Simpleology Blog

Since my dad happens to be a doctor, it took some time before I realized that some people are actually intimidated by routine check-ups. For my siblings and me, all we had to do was go to dad.

Anyhow, now I know that most people easily feel rushed or suddenly feel self-conscious when they finally get 10 minutes with the doctor. Because of this, many of them fail to make the most out of their visit.

Here are five points you have to remember when you're stopping by the doctor's for your check-up:

1. Put it in writing. "Keep a symptom diary," advises Dr. Terrie Wurzbacher, author of Your Doctor Said What? Exposing the Communication Gap. She adds: "You may think you can remember everything," says Wurzbacher, "Be specific. Explain that it all began with belly pain, and then you developed diarrhea, and so on."

2. Come clean. In the TV show, House, the cantankerous lead character, Dr. Gregory House believes that "everybody lies." Indeed, most people purposely don't tell their doctor about their unhealthy habits such as smoking and self-medication. In routine visits, you have to be proactive about disclosing your vices to your doc.

3. Read it. Heard all those jokes about doctors having horrible handwriting? Well, not being able to read your doc's penmanship isn't really a laughing matter. If you can't decipher what he's scribbled, then the pharmacist probably won't be able to either. You have every right to ask your doctor to rewrite his prescription if this happens.

4. Ask for Plan B. If you're apprehensive about things that your doctor is suggesting or a diagnosis, ask him if there are other alternatives or if you can go to another doctor. You're well within your rights as a patient when you ask him to refer you to another professional who could give you a second opinion.

5. Plot out the future. Don't leave your doc's office without knowing what will happen next--especially if he's instructed you to take note of certain symptoms or when he's prescribed you some medication.

By being a good patient, you help your doctor take care of your health. This way, you take an active part in preventive medicine by doing due diligence on your own body.

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I don't know about what goes on in other homes on Sundays--it's always been the designated "lazy day" at our house. I've carried over this Jones family tradition to my own place--a little bit too much I guess.

For the past couple of weeks, I've used Sunday as an excuse to go for greasy fastfood because I'm too lazy to cook. Well, that's obviously not doing me any good, so I figured I'd stock up on healthy snacks that are easy to prepare.

Here are my top three quick-snack fixes:

1. Raisins. Raisins strengthen teeth. Forget their rep as cavity causers. Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago isolated raisins' phytonutrients and found compounds that can thwart bacteria growth that leads to tooth decay and gum disease.

2. Oysters. Oysters power your lungs. Tire easily on the treadmill? You may be dragging because you're low on zinc, experts at the USDA's Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Centers in North Dakota say. Zinc helps your lungs expel carbon dioxide. "When your body's zinc levels are low, your cardiovascular fitness takes a dive," explains study author Dr. Hank Lukaski. Get fresh oysters to be sure that you get prime zinc and so you can eat them the simplest way possible: raw. Just squeeze lemon juice on them and sprinkle a few grains of salt.

3. Potatoes. Potatoes are good for your heart. This root crop contains kukoamines, chemicals that can lower your blood pressure. Poke the raw potato with a fork, then nuke it on high for five minutes or until tender. Then, you can put a little bit of butter on it.

With these easy treats on my list of options, "shaping up" my Sunday menu doesn't seem so impossible anymore. I guess I was just too lazy to think of them before. Or, perhaps, I just felt lazy because I didn't eat food that would give me energy.

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These days, shopping online has become a way of life for a good number of people. That's no surprise. Apparently, the joys of getting "retail therapy" while in your pajamas is irresistible.

Hot Sites
Sites such as eBay and Craigslist are at the forefront of the online shopping industry. These sites--along with a host of others--hold various auctions that promise users the very best bargains for a gamut of products.

There is no doubt that the advent of online shopping has been very beneficial--especially to small businesses owners who don't want to be hobbled by overhead costs.

But, of course, there's a flip side to this flourishing economy.

Criminal Minds
"Con artists are alive and well on the Web, working a wide variety of scams on people who use online sites to buy and sell goods," warns Matthew Weinberger in "Online Crooks Never Stop Trying to Rip You Off."

Weinberger goes on to list the most common rip-off scenarios online:

1. Shill Deal
A scammer will sign up for an online shopping site and then post an item for auction. Then, using bogus accounts, he himself will keep bidding on the said item to drive up its price to an inflated amount. This act is called shill bidding. Buyers will be tricked into thinking that the item is sought-after.

2. Second Chance Scheme
After an auction for a big-ticket item--such as a car--scam artists track down second and third place bidders. They will then offer the runner-up bidders same product at a reduced price. In reality, they don't actually have the item. Thus, they ask for payment upfront and then disappear.

3. Escrow Fraud
A "seller" will tell you to put money into an online escrow account, which functions like a savings account. The account is tapped as a measure to prevent fraud on the part of buyers and sellers who are geographically distant. Thus, the scammer tells you to deposit to a fake escrow service that he himself runs. You'll never see your money again or any merchandise. (Check out Escrow.com for tips on how to identify fraudulent escrow sites.)

4. Fake Fronts
Posing as sellers, scam artists pass off counterfeit stuff as genuine merchandise. For instance, there have been buyers who receive knock-off versions of sports apparel and pirated software.

5. Shipping Surprise
Scammers who charge $20 for shipping a $5 book have victimized some unfortunate buyers. They often claim that the astronomical shipping cost was included in the fine print of the auction notice.

Safe Surfing
It pays to be cautious when it comes to spending money online. In any case, reputable sites such as eBay and Craigslist usually offer some type of insurance for deals gone wrong. But, they're not responsible for policing each and every transaction that happens on their sites.

To be on the safe side, do intensive research before you make a purchase. After all, despite the presence of criminal elements on the Web, there are still many online companies that give honest-to-goodness service and deliver products as promised.

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When it comes to working to get fit, sometimes all you need is common sense to help you attain your goal. Just eat the right food to energize your body and do some form of exercise regularly.

Fitness Frenzy
Even so, there are those who view getting in shape as a mentally and physically exhausting task. Relax. Fighting excess fat isn't as difficult as you think.

So, don't make yourself miserable by obsessively counting calories or hoarding fat-burning gadgets that guarantee overnight results. Likewise, hold off on buying the latest books about the fad diet of the moment. Save your money and strengthen your resolve to cut out the fat from your diet.

Fighting Simply
To show you how you can chuck fat painlessly, check out these three super simple ways to do it:

1. Keep it single. According to a study done at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, people who correctly identified standard portion sizes for certain foods, such as chicken nuggets and cheese, still ate 40 to 75 percent more than that amount. The sight of food was enough to make them forget their vow to get fit. So, resist the temptation to indulge by sticking to single servings or storing your leftovers right away.

2. Spray it on. Instead of pouring cooking oil into the pan, use a garden-variety spray bottle for your stir-fried dishes. Each spray releases about one-eight of a teaspoon of oil--compared to an average of two to three teaspoons when you pour it on.

3. Go for appetizers. Worried about falling off the fitness wagon when you're in a restaurant? Order two appetizers and skip the main course. "This strategy keeps portion sizes small but satiates you with a couple of different flavors," explains dietician Elisabetta Politi, nutrition director of Duke University's Diet and Fitness Center in Durham, North California.

Starting Point
As soon as you've made these easy moves a part of your fitness routine, you're ready to take on more physical challenges. Just remember to be patient. After all, you already have a good head start.

Credits: Photo by Petrr Kratochvil, courtesy of Public Domain Pictures.

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With a killer title like The Attractor Factor: 5 Easy Steps for Creating Wealth (or Anything Else) From the Inside Out, it's no wonder that Joe Vitale's book is already in its second printing.

I must admit, though, that I was very skeptical about the book. I had assumed that it would be like a "lecture" on paper. Thankfully, that was not the case. Right from the first page, it's evident that Vitale's can-do strategy is empowering without being patronizing.

I'm still in the early chapters, but I'm already buzzed about the "Aha!" moments I've had since I started reading the book. Here are seven of them:

1. You should enjoy life. Expecting a jargon-laden manual about how to get wealthy, I perused the first few pages of the book with much caution. But then, this passage caught my attention: "There is a rocky road through life, and then there's an escalator. Which do you prefer? Why not step up and enjoy the ride?" I was hooked by the analogy. Indeed, Vitale believes that having a zest for life is a great advantage for anyone.

2. Fearlessness is a virtue. "Boldness brings magic," declares Vitale, who dared to gamble on the e-book industry when it was still starting out. As a result of his venture, he earned even more money without spending a single cent. (In any case, it was a pleasant shock to learn that the man who convinced Vitale to take the e-book route is the same man whom I now call my boss.)

3. Good fortune doesn't just fall on your lap--you have to work for it. Aside from thinking positive, Vitale believes in going the extra mile to make the most out of the opportunities that come your way. Having experienced being broke and homeless, Vitale isn't just paying lip service when he shares tips on how to overcome financial adversity.

4. You shouldn't be afraid to dream big. Using cars as metaphors, Vitale emphasizes that it's not a crime to want better things as you go through different stages in your life. Starting out with a Saturn in his early years, Vitale now drives a BMW Z3 2.8 Roadster. "You truly can have anything you can imagine," he assures. But, he is likewise quick to point out: The book is not just about attracting cars.

5. It pays to give. I appreciate the fact that Vitale's book doesn't subscribe to the "rat race" mentality. In fact, he encourages people with money to do good. Vitale leads by example when he discloses that he's got a soft spot for people in need, such as a mother who needed money for her child's medical treatment. Yes, he handed her thousands of dollars--no questions asked. Vitale believes that wholehearted generosity helps a wealthy person remain down-to-earth.

6. Ask and you shall receive. If things don't go your way, don't just throw in the towel without putting up a fight. By this, Vitale means that it doesn't hurt to be hopeful. Thus, when confronted with airline tickets that were priced beyond his allotted budget, Vitale remained undaunted and, instead, called the airline company to ask if he could get a better deal. He got it.

7. Old drama should be left behind. No matter how bad your past may have been, you can't use it as an excuse for being stuck in the same self-destructive pattern for the rest of your life. As Vitale states, you have to rise above the things that hold you down.

Bottom line: The book is a guide to living the best version of your life. Yes, having money is good, but it's not the only way to quantify wealth. In this case, I consider myself already rich. And to think I haven't even finished the book yet. (But I'm turning the pages as fast as I can.)

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I've always been bothered by the saying, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." You see, I'm not an apple person. Thankfully, the apple's not the only fruit that can keep you healthy.

Here are five fruits that give the apple some serious competition for the Power Fruit title:

Cranberry. Known for preventing bacteria from taking over the urinary tract, the cranberry's antioxidant properties protect the heart by boosting levels of high-density lipoprotein or HDL ("good cholesterol") in your body. In a study conducted at the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania, participants who drank three eight-ounce glasses of cranberry juice daily increased their HDL by 10 percent after three months.

Strawberry. Strawberries contain phytonutrients--such as flavonoids, anthocyanidins and ellagic acid. They help in enhancing memory function and fighting off rheumatoid arthritis.

Orange. More than being packed with Vitamin C, oranges have been proven to be more than what they seem. In 2004, a study undertaken by the US Department of Agriculture and KGK Synergize, a Canadian nutraceutical company, revealed that orange peels have medicinal value. Orange peels contain polymethoxylated flavones or PMFs--compounds that serve as potent, natural alternatives for lowering low-density lipoprotein or LDL ("bad" cholesterol).

Banana. With their high potassium content (about 400 to 600 mg in each fruit, depending on the size), bananas are easily the favorite of athletes and gym rats. Potassium keeps the body hydrated by preventing sodium from overpowering your body. Thus, bananas help strengthen your muscles and nerves.

Peach. Rich in antioxidants, peaches can ease digestion. Plus, they can also help prevent kidney diseases and anemia. Moreover, their phosphorus content enables them to protect nerve cells.

So, go ahead and pick your favorite power fruit and make sure you get to have it on a regular basis. Doing so would probably count as one of the most basic moves of preventive health care.

As for me, I'm a banana fan--and not just because it's an "athlete's fruit." It's because, like most guys, I prefer a fruit that's easily brown-bagged and doesn't make a mess when eaten. Like I always say, I love keeping things simple--especially when it comes to eating right.

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As much as pundits have been predicting that ours will soon be a "paperless society," I don't think we could do without paper entirely.

Necessary Trail
I'm not just saying that because I want to romanticize snail mail and greeting cards. There are documents that you need to keep. The question is, "Which ones and how long?"

Guess what? It's not that complicated.

"While slogging through masses of paper, it's hard to shake the nagging feeling that you'll need something again. Chances are you won't," assures Money magazine's Cybele Weisser in "Take Charge."

In the same article, professional organizer Robin Blank, who runs Chaos Consulting in Boston, points out: "I'd say that 80 percent of the paper that goes into your home will never be looked at again."

Bottom line: Just hold on to the papers that matter. Don't let your paper trails grow into a monstrous pile that could easily take over your home and your life.

Anti-Clutter Guide
To identify which papers to keep, and for how long, use Weisser's guide:

One month: Credit card and ATM receipts (or until you get your monthly statement); receipts for small-ticket items as long as they can be returned (likely 30 days)

One year: Paid utility bills; monthly and quarterly bank, brokerage, and credit card statements; and paycheck stubs until you get your W-2

Seven years: Tax returns, receipts for major purchases, and year-end credit card, bank, and brokerage statements

Indefinitely: Medical records, receipts for home improvements, mortgage documents, current insurance policies, and warranties until they expire

Clean Slate
"Once you have a clean slate, [you just have to consistently minimize] the paper inflow into your life," adds Weisser. "Take your name off mailing lists. If possible, shift to electronic statements for your frequent-flier, brokerage, and fund accounts. You can often opt to receive bills via e-mail as well."

By taking these anti-waste measures, you're also doing the earth a lot of good.

Still, despite the benefits of minimizing paper, I have to admit that it's still a necessity for some very important things--such as birth certificates and, of course, really great books. I like sniffing book pages, thank you very much. I can't do that with an e-book, can I?

So, yes, I'm all for being paperless in the future--as long as old-fashioned books are still around.

Credits: Photo from Clutter Organizers

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Bargain iPod. If its price too good to be true, it's probably a knock-off. Many shoppers have been duped into buying fake iPods.

"Salespeople can eat up clueless customers," warns USA Today Edward C. Baig, in "How to Win in the Retail Maze."

Lesson Learned
I learned this the hard way a few years ago when I wandered into an electronics store without knowing what exactly I wanted. All I knew was I wanted a big TV. The result: I was bombarded with jargon by an overenthusiastic salesperson. Thankfully, I still managed to leave the store before I bought anything I didn't really want. To this day, I cringe whenever I remember that the salesperson was raving about a plasma TV that had all sorts of attachments I'm sure I didn't have the patience to figure out.

Shopping Loss
I was reminded of that incident because of my workmate's dilemma. She recently revealed that she bought an electric grill that's not delivering on its promise of churning out perfectly-cooked steaks in three minutes. "Write about it," she said.

Well, here I am doing just that.

Anyway, upon questioning her about the dubious purchase, I learned that she had broken just about every rule of smart shopping. She confessed: "I'm such a sucker for sales." As it turns out, she bought the said grill from a small electronics store that was going out of business. The grill's brand was practically unknown and it had no warranty. Worst of all, it had no return policy--not that it would make any difference. The store had already closed down.

Exit Signs
To make sure that you don't go through this kind of ordeal, Baig lists five shopping red flags you should look out for.

You can tell it's a bad deal when...

1. ...it's too good to be true. An item sold at a ridiculously low price should be examined closely. "Know the reason behind the rock-bottom price. It might not include all the parts, cables, batteries, and warranties you need," says Baig.

2. ...the salesperson overwhelms you with jargon. As Baig explains, "You might fall prey to a slick sales pitch and end up buying before you're ready."

3. ...the salesperson's one-and-only question is "How much money do you have?" and then he insists on dragging you to the "model that's right for you." In some stores, salespersons are given a commission if they sell a particular product. In the quest to make money, there are those who resort to "bullying" customers into buying a gadget--or two.

4. ...you ask the salesperson to show you one thing and he shows you something else.

5. ... you have no idea what will happen after the sale. Baig recommends that you ask the following questions before you make your purchase: "Is the store authorized to handle repairs? Can I find a human being to talk about any problems that may arise? What's the return policy?"

So, shop smart. Do your research before you wander into any store. Otherwise, your cluelessness will really cost you.

Credits: Image courtesy of www.ipodgear.com

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Life's a beach. You don't need experts to tell you that there should always be room for fun in life--and that you can get good advice in the most unlikely ways.

Sometimes the best pieces of advice come in the form of quips that go for the jugular. Best of all--since these no-nonsense statements were uttered by people you don't know personally--you can agree with them without letting anyone see you swallow your pride. Unsolicited advice has never been so wonderful.

That being said, I've written down some of my favorite guide-to-life quotes:

1. "If you want people to think well of you, do not speak well of yourself." Blaise Pascal

2."Speak when you are angry, and you will make the best speech you will ever regret." Ambrose Bierce

3."Never work before breakfast; [even] if you have to work before [it's time for] breakfast, get your breakfast first." Josh Billings

4."From a worldly point of view, there is no mistake so great as that of always being right." Samuel Butler

5."Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck."
The Dalai Lama

6."If you accept your limitations, you go beyond them." Brendan Behan

7."For fast-acting relief, try slowing down."
Lily Tomlin

Even if these wise words won't convince you to change your life, I hope that they at least help you appreciate looking at life from a different perspective.

Credits: Photo by Anna Cercova, courtesy of Public Domain Pictures.

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Time to Disconnect. If your laptop is the first thing you see in the morning and the last thing you see at night, 24/7. Then, it's time to rethink your work-centered routine.

Are you the kind of person who works on weekends and holidays even if you don't really need to? If you are, then it's time you chuck your nonstop, round-the-clock work schedule.

Though it's not easy for many workaholics to sit back and relax, these three simple moves should help ease you into a routine that makes room for you to "recharge" in every way:

1. Draw the line. Free your mind from work-related concerns as soon as you leave your office. "Your ability to do a good job at work depends on whether you have a personal life that refreshes and restores you," states social psychologist Jane Adams, author of Tradeoffs. As the saying goes, "All work and no play makes one a dull person." So, the moment you step into your home, resist the urge to turn on your computer or your laptop. The paperwork can wait.

2. Limit shop talk. If you see your workmates outside work, set some strict rules for your after-office conversations. You can spend, say, 15 minutes talking about the latest project you're working on. Use the rest of the off-work meet-up to get to know your workmates even better. Talk about your favorite TV shows or your pets.

3. Embrace all that's new. Douglas Rushkoff, author of Get Back in the Box: Innovation from Inside Out, states, "To lead a more fulfilling personal life, expand your exposure to people you don't work with." Otherwise, your life experiences will be confined to your workplace. Enrich your life by taking time to learn new things. Sign up for an online art course or music class, explore the scenic spots in your neighborhood, or try out the signature dish of a newly-opened restaurant.

Bottom line: You must always remember that you work to live. It's shouldn't be the other way around.

Credits: Photo by Petr Kratochvil, courtesy of Public Domain Pictures.

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Now and then, our body lets us know that we have to take it easy. If we've been overdoing it at work, it's sure to deliver its "Slow down!" message through pain. Thus, we mustn't ignore our aches. We should seek and get relief ASAP. If not, chances are the pain will intensify or worse, progress to complications that will require costly medical interventions later on.

Here are three common aches that you shouldn't just brush off--along with instant remedies you can easily follow:

Tense Arms
Pain Source: Cramped arm muscles
Fast Relief: If you're one of the millions of office workers who spend hours hunched over their keyboard, chances are your arm muscles get sore at the end of the day. New York Health & Racquet Club trainer Frankie Lyman advises: "Extend arms forward at chest level, rotating your right arm so that your fingers point left, palm facing out. Then, use left hand to bend back the fingers of your right hand. Hold for 10 seconds before you switch hands and repeat the move."
Vital Tips: You can prevent this pain from setting in. It's easy. You shouldn't let yourself be "frozen" in the hunched position for hours on end. Stretch your arms periodically--say, every two hours.

Troubled Tummy
Pain Source: Non-ulcer stomach pain
Fast Relief: With stress, irregular meals, and caffeine overdose as its most common trigger factors, stomach pain is easily relieved with antacids. If you've missed a meal, the pain usually goes away as soon as you eat something. Thus, if your work schedule is packed, make sure you have healthy food you can eat on the go like a tuna on wheat sandwich, a banana, or an apple. Take it easy on the caffeine as well.
Vital Tips: Experts say this sort of stomach pain is usually short-lived and preventable. In any case, you shouldn't let stomach pain progress to ulcer. No matter how busy you are, you should remember to eat when you're hungry. You should also learn how to de-stress even at the height of a crisis.

Throbbing Head
Pain Source: Tension headache
Fast Relief: Caused by fatigue, bad posture, hunger, or stress, tension headache usually goes away once you get what your body is missing--be it rest, food, or a breather from your hectic schedule. In the book Mayo Clinic on Headache: Managing the Pain and Reducing its Impact on Your Life, doctors from the famed medical institution recommend that you take OTC painkillers if you want near-instant pain relief. They likewise enumerate home remedies such as stress management through relaxing activities (like watching movies), having the correct posture, as well as eating healthy.
Vital Tips: Tension headaches could last anywhere from 30 minutes to a week! So, if you're having a tough day at work, take time out the moment you feel a headache building up. Get a cool drink or gently massage your temples. You can pop a pill if you want, but Mayo Clinic doctors caution, "Don't overuse painkillers." Studies show that long-term use of painkillers could lead to internal bleeding and ulcers.

Bottom line: As long as the pain you're feeling isn't a symptom of a more serious ailment, these do-it-yourself remedies ought to put you out of your misery. To be on the safe side, you simply have to heed this timeless advice: "If symptoms persist, consult your doctor."

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Always Priceless. Even credit card giant MasterCard points out that there are, indeed, some things that have no price tags.

I believed The Beatles when they sang about money not being able to buy love--or, for that matter, happiness. Little did I know that the wonderfully cheesy assertion crooned by The Fab Four would be backed by the findings of psychological research.

Cash and Cry
"Psychologists have spent decades studying the relation between wealth and happiness and they have generally concluded that wealth increases human happiness when it lifts people out of abject poverty and into the middle class but that it does little to increase happiness thereafter," states Harvard University psychologist Daniel Gilbert, author of Stumbling on Happiness.

The "math" behind this discontent is downright heartbreaking. Cornell University economist Robert Frank, author of The Economic Naturalist, explains: "We humans are highly adaptable animals, quickly adjusting our expectations to new realities. As living standards increase, most of us respond by raising our own standards."

The "More" Mentality
Jokingly calling it the "once they've seen Paris" effect, Frank goes on to say that our instinct to want more than what we already have transforms things that were once tagged as luxury items into necessities.

Case in point: the mobile phone. The device, once considered a luxury item, is now deemed a must-have. Plus, it's not just a phone anymore. More and more people have, in fact, become addicted to constantly replacing their still-reliable mobile phones for juiced-up units that have what-nots they don't really need. I've seen high school kids toting mobile phones designed for stockbrokers on Wall Street.

A Genuinely Rich Life
As Frank points out, "[It seems that] we're working harder than ever to buy stuff that satisfies us less and less." To help us ditch this dizzying cycle of discontent, he offers practical suggestions on how we can all "get happy" no matter how much money we spend or don't spend:

1. Buy personal quality time. Working yourself to death just to maintain a posh lifestyle simply doesn't make sense. Consider cutting back on your hours and living below your means. Downgrading your life may take some getting used to but, in the end, you'll be healthier and can smile for real more often.

2. Cash-in on contentment. According to Dr. Robert A. Emmons, author of the book Thanks!: How the Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier, people who kept "gratitude journals" loved their lives more than those who didn't regularly take stock of the things that they should be thankful for. The simple truth: Count your blessings instead of counting on more money to make you happy.

3. Pick your splurges. Just because you have disposable income, it doesn't mean you should spend your money like there's no tomorrow. "Splurge on the things that bring you lasting pleasure and skimp on the rest," advises Frank. An added tip: Though you're earning more, don't fall into the trap of upgrading your lifestyle just because everyone tells you to. Hey, Wal-Mart boss Jim Walton is worth billions but you don't see him riding in flashy sports cars.

In any case, I've always thought that being rich is a state of mind. Sure, there are people who can buy the stuff they want right away--but that doesn't mean that they're a happier bunch. They just happen to have more money. When it comes to happiness, one's net worth doesn't figure into the equation. If it does, that's probably the kind of happiness that's more of a curse than a blessing.

Simply put: No money is worth giving up the life you deserve.

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I've been thinking about some grown-up stuff lately. High up on my list is my desire for a permanent address.

Here and There
You see, in a span of 10 years, I've lived in five places in two states. My family, who has lived on the same street since the 1970s, sees this as a sign that I haven't grown up yet. My mother--a Brooklyn native--also complains about having to update her address book for the nth time.

So, with my finances now relatively stable, I started looking around the neighborhood. It's been ten months now and I haven't found anything I liked and could afford. The ones I could afford didn't look promising and the ones I did had price tags that made me lightheaded.

Buy or Rent?
Then again, is owning a home always the best thing?

To get an objective answer, I sought out an expert who would remind me of my mother but wouldn't be as bossy as she is. (Sorry, mom.) Finance columnist Laura Rowley, author of Money & Happiness: A Guide to Living the Good Life, fit the bill. Reading her book, I found her simple-yet-spot on financial advice very helpful.

Solid Reasons
Rowley lists five excellent reasons that would make tenants everywhere feel good about their decision to hold off on being homeowners. According to Rowley, it's best to keep renting if...

1. ...your rent is at least 35 percent less than what it would cost you each month to own, including mortgage, property taxes, utilities, and such.

2. ....you don't have the time, money, or desire to attend to problematic plumbing, erratic electrical wiring, and other domestic glitches.

3. ...your total debt (mortgage, credit card payments, student loans) is more than 40 percent of your gross income. For instance, if you earn $80,000 a year, your annual debt payments shouldn't exceed $32,000.

4. ...you plan to relocate within four years. In most cases, real estate prices don't rise fast enough to cover the costs of buying and then quickly selling. Once you add up all of the attorney's charges and other transaction fees, it's an expensive process.

5. ...you're not excited about either the home or the neighborhood you can afford.

These are very good points to keep in mind when you feel that your desire to put down roots may cloud your judgement. They sure convinced me to wait it out until I find a place that I would love calling my own for a lifetime. As Rowley says, "Happiness trumps housing."

Credits: Photo by Donna McNeely, courtesy of Public Domain Pictures.

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Like most people, I've always thought that geniuses are born--not made. But guess what? That may not necessarily be the case.

In "Cross-Training Your Brain to Maintain Its Strength," Washington Post columnist Leslie Walker writes, "Brain fitness programs and games--such as Suduko, crosswords, and even selected electronic games--can improve your brain's speed and memory."

Worried that you won't have time for such a brainy exercise? Relax. As Walker reveals, you'll benefit more by doing these games a little bit every day. Experts recommend that you set aside at least 15 minutes each day to tickle your gray matter.

To start off this habit, try answering the puzzlers below. (No peeking at the answers, please!) These mind-empowering puzzlers are from Dr. Abbie F. Salny, former supervisory psychologist for Mensa in the US and co-author of The Mensa Think Smart Book.

Ready? Your 15 minutes start now...

1. Only one other word can be made from all the letters in the word "directions." Can you figure out what it is?

2. Stu made some snacks. To share the snacks with Sue and Shelley, he divided the snacks into three parts. Then he, Sue, and Shelly ate half of their snacks. Shelly proceeded to eat one fourth of what was left of her snacks. Sue ate three fourths of what she had left. Stu ate one eighth of his. Sue had two snacks left. How many snacks did Stu make in the first place?

3. Billy and Bob--twin brothers who are their parents' only children--went to visit their mother's only sister in law's only son's only daughter. What is her relationship to the twins?

How did you do in the quiz?

I'm afraid I didn't ace it. In fact, I barely got two right. I spent most of the 15 minutes wondering how on earth Stu could let Sue out-eat him. Go figure. Stories--even if they come as part of a Math problem--always get my attention. I guess this means my brain needs to go to boot camp.

Answers: (1) The word is "discretion." (2) The answer is 48. Sue had two left, which was one quarter, so she had eight. That was half of her original total of 16. Sixteen times three equals 48. (3) She is their cousin's daughter, so she is their second cousin.

Credits: Photo by Oren Jack Turner, Princeton, N.J., courtesy of the US Library of Congress.

Posted by Bean Jones at 6:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (11) | TrackBacks (0)

Americans are suckers for sweets.

I myself have a weakness for Snickers bars, holding the Jones family record of eating seven bars in 30 minutes. (My brothers dared me to do it.) But that was way back when I was 13 and didn't know any better. Even now when I do know better, I still have a weakness for Snickers. Then again, I'm not the only guy with a sweet tooth.

Sugar Rush
The United States Department of Agriculture released a report which reveals that the calorie content of the food products available in the market have increased their percentage of added sugars by 17 percent. This rate of increase is the average range incurred from 1970 to 2006.

According to the findings highlighted in "Sugar Shock," a special feature done by the Parents magazine staff, "basic healthy-sounding foods are being loaded with many more grams of sugar than what a normal person would suspect, especially in America."

Thus, many of us may believe that we're munching on "relatively healthy foods," when, in reality, several grams of sugar have been added to supposedly enhance the flavor of food items such as bread, biscuits, powdered drinks, juices, and other packaged food products.

Scary Stats
The Parents magazine article goes on to reveal: "Based on an average 2,000-calorie diet, the recommendation is not to consume more than 40 grams of sugar per day."

That adds up to about 32 pounds of sugar per year. However, the latest research shows that the average 30-something adult consumes about 46 pounds of sugar a year. The fact that children consume 49 pounds of sugar each year is even more alarming.

With these numbers, it's not surprising that as many as 64.5 percent of adults in the US--aged 20 years and older--are overweight and 30.5 percent are obese. Those who belong to this group risk developing diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, which, in turn, increase the risk of heart disease.

Sneaky Substitute
Still, instead of drastically minimizing their sugar consumption, most people opt to literally have their cake and eat it, too. So, they go for artificially sweetened food and drinks. Unfortunately, this isn't such a wise move.

A 2005 study published in the International Journal of Obesity shows that artificial sweeteners, like those used in diet sodas, mess up the body's ability to monitor a person's calorie intake. Specifically, they seem to somehow trick your body into thinking that other sweets are also calorie-free. As a result, your system isn't able to send a "Ditch the sugar!" signal and you end up wolfing down more sugary treats.

Control Center
If you have self-control, you don't have to give up Coke Light entirely. Just try to limit your diet soda intake to no more than one can a day. The same restriction applies to other artificially sweetened stuff.

But if you want to lessen your sugar intake significantly, keep in mind that the best thirst-quencher is water. Make that non-flavored water. Likewise, when you want a treat or need food to energize you, savor small portions of authentic fare like your favorite cake, ice cream, or chocolate bar. Better yet, you can stick to fruits to soothe your sweet tooth.

As for me, my Snickers-munching record is now a distant memory. I crave a sugar rush every now and then--but I stick to one Snickers bar. It's hard but I figure it's a small sacrifice to make in the name of good health.

Posted by Bean Jones at 6:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (14) | TrackBacks (0)

Special Days. The Fourth of July is more than just about barbecues and fireworks. By commemorating this important day, we honor our identity as a people. That's why we all go out to have fun on this historic holiday. You ought to do the same for your personal red-letter days. Fireworks on your birthday? Why not?

With all the stress we experience from our hectic schedules, we often forget to take time out. It's downright baffling that many of us feel guilty when we take a break or splurge on a much-needed treat.

You don't need to take a trip to an exotic location like the Caribbean or spend oodles of cash to make yourself feel good. Just check out these simple yet uplifting moves and pick one that will give you that happy buzz:

1. Throw a party. Don't let your red-letter days just pass by uneventfully. "Honoring life accomplishments is essential," says Dr. Patricia L. Gerbarg, assistant professor of psychiatry at New York Medical College in Valhalla and co-author of The Rhodiola Revolution: Transform Your Health with the Herbal Breakthrough of the 21st Century. Marking our milestones help us reexamine how far we have come as people. As Gerbarg explains, "You're learning from the past and using your energy to move forward with hope. So, celebrate a personal landmark, whatever it is, with activities that define who you are." Having a great week at work is reason enough for you to invite your friends for a laid-back dinner at your place.

2. Stay positive. Too many bad days will take their toll on you. According to Dr. Pier Massimo Forni, a professor at Johns Hopkins University and author of Choosing Civility: The Twenty-Five Rules of Considerate Conduct, negative emotions cause your body to release a sudden onrush of stress hormones. Now, if you're always throwing fits and having meltdowns, your heart will suffer from a great deal of strain. "Over time, this response could hurt the cardiovascular system, as well as weaken immunity," says Forni.

3. Choose good friends. Various studies featured in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community, show that people with a close circle of friends could outlive those who claim to be contented with "strong family ties." Experts theorize that this happens because you experience more emotional stress with your relatives, whom you're bound to be with whether you like them or not. When it comes to your friends, it's likely that you enjoy their company more because you got to pick them. After all, you wouldn't be friends with them if you didn't genuinely like them in the first place. Make sure to surround yourself with friends who empower you and urge you to be the best that you can be.

4. Take leaps of faith. Playing it safe is good--but it may keep you from doing something great or prevent you from getting the best things that life has to offer. In fact, a study published in Psychological Science shows that risk-takers don't let the outcome of their ventures affect them. Whether or not they got what they wanted or missed it completely is immaterial. The fact that they had the guts to go for their dream goals is more than enough. So, from time to time, take a chance on things that may help you win big--be it in your career or in your personal life.

5. Get wet. Cooped up indoors for far too long? Maybe you should hang out near a wet spot. "The air around bodies of water is full of energy-enhancing ions that help bring oxygen to the brain," says Dr. Pierce J. Howard, author of The Owner's Manual for the Brain. If the beach is a long way off and there's no pool near you, just open the bathroom window and get into the shower. This "wet session" helps energize and soothe your brain, which, in turn, leads to having clarity and a more positive view on things.

These five feel-good things should help all of us remember that we have every right to make ourselves feel great. After all, it's not a crime to treat yourself well.

Credits: Photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Scott Taylor, courtesy of the US Navy.

Posted by Bean Jones at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBacks (0)

Past Perfect. Missing the fuss-free versions of your favorite applications? Go to OldVersion.com to get back to the basics.

I'm a big Instant Messenger (IM) fan. You name it, I've tried it. Then again, I'm not exactly the kind of guy who goes nuts over all the latest versions of these killer applications. Why? It's because many of the much publicized versions of my favorite IMs just muddle up everything with added plug-ins that I don't even need.

Plug-In Purgatory
Why do I hate these plug-ins? For starters, most of them delay the launch of an IM. Case in point: The latest version of my all-time favorite Yahoo! Messenger (YM) serves up a suite of multimedia add-ons that just waste a lot of time. I get frustrated over the fact that I have to deal with a whole bunch of wachamacallits before I can even see if the person I want to contact is online. Hey, I don't want to fumble as I try to "collapse" a music plug-in when I'm in a hurry to, say, join an online conference.

I wonder what drives all these developers to load IMs with these superfluous plug-ins. Is it a case of paranoid overcompensation? Is the race to come up The One True IM really that competitive?

I think these IM developers have to realize that not all of us want to have plug-ins that we don't need. A good number of us IM fans are pretty happy when things are kept simple. That's not to say we don't appreciate upgrades of our beloved applications. It's just that we don't see the point of all these add-ons if they prevent us from transmitting messages in the fastest way possible. After all, isn't that what IMs are for?

Blasts from the Past
So, the other night, when I was so frustrated with my YM, I turned nostalgic and went to Google with the hope of chancing upon its older--and brilliantly simple--version.

Guess what?

I hit the jackpot when I stumbled upon OldVersion.com, a site which I like to call the mother lode of past programs. It's tagline had me chuckling: "Because newer is not always better."

I was hooked when I saw that the site offers old versions of all sorts of applications. I was ecstatic when I saw that, indeed, it had the old reliable, fuss-free versions of YM...and then some.

I quickly uninstalled the latest YM from my computer and downloaded the YM from a couple years back.

Simple Solution
So, if you're the kind of person who also likes to keep your chosen IM (or whatever other application you love) simple, I'd definitely recommend that you visit OldVersion.com. Because, in my opinion, any application that gives the user what he needs is the killer version--even if it happens to be old.

In any case, I've also come realize that the only thing that would beat having the old version of YM would be if my boss suddenly thinks of coming up with a nifty Simpleology Messenger. Now, that would make a geek like me very happy.

So sue me. I like it nice and simple. That's precisely why I love working here.

Posted by Bean Jones at 3:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBacks (0)

As we continue the build up to ...

The Simpleology Great Teachers Series: Joe Sugarman and Ted Nicholas Teach Direct Response Copywriting

... I want to share with you yet another story about the power of the written word.

Ted is well known for inventing simple "magic words" that are sort of like little "keys" that unlock wealth.

One of them was used to sell over 3,000,000 copies of his self-published books.

Now, if you think for a moment that you could never be an author yourself - think again. In fact, there are a great many "speed writing" tactics you can learn that can turn you into an author in less than a week.

It sounds outlandish, but it makes perfect sense once you learn these speed-hacks. (I have a full course on these tactics that is free when you download the Simpleology Bestseller Blueprint.)

Anyway, I just wanted to make clear to you that whether you think so or not - this tactic applies to you.

So, what are the magic words?

Local author.

You're going to laugh, this is so simple.

See, what most people don't realize is that the media is just as hungry for good stories as you are for the free publicity a story about you gives.

Now back up for a second ...

Think about that. A story about you or your company is far more powerful advertising than a full page ad in your local paper. An expose about you on your local news program is far more powerful than a 60 second ad spot on TV.

How much does the advertising cost?

Yikes - far more than I'd ever want to spend on advertising.

How much does the story cost?

$0

What's amazing is that local news outlets (news, talk shows, magazines, newspapers, blogs ...) want your story.

Every day, reporters and editors wake up with a problem: they need good stories.

"Local boy/girl makes good" is one of the classic story formulas you'll see in the news over and over again.

Why?

Well, no one really knows for sure. We can theorize about it all day, but what matters is that it works. Or, for our purposes, what matters is that editors believe it works and that puts them on the look out for these stories.

So, if you come to local media outlets with your own "local boy/girl makes good story" - for example, a story about a local who just wrote a book - you're presenting an in-demand product (you) to a "thirsty crowd" (the media).

Now, as it is with most all profoundly powerful yet simple ideas, most people will fail to act on this.

You, knowing that Ted used it to sell 3,000,000 self-published books, will not have this problem.

Stay tuned ... There's more about Joe Sugarman and Ted Nicholas to come.

Up next: how Joe Sugarman outsold a computer store's annual sales in one day with one ad.

Posted by Mark Joyner at 8:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (12) | TrackBacks (0)

My dad always told me that it's not wise to do anything when you're seeing red. "You're going to regret it," he said.

I remember the first time I heard him say it. I was about seven and I had just gotten into a fight with a friend for some reason or another. I had declared to everyone that I was going to "erase" my friend from my life--starting with telling everyone in our "gang" to stay away from him. (Yeah, I was a pretty dramatic kid.) Hearing about my nefarious plans, my dad took me aside and lectured me about controlling my temper. "Don't do anything you'll be sorry about, son," he told me.

With that said, I've come up with a list of the top three things that people must never do when they're mad as hell:

1. Don't go shopping. Just as there are people who overeat when they're peeved, there are those who overspend when they're mad at the world. According to a research done at the University of Pittsburgh, angry people may be less apt to compare prices and won't think twice about buying big-ticket items like sports car or a giant plasma TV. So, stay away from the mall and resist the urge to click through online shopping sites when you're having a bad day.

2. Don't speak. Saying something harsh during a heated moment is a mistake that many people make. But if biting your tongue is too painful, you can express yourself without doing any damage. "Jotting down bad feelings can help you get out of a huff," explains Dr. Darlene Mininni, author of The Emotional Toolkit. Pour out your bad feelings on paper or on your computer. When you're done, review what you've written and explore your feelings. If you opt to save what you've written, make sure that the page or file containing your rant is hidden from prying eyes. Tip: If you're venting on Microsoft Word file, click Tools then choose Options. Then, click on Security to create a password that'll protect your private thoughts.

3. Don't go anywhere near food. For a number of people, bingeing is their way of "managing their anger." Then again, you're not really in the clear even if you don't nibble during stressful situations. According to a study published in the Journal of Applied Social Psychology, you may still wind up overeating once the pressure is off. Thus, when you feel that you're already overloaded with stress, you should let off some steam at the gym. Or you can go for a brisk walk around the neighborhood--just as long as you don't take a side trip to a restaurant or fast food outlet.

Hopefully, more and more people will keep these no-nos in mind. If they do, there's no doubt that the world will be a much better place. We should all realize that anything done in anger is bound to be a disaster.

Posted by Bean Jones at 9:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBacks (0)

I used to take an all-or-nothing approach to fitness. If I couldn't go out on a run for two hours straight then I wouldn't go running at all. Well, due to my own fault, I have not been able to run for about three days. That's probably why I've been feeling crabby again.

Happy Moves
According to a study done by the Uniformed Services Society in Bethesda, Maryland, people who exercise regularly and then halt their workouts "experience symptoms of depression within a week." Deprived of their regular fix of feel-good endorphins, which are released when the body undergoes vigorous activity, the sidelined exercisers begin to entertain pessimistic views and lose their temper quickly.

Then again, a bad mood isn't the only side effect of an interrupted fitness regimen. For active folks, there's an amnesty period after exercise when the body suppresses its fat production. Unfortunately, this amnesty period doesn't last forever.

Limited Time
A study from the University of Missouri at Columbia reveals that taking only two days off from your routine can cue your body to start packing on fat. "Blame the body's survival instincts," says study co-author Dr. Frank Booth. Indeed, the human body is consistent in implementing fat storage--its default defense mechanism.

"When you're active on a regular basis, you're continuously breaking down fat," explains Booth. The body, which interprets strenuous physical activity as a "threat" to your fat reserves, gets on the fat replenishment groove to keep you from getting too lean. To check if your body fat percentage is within a healthy range, the American Council on Exercise offers a detailed explanation, as well as the formula for the calculation of body fat percentage.

Forever Fit
A person who has stayed in shape through consistent exercise has to be more vigilant--as the body continues its fat storage operations even when you take a break from your killer workout. In fact, the effort it exerts to store fat is done with the same intensity. Unfortunately, since you're "on a break" and not doing your killer workout, the fat that it holds on to doesn't get burned off. It just goes to your tummy and other body parts.

Thus, Booth advises that fit folks on R&R should still do at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. Even spurts of activity that are not as intense as your regular workouts--such as walking through the mall, doing house chores, walking your dog, and dancing--help keep your body on track.

This is precisely why being fit shouldn't be an all-or-nothing routine--it has to be part of your lifestyle. Because if you treat being fit as just a "trendy phase," then you'll keep on packing fat all throughout your life.

Credits: Photo of Eddie (a heroic military dog) by Spc. Daniel Bearl, courtesy of the United States Army

Posted by Bean Jones at 3:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

My erratic time management strategy has given way to an out-of-whack body clock for the nth time. For the past couple of days, I've slept late and have started writing at lunch time. This schedule didn't work out as great as I had hoped--and now I know exactly why. I've been running on the wrong schedule.

"The difference between a job well done and job not done could hinge on the time of day you tackle it," says Dr. Timothy Monk, editor of Sleep, Sleepiness, and Performance and director of the University of Pittsburgh's Human Chronobiology Research Program, which studies body rhythms.

To help people like me get back on the productivity track, Monk and his team of researchers have come up with an hour-by-hour guide that'll help us get more things done throughout the day. Check it out and see if you can work on this clock:

7 a.m. to 8 a.m. Get out of the house and go for a brisk walk around the neighborhood. Those friendly early-morning rays help set your internal clock and the light exercise stimulates the release of those feel-good endorphins. The result: You'll get your mind revved-up for work without relying on caffeine.

8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Your brain is most receptive to intellectual stimulation at this time. If possible, tune in to the news or read it online during this time of the day. You'll be more likely to retain the information that comes your way since your brain is still fresh and uncluttered.

10 a.m. to 11 a.m. The region of the brain that's linked to reasoning registers peak performance at around this time. So, write a report, draft a proposal, review notes, and talk shop with your co-workers. This is also the ideal time for brainstorming sessions.

11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Experts estimate that you're bound to be hyperalert at this time. Thus, this could be the perfect time to call for a meeting. Plus, your vocal chords, which have rested overnight, are still running on full power at this point. Schedule your telephone conferences or online meetings.

1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Your blood pressure and adrenaline levels drop after lunch. Fight off post-lunch drowsiness by popping a piece of mint gum. Its refreshing scent and the act of chewing will help give you your second wind. If that doesn't do it for you, get up and walk around your building for 10 to fifteen minutes. Use this as an opportunity to get to know the people from other departments. Aside from giving you the stimulation you need, your unexpected "tour" will do wonders for office relations.

2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Still feeling sluggish? Save the tasks that you can do on "autopilot" for this part of your day. This is the perfect time to return routine calls, write standard hi-and-how-are-you e-mails, or submit mini-updates to your boss or team. You could also opt to have a quick chat with a friend at the office or over the phone. Interacting with others will give your brain the energy boost it needs.

4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Studies suggest that this is a good time to do detail-oriented tasks such as balancing budgets, confirming reservations, as well as editing and proofreading drafts. Oddly enough, we become more meticulous at around quitting time.

With a schedule crafted by body clock experts, you're sure to have a very productive workday. How can you go wrong? Then again, I'm hoping Monk and company can also draw up an hourly guide for those who work on the night shift such as health workers and law enforcers. They, too, need to know how they can keep their energy up during their work hours.

Credits: Photo by Keith Weller, courtesy of the United States Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service

Posted by Bean Jones at 4:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (16) | TrackBacks (0)

Extremely Gadget-Crazy. Canadian comic Rick Mercer presents a spoof of a BlackBerry ad, where he pokes fun at users who have become way too attached to their gadget.

Technology has made our lives easier--but most of us are paying the price for the convenience it brings.

Without realizing it, many people have become overly-attached or totally dependent on their gadgets. For instance, I have a friend who takes his BlackBerry with him to the bathroom. Then there's my sister who hyperventilates when her building's Wi-Fi connection glitches out. And, of course, there's me. I have to admit that my day doesn't feel right when I haven't spent some time bonding with my machine. Plus, I get antsy when I don't have my mobile phone in my pocket.

So, am I addicted to my gadgets? Life coach Judith Wright, author of The Soft Addiction Solution, enumerates the top three signs of gadget addiction and gives tips on how you can start kicking your gadget-crazy habit:

1. Virtual Reality Attachment
Gadget-Crazy Symptom: You text pals more than you talk to them.
Simple Cure: For every ten to twenty messages, arrange a "real-life" encounter with your family and friends. Unless they're living out of town or overseas, you have to make an effort to bond with your loved ones.

2. Security Blanket Syndrome
Gadget-Crazy Symptom: You feel jittery when your tech tool of choice isn't within touching distance at all times. You carry it around like a security blanket.
Simple Cure: Designate specific places in your home as no-gadget zones. (My picks: the bathroom, the dining table, and the bedroom.) Surely, your heart won't stop beating if your gadget isn't in the shower with you.

3. Secret SMS Freak-Out
Gadget-Crazy Symptom: You stealthily type text messages on your cellphone while you're in a meeting, out to dinner, or at the movies.
Simple Cure: Unless you're expecting a really important call or message, you have to turn off your gadget and totally focus on what you're doing. Tell everyone that you can only be reached via your cellphone at certain hours.

Wright emphasizes that while these nifty mini-machines were built to speed up things for us, we shouldn't let them take over our lives. Bottom line: Yes, we need them--but we can live without them.

Posted by Bean Jones at 7:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

Junk it. There's no sense in holding on to a sock you'll never wear again or stuff you never use anyway.

I'm a pack rat and I just recently decided that it was time to kick my addiction to keeping all sorts of junk. You see, I have held on to stuff I no longer really need like a Rubik's Cube and some socks that have lost their mates because I always thought that they'd be useful someday.

Well, I've accepted the fact that the "someday" I've been thinking about is never going to come. So, it's high time for me to simplify my life by taking the junk out of my apartment.

As Phoenix-based organizational pro Donna Smallin, author of The One-Minute Organizer: Plain & Simple, states: "The challenge is to divest yourself of what you don't need and overcome your urge to keep things "just in case." You may not realize it, but your addiction to junk is costing you--financially and emotionally. After all, you have to dust, label, move, store, as well as sort through them."

Plus, clutter causes you to waste a lot of time looking for things you need--such as your keys. To help you deal with your junk situation, check out Smallin's simple tips on de-cluttering:

1. Fight the paper trail. Sort through and throw away unwanted mail and papers the day you receive them. Better yet, take your unwanted paper to a recycling center.

2. Try not to buy. Rent or borrow books, CDs, and tools rather than buying them. Avoid impulse purchases. You don't want to end up with a collection of gadgets you don't use such as, say, a talking keychain.

3. Make room for one. For every item you're given or you purchase, you need to discard or give away something else to make space for it.

4. Time your "clearing" sessions. Spend five to 15 minutes each day to clear up areas such as your closet and keep at it for several days until it's all nice and spiffy. For big jobs, such as garages, attics, and storage rooms, dedicate an entire weekend and ask a friend or two to help you.

5. Box it up. Segregate your clutter into four boxes: for storage, for giving away or selling, for keeping, and for throwing away. Then, follow through. Don't let the boxes just sit in your living room for ages.

It seems easy, right? Then again, there are pack rats who experience separation anxiety when they have to part with their beloved junk. But we must all take that first step towards simplifying our lives.

"Learn to let go," advises Smallin. "You need to set limits on what you bring to your home. It should be your sanctuary. When it's cluttered, it's overwhelming. Plus, you can't find anything. [When you're free from clutter], you'll feel less stressed. You'll feel in control and clear-headed. You simplify your life when you de-clutter."

And, for starters, you'll actually be able to find your keys.

Credits: Photo of socks by Scott Bauer, courtesy of the United States Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service

Posted by Bean Jones at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (9) | TrackBacks (0)

Laughter is the best speech improvement tool? If experts have it right, even funny clips such as this one are enough to enhance your verbal skills. Take a few minutes to view this wonderfully hilarious Youtube video wherein an amateur crooner sings her own version of a Mariah Carey song. See if it turns you into a verbal vituoso. If it works, imagine what a full-length funny movie could do!

If you're feeling jittery over a very important job interview or office meeting, you can make sure that you're sharp enough to cut through the killer questions by watching a horror movie. Then, move on to a laugh-a-minute flick to make sure that you'll say all the right things.

Sound bogus? I thought so, too. But now I stand corrected.

Mental Mood
As it turns out, movies featuring bogeymen and films that make you laugh are probably just as effective as a pep talk from your friends. They help get your brain in the mood for challenges.

Moods, in turn, help regulate specific tasks performed by the lateral prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain that is critical to reasoning and intelligence. "The brain is organized to process emotions along with logic," explains Dr. Richard Restak, a neuropsychiatrist and author of The Secret Life of the Brain.

Thus, it follows that the kind of mood you're in has a direct impact on your mental aptitude.

Reel Study
Restak's assertion is supported by a study done at Washington University in St. Louis.

"It's not simply that emotion 'hijacks' cognition. Emotions can either enhance or impair cognitive function. To understand how a particular emotion influences performance, you have to take into account the type of task in question," says Dr. Jeremy Gray, a co-author of the study.

Indeed, the study's results suggest that emotional states such as enjoyment and anticipation affect tasks done by the left prefrontal cortex. These tasks involve the processing of verbal cues and the regulation of positive emotions. Thus, if this part of the brain is activated then you're able to quickly and efficiently respond to any verbal inquiries. Ideally, you should also be able to digest all the concepts being presented to you.

On the other hand, negative emotions, including fear and anxiety, enhance tasks processed by the right prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for the retrieval of episodic memories of events which you consider significant like dates and details about the people you know.

In order to create situations that would put the subjects in the proper frame of mind for the study, Gray and his team asked them to view a gamut of video clips--from feel-good to anxiety-inducing ones. The subjects were then asked to do specific cognitive tasks while their brain activity was monitored through magnetic resonance imaging or MRI.

Real Life
Gray and company were surprised to find that subjects who viewed a clip from the horror flick Halloween scored 25 percent better on tests of face recognition--which is regulated by the brain's right hemisphere--than those who watched comedies. Viewing comedies, however, led to a 25 percent improvement in verbal performance.

Nevertheless, Restak advises that people must practice "mental hygiene." "Don't pay too much attention to your feelings," he says, "Don't let it get in the way of your performance."

That makes sense, right? After all, we can't just skip job interviews or ditch meetings when we don't feel like it. If anything, that should be our cue that it's time to scream over some fake bogeymen and laugh at onscreen clowns. As a popular Hollywood catchphrase goes: "The show must go on."

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Money talk often makes us uncomfortable. However, there are times when you can't avoid questions about your finances--like when your adorable but nosy aunt or uncle corners you near the punch bowl and conducts a "pricey probe" on you.

Finance columnist Laura Rowley, author of Money & Happiness, lists down the top three money questions you'd rather not hear and gives advice on how you can deal with them without looking cheap.

Check out her tactful retorts to three nosy money queries:

1. "How much do you make?"
"If someone is being nosy, a polite 'I do well enough' is fine," says Rowley. Unless you're obliged to reveal it in a job interview, you should just keep your current salary to yourself. However, you can disclose the amount to a trusted friend who isn't working in the same office. After all, comparing salaries is a way to ensure that you're getting what you're worth or that you're at par with the industry standard. To be safe, just give a range, not an exact figure.

2. "How much did you pay for your house or apartment?"
As Rowley explains, discussing housing prices with a real estate professional or others who are on the lookout for property is more a matter of comparison than snooping. Besides, the price is often public. "Anywhere else it may be considered intrusive," she says. Thus, if it's your cousin pestering you for your house's price tag, just say, "I bought it at the right time."

3. "What's your ATM PIN?"
The answer to this one is pretty obvious, but a lot of people still make bad decisions when it comes to keeping their personal identification number (PIN) a secret. For instance, many of us just unwittingly blurt out our PINs when we're out with friends--not caring that strangers could be eavesdropping. Then again, a 2005 Javelin Strategy & Research study found that most identity theft is perpetrated by people that the victim knows. If someone else must get cash for you, change your PIN afterward. When it comes to money, it pays to panic.

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Though I'm lucky that my boss and my workmates forgive my near-meltdown outbursts, I realize that having a short fuse just hinders my productivity and doesn't do much for my health. As a gag gift for my birthday last June, the whole office gave me Bullies, Tyrants, and Impossible People: How to Beat Them Without Joining Them by Ronald M. Shapiro, Mark A. Jankowski, and James Dale.

The book contains many specific get-your-goat segments, most of which we all encounter at some point. Here are three heated everyday scenarios--along with the cool moves you can use to put out the fire:

1. Rumor Mill Entrapment
Tick-Off Point: You find out that someone has been spreading rumors about you.
Major Don't: If you lash out, you'll risk exacerbating the gossip because people will then mistakenly use your outburst as "circumstantial evidence."
Keep-Your-Cool Response: Plan a civil confrontation with the person concerned. Say, "I've been told that you have been speaking against me. I'd love to know why." This way, you take control of the situation and make it clear to the person that you know what he's up to. Whether he owns up to it or denies it completely doesn't matter, you just have to show him that you can't be provoked by nasty, underhanded tactics.

2. Mediocrity Madness
Tick-Off Point: You have to deal with someone who's not too efficient--whether at work or in other dealings in service-oriented establishments like the laundry shop, the bank, or the plumber.
Major Don't: Don't lay the blame on the person concerned (even if you could). It'll just make him defensive.
Keep-Your-Cool Response: People often resort to passive-aggressive moves when they're backed into a corner. Resist the urge to play the blame game and offer him solutions you can both consider. Say, "I noticed that you have a hard time giving me a definite deadline for the project. May I suggest that it be on September 30, 2008? If that's not a realistic date for you, please list down three dates that would be agreeable for you and perhaps we can agree on one of them." By giving the inefficient person choices, you help him save face and feel as if he has autonomy, which may ease his resentment.

3. Musical Debate
Tick-Off Point: You share a cubicle with someone who cranks up the volume of his music.
Major Don't: Turning up the volume when you play your own music selection will only set off a hostile real-life "musical."
Keep-Your-Cool Response: Go over to him and ask, "Do you have to play your music that loud?" By initiating a conversation, you can get to know the real reason for his "audio assault" and not just get mad over the assumption that it was purposely done to ruin your day. Hopefully, your cool demeanor will make him turn down the music and (maybe occasionally) appreciate the sound of silence.

Thanks to Shapiro, Jankowski, and Dale, I now have cool statements ready even when my fuse overloads. After all, anger shouldn't be used as the default bargaining tool. Outbursts of epic proportions don't lead to productive resolutions. They just make things worse.

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Worth the Weight. Actor Keith Gregory documents the progress of his bid to get fit with weigh-ins on Youtube. It worked for him, but it may not necessarily work for all of us.

In the battle of the bulge and the fight to get fit, there are two opposing factions. See which side has an argument that holds more weight for you. (Pun intended.)

The No-to-the-Scale Crowd
Battle Cry: "Weigh everyday? No way!"

Main Beef: They consider the weighing scale an enemy who'll just derail them from their fitness regimen because it will just "mess with their minds."

Fitness Strategy: "Weight loss success isn't measured solely on the scale--it's also about changing your [attitude about food by making healthier choices]. You'll [feel that you] have improved when there isn't a mental battle over eating a slice of cake. That's a real victory," says Dr. Susan Albers, a diet and fitness coach and author of Eating Mindfully.

Scale Substitutes: People who shun the scale recommend that you use a tape measure or your favorite "ideal-size" clothes once a month in order to check your progress.

The Yes-to-the-Scale Pack
Battle Cry: "Weigh everyday? Let's get it on!"

Main Beef: They consider the weighing scale as an effective fitness ally--as it constantly reminds them how they're doing.

Fitness Strategy: "Research shows that people who get on the scale everyday lose more weight than those who do so less often. Don't put it off until next week because you ate too much or skipped exercise. Your weight will fluctuate. An increase of two or three pounds in a week is natural and it should come back down in a few days. If it doesn't, or you gain more, you may need to reevaluate your diet," states Dr. John Foreyt, author of Change One: The Diet and Fitness Plan: Lose Weight Simply, Safely, and Forever.

Scale Success: People who swear by the scale believe that if you want to manage your weight effectively, you have to know exactly how much you weigh.

As for me, I'm going with the No-to-the-Scale Crowd. Since I get freaked out by weighing scale numbers, I choose not to hop on the contraption--especially now that I'm still working on getting back in shape. Instead of focusing on weight loss, I'm focusing on getting fit so that I'd have the energy I need for the whole day. Bottom line: I guess we all have to choose what works for us. After all, one man's winning fitness move could be another man's undoing.

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My "brother from another mother" Joel Comm has written a really clever new book called "Click Here to Order" telling the stories of many Internet entrepreneurs.

If you have followed any of the home-spun "Internet Marketing Gurus" over the last 10 years, you'll find this a fascinating read. It tells some of the "stories behind the stories" and is quite revealing.

You'll also learn quite a bit about marketing and business, so go grab a copy!

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Just like the miniature pancakes served at my favorite neighborhood diner, I'm a big fan of easy-to-digest bits of information on how to eat healthy. Here are five of the tastiest tips I've learned:

1. Mind your meat. Can't live without cold cuts, sausages, canned corned beef, and other processed meats? Well, you may have to take it easy on them. According to the American Association for Cancer Research, fans of processed meat increase their risk for pancreatic cancer by 67 percent.

2. Spice it up. A study done by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine reveals that chili peppers contain a compound called capsaicin, which has the ability to battle tumor cell growth.

3. Just go Mediterranean. Feasting on Mediterranean cuisine--which focuses on fruit, vegetables, legumes, grains, fish, and olive oil--won't make you live forever but it'll sure contribute to longevity. A study published in the British Medical Journal points out that people who adhered to this eating plan had significantly lower susceptibility to heart-related ailments.

4. Gorge on greens. If you're intensifying your workouts or training for a marathon, munch on at least four or five servings of broccoli and leafy greens each day. Runners who participated in the study conducted at the University of Newcastle in Australia state that they couldn't meet their projected distances in their best time when they cut down on their "green habit."

5. Choose good carbs. Not all carbohydrates are bad. Johanna Burani, author of Good Carbs, Bad Carbs: Lose Weight and Enjoy Optimum Health and Vitality by Eating the Right Carbs, advises that if you're watching what you eat, stick with healthy carbs that come from whole grains. The carbohydrates that are found in vegetables and fruits are also great.

Now, who says eating wisely is complicated?

Just remember that it's easy to commit to chewing on the right stuff, as long as your mind has already told your taste buds to quit hankering for junk food.

Credits: Photo by Scott Bauer, courtesy of the United States Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service.

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Let it all out. This postcard is one of the many collected via PostSecret, an ongoing blog-based community art project where people mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a postcard. There are now several PostSecret books out on the shelves. This phenomenon would make psychologists everywhere very happy--as they believe keeping secrets is a tough mental chore.

I've always been proud of the fact that my friends consider me as a guy who can keep secrets. But after reading psychologist Dr. David Wenger's White Bears and Other Unwanted Things, I've decided to retire from the secret-keeping business.

Mind Control
Wenger, who has outlined the science of keeping secrets, declares that doing so just upsets your mental processes.

He begins by explaining that the mind uses two processes to help control thought. There's the intentional operating process or the "operator" and the ironic monitoring process or the "monitor."

The operator functions on a conscious level, helping us grasp concepts and strengthening our mental grip on our beliefs. The monitor, on the other hand, serves as the checks-and-balances center, making sure that we stay consistent by weeding out factors that contradict or hinder our mental resolve.

Managing "Closet Skeletons"
To give you an idea how it works, let us examine how the operator and monitor deal with a secret:

Say, you're on a high fiber diet and you go into a restaurant knowing that you should only order high-fiber food. As you read the menu, the operator tells you to focus on the salad selections.

Simultaneously, the monitor stops you from looking at the photo of the buttered chicken and tells you that it's not the right choice.

The operator and the monitor work the same way when we want to avoid thinking of something.

For instance, your friend confides, "I let people think I'm a vegetarian but I snack on steak late at night. Don't tell anyone what I told you." Since your immediate response would be to avoid thinking of the secret you're made to keep, your operator begins to prompt you to look for "distracters," such as TV shows, songs, work, and just about anything that would keep your mind off the secret.

Meanwhile, the monitor complicates things as it actively sifts through all the information that your brain gets, looking for any hints of the secret so that it could tell you to put your guard up.

Unfortunately, this mechanism only makes you think of the secret even more.

Endless Agony
Thus, you begin to have thoughts that are secret-centered such as, "I'm not talking to X because he knows Y and he might want to ask if Y told me a secret" or "I don't want to watch the documentary about vegetarians because I might commit a Freudian slip about Y's secret."

And so on. You'll be on this treadmill of secret torment day after day.

Secret-keeping involves work and effort. Naturally, it takes its toll on your body. According to Dr. Norman Anderson, co-author of Emotional Longevity, people who keep secrets usually "vacillate between being agitated and irritable," get tension headaches, develop vague body aches, and have nightmares.

False Rewards
Thus, Wenger observes that lying would be a less stressful undertaking: "On the face of it, it might appear that maintaining a running fabrication would be harder than carrying a secret. But, psychologically speaking, just the opposite is true. With lying, the lie serves as an effective distracter for the concealed truth."

Further analyzing why lying is less of a chore, Wenger lists down three reasons:

1. It's part of an alternate universe. The fabricated story allows one to construct a reality that takes the mind into a world where the secret doesn't exist.

2. It's a "game." While the secret keeper paints himself into a corner by not being able to create distracters at will, liars sometimes dare to make a game out of fibbing. They're often curious how tall their tales can grow before being found out.

3. It's practically worry-free. Liars relieve tension regularly each time they create a new story or add yet another fake detail as distractions.

In the end though, the truth always has a way of coming out. Besides, the longer you keep a "cat" in the bag, the more you run the risk of being mauled by a "tiger" when things beyond your control eventually destroy the said bag. Bottom line: Let out that "cat" while it's still in the meowing stage.

For me, the truth is still your best bet--no matter how terrible it may be.

Credits: Image of postcard courtesy of Amazon.com.

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