Sensei Fun and Knowledge

Hybrid Luxury Cars

2012-06-07T20:54:00.000-07:00

Image Gallery: Hybrid Cars

With more hybrids on the road, there's a better chance someone's going to dream up a fancy version and actually sell it.

Much of the attention paid to hybrid carsis due to the need to cut back on excess. As gas prices fluctuate, concern overpeak oil grows and experts debate the role humans and automobiles play inglobal warming, the push for better fuel economy has forced many car companies to adapt accordingly.

So with a depressed economy, people holding back on new car purchases and drivers cutting back on commuting in general in order to save gas money, you'd think it wouldn't be the right time to try to sell a hybrid car with a six-figure list price, right?

Oops, you'd be wrong. As more and more automakers test out hybrid technologies and the market for fuel-efficient vehicles expands, a small but plush corner of the industry is emerging -- the luxury hybrid car.

5: Lexus GS 450h

As far as luxury hybrids go, Lexus seems to own this specific niche. The company offers three very different luxury hybrid vehicles, each with its own look, feel and function. Starting at $56,550, our list begins with the Lexus GS 450h, one of the very first luxury hybrids offered by Lexus to discerning drivers.

The GS 450h has a V-6 gas-electric powertrain that produces 340 horsepowerand accelerates from zero to 60 miles per hour (96.6 kilometers per hour) in 5.2 seconds. As far as fuel efficiency goes, the 450h isn't too impressive when stacked up against some of the other, more affordable models -- it gets about 22 miles per gallon (9.4 kilometers per liter) in the city and 25 miles per gallon (10.6 kilometers per liter) on the highway -- but it still performs better than most luxury sedans with conventional gasoline engines, which typically average between 15 and 20 miles per gallon (6.4 and 8.5 kilometers per liter).

Standard features for the GS 450h include dual climate controls and a power tilt-and-slide moonroof; there are also special options that owners can pay extra for, such as a voice-activated DVD navigation system and XM satellite radio compatibility, among others.

4: Mercedes S400

For the company's S-Class series, its line of luxury sedans, Mercedes-Benz has decided to jump on the hybrid bandwagon and add its own fuel-efficient vehicle to the fleet. The automaker's first-ever hybrid production vehicle is the Mercedes S400, which will make its debut in 2010.

The gas-electric powertrain produces 295 horsepower and reaches an estimated 29 miles per gallon (12.3 kilometers per liter), which is a 30-percent increase over the similar S550 model. Notably, the S400 will be the world's first car in mass production to use a lithium-ion battery, which many auto experts claim is the next step in battery technology.

There's no price listed yet for the Mercedes S400, but if other S-Class vehicles with conventional gasoline engines go for at least $89,350, you can expect the hybrid's price to be even higher.

3: Cadillac Escalade Hybrid

Because most engineers keep hybrid designs smaller and more aerodynamic in order to reduce weight and reduce air resistance, you don't see too many full-sized hybrids out on the road. One of the few, however, also happens to be a luxury hybrid: the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid.

At the heart of the Escalade Hybrid is a 332-horsepower, gas-electric, V-8 powertrain. Escalade models with rear-wheel-drive can get about 20 miles per gallon (8.5 kilometers per liter) in the city and 21 miles per gallon (8.9 kilometers per liter) on the highway; not much at all compared to most hybrids, but maybe not too bad considering that this beast can tow up to 5,800 pounds (2,631 kilograms).

With a price tag that starts at $73,135, owners of an Escalade Hybrid get all kinds of flashy standard features, including 22-inch (55.9-centimeter) rims, climate control, heated and cooled seats and OnStar assistance.

2: Lexus LS 600h L

If you thought the previous Lexus luxury hybrid was expensive at $56,550, just wait until you see the price tag for its automotive cousin. The Lexus LS 600h L, one of the most expensive hybrid cars on the market, will set you back $106,035 at the very least.

The Lexus LS has a 5.0-liter, 438-horsepower, V-8 gas-electric powertrain that can go from zero to 60 miles per hour (96.6 kilometers per hour) in 5.5 seconds and gets an average of 22 miles per gallon (9.4 kilometers per liter) in the city and 20 miles per gallon (8.5 kilometers per liter) on the highway. On top of being more expensive, the LS is a bit larger than the GS and has a lot more standard features, too. In fact, selecting just the base model will get you LED headlights, heated and cooled seats, a rear-view camera system for parking assistance and keyless ignition. More expensive options include a Pre-Collision System (PCS) and chrome-finished alloy wheels.

1: Fisker Karma

One of the more anticipated hybrid arrivals, one that's also considered to be a rival to the electric cars produced byTesla Motors (which also happen to be fairly luxurious and expensive), is theFisker Karma, a luxury plug-in hybrid.

The vehicle's original price was thought to be $80,000, but after its reveal at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Mich., the price rose to an even more luxurious $87,900. The luxurious insides of the Karma might speak for the high price; however, the powertrain system has not one, but two electric motors coupled with a 265-horsepower GM Ecotec turbocharged four-cylinder engine. With a combined total of 408 horsepower, the Karma can go from zero to 60 miles per hour (96.6 kilometers per hour) in 5.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 125 miles per hour (201.2 kilometers per hour). So, what's the part that might make the Karma worth its high price in the long run? Fisker expects it to get more than 100 miles per gallon (42.5 kilometers per liter) on the road.

One of the most recognized Hybrids on the road, the Toyota Prius is designed for fuel efficiency and ultra low emissions

The Toyota Prius uses Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive technology. The next hybrid is known as the Kluger outside of North America

The Toyota Highlander is available as a hybrid model which gets about 21-mpg EPA city and 31-mpg EPA highway.

The Lexus GS 450h was one of the first luxury hybrids available to the public. Lexus has added another model to their hybrid line-up.

Luxurious, roomy, comfortable, and fuel efficient perfectly describe the Lexus RX400h. The next hybrid car is from another Japanese automaker.

The Honda Civic Hybrid looks just like a regular Civic, but has better fuel efficiency and lower emissions

The Ford Escape was the first hybrid sport utility vehicle on the market

Holy hybrid/electric car, Batman! Is a 330-mpg car really possible? The Aptera is quite capable

Hybrid cars usually have a front engine and rear battery pack. The battery packs are used to store energy that is lost through braking and decelerating

The Ford Edge hybrid is a plug-in hybrid that is capable of achieving 41-mpg

Funny Food

2012-06-07T20:36:00.001-07:00

I do what I want

2012-06-07T20:27:00.002-07:00

Guaranteed Weight Loss Tips

2012-06-07T20:09:00.001-07:00

With fad diets and fitness routines round every corner, it is quite difficult to keep a tab on which weight loss tips really do work and which don't. Should you join that bhangra aerobics class, adopt that no-carb diet, or eat dinner at 6pm? Never mind all that loophole-ridden weight loss jargon, step over to the healthy side. Here are 10 tips for guaranteed weight loss that will set your weight straight, and help you adopt some really healthy, weight-friendly habits for life.

Weight Loss Tip 1: Decide how much weight you need to lose - Most people start their weight loss journey by claiming to be xyz kilos overweight. This isn't a healthy way to project or aim for weight loss. Calculate your desired weight against your height by using reliable methods like the BMI, and set a healthy weight loss target. This is often half the battle won.

Weight Loss Tip 2: Time management - This is quite often overlooked. Decide which part of your day will be dedicated to exercise, when in the week you will stock up on groceries, and when you will do the cooking - all within your current work and home life routine. If you don't do this now, your days will be rushed and unplanned, and you won't be able to sustain your weight loss efforts.

Weight Loss Tip 3: Stock your kitchen - Keep your house well-stocked with fruits, vegetables, healthy meats, grains, cereals, spices, and flavourers. Follow our tricks to healthy cooking, cooking vegetables for the week, and low-fat cooking posts to understand how best you can stock your kitchen with healthy and delicious ingredients. All of this will go into helping the next step - cooking healthy meals at home.

Weight Loss Tip 4: Eat healthy homecooked meals - Whether it's you who's cooking, a family member, or house help, ensure that every one practises healthy cooking methods, and ingredients. Ask any person who's lost weight the healthy way, and you will always hear about how healthy homecooked meals were a big reason behind it. Use less oil, low salt, fresh produce, and you'll start seeing results in no time.

Weight Loss Tip 5: Start a cardio + weights workout - A healthy weight loss programme is incomplete without a good exercise routine, and weight training mixed with cardio is the best way to lose weight. Of course, variations and forms exist, but any workout that stresses on muscle tone and increased heart rate will always help you lose weight and keep it off. You can either start a home workout today, or rely on gyms for fitness training.

Weight Loss Tip 6: Alter your snacking habits - At Health Me Up, we have several healthy snacking ideas for you. Set those French fries aside, skip that aerated drink, and ban those unhealthy deep fried samosas. Explore the healthy snack world and you will find several appetisers, party snacks, movie snacks and meal accompaniments that'll satisfy every craving of yours.

Weight Loss Tip 7: Have at least one active hobby - It isn't sufficient to rely on just 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity per day. Moving from bed to office chair, and back to bed, isn't a healthy way to live. Buy a motion sensor gaming console that lets you enjoy social games with friends and family, plan weekend trips, clean your house once a week, dance, play sports, the list is endless. Get out of the coffee shop and dining table rut, and you'll have fun along with the healthy weight loss.

Weight Loss Tip 8: Find a solution to combat stress - As we pointed out in our post about stress and weight loss, stress is always detrimental to healthy weight loss in the long run. Find ways to combat stress and you'll soon realise that your diet and exercise aren't sabotaged anymore, and that you truly do see results. Look at yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simple hobbies like reading to fight stress.

Weight Loss Tip 9: Drink plenty of water - You've known that your body relies heavily on water for all important bodily functions, and yet you skimp on drinking adequate quantities of water every day. Well, it's time to stop that. Check out some exciting ways to make water interesting and you'll be packing it away in no time. Do not forget to carry a water bottle to your workout, and take a few sips after every 2-3 minutes of exercise.

Weight Loss Tip 10: Plan healthy vacations - Why go all the way with healthy weight loss, when one tiny vacation will just come along and topple it all? Healthy vacations aren't impossible. Take a look at how you can eat smart on a holiday, and then at bodyweight workouts that you can carry with you wherever you go, to understand how to holiday right. Above all, remember that these are lifelong habits that'll help you stay fit forever and not short term weight loss quickfixes.

Five Tips for Your First Job

2012-06-06T20:14:00.001-07:00

1. Don't "fake it until you make it."

Many new workers try to appear more knowledgeable than they really are. They don't ask questions. They think they need to have answers to be valuable to their organizations, and they can't admit to a lack of experience or understanding. They compensate for their lack of confidence with overconfidence. But here's the secret: They're not fooling anyone! No one expects you to know everything in your first job, and you learn and grow faster when you seek real understanding, ask questions, and petition for help. Rather than faking it, make it by acknowledging the skills and experience of your colleagues at work and using your first job or internship as a learning experience.

2. Never eat lunch alone.

One of the best things about a new job is the incredible learning experience it provides. Every single person you'll work with in your new position — from the receptionist to the CEO — can teach you something valuable, and each of them can be a friend and mentor in your career. Many of the happiest and most successful people I know constantly ask questions and seek guidance from everyone around them, and research even shows that people with stronger social networks live longer. Your office is full of intelligent, thoughtful, and experienced people. Get to know them. Treat them with respect. Ask them questions. Learn from them. And have fun in the process.

3. Set boundaries to prevent burnout.

Most jobs are never fully done. In school, your tests, homework assignments, and group projects have defined due dates. Parents and teachers will help you balance your life, and you have frequent, built-in breaks to help you recharge. But a job is different. It will be hard to do perfectly (or even well!). You'll be anxious to over-perform, and many bosses are all too happy to have their new employees work long hours if they want to. There's something to be said for putting in extra effort. But you also need to learn, early on, to set personal boundaries that allow you to maintain balance and avoid burnout. Burnout can make you less productive at work, and certainly makes you less happy. And in the absence of a caring community looking out for your well-being, you'll need to take ownership of your boundaries. Map out your lifestyle goals ahead of time. Build short breaks from work into your schedule, and learn early to seek balance in your work and life.

4. Serve your colleagues and customers.

A common view of Millennials is that they are entitled and narcissistic. And a common mistake young people make is to competitively climb their career ladders rather than humbly seeking to serve their colleagues and customers. But if you want to earn the respect of those around you and defy your generation's stereotypes, the best thing you can do is bring an attitude of service to your job. Proactively seek out ways to help your colleagues. Think ahead for new ways to please customers. Jim Collins has written about how the greatest leaders often combine humility and fierce resolve. And humbly serving — staying focused on others — can be a great way to develop leadership and amass the support of your coworkers.

5. Work hard and show up on time.

It's been well-documented by Malcolm Gladwell and others that hard work can be at least as important as talent to professional success. The 10,000 hour rule, for example, maintains that to truly master a skill, a person must put in 10,000 hours of deliberate practice. And nothing signals seriousness to your employer like promptness, perseverance, and dedication. Over the long run, diligence will earn you the respect of your colleagues, and hard work will give you the mastery and self-discipline to succeed in the future. The basics are simple, but easy to forget: Work hard and show up on time.

funny Dog texts

2012-06-06T18:39:00.000-07:00

Meet Aparna, Mumbai's teenage sex educator

2012-06-06T08:46:00.001-07:00

Aparna teaches a class of teenage girls in Malad, Mumbai, Maharashtra

Aparna is member of a nongovernmental organization called Kranti, meaning "revolution," which strives to give young women rescued from prostitution access to education and new opportunities. She was teaching the class as part of a partnership with an organization called Project Crayons, which runs a shelter for girls in Mumbai's Malad neighborhood.

The girls at the shelter are unaccustomed to such candid conversations about subjects generally considered taboo in their communities. "We are all girls, so we should know about this because in the future we might be pregnant at some point," said Haseena Sayyed, 16, who attended the sex education workshop. "Earlier, we used to think that when we get our periods, the blood that is there is dirty. But when you're pregnant, that blood goes to your child, so it is not dirty; it is useful."

The daughter of a sex worker, Aparna grew up in Kolkata. Her mother, Malti, was married when she was 9 and was beaten by her husband. When she ran away and returned to her hometown in the Sundarbans, her aunt took her to Kolkata under the pretense of sending her to school. There, Malti was sold into sex work for 10,000 rupees ($180 at current exchange rates) when she was 12 years old. When she initially refused to be a prostitute, the brothel owner stuffed chili powder in her genitals to force her into submission, says Aparna.

Eventually, Malti became a sex worker and moved with Aparna, who was born when Malti was 14 years old, to Kamathipura, Mumbai's oldest red-light district.

Aparna remembers sharing a house with eight families in Kamathipura. She never worked in the sex trade, but she had very limited access to education and health services and became anemic due to malnutrition. Allowed to drink alcohol at a very young age, she became an alcoholic.

Growing up in red-light districts, Aparna says she was distressed by the way doctors routinely mistreated sex workers because of the stigma against their profession. Her mother, diagnosed with uterine cysts, was unable to get treatment for them because of the bias against sex workers. Aparna remembers a niece being refused treatment by a doctor who said he didn't want to bother with such poor people.

When sex workers like Aparna's mother would become pregnant, the "doctors would treat them so badly," Aparna recalls. "They would yell at them, and even slap them sometimes. They would say things like "You go and pick up anyone's child and come to me with your stomach swollen. When you were doing it, you enjoyed yourself and now what happened?"

These encounters made Aparna want to become a gynecologist. Even when she was younger, she would share with her friends and peers whatever sexual health-related information she could find.

"I want to work with gynecology to cater to sex workers because I know the issues they faced," says Aparna, her face set in a determined expression. "If I became a doctor, I could give whatever information the mothers need when they are pregnant. There would be someone to talk to them nicely when they are in pain."

In July 2011, Aparna joined Kranti, where she attended school and received counseling and support. In an environment that encouraged open discussions and curiosity, she also learned about various social issues and was trained to teach sex education classes.

The organization was founded in 2009 by Trina Talukdar and Robin Chaurasiya with the aim of rehabilitating young girls from the red-light districts and bringing out their maximum potential. At any given time, Kranti has about 10 girls under its care. The group's work has earned it awards from the Unreasonable Institute Fellowship, Youth Action Net, Opportunity Collaboration and Ashoka's Youth Social Venture.

"We believe that these girls have the power to become tomorrow's change makers because they understand better than anyone the ills plaguing society today," says Ms. Talukdar. "They haven't just read about the issues; they have experienced them firsthand."

In the time that she has spent at Kranti, Aparna has stopped drinking, improved her English, gained confidence and branched out into a number of extracurricular activities. She just completed grade 11, and is working toward her dream of becoming a gynecologist. This year she will enter the 12th grade and is planning to take the entrance examinations for medical school.

She also represented Maharashtra state in the Youth Parliament, an advisory group to the state government, where participants recently discussed whether sex education should be introduced in Indian schools.

"I used to think that my whole world is within the four walls of my room, of the house," says Aparna. "Now I see that there is a big, big world beyond that where many things are possible for me."

While the story of Aparna's childhood is heartbreaking, it is by no means a rarity in India. India's Department of Women & Children estimated in 2009 that 3 million women are trafficked through India every year - 40 percent of whom are minors.

"Sex trafficking has been increasing in India year upon year, as the tourist influx increases," says Ms. Talukdar. The increase "is also an indicator that the current methods of rehabilitation are not effective in the long term."

Activists and academics engaged with the problem are of the opinion that the government needs to take a bigger role in sex worker rehabilitation. "The cases of sex trafficking are on the rise as more people in villages are forced into sex work," said Ranjana Kumari, director at the Centre for Social Research in New Delhi. "The problem is that the scale of the problem is huge. State governments need to invest in rehabilitation; they cannot be dependent on a few NGO's doing a very good job."

While the Ministry of Human Resource Development has a program called "Swadhar'' for "women in difficult circumstances," which include those who have been trafficked, experts are skeptical about Swadhar's effectiveness. There are no official statistics on the number of women Swadhar has helped.

Ms. Kumari said that because there is no clear data or research done on the magnitude of the problem, estimates on sex trafficking in India are just wild guesses. However, the government is now working on a reporting and surveillance system that will span from the district to the national level.

In the meantime, the hope that organizations like Kranti bring to these girls' lives is promising. In her spare time Aparna enjoys watching movies, particularly action and horror movies, but she doesn't have an appetite for love stories. She takes swimming classes, loves dancing and enjoys taking part in protests for social causes. And until recently, she was learning karate.
"What I really want is that girls become powerful and aren't scared of anyone," says Aparna. "They should think in their minds that 'I will go ahead and progress and no one can hold me back."

Hilarious Workplace Notes

2012-06-06T08:34:00.002-07:00

10 ways to fight Office lethargy

2012-06-06T08:24:00.000-07:00

Every single Monday has most of us wishing for more hours in bed. While some of us are merely sad to see the weekend go, there are some others who genuinely have trouble with sleep and energy levels - leaving them lethargic for most of their work days. Many of them might be suffering from Hypersomnia and genuinely feel the need to sleep every few hours due to poor sleeping habits, which ultimately affect work hours and overall performance levels. Here are top 10 ways to fight office lethargy and how you can learn to keep sleepiness at bay

Be friendly with your coffee machine, but don't get too close. Caffeine stimulates the heart and respiratory systems. But don't be too friendly. Limit your coffee consumption to just two cups a day. Make sure that for every coffee you drink when you are feeling sleepy, you drink two full glasses of water, to help your system replenish what the caffeine takes out.

Eat breakfast to keep hunger pangs at bay. Office life can wreck your diet decisions if you are are not careful. One of the most common reasons behind our urge to overeat at work is the lack of an adequate breakfast. Skipping breakfast leads to an erratic lifestyle pattern. It's the most important meal of the day, and we end up neglecting it. A good healthy breakfast ensures that you have enough energy supplies, keeping sleepiness at bay.

Try office yoga! Reversed Shoulder Rotation and Thoracic Wave- Inhale as you move your shoulders in an upward and backward direction. Exhale as you move them in a downward and frontward direction. Take deep breaths and keep your neck and spine comfortably straight. Perform 8-10 rotations on each side. Konasana - Stand straight with legs wide apart. Now bend forward from your waist. Try and touch the ground with the tips of your fingers, if possible place both your hands on the ground while standing. Your upper body should be in a straight line. Look ahead by about 3 inches. Perform konasana for 10-30 seconds and breathe normally throughout the asana.

Give it a break: Understand that you are not a superhero. And to add to it, it may do your eyes a whole lot of good too. Stroll around your office corridor once in a while and meet your friends in order to beat office lethargy. Don't go all out and start partying bang in the middle of a work day, but walk up to any colleagues you need to chat with, get your own bottle of water, and give yourself a break from the desk at regular intervals. Your atrophying leg muscles will thank you for it.

Leave the technology out of your bedroom at night. While most are addicted to televisions, music docks and laptops in their bedrooms, keeping so many distractions strewn around your night's sleep space can be detrimental. Why? Because your mind won't be at ease. Constant whirring, flicking, ticking sounds will keep your mind alert and that's not a good recipe for a good snooze.

De-stress: Stress is one of the main reasons that make the limited time that we have for sleeping less productive. Before sleeping try and do something soothing such as reading, talking to your spouse or close friend, taking a long bath or anything that takes your mind away from what's bothering you. It is not that hard after all. A good night's sleep is a sure shot way to ensure you are full of vigour and energy all day long, even when you at work.

Avoid white foods at night: By white foods we mean foods which are white in colour such as white pasta, white sugar, white rice. They are all high in glycemic index, thus leading to a rise in blood sugar levels, lethargy and laziness. Try and eat sweet potatoes and brown rice at night in order to load up on complex carbs and dietary fibre that'll ensure that you wake up feeling energetic and light.

Try meditation: This really works. People who meditate, do it in the morning, but meditating for half an hour before bed is also a good idea. This will give you a sound sleeping time and will help you in waking up all fresh and happy in the morning. Studies have suggested that people who sleep a deep 6 to 8 hours of sleep are less likely to feel sleepy in the afternoon.

Visit a sleep specialist: If nothing seems to work, then we advise you to see a sleep specialist as you might just be suffering from sleep apnea or narcolepsy. According to experts, untreated sleep and undiagnosed sleep disorders are main reasons why most workers are always sleepy in the office. A sleep specialist will diagnose and prescribe medication for any condition that you might be suffering from.

Respect your limits: In the end, when nothing works and you feel dog tired, then try and respect it! Walk during your lunch break. For instance, you can take a stroll till the end of the road after you are done eating. And if nothing helps, then it is about time you keep your head down for 10 minutes and take a power nap - this will surely energize you!

The Worst Shoes for Your Feet

2012-06-05T18:34:00.000-07:00

Culprit: Ultra-High Heels

"Heels are getting higher and higher," says Hillary Brenner, DPM. "We podiatrists like to call it shoe-icide." Brenner, a spokeswoman for the American Podiatric Medical Association, says ultra-high heels can lead to everything from ankle sprains to chronic pain. Let's take a closer look at the heights, styles, and woes of today's footwear.

Problem: Pump Bump

Whether they're sky-high or mid-heel, this style is notorious for causing a painful knot on the back of the heel. The rigid material presses on a bony deformity some women have called a "pump bump." The pressure leads to blisters, swelling, bursitis, even pain in the Achilles tendon. Ice, orthotics, and heel pads may provide pain relief …along with better shoes. The bony protrusion is permanent.

Problem: Unnatural Foot Position

Ultra-high heels force the feet into a position that puts stress on the ball of the foot. At this critical joint, the long metatarsal bones meet the pea-shaped sesamoid bones, and the toe bones (phalanges). Too much pressure can inflame these bones or the nerves that surround them. Chronic stress to the foot bones can even lead to hairline fractures.''

Solution: Go Low

Switching to lower heels will help you avoid problems with the metatarsal bones. The lower you go, the more natural your foot position will be. Brenner recommends choosing heels that are no more than 2 inches high -- and even those should be worn in moderation.

Problem: Ankle Sprains

All high heels boost the risk of an ankle sprain. The most common problem is a lateral sprain, which happens when you roll onto the outside of your foot. This stretches the ankle ligaments beyond their normal length. A severe sprain may tear the ligaments. A sprained ankle should be immobilized and may need physical therapy to heal properly. The risk of developing osteoarthritis rises with a severe sprain or fracture of the ankle.

Culprit: Stilettos

Although all high heels can cause problems, the ultra narrow heels of stilettos are particularly risky. "The weight is pinpointed on one area," Brenner tells WebMD. "That makes you wobble like you're walking on stilts." The result is that you're more likely to trip and sprain your ankle.

Solution: Chunky Heels

A chunky heel has more surface area and distributes your weight more evenly. This makes the feet much more stable when compared to stilettos or spindle heels. Although thick high heels can still put stress on the ball of your foot, they may reduce the tripping hazard by minimizing your wobble.

Culprit: Ballet Flats

Brenner compares these dainty shoes to walking on cardboard. "There's no arch support whatsoever," she tells WebMD. That keeps the feet from functioning optimally and can lead to knee, hip, and back problems. Poor arch support is also associated with a painful foot condition called plantar fasciitis.

Culprit: Flip-Flops

Flip-flops offer very little protection. The risk of getting splinters or other foot injuries is higher when the feet are so exposed. People with diabetes should not wear flip-flops, because simple cuts and scrapes can lead to serious complications. In addition, many flip-flops provide no arch support. Like ballet flats, they can aggravate plantar fasciitis and cause problems with the knees, hips, or back.

Problem: Plantar Fasciitis

A band of tissue called the plantar fascia runs along the bottom of the foot. It pulls on the heel when you walk -- and it works best with the proper arch in your foot. Walking barefoot, or in flimsy shoes without sufficient arch support, can overstretch, tear, or inflame the plantar fascia. This common condition can cause intense heel pain, and resting the feet only provides temporary relief.

etter: 'Fitted' Flops

Sporty, fitted sandals and other "toning shoes" are designed for a more intense workout while walking. The American Council on Exercise says there's no evidence to support that claim, but they may have other benefits. The thick sole keeps your foot off the ground and away from debris. And Brenner points out, "they do have really good arch support." Several have a seal of approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association.

Culprit: Platform Shoes

Platform shoes and wedges tend to have rigid foot beds. "That throws off the biomechanics of walking," Brenner says. "Your foot is trying to bend a certain way, but the shoe is fighting you because it's so rigid." If the heel of the platform is much higher than the toe area, the shoe also puts pressure on the metatarsal bones.

Culprit: Pointy Toes

They might be stylish, but shoes with pointy toes squeeze the entire front of your foot together. After time, this can cause nerve pain, bunions, blisters, and hammertoes. Some women even develop bruises under their toenails from the constant pressure.

Problem: Bunions

A bunion is a painful lump at the base of the big toe, which may cause the toe to bend unnaturally. It forms when the tissue or bone at the base joint gets displaced. This may happen after years of abnormal pressure and movement. Pointy-toed shoes are a common factor, which explains the prevalence of bunions among women.

Problem: Toe Deformities

High heeled shoes push too much body weight toward the toes and then squeeze them together. Over time, the result can be hammertoe (early stage, lower right), abnormal bends in the toe joints that can gradually become rigid. Surgery is sometimes needed to relieve the pain of severe hammertoe. Crowding can cause other toe deformities, along with continuous shoe friction, leading to painful corns and calluses.

Solution: Wide Toe Box

You can avoid the pointy toe perils by selecting boxier shoes. If that style doesn't appeal to you, look for shoes that slope to a point beyond the edge of your toes. A healthy style won't pinch the tips or sides of your toes. Brenner also suggests choosing a softer material, rather than stiff leather.

Culprit: Celebrity Trendsetters

Lady Gaga is known for her eccentric style, but you may want to think twice before stepping into the heel-less shoes she favors. The 12-inch mega-heels seen in her "Bad Romance" video are equally risky. As we've seen, putting so much stress on the ball of your foot can cause bone and nerve damage and pain.

Solution: Performance Pumps

Many women are unwilling to trade style for comfort, but you may not have to choose between the two. Performance pumps offer a sound compromise, taking both fashion and your health into consideration. They are typically made with reinforced heels, athletic shoe construction, and more wiggle room for your toes.

Culprit: Wrong Size Shoes

Nine out of 10 women are wearing shoes that are too small. The consequences aren't pretty – calluses, blisters, bunions, corns, and other problems. The constant rubbing can irritate the joints in the foot and lead to arthritis. Research suggests many kids are also wearing the wrong shoe size, which puts them at risk for foot deformities as they grow.

Words Most People Have Trouble Spelling

2012-06-05T17:11:00.001-07:00

Here are 15 words you already know but probably don't always spell correctly, along with handy hints for getting them right every time.

A lot. That's right, it's two words.
A while. Again, two words.
Believe. This one follows the old "I before E except after C" rule.
Congratulations. It's easier to remember to use a "t" (instead of a "d") if you just say "Congrats!"
Embarrass. The word is long enough for two sets of double letters ("rr" and "ss").
Fiery. The "e" from "fire" hides inside when things get hot.
Grateful. There's no "great" in "grateful."
Its. Like "his," "hers" and "ours," this possessive doesn't have an apostrophe.
It's. If you mean to say "it is," use an apostrophe to join the two words together.
Lose. Lose the extra "o."
Misspell. Mis + spell.
Principal. The head of the school is your pal.
Receipt. The "except" part of the "I before E except after C" rule.
Separate. The two "e"s are separated by two "a"s.
Weird. Remember that "I before E except after C" rule? This word breaks it.

What Not to Wear to the Office

2012-06-05T16:59:00.001-07:00

1. Nightclub shoes
"We always say not to wear anything to the office that you'd wear to a nightclub--that includes extreme platforms or overly edgy shoes. Keep it timeless with a modest heel in classic shapes like a peep toe, pointy toe, or even a wedge, which can be easier to walk in. If you want to play with trends and your office environment calls for a more creative style, go for color or print, but just keep the shape conservative."
2. Wrinkled or stained clothing
"We believe that every working woman should own a steamer. It's a game changer. No matter how late you are, make sure to take a moment and check your garments for wrinkles and stains. Nothing is worse than seeing a gorgeous, powerful woman in a shirt that looks like it was picked up off the floor or from the back of a drawer and put on her back."

3. Excessive makeup and/or perfume
"The office is not the place to try out the latest beauty trends, so skip the extreme eye makeup and cakey lipstick. If you love a bright lip, go for one of the many great, slightly transparent bright shades, instead of something super chalky or glossy that should be reserved for night. Too much eyeliner and shadow will only start to bleed and smear as the day goes on (and who has time for touch-ups?) so use eye makeup sparingly. We love a wash of light color on the lid, and a great mascara. For our lower lashes, we use Clinique's Bottom Lash Mascara, which only comes off with warm water, meaning it doesn't smear during the day at all!"

4. Chipped nails
"We'd rather you remove your polish altogether than wear a manicure that's past its prime. There are many great on-the-go polish remover products; have one on hand if you didn't get to the nail salon over the weekend."
5. Short skirts
"A good test is to make sure your skirt is at least the length of your fingers when your arms are stretched down to your sides. Fingers straight! Depending on your work environment and the length of your arms, you may need to adjust accordingly, but ultimately it's always best to err on the more conservative side."

6. Ill-fitting suits
"It doesn't matter how much it costs: if it doesn't fit you properly, it won't look good. We are always shocked to see how many women ignore the fact that their suit should be tailored to fit them perfectly! This means sleeves that are the right length, darts falling in the right place, and hemlines that work with your office shoes. Buy a suit (or suit separates) based on how they fit your largest areas, then have the other areas tailored. Also, remember to take your work shoes with you to the tailor or when you go shopping so you get the ideal pant or skirt length."

7. Tanks and halters
"Depending on how corporate or conservative your office is, a tank top is probably a no-no and a halter is completely off-limits. We've noticed that women have a tough time acclimating to summer weather when it comes to office attire. Make sure you invest in blazers in spring and summer fabrics like linen or a cotton blend, or go for lightweight cardigans over your bare arms."

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2012-06-05T15:28:00.000-07:00

The Best and Worst Beverages for Weight Loss

2012-06-05T13:51:00.000-07:00

Skinny Sipping: Drink Pounds Away

Many of us watch what we eat but not what we drink when on a diet. That’s a mistake. The average American gets a fifth of daily calories from beverages. Choosing the right drinks can tweak your metabolism, curb your appetite, and reduce your total calorie count. Which drinks are spoilersand which are helpers on the path to weight loss?

Spoiler: Soda

Every time you chug a bottle of soda, you’re consuming hundreds of empty calories. Switching to diet soft drinks is an obvious way to cut calories, but the research is mixed on whether this switch results in weight loss. Some studies show a short-term benefit. Others find diet soda drinkers gain weight. If your calorie intake exceeds what you burn off, just switching to diet soda may not do the trick.

Helper: Water

Replacing carbonated soft drinks with water will cut hundreds of calories per day, and the benefits don’t stop there. Drinking two glasses of water before a meal may encourage the stomach to feel full more quickly, so you don’t eat as much. In addition, new research suggests drinking plenty of water may have a positive effect on your metabolism.

Jury’s Out: Fruit Juice

Juice can have as many calories as soda, but it has far more to offer in the way of nutrients. This presents a dilemma -- you want the vitamins and antioxidants without all the extra sugar. The safest bet: Look for 100% fruit juice. Steer clear of juice drinks that have added sweeteners. Look for the percent of real juice, noted on the nutritional label. You can also slash calories by drinking water with a tiny bit of juice added.

Helper: Vegetable Juice

Vegetable juice is every bit as nutritious as fruit juice with about half the calories but a lot more sodium. One cup of tomato juice has 41 calories, compared to 122 calories for orange juice. Choosing juice with pulp provides some fiber, too, which may help control hunger.

Jury’s Out: Smoothies

Blend a banana, strawberries, and blueberries into a frothy smoothie, and you’ve got a delicious arsenal of disease-fighting vitamins and minerals. The homemade variety is best when you’re counting calories, because you can control the ingredients -- skim milk and fresh or frozen fruit are all you need. Restaurant smoothies may contain ice cream, honey, or other sweeteners that boost the calorie count sky-high.

Jury’s Out: Low-Fat Milk

Eating calcium-rich foods may do a body good, and it may help you lose weight. Some recent studies suggest that drinking higher amounts of milk or eating other dairy foods can help with weight loss. For the best all-around benefits, stick to skim or low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese.

Spoiler: Energy Drinks

Most sports and energy drinks are calorie bombs like soda. They may have more added nutrients, but you can find the same vitamins and minerals in low-calorie foods. People who are serious about losing weight should stay hydrated with water rather than sports drinks unless they need additional nutrients after excessive sweating and exercise.

Helper: Black Coffee

When you need a shot of caffeine, coffee is a better choice than soda or energy drinks. Black coffee is calorie-free and rich in antioxidants. Studies have shown that consuming moderate amounts of coffee (about 3 to 4 cups a day) may improve mood and concentration, and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and several types of cancer.

Spoiler: Fancy Coffee

Once you add heavy cream, flavored syrups, and/or a snowcap of whipped cream, that innocent mug of black coffee becomes a minefield of fat and sugar. Specialty coffees can contain up to 570 calories per cup -- possibly more than an entire meal! If you don’t like your coffee black, add a little skim milk and artificial sweetener to keep the calorie count low.

Helper: Green Tea

Green tea is another excellent choice when you’re looking for a little boost. Not only is it calorie-free, some research suggests green tea extract may stimulate weight loss. It's not clear exactly how it aids weight loss, though caffeine and micronutrients called catechins may each play a role. The benefit appears to last only a few hours, so it may help to drink green tea at least twice a day.

Spoiler: Coolers

Coolers may sound light and airy, but they are heavy on calories. A 12-ounce cooler containing wine can have 190 calories and 22 grams of carbs. The same size hard lemonade or bottled alcoholic "ice" can have as much as 315 calories. Regular wine is not exactly a diet drink, with 100 calories in a 5-ounce glass. A low-calorie alternative is a wine spritzer: mix a dash of wine with some sparkling water.

Spoiler: Cocktails

A shot of hard liquor has fewer calories than wine or wine coolers, but once you mix in soda or cream, watch out… An 8-ounce white Russian made with light cream has 715 calories. A less fattening option is to mix rum or vodka with diet soda.

Weird Traditions Around the world

2012-06-05T09:32:00.001-07:00

Bonfire night

Bonfire Night is a yearly event dedicated to bonfires, fireworks and celebrations. Different traditions celebrate Bonfire Night on different days. Some of the better known Bonfire Nights are: 5 November in the Great Britain and some Commonwealth countries (sometimes also called Guy Fawkes Night); 11 July in Northern Ireland, where it is also called Eleventh Night, precursor to The Twelfth; 23 June in the Republic of Ireland, sometimes known as St John’s Eve, a bonfire tradition which also survives in parts of Scandinavia; in Australia, the Queen’s Birthday. Several other cultures also include night-time celebrations involving bonfires and/or fireworks.

In Great Britain, Bonfire Night, also known as Fireworks Night, is associated with the tradition of Guy Fawkes’ Night.The modern event is held annually on or near 5 November, although its sectarian significance has generally been lost: it is now simply a night of revelry and fireworks.

Celebrations are held throughout Great Britain, in parts of Northern Ireland, and in some other parts of the Commonwealth. In Canada, 5 November is commemorated with bonfires and firework displays,and it is officially celebrated in South Africa.

In Northern Ireland, the term “Bonfire Night” can refer to the Eleventh Night celebrations of 11 July. Like 5 November, this Bonfire Night also has its roots in the sectarian struggle between Protestants and Catholics.

Up Helly Aa

Up Helly Aa refers to any of a variety of fire festivals held in Shetland, in Scotland, annually in the middle of winter to mark the end of the yule season. The festival involves a procession of up to a thousand guizers in Lerwick and considerably lower numbers in the more rural festivals, formed into squads who march through the town or village in a variety of themed costumes.

The current Lerwick celebration grew out of the older yule tradition of tar barrelling which took place at Christmas and New Year as well as Up Helly Aa. Squads of young men would drag barrels of burning tar through town on sledges, making mischief.

After the abolition of tar barrelling around 1874–1880, permission was eventually obtained for torch processions. The first yule torch procession took place in 1876. The first torch celebration on Up Helly Aa day took place in 1881.

The following year the torchlit procession was significantly enhanced and institutionalized through a request by a Lerwick civic body to hold another Up Helly Aa torch procession for the visit of the Duke of Edinburgh.^[1] The first galley was burned in 1889.

There is a main guizer who is dubbed the “Jarl”. There is a committee which a person must be part of for 15 years before one can be a jarl, and only one person is elected to this committee each year.

The procession culminates in the torches being thrown into a replica Viking longship or galley. The event happens all over Shetland and is currently celebrated at ten locations – Scalloway, Lerwick, Nesting and Girlsta, Uyeasound, Northmavine, Bressay, Cullivoe, Norwick, the South Mainland and Delting.

After the procession, the squads visit local halls (including schools, sports facilities and hotels), where private parties are held. At each hall, each squad performs its act, which may be a send-up of a popular TV show or film, a skit on local events, or singing or dancing, usually in flamboyant costume.

Due to the often-flamboyant costumes and the large quantity of males dressing up as females in the Lerwick festival (traditionally, the festival does not permit women to partake in the squads), it has earned the joke name “Transvestite Tuesday”.

Polar bear Diving

One of the least pleasurable things I can imagine doing on New Year is diving into freezing water, but then again, never tried it. A relatively new tradition, Polar Bear Diving on New Year Eve or New Year Day is becoming increasingly popular in North America. Groups of people gather around large bodies of water, like lakes or rivers, and jump in, with or without their clothes on.

According to tradition, the closer to midnight you dive, the more luck you are going to have in the next year. Though most Polar Bear divers get out of the water quickly, there is a danger of hypothermia or catching a really bad cold.

Eating Death

Eating Death

The Aghoris are members of a Hindu sect who worship Shiva, whom they see as the supreme god. Because they believe that Shiva created everything – they consider nothing to be bad. For this reason they engage in a variety of sexual practices, they drink alcohol, take drugs, and eat meat. Nothing is considered taboo.

But the thing that makes their ancient traditions bizarre is that they are also practicing cannibals and their temples are cremation grounds. An aghori lives in the cremation ground and is able to support himself there – his clothing comes from the dead, his firewood comes from the funeral pyres, and food from the river. When a person is cremated, an aghori will coat himself in the ashes of the body and meditate on the dead.

The most shocking aspect of the Aghori life is their cannibalism. Dead bodies that are found floating in the river are gathered up and meditated on. The limbs are then removed by the Aghori and eaten raw. If you are interested in watching a fascinating documentary on the Aghoris, you can watch an excellent one here in full. A much more in-depth article on the aghoris can be seen here on Cogitz. It also includes a link to a much more gruesome video of the cannibalistic practices.

Feeding The Dead

Feeding The Dead

Fairly recent discoveries in the Vatican of old Roman burial grounds have uncovered a fascinating tradition that was previously forgotten: the Romans would eat with their dead and even feed them. Many of the graves found contained pipes that led from the outside of the grave to the body within – this was used to pour honey, wine, and other foods into the dead. Similar pipes in Roman Graves have also been found in England. Ancient Romans would often picnic at the graves of the dead as they believed they were feeding the soul of their departed loved ones. The inscription on the grave above describes the location of a food shop nearby so mourners and visitors can buy food for themselves or the dead.

Yanomamö Ash Eating

Yanomamö Ash Eating

The Yanomamö are a large tribe of people from Venezuela and Brazil. They have been largely untouched by modern life and so retain many of their ancient customs – one of which is the focus of this item. Yanomamö religious tradition forbids the keeping of any part of the body of the dead; for this reason, when a Yanomamö dies, his body is taken to be burned and the bones are crushed and combined with the ashes.

These are then divided amongst the family and eaten. Because absolutely no part of the body must remain, the vessel that contained the ashes is then destroyed. The tribesmen believe that a person dies because a Shaman or member of another tribe has sent evil on him. This leads to much conflict and inter-tribe battles.

Hanging Coffins

Hanging Coffins

The limestone caves surrounding Sagada in the Philippines are home to the region’s dead. While many people are buried in the caves, a long standing tradition in the area also means that the face of the cliffs are dotted with coffins.

The coffins can also be found in other places around the world – particularly China where the nearly extinct Bo People (an indigenous minority Chinese tribe) practice this tradition regularly. The Toraja people (featured in item 9) also sometimes hang coffins of young children – though wealthy adults are normally placed in caves.

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2012-06-04T18:55:00.000-07:00

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2012-06-04T17:31:00.001-07:00

Easy STEPS TO IMPROVE YOUR WORK-LIFE BALANCE

2012-06-01T16:59:00.000-07:00

If you can't remember the last time you saw your friends, you haven't put on your sneakers in months, or you regularly find yourself checking your phone even when it hasn't beeped, then you probably need to step back and shift your priorities. There's something to be said for hard work, but if all those tireless hours take away from what makes you you, then it's time to strive for some balance. Follow these easy steps to add more leisure to your life.

Create "break" appointments. If you struggle to tear away from work on your own, then why not pencil it in? Create a phone alert, add it to your Outlook calendar, and consider that "me" time into a must-do.

Put exercise on your to-do list. One of the best ways to clear your mind and de-stress is to get your body moving, so do what you can to stick to your fitness routine. Whether it's an early-morning gym session or a late-night walk around the block, those precious moments are sure to help you stay sane.

Limit at-home work hours. Technology makes it easy to work 24 hours a day, but that doesn't mean you should. If you need to work at home, then set a time limit beforehand so that you don't overdo it.

Leave your phone at home. Truth is, you don't need to be connected all the time; that isn't healthy. When you're heading to the gym or the grocery store, leave your phone behind and check out for a while

Turn off your computer extra early. If you find yourself tossing and turning because you can't stop thinking about work, then try tuning out a bit earlier by shutting down your laptop several hours before turning in.

Don't charge your phone by the bed. Can't help checking your smartphone every time it lights up or beeps? Do yourself a favor and leave it in another room — out of sight, out of mind.

Schedule social time with friends. When you're extra busy and exhausted, going out can be the last thing you'd like to do — but it's also crucial that you maintain a life outside the office. Make plans far in advance so that bailing simply isn't an option.

Put hobbies into your planner. Whether you love to read, paint, or play music, it's important that you keep up with the pastimes that make you feel most like yourself. Hold yourself accountable by signing up for a class with a friend or hosting a weekly book club meeting.

Boost Your Metabolism

2012-06-01T16:53:00.000-07:00

The Elusive Metabolism Boost

Boosting the metabolism is the holy grail of weight watchers everywhere, but how fast your body burns calories depends on several factors. Some people inherit a speedy metabolism. Men tend to burn more calories than women, even while resting. And for most people, metabolism slows steadily after age 40. Although you can't control your age, gender, or genetics, there are other ways to get a boost. Read on for 10 ways to rev up.

Build Muscle

Our bodies constantly burn calories, even when we’re doing nothing. This resting metabolic rate is much higher in people with more muscle. Every pound of muscle uses about 6 calories a day just to sustain itself, while each pound of fat burns only 2 calories daily. That small difference can add up over time. In addition, after a bout of resistance training, muscles are activated all over your body, increasing your average daily metabolic rate.

Step Up Your Workout

Aerobic exercise may not build big muscles, but it can rev up your metabolism in the hours after a workout. The key is to push yourself. High-intensity exercise delivers a bigger, longer increase in resting metabolic rate than low- or moderate-intensity workouts. To get the benefits, try a more intense class at the gym or include short bursts of jogging during your regular walk.

Fuel Up with Water

The body needs water to process calories. If you are even mildly dehydrated, your metabolism may slow down. In one study, adults who drank eight or more glasses of water a day burned more calories than those who drank four. To stay hydrated, drink a glass of water or other unsweetened beverage before every meal and snack. In addition, try munching on fresh fruits and vegetables, which are full of fluid, rather than pretzels or chips.

Energy Drinks

Some ingredients in energy drinks can give your metabolism a boost. They're full of caffeine which increases the amount of energy your body uses. They sometimes have taurine, an amino acid. Taurine can speed up your metabolism and may help burn fat. But using these drinks can cause problems like high blood pressure, anxiety, and sleep issues for some people. The American Academy of Pediatrics doesn’t recommend them for kids and teen

Sinless Snacking

Eating more really can help you lose weight -- eating more often, that is. When you eat large meals with many hours in between, your metabolism slows down between meals. Having a small meal or snack every 3 to 4 hours keeps your metabolism cranking, so you burn more calories over the course of a day. Several studies have also shown that people who snack regularly eat less at meal time.

Spice Up Your Meals

Spicy foods contain chemical compounds that can kick the metabolism into a higher gear. Eating a tablespoon of chopped red or green chili pepper can boost your metabolic rate. The effect is likely temporary, but if you eat spicy foods often, the benefits may add up. For a quick boost, spice up pasta dishes, chili, and stews with red-pepper flakes.

Power Up with Protein

The body burns many more calories digesting protein as it uses for fat or carbohydrates. Although you want to eat a balanced diet, replacing some carbs with lean, protein-rich foods can boost the metabolism at mealtime. Healthy sources of protein include lean beef, turkey, fish, white meat chicken, tofu, nuts, beans, eggs, and low-fat dairy products.

Booster Shot: Black Coffee

If you're a coffee drinker, you probably enjoy the increased energy and concentration that follows your morning ritual. Taken in moderation, one of coffee's benefits may be a short-term increase in your metabolic rate.

Recharge with Green Tea

Drinking green tea or oolong tea offers the combined benefits of caffeine and catechins, substances shown to rev up the metabolism for a couple hours. Research suggests that drinking two to four cups of either tea may push the body to burn 17% more calories than normal during moderately intense exercise for a short period of time.

Avoid Crash Diets

Crash diets -- those involving eating fewer than 1,000 calories a day -- are disastrous for anyone hoping to quicken their metabolism. Although these diets may help you drop pounds (at the expense of good nutrition), a high percentage of the loss comes from muscle. The lower your muscle mass, the slower your metabolism. The final result is a body that burns fewer calories (and gains weight faster) than the one you had before the diet.

Simple Ways to Spot a Cheater

2012-06-01T14:15:00.000-07:00

Ask the Right Questions
Cheaters prey on the ignorant. When a woman asks the right strategic questions, a cheater will shy away from them. They get annoyed and it feels like it may take too much work to keep up the charade.

Ask Questions
Some questions you can use to sniff a cheater out are:
Can I meet your friends?
Can I meet your parents?
Can I meet you at your job for lunch?
Can I use your cell phone for the day?
Can I borrow your social network page (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) to see how it works?

You should also be willing to offer the same access to them in return. If you find that all of the answers to your questions are no, or you're being asked why you need these things, then the odds are there is something to be concerned about.

Request Their Availability

Cheaters aren't readily available because obviously they're dividing their time up behind the scenes. Asking a cheater for their availability and expecting that they will make themselves available for you is a surefire way to figure out if you're being played. If someone never has time for you; asks to see you at weird hours or can't make themselves available per your requests, then obviously something's up.

Get Them to Prove That They Are Single

In this day and age, you can't accept that someone is single because they say they are. Asking them to show you where they live or having them pick you up in their car are two ways to see their environment to decipher if anything seems out of the ordinary. Someone who makes excuses why they can't take you to their house either lives with their mother, or has something to hide. Either way, it's probably better to keep it moving.

Offer Them the Opportunity to Get Involved in Your Circle

One of the things that a cheater likes to do is hide in the dark. Not only do they want to keep you away from their friends or inner circle, but they don't want to take chances that they will be spotted by someone in yours. Asking them to meet your friends, family, associates or anyone else that you trust to give you an honest opinion may pull a cheater out of their comfort zone. It's normal for someone interested in a woman to want to see her environment, so if he doesn't, then that should be enough of a sign to not take the chance. If he does, the wisdom you receive from your circle may help to ease your mind if you are misjudging someone at all.

Go Out Locally

A cheater usually takes their real woman out locally, and takes the others outside of their immediate area or keeps things on the low by only going to their house or a hotel. Asking them to take you to local restaurants, clubs, movie theaters, museums, malls and any place where they hang out regularly, is one of the best ways to find out who you're dealing with. Keep in mind that if a guy is willing to take you to his local spots and put you within his environment, then he's either a really good cheater, or a really good guy.

Pretty & beautiful hairstyles

2012-06-01T13:12:00.000-07:00

Funniest Sexy Vintage ads

2012-06-01T09:10:00.001-07:00

Hilarious Kids' Notes

2012-05-31T17:16:00.001-07:00

Hilarious Nerdy Weddings

2012-05-30T17:49:00.001-07:00

Real Life Forever Alones

2012-05-30T17:25:00.001-07:00