Smarter Seafood Choices

By Kelley Herring

Reducing the risk of prostate cancer may be as easy as making smarter seafood choices, new research suggests.

A recent study published in the journal Environmental Research examined the effects of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) - harmful compounds found mostly in farm-raised fish - and their role in prostate cancer. Serum samples were taken from healthy men and men with prostate cancer, and were evaluated for 30 PCBs. The researchers found that the odds of prostate cancer in men with the highest concentrations of PCBs were over two times higher than in the men with the lowest concentration of PCBs.

Catch the benefits without reeling in health-harming PCBs by going for wild-caught fish. Because most seafood in restaurants is "farm-raised," your best bet is to buy fresh, frozen, or canned seafood labeled "wild."

It's Good to Know: The First Commercially Produced Christmas Cards

People have been sending handwritten holiday greetings for centuries - but businessman Sir Henry Cole gave the world the first commercially produced card in London in 1843. It wasn't until 1875 that American printers jumped on the bandwagon. Their cards featured pictures of floral arrangements instead of holiday themes.

Americans send nearly 1.9 billion Christmas cards each year - more cards than for any other occasion.

(Source: Ideafinder)

Word to the Wise: Ken

"Ken" (KEN) is another way of saying perception, understanding, or knowledge. The word is derived from the Old English for "to declare or make known."

Example (as used by Stephen Budiansky in If a Lion Could Talk): "So we are predisposed - if not preprogrammed - to accept tales of animals who display human motives, understanding, reason, and intentions. It takes a far greater imagination to conceive the possibility that a dog's mental life may assume a form that is simply beyond our ken."

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These articles appear courtesy of Early to Rise [Issue #2229, 12-19-07], the Internet's most popular health, wealth, and success e-zine. For a complimentary subscription, visit http://www.earlytorise.com/.

A $19.95 Cure for Obesity?

By Craig Ballantyne

You want to lose weight and you want to lose weight NOW. So it's no surprise that you may be tempted by the "quick fix" of weight-loss drugs.

Here's one reason to avoid them: They're expensive! A month's worth of Xenical, for example, could run you over $300. Fortunately, there is a much cheaper way to fight obesity.

According to an article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the simple pedometer is fast becoming a popular tool for motivating physical activity. In a review of studies that used a pedometer to increase activity, researchers found that it increased activity by an extra 2,491 steps per day. That was a 25 percent increase in activity - which, in turn, led to weight loss and a decrease in systolic blood pressure of 3.8 mmHg.

The researchers recommend aiming for 10,000 steps per day. And all you need is a cheap pedometer to spur you into action. (You can find an accurate, high-quality pedometer online for only $19.95.) This will help you increase your fitness and get you ready for more intense exercise for greater results in the future.

It's Fun to Know: Why We Hang Up Christmas Stockings

Why do we hang oversized socks on the mantle during Christmas? One theory is that the tradition comes from a story about the original Saint Nicholas, the inspiration for Santa Claus. St. Nicholas left gold coins in the stockings of three poor girls who needed money for their dowries. The stockings had been hung next to the fire to dry.

(Source: the HowStuffWorks website)

Word to the Wise: Euphemism

A "euphemism" (YOO-fuh-miz-um) is a nice way of saying something that is not nice. The word is from the Greek for "to use auspicious words."

Example (as used by Jeff Giles in a New York Times review of Legends of the Chelsea Hotel by Ed Hamilton): "The Chelsea Hotel describes itself as 'a rest stop for rare individuals,' a euphemism that still manages to pass the truth-in-advertising test if you take 'rare individuals' to mean artists and addicts, and 'rest stop' to mean possible death."

Michael Masterson
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These articles appear courtesy of Early to Rise [Issue #2228, 12-18-07], the Internet's most popular health, wealth, and success e-zine. For a complimentary subscription, visit http://www.earlytorise.com/.

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For all your Real Estate Interests look at The New Real Estate Source here.

The Hormone That Controls Fat Loss

By Craig Ballantyne

Growth hormone (GH) is touted as the fountain of youth and the best fat-loss drug available. There's no shortage of anti-aging clinics trying to sell you on the injections or some miracle growth-hormone-promoting supplement. But what's the truth behind growth hormone? Does it really work for fat loss and anti-aging?

Researchers from the prestigious Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, LA aimed to find out. So they administered it to a group of middle-aged, overweight men for six months.

On average, the men's lean body mass increased by 5.5 pounds. Plus, they lost 8.8 percent of the body fat around their stomachs. Very impressive. The growth hormone therapy also increased their metabolism by 172 calories per day. That means if they burned only 2,000 calories per day before getting the GH, they burned 2,172 calories per day after getting it.

This study shows that growth hormone therapy can help you get lean. However, you can also increase your levels naturally. Start with strength training and interval training. This type of high-intensity exercise boosts post-exercise growth hormone levels, which is probably one reason it works so well for building muscle and burning fat.

It's Good to Know: Why December 25?

Religious scholars agree that Jesus was probably not born on December 25. So why did early church leaders pick that date for His birthday?

One theory is that they were influenced by the solar symbolism of the Roman festival of Dies Natalis Solis Invicti ("birthday of the invincible sun"). The festival took place on December 25, the date of the winter solstice on the Julian calendar, and honored several sun gods and the annual rebirth of the sun.

(Source: About.com, Wikipedia; the Catholic Encyclopedia)

Word to the Wise: Boondoggle

A "boondoggle" (BOON-dah-gul) is an unnecessary or wasteful project or activity. The word was coined by a scoutmaster, Robert H. Link. Link’s boondoggle was a braided leather cord - a simple item still made by young Boy Scouts and campers. The word was later contemptuously applied to any "make-work" project.

Example (as used by Susann Cokal in a New York Times review of Gentlemen of the Road by Michael Chabon): "In Michael Chabon’s gleeful new novel, a pair of 10th-century soldiers of fortune scramble up and down the trails and gorges of the Caucasus, engaging in a brawl or a boondoggle as regularly as they pause for a meal."

Michael Masterson
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These articles appear courtesy of Early to Rise [Issue #2227, 12-17-07], the Internet's most popular health, wealth, and success e-zine. For a complimentary subscription, visit http://www.earlytorise.com/.

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For all your Real Estate Interests look at The New Real Estate Source here.

Fat-Burning Beverage

By Kelley Herring

Looking to slim down? Try adding this fat-burning beverage to your daily repertoire.

Green tea has long been praised for its antioxidant benefits. New research shows it has thermogenic - or fat-burning - attributes, as well.

Researchers believe that green tea works its fat-melting magic due to a unique interaction between two compounds - caffeine and catechins. These two substances work together to help the body release noradrenaline (NA), a chemical neurotransmitter that boosts the metabolism and helps burn more calories.

Kick up your body's fat-burning furnace (and get powerful antioxidants, too!) by enjoying green tea. To get the maximum benefit, steep at least two minutes.

The Language Perfectionist: Literal Illiteracy

By Don Hauptman

A newspaper article about the closing of a beloved neighborhood bakery quotes the owner, lamenting, "My heart is literally broken over it."

Literally? Surely not! Here are other examples of this frequently misused word:

• "We had a composer and a style of music that would literally break down the walls for audiences."
  
• "This is literally one of those cases where people keep crawling out of the woodwork with new information."

The word literally is often employed in a misguided attempt at emphasis. But in an ironic twist, the meaning is reversed. The writer or speaker uses an expression metaphorically or figuratively - that is, not literally. But the use of literally transforms the metaphor into something ostensibly real, yet impossible and absurd.

As the above examples indicate, the result is often unintentionally humorous. So use literally only when it's what you mean - literally.

[Ed Note: Don Hauptman, a direct-response copywriter for more than 30 years, may be best known for the space ads he wrote with the classic headline "Speak Spanish Like a Diplomat!" He also writes books and articles on language and wordplay.]

It's Fun to Know: Holiday Cards and Packages

The busiest time of year (by far!) for the U.S. Postal Service is the holiday season. The post office delivers an estimated 20 billion letters, cards, and packages between Thanksgiving and Christmas. That boils down to 625 million items per day, 12 million of them packages.

The busiest day for cards and letters is usually December 18. The busiest day for packages is December 20.

(Source: U.S. Census Bureau)

Word to the Wise: Manumit

To "manumit" (man-yuh-MIT) is to free from slavery or servitude. The word is from the Latin for "to let go."

Example (as used by Victor S. Navasky in The Nation): "The prime reason, I suspect, will be that we don't need any liberator to manumit our 'corporate slaves' because we've never had any."

Michael Masterson
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These articles appear courtesy of Early to Rise [Issue #2226, 12-15-07], the Internet's most popular health, wealth, and success e-zine. For a complimentary subscription, visit http://www.earlytorise.com/.

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For all your Real Estate Interests look at The New Real Estate Source here.

Fight Breast Cancer at Breakfast

By Kelley Herring

We've talked about the mighty flaxseed several times in ETR. Not only can this superfood protect your bones, help protect against prostate cancer, and help you lose weight, it packs a powerful punch against breast cancer.

How do these little seeds do it? A group of nutrients called lignans work like a sponge, coursing through the body and mopping up circulating estrogens that can encourage certain cancers to grow.

A recent Canadian study evaluated the effects of flaxseed on patients with breast cancer. The patients were divided into two groups. One group ate a muffin made with 25 grams of ground flaxseed each day, while the other group ate no flax. The researchers found that the patients eating the flax muffin experienced a significant slowdown in cancer growth, while the other group saw no change.

Because lignans are locked beneath the tough exterior of the flaxseeds, your body can't tap into their power unless you grind them. Sprinkle a heaping tablespoon of ground flaxseed on organic yogurt, whole-grain breakfast cereal, or bake it into breads and muffins for a delicious dose of cancer protection.

It's Good to Know: Department Store Santas

Every year, thousands of parents take their children to the mall to sit on Santa's lap. The kids tell Santa what they want for Christmas, and then pose for the obligatory picture.

There's no doubt that Christmas is linked to shopping... but how did the holiday's central secular figure come to work directly for the department stores?

In 1841, Philadelphia merchant J.W. Parkinson hired the first known store Santa. Parkinson asked a man to dress up as "Cris Cringle" and climb his store's chimney. The next Santa sighting was in Brockton, MA 40 years later. The Boston Store hired a plump man with a white beard and a hearty laugh to stroll around and mingle with customers. Santa's appearance was so popular that other stores starting adopting the idea.

(Source: Religioustolerance.org; City of Brockton)

Word to the Wise: Commination

A "commination" (kom-uh-NAY-shun) is a denunciation or a threat of punishment. The word is from the Latin for "to threaten."

Example (as used by Terry Teachout in a review of Galina: A Russian Story by Galina Vishnevskaya): "Vishnevskaya's powerful story is full of ferocious, grandly operatic comminations of vicious authorities and toadying colleagues."

Michael Masterson
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These articles appear courtesy of Early to Rise [Issue #2225, 12-14-07], the Internet's most popular health, wealth, and success e-zine. For a complimentary subscription, visit http://www.earlytorise.com/.

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For all your Real Estate Interests look at The New Real Estate Source here.

A Cancer Inhibitor With a Little Crunch

By Ray Sahelian, M.D.

I am a big fan of flaxseeds. I really enjoy the crunchy taste. Flaxseeds - which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and lignans (a fiber found in the seed coat) - are helpful for colon health, similar in some ways to psyllium. And new research indicates that they can prevent the spread of some types of cancer.

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center in North Carolina took a look at the seed’s role as a food supplement in 161 men who were scheduled to undergo surgery for prostate cancer. Half of the men added 30 grams of flaxseed (about one ounce) to their diets for about 30 days. After the surgery, the researchers looked at the men’s tumor cells to see how quickly the cancer had multiplied. The cancer cells in the flaxseed group were growing about 30 to 40 percent slower than in the control group.

If you want to get the health benefits of flaxseeds, you can add half a teaspoon or a teaspoon of raw flaxseeds to soups and salads. Or you can take a flaxseed oil supplement in the form of one or two softgels a day. You can find flaxseeds and flaxseed oil in health food stores or online.

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It’s Fun to Know: Word Origins

If you ever wondered why the word "kitty" is used to refer to the pot to which poker players contribute, Willard Espy offers this humorous explanation in Thou Improper, Thou Uncommon Noun:

"[The name] Catherine turned to Kate, and Kate to Kitty. Some Kittys were no better than they should be, and Kitty became one of the many epithets applied to prostitutes. Spirited Johns - not yet lowercased for a prostitute’s customer - used to amuse themselves by tossing coins into the laps of Kittys, as poker players today throw their antes or bets into a kitty in the hope of getting a winning hand. The sequence cannot be proved - no one will talk - but it seems plausible."

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Word to the Wise: Gambol

To "gambol" (GAM-bul) - from the Latin for "leg" - is to playfully skip or leap about.

Example (as used by Barbara Kingsolver in The New York Times): "I’ve been told dolphins like to gambol in the waves in these waters, and that sighting them brings good luck."

Michael Masterson
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These articles appear courtesy of Early to Rise [Issue #2160, 09-29-07], the Internet's most popular health, wealth, and success e-zine. For a complimentary subscription, visit http://www.earlytorise.com/.

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For all your Real Estate Interests look at The New Real Estate Source here.

"We all live with the objective of being happy; our lives are all different and yet the same." - Anne Frank

"The Price of Freedom: Constant alertness, constant willingness to fight back. There is no other price." - L. Ron Hubbard

Flaxseeds: Protecting Bones and Breasts

By Jonny Bowden, PhD, CNS

Flaxseeds may very well be one of nature’s wonderfoods. For one thing, phytoestrogens, which are abundant in flaxseeds, have been shown to exert hormonal effects that may affect chronic diseases. And research reveals that they could help protect both breasts and bones.

In one study (published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition), postmenopausal women supplemented their diets with either a placebo, soy, or ground flaxseed for 16 weeks. After the 16 weeks, the flaxseed group - and no other - had a significantly higher ratio of 2-hydroxyesterone to 16-hydroxyesterone, which can potentially protect against breast cancer. Also, despite the previously held belief that this hormone ratio leads to decreased bone density (a precursor to osteoporosis), the researchers found that the higher concentration of 2-hydroxyesterone did not have a negative effect on bones.

Make sure you buy cold-milled, 100 percent organic flaxseeds. One reliable brand is Barlean’s Forti-Flax, widely available in stores.

[Ed. Note: Dr. Jonny Bowden is a nationally known expert on weight loss, nutrition, and health.]

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ETR Insider Report: My "Fight" With Michael Over "That" vs. "Who"

By Suzanne Richardson

"Hey, Suzanne," Charlie said to me the other day, "I noticed something interesting about your edits to Michael’s articles. Almost every time he uses ‘that’ in a sentence, you change it to ‘who.’ What’s the deal?"

I don’t have to remind you that Michael Masterson is a successful, wealthy, and very knowledgeable businessman. And, as a best-selling author, master copywriter, and former English teacher, he knows how to write. So why is it that he and I keep "arguing" about this one tiny grammatical rule? Could I be wrong?

I did a little research, and here’s what I discovered…

"Who" and "that" (along with "which," "whom," and "whose") are known as relative pronouns. And the purpose of relative pronouns is to connect a relative clause (a mini-sentence inside a larger sentence) to a noun (or antecedent) in the main clause. The relative clause ends up revealing a fact about the antecedent.

The general rule for deciding whether to use "that" or "who" in your dependent clause depends on the noun you’re relating back to. If the noun is a person, use "who." If the noun is non-human, use "that."

For example, "The copywriter who completed the AWAI program earned $100,000 last year."

"The business that used direct-marketing techniques boosted its sales 30 percent this quarter."

Purdue University, however, points out that you can use "that" and "who" interchangeably with human antecedents in two cases: When speaking or when wanting to project a certain informality in writing (which is certainly true in Michael’s case).

According to a Rutgers University Guide to Grammar and Style, "who" should only appear with a non-human antecedent in the possessive "whose" construction. For example, "the program that was written by Michael" is correct, but so is "the program whose sequel was written by Michael."

"The program whose sequel" sounds okay to me, although I’m not a big fan of passive voice.

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It’s Good to Know: Another Reason to Avoid TV… Even If You’re in the Hospital

Infections acquired by patients while they’re in the hospital are estimated by the New England Journal of Medicine to cause 90,000 deaths a year and cost $9.5 billion in medical bills. One of the culprits? The TV remote controls in patients’ rooms.

A recent study by University of Arizona researchers found that the remote control in a hospital room is the item that carries the most disease-causing bacteria (including drug-resistant strains), trumping the toilet and faucet handles, bathroom door, and other more obvious suspects. The study recommends the widespread use of disposable remote controls to protect patients during their hospital stays.

(Source: PR Newswire)

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Word to the Wise: Relict

A "relict" (REL-ikt) - from the Latin for "to leave behind" - is a remnant, something that has survived.

Example (as used by Francine Prose in a New York Times review of Bearing the Body): "Sol is no more forgiving in his attitude toward the fellow relicts who wander about the locker room, with or without towels."

Michael Masterson

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These articles appear courtesy of Early to Rise [Issue #2143, 09-10-07], the Internet's most popular health, wealth, and success e-zine. For a complimentary subscription, visit http://www.earlytorise.com/.

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For all your Real Estate Interests look at The New Real Estate Source here.

"When you are through changing, you are through."

- Bruce Barton

"That some should be rich, shows that others may become rich, and, hence, is just encouragement to industry and enterprise."

- Abraham Lincoln

"Having kids has been a fantastic thing for me. It's
meant that I'm a little more balanced. In my twenties
I worked massively, hardly took vacation at all. Now, with the help of my wife, I'm always making sure I've got a good balance of how I spend my time."

- Bill Gates

"If you don't sell, it's not the product that's wrong, it's you."

-Estee Lauder

"I've always believed the greater danger is not
aiming too high, but too low, settling for a bogey
rather than shooting for an eagle."

- Peter Scott

"Somebody once asked me if I ever went up to the plate trying to hit a homerun. I said, ‘Sure, every time.’"

Mickey Mantle

"The fact is, everyone is in sales. Whatever area you work in, you do have clients and you do need to sell."

Jay Abraham

Control Your Hunger With Flaxseeds

By Jonny Bowden, PhD, CNS

For anyone trying to lose weight, eating right and exercising are sometimes only half the battle. If you eat too much - even if you’re eating healthful foods - you can still end up gaining weight. Fortunately, you can help control your hunger with a single tasty food.

You have probably heard of flaxseed oil, the best-known plant source of omega-3 fats. But flaxseeds themselves are even better for you - especially when it comes to curbing your appetite. In addition to omega-3s, one ounce of flaxseeds provides the added benefit of eight grams of fiber. The more fiber you eat at any meal or snack, the slower the rise in your blood sugar… which helps to keep the hunger hormones at bay.

Flaxseeds are easy to incorporate into your meals. Just toss a handful into salads, smoothies, or vegetable side dishes.

[Ed. Note: Dr. Jonny Bowden is a nationally known expert on weight loss, nutrition, and health.]

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Word to the Wise: Confabulation

"Confabulation" (kon-FAB-yuh-lay-shun) - from the Latin for "to talk together" - is the act of having an informal conversation. Psychologists use the word for a plausible but imagined memory that fills in gaps in what is remembered.

Example (as used by Jennifer Howard in Civilization): "Sigmund Freud, a stubborn, bullying interrogator of hysterical women, harangued his patients into building fantasies and traumas that fit into his grand narrative scheme, eliciting confabulations rather than actual memories."

Michael Masterson

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These articles appear courtesy of Early to Rise [Issue #2152, 09-20-07], the Internet's most popular health, wealth, and success e-zine. For a complimentary subscription, visit http://www.earlytorise.com/.

"Wealth may be an excellent thing, for it means power, and it means leisure, it means liberty."

James Russell Lowell

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read."

- Groucho Marx

Word to the Wise: Bouleversement

A "bouleversement" (bool-vare-suh-MAWN) - is a total reversal. The word is from the French for "to overturn."

Example (as used by F. Scott Fitzgerald in This Side of Paradise): "For the second time in his life Amory had had a complete bouleversement and was hurrying into line with his generation."

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This article appears courtesy of Early to Rise [Issue #2224, 12-13-07], the Internet's most popular health, wealth, and success e-zine. For a complimentary subscription, visit http://www.earlytorise.com/.

"Sitting quietly, doing nothing, spring comes,
and the grass grows by itself."

- Zen proverb

"Every strike brings me closer to the next home run."

- Babe Ruth

Don't Get Too Skinny

By Craig Ballantyne

It seems strange in this day and age to recommend gaining weight. But according to research from the United Kingdom, being too skinny as you age can kill.

Doctors studied 4,107 men aged 60-79 for six years. During that time, 713 of the men died. Here's some of what the researchers learned when they analyzed the data:

• The underweight men (those with a body mass index of less than 18.5) had an exceptionally high risk of death.

• Those with more muscle mass had a reduced risk of death.

• Men with a waist circumference under 102 cm and with above-average muscle mass had the lowest risk of death. As waist size increased, so did the risk of death.

The doctors concluded that having a slim waist and training for muscle mass are two ways to help prolong your life. That's a good reason to include total-body strength training and interval cardio training in your workout three times a week.

It's Fun to Know: Autumn Leaves

If you live in a part of the country where most of the trees lose their leaves before winter sets in, you may have wondered why some of those leaves turn red and some turn yellow. Well, a University of North Carolina undergrad has found that it has to do with the amount of nutrients in the soil surrounding the tree. Soil rich in nitrogen-containing nutrients tends to produce yellow-leafed trees in the fall. Soil poor in nutrients are more likely to produce red leaves.

(Source: National Geographic)

Word to the Wise: Presentiment

"Presentiment" (prih-ZEN-tuh-munt) is another word for "premonition." The word is from the Latin for "to feel beforehand."

Example (as used by Nina Berberova in Cape of Storms, as translated by Marian Schwartz): "He'd had a presentiment of this. Yes, he had known that this was precisely what would be said."

Michael Masterson
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These articles appear courtesy of Early to Rise [Issue #2222, 12-11-07], the Internet's most popular health, wealth, and success e-zine. For a complimentary subscription, visit http://www.earlytorise.com/.

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For all your Real Estate Interests look at The New Real Estate Source here.

Focusing on Core Values

"I'm what you call a 'lifer' at Xerox; I've been with the company for 30 years. I joined the company because it offered me a chance to compete in a meritocracy as a salesperson where performance is fact-based - you're either selling or you're not. I stayed because I became enthralled by a culture that broadly defined 'citizenship' to include how you treat your people, your customers, your suppliers, and the communities where we work and live. It wasn't talk. It was action, and still is. More than 40 years ago, our founder, Joe Wilson, spelled out a set of core values that cover how we engage with employees and customers, how we deliver value, and how we behave. Every decision I make is aligned with those values." - Anne Mulcahy, Chairman and CEO of Xerox, (Source: Business 2.0)

"Success is more a function of consistent common
sense than it is of genius."

- An Wang

Strengthen Your Body and Supercharge Your Mind

By Dr. Jonny Bowden

Stress does more than make you prone to road rage - it also shrinks your brain. But by following a simple exercise program you may be able to undo some of the damage - or, better yet, prevent it from happening in the first place.

Exercise reduces levels of a brain-robbing stress hormone called cortisol. Elevated levels of cortisol actually shrink an important part of the brain called the hippocampus, which is responsible for memory and learning. Studies show that exercise may help prevent Alzheimer's or dementia - or, at the very least, significantly delay its onset.

Exercise also releases chemicals that ramp up production of an important brain compound called BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) that has been called "Miracle Gro for the Brain." And recent research at the University of Illinois shows that healthy but sedentary folks (ages 60 to 80) who did moderate aerobic exercise for only 45 to 60 minutes three days a week actually grew bigger brains. Both the white matter and the grey matter increased in volume.

[Ed. Note: Dr. Jonny Bowden is a nationally known expert on weight loss, nutrition, and health.]

It's Good to Know: Google Trends

With Google Trends (google.com/trends), you can find out how often certain subjects have been searched. You can enter up to five topics at a time, separated by commas. For example, entering Christmas, Christmas shopping, and after Thanksgiving sales in the search bar will show you that searches for those terms peak in the fourth quarter of every year. You'll also see recent news stories on your search topic and be able to pinpoint the geographic origins of most of the searches.

(Source: Lifehacker; Google Trends)

Word to the Wise: Mercurial

"Mercurial" (mur-KYUR-ee-ul) means changeable in temperament or mood. The word is derived from Mercury, the Roman god of commerce and the messenger of the gods.

Example (as used by Dan Balz and Ronald Brownstein in Storming the Gates): "The bulky, white-thatched Georgia congressman was a mercurial, impulsive personality; a brilliant visionary one moment, a petulant, uncontrollable four-year-old the next."

Michael Masterson
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These articles appear courtesy of Early to Rise [Issue #2221, 12-10-07], the Internet's most popular health, wealth, and success e-zine. For a complimentary subscription, visit http://www.earlytorise.com/.

__________________________________________________

For all your Real Estate Interests look at The New Real Estate Source here.

"I have never worked a day in my life without selling. If I believe in something, I sell it, and I sell it hard."

- Estee Lauder

A B-Vitamin Bone Builder

By Kelley Herring

Are you getting enough folate to fight osteoporosis? We've long lauded the health benefits of folate. It reduces homocysteine, an amino acid that contributes to heart disease and Alzheimer's. Now, new research from the Hordaland Homocysteine Study (HHS) suggests homocysteine poses yet another health risk: thinning bones in women.

Researchers followed more than 18,000 people for seven years. Those with raised homocysteine levels not only had an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, depression, and cognitive decline, but also osteoporosis.

The good news is that finding folate in foods is much easier than it used to be. Eat a whole-foods diet rich in dark leafy greens and beans. Try whole-grain cereals fortified with folic acid. And make sure your multivitamin supplies at least 400 mcg of folic acid. You'll help protect your bones, brain, and heart.

The Language Perfectionist: As You Like It

By Don Hauptman

Consider the following sentences, all of which I found in newspaper articles:

• The employees are often from places like Trinidad and Tobago, Nigeria, Senegal, Grenada, Guyana, and the Ivory Coast.

• [Judy Woodruff] joined CNN in 1993, and was frequently the anchor on breaking news like the 1996 Olympic Park bombing in Atlanta and the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

• Greg Garrison, a pioneering television director who worked with stars like Dean Martin, Jack Benny, George Burns, and Lucille Ball in a 40-year career, died on March 25.

A reader might infer from these sentences that the instances cited may not be genuine. Did Greg Garrison really work with those celebrities - or with people "like" them?

Of course, most readers understand that the references are intended to be literal. Nevertheless, I find this common usage grating. Moreover, it's ambiguous and invites deception. Suppose a merchant were to claim, "The jewelry we sell is made of metals like gold and silver."

Alternatives? To eliminate ambiguity, the final example could be revised as follows: "Greg Garrison, a pioneering television director who worked with many stars, including..." Optionally, a list may be concluded with "... among others." And "such as" is usually appropriate in place of "like."

[Ed Note: Don Hauptman, a direct-response copywriter for more than 30 years, may be best known for the space ads he wrote with the classic headline "Speak Spanish Like a Diplomat!" He also writes books and articles on language and wordplay.]

It's Fun to Know: Extreme Temperatures

The next time you find yourself complaining about the weather - that it's too hot or too cold - remember this...

• The hottest temperature recorded (in El Azizia, Libya) was 136 degrees Fahrenheit in 1922.

• The coldest temperature recorded (in Vostok, Antarctica) was minus 129 degrees Fahrenheit in 1983.

• The hottest temperature recorded in the United States was 134 degrees Fahrenheit in California's Death Valley in 1913.

• The coldest temperature recorded in the United States was minus 79.8 degrees Fahrenheit in the Endicott Mountains of northern Alaska.

(Source: LiveScience and Infoplease)

Word to the Wise: Toper

A "toper" (TOH-pur) is a drunkard. The word - from the French for "agreed" - was originally used in proposing a toast.

Example (as used by Isaac Bashevis Singer in Reaches of Heaven): "Although he was no toper, God forbid, he took a glass of aquavit."

Michael Masterson
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These articles appear courtesy of Early to Rise [Issue #2220, 12-08-07], the Internet's most popular health, wealth, and success e-zine. For a complimentary subscription, visit http://www.earlytorise.com/.

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For all your Real Estate Interests look at The New Real Estate Source here.

"An unfortunate thing about this world is that the good habits are much easier to give up than the bad ones."

- William Somerset Maugham

Lose Weight Starting With Breakfast

By Kelley Herring

When it comes to losing weight, no meal is more important than breakfast. And new research shows that you'll have better results if you bag the bread and opt for eggs.

For a recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, researchers separated participants into two groups. One group ate eggs for breakfast. The other group had a bagel with the same number of calories.

They found that the egg breakfast helped participants feel fuller over 24 hours than the bagel-based breakfast. What's more, those enjoying the egg breakfast ate about 330 calories less during the remainder of the day. Over the course of a month, this one simple change could help you lose almost four pounds.

Take a few minutes in the morning to scramble an egg. Or hard-boil several and refrigerate for a quick, portable protein breakfast. If you're daring (like me), enjoy your eggs raw and fresh - whirled right into an organic, berry-packed smoothie. And don't forget the yolk. That's where half of the protein and all of the sight-saving lutein and zeaxanthin is.

It's Good to Know: Electric Sockets Around the World

As even the occasional overseas traveler knows, electric outlets are different in other countries. In fact, there are 13 standard electrical plugs, as well as varying voltages. So when you're preparing for a business trip or vacation in a foreign country, plan ahead and bring the proper adaptor. (You can get them at Radio Shack for about $15.) If you don't, you won't be able to do things like charge up your laptop or use your hair dryer.

For a listing of electrical standards by country and for more information on using adaptors and electrical appliances safely while overseas, check out these websites:

• traveloasis.com/world-electric-guide.html

• kropla.com/electric.htm

• escapeartist.com/global/World_Electric_Power_Guide.html

(Source: National Geographic)

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These articles appear courtesy of Early to Rise [Issue #2219, 12-07-07], the Internet's most popular health, wealth, and success e-zine. For a complimentary subscription, visit http://www.earlytorise.com/.

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For all your Real Estate Interests look at The New Real Estate Source here.

"Investors have very short memories."

- Roman Abramovich

A Surprising Way to Burn More Calories

By Craig Ballantyne

If you want to burn calories, you have to do hours of cardio, right? Wrong! Recent research shows that resistance training can burn calories during exercise and long after the workout is over. This boost in your metabolism could be a crucial component in your weight-loss program.

The intensity of your resistance training workout determines how many calories you burn after you exercise.

If you've ever read a muscle magazine or spent a few hours in a commercial gym, you've probably gotten the idea that you have to do "high repetitions" (15-25 per set) in order to burn fat. However, studies show that it's not necessary. Women training with a heavier weight that allowed only 8 repetitions per set burned more calories after exercise than those with a lighter weight that allowed 15 repetitions per set. So we need to forget the "use high reps to get cut" myth and focus on high-intensity training instead.

The result of high-intensity training is what I call "turbulence." The stress put on the muscle during low-repetition training (the "turbulence") stimulates your muscles to undergo repair and regeneration during recovery. And that is what boosts your metabolism after exercise. If you don't apply enough turbulence, you won't get the calorie-burning benefits.

Worth Quoting: Debra Lee, Chairman and CEO of BET Networks, on Relationships

"In my negotiations with business partners, I always maintain good relations whether the deal is successful or turns sour. You never know who you will be dealing with next or even who you may report to next. Philippe Dauman, who is now CEO of Viacom and to whom I report, once was a board member with me on a now defunct company. We had a terrific relationship, but who knew that several years later he would be my boss."

(Source: Business 2.0)

It's Good to Know: Fingerprints

Due to the unique pattern of every person's fingerprints, they have been used to identify criminals for decades. But now researchers at Imperial College London have a new way to use them. Infrared spectroscopy, a sort of chemical photograph, now allows investigators to find microscopic traces of substances (such things as explosives residue) that were on the person's fingers when they left the print.

(Source: Discover Magazine)

Word to the Wise: Overweening

"Overweening" (oh-vur-WEE-ning) means overbearing or excessive. The word is derived from the Old English for "to be arrogant."

Example (as used by Joyce Maynard in At Home in the World): "Overweening personal ambition is no virtue; but while I had it, I could have danced on a bed of nails."

Michael Masterson
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These articles appear courtesy of Early to Rise [Issue #2217, 12-05-07], the Internet's most popular health, wealth, and success e-zine. For a complimentary subscription, visit http://www.earlytorise.com/.

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For all your Real Estate Interests look at The New Real Estate Source here.

Processed Meats Declared Too Dangerous for Human Consumption

By Mike Adams

The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) has just completed a detailed review of more than 7,000 clinical studies covering links between diet and cancer. Its conclusion is rocking the health world with startling bluntness: Processed meats are too dangerous for human consumption. Consumers should stop buying and eating all processed meat products for the rest of their lives.

Processed meats include bacon, sausage, hot dogs, sandwich meat, packaged ham, pepperoni, salami and virtually all red meat used in frozen prepared meals. They are usually manufactured with a carcinogenic ingredient known as sodium nitrite. This is used as a color fixer by meat companies to turn packaged meats a bright red color so they look fresh. Unfortunately, sodium nitrite also results in the formation of cancer-causing nitrosamines in the human body. And this leads to a sharp increase in cancer risk for those who eat them.

A 2005 University of Hawaii study found that processed meats increase the risk of pancreatic cancer by 67 percent. Another study revealed that every 50 grams of processed meat consumed daily increases the risk of colorectal cancer by 50 percent. These are alarming numbers. Note that these cancer risks do not come from eating fresh, non-processed meats. They only appear in people who regularly consume processed meat products containing sodium nitrite.

Sodium nitrite appears predominantly in red meat products (you won't find it in chicken or fish products). Here's a short list of food items to check carefully for sodium nitrite and monosodium glutamate (MSG), another dangerous additive:

• Beef jerky
• Bacon
• Sausage
• Hot dogs
• Sandwich meat
• Frozen pizza with meat
• Canned soups with meat
• Frozen meals with meat
• Ravioli and meat pasta foods
• Kid's meals containing red meat
• Sandwich meat used at popular restaurants
• Nearly all red meats sold at public schools, restaurants, hospitals, hotels and theme parks

If sodium nitrite is so dangerous to humans, why do the FDA and USDA continue to allow this cancer-causing chemical to be used? The answer, of course, is that food industry interests now dominate the actions by U.S. government regulators. The USDA, for example, tried to ban sodium nitrite in the late 1970's but was overridden by the meat industry. It insisted the chemical was safe and accused the USDA of trying to "ban bacon." Today, the corporations that dominate American food and agricultural interests hold tremendous influence over the FDA and USDA. Consumers are offered no real protection from dangerous chemicals intentionally added to foods, medicines and personal care products.

You can protect yourself and your family from the dangers of processed meats by following a few simple rules:

1. Always read ingredient labels.
2. Don't buy anything made with sodium nitrite or monosodium glutamate.
3. Don't eat red meats served by restaurants, schools, hospitals, hotels or other institutions.

And finally, eat more fresh produce with every meal. There is evidence that natural vitamin C found in citrus fruits and exotic berries (like camu camu) helps prevent the formation of cancer-causing nitrosamines, protecting you from the devastating health effects of sodium nitrite in processed meats. The best defense, of course, is to avoid eating processed meats altogether.

[Ed. Note: Mike Adams, the Health Ranger - a leading authority on healthy living -- is on a mission: to explore, uncover and share the truth about harmful foods and beverages, prescription drugs, medical practices and the dishonest marketing practices that drive these industries. For his latest findings, click here.]

Healthy Eating: How Food Makes You Depressed By Dr. Ray Sahelian

Want to be happier? Eat less junk food and more fish.

Diet plays a crucial role in mood disorders. Research shows that foods high in omega-3 fatty acids can fight feelings of depression. Conversely, foods loaded with simple carbs can bring you down. Here's how.

Scientists have found that inflammation in the brain plays a significant role in depression. Natural chemicals called cytokines cause this brain inflammation. If you ever had a low mood or felt depressed during or after a bad case of the flu, then you know first hand how these cytokines, which are released by the immune system, affect your brain. Cytokines also cause loss of appetite, altered sleep patterns and fatigue.

Fortunately, cytokines and other substances that cause inflammation are influenced by diet. When you eat lots of fish or foods with omega-3 fatty acids, your body will make fewer inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, a diet to combat depression should rely heavily on fish and other foods that lower inflammation, such as vegetables. Foods that increase inflammation include those with simple carbohydrates, such as pastries, sweets, ice cream, sugared drinks, and in general what we call "junk foods".

Unfortunately, when a patient goes to the doctor feeling depressed, it is unlikely that the physician will do a dietary history. Most likely, the doctor will pull out the prescription pad and write another antidepressant script before you can even spell "depression." There are many causes for depression. Diet is one cause that is often overlooked.

While people with chronic depression should always be under a doctor's care, they may find that a diet that eliminates simple carbs while increasing healthy omega-3 fats is the best medicine.

[Ed. Note: Ray Sahelian, M.D., is a practicing physician and best-selling author. He is a leading authority on natural supplements and nutrition. For the latest research on organic ways to improve your health and well being, click here.]

Mind/Body/Soul: The ADHD Alarm By Shane Ellison

The prescription drug Vioxx was once touted as the safest pain killer of all time by physicians and medical journals.' Introduced in 1999, Vioxx was taken tens of millions of arthritis sufferers in the US and around the world.' But by 2004, Big Pharma (and specifically its manufacturer Merck & Co.) could no longer hide a dangerous' truth — 'by FDA estimates, Vioxx had caused the cardiovascular-related deaths of 30,000 to 40,000 Americans and was pulled from the market.' Nearly 4 years later, our children might now be facing a similar tragedy thanks to ADHD meds.

That's because ADHD meds over-stimulate the central nervous system and put the cardiovascular system into overdrive. The hearts of our developing children simply cannot keep up, leading to the possibility of severe heart damage or even death, a fact that Big Pharma is loathe to admit.

The FDA however, is finally taking action. Last year it directed all manufacturers of all drug products approved for the treatment of ADHD to develop Patient Medication Guides to alert patients to possibility of cardiovascular and adverse psychiatric risks associated with the medicines.

The good news is that many of the symptoms of ADHD can be controlled with lifestyle modification and nutritional supplements. A good place to start is by replacing sugary meals with ones that are loaded with healthy sources of fat such as eggs, avocado, grass-fed beef, seeds and nuts. In addition, cod liver oil and green tea supplements containing high levels of antioxidants enhance mental focus.' L-tryptophan, a natural amino acid that promotes the release of serotonin, when taken at bedtime can ensure restful sleep and enhanced mood.

If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, before turning to prescription meds, contact a naturopathic physician for advice on safe, natural alternatives.

[Ed. Note: Shane Ellison is known as "The People's Chemist." He holds a Master's degree in organic chemistry and has first-hand industry experience with drug research, design and synthesis. He is the author of Health Myths Exposed and The Hidden Truth About Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs. Get his FREE Life-Saving Health Brief click here.]

Healthy Healing: Antacids Are the Wrong Solution By Dr. Jonny Bowden

An estimated 40 million Americans have heartburn at least once a week.' And heartburn remedies are among the biggest selling drugs of all time.' But you should think long and hard before you pop that Pepcid.

Taking certain types of medication to deal with heartburn and excess stomach acid may increase the risk of cognitive impairment in the elderly, according to a report in the August issue of the Journal of the American Geriatric Society. The drugs in question, called histamine-2 receptor antagonists or H2As, include popular medicines such as Zantac and Pepcid.

While an occasional bout of heartburn may indeed be the price of indulgence, up to 15 million people have a more serious condition called GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. GERD occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter, a kind of trap door into the stomach, doesn't close properly. Stomach contents leak back into the esophagus, causing the burning sensation called heartburn. Heartburn that occurs more than twice a week may be considered GERD and can eventually lead to more serious health problems.

For a long time now those in nutritional and complementary medicine have had serious concerns about long-term use of antacids and H2 blockers to treat GERD. Those drugs only treat the symptom, not the cause.

Despite what the commercials say, GERD is not caused by too much stomach acid.' It's caused by acid in the wrong place -- your esophagus.

Paradoxically, 90 percent of people who experience heartburn don't have enough acid. Their stomach will churn the food relentlessly, trying to spread the little bit of acid that's there around so the food can be digested, but all that churning increases the risk of the trap door to the esophagus opening and some acid getting to the wrong place. Counter-intuitive as it may seem, these people need more acid.

A better solution for people that suffer from occasional heartburn or GERD is a supplement containing digestive enzymes and hydrochloric acid (HCl) to support the digestive system.

Anyone with chronic heartburn symptoms that occur at least twice a week should consult with a health professional trained in complementary or nutritional medicine.

[Ed. note: Dr. Bowden is a nationally known expert on weight loss, nutrition and health. He's a board certified nutrition specialist with a Master's degree in psychology. Dr. Bowden is also a life coach, motivational speaker, former personal trainer and author of the award-winning book, Living the Low Carb Life. For more information, click here.]

Exercise & Fitness: The Quicker Way to Fat Burning By Craig Ballantyne

Everyone thinks you need to do at least 20 minutes of cardio for fat burning.

Everyone is wrong.

Recent research shows that often-neglected resistance training exercises can burn calories during exercise and long after your workout is over. This metabolism boost is a crucial component in your overall fat loss plan.

Research from the American College of Sports Medicine shows that women who performed weight training with a load that allowed only 8 repetitions per set burned more calories after exercise than using 15 repetitions per set. It is this post-exercise calorie burn that leads to long-term fat loss.

[Ed. Note: Craig Ballantyne is an expert consultant for Men's Health magazine.]

Recipes & Nutrition: Horseradish Smashers By Kelley Herring

These low-calorie, low-glycemic smashers are a tasty stand-in for your favorite mashed potatoes. Not only do turnips reduce the glycemic load down to a 2, they also make this dish a rich source of cancer-fighting nutrients called glucosinolates and an excellent source of vitamin A.

Serves: 4

Time to Table: 50 minutes

Healing Nutrient Spotlight
Glucosinolates
Excellent source of vitamin A
Good Source of calcium

Ingredients
4 tsp organic horseradish
4 medium organic turnips
1 cup organic buttermilk
1/2 tsp sea salt (try Celtic Sea Salt)

Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°F. Roast turnips 35-40 minutes or until tender. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Remove top and bottom and any spots. Roughly chop. Add chopped turnips, horseradish, salt and milk to a food processor or a magic bullet. Blend until smooth.

Nutritional Information
60 calories, 0.7 g total fat, 0.4 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat, 0.2 g monounsaturated fat, 0.1 g polyunsaturated fat, 2 mg cholesterol, 445 mg sodium, 11 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 7 g sugars, 3 g protein

[Ed. Note: Kelley Herring is the Founder & CEO of Healing Gourmet and the author of the new e-book Guilt-Free Desserts: 20 All-Natural, Fail-Proof, Low Glycemic Desserts Just in Time for the Holidays. Learn just how easy it can be to make delicious, healthy desserts in 30 minutes or less, by clicking here.]

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These articles appear courtesy of Early to Rise’s Total Health Breakthroughs [Issue 12-07-07]which offers alternative solutions for mind, body and soul. For a complimentary subscription, visit http://www.totalhealthbreakthroughs.com/

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For all your Real Estate Interests look at The New Real Estate Source here.

Business Idea: Getting Shampoo and Shaving Cream Through Airport Security

By Charlie Byrne

Look for problems, present a solution, and you've got a working business idea. And where are there bigger problems than at airport security check-in lines?

Some clever entrepreneurs at Flight101.com are trying to turn one big annoyance - the 3-ounce carry-on limit for shampoo, shaving cream, etc - into solutions.

The online retailer now offers shampoo and shaving "papers." They've transformed liquid items into 30 sheets of paper packed in small plastic containers. The papers dissolve in water and foam up.

Of course, this begs the question: If "good guys" can turn shampoo and shaving cream into a "solid" form, what can the "bad guys" do?

But we don't even want to go THERE, do we?

Maintain Your Metabolism

By Craig Ballantyne

Getting older means losing muscle and a slowing metabolism. That's a harsh fact. So you have to do something about it if you want to avoid gaining inches as you age.

Unfortunately, most people rely on modifying their eating habits to keep the fat off. But even if you eat well, according to a recent study, a sedentary lifestyle still leads to a loss of muscle mass. And when you lose muscle mass, your metabolism slows down.

In this study, American researchers put 24 young women through an extreme test. Each one was subjected to 60 days of bed rest. Eight women performed strength and endurance training several times per week, while another eight women ate a high-protein diet but did no exercise.

The no-exercise and bed-rest groups lost more muscle mass than the women who performed a short exercise program several times per week. The high-protein diet did nothing to help reduce muscle loss.

The researchers concluded that the only way to avoid muscle loss is through exercise. Use it or lose it!

If you are not on an exercise program, start by scheduling an appointment with a certified trainer to show you how to use resistance training and interval training to get maximum muscle-metabolism-boosting results in minimum time.

Word to the Wise: Soi-Disant

"Soi-disant" (swah-dee-ZAHN) means self-styled or so-called. The expression is French for "oneself" + "saying."

Example (as used by Craig Offman in Time magazine): "The troupe, soi-disant egalitarians, mostly turn out to be royal phonies."

Michael Masterson
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These articles appear courtesy of Early to Rise [Issue #2216, 12-04-07], the Internet's most popular health, wealth, and success e-zine. For a complimentary subscription, visit http://www.earlytorise.com/.

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For all your Real Estate Interests look at The New Real Estate Source here.