Insight Magazine - July 2012

Insight Obama vs. Romney

on Gay Marriage

L.A. Moving

to Philadelphia

Issue 11

•

July 2012

Can you Buy

Happiness?

DNA

Digital Storage

Big Breasts,

Bigger Risks

Community Spotlight:

Artur Kirsh, Hot Scissors Guy

Scientists Create

Real Invisibility Cloak

ceos paid well

in 2011

See Inside for Prizes!

July 2012•Insight 1

editor’s desk

S

ummer is a stern, unforgiving mistress. Winter lulls you into this soft, warm, puffy coated false sense of calm and security. By mid spring you start realizing it’s a hoax – that you’ve been eating terribly, that you stupidly haven’t stepped foot into a gym for months, that your skin is dry, and that just about everything else is wrong.

And then, bam, summer slaps you across the face and what can you do but put your tail between your legs and wonder why you couldn’t have just made a heftier list of new years resolutions and, thereafter, stuck to all of them?

Instead, we make lists, we plan, we visualize and know what we have to do and “will do,” We say we’ll be active and healthy and get enough sleep. We’re all talk. Sure, there are some random externalities to my disgruntled over generalization but, mostly, we. are. all. talk! Why do we engage in this self sabotage? Why do we stay up later than we should, eat that weird looking pasta that

you think has only been in the fridge a couple days, use not affording a gym membership as an excuse for not getting our asses up and running around the block? Because we can. Because with the exception of the five minutes after we’ve seen some “appreciate life” movie or read about a near death or fatal accident where family members grieve that their deceased beloveds didn’t have enough time, we assume “oh, I’ll just do it tomorrow” is a valid excuse. We’re all ungrateful fools because we assume tomorrow.

Well, I say no to that. I say get to this part of my article, be empowered with me and then have it stick for more than the five minutes things like this typically stick. Lets eat our vegetables; lets work out; lets floss as much as the dentist tells us to; lets take our vitamins; lets get enough sleep; lets stop watching ourselves live and actually live. Lets! Summer may be stern to us, but she clearly wants what’s best. So lets stop assuming tomorrow and just get to being our best today!

—Maria

“I can stand brute force, but brute reason is quite unbearable. There is something unfair about its use.

It is hitting below the intellect.” —Osar Wilde

Readers Respond to our JUne Issue: I live in Philadelphia but often visit NYC. I LOVE the Shake Shack there and had no idea one was coming here until I saw your article about it. I’ll be first in line. Thanks for the tip! —Bob, Passyunk I have to say that your article last month on “Menthol Cigarettes” seemed kind of lacking to me. Obviously, there are whole books written on how cigarettes can cause health related problems, but I don’t think you should have solely focused on menthol cigarette’s harms. Other types of cigarette compositions can also cause strokes and other health problems. I think it’s important that everyone knows that it’s cigarettes in general and that they don’t escape the danger just by making sure their cigarette of choice isn’t menthol.”

—Amanda, Philadelphia The article about supersizing our meals to feel better about ourselves is a bit twisted. If psychologically we are choosing to supersize to feel more important… someone needs to fill those people in that being in a supersized body is going to make you feel much LESS important. —Roger, Philadelphia See your comment? Follow instructions on pg. 3 to win prizes! Respond to our July issue on our website (myinsightmag.com), email (insight@myinsightmag.com), Facebook (My Insight Magazine) or tweet us (My Insight Magazine).

Our Team:

Maria Goroshovsky Co-Founder/Editor “Did perpetual happiness in the Garden of Eden maybe get so boring that eating the apple was justified?”

2 Insight•July 2012

Luba Patlakh Editorial Director “Do not follow where the path may lead.

Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”

Angele Douglas Russell Contributing Writer “No one is entitled to an opinion unless they know the facts.”

Olga Astreika Contributing Writer “My goal in life is to help people and have them happy.”

Alla Podolsky Graphic Designer “I am not that creative with words.

Can I offer you a picture instead?”

David Vulfin Marketing Director “Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm.”

Insight In This Issue: Editor’s Desk 2 Letter from the Editor Readers Respond to our June Issue Word on the Street 4 Obama vs. Romney On Gay Marriage Renting: The New American Dream 5 Does an Expensive College Mean a Successful Career?

CEOs Paid Well in 2011 Everyone Lies and Cheats 6 Ph-un in Philadelphia Why Friday the 13th Is Bad Luck DNA. Digital Storage Conversation Starters 7 Community Spotlight: Artur Kirsh, Hot Scissors Guy Scientists Create a Areal Invisibility Cloak 8 Executive Bio: Ayala’s Herbal Water.

Ayala Laufer-Cahana M.D. Group Brainstorming Doesn’t Work Feature 9 Summer Flings. Are You Shutting Out Mr. or Mrs. Right for Mr. Or Mrs. Right Now?

5

Issue 11 • July 2012

10 Healthy Living 10 Eat Your Veggies: The Key Factor for Healthy Eating Habits Big Breasts a Health Risk Painless Bandages Coming Soon!

Entertainment and Lifestyle 12 Top Five Reasons to go to the Movies in June Recycled Fashion. Who Says Celebrities Aren’t Frugal?

13 LA Moving to Philadelphia TV’s Effect Facebook. Popular, But Not Advertiser Friendly The 10 Best Catchphrases in TV History 14 Say “Ah!” Spa Review: Cryosauna Botox: An Employment Liability

15 Eat Good Food: Tria

What the World Eats.

There is an App

for That

Insight Poll

9

16 Dress to Impress: Swimwear Sports and Athletics 17 2014 Summer Olympics Law of Athletics Philadelphia Phillies Baseball Schedule Career and Finance 18 Buying Happiness Ivy League Education For All Affordable Health Insurance Technology Today 19 Draw Something Switching to e-Books The Future of Cameras Do You Have “IPad Hand”?

A Dose of Insight 20 Insight Advice Column Relax and Play 21 Sudoku Wordsearch 22 Photohunt!

July Horoscopes Marketplace 23 Advertisement

16

19

Prizes and Rewards!

We at Insight want to hear from all of our new and old friends! Send us an email and write to us on Facebook. Let us know what you think, what you want, or just how your day is going and get rewards for doing it!

Your Monthly Reward: Insight will look through all our email, as well as Facebook comments, messages and posts. We will select five comments, at random, to include in the upcoming issue. If you see your post, contact us with the post, the issue you saw it in, and your information within one week of the release of that issue and YOU WIN! What do you win? Well, every issue we will post our ‘Favorite Things.’ These are little things that are new, cool and we feel everyone will enjoy. When you win the post challenge, you get to pick one of our ‘Favorite Things’ from that issue and it’s yours! If, instead, you want to work towards our bigger “Play for Points” prizes, you can instead ask to add five points to your play for points account (see myinsightmag.com for more details). So, what are you waiting for!

Come leave us a message!

Play for Points: We don’t want to be another magazine you gloss over in a hurry; we want to really interact with you in every section and page of Insight.

In our attempt to really get you involved, we’ve set up a points game.

Throughout the magazine you’ll see small sections that say “Play for Points.” Each section will have its own instruction on how you can email or Facebook us your answers or contributions and earn points.

You can log in and keep a ‘point account,’ so to speak, on myinsightmag.com. You then can add up points to win the prizes that cost a point value ranging from 50 to 1,000 points. So earn enough points for a $20 gift card, or save as much as you can for a five day paid hotel in Miami, FL, or a new iPAD. See myinsightmag.com for even more prizes, your account and more information!

Starbucks! Need a quick pick 1to me up in the heat? How about $20 Java up at Starbucks? Stay Awake!

Hollywood Tans! Working too hard 2pool? and can’t make it to the beach or How about an instant tan from Hollywood Tans? $20

Macy’s! Hitting the shore this 3Here’s weekend? Need a new bathing suit? a start: $20 to Macy’s! Happy Shopping!

July 2012•Insight 3

OBAMA VS. ROMNEY

I

ON GAY MARRIAGE

t’s not just the economy, stupid. This election is host to a handful of equally conversation dominating issues.

Among the more hotly debated and socially prevalent is the bilateral dispute over the marriage rights of gay and lesbian citizens. On this issue, presidential nominee Mitt Romney and incumbent Barack Obama hold polar opposite view points — each of which is favorable with its own respective U.S. demographic.

There are two strands to the discussion — one resting more on a socio-moral-religious argument for or against gay marriage and one resting purely on what level of government should decide the issue, federal or state. Mitt Romney has not been a beacon of consistency throughout his career, swaying back and forth on whether or not gay marriage rights should be enforced. Through the 2012 race, however, Romney’s stance has been an unequivocal opposition. In an interview with a Denver based news station, Romney stated “I do not favor marriage between people of the same gender, and I do not favor civil unions if they are identical to marriage other than by name.” Moreover, Romney believes that enforcement against gay marriage and civil unions should be made at a federal level, enforcing a national rule that all states must follow.

Obama, in an ABC News special report with Robin Roberts, said “…At a certain point I’ve just concluded that for me personally, it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same sex couples should be able to get married.” The decision of enacting pro gay marriage legislation, however, should rest with the states individually, and not as a national federal mandate, says Obama.

There has been public outcry for and against each of the candidates on this position. For instance, Darla, 31 argues that religion and morality have no right in the discussion of gay rights — “We are a nation whose loyalty belongs not to a bible but a constitution. This is not a theocracy. That’s not to say that religious people have no right to believe the texts of their holy books; they absolutely have the right to. That’s just to say that the text of those holy books don’t belong in this conversation.”

Many others see it as a civil rights issue, comparable to the plight of African Americans in the 1960s, and one that should be resolved as such. Marc, 27, sidesteps the whole discussion — “The presidency really doesn’t have that much power, for all the attention we give it. Congress shapes the economy, the military, and almost every other aspect of federal law (yes, with some leadership from the President).

I wouldn’t care that much whether a president was Republican or Democrat...except one thing: the President nominates Supreme Court justices, and gay rights WILL be decided by the Supreme Court. So will women’s rights. And separation of church and state. And healthcare reform. So I am voting for Obama because I dread the thought of a conservative Court on these issues, and I think it’s moved far enough to the right already.”

4 Insight•July 2012

Word on the Street RENTING The New American Dream

C

irca 1955 the “American dream” was for you, your husband or wife, your 2.5 kids and family dog to move out to a nice street in the suburbs, plant a rose garden and live happily ever after. Well, the world is changing and the average American’s “dream” is evolving with it. Whereas “owning” was the goal sixty years ago, Americans are really warming up to the idea of “renting a good life.”

The American mind has long associated renting with “striving” — with not quite being there yet. But, over the course of the past decade, and especially after the recent recession, Americans have gotten over it. Now, homeownership is on the decline and home rentership is on the rise. The trend is the same for things like cars, books, online fashion, etc. While being an owner of something may seem stable, the economic crisis has shown that to not always be true. So, Americans are increasingly okay with giving up hopeful stability for the flexibility of renting. Flexibility, in today’s society is, in fact key. Most Americans are more mobile these days and, on average, will change their living location at least 3 times in their lives.

The renter economy is not as much of a sad sounding downgrade as some may fear it is. That is because the American dream of ownership was only just a dream. In reality, Americans never so much as owned their lives as they borrowed their lives from banks and credit card companies. Really, this new trend may be good news for the economy — infusing a hurt market. Ultimately, the renters economy is not something to be shamed about, it is a sign that the country is adapting to the new realities of today.

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Visit myinsightmag.com to learn how.

Does an Expensive College Mean a Successful Career?

T

he tuition for colleges and universities is rising dramatically in price, but does the expensive price necessarily mean a successful career? The true answer is: not really. Of course a well known university looks great on a resume, but all those loans one has to pay off at the time of graduation do not compare. Today, many students are switching to online schooling due to such high tuition. When one is considering enrolling in online classes one should consider these factors: Am I able to teach myself new material without an instructor present to teach me? Will I have enough determination to actually get my work done?

The most expensive college in America today is Columbia University which is located in New York with an annual tuition of $45,290. If tuition is not an issue and grades throughout high school have been outstanding, then one should consider applying to Princeton University, located in New Jersey, which has been named America’s number 1 school.

There is no saying what the smarter college or university choice for everyone is; like the motto goes “to each their own.” Some are able to afford expensive schools such as Princeton, other may only be able to afford online or community college. But which career one wishes to do should definitely help them in figuring out the best college choice for them.

EVERYONE LIES AND CHEATS

W

CEOs Paid Well in 2011

hile the economy very slowly inched in the direction of health throughout 2011, some groups got there a lot faster than others. In fact, profits at big U.S. companies broke records last year! The head of a typical company made $9.6 million in 2011, as reported in an analysis by the Associate Press (AP), using data from Equilar, an executive pay research firm. This figure is 6% higher than it was for 2010, and the highest since AP began tracking executive compensation data in 2006.

This, however, may well be a good thing. The report shows that companies scaled back on cash bonuses and instead issued more stock awards. Stock awards are tied more closely and more often to company performance – denoting a confidence in the health of the corporation. Moreover, CEOs can’t cash in stocks right away. They must first meet requisite goals — like boosting profit to a certain level. The strong bonus reward is, then, motivational and pragmatic.

While moving executive pay from cash to stock is a good and beneficial action, it still should not be confused with a permanent cure-all. If, for instance, companies tie stock awards to performance but set easy goals, then the purpose of giving stocks instead of cash is moot. The most important thing is that in all decisions regarding how and how much to issue bonuses, as well as where to set the bar on performance requirements must be made in a pragmatic, informed way to ensure long term viability.

P

eople tend to draw lines when it comes to morality. There are bad people and there are good people. There are good people that do bad things.

Or maybe, as Anne Frank wrote in her diary, we’re all good at heart. Well, new studies show that it’s not merely a question of good or bad apples. If it were, then we’d easily be able to deal with things like cheating and dishonesty in our society. But, it’s not easy.

Research shows that EVERYBODY has the capacity for dishonesty and almost everybody cheats, at least a little. It’s all a matter of how we balance the two opposing desires of (1) wanting to benefit from cheating and (2) wanting to see ourselves as honorable people. With the exception of a few outliers, this balance generally means that almost everyone cheats and lies in small ways. While the scale of each cheat and lie may be small, the overall effect is what is damaging to our society.

Studies show that cheating doesn’t correspond to standard, rational actor models of human decision making. People don’t weigh the pros (fame, money, glory) and cons (getting caught, shame, punishment) of cheating and then decide on the better option. Instead, how much we cheat is tied to our sense of integrity — we only seem to cheat as much as we can stomach, stopping where we can cheat and still feel good about ourselves.

Dan Ariely, author of “The (Honest) Truth about Dishonesty” conducted studies in which test subjects are given twenty different matrices to solve and are told to find in each of the matrices two numbers that add up to ten within five minutes – earning money depending on how many they solve.

The control group is then to hand in their papers when they’re done. The test group, however, are told to correct their own answers, put the paper through a shredder and then simply tell the proctor how many they solved.

Where cheating was an option, it was taken. More matrices were “solved” in the test groups than in the control group, regardless of how much money was offered. Where the testers offered $10 instead of fifty cents for each correct matric, cheating did not increase. Actually, it was slightly lower — probably because the subjects felt bad about cheating for the greater amount of money.

Ultimately, everyone lies and cheats in small ways everyday, stopping only by each individual’s sense of moral code and self-view.

July 2012•Insight 5

WHY

Philadelphia’s got a lot going

on in July. My Insight magazine

is here to make sure you are in the center of all of the action! Check out the shows, events, and exhi-bitions going on now and coming soon.

07/04. Independence Day! Philadelphia Celebrates.

07/07. First Friday. At The Barnes Foundation: World Music by DJ Rahsaan, 7–9 pm. 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19130. www.barnesfoundation.org.

07/08. Color Run. One of a kind experience. Each kilometer is associated with a designated color. 1k is yellow, 2k is blue, 3k is green, 4k is pink, and the 5k finish is a “Color Extravaganza.” As the runners/ walkers hit the Kilometer COLOR RUNZones, they will be blitzed by volunteers, sponsors, and staff with COLOR. www.thecolorrun.com.

07/13. First Friday. At The Barnes Foundation: Uptown Underground, 7–9 pm. 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19130. www.barnesfoundation.org.

07/12–07/23. 18th Philadelphia QFest. At the Ritz East Cinemas and the Prince Music Theatre as well as other locations. The East Coast’s largest GLBT film festival will feature over 150 films from around the world and, offer parties, award presentations, panel discussions. www.qfest.com.

07/22–07/25. The Philadelphia Gift Show.

The nation’s largest regional gift show. Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, 100 Station Ave., Oaks, PA 19456. (678) 285-3976. www.urban-expo.com.

07/27. At The Barnes Foundation: Three Blind Mice, 7–9 pm. 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19130. www.barnesfoundation.org.

6 Insight•July 2012

T

IS BAD LUCK

his month we have a Friday the 13th to get through. Ever wonder why Friday the 13th is regarded as a day of bad luck or why it is literally the most feared day and date in history? If so, check out the top three historical reasons below!

Gioachino Rossini According to his biography, the famous composer, known as “The Italian Mozart,” always believed Fridays to be unlucky, as well as the number 13. Coincidentally, he died on Friday the 13th in 1868. As a result, the date became one of the first references to bad luck.

Numerology Since the number twelve is well regarded as the number of completeness (e.g. twelve months of the year, twelve tribes of Israel, twelve Apostles of Jesus, twelve hours on the clock), the number thirteen has been considered irregular, transgressing completeness.

The Canterbury Tales and Black Friday Geoffrey Chaucer’s 14th century collection of stories considered Friday to be an unlucky day to take journeys or begin projects. Black Friday has also been associated with stock market crashes and other disasters, including the Apollo 13 explosion in 1970.

DNA DIGITAL STORAGE

Ph-un in Philadelphia!

FRIDAY THE 13TH

W

hile I’m sure you’ve known that your body is a miraculous thing that has many abilities — strength, agility, flexibility — did you also know that it can work as, essentially, a USB drive? Yes, scientists have developed a biological system that can record digital data. What they do is use natural enzymes to create rewritable data stored directly in living cells’ DNA. These enzymes flip the DNA sequences back and forth, reading and storing up to one bit of information. Moreover, it can do this without consuming any power!

In addition to storing information, this technology gives scientist the ability to count the times a cell has doubled — a useful trick in studying how cancer spreads and how to potentially “turn off” affected cells. Scientists are hoping that within the next decade, they will be able to increase the storage capacity to one byte and see how else they can use this technology.

Conversation Starters * About 1,000 tons of space dust enters our atmosphere and makes its way to the Earth’s surface every year. * The first “blockbuster” film was Steven Spielberg’s, Jaws (1975). “Blockbuster” became a term after that, reflecting the line of people around the block to see the movie. * Each handmade Scottish kilt requires 15 hours of labor to make. * Each game of Monopoly includes $15,140 worth of play money. * There are 300 different types of chemicals in U.S. drinking water.

Community Spotlight:

Artur Kirsh, Hot Scissors Guy

By Olga Astreika

A

rtur Kirsch began his journey styling hair at the age of 16. Kirsh moved to New York from Russia in the mid 90’s. He opened his first hair studio in Manhattan, followed by salons in Philadelphia and Jenkintown. To this day, Kirsh still sometimes freelances on Madison Avenue, in New York City a few times a month. But, what makes Kirsh stand out from so many other stylists is his hot scissors cut that he’s been doing for years. There are only five stylists in the entire country that use this technique. Kirsh is one of those five.

Insight: What are hot scissors and how do they differ from regular scissors?

Kirsh: They heat to 150 degrees Celsius and 310 degrees Fahrenheit. They work like regular scissors, but because of the hot temperature they seal the ends of the hair. This makes the cut look healthier and last longer. They work best on fine hair, damaged hair, or if your goal is to grow your hair out.

Insight: Why would someone be interested in getting a hot scissors haircut, as opposed to cold?

Kirsh: It is not necessary for everyone, but for certain individuals it will serve a purpose. I pull them out when I think it is needed and they love their hair. The hair develops less split ends, it looks healthier and lasts longer between appointments.

Insight: Why is your hair cut better than Bob’s Barber Shop, two doors down?

Kirsh: In my hair studios we specialize in cutting hair dry! Cutting it dry helps us get a more visual approach as all of our clients have a different face shape and hair texture. We create custom looks for each of our customers. Our craft is magical and with it we are able to create a style that makes each person feel beautiful and exceptional everyday.

Insight: Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

Kirsh: Anything you do, do it because you love it! I have very talented people working with me in my studios. Their talent does not come easy. We work and work everyday, but if we stop it will disappear.

Kirsh offers up some tips for keeping hair at top shape: 1. Don’t shampoo everyday.

2. Rinse hair conditioner with cool water.

3. Use a nozzle on your blow dryer when drying hair.

4. Use “Ask Hair Rescue” for best results with dry, frizzy or hard hair.

The Studio C.L. Workshop, 128 South 19th St. 2nd floor, Philadelphia, Pa 19103,. (215) 496-0604.

Rosa Marinez for Studio Artur, 728 West Ave., Jenkintown, Pa 19046. (215) 884-0004.

F

SCIENTISTS CREATE A REAL invisibility CLOAK

or the most part, the closest any of us have come to an invisibility cloak was a viewing of Harry Potter.

That may change in the not so distant future, as American scientists have taken steps towards creating an invisibility cloak and masking a large, free-standing object in three dimensions.

While the technology isn’t as advanced as tossing a cape over your head, the lab work is pretty advanced. The researchers at the University of Texas use unique materials to manipulate light in the microwave part of the energy system. Thus far, as reported in the New Journal of Physics, the scientists have been able to cloak a 7.2 cylindrical tube, proving that the principle of plasmonic meta-materials can achieve a cloaking effect.

It’s the military that is particularly interested in this new technology. A warplane so cloaked would be invisible in all directions to radar microwaves. Small hiccup though — while the invisibility would work in the microwave part of the energy spectrum, because the human eye can perceive light in higher frequencies, the cloak wouldn’t make objects invisible to the human eye … YET! July 2012•Insight 7

EXECUTIVE BIO:

Ayala’s Herbal Water AYALA LAUFER-CAHANA M.D.

By Luba Patlakh

D

octor Ayala Laufer-Cahana, founder of Ayala’s Herbal Water, is a Phi graduate of medicine at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and trained in pediatrics at Hadassah Medical Center in Israel. Her herbal water is a new product that Laufer-Cahana says “is a delicious way to enjoy a natural, flavorful, refreshing drink, without the downside of sugars, calories, artificial sweeteners and other chemical ingredients.”

Throughout her years as a physician, Ayala always had a deep interest in nutrition and in the promotion of a healthy lifestyle.

She has closely studied measures that prevent disease rather than treat it. “I’ve always had a passion for food and cooking, and as a lifelong vegetarian, I’ve been experimenting with plant-based, whole foods since I was a teen.” When she started Herbal Water, which took her two years to develop, she knew that somehow her worlds would converge. With Herbal Water she’s able to integrate her interests and knowledge of healthy living and nutrition, be a voice for prevention and lead the creative, passionate life she wants. We got to learn a bit more about Dr. Laufer-Cahana and how she landed where she is today!

Q: How did you get the idea to create this new water concept?

As a pediatrician I was always advising parents to stay away from sweet drinks, because there are so many calories and so much junk in them, and drinking sweets is so habit forming. Since I try very hard to practice what I preach, I truly believe that anything you put in your mouth should taste good, and not just be good for you. I started exploring calorie free beverages for my family and for my guests.

I grow an organic herb garden, and have an abundance of herbs in the warm months. Culinary herbs are the natural way to flavor anything. Herbs are also, to me, one of the most sensual foods that really connect you to nature and memories. I would make herbal beverages to pair with meals, and our guests were offered the homemade herbal water as an alternative to regular water or wine. They came to expect it and asked for it whenever they came. But I couldn’t make it in the winter, since I didn’t have the fresh herbs growing then.

The enthusiasm for this healthy alternative led me to believe that

8 Insight•July 2012

this beverage answers a true need in the market and that we should make it commercially available.

Q: What is your goal with this water, is it for healing?

Cutting down on sugary drinks is an urgent calling, if we are to stop the current obesity and health crisis. Herbal Water provides the perfect alternative and retrains the palate to enjoy flavors beyond sweetness. Herbs are the natural way to flavor foods and beverages – they are a true gift of flavor from nature — while sugar and its substitutes are perhaps tempting, they have a big downside.

This beverage is part of a bigger mission. We need to change our food landscape into one in which we have healthy and tasty choices, and we need to replace the offerings that are so processed, calorie and sugar laden, and make it so hard to maintain a healthy weight and eat well.

Q: How do you come up with the flavors?

The principal idea behind Herbal Water is that the drink achieves full flavor and balance from herbs alone. I, therefore, select organic herbs that complement each other and create a balance in which each one of the herbs is distinctly noticeable. Together they sing.

Q: Is there a factory that produces this locally?

We co-pack Herbal Water at several facilities in the US. We’re headquartered in Wynnewood, in the Philadelphia Main Line area.

Q: Where do you get your inspiration?

My inspiration is Nature. I am in awe of the natural world and its study.

Q: Who would you recommend this drink for?

Everyone, really. Some people pick Herbal Water for its superior flavor and how well it pairs with food, others drink it because it offers them a soda alternative, or healthy hydration with a flavor reward – they’re tired of plain water.

Q: What is your target audience? Should children drink this?

At first we found that people who are interested in a healthy lifestyle, are eating better and gravitate towards organic food and fitness are our biggest fans. With time, there became a greater demand for healthier, less processed foods. People have become increasingly aware of the sugary drink’s central role in weight gain and obesity. This has turned our product – especially the Sparkling Ayala’s Herbal Water — onto a wider audience. Eventually, I see it as a mainstream product.

GROUP BRAINSTORMING Dosn’t Work

T

wo heads are better than one and five heads are better than two, they say. Not true. As far back as 1958, brainstorming tests were conducted at Yale University. In these tests, forty-eight males were divided into twelve groups and given creative puzzles to solve. The same puzzles were also given to forty-eight males working by themselves. The students working individually came up with double the solutions that the groups did, and more effective solutions at that. The study showed that brainstorming inhibited individual creativity. Follow up studies since then have shown similar results.

Despite the fact that results are uniformly better across the board when individuals are able to work alone and then pool their ideas after, a “group think” is still the go-to method most everywhere, from elementary schools to Apple. The popularity of this method just doesn’t seem to yield to the facts.

Sum m er Flin gs Are You Shutting Out Mr. or Mrs.

Right

for Mr. or Mrs.

Right Now?

By Luba Patlakh

Summer Lovin’, happened so fast.

Summer Lovin’ had me a blast...”

S

o sang infamous Grease couple, Danny and Sandy, all those decades ago. They’re not alone. Many a movie and song talk about that infamous summer fling we’ve all had at some point. Maybe it’s the heat that gets to us, but June, July and August seem to come with flings all lined up. And we all seem to jump at it, throwing caution to the wind and getting ourselves tangled up in a steamy affair with someone we full well know we won’t see again for an entire year... or possibly an entire lifetime.

When the cold of winter fades and the heat of summer settles, many people no longer find themselves in a rut labeled as “winter syndrome.” As the saying goes, when winter falls we hibernate and when summer arrives many are ready to let loose and fall into the “heat.” What is the heat you might ask? Answer: a summer fling. But what is it about a summer fling that stops us from considering it as anything more than a fling? What if the person you fling with this summer is the one…but you are so set in your ways of a “fling” that you throw it all away without a closer peek. Some say summer flings are the best. Everyone is tan. The nights are warm, which justifies wearing as little as possible. And it’s just fun to be a part of something easy breezy…that will end as soon at the going might get rough.

Think back to your High School days. Think about how happy you were when that school bell rang on the last day of school. Something filled the air didn’t it? It was warm out, and you didn’t have a care in the world… it was a sexy feeling. And now as adults, we don’t get a final bell that signifies the start of care-free summer, but most Fridays at 5pm you’re ready to hit the traffic prone shore parkways and get to the beach to meet your summer sweetheart. Psychologically speaking, a summer fling is a health approach to a free relationship, but as in many

relationships sometimes one person catches feelings the other does not. It is so important to be ready for your fling, should you be submitting yourself into one.

Mindy Serratore, 31 feels that “a summer fling can be somebody that you’re completely attracted to but who you feel may not be compatible for serious relations.” Why start it then we ask? “We start it because it’s sexual and it’s there, and you can let it go at any time. It has meaning, but not that much, so it’s easy because you meet someone and when it’s time to focus, (college/work) you can let go without thinking about it!”

Summer flings can be fun or can leave you heartbroken, but at the end of the day it’s really just about enjoying yourself while you’re single and free. Just remember that is exactly what a fling means — fun, free, and easy to end — but never close the door to possibility whether for today or for the future.

July 2012•Insight 9

Healthy Living Eat Your

Veggies:

The Key Factor for Healthy Eating Habits in Children

A BIG BREASTS

a Health Risk

N

o matter how much men or women like a nice pair of ample breasts, science is hard to ignore.

And science is saying that it’s not just things like cancer that can affect breasts, regardless of whose breasts they are. The very size of your breasts could harm you. The female breast is made up of fat and estrogen receptors that end up soaking up pollution “like a pair of soft sponges,” says Florence Williams, author of “Breasts.” Williams wrote her book after agreeing to participate in a study of her breast milk when she was nursing her daughter, only to find that her milk was full of chemicals like pesticides and flame-retardants.

Quick Health Fact!

If you are cold you are more likely to be hungry because you use energy to keep warm.

10 Insight•July 2012

s a child, I hated steamed broccoli. In fact, the taste, smell and the sight of it made me want to instantly dry heave. But, I could very much tolerate and enjoy raw broccoli, and even broccoli bread, in the same way one could despise peanut butter but love peanut butter cookies. From that, I recognized, particularly as an adult, that the key to making sure I get in all of my fruits and veggies had little to do with the type of vegetables, but rather how it was served.

The same is true for kids. Take spinach for example. Giving your little one a heaping pile of steamed spinach for dinner will definitely invite cries for help, temper tantrums, and sudden feelings of fullness. But, take the same pile of spinach and blend it with fruit and milk to make a smoothie and he or she will be asking for spinach the next time.

The other key factor in ensuring your child’s healthy eating habits is to be a positive example for healthy eating. There is no way anyone is ever successful by teaching but not doing. So, the next time you have a choice between fries and a salad, get the salad and explain to your child why it’s the better choice! Happy healthy eating!

Painless Bandages Coming Soon!

A

lmost everyone has at least once experienced a painful removal of a bandage where not only does the bandage come off, but so does your skin and hair. A new technique has been discovered by spinning starch into fine strands to eliminate painful bandage removal. This process will not only make bandages less expensive, but also produce more products that are environmentally friendly

such as toilet paper, napkins, tissues, and more.

Starch is the most abundant product and the least expensive of the natural polymers which is made from amylose and amylopectin; this is why the new products will cost less on the market. The bandages that are sold today can be very painful to remove, especially if they have been on the skin for long. The new bandages will degrade into glucose, which the body is able to safely absorb.

Researchers have filed a provisional paten for “Ouchless.” When removing a bandage from a child, parents will no longer need to worry about hurting them.

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July 2012•Insight 11

Entertainment & Lifestyle Top Five Reasons to go to the Movies in July

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4

7/3—The Amazing Spider-Man Andrew Garfield fills Tobey McGuire’s shoes as typical teenager turned spidery action hero, Spider-Man. He plays opposite Emma Stone as the webbed crusader, uncovering one of his father’s extremely guarded secrets.

7/27—The Watch Bored in suburbia, a group of guys (Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Jonah Hill, Richard Ayoade, and Will Forte) form a faux neighborhood watch meeting during which they stumble upon an alien invasion. The Watch is sure to be a good cross of sci-fi and comedy.

2

7/13—Ice Age: Continental Drift The world is changing again in the latest installment of the Ice Age franchise.

This time around, Scrat, the hopeless squirrel that will never get his acorn, sparks a continental catastrophe sending Manny (Ray Romano), Sid (John Leguizamo) and Diego (Denis Leary) on an adventure across the drifting globe. Also starring Queen Latifah and Seann William Scott.

5

7/27—Step Up Revolution While we’ve lost count of the number of Step Up movies made, or even what they were really about, we can’t deny that the dancing keeps getting better and better. And, after all, isn’t that what we watch them for anyway?

This time around, Emily (Kathryn McCormick) and Sean (Ryan Guzman), lead a cutting edge dance flash mob, “The Mob” in a dance protest against a wealthy businessman threatening to develop over the Mob’s historic neighborhood.

3

7/20—The Dark Knight Rises Christopher Nolan is following up his 2008 Dark Knight, with Batman’s latest adventure. In this, the third and final installment of Nolan’s Batman franchise, Christian Bale returns as the Caped Crusader, taking on both Bane (Tom Hardy) and Selina Kyle (i.e. Catwoman) (Anne Hathaway).

RECYCLED

Who Says Celebs Aren’t Frugal?

Kate Middleton. Middleton wore her Emilia Wickstead pleated coat dress to both the Queen’s garden party at Buckingham Palace and at the Sovereign Monarch’s Jubilee

www.huffing tonpost.co m

FASHION:

12 Insight•July 2012

Alexander Skarsgard.

Skarsgard didn’t just repeat an outfit. He repeated this jeans and t-shirt combo within two days time.

www.justjared.com

www.styleite.com

Anna Wintour. Wintour wore her Chanel gown to both the Met Gala and the State Dinner at the White House to honor British Prime Minister David Cameron.

L.A. MOVING TO PHILADELPHIA

M

any of you have seen actors Terrence Howard, Armand Assante or Colin Farrell in the Philadelphia area within the past few months.

The actors are there filming their upcoming movie, Dead Man Down. In order to film, sections of Walnut Street had to be blocked off and cosmetically enhanced to make look like it is New York (for instance, 17th Street signs had to be changed to “East 17th Street” and New York City taxi cabs had to be brought in).

The sight of closed streets, movie trailers and celebrities isn’t as common for the average Philadelphia citizen as it is for, say, someone in New York constantly dodging a “CSI” filming crew every day. In fact, Philadelphia has not always been a popular filming destination for studios because it was never very tax friendly. So, industry big wigs would rather film in New York — where the state government is strategically tax friendly to studios so as to big money into the economy. Same goes for other cities like Vancouver or Pittsburgh, that cater economically to movie studios.

In recent years, Philadelphia has been trying to follow suit – hoping that if it is tax friendlier to L.A. studios, that city revenue streams will increase. This is revenue streams directly from the fees on movie producers and studios as well as the increased tourism from such cinematic exposure. The laxity in Philadelphia’s movie related permits and taxes explains some of the filming that has taken place here in recent years — movies like Bride Wars, Marley & Me, Law Abiding Citizen and, now, Dead Man Down. Assuming Philadelphia’s plan stays on track, citizens may well have to get used to the site of trailers and camera crews blocking off their streets.

FACEBOOK

POPULAR but not ADVERTISER FRIENDLY

F

acebook is undeniably popular, with millions of users worldwide. That doesn’t come as a surprise. When asked “’How regularly do you use the following websites/services?” Facebook placed third, behind only Google and YouTube. Not only that, but Facebook ranks second for mobile-phone use. Just about everyone that is sitting in front of a computer has a Facebook tab open somewhere on their internet page.

Nonetheless, Facebook’s popularity with its advertisers may soon not be much to write home about. Digital marketing agency, Greenlight, conducted research showing that almost half of those surveyed would “never” click on Facebook ads or sponsored stories. In fact, only 3% of the 500 people surveyed admitted that they “regularly” click on the ads or stories. Partially responsible for this lack of interaction between Facebook user and Facebook advertising content is that a good majority of users “strongly distrust” Facebook with things like their personal data. It is exactly that personal data that is used to target ad content to them. The Facebook advertising program connects brands to Facebook’s near 900 million users through targeting their age, gender, location, and interests — in other words, personal data.

Most likely, Facebook will have to take another look at its advertising program to work out the statistical kinks. Once it does, however, we’re sure there will be more user clicks on Facebook ads.

TV’S EFFECT

D

on’t sit too close to the TV because it’ll ruin your eyes. Don’t watch TV for too long because it’ll rot your brain. Don’t let kids watch TV too young because it’s all sex and violence. Parents have been worrying about the effects of TV on their kids since TV came into existence. Well, they’re right to do so, it turns out. A study conducted

by Nicole Martins, assistant professor of telecommunications in the Indiana University, and Kristen Harrison, professor of communication studies at the University of Michigan found that watching TV really does damage the self-esteem of young girls and black boys. Lucky for white boys, the effect is just the opposite for them, increasing their self esteem.

The study, published in Communication Research, focused on time spent watching TV, as opposed to specific shows watched, and how the time frame impacted the self esteem of the tweens watching. After the researchers controlled for age, body image and baseline self esteem, they found that, as one would assume, children can’t help but compare themselves to what they see on the screen. And, because TV is known for lacking a certain amount of diversity in its shows, all kids, except white males, are comparing themselves to people very different than themselves. White males, on the other hand, have plenty of characters to identify with. As Martins explains, “Regardless of what show you’re watching, if you’re a white male, things in life are pretty good for you.

You tend to be in positions of power, you have prestigious occupations, high education, glamorous houses, a beautiful wife, with very little portrayals of how hard you worked to get there.”

The study is also compounded by such facts that black children, for instance, spent an average of 10 extra hours a week watching TV. All the extra time for negative thoughts probably isn’t helping. What’s worse, Martin explains, is that as if these selfesteem harming messages weren’t bad enough, spending time watching TV means the affected kids aren’t spending time doing other things that could improve how they feel about themselves.

THE 10 BEST CATCHPHRASES IN TV HISTORY 4

3 2

5

6

8

1 10

7

1. “D’Oh!” – Homer Simpson, The Simpsons 2. “Did I do that?” – Steve Urkel, Family Matters 9 3. “Watchu talkin’ bout Willis?” – Arnold, Different Strokes 4. “How you doin?” – Joey Tribbiani, Friends 5. “They killed Kenny” – Stan Marsh, South Park 6. “Aaay” – Fonzie, Happy Days 7. “How rude” – Stephanie Tanner, Full House 8. “Mr. Feeny!” – Eric Matthews, Boy Meets World 9. “Marcia, Marcia, Marcia” – Jan Brady, The Brady Bunch 10. “I pity the fool” – Mr. T, The A-Team July 2012•Insight 13

Say “Ah!”

Spa Review

T

he Cryosauna procedure is a fusion of the latest advances in physics and physiology that rightfully belong to the technology of the twenty-first century. This state of the art, cryo therapy chamber is constructed in accordance with modern ideas about how health is affected at low temperatures.

The Cryosauna chamber has been featured on the Dr. Oz show, Dancing with the Stars, national and local television shows across the country.”

How does it work you ask? The Cryo therapy chamber allows individuals to immerse themselves into a layer of liquid nitrogen gas at a temperature of -290F for a short 2 to 3 minute sessions. The very low temperature and fast rate of the procedure allows for the surface of the skin (where thermal receptors are located) to be cooled down, causing healing and rejuvenating effects to the affected areas throughout the body. Due to the special properties of the Cryosauna Spa, the cold gas procedure is quite comfortable. The Cryosauna spa has a positive effect on the skin’s cold receptors, which when affected by the cold temperature, release powerful endorphins. The only other way that one may achieve the same release of endorphins is through engagement in 1.5 to 2 hours of intense physical exercise.

CRYOSAUNA

Insight Experience: The Cryosauna location was very clean. Once in the chamber the cold was bearable, but definitely present. In general the process was fun as you don’t know what to expect each step of the way on the first try. After the sauna, I felt similar to a morning after a workout- my body tight and felt clear nasally. The cryo sauna was able to help with some leg pain I was having, which showed me that continuous use of this sauna procedure will enhance my health.

202 Holland Road #230, Southampton, PA 18966 • (215) 355-3929 • www.cryospausa.com

BOTOX: An Employment Liability

O

before

after

14 Insight•July 2012

n the eve of Kim Kardashian’s wedding to now ex-husband, Kris Humphries, Kardashian’s mother, Kris Jenner got a face lift – just to look a little more “fresh.” Some people buy a nice dress while some people peel the skin away from their skull and then fasten it back. But I digress.

Now, that surgery has put Kris Jenner directly in the middle of a lawsuit.

In late 2011, the famous momager was sued by B&P cosmetics after they claimed that her facelift tarnished the reputation of their product, “Beautiful Eyes in a Bag” (Jenner was the celebrity spokeswoman for the product). Jenner has since fired back at the company, adamantly arguing that her facelift in no way impedes her credibility to market beauty products, specifically that her facelift didn’t affect her eyes and, as such, doesn’t affect her ability to endorse the product. With these arguments in hand, Jenner filed a countersuit recently, insisting that she held up her end of the deal while B&P is merely exploiting her well-publicized surgery as means of getting out of the contract.

Though Jenner legally asks the court to keep her $305,000 advance as well as receive compensatory damages and legal fees, the court has yet to rule in the case.

Eat Good Food: Reviewed by: Luba Patlakh

W

hether you’re looking for a quick bite or a place to get comfortable for a night, TRIA offers diners two locations to choose from, (123 South 18th St and 1137 Spruce Street). With minimal outdoor seating available, you’ll want to come early to secure a spot outside, if you’re not one of the lucky few who get to lounge corner side, never fear- the indoor is awesome as well.

If you are a fan of trying new things, Tria will peak your taste buds to a place you’ve never yet been! With delightful small plates paired with tantalizing wines, you’re in for a real treat. After all, they aren’t labeled as “Philadelphia’s destination for wine, cheese and beer lovers,” for nothing.

You must try their Warm Poached Black Mission Figs with Gorgonzola and Prosciutto di Parma, the figs melt in your mouth and the taste of the gorgonzola creates a crave worthy zing that you’ll miss the second you finish your dish. (yum!) Their bruschetta’s are also quite the delicacy, with a variety of flavors you’ll have to try more than just one!

We recommend: Truffled Mushroom with Fontina & Pistachio Herbed Ricotta with Lavender Honey. The honey cleanses the palette, leaving you with a sweet sultry taste on your tongue. Make sure to leave some room for dessert, because you’ll have to at least try one. Our favorite Flourless Chocolate Espresso Cake with Hazelnuts and Mascarpone.

Servers will be happy to school you on the wine’s and beer’s at Tria, as well as, offer advice for pairing!

Insight Poll: How often do you shop via the Internet?

What the World Eats There is an App for that!

A

few years ago Apple released an iPhone app called “The Eatery,” which allows its users to snap photos of their food and receive a healthiness meter about the food they’re eating and their eating habits over time. The app serves another purpose - as a self proclaimed “massive health experiment” that looks at what the people of the world are eating.

Curious about some of the results?

1 2 3 4

San Franciscans eat 4.4x more Brussels sprouts than people in other cities.

New Yorkers drink 6.7x more coffee than any other city.

People in Tokyo consumer nearly 4x more fish than in other cities.

8% Frequently (once a week) 26% Often (once a month) 41% Rarely (every few months)

The top three most popular foods in the world are salad, chicken and cheese.

25% Never (I prefer going to the store) Got any other suggestions? Let us know on our website (myinsightmag.com), email (insight@myinsightmag.com), Facebook (My Insight Magazine) or Twitter (My Insight Magazine).

And, vote for next month’s poll!

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July 2012•Insight 15

Dress to Impress H

A pplyin g Y our W prepare intertoW ardown d robe ello Summer!

As we strip to our bikini’s and to F un S ummer L ooks swim trunks, we want to make sure you stay in style and ready to make a splash into any pool party or beach day! Check out these swim wear options at your local Philadelphia boutiques and shops!

1

swimwear

2 4

Women

3

1. Cover Up: Vince Camuto, Mediterranean Maillot. $104. www.instyleswimwear.com.

South Moon Under, 1731 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.

2. Go Wild: Maaji Captain Gorgeous Zebra Bikini. $112.50. www.instyleswimwear.com.

South Moon Under, 1731 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.

3. Go Sexy: L*Space Solid Cleopatra Deja Vu Bikini. $153. South Moon Under, 1731 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.

4. Total Knockout: Vitamin A, 24k Knockout. $199. www.instyleswimwear.com.

3

2

1 16 Insight•July June2012 2012

Men

4

1. Get Funky: Billabong Reverse Trunk. $59. South Moon Under,

1731 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.

2. Simple yet Sophisticated: Izod Swimwear, Dolphin Printed Swim Trunk. $24.99. Macys, 1300 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107.

3. Go Short: Sauvage Mens, Plaid Americano. $54. www.instyleswimwear.com.

3. Be Wild: Nike Swimwear, Amazon E-Board Shorts. $59.99. Macys, 1300 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107.

Sports & Athletics

2014SUMMER OLYMPICS

T

he anticipation is brewing for the 2012 Olympics’ opening ceremony, to be held on July 27, 2012 at 4 pm in London. The ceremony marks the beginning of the games, which will run through the closing ceremony, on August 12, 2012. London is already in the midst of preparation for the games after winning out the bid. The bidding began in 2005 and London was the victor over cities like Moscow, New York and Paris.

There is an estimated amount of 10,500 athletes competing this year in London.

The budget for the Olympics was cut for the 2012 games, a sad fact for those of us tuning in to watch all the “pretty” and “cool” that the Olympics brings, in addition to the sports. Thankfully, several companies have partnered up to fund the cost — Coca-Cola, Samsung, Visa, McDonalds, BMW, United Parcel Service (UPS), Holiday Inn, etc.

There are 8 million tickets available for the Olympic Games and 1.5 million for the Paralympic Games. As of May, 2012, 182 countries have at least one qualified athlete participating in the Olympics. Let us know if you will be watching and who you hope to see win!

Philadelphia Phillies Baseball Schedule 7/1, vs. Miami, 1:10 pm 7/3, vs. NY Mets, 7:10 pm 7/4, vs. NY Mets, 1:10 pm 7/5, vs. NY Mets, 7:10 pm 7/6, vs. Atlanta, 7:05 pm 7/7, vs. Atlanta, 7:15 pm

7/8, vs. Atlanta, 1:35 pm 7/13, vs. Colorado, 8:40 pm 7/14, vs. Colorado, 4:05 pm 7/15, vs. Colorado, 3:10 pm 7/16, vs. LA, 10:10 pm 7/17, vs. LA, 10:10 pm

LAW OF ATHLETICS

E

ver notice that when you hear some sort of scandal with athletes, it usually has to deal with retired ones (well, unless they really screwed up during, in which case, the name Kobe Bryant comes to mind). That’s because legal issues are not something that athletes would like to run into. Depending on how severe the incident is and what happened, the company or team with whom the athlete is contracted can take that contract away.

If a legal issue is severe, most managers just do not want to deal with it. The athlete also faces the possibility of getting kicked off the team he is playing for because no one would want to represent him.

Not to mention that advertisers are entirely put off by impropriety. Think of Tiger Woods — after his slew of mistresses came forward, countless advertisers pulled out of deals with him and his PR team required he lay low for a year. Basically, for athletes, one wrong move and their career could be on the line. But of course just like famous actors and actresses, the legal court goes easy on the athletes when assigning them a sentencing (here’s looking at you, OJ Simpson).

7/18, vs. LA, 3:10 pm 7/20, vs. San Francisco, 7:05 pm 7/21, vs. San Francisco, 4:05 pm 7/22, vs. San Francisco, 1:35 pm 7/23, vs. Milwaukee, 7:05 pm 7/24, vs. Milwaukee, 7:05 pm

Think you know who will win these games?

Email or Facebook message us with your information and guesses. Right answers get a point towards our annual prize (see Editors desk for more detail).

7/25, vs. Milwaukee, 1:05 pm 7/27, vs. Atlanta, 7:35 pm 7/28, vs. Atlanta, 4:05 pm 7/29, vs. Atlanta, TBA 7/31, vs. Washington, 7:05 pm

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July 2012•Insight 17

Career and Finance usical acts like the Beatles, Hank Williams Jr. and Affordable M the Rolling Stones have all put to melody the alleged BUYING truism that money can’t buy happiness. It’s a comforting Health – happiness as something we all can afford, someHAPPINESS notion thing detached from money. Well, that might not be the Insurance case. New studies show that the right amount of income can actually buy happiness. In fact, depending on the city you live in, money can, quite literally, equate to happiness.

According to the Center for Health and Well Being at Princeton University, a salary of approximately $75,000 (but no more) can equate to happiness, or “life satisfaction.” The lower a person’s annual income falls below that number, the unhappier he or she will be, likely due to the “sting of adversities.” The study also found that making over $75,000 does not increase the level of happiness in the earner. So, it seems $75,000 is the money spot – pun intended.

Interestingly, the Wall Street Journal then compiled data to estimate the “happiness threshold” by city, positing that the $75,000 threshold differs from city to city based on the cost of living index and related factors. For example, the threshold for happiness in Philadelphia is $77,250, compared to $103,500 in Washington, D.C. and $64,500 in Abilene, Texas.

So, when the time comes to negotiate your salary, think about this article and demand that your salary reflect this data. After all, if you’re happy, everyone else around you is happy!

E

ver want to attend Harvard, the Massachusetts Instituite of Technology (MIT), Yale or Stanford but couldn’t afford it or get accepted? Well, now is your chance. In an innovative move, Harvard University and MIT announced the launch of “edX,” a partnership allowing free online access to their classes by anyone with Internet access.

The platform will feature video lessons, quizzes, feedback and online laboratories.

Unlike its counterparts at Yale and Stanford, the “edX” partnership allows participants to earn Certificates of Mastery if they are able to demonstrate knowledge of the course material. Both MIT and Harvard expect that other educational institutions will join them in offering online content with this platform, providing access to a number of universities from a single website.

The initiative will also use the data collected for research to change the way courses are taught both online and in the classroom based on user input. The first courses are set to start in the fall.

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18 Insight•July 2012

T

here is a certain brand of shopping that not even the mallfriendliest girl likes — shopping around for the best health insurance. It would suck a little less if it were as simple as walking into the local health care Macys-esq department store and picking up the health care that goes best with your pants or your briefcase. But the process is tedious, difficult and, these days, pretty mean on your wallet.

As health insurance rates have gone up dramatically, not everyone can afford them. “That is a sad fact,’ says Susan, of Blue Cross Blue Shield, ‘people don’t realize health insurance is something you should have until they really desperately need it or it’s too late. But, by then it becomes even less affordance.” Health insurance rates increase as you get older because you’re riskier to insure the more likely you are to have all those maladies that come with age.

As strange as it may sound, it may be better for your wallet in the long run to get health insurance now.

Knowing that still doesn’t help you decide which insurance plan to get. But, no matter whose pamphlet you’re looking at, stop to ask the following three questions: How much is your premium and will that amount ever change?

Save a copy of the amount for your self and check to make sure the balance is not raise over time.

How much is your deductible and co-pay? Co-pay is the amount you are responsible for which your insurance does no cover.

Are you going on a long-term or short-term program?

These questions are essential to choosing the right health insurance for yourself or your family. Better yet, the answers to them will likely lead to more questions that you otherwise may not have thought of.

Throughout the process, however, keep in mind that finding the best insurance may take sometime.

1 2 3

D

raw Something – an application for Facebook, Android phones and iPhones – was first created by OMGPOP, but later got bought out by Zynga for $180 million. Zynga has produced some of the most popular games such as Farmville, Cityville, and Words With Friends. In the first five days of their release Draw Something had been downloaded nearly 50 million times. Draw Something is a Pictionary-like game where one opponent picks from three words, draws it, and the other opponent has to guess what the drawing is. Only being on the download market for five months, Draw Something already has 50 million downloads. Their newest addition to the app is drawing brands. Opponents can get as creative as they wish; some of the best drawings included a picture of Lady Gaga, a panda in a tree, and a werewolf. Drawers are able to unlock colors by buying them either with money or points that they earn. So what are you waiting for go Draw Something!

Technology Today Switching to e-Books

W

hen e-readers first came out I thought I would never be caught owning one, but now I cannot imagine my life without one,” says Jacob. That was the consensus among many book loyalists, but truth of the matter is that e-readers are very convenient. With an e-reader, everything is right at your finger tips – your book, your internet and any other personal tools you need. Granted, you do not get the paper feel with an e-reader — which is something that people find important — but you get many other perks. For instance, readers need to make sure they sit near a light source if they choose to read a paper book. Ereaders, on the other hand, are backlit. Moreover, readers of an e-book can pick their font, font size and look of their screen. It’s options galore!

Another plus? With an e-book you can carry ten books with you to read on vacation, without actually carrying ten books with you!

Generally, e-readers are also friendly on the wallet, with most ebooks usually costing a few dollars less than regular books. Some customers did express disappointment that some paperback books are actually cheaper than their e-reader equivalents, but this seems to be the exception and not the rule. Basically, if you have not followed the e-book trend you are probably one of the last ones.

THE FUTURE OF CAMERAS

T

Do You Have “IPad Hand”?

By Angele D. Russell

R

emember “Blackberry Thumb”? That was when Blackberry users would develop cramps in their thumbs because of the increased use of them when typing on that little keyboard. Now, with the decrease in the use of Blackberries and the increased use of touch screen technology, doctors are reporting an increase in complaints of strain-related injuries. These injuries, known as “IPad Hand”, are due to the increased use of larger hand-held technologies, which encourage poor posture, headaches, neck and shoulder strain, and hand cramps.

Doctors are reporting that IPad users can develop these problems from hunching over and holding a tablet like a plate, using the other arm to operate it without any support.

Some offices are reporting seeing six to ten new patients a week due to these conditions and foresee the number increasing as the popularity of the hand held devices increases.

So, what should users of large hand held devices do to avoid injuries? Doctors say simply taking breaks and avoiding long stretches of use will stave off issues. Follow this advice and avoid problems in the future.

hink back to when digital cameras just came out! Remember how expensive they were? They came out ranging in price from $600 to $1,000. Today the prices have dropped dramatically; you can own a really nice quality camera for only about $200. The reason for the price drop is the smart phone. Each time a new iPhone or comparable smart phone is released, the camera quality gets better and better. “I can’t remember the last time I used a real camera to take pictures of a girls night out or something,” considers Carly, 24. Smart phones are making the camera relatively obsolete. America enjoys things that are either really small and can fit into everything conveniently, or very big with a large display screen. They already have that in their phones, so taking along a camera that only takes mildly better photos seems silly to most consumers. “I wonder what the camera landscape will look like in a few years though (it seems smart phones are quickly becoming the norm, and even “dumb” phones are getting better cameras),” says Mark, 27.

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ou Y h s Wi ereHere W XOXO July 2012•Insight 19

A Dose of Insight My ex-husband has custody of our six-yearold son and his new wife demands that he call her “mom.” She insists that since he spends so much time with her, my son should refer to her that way. What’s worse, when my son comes over he ends up confused and unhappy, not knowing how to address me — his actual mom! I tried to bring this issue up to my ex-husband but he merely brushed it off, saying our son can make his own decisions. Where do I go from here? ✽Ahh, the joys of co-parenting after a divorce — it is definitely a struggle for the parents, the new significant others, and most importantly, the children involved. It is important to understand that your son is the main focus here, not you. As such your efforts to foster understanding and acceptance should be directed towards your son, not necessarily your ex-hus-

band. My advice is to speak frankly to your son; be sure he understands what happened, the roles the people in his life play, and that you will always love him. Moreover, it is perfectly okay for him to call you both “mom”; in time, and with age and maturity, he will understand what it all means. In the meantime, just ensure he is a healthy, happy boy! Good luck!

I’m marrying the man of my dreams in a few months but I have a gargantuan secret hanging over my head that I can’t bring myself to reveal to him.

During a check up a couple months back I discovered that I couldn’t have children. Rather, I can but the probability is so low that it is the equivalent of my not being able to. My fiancé comes from a HUGE Italian family which seemingly lives to procreate — they love kids and it’s all they talk about.

I’m afraid that if I tell him this secret, I’ll lose everything. I thought about just keeping the secret until we decide we want kids and pretend like I’ve just found out then but it seems wrong. What do you think? ✽This is easy: you should absolutely tell him! In fact, not telling him is fraudulent, and, in some states, can invalidate your marriage and render it as voidable. I mean, can you imagine the hurt you would cause? More importantly, I 20 Insight•July 2012

question your fitness to get married due to your willingness to keep a secret of this magnitude from the man you are pledging to honor for the rest of your life. Get yourself together and good luck!

By Angele D. Russell

My friend is devastated and I don’t know how to help. His mom is dying and it’s been really hard on him. Even worse, he found out that he was adopted and, now that his mom is dying, she wants him to meet his biological mother so that he’d have someone when she’s gone. His mom gave him the contact information for his biological mother, but he has no intention of meeting her.

He doesn’t want to upset his mother, since this seems to be a “dying wish” kind of thing but he’s torn. He’s asking me for advice and, well, I’m clueless. Help? ✽I definitely sympathize with your friend. As someone who lost a mother, I understand the pressures your friend is under and the struggle it is to remain sane. With that said, my advice is to tell your friend to focus on his mother, spending as much time with her as possible and cherishing the

moments they have left. He can also assure his mother that he will be okay and will contact his birth mother when the time is right. Trust me, he has enough emotions circling through him at this point and needs to focus on what is at hand, rather than what could be in the future. Good luck!

My co-worker has an issue with body odor. Rather, I have an issue with my co-worker’s body odor! We share an office room and, by the second half of the day, it becomes unbearable.

Everyone in the office makes fun of our room and how horrible it smells. I can’t even talk business with partners or co-workers in there because many refuse to even come inside. I’ve tried dropping hints about the smell, have invested in countless febreeze bottles and scented candles but she just does not smell it. I’m so embarrassed for our room but I don’t’ know how to approach her without hurting her feelings. ✽Believe it or not, your issue is quite common. Everyone, at one time or another, has dealt with someone who had body odor or bad breath. The most civil way to approach this is to pull your coworker aside, in private, and discuss the body odor problem. Assure your

coworker that you are coming from a good place and that you just want to make him or her aware, as it is common to be unable to smell our own funk. Do this and I am certain your coworker will appreciate your candor and care.

Good luck!

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July 2012•Insight 21

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HoroScopes Aries (March 21-April 20). You’re entering a tug-of-war this month and beginning to run low on energy. Give your self a break, set fewer goals, and focus on your family relationships. Don’t forget there’s no substitute for the emotional support that your family and friends give.

Taurus (April 21st–May 21st). Be proactive with how you react to work this month, don’t push it on others. Also be prepared to be pushed out of your comfort zone more than once this month. Patience is key but can sometimes be hard to achieve, practice it this month. Observe more and speak less.

Gemini (May 22nd–June 21st). You’re sailing your new journey, but rather than pushing ahead recklessly, take a few breaths and slow down.

Toward the end of the month set long-term plans which will result in immediate results with wisdom.

Cancer (June 22nd–July 22nd). This month an event will occur that will significantly change your life. Don’t be afraid to back away from projects if you do not see long-term benefits. Toward the end of the month be on the look out for opportunities that can present a path to success.

Leo (July 23rd–August 23rd). Look out for a stressful change in your life midway through the month. But do not worry; you will end the month on an upbeat note. All the hard work will pay off if your patient.

Virgo (August 24th–Sept. 22nd). This month you will be tested on maintaining privacy and your details. Long-hidden issue will arise to the surface again. Share the detailed truth rather than keeping it to your self.

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Libra (Sept. 23rd–Oct. 23rd). You will get a great burst of energy in the beginning of the month, but don’t push it to empty right away.

And always remember that family responsibilities may conflict with personal interest.

Scorpio (Oct. 24th–Nov. 22nd). ). You will have a great deal of relearning and modifying information you have learned before. Keep your eyes and ears open on a twist with new ideas. New projects with partners may be delayed, this will teach you patience.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23rd–Dec. 21st). ). This month consider shifting your priorities, but do not give up on the progress. If you have to follow a group then do it but do not give up what you are doing. Your social circle will grow this month with many social activities.

Capricorn (Dec. 22nd–Jan. 20th). Consider dropping some obligations off this month. You are a hard worker and put forth everything you have, but if the energy you’re putting out isn’t rewarding you than there is no reason to take on so many projects. If you’re going through something at work or home going backward or standing still this month is not advised.

Aquarius (Jan. 21st–Feb. 18th). This month take a step back and retrace your relationships. Where it is necessary renegotiate your agreements with others. Establish new home routines, this will bring you peace this month. Toward the end of the month your stress will be gone, and happiness will conclude the month.

Pisces (Feb. 19th–March 20th). This month you will feel a need to express your feelings and deep emotions. But always remember to open your heart wisely and use your head or you will not get the results you seek.

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