has pleaded guilty in an alleged conspiracy to cover up a deadly police shooting of unarmed residents after Hurricane Katrina.
Jeffrey Lehrmann entered his plea Thursday in U.S. District Court in New Orleans to charges of misprision of a felony, which means he had knowledge of a crime and didn't report it.
The shootings on the Danziger Bridge killed two people and wounded four others less than a week after the August 2005 storm. They Justice Department launched an investigation.
Lehrmann left the New Orleans Police Department in 2006 and is a special agent at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in Phoenix.
Sentencing has been set for June 10.
UN Agency Warns Of Prescription Drug Abuse
(London) -- Abusing prescription drugs is now second only to illegal pot smoking as the U.S.' leading drug abuse problem. The UN's drug watchdog pointed to the death of Michael Jackson in urging more awareness of the issue. The International Narcotics Control Board said today that more than six-million Americans abused prescription drugs in 2008. They also warned about a spike in date-rape drugs as sexual predators outmanuever international controls. The board warned that illegal Internet pharmacies are a big part of the problem. The pharmacies often supply stolen or counterfeit medicines to buyers. Researchers with the UN board admitted that it's difficult to assess how exactly how many people abuse prescription drugs.
Dannon Ordered To Pay Over False Advertising
(Cleveland, OH) -- Under a class-action settlement reached Tuesday in federal court in Cleveland, Ohio Dannon has been ordered to pay consumers up to 45-million dollars in damages for falsely advertising the health benefits of its yogurt. It's considered the largest settlement ever obtained in a food-product case. The targets of the suit were the Dannon products Activia and DanActive, pitched in TV ads by actress Jamie Lee Curtis. Details on how to receive a rebate check are available at www.dannonsettlement.com.
National Eating Disorders Week Starts
(02/22/2010) -- This week is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. It's dedicated to helping people recognize and understand when they or a loved one suffer from bulimia, anorexia or other body image problems. The National Eating Disorders Association is sponsoring a number of events, but is mostly asking for people around the country to volunteer. The idea is to do "just one thing," according to NEDA's website. That one thing could be putting up posters, or coordinating a walk-a-thon or registering as a volunteer speaker at a NEDA event. More information is available at www.NationalEatingDisorders.org.
Report: Soft Drink Consumption Doubles Pancreatic Cancer Risk
(Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN) -- Consumption of two or more sugary soft drinks a week nearly doubles the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. That's the bottom line of a new report published in the journal "Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention." Pancreatic cancer is among the most deadly of all cancers, with just five-percent of those diagnosed with the disease still alive five years later. Researchers at the University of Minnesota believe high levels of sugar in soft drinks may be increasing the level of insulin in the body, contributing to pancreatic cancer cell growth. The study followed more than 60-thousand people for 14 years. In that time, there were 140 cases of pancreatic cancer diagnosed. The researchers discovered those who'd consumed two or more soft drinks a week had an 87-percent increased risk of developing the cancer, compared to those who consumed no soft drinks. There was no association noted with other beverages, such as fruit juice, and pancreatic cancer.
SPRING BREAKERS LIKE FLORIDA
Going away for Spring Break? If you're heading to Florida, you won't be alone. The new "HomeAway Vacation Rental Marketplace Report" shows that nine of the top ten Spring Break destinations are in the Sunshine State. Orlando leads the list, followed by Miami and Panama City. Fort Lauderdale takes fifth place, with Destin in the number six spot and Daytona Beach landing at number seven. Fort Myers, Marco Island, and Clearwater round out the top ten. The only non-Florida location to make the report's top ten is New York City, which ranks as the fourth-most popular place to visit for Spring Break.
The "HomeAway Vacation Rental Marketplace Report" is based on inquiries into the availability of vacation rental property in March and April. The survey shows that among those planning to get away between March and May, 66-percent are seeking a vacation rental for a family trip while 30-percent intend to travel with friends.
The "HomeAway Vacation Rental Marketplace Report's" Top Ten Spring Break Destinations For March And April 2010:
1. Orlando, Florida
2. Miami, Florida
3. Panama City, Florida
4. New York, New York
5. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
6. Destin, Florida
7. Daytona Beach, Florida
8. Fort Myers, Florida
9. Marco Island, Florida
10. Clearwater, Florida
Aspirin May Help Prevent Return Of Breast Cancer
(Washington, DC) -- Aspirin may help prevent the recurrence of breast cancer. A study of more than four-thousand nurses has found those who took a low dose aspirin on a regular basis, had a 50-percent reduced risk of dying from breast cancer and a 50-percent lower risk of the cancer returning. Researchers at the Harvard Medical School say if their findings are confirmed in other clinical trials, taking a simple aspirin could become a simple, low-cost and fairly safe tool to help women with breast cancer live longer, healthier lives. The researchers discovered women in the study who'd taken a low dose aspirin two to five days a week had a 60-percent reduced risk of their cancer spreading and a 71-percent lower risk of breast cancer death. More pills aren't necessarily better. Those who took six to seven aspirin tablets a week hoping to thwart heart disease, lowered their risk of spread by 43-percent and risk of death by 64-percent. Scientists believe other aspirin-like drugs including ibuprofen and naproxen, may have the same effect but there isn't enough data to offer a definite answer. Study details are published in the "Journal of Clinical Oncology."
WEIGHING IN ON TIGER WOOD'S STATEMENT
Tiger Woods might have to do more to repair his reputation. The disgraced golfer made his first public statement last Friday, in which he apologized for his many affairs that are at the heart of a scandal which came to light last fall during Thanksgiving weekend. He said he was, quote, "deeply sorry for my irresponsible and selfish behavior," adding, quote, "What I did is not acceptable and I am the only person to blame." Just slightly over half -- 51-percent -- of those taking part in a HollywoodLife.com and PopEater.com poll say they were "satisfied" with Woods' apology. However, many more don't think it was enough for his family. Just 31-percent say they would forgive Tiger if they were his wife, Elin, while 69-percent feel Woods' statement falls short.
Woods' Mistresses Feel They're Owed Apologies, Too
It was three days ago that golf star Tiger Woods made a public apology for his recent transgressions off the links, but the reactions continue. "The New York Post" reports that some of Woods' alleged mistresses would like apologies, too. During his statement from Ponte Vedra, Florida on Friday, the 34-year-old expressed contrition to his fans, family, sponsors, and fellow players -- but never mentioned the "other women" with whom he engaged in alleged extramarital affairs. Now, "Playboy" model Loredana Jolie Ferrilo is speaking out on Woods' statement. Ferrilo -- known as "mistress number 10" -- said, quote, "He didn't mention anything about the girls. It seems like he was just brushing it off and not getting into it. I think he should've mentioned something in regards to the girls -- an apology or something."
Former "Tool Academy" cast member Jaimee Grubbs also demanded an apology last week. Porn star Joslyn James -- who alleges that she was impregnated by the PGA sensation -- would like to hear from Woods as well. James has said that she would be, quote, "open to a telephone apology from Tiger," adding quote, "I didn't deserve this." In his statement, Woods stated that he felt he had, quote, "a lot to atone for."
LABRADOR RETRIEVER STILL AMERICA'S FAVORITE DOG
Labrador Retrievers are top dog in America. The American Kennel Club says the breed continues its reign, and for the 19th-straight year is taking the number one spot in the organization's list of Most Popular Dogs in the U.S. A dog on the rise is the German Shepherd, which has taken the number two spot from the Yorkshire Terrier, which now ranks third. Influenced by the popularity of Rin Tin Tin, Shepherds were favored the 1920s. But they began to fall in status after World War Two, and the current list marks the first time in more than 30 years that the German Shepherd has been in the top two. Golden Retrievers follow in fourth place, while the Beagle rounds out the top five.
The Bulldog is among the breeds making the biggest jumps on the list, entering the top ten at number seven -- behind the Boxer -- after last year ranking 21st. The Dachshund, Poodle, and Shih Tzu complete the top ten. The list is based on 2009 registration statistics.
2009 Most Popular Dogs in the U.S. - American Kennel Club list based on registration statistics
1. Labrador Retriever
2. German Shepherd Dog
3. Yorkshire Terrier
4. Golden Retriever
5. Beagle
6. Boxer
7. Bulldog
8. Dachshund
9. Poodle
10. Shih Tzu
Burger King Plans Beer-Selling Whopper Bar In Florida
(Miami, FL) -- Burger King customers in Miami will soon be able to order a Whopper, fries and a beer. "USA Today" reports Burger King plans to sell beer and burgers at a Whopper Bar in Miami Beach's tourist-heavy South Beach. The South Beach Whopper Bar, designed to compete with casual dining restaurants, is scheduled to open in mid-February. The company says don't look for beer at conventional Burger Kings, but says more Whopper Bars could be slated for other tourist hot spots, like New York, Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
Burger Kings in Germany and Whopper Bars in Singapore and Venezuela already sell beer, but the Miami facility will be the first in the U.S. to sell beer. Burger King's Whopper Bar isn't the first fast food chain to test alcoholic beverages in the U.S. Last year in Seattle, Starbucks opened "15th Avenue Coffee and Tea, inspired by Starbucks." In addition to coffee and tea, it sells regional beers and wines.
Study: Many Teens Have High Cholesterol
(Washington, DC) -- A large number of teens in the U.S. exhibit a major risk factor for a sometimes deadly condition in their adult years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds one out of five teenagers in America has unhealthy cholesterol levels. High cholesterol is considered a primary factor in the development of heart disease, the number one cause of death among adults in the U.S. According to the CDC, the more overweight teens are, the more likely it is for them to have high cholesterol. Even so, 14-percent of teenagers within normal weight ranges were found to have elevated cholesterol levels. Healthy eating habits and exercise are cited as good ways to reduce high cholesterol levels and the risk for heart disease.
A break down of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey compiled from 1999 through 2006 finds over 20-percent of persons aged 12 to 19 have unhealthy cholesterol. Additionally, more boys than girls were found to have unhealthy cholesterol readings. An official with the CDC calls the new findings from the research "very concerning."
Study Shows Men Feel Less Guilt
(Undated) -- Men don't spend a lot of time being plagued with a guilty conscience. A new study shows men feel a significantly lower level of guilt than women. The research published in the Spanish Journal of Psychology shows females not only experience more intense guilt, but also have a higher level of interpersonal sensitivity. Adult men between the ages of 40 and 50 tend to feel more guilt than younger males. The most common form of guilt is related to situations where someone harms another person. That arouses feelings of empathy which turns to guilt when someone realizes they're responsible for another person's suffering.
Is This For Real?
About Michelle:
Written by Dr. Paul L. Williams
"In my own life in my own small way, I have tried to give back to this country that has given me so much," she said. "See, that's why I left a job at a big law firm for a career in public service, "...
Michelle Obama
No, Michele Obama does not get paid to serve as the First Lady and she doesn't perform any official duties. But this hasn't deterred her from hiring an unprecedented number of staffers to cater to her every whim and to satisfy her every request in the midst of the Great Recession.
Just think, Mary Lincoln was taken to task for purchasing china for the White House during the Civil War. And Mamie Eisenhower had to shell out the salary for her personal secretary from her husband's salary.
Total Personal Staff members for other first ladies paid by taxpayers:
Mamie Eisenhower: One-- paid for personally out of President's salary.
Jackie Kennedy: One
Rosaline Carter: One
Barbara Bush: One
Hilary Clinton: Three
Laura Bush: One
Michele Obama: Twenty-two
How things have changed! If you're one of the tens of millions of Americans facing certain destitution, earning less than subsistence wages stocking the shelves at Wal-Mart or serving up McDonald cheeseburgers, prepare to scream and then come to realize that the benefit package for these servants of Ms. Michelle are the same as members of the national security and defense departments and the bill for these assorted lackeys is paid by YOU, John Q. Public.
Michele Obama's personal staff:
One... $172,200 - Sher, Susan (Chief Of Staff)
Two... $140,000 - Frye, Jocelyn C.. (Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of Policy And Projects For The First Lady)
Three... $113,000 - Rogers, Desiree G. (Special Assistant to the President and White House Social Secretary for Mrs. Obama)
Four... $102,000 - Johnston, Camille Y. (Special Assistant to the President and Director of Communications for the First Lady)
Five... $100,000 - Winter, Melissa (Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief Of Staff to the First Lady)
Six... $90,000 - Medina , David S.. (Deputy Chief Of Staff to the First Lady)
Seven... $84,000 - Lilyveld, Catherine M. (Director and Press Secretary to the First Lady)
Eight... $75,000 - Starkey , Frances M.. (Director of Scheduling and Advance for the First Lady)
Nine... $70,000 - Sanders, Trooper (Deputy Director of Policy and Project for the First Lady)
Ten... $65,000 - Burnough, Erinn (Deputy Director and Deputy Social Secretary)
Eleven... $64,000 - Reinstein, Joseph B.. (Deputy Director and Deputy Social Secretary)
Twelve... $62,000 - Goodman, Jennifer R. (Deputy Director of Scheduling and Events Coordinator For The First Lady)
Thirteen... $60,000 Fitz, Alan O. (Deputy Director of Advance and Trip Director for the First Lady)
Fourteen... $57,500 - Lewis, Dana M. (Special Assistant and Personal Aide to the First Lady)
Fifteen... $52,500 - Mustaphi, Semonti M. (Associate Director and Deputy Press Secretary To The First Lady)
Sixteen... $50,000 - Jarvis, Kristen E. (Special Assistant for Scheduling and Traveling Aide To The First Lady)
Seventeen... $45,000 - Lechtenberg, Tyler A. (Associate Director of Correspondence For The First Lady)
Eighteen... $43,000 - Tubman, Samanth a (Deputy Associate Director, Social Office)
Nineteen... $40,000 - Boswell, Joseph J. (Executive Assistant to the Chief Of Staff to the First Lady)
Twenty... $36,000 - Armbruster, Sally M. (Staff Assistant to the Social Secretary)
Twenty-Two... $35,000 - Jackson, Deilia A. (Deputy Associate Director of Correspondence for the First Lady)
Total… $1,591,200 in annual salaries
There has NEVER been anyone in the White House at any time who has created such an army of staffers whose sole duties are the facilitation of the First Lady's social life.
One wonders why she needs so much help, at taxpayer expense.
Note: This does not include makeup artist Ingrid Grimes-Miles, 49, and "First Hairstylist" Johnny Wright, 31, both of whom traveled aboard Air Force One to Europe .
Copyright 2009 Canada Free Press.Com
Yes, I know, The Canadian Free Press had to publish this, perhaps because America no longer has a free press and the USA media is too scared that they might be considered racist or suffer at the hands of Obama.
Sorry America !
Diet May Protect Smokers Against Cancer-Promoting Gene Changes
(Washington, DC) -- Current and former smokers who eat plenty of leafy green vegetables may be cutting their chances of developing lung cancer. That finding comes from a National Cancer Institute study. Researchers examined cells in sputum coughed up by smokers and compared those cells with the smokers' dietary intake of leafy vegetables, the vitamin folate and some multi-vitamins. They found those vegetables and vitamins could help protect against gene changes in cells that can lead to the development and spread of lung cancer. Some foods rich in folate are citrus fruits, cereals, poultry and egg yolks.
Prior studies have pointed to a link between low folate intake and increased lung cancer risk in current and former smokers. The authors of the new National Cancer Institute study think additional diet-related research studies could lead to more effective ways of either preventing lung cancer or detecting the disease at an early stage.
Preventing Deadly Distracted Driving
(Undated) -- A newly launched website aims to put the brakes on the problem of driver distraction blamed for thousands of accidents and deaths yearly. The Department of Transportation (DOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are the federal engines that are powering Distraction.gov. The website provides facts and figures of how focusing on texting and talking on the phone behind the wheel of a car are driving legislation that will help stem the dangers.
Among the claims on the site are that six-thousand people diedin distracted driving accidents in 2008. The NHTSA also reports fatalities due to driver distraction rose from eight percent in 2004 to eleven percent in 2008. Other data shows operating a vehicle while talking on the phone makes those drivers as dangerous as someone who is behind the wheel and over the legal drinking limit. Along with the creation of Distraction.gov. the DOT has created the advocacy group Focus Driven to raise awareness of driver distraction and to support victims of those types of accidents.
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