Insight Magazine- April 2013

Insight ABINGTON FRIENDS SCHOOL:

Issue 20

•

April 2013

A Different School of Thought COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT:

Alphabet Academy: Going Green Just Got More Exciting!

Mary Kelly Rayel Flying School Circus Arts, LLC EXECUTIVE BIO:

DRESS TO IMPRESS:

Re-Styling Your Living Room EAT GOOD FOOD:

See Inside for Prizes!

SAY “AH” SPA REVIEW:

Double Feature

Eviama Life Spa April 2013•Insight 1

Editor’s Desk

W

ould you consider yourself a “busy” person—packed schedule, multitasking this and that and the whole shebang?

I think I would. I’m pretty sure you would too. We’re all self concerned enough to think we do the equivalent of run small countries in our daily lives. But, are we really as busy as we think we are? Eh, probably not. I’d venture a guess to say that if you’re less like Arianna Huffington or Ivanka Trump and more like your average Jane, there’s probably some spinning your wheels that you do. Not to belittle the actual difficult tasks you might encounter in your days or the contribution to life you make and all that — I’m not going for some political statement here. But, if we were totally honest with ourselves, we’d have to admit that not all the time in our day is efficiently used — even relaxation or sleep time.

We all could learn to capitalize on our time better. Maybe that means not wasting time tinkering with our iPhones before we go to sleep (or in the middle of the night when we wake up to go to the bathroom). Or maybe it means realizing that, added together, all the time you spend spinning your wheels “here and there” could actually allow you to get to that exercise or cleaning you say you never have time for (you’d just have to give up all those 10 minute chunks of time you spend laying on your bed and playing with your phone).

Author Laura Vanderkam points out that we all have 168 hours in the week. So when we look at people who are able to “do more” than we do, it’s often simply because they manage their time better. She explains that “we are prone to over- or under-estimate things based on socially desirable perceptions or current emotions. For instance, few of us love the routine aspects of housework… So if someone asks us how much time we spend on such things, we overestimate — by something on the order of 100 percent for both men and women–compared to the actual numbers recorded in time diaries. In fact, people are so bad at estimating how much time they spend doing things after the fact that their overestimates can lead them to say that their weeks add up to 180 hours — or even more than 200 hours.”

So, step 1 to actually getting more out of your life: be honest with yourself about how its spent. Maybe keep a time log. Or, use that phone you love so much to download an app that does it for you. For me, I noticed how much time I spend planning my time. I’m constantly making schedules and lists and, basically, writing what I am going to do. These are lists that I rarely finish in the time I’ve allotted myself, mostly because the list making takes up such time. But, I’m a list girl. So, I sought a compromise system. I spent a little extra time to create a “master list” of chores and to-do’s that repeat themselves on a daily/weekly/monthly basis (kind of like how you schedule people’s birthdays into your calendar). This way, on a day-to-day I’m only adding new things that need to get done. I’ve also started being realistic about time frames. I don’t make a list of 30 things all for one day when in the back of my head I know I’ll only get through 10 of them and am okay with spreading the rest through the week. I do that from the get go. That way, you don’t end up with a huge left-over list and feel like a failure – which then makes you do less because you think you won’t get to it anyway (psychological vicious circle). Anywho, that is my system. It’s still got kinks to work out and I’m still fighting the honest truth that I spin my wheels.

But, I am most certainly not alone. Truth bomb friends: you’re probably not as busy as you think you are. So, take a mirror to your day and how you do things, and fix it!

—Maria

Readers Respond to our March Issue: I am so excited to try the Marmont Steakhouse! Their Filet Oscar sounds so good that when I was reading the article, I instantly started planning my trip there. I can not wait to try their steak.

—Michelle, Philadelphia Your article about BPA being toxic, I feel like everything these days is toxic. Nothing is clean. Don’t eat that, don’t drink this, don’t consume that. Officials might as well say, “hey guys don’t breath, you’ll live longer.” Everything is tied to somehow harming us, and it’s hard to pin point something “good” for our health.

—Chris, Bucks County I was surprised to read in your article “Women Drinking and Driving an “Epidemic” that more women were getting behind the wheel intoxicated. I was always under the impression that more males participated in such risky behaviors than females. So the articles statistics took me by surprise.

—Steph, Chester

“Prejudice is a great time saver. You can form opinions without having to get the facts.” —E.B. White 2 Insight•April 2013

Insight

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

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

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

Elina Khusid Contributing Writer “I believe that if life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade.

And try to find somebody whose life has given them vodka, and have a party.”

Matthew Balick Contributing Writer “Never give up!

Failure and rejection are only the first step to succeeding.”

—Jimmy Valvano

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

Can I offer you a picture instead?”

Editor’s Desk 2 Letter from the Editor Readers Respond to our March Issue 4 Prizes and Rewards

Issue 20 • April 2013 22 Dress to Impress: Re-Styling Your Living Room 23 Eat Good Food: Double Feature 24 Say “Ah” Spa Review: Eviama Life Spa

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Sports and Athletics 26 Who Is Roger Goodell?

27 Phillies 2013 Preview Philadelphia Flyers Hockey and Sixers Basketball Schedules

Word on the Street 5 Earth Day: Its History and Celebration 6 Ph-un in Philadelphia April Is Child Abuse Prevention Month 7 Test to Reveal How Long You Will Live?

An Insurance Policy for Bad Dates 8 Community Spotlight: Alphabet Academy. Going Green Just Got More Exciting!

9 Dolphins Have Whistles, Not Names 10 Executive Bio: Mary Kelly Rayel. Fly School Circus Arts LLC 11 Insight Poll Conversation Starters 12 Abington Friends School: A Different School of Thought 14 The Crackdown on Illegal Recyclable Can Refunds

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Science and Technology 28 MIT Researchers May Have Solutions to the Gas Problem 29 Group of Companies to Team Up with Cancer Research UK to Make Cancer Research Game Career and Finance 30 The Costs of Having a Job In the Workplace, Real Power = Shared Power 31 Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill A Dose of Insight 33 Our Advice Column

Healthy Living 15 Vaccine Gives Drinkers Immediate Hangover Brain Connection Error in Anorexic Women 16 Emergency Room Mistakes Occur Frequently We Judge Others According to Our Relationship Status Entertainment and Media 17 Top Five Reasons to Go to the Movies in April 18 Actors Stuck in Their Roles 19 Unsuccessful Duets 20 Your Guide to April Fools Day Pranks 21 Nicholas Cage Roulette The “Thigh Gap” Obsession

Horoscope 34 April Predictions Marketplace 37 Advertisement

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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 of our emails, 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 post our “Favorite Things.” These are little things that are new, cool, and what we feel everyone would 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 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 attempts 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 for even more prizes, your account and more information!

1 2 3

AMC! Many great movies are getting ready to hit the theater, enjoy a movie date on us! $20

Cosi! Whether you’re hungry for a big meal, or just want some desert, allow us to get your tab! $20 Sephora! It is time to step away from your

comfort zone and change up your look! Try makeup shades that you typically would not dare to try, but allow it to be on us! $20

4 Insight•April 2013

ŠiStockphoto

Word on the Street

EARTH DAY: Its History and Celebration

W

e all love clean air, unpolluted water, and unharmful sunlight. However, many of our practices today do very little to preserve those natural treasures. To bring awareness and appreciation of our planet, Earth Day is Gaylord Nelson observed annually worldwide on April 22nd by over 500 million people.

Earth Day was the brainchild of Gaylord Nelson, a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, who was inspired to start the day after witnessing the effects of the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill, which, at the time, was the largest oil spill in American history. Nelson called for Earth Day and on April 22, 1970, the first observation was held in various countries, local communities, and schools, signaling the modern environmental movement against oil spills, pollution, toxic dumps, pesticides, loss of wilderness and raw sewage.

Today, Earth Day is observed in 175 countries and is coordinated by the Earth Day Network with the goal of changing human behavior and provoking relevant policy changes. There are events leading up to Earth Day on several university campuses worldwide. People worldwide celebrate in song, dance, with festivals and academic debates and discussions, all to bring awareness so we can all do our part to preserve the planet for future generations.

April 2013•Insight 5

Ph-un

April Is

CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION

Philadelphia’s got a lot going on in April.

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.

4/6. Coach Bag Bingo. Enjoy playing 15

games of bingo while supporting to find a cure for breast cancer. www.myinsightmag.com/event/coach-bag-bingo.

580 Delmont Ave., Warminster, PA.

4/14-26. Manayunk’s Restaurant Week. More than 22 local restaurants will be offering 3 course menus at $10, $20, and $30 price ranges! You don’t want to miss this. www.manayunk.com.

4/27. 15th Annual Brew Fest. Try more than

50 uniquely crafted beers from around the globe at Manayunk’s 15th Annual Brew Fest. www. manayunkbrewery.com.

4/27. Flavors of the Avenue. Try more than 20

culinary offerings by East Passyunk’s award-winning chefs under a big red tent! Rain or shine! www. visiteastpassyunk.com.

4/12. Parents’ Night Out. Includes craft, dinner,

snack and a movie. Parents are welcome to bring children in pajamas. Central Bucks Family YMCA. 2500 Lower State Road, Doylestown, PA.

6 Insight•April 2013

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Month

ach year, over 3.3 million reports of child abuse are made in the United States alone, involving nearly six million children. Unfortunately, the United States has the worst record of any other industrialized nation, losing five children every day to abuse-related deaths, most under the age of four.

Since 1983, the United States has recognized the month of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month to call attention to the trends in child abuse, as well as to educate and prevent it from happening again. By definition, child abuse is the physical, sexual or emotional mistreatment or neglect of a child or children; harm, potential for harm, or threat of harm to a child is both civilly and criminally punishable by law.

It is important to be informed about child abuse and to report it to authorities in your state if it is suspected.

Abuse occurs at every socioeconomic level, across ethnic and cultural lines, and at all levels of education.

Moreover, it is found that about 30% of abuse and neglected children will later abuse their own children, continuing the horrible cycle of abuse.

If you are in Pennsylvania and suspect child abuse, contact The Childline and Abuse Registry Intact Unit at 1-800-932-0313.

Photos ©iStockphoto

in Philadelphia!

H TEST TO REVEAL HOW LONG YOU WILL LIVE? of

ave you ever wanted to know how much time you had left on Earth? Well, you soon may have the answer to that age-old question thanks to a new simple blood test.

Researchers at Telome Health, a California company founded by biological researcher Elizabeth Blackburn, have found hints in enzymes called telomerase, which are structures that protect chromosomes. When those enzymes decrease in size, risks for various diseases increase; when they stretch, the chances of living longer increase.

Short telomere length has been linked to conditions from coronary heart disease to cancer. Now, a simple blood test around mid-life could be predictive of the diseases of aging, which has a direct effect on lifespan.

The next natural question is what to do with the information once it’s received, especially if one is found to have short telomeres. Researchers say that telomere length is modifiable and is affected negatively by things like smoking, stress, and trauma. On the other hand, antioxidants, exercising, and meditation can potentially lengthen them.

While this study is groundbreaking, more research is needed to definitively determine how interventions, such as exercise and stress reduction, can positively affect lifespan. Researchers predict that, by 2015, telomere length will be looked at as a solid risk factor for disease, like cholesterol and will be a common in-office test.

An Insurance Policy For Bad Dates

W

e’ve all been there; a bad date you wished you’d never spent money getting ready for or even going on. Well, now, a company based in the U.K. has the answer for your woes: date insurance.

Developed by the folks at Confused.com, this date insurance is “a way to claim for the cost of disastrous dates”, says Sharon Flaherty, head of content for the website.

After statistics revealed that 76 percent of dates don’t work out, Flaherty thought up the idea to protect women, who, according to her statistics are disproportionately assuming most of the financial risks in the game of dating.

As such, the date insurance covers the cost of new clothes, makeup, and traveling to and from the date, even if the client isn’t paying for the date itself. Currently in the trial stage, the service was birthed out of a series of surveys taken by the company, which highlighted a general disappointment over the types and location of first dates, some of which included graveyards and dinners at McDonalds.

So, women, before you journey out to your next rendezvous, consider getting some protection for the risk you are taking; no one wants to end up in coffin factory on the first date!

April 2013•Insight 7

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT:

By Olga Astreika

Alphabet Academy: Going Green Just Got More Exciting!

M

any parents consider the selection of their child’s daycare to be of the utmost importance. Given today’s economy, the daycare needs to not only be right for their child, but within the parent’s budget. No one wants to sacrifice one of those aspects for the other, especially because it is arguably during their first years that a child learns the most. A daycare is integral in that learning process.

Alphabet Academy, The Tree House, located at 1506 East Passyunk Avenue, gives children the ability to learn through hands-on experiences. Inspired by the “go green” movement, owners Jim and Rosemary Gallo opened the Tree House doors to the public in 2011. The Tree House location is attributable to the “go green” endeavor, as are the resources used - all from energy efficient materials. Your first steps into the Tree House are taken on floors made of recycled materials and bamboo. The walls are painted bright green and yellow using no-VOC paint, which contain no dangerous chemicals and preserve the environment.

Inside the Tree House walls, the curriculum’s focus is hands-on activities. The kids are divided into two groups based on their age. Throughout the course of the day, they take part in things like science labs - which they participate in once a day. There, they learn about planting different plants, vegetables and so much more. They also have a garden in the backyard where they grow fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes and eggplants. At the end of the day, the children can take their ripe vegetables home and share them with their parents. Besides taking care of the environment, The Tree House puts a premium on physical activity.

Alphabet Academy incorporated fun things like Yoga and Zumba into their curriculum. Fun, upbeat and fast-paced activities like this are just the thing for kids, who are notorious for their inability to sit still for extended periods of time.

Alphabet Academy is just the beginning. The Gallos have many big plans for the future. They recently bought a building right next door, which they hope to turn into an environmentally friendly infant center. In addition, the couple hopes to install solar energy panels at their Tree House location to provide an even greater environmental benefit.

Of course the environmental work would have been much more challenging for the daycare to achieve if it wasn’t for Urban Jungle. Urban Jungle is a garden center that specializes in vertical landscaping. Located just blocks away from the Tree House, Urban Jungle helped the daycare attain a lot of their environmental work.

Rosemary Gallo hopes that the activities that the kids engage in teach them the importance of taking care of the environment.

She hopes that they can make the connection between what they learn in class and their daily lives. The goal is little things. For instance, rather than having to think about shutting the water off, Alphabet Academy students will just do it out of habit.

Still confused about the perfect daycare for your kids? Visit the Alphabet Academy, The Tree House location today! We promise you, you won’t be disappointed!

8 Insight• Insight•April April 2013 2013 8

DOLPHINS HAVE WHISTLES, NOT NAMES

E

ver wonder how one dolphin can differentiate between other dolphins in order to communicate with one another? Well, scientists have revealed that, unlike humans who use names to identify one another, dolphins tell each other apart by distinct whistles.

Researchers at the University of St. Andrews have long studied how dolphins communicate, but now have even more evidence and data suggesting that dolphins have the ability to learn another individual name. This is different than most animals, such as monkeys who use food calls as well as calls to identify predators.

However, dolphins learn their individual whistles from their mothers during infancy. Moreover, those whistles are not used in simple casual conversation; they are solely used to maintain bonds between family and allied males. Additionally, there is no evidence found that dolphins use these whistles to be aggressive or deceptive; only to reestablish contact or in simple communication.

Because these studies were conducted with captured dolphins, the extent to which dolphins use this communication is not yet fully known. Questions remain as to whether the whistles are used to signal distrust or in battles.

Similar findings were studied in parrots, which use vocalizations to negotiate foraging or roosting decisions.

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April 2013•Insight 9

EXECUTIVE BIO

Mary Kelly Rayel Fly School Circus Arts LLC

©Rich Riggins

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raduating from Ithaca College with a Bachelors Degree in Theater, Mary Kelly Rayel has always had a passion for Circus and Clowning. Where does one go to follow that passion? Naturally, Rayel proceeded to enroll in the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Clown College in 1990. Little fun fact: she was one of only eight women to be accepted that year. “This experience was life changing, starting a lifelong career with Circus arts,” explained Rayel. And, clearly, it made an impression.

Since then she has been performing, as well instructing, various circus and aerial acrobatic skills. Rayel previously worked for Club Med as a circus instructor. When she left Club Med, she toured with Ringling Bros. for several years — preforming in Puerto Rico, Mexico and all over the southern United States with other acrobat artists. “Moving back to Bucks County, PA in 1998, I began teaching gymnastics, from Preschool to coaching the Competitive Team,” stated Rayel. Today, she teaches the Flying Trapeze to adults and puts on circus shows with more than 200 kids. Rayel’s guiding principle? She believes that anyone can learn and enjoy circus skills, not just professionals.

Rayel extracts her energy into teaching Flying Trapeze to a number of camps, performs at various events and organizational functions traveling all over. Throughout the year, she runs classes, Circus Camps and other programs that allow everyone to participate and master the skills of professional acrobats.

Insight Magazine was able to sit down and talk to Mary Kelly Rayel about her various experiences as a Flying Trapeze instructor. See what we were able to uncover!

Insight Magazine (IM): What is the most inappropriate phrase you heard a client of yours yell when they were flying?

Mary Kelly Rayel (MKR): Usually something with a four letter word. It happens!

IM: How high will a person jump from?

MKR: The height of the platform from which they take off is 25 ft.

IM: This sounds amazing to us! But we’re chickens! So, um, how sure are we about the safety of this?

MKR: Very sure! I have been teaching Flying Trapeze for over 20 years and take great care with our skill progression, equipment and rigging.

IM: What is the recommended age to fly?

MKR: Many of my students are adults, but six years old and above are welcome to come and take a two-hour class.

10 Insight•April 2013

©Rich Riggins

By Olga Astreika

©Darin Basile

IM: What personal message would you like to tell our readers?

MKR: I want to emphasize that Flying Trapeze is available to all people! Everyone learns at his or her own pace and enjoys his or her own accomplishments. We encourage you to try something that you never thought possible. We can’t wait to have you fly with us!

What are you waiting for? Master your flying and circus skills today with Flying Trapeze!

Visit them online www.flyschoolcircusarts.com or call 215-262-7353 to schedule your classes.

Conversation Starters:

Insight Poll:

] A fingerprint of a koala bear is similar to those of a human, so much so that they can easily be confused at a crime scene even with an electron microscope.

In celebration of Earth Day, how

] Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (1865) was originally titled Alice’s Adventures Underground. The first draft was published in 1886. ] Early Antarctic explorers believed penguins were fish and classified them as that. ] There are around 44 million tiny bubbles in a bottle of sparkling wine. ] Human birth control pills also work on gorillas.

much do you care about the environment? (i.e. recycling, pollution, going green, hybrid) A little

20%

A lot

78%

Not at all 2% 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!

April 2013•Insight 11

ABINGTON FRIENDS SCHOOL: A Different School of Thought

By Nicole Goroshovsky and Matt Balick

T

he importance of education is unquestionable. And because there are so many different types of learners, it is key that there be available to them different types of learning environments. The Philadelphia area is lucky in that it can offer its residents a large selection of private, independent schools. This option of customability – allowing parents to find the atmosphere within which their child can excel – has statistically proven key to educational success.

Friends Schools, which run according to principles of Quakerism (equality, friendship, mutual respect, etc) make up a sizable portion of the Philadelphia scholastic landscape. Each brings something slightly different to the table in its academic approach and day to day life. Arguably, the Friends School that shines just a bit brighter than the rest is the small, beautiful Abington Friends School (AFS), located in Jenkintown.

Self described as a “Quaker, coeducational college-preparatory school serving students in preschool through grade 12,” Abington Friends is known most for its great, tight-knit community. Also famous is its impressive integration of a structured learning environment, always keeping the ideals of Quakerism in the school’s mentality. Despite its strong commitment to, and demonstrable success in creating a, strong academic experience, Abington Friends has always held the word “community” in the highest esteem.

What this means in practical terms is that, at AFS, your son or daughter will get an unbeatable education in a place where being friends with your teachers is normal and, under the right celebratory circumstances, shoving a pie in that teacher’s face is just good fun. As parents and students alike can attest, the school encourages students to ask questions and stand up for what they believe in, while learning, growing and interacting. Parents of AFS students are often very impressed by the academic development of their child, as well as their emotional and mental growth.

But, why just take our word for it? When we recommend a place as the gold standard we want to make sure we’ve done our research for you. And, we have. We’ve gone to AFS and conducted interviews of its Upper School (grades 9-12) students. Below are first hand accounts of life at Abington Friends School, seen through the eyes of its students.

What is you favorite aspect of AFS? YYThe diversity among the students and faculty. Everyone comes from a different background and has a unique perspective. Melissa Spiro, 2013 YYHow easy it was to have a conversation with your teacher. Calling teachers by their first names made it seem like you were speaking with a friend, regardless of the topic. The classes were small, so the teachers could offer their individual attention to students. I never felt like I was being compared to someone else. The teachers taught to the individual student’s ability. AFS helped improve my writing skills 100%. Anna Adamsky, 2006 YYThe community and diversity. Everyday, I interact with people who own their individuality and are not afraid to show their true colors. Everyone is welcomed at this school, no matter who they are. Brianna Butler, 2013

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YYHow much the teachers, and the entire school, care about each student and how they want the students to succeed.

Zazie Ray-Trapido, 2013 If you could change anything about the School (the layout, the rules, the classes, etc.), what would you change?

YYThe hat rule! I’m a hat guy so that’s probably my biggest problem at AFS. Maybe I’d also add a boy’s lacrosse and football team to the athletics system. Those are two sports I’d love to get to play here. Sudan Green, 2013 YYNo more math! No, just kidding. But, we could probably use our own, stand alone running track. Sarah Nourie, 2013 Why did you choose AFS over all of the other private schools?

YYMy family chose AFS for me and both of my brothers because of the intimate size and they valued the Quaker based environment. Vin Manta, 2013 YYThe possibility of a family; everyone was very welcoming. Ahngelicia Watson, 2014 YYIt’s just so much better than my old school as a whole and, important to my parents, it is very helpful, financially. Justin Morton, 2015

Photos ©Vin Manta

What is the craziest thing you’ve witnessed in the halls of AFS? YYSomeone doing gymnastics in the hallway.

Unlike a public school, people felt comfortable enough to take their shoes off and do things like that (the floors were carpeted). We played guitar in the lobby. We didn’t have locks on our lockers (I called them cubbies). We would slip notes for one another to read in between classes. It really was a complete experience. Anna Adamsky, 2006 YYThis wasn’t in the halls, but it was towards the end of freshman year when I was sitting in math class. All of a sudden, the door opens and there is a senior boy carrying another senior boy over his head. The kid being carried was holding his arms out and they ran through the classroom making the sounds of an airplane flying, and then just left. It gave our class a nice two minute comedic break. That was an exciting moment, definitely not normal, but normal for AFS. Allie Rubin, 2013 YYI remember there was a group of students in a ukulele circle in the hallway and you could hear the students playing and singing from the classrooms. Hailey Russell, 2015 YYThe elaborate Prom proposals. They’re always really happy and cute moments.

Carolyn Goode, 2014 What is the ultimate AFS tradition that you can’t wait for every year?

YYThe last meeting for worship for the seniors. There are always some good stories that come out of that. Sudan Green, 2013 YY The school’s spring talent show, because it’s a good community activity and it gets everyone pumped for spring break. It also April 2013•Insight 13

always has awesome MCs that host the event and keep energies high. Raquel Kahn, 2014 What is your most memorable experience at AFS? YYI have way too many! My favorite moments happen when I least expect them to. It’s when I stay after physics class to have a discussion about Earth’s first contact with extra terrestrials, or after math to talk to my teacher about a band he thinks I’ll like, or when my advisor sends me a postcard over break and says she loves me. All those moments make AFS feel like a home. Hannah Schorsch, 2013 YYBeing in the school plays, because I made connections with people I never thought I would’ve and I’ve made a lot a friends during each production. Raquel Kahn, 2014 If you had to come up with one, what would your AFS slogan be?

YYWhere being silent is cool. Cali Mangel, 2013 YYWe are a family; AFS is the best place to be. Lily Roth, 2014 YYIt’s a bit of an acquired taste. Emily Winokur, 2013 YYThe best thing you can do for your kid’s education. Anna Adamsky, 2006 YYAFS- find yourself. Vin Manta, 2013 YYAFS is a place where dreams are discovered and where minds grow. Eryka Bradley, 2013

The Crackdown H

ave you ever paid attention to the tencent refund language on the side of cans and bottles? Whether you have or not, a group of con-artists have cost the state of Michigan upwards of $13 million in fraudulent refunds of cans brought in from out of state.

In an effort to reduce waste statewide, the Michigan redemption program allows users of recyclable cans and bottles to obtain a 10-cent-per-can incentive for returning items to a recyclable unit. However, residents of other states have begun defrauding the state by returning cans that are either obtained out of state or, even more interestingly, are constructed fraudulently with the sole purpose of obtaining a payout. This has especially become a problem with those traveling from states bordering Michigan. Other states have suffered from similar issues, including California who has a similar refund policy.

The scam may not last much longer, however, because a federal law suit has been initiated by the state of Michigan to require can-makers to put a special mark on cans sold in the state to reduce corruption. While that lawsuit was struck down, the state has plans to file a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court in April.

on Illegal Recyclable Can Refunds

14 Insight•April 2013

GIVES DRINKERS IMMEDIATE HANGOVER

Photos ©iStockphoto

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cientists of the University of Chile have designed a new vaccine that will give anyone who drinks an instant hangover.

It does not matter whether the person consumes a small or a large amount of alcohol, the vaccine works immediately and gives the person a heavy hangover.

Researchers designed the vaccine to help the growing problem of alcoholism in the nation. They have spent over a year trying to come up with ways to help.

The vaccine is effective from six months on one year. The way it works is it sends a biochemical message to the liver telling it not to express genes that metabolise alcohol.

The liver usually turns the consumed alcohol into the hangover-causing compound, which is called acetaldehyde; which is than broken down by a metabolizing enzyme.

If someone who has been vaccinated drinks alcohol, they will experience severe nausea, accelerated heartbeat, and general discomfort.

Once the vaccine has been performed, it cannot be reversed. The person who received the vaccine will just have to wait it out.

Many researchers view the vaccine as the first step to curbing alcoholism. Though it is not a cure-all, it still opens the door for other possible steps.

In 2011, a study was done in Chile from the World Health Organization. They found that one in 15 men have an alcohol use disorder.

Researchers hope that the new vaccine will help millions of people around the world.

Brain Connection Error

Healthy Living

VACCINE

In Anorexic Women

A

fter studying the brain connection among those diagnosed with anorexia and those that are not, researcher found altered connectivity in the brain network for body perception in people with anorexia. If the connection is weaker, the larger the misjudgment of body shape.

When individuals are shown images of bodies, a whole region of the brain becomes active. However, women that are suffering from anorexia nervosa that region of the brain is altered. The two important regions, which process body images were functionally weaker connected in those with anorexia than in healthy women.

For the study, researchers tested ten anorexic women and fifteen healthy women all close in age. Women were asked to pick out a silhouette on a computer screen, which best corresponded to their own body shape. Ten other control subjects who did not participate in the MRI scan were asked the same question by matching a photo of the test subject to the right silhouette.

Researchers performed an MRI on the 25 participants while they observed photos of the bodies. They analyzed the activity in the “fusiform body area” (FBA) and the “extrastriate body area” (EBA). Previous research shows that those two brain regions are critical for body perception.

It was found that the connection between the two regions was weaker in women suffering from anorexia nervosa than in healthy women. This study helps researchers understand why women with anorexia perceive themselves fatter, and allows researchers to develop more studies, examining the theory further.

April 2013•Insight 15

EMERGENCY ROOM MISTAKES

OCCUR FREQUENTLY

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ven though we may not want to believe its true, emergency room errors are fairly common and can involve anyone, but the chances to sue the hospital or doctor and win the suit? Good luck! It is far more difficult to win an emergency room lawsuit unless one claims wrongful death and has visible proof.

There are many different reasons as to why emergency room errors occur. Working in the emergency room can be quite hectic at times, the fast paced, high stress environment makes error that much more common. Doctors are given patients who they know nothing about and can never predict the situation that they will be dealing with. However, some common mistakes that hospitals make are being understaffed, inadequate staff training, poor record keeping, poor patient tracking, using unsanitary instruments, illegal intake and treatment policies, and inadequate medication administration.

Today, some of the most common and fatal emergency room errors include failure to fully evaluate a patient, diagnostic error, surgical errors, failure to monitor a patient, partial treatment, delayed treatment, or complete refusal to treat a patient.

Even though we want to go into the emergency room being able to trust the doctors and staff fully, and believe that they won’t make a mistake, that is not always the case. Medical mistakes happen daily, and sometimes even resolve in death.

However, this is not to discourage you to visit the emergency room in case of an emergency, it is just to bring awareness.

We Judge Others According to Our Relationship Status any of us have our single friends say, “I’m thankful that I’m single. This way I can do whatever I want without having to answer to someone.” At the same time, we have also heard our coupled friends wish marital bliss for their single friends.

According to a recent study, published in the Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science, we like to believe that our lifestyle — whether coupled or single — is the best for everyone else. In addition, the way we treat others may very well depend on whether we are single or have a significant other, even in situations where relationship statuses should not matter.

Research shows that when a person feels “stuck” in their situation, they tend to rationalize the system and idealize their status as a coping mechanism. Researchers noted that this typically happens when a person feels that their status won’t change.

After performing their study, researchers found that people who felt more stable in their relationship idealized that status as a norm for others. This held true for both single and coupled participants.

Other studies were conducted to see how we behave towards others and whether our relationship status influences us. The researchers found that participants who felt more stable in their relationship judged same–status job candidates more positively.

Relationship bias does influence our behavior towards other people. This study was the first to show relationship-specific patterns of bias by both single and coupled people. Researchers can now explore whether people idealize other aspects of their lives, such as the career path they’ve chosen.

16 Insight•April 2013

Photos ©iStockphoto

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to Go to the Movies in April

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4/5—Jurassic Park 3D

It’s been twenty years since Jurassic park originally graced our movie theatres – far too long if you ask us! Plain and simple, this movie is awesome and you know you’re just itching to see T-Rex in 3D! Or, like us, you may just want to hear all of Jeff Goldblum’s little quips again. Either way, go see it again and grab someone of the next generation off the street to go with you — they’ll thank you.

Oh, and for those of you who didn’t see this in 1993 (not being alive is really the only excuse for that), the movie is roughly about a wealthy man who has created an island amusement park filled with dinosaurs cloned from fossilized DNA. When he invites experts to endorse it, the dinosaurs are … less than amenable.

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4/5—The Company You Keep

April is a big month for “Indie flicks.” This one, starring Robert Redford, Shia LaBeouf and Susan Sarandon, among others, is an indie you should give the time of day. Redford plays Jim Grant, a public interest lawyer and single father living in Albany, NY. Grant’s world gets a lot less peaceful when a brash young reporter named Ben Shepard (LaBeouf) exposes Grant’s true identity as a 1970s antiwar radical fugitive wanted for murder. After 30 years underground, Grant now finds himself on the run, going cross country to find someone to clear his name — as Shepard chases after him to get the story that could make his career.

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4/24—The Reluctant Fundamentalist

This is another “limited release” movie with a great cast! The Reluctant Fundamentalist stars Kate Hudson, Kiefer Sutherland and Liev Schreiber and is based on the acclaimed novel by Moshin Hamid. The story takes place in 2010, as students demonstrate in Lahore. There, a young Pakistani professor, Changez Khan (played by Riz Ahmed) is interviewed by American Journalist, Bobby Lincoln (Schreiber). Changez tells Lincoln of his past as a brilliant business analyst on Wall Street, his amazing future there, his mentor, Jim Cross (Sutherland) and the beautiful Erica (Hudson) he was set to marry. That was before 9/11. Afterwards, Changez story becomes one about the suspicion he was approached with in the U.S. and the leadership he found in Pakistan.

Entertainment & Media

5

TOP REASONS

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4/26—Pain and Gain

A Michael Bay film, this action/comedy stars Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Tony Shalhoub and Mark Wahlberg. It is based on the true story of a group of bodybuilders who get caught up in a criminal enterprise – including kidnapping, extortion and murder, in Florida. Daniel Lugo (Wahlberg) is a regular bodybuilder who works at the Sun Gym. Sick of his poor life, Lugo concocts a plan to kidnap Victor Kershaw (Shalhoub), a regular at the gym and rich spoiled business man, and extort him through torture. With the help of recently released criminal Paul Doyle (Johnson), the “Sun Gym Gang” gets Kershaw to sign over all his finances and then attempts to kill him. But, Kershaw survives and hires a P.I to investigate and catch the gang.

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4/26—The Big Wedding

This cast is packed full of talent — Robert De Niro, Katherine Heigl, Diane Keaton, Amanda Seyfried, Topher Grace, Susan Sarandon and Robin Williams. The Big Wedding is a nice romantic comedy to ease us into spring with — good to get a few of these before the summer’s action blockbusters begin. The comedy is about a charmingly modern family trying to survive a weekend wedding celebration that most certainly turns into a fiasco.

April 2013•Insight 17

ACTORS

A

Stuck

IN THEIR ROLES

ctors should be thankful for the roles that made them famous (or infamous). It’s hard to be that one pilot, let alone that one character that really makes a lasting impression on an audience. That being said, once you are able to do that, it is notoriously hard to break from being that actor. There are plenty of people, for instance, that look at Pierce Brosnan and see James Bond, despite his impressive body of work before and after he partook in the franchise. But, Brosnan is actually doing okay for himself. There are celebrities in a far bleaker position than he, trying mercilessly to escape the recognition of the roles that made them famous. Here are our favorites!

James Van Der Beek as Dawson Leery, in Dawson’s Creek. He can star in all the Kesha videos he wants and be as pop culture recent as he can be, but Dawson is Dawson.

Jason Alexander as George Costanza in Seinfeld. He’s stuck. If seen on the street, people will say they saw George Costanza, instead of Jason Alexander. This one is definitely stuck like glue.

Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter in Harry Potter. He’s been making some decent attempts at other films. But, its pretty hard to follow up the enormity of Harry Potter, especially since people have been watching him as Harry for a decade of his life.

Jon Heder as Napoleon Dynamite in Napoleon Dynamite. All of Heder’s roles after this film have been as awkward as his role in his film. He just can’t seem to break the mold, and it seems unlikely that he will.

Alicia Silverstone as Cher Horowitz in Clueless. “As if!” Silverstone will always be remembered first and foremost for her portrayal of the ditzy but semi-deep blonde California girl who can’t pronounce “Haitians.”

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ometimes, it’s worse for actors than just single role recognition. What’s worse? Studios and directors thinking you can only play one type of role — typecasting. These actors are always playing, essentially, the same role Jason Statham. We honestly couldn’t tell you where Transporter ends and Crank begins, or Death Race, War or the Bank Job. Statham is the exact same ass-kicking, British man of few words in all of them.

Chris Tucker. You will never see Tucker in a drama or a psychological thriller. You will rarely see him not next to Jackie Chan. The only place you will see Tucker is somewhere that he gets to play the motormouthed and annoying character we’re used to — be it as Ruby Rhod in Fifth Element or in any of the Rush Hour movies.

Zooey Deschanel. She’s quirky and bubbly and, currently, she’s Jess in New Girl. But, she has been and always will be some version of Jess. Deschanel, despite her talents will always be the offbeat indie girl.

Michelle Rodriguez. Popcrunch put it best: “I’m going to describe a Rodriguez’ role in a movie, and you try and guess which film it was. Okay? Ready? She plays a tough, action-ready Latina with a soft center, who wears a wife-beater for most of the film, can trade barbs with the guys, but dies before the end. Give up? It’s all of them!“

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W

Duets

UNSUCCESSFUL

e love nothing more than when celebrities collaborate — huge star power coming together. It’s supposed to be amazing. And, it’s supposed to be a good business idea for the celebs — combining their fan bases and, consequently, expanding their own. Sadly, it doesn’t always work out perfectly. Some musical collaborations become near hits and others huge misses — but, either way, they just don’t hit the mark. Here are our favorite misses!

Justin Timberlake and Madonna’s 4 Minutes may have earned itself two Grammy nominations and been a euro smash. But, here in the states the sex power of the two celebs just didn’t seem to stick. Most felt that there was just too much going on in that one song to really get into it, thanks to Timbaland’s “marching band on meth” approach to production. This made it a poor choice not just for radio play, but also for DJs, who couldn’t get out good club remixes of the already jumbled song.

Busta Rhymes and Mariah Carey’s I Know What You Want did not do any favors to Mariah Carey. While the song had its share of commercial success, it relegated Carey and all her vocal talent to that of a glorified backup singer. She got a miniscule part in the song, whining in the chorus, and was completely unable to showcase her abilities.

Let’s just say, Busta Rhymes got the better end of the deal.

But, our ABSOLTE FAVORITE, guilty pleasure of a musically collaborative miss was We Are the World 25 for Haiti. This was an ambitious update (on the original 1985 song) to begin with. It had hope — with some awesome voices and huge efforts – and did earn a good amount of money that went to Haiti. But it was destroyed by critics. Most dismissed the “rap verse” as pure pandering and the extreme autotuning as “straight-up tacky.” The inclusion of many “sub-celebrities” was also noted. And, many comedy shows like Saturday Night Live parodied the song and pointed out the D-listers excitedly. Other people pointed out ridiculous absurdities that ate at the song’s credibility – (1) who gave Justin Bieber the opening verse?! (2) who thought that the auto tune they used on Akon sounded natural?! (3) who chose to include Whyclef Jean’s incomprehensible yodeling?

(4) who noticed even Jamie Foxx not being able to control his own laughing at being forced to pull out his stale Ray Charles impression?! Yeah, we love to hate this song (hence the extra long paragraph dedicated to it).

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April 2013•Insight 19

YOUR GUIDE TO APRIL FOOLS DAY

W

PRANKS

e LOVE pranking people for April Fools! Would it work better if people didn’t realize it was actually April 1st? Sure! But you wo rk with what you’ve got. And now, what you’ve got is a great list of some of our favorite pranks! Since April Fools falls on a Monday this year, and you’ll all be in the office working, we’ve tailored our favorites to the work place. Happy Fooling!

Create an official looking notice (as per the house style of your workplace) informing staff that an item of office equipment is now equipped with speech recognition technology.

Add a few suggested commands. Stick the notice to the equipment. Sit back and watch your colleagues shout at an inanimate object. Better yet, secretly video it for prolongd fun!

Most office computer mouses are electronic these days. A little tape or paper over the mouse’s laser tracker means it will stop working on the screen. You’ll give yourself a few good minutes will your colleague tries to figure out why the mouse isn’t moving on the computer.

If you’ve got an office with several bathrooms, your co-workers would hate for them all to be unusable at once, wouldn’t they. That’s why you should create an official sign and hang it on all the bathrooms, letting people know that the bathroom is “out of order” and to go to the other one. Put this sign on every bathroom and watch your office run circles as they hold their pee.

Go to your co-worker’s unattended computer. Take a screen shot of the desktop. Now set that picture as the desktop wallpaper and remove all of the icons from the desktop. Now, when your co-worker tries to click on any of the icons he won’t be able to (since they’re just images from the newly set desktop wallpaper). They’ll go crazy! (Maybe stop the prank before they go to tech services, though).

There’s always the no-prank prank for those times when your colleagues are expecting you to pull some sort of stunt. This April Fools, just do nothing but sit and smirk at everything. They will rack their brains desperately trying to work out what you’ve plotted. You can help out their anxiety levels with loaded comments to match your smirk. “Enjoy your coffee.” “Have you used the water cooler yet today?” “Aren’t you going to answer that?”

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20 Insight•April 2013

I

’m sure you’ve heard of Russian Roulette — a potentially lethal game of change wherein a player places a single round into a revolver, spins the cylinder, places the muzzle against the head and pulls the trigger to see if he lives or dies. That game can get a bit bloody. Want a fun, less bloody version? How about Nicholas Cage Roulette.

Oh yes, that does exist. Digital strategist Scott Luptowski has created this game through a website that lets a viewer “stream random Nicholas Cage movies on Netflix.” Why Nicholas Cage? Well the guy has been in a million movies (side note: he voices a character in the recently released animated film, the Croods, and it’s actually super cute so you should go see it), ranging from the ridiculous to the really good. So, why not Nicholas Cage?

When you go to the site you can click either “all movies” or “action movies” and it will go to Netflix and pick a random Nicholas Cage movie to turn on. The punishment or reward is really up to you. Maybe you set it up that if you guess the right movie you get money or you get slapped in the face if you’re wrong. It’s really up to you. The whole thing is silly and fun — which is probably why the site has had hundreds of thousands of views. At the very least, with this game of roulette, no one has to die.

THE

“THIGH GAP” OBSESSION

L

indsay Lohan is kind of a hot mess these days. But, once upon a time, reciting the words of Tina Fey in Mean Girls, she was wise. She said (in character), “I used to think there was just fat and skinny. But, apparently, there’s lots of things that can be wrong with your body.” If you’re a preteen or teenager, especially, then you’d know that truer words have never been said. In fact, one trip through tumblr.com and you’ll see millions of preteen pages coveting at some beauty ideal that they don’t think they measure up to. What’s the flavor of the month as far as preteen aspirations — skinny arms? Six pack abs? super pointy ankles? Nope! Young girls today are all about the “thigh-gap.”

Basically, girls are fixated on the size of their inner thighs — craving about an inch or two of space between their upper thighs. Still not sure what I mean? Okay, visualize Miranda Kerr walking down the Victoria’s Secret Runway Show. See how her thighs aren’t touching. That is what preteen girls that aren’t on a daily workout and diet regimen want for themselves too. They stare at photos of models and actresses with this gap for hours upon end.

But, say many of today’s plastic surgeons, they’re now doing more than just staring. The Daily Mail reported that plastic surgeons are seeing a rise in demand for “thighspecific” cosmetic procedures. What kind? Well, British cosmetic clinic, Lovelite, said they’ve seen a 240% rise in demand for things like lipglaze, which freezes up fat sells so they die and disappear. As the Huffington Post put it, when weighing in on this trend, “the compulsion to get the skinny, waif-like look is as old as Kate Moss in Calvin Klein. But these days it has an actual name … and a hashtag.” That would be #thighgap!

April 2013•Insight 21

Photos ©iStockphoto

NICHOLAS CAGE ROULETTE

Dress to Impress

RE-STYLING YOUR LIVING ROOM

By Olga Astreika

S

pring is finally here and we are all preparing for spring cleaning! If this spring you are considering re-customizing your living room, we have plenty of ideas for you. We have thrown out some ideas on our Facebook, but that wasn’t everything we have to suggest.

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1. Dress up your living room walls with various decals, designed to match everyone’s taste. $160 Etsy. www.etsy.com/shop/DecalLab

2. If wall decals just aren’t your thing, consider hanging up a beautiful painting which conveys a story. www.centralinteriordesign.com

3. Colorful throw pillows help bring your living room 3

to life! They make beautiful decorations that won’t break your bank account. www.apartmenttherapy.com

4. Don’t go overboard with spending money, a simple bouquet of vibrant flowers or plants in an equally vibrant vase will do the trick! www.realsimple.com

5. Bring more funk into your living room with a zebra style rug! $11.96. Walmart.com.

22 Insight•April 2013

Eat Good Food: DOUBLE FEATURE

By Olga Astreika

Those attending the event should keep an extra eye out for Belle Cakery!

Owner and baker, Jessie Prawlucki, is excited to participate in the showcase again this year and offer those attending her yummiest goods! Prawlucki has loved cooking and baking since childhood. Not only was her mom a great chef at home, but she was also in the catering business herself. Prawlucki followed in these delicious footsteps. After high school, she attended the Culinary Institute of America located in New York. Then, with her husband, she opened up Fond, located right around the corner from Belle Cakery. But, when space got a little too tight, Prawlucki made the decision to do her own thing. Belle Cakery first opened its doors to the public on Thanksgiving Day, 2011.

The first thing that’ll hit you when you walk into Belle Cakery is the smell — that “oh-so-good” smell of freshly baked goods!

That’s because, when Prawlucki is not helping a customer, she is always found in the back baking. That way, you know everything you are buying is freshly baked just for you. Most of Prawlucki’s ideas are based off of past experiences working with other chefs.

But that doesn’t mean she doesn’t add plenty of her own touches when playing with flavors! Cheesecake fans, especially, need to get over here and try the Salted Carmel Cheesecake! Sitting on top of chocolate chip cookie crumbs, the cheesecake is topped off with vanilla crème Chantilly — can you say delicious!

April 2013•Insight 23

Photos courtesy Belle Cakery

S

ince 2007, East Passyunk has held their annual Flavors of the Avenue event. During this special day, more than 20 restaurants come together under one big tent to showcase their talents. Chefs from all over the Passyunk area provide more than 1,000 guests with their finest food, while enjoying the wonderful outdoors. This year’s event will take place on April 27th, on East Passyunk Avenue. Under a 60x90 foot tent, guests can walk from table to table, tasting this year’s creations while listening to the amazing live music.

General admission tickets are $30 and include wine and beer.

VIP tickets, which include specialty cocktails and first dibs on all the food, are $50. There are a limited number of tickets, so make sure you get yours now! An extra treat for all attendees? Noord, one of the participating restaurants in this year’s showcase, won’t even be open yet! So, you basically get a sneak peak into its scrumptiousness before the rest of Philadelphia does!

You don’t want to miss this event! For more information, visit http://www.visiteastpassyunk.com.

Say “Ah” Spa Review

eviama life spa

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By Olga Astreika

Photos ©Vin Manta

ith summer right around the corner, it’s time to think about your “beach bod.” It’s time to strip your body of all the stress and negative energy, and pamper yourself! Eviama Life Spa, located at 109 South 13th St., takes a holistic and environmental approach to relaxation. Penny Ordway, the owner of Eviama, established her spa in 2002. Since then, she has made each of her spa goers feel transformed, worthy and, most importantly, beautiful!

Each procedure performed by the spa takes the guest’s lifestyle into account. Things such as diet, body rhythm and blood flow are all considered so as to provide you with the most beneficial experience.

This custamability is why Eviama offers over 17 different types of massages alone.

Going there, you will only be exposed to top of the line skin products created by Dr. Hauschka. First produced in Germany as a medicine line, “Dr. Hauschka Skin Care” is known to both heal the body and be beneficial for the earth. The products are great for all skin types, so you wouldn’t have to worry about any harmful side effects. Most products offered by drugs stores today use harsh chemicals to refine the products. But, Dr. Hauschka’s line actually preserves the natural gifts

24 Insight•April 2013

given to us by plants. Rather than stripping your skin cell layers, it preserves their functions.

Often, women who have trouble conceiving come to the spa in search of guidance and solutions. Not many people consider how much hormone levels impact everything going on inside of us — hormone levels that are key to conception. These women, as non-pregnant guests of Eviama, often come feeling that they’re not functioning at your best, or that their body rhythm is thrown off. Eviama helps the body regain its normal blood and lymph flow, which helps many women conceive. This is all part of Eviama’s holistic approach to spa treatments, where the whole body is taken into account rather than you just coming in for a simple back massage.

And, boys…don’t be shy! There is a common misconception that pampering is only for females, but it’s not! Males have bodies and body rhythms too that can be benefited by spa services in many ways. For instance, everyone’s skin is exposed to pollution on a daily bases and everyone experiences different stresses throughout life. Eviama offers services for both men and women to heal and rejuvenate both skin and body against this type of external damage.

If massages aren’t for you, Eviama offers various classes that hold just as much health benefits as a massage!

Guests can sit in what is called the “Bamboo Space,” a window that spans almost an entire wall and overlooks Center City streets. There, guests are more than welcome to read books provided by the spa or just to take time to focus on themselves and stimulate their mind. Every Wednesday, Zen classes are offered in the Bamboo Space to anyone who wishes to attend.

So don’t just go to any ordinary spa next door for a simple massage. Come to Eviama Life Spa for a more holistic approach! Heal your body and skin the proper way, using only the best skin products and methods that your body deserves. There is something here for everyone!

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April 2013•Insight 25

Sports & Athletics

WHO IS

ROGER GOODELL?

T

he NFL is America’s league. There is no question about it. Americans love to watch football, love their favorite teams, love the excitement of the Superbowl, but do they know the man that runs the league? Roger Goodell, the NFL’s commissioner is a very controversial figure in the scheme of NFL debates. The man who has “little to no credibility with the players” according to Drew Brees, has one of the toughest tasks in all of sports. Goodell is charged with keeping players safe while remaining to engage fans, all the while doing his best to make billions of dollars for the league owners. So, as an NFL fan, should you love or hate the man in charge of running your beloved league?

Recently, Roger Goodell is best known for the bounty-gate scandal involving the New Orleans Saints. Greg Williams, the Saint’s defensive coordinator, was paying players to try to hurt quarterbacks and other opposing offensive players.

Goodell suspended four players for being involved in the scandal on the grounds that they strongly were compliant in Williams’ system. Jonathan Vilma, one of the suspended players, sued Goodell for unrightfully suspending him and won the case. Vilma’s defesnse was factual; in reality Goodell didn’t have any proof that the players were even remotely involved. Goodell is also known for changing certain rules to try to protect the players’ safety. The NFL now calls more penalties then it ever did, trying to ensure that players are not injured, specifically with head injuries. The players strongly dislike Goodell for this exact reason. They believe that Goodell doesn’t let the players play and that he is ruining the game.

The owners on the other hand love Goodell. The league has done amazingly since he took over as commissioner.

Last year, the league made $10 billion in revenue through television deals, sales of merchandise, along with Goodell’s creation of NFL Network and NFL Redzone. Robert Craft, owner of the New England Patriots, and Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys, have often sung the praises of the commissioner. Craft says that the NFL is completely run by Goodell and Jones has said many times that Goodell puts his all into the league and the game.

So which side is right to believe? Is Roger Goodell an amazing man that is saving the NFL and making it one of the biggest money making sports leagues in the world, or in reality is he destroying the league, while in turn destroying the game of football? The question cannot be easily answered, but in the simplest terms, he is partially both.

Goodell’s interest in player safety is not anything but genuine. He has made a partnership with the United States Army to try to link their methods of protecting soldiers to his current methods of protecting players. He also has done amazing things for the financial stability of the NFL. But, at the same time, the players’ feelings are not wrong entirely. Goodell does not always give players enough credit and his actions in suspending the Saints players were just blatantly unwarranted. So in answering the question of Roger Goddell’s character, we are left with the same question; the answers seem to make us run in circles. Goodell signed a new five-year contract extention in early 2012, so, unless the commissioner does something pretty horrible, this is the man that will run this league for a couple more years.

Learn to bear him, not care about him, or even support him, but unless he is making you billions, its tough to really 26 Insight• April 2013Goodell as the good guy. paint Roger

2013 PREVIEW

L

ast year, almost all Phillies fans had high hopes for their team. With a revamped roster and almost all of their guys healthy, the team seemed to be a possible contender to win it all. Unfortunately for Philadelphia, just like the Eagles would wind up being, the Phillies were a huge bust for all fans; everyone has been disappointed.

As we go into the 2013 season, the expectations are definitely not what they were last year.

The possibility of a World Series seems a little more probable than being struck by lightning, but in reality, this Phillies team will most certainly be better than last year.

Looking at last year, the Phillies had two major injuries that destroyed their season. First, Ryan Howard was out for the beginning of the year with a torn Achilles, and then with a broken toe at the end of the season, putting the Phillies’ biggest power hitter out of the line up for the majority of the season. Chase Utley was also out for a good portion of the season with ongoing knee issues. Cliff Lee, one of the Phillies’ aces, was a major disappointment, considering Phillies General Manager, tried to get rid of him, putting the once clutch Phillie on waivers. With all of the problems, the Phillies still wound up with an 81-81 record, exactly at .500.

This coming season, the Phillies have lost Vance Worley and Placido Polanco, but have acquired Ben Revere (outfielder), Delmon Young (outfielder), Michael Young (third baseman), John Lannahan (right handed pitcher), and Mike Adams (right handed pitcher). The Phils have definitely made up for what they have lost thus far.

The pitching should improve from a season ago. If both Cliff Lee and Roy Halladay have a stronger year than they did a year ago, along with the same production from Cole Hammels, the Phillies rotation will be improved. Along with the big three starters, the addition of John Think you know who will win?

Email or Facebook message us with your Lannahan from Washington and Mike Adams information and guesses. Right answers get from Texas, and a good fifth man in Kyle a point towards our annual prize (see Editors Kendrick, the Phillies’ pitching staff should look Desk for more detail). a lot better this season.

Offensively, Ryan Howard and Chase Utley seem to be nearing 100% health-wise, which should help the Phillies score more runs.

The additions of Delmon Young and Ben Revere will hopefully help the Phillies outfield production, but this could all be offset by Carlos Ruiz’s 25-game suspension for using Adderall, the drug used to treat ADHD. All in all, the Phillies have gotten better rather than worse and definitely have some promise going into this season. The key is to stay healthy. If the Phillies can do that, this upcoming season will not be what it was last year and the team could really be a contender.

Flyers Hockey Schedule 4/3 vs. Montreal 7:30 pm 4/4 vs. Toronto 7:00 pm 4/6 vs. Winnipeg 3:00 pm 4/9 vs. NY Islanders 7:00 pm 4/11 vs. Ottawa 7:00 pm 4/13 vs. Buffalo 3:00 pm 4/15 vs. Montreal 7:30 pm 4/16 vs. NY Rangers 7:30 pm 4/18 vs. New Jersey 7:30 pm 4/20 vs. Carolina 7:00 pm 4/23 vs. Boston 7:30 pm 4/25 vs. NY Islanders 7:00 pm 4/27 vs. Ottawa 7:00 pm

Sixesrs Basketball Schedule 4/3 vs. Charlotte 7:00 PM 4/5 vs. Atlanta 7:30 PM 4/6 vs. Miami 7:30 PM 4/9 vs. Brooklyn 7:30 PM 4/10 vs. Atlanta 7:00 PM 4/12 vs. Washington 7:00 PM 4/14 vs. Cleveland 3:30 PM 4/15 vs. Detroit 7:30 PM 4/17 vs. Indiana 8:00 PM

Prediction: Phillies loose in the NLDS. April 2013•Insight 27

MAY HAVE A SOLUTION

TO THE GAS PROBLEM

O

ur cars, trucks, snow blowers, lawn mowers, and many other items that we use in our daily lives run on gasoline, a natural entity that is slowly running out. Humans are draining the earth of gasoline, which currently is made up of petroleum and sometimes ethanol. MIT scientists think that they may have found a possible solution to the problem of the depletion of gasoline with the same elements used in making bread and beer- yeast.

Isobutanol, a compound found in yeast, could be an alternative for petroleum and ethanol. The compound contains many similarities to gasoline, specifically its structure, but more importantly, it contains even more energy that that of ethanol. Isobutanol also seems to be very compatible with the way many of our gasoline powered machines, which could eventually provide a complete alternative source of energy.

Biologists and chemists are working together at MIT to find a way to create renewable locations to in turn recreate more of the highly efficient compound. The scientists have already found a way to increase the isobutanol in a natural way, while simultaneously increasing its production in yeast by 260%. For years, scientists have been doing the exact opposite, trying to decrease isobutanol levels for making beer, bread, and many other food products which contain yeast. In food, the compound has a bad taste and is easily noticed by consumers. In reversing the process, MIT scientists are discovering that increasing isobutanol levels could yield amazing results.

This form of yeast synthesis could possibly be an avenue towards efficiently creating a new form of renewable, clean energy to help keep the world from riding the world of its resources. According to researchers working on this project, synthesizing yeast could lead to modes of creating other renewable sources of energy other than just isobutanol. As scientists continue to find ways to increase production and how to easily reproduce the process of increasing isobutanol, our dependence on gasoline could start to fade away. Gas prices are continuing to rise, and the amount of gas continues to decrease for a multitude of reasons, including foreign dependence as well as natural. Taking out both factors would pay huge dividends for people all over the US and the world.

28 Insight•April 2013

Photos ŠiStockphoto

Science & Technology

MIT RESEARCHERS

Group of Companies to Team Up with Cancer Research UK to Make

I

CANCER RESEARCH GAME

t seems that everyday we are amazed by the new innovations that are made in the technology field, but many times these advances are used for our own well being, for our own convenience. But, along with making our lives easier, technology can save lives. Facebook, Amazon, and Facebook have teamed up with Cancer Research UK to create a fun gaming experience where you, as the gamer, are helping to improve researcher’s knowledge of cancer curing drugs.

But how could this possibly be the case? Cancer is an extremely extensive disease that is too complex for the world’s smartest and most qualified doctors to decipher. Due to Cancer Research UK’s findings, they have been able to classify cancer into 10 subtypes. This better helps researchers to understand how different specific types of cancers work, which helps doctors know how to cure the individual cancers. Along with the classifications that have been identified by Cancer Research UK, they have found more genes that could possibly cause cancer. These findings are very helpful to researchers, but they present a lot of data that needs to be analyzed by the human eye; cancer research machines are not equipped to decipher this type of information.

Cancer Research UK has found an interesting solution to making sense of all of this cancer data. Together with Amazon, Facebook, and Google, they are first going to select 40 developers to create a mobile game that regular citizens can play, incorporating this newfound data. While people are enjoying this game, at the same time they will be using their eyes and brains to analyze this data. The idea is that millions of humans have smart phones and millions of these users play games on their devices. Using this platform to speed up the cancer research process could possibly bring a better cure or THE LUXURY LIFESTYLE treatment for certain cancers.

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April 2013•Insight 29

Career & Finance

THE COSTS OF HAVING

A JOB N

W

e’ve all been there; working for a boss who thought he or she was the king of the universe, with little to no regard for those reporting to them. Well, a recent article in Fast Company posited that the way to build power within a corporation is to be willing to share it, rather than hoard it all for yourself, a lesson many in the corporate world should take heed of.

After defining the difference between role power and personal power, the article points out that those with role power very rarely made ones sitting across the table feel like subordinates, but equals, understanding that everyone has a role to play. The issue with personal power is that it’s not real and unfortunately, too much time is devoted to reinforce and protect it, which takes away from effective leading and destroying trust and loyalty.

So, the next time you are assigned a position of role power, think about how you will lead; hopefully, it’s with equality in mind and effective leadership.

30 Insight•April 2013

Photos ©iStockphoto

In the WORKPLACE, REAL Power = SHARED Power

ew research has found that the cost of keeping a job swallows up a significant portion of the disposable income made each year. The study looked at expenses related to holding down a career in London, England and found that the average commuter spends approximately $3000 a year over and above the actual cost of living.

So, what are those expenses, you ask? Food, travel, childcare, equipment and clothes were among the major expenditures for the average worker. More specifically, drivers pay even more due to the cost of fuel, parking, and city congestion charges.

Other expenses include work phone calls, computer equipment, and stationery not claimed as expenses. Add personal grooming and random happy hours recruiting clients and the majority of net income is taken up, with little to take home and enjoy. Isn’t that the reason we work anyway, for a relaxing standard of living?

Ways to save money include taking lunch from home, buying seasonal transit passes instead of daily fares, and cutting out those happy hours.

After all, we should all be able to use our money to relax, not to work.

Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill

A

recent report from J.D. Power & Associates says that U.S. families spend an average of $139 a month on cell phones, up an average of 20% from 2006. More reports suggest than approximately 80% of Americans overspend on their monthly bill by an average of $200 a year. However, there are ways to save, including switching to ‘pay-as-you-go’ phone services.

1 2

SAVELOVEGIVE.COM — this site analyzes your previous bills, usage, and charges and compares them to other available plans, offering ways to adjust your current plan and save.

EMPLOYEE DISCOUNTS — tens of thousands of companies work with carriers to offer discounts to workers.

However, you must ask for it. Go to the carriers website and enter in your organizations email address to see if you qualify.

3

PAY AS YOU GO — big money can be saved with these services. The four big national wireless carriers offer prepaid options with easy-to-understand plans and a la carte options, with obvious protection from overage charges.

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ou Y h WisereHere W XOXO April 2013•Insight 31

A Dose of Insight

By Elina Khusid

A guy friend asked me out to dinner. After we received our check he got a little weird and asked if I had my portion of the bill covered. Call me old fashion, but I feel if a man asks you to have dinner with him, he should cover the whole bill. Am I wrong for being a little insulted? ✽ You’re not wrong, but you’re not exactly right either. Some men are chivalrous enough to pay for women no matter what their relationship status is. Others aren’t paying unless they feel like they’re getting something in return. By something I mean sex. Clearly your friend wants to remain just a friend because he’s not doing anything to impress you. He might just not want to give you the wrong impression. If he paid for your meal maybe you would have

seen it as a date. Either way I would not let your disappointment show. It will either give him the impression that you want something more than just friendship. Or if you do want something more than just a friend, it will make you come off as materialistic to him. Just let it slide off your shoulders because at the end of the day, whether it is something big or something small, money seems to complicate most relationships.

✽ You should have said something before the mortgage was finalized. Why do you feel like you don’t have a voice here? Because you didn’t speak up, you’re pretty much stuck with this house for a while. The best you can do now is personalize it. Tell him that you’re feeling that this house is all about him and that you feel completely left out. Maybe you can personalize certain rooms to your liking. This way although it’s not your dream house, at least you will have a sanctuary

32 Insight•April 2013

in it. Take one room and make it your little escape. Fill it with things that you love and find familiar and calming. The bones of the house do not make a home. Decorations and personal touches might make you change your mind.

If your husband resists, explain to him that a happy marriage is all about compromise. I’m sure that he would want you to feel comfortable no matter where you live.

Photos ©iStockphoto

My husband and I recently moved into his dream house. Notice how I stated “his”! I hate that house, I am far from happy with it. But he is completely head over heels in love with it. I hate bringing up to him that I hate the house because I see how happy he is about it. I don’t know what I should do, help!

For the first time in my life I recently tried an online dating site. I have no time to run around looking for a significant other. I am so busy with work, night classes, and my daughter. But I feel like the only people that contact me on there are guys out of my age range. I really don’t know what I can do anymore to meet someone. What are my other options?

✽ First, you should probably stop trying so hard.

Men can smell a desperate woman from a mile a way. Personally, I don’t buy into the online dating.

Very rarely do I feel that it yields any great results.

If you want to meet people, you need to make time.

My suggestion, join a gym. It’s a place where you are exposed to all different types of people. And at least two things are for sure if you meet a guy there: 1) He must have a job to pay for the membership and 2)

Can’t hurt that he is taking care of himself. Nothing beats interpersonal communication. How can you even begin to sense an instant attraction online? Also there are several match making agencies out there. It might not work either but at least it will get you out of your shell a bit. Whatever you do, just have fun with it. Don’t go into something with a relationship in the back of your mind.

My parents went away on vacation last month and I threw a huge party at my house, needless to say it was one of the best parties ever! However, with all that fun comes trouble. The cops were called and I received several tickets. I have been able to hide it from my parents for the last month, but my court date is coming up and I have to tell them. I am really afraid they will send me off to boot camp.

I don’t know what to do!

✽ Welcome to the world of being an adult.

Sometimes doing stupid things doesn’t exactly work out for you. There’s nothing you can do but suck it up and tell the truth. If you want to party like an adult, you need to be responsible as well. Unfortunately from now on you will realize that life is full of consequences and there is no way to avoid them.

From now on, I would be more careful about where and when you have your parties. Sometimes the end

result is not worth it. You lost your parent’s trust and that is huge. There is no reason why you can’t have a party that doesn’t end in a court appearance.

I suggest to hone it back a bit before the next party ends in the back of a police car. In the mean time, man up and tell them what went on; they at least deserve the respect of knowing what happened. They are you parents, and when push comes to shove they will love you no matter what.

April 2013•Insight 33

Horoscope

Aries (March 21-April 20). This may be an emotional month for you Aries. In addition, watch out for possible relationship problems. You won’t be the only one feeling this, but as the hosting sign you will have the most heightened awareness of the aspect.

Taurus (April 21st–May 21st). Your stubborn ways will work to your advantage at work in the middle of the month. A close friend will also come to you for advice. Be supportive and help them out.

Gemini (May 22nd–June 21st). Friends will come to you this month and ask for you to plan an outing for the whole group. Though you are not used to taking the leadership role, take this opportunity to break the monotony.

Cancer (June 22nd–July 22nd). You are feeling a little edgy this month. Everything is bothering you and annoying. Remember to stay as calm as possible and do your best not to take your frustration out on co-workers.

Leo (July 23rd–August 23rd). Don’t let your pride get in the way this month. Try to communicate with your family and resolve any family matters that you may have.

Virgo (August 24th–Sept. 22nd). A co-worker may ask to borrow money from you, but you may want to think twice. You’ll have to make a large purchase by the end of the month, so consider if he or she is reliable in paying back.

34 Insight•April 2013

Libra (Sept. 23rd–Oct. 23rd). This month will fly by for you because you’ll be busy working on a new project at work. Don’t forget to take some time for your self and enjoy your personal life.

Scorpio (Oct. 24th–Nov. 22nd). This month, love is in the air! You will either meet someone new who you won’t get off your mind, or you and your significant other will be closer than ever. But make sure you make the move and spend time with your new fling.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23rd–Dec. 21st). ). Things may go wrong at work in the middle of the month, and you may start to think that there’s a conspiracy against you.

But don’t get discouraged! Your only going through a rough time.

Capricorn (Dec. 22nd–Jan. 20th). If you feel like you hit rock bottom this month, contact an old friend of yours. They will be your bright spot this month. In the end everything will be going right and you’ll be the happiest you’ve been in a while.

Aquarius (Jan. 21st–Feb. 18th). Your supervisor will give you your freedom at work this month. They will allow you to work on a project freely, and it’s your time to shine! Take every opportunity that you can get and use your best judgment!

Pisces (Feb. 19th–March 20th). A loved one needs your this month. Help them calm down and do your best to boost their spirits. They’ve been a great help to you, and not it’s your turn to help them out.

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36 Insight•April 2013