First30Days

Man Up

2008-11-21T23:52:07Z

Over the past few months we've written posts about how "real men" suffer from depression, post-partum depression, and breast cancer. Now that the New York Times has published an op-ed piece about how "real men" suffer from the side effects of prostate cancer treatment, we're beginning to detect a pattern.

Apparently being ill in any form is just not macho in our culture, and seeking treatment is for sissies. A football player who tackled depression said he was embarrassed to admit he was sad to his locker room buddies. Doctors perform "pec checks" to lessen the awkwardness for men looking to get a breast exam.

This might explain why, according to WebMD and various other sources, men tend to only go to the doctor when they get to the point of being extremely ill.

What can or should we do as a culture to change this image in our society? Should we start by hiring the editors of Esquire or GQ to make over our nation's medical centers? Add Wii and Wi-Fi? What does it take to get you, or the man you love, to the doctor?

Bad Dating Advice

2008-11-21T23:46:38Z

Your mother, your aunt, coworkers, grocery clerks and baggers–basically anyone and everyone who knows you’ve been single for the last eon–all have your best interest at heart when they offer tips on how to snag your soul mate, but let’s call a spade a spade: Some of that advice is crap.

Here are three rules not to follow when it comes to finding romance:

“Lower your standards.”
Usually, comes from a friend of the opposite sex who feels obliged to defend his or her own kind. Then again, sometimes it comes from Grandma or Grandpa who lived (and dated) in a totally different time. We’re here to tell you that no, your expectations are not unrealistic. A man or woman does exist that will love, honor, and appreciate you. And who will make you laugh…and clean…and cook…and…let you pick the movie…

“Always act busy.”
How about instead of pretending to be busy, you actually are busy? People who are highly involved and motivated really are more attractive. So rather than acting as though you’re one of those people, be one! Take all this single time to discover your passions and throw yourself into them. Volunteering, cooking, building, designing, training for races … all of these are excellent avenues to indulge your interests as well as–surprise, surprise–maybe meet someone new.

“Cater to their interests.”
Just because a new potential mate you meet loves sports doesn’t mean you have to suddenly immerse yourself in every game and know all the players. Sure, it’s nice (and generally a good thing) if you both have some things in common, but make sure to retain your own interests that keep you … well, you. While in theory it sounds awesome to date yourself, it would actually be totally boring and predictable. Spontaneity and differences are what keep a relationship exciting and worthwhile.

What other bad dating advice have you received over the years, and what have you gained from it?

The Scoop on Store Closings

2008-11-21T10:50:15Z

Going, going, gone. Stores are tumbling like dominos as a result of the current economic slowdown.

If you've been holding onto a gift card you might want to run, not walk to the nearest store and redeem it while they're still in business. At times like these retail stores respond by halting expansion and shuttering underperforming or redundant storefronts (think Starbucks).

But don't go by the lists floating around cyberspace--some of them are old. Snopes.com has a current list (11/18) with sources cited:

The Ann Taylor chain of women's clothing stores is expecting to close 25 Ann Taylor and 39 Loft outlets in 2008 (out of approximately 960 stores), with another 53 store closure by the end of 2009

The Caché chain of women's specialty apparel stores closed 14 underperforming outlets, but is still has 295 stores across the country and is still opening new stores.

The Charming Shoppes chain of plus-size women's apparel stores has closed 150 of its approximately 2,360 outlets.

The Circuit City chain of retail electronics stores filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in November 2008.

The CompUSA chain of consumer electronics stores was sold to the Gordon Brothers Group restructuring firm in December 2007 and began liquidating all 103 of its outlets in January 2008.

The Dillard's department store chain closed 20 outlets in 2008 and said it expects more store closures in 2009.

The Disney Store chain was re-acquired by the Walt Disney Co. in March 2008; Disney has since closed 98 of its 322 North American stores.

The Eddie Bauer chain of casual apparels stores shut down 27 outlets in the first quarter of 2008 and planned to close a few more stores by the end of the year.

The Ethan Allen chain of home furnishings stores closed 12 retail design centers and two service centers in 2008.

The Foot Locker chain of shoe stores chain closed 274 outlets (out of more than 3,700) in 2007 and another 60 in the first quarter of 2008, with more such closures likely.

Whitehall Jewelers acquired the remnants of the Friedman's and Crescent chains in early 2008 after that combined company entered bankruptcy, then Whitehall itself filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in June 2008 and began liquidating and closing all 373 of its remaining stores.

The Gap chain of clothiers, whose brands include Old Navy and Banana Republic, is closing 85 of its 2,677 stores (most of them branded Gap outlets) but is still opening new stores.

The Movie Gallery/Hollywood Video video rental chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in October 2007. Under the bankruptcy reorganization (which ended in May 2008), the chain closed 542 Hollywood Video stores and 378 Movie Gallery stores.

The Home Depot chain of home improvements stores announced in May 2008 that it would be closing 15 underperforming outlets.

The KB Toys chain of retail toy stores entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January 2004 and at that time announced plans to close 375 of its outlets. It emerged from Chapter 11 reorganization in August 2005.

The Kirkland's chain of home decor stores is expecting to close 130 (of its approximately 335) outlets by the middle of 2009.

The Levitz Furniture chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection (for the third time in ten years) in November 2007 and shortly afterwards began the process of closing its stores and liquidating its remaining inventory.

The Macy's chain of department stores closed 11 (of its approximately 800) outlets in 2008.

Pacific Sunwear closed 74 underperforming stores in its d.e.m.o. line in 2007 and closed all 154 of its remaining d.e.m.o. stores in 2008. (The company has not so far announced plans to close any of its core Pacific Sunware outlets.)

The Pep Boys chain of auto supply and repair stores closed 31 low-return outlets (out of approximately 600 stores) at the end of 2007.

The Sharper Image chain of electronics and specialty gifts stores filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in February 2008, then began closing and liquidating all 184 of its outlets in June 2008.

Sprint, a global provider of voice, data and Internet services, announced in January 2008 that it would be closing about 125 of its 1,400 retail outlets.

Talbots Inc. announced in November 2008 that it was seeking to sell off its chain of J. Jill casual clothier stores. Talbots has already shed its Talbots Kids, Talbots Mens and U.K. businesses and has closed an additional 28 Talbots stores (out of about 1,400 total outlets).

The Wickes Furniture chain began liquidating merchandise and fixtures at locations nationwide in February 2008 as part of bankruptcy proceedings.

Wilsons Leather (the Leather Experts) announced that it would be closing all 260 of its mall-based locations & 160 will be shuttered permanently, and the remaining 100 will be remodeled and revamped as a "Studio" concept focused on fashion accessories for women.

Zales Corp,, which operates Zales Jewelers, Zales Outlet, Gordon's Jewelers, Peoples Jewellers, Mappins Jewellers, and Piercing Pagoda, closed approximately 105 retail outlets (out of 2,130) in 2008, half of them kiosks and half of them stores. However, the company also opened approximately 100 new outlets in 2008, so the net change in the number of Zales-operated stores was relatively small.

Source: snopes.com

Dating Equality

2008-11-20T11:16:11Z

eHarmony, the most popular online dating site on the web, has long been criticized for not allowing homosexuals to sign up. Soon, that's all about to change.

A New Jersey court ruled that failure to offer the dating service to gays is discriminatory, and the site must create a similar service for same-sex couples. The company has obliged and will launch their new site, Compatible Partners, by March 31st.

Though we're sad to see that it took this long and a court judgement to get eHarmony on the equality bandwagon, we're happy they've finally realized that homosexuals need help looking for love just as much as heterosexuals do! And though this is one small sign that the country is coming to terms with equal rights for gays, the very public fight against Prop 8 in California (a ballot measure that passed on Election Day to ban gay marriage) shows that homosexuals have a long way to go before they can truly find equality.

Do you think this change is long overdue? Do you think this country is ready to look past sexual orientation the way its beginning to look past race? [CNN]

Sustainable Change

2008-11-20T10:11:44Z

“I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.”-Helen Keller

If we're going to pick up a mantra around going green, this one might be it. It sums up our philosophy about this change pretty nicely...you, the individual, can do at least one thing to be more eco-friendly.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by global warming, landfills brimming over with plastic or the challenge between eating locally vs. organically, welcome to the club. With green being more of a buzzword than a lifestyle sometimes, it's no wonder you'd rather just keep doing things the old way.

But as Ariane told CTN Green recently, going green really does start with small changes. The lighbulbs in your apartment. Drinking from a glass or portable, reuseable bottle instead of plastic bottles. Bringing a cloth bag to the grocery store. These are small, real steps that anyone can take, that don't cost an arm and a leg and that make lasting change. And if you want more to do, there's plenty! After you've finished our article in CTN Green, read the rest of the magazine and take a deeper look around the site. It's one of our new favorites that proves you can go green and still live the life you love.

Tell us how you're keeping up with caring for the earth, especially during the holiday season. Are you giving eco-friendly gifts? Traveling less? Foregoing wrapping paper (or at least recycling)? We want to know!

Back to the Land

2008-11-20T08:44:41Z

It’s time to think outside the egg carton! Er, outside the box. Well, both as a matter of fact! Veggie and herb gardens are a dime a dozen, even in urban areas like New York City where tomato and basil plants take up residence in makeshift window boxes and on fire escapes. What’s next in the grow-your-own-food trend? How about chickens and their eggs?

A Brooklyn family had one of those light bulb moments while visiting Amish country in Pennsylvania. Upon seeing the bed-and-breakfast owners merely go outside when they ran out of eggs, they thought to themselves, “Could we have chickens too?” The answer turned out to be a resounding “yes,” and even the community is now benefiting from extra eggs and chickens (on the menu at a local restaurant!).

Urban and backyard farming were both common during war times when the food supply was hard-pressed and money tighter. In a quest to live healthier and buy locally, all while keeping finances in check, would you consider the slightly crazy idea of raising some chickens in your backyard? As someone mentioned in the comments of this original Newsweek article, how would you feel about having an animal around that feeds YOU instead of the other way around?

Old Enough to Know Better

2008-11-20T08:34:53Z

Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. Your teenage sons and daughters would be ashamed of you.

It seems that 30- and 40-year-olds think they’re too good for condoms and other safe sex methods these days. In a recent survey from the United Kingdom, only 38% of men and 29% of women ages 35 to 44 used protection for sex the first time with a new partner. In comparison, 68% of teens reported using condoms the first time they had sex with someone new.

The lack of protection among adults is contributing to an upsurge in sexually transmitted diseases and infections in that age group. And a fresh outbreak of herpes is no way to improve your sex life. In response, researchers are now urging a new educational campaign on the importance of safe sex practices among all age groups.

What is going on here? How or when did anyone get the message that it was OK to have unprotected sex when you’re not in a monogamous relationship?

Can We Be Friends?

2008-11-20T08:33:36Z

As you might have discovered, a divorce doesn’t always mean a clean break with your ex, especially when there are kids involved. Old habits die hard. When your ex drops off the kids, he or she may ask for gas money. Or if he or she is running late to pick them up from school, you may still get those last-minute calls to come to the rescue. These favors that were annoying to you when you were married make you downright livid now that you’re getting divorced.

But before you lash out at your ex, take a step back and realize that somewhere along the line, you’re enabling his or her behavior. If there are certain favors your ex requests that make your blood boil, simply stand firm and say “no.” Don’t bend. Don’t give in. You don’t have to be his or her friend right now. A strong support system comes in handy here because it can be very difficult to say “no” repeatedly. Eventually, he or she will learn that such requests are unacceptable and will stop asking.

Of course, there are always exceptions. Don’t become a “no” parrot, especially when certain requests have the children’s best interest at heart. The key is balance: You shouldn’t be taken advantage of, but you need not be a stone wall either. Try to remain empathetic with your former spouse. If striking that balance seems too difficult, don’t be afraid to ask for outside help from a professional, such as a divorce counselor.

How do you stay amicable with your former spouse? [CNN]

Performance Anxiety

2008-11-19T23:01:21Z

The Obama administration is looking for a few good men (and women). Do you have what it takes to make it through the vetting process? If you happen to have copies of all of the resumes or biographical statements you've issued over the past ten years? Even that one you turned in to Starbucks while you were in college?

How about copies of any and all articles or books you have published, and links to any blog posts or comments you have made? No? Well you're already a few steps behind if you're planning on applying for a high-level job in the White House.

Thankfully, most of us won't go through the six-page application being e-mailed to prospective hires. The 63 requests for information include:

"If you have ever sent an electronic communication, including but not limited to email, text message or instant message, that could suggest a conflict of interest or be a possible source of embarrassment to you, your family, or the President-Elect if it were made public, please describe."

"If you keep or have ever kept a diary that contains anything that could suggest a conflict of interest or be a possible source of embarrassment to you, your family, or the President-Elect if it were made public, please describe."

Surprisingly, "Boxers or Briefs?" was left out.

While this hiring process might seem a bit extreme, it's a good reminder that you should bear in mind any job you want now or in the future when you're posting those pictures to Facebook or sending racy messages to your newest love interest over IM.

So...any skeletons in your closets that could hold you back from that dream job? Or do you have any advice for getting around tricky application questions?

Pet Fancy

2008-11-19T22:50:11Z

The current economy means we’re all cutting back on spending—even with the holidays looming (bah humbug!). But one group that isn’t watching their pennies? Pet owners.

According to the American Pet Products Association, Americans will spend $43.4 billion this year on their pets—26% higher than what was spent in 2004.

And for our little furry friends, the news just keeps getting better: the group estimates that spending is on pace to grow more than 13% by 2013 (that's a LOT of tiaras and puppy sweaters). In fact, a poll earlier this year in ShopSmart says female shoppers are more likely to buy cheaper food and toiletries for themselves, but are refusing to switch to less-expensive pet food and personal care items.

We’ve often joked that if reincarnation does in fact exist, we want to come back as our pets.They spend most of the day napping and don’t have to worry about pesky things like the economy. When it comes to your pet, is money no object—or are you scaling back on spending in all areas?

First Family of Fitness

2008-11-19T15:24:58Z

Apparently, our new President-elect Barack Obama, or future change leader-in-chief as we'd like to refer to him, has been making time during the transition process to squeeze in some exercise. According to this Associated Press article, fitness isn't just a passion for the new leader of the free world, but he gets his whole family, including wife Michelle and daughters Sasha and Malia, into the action.

President-elect Obama admits that he tries to get in about 45 minutes of exercise a day, six days a week, though he says he prefers to work out for 90 minutes at a time. He says he likes to alternate between cardio and strength training, and as we all know from publicity video over the past two years, he likes to play basketball as well.

That's quite a lot of exercising for someone with a number of crises to fix in the coming months, but we imagine that if it takes some extra time on the elliptical for Obama to find the solution to this troubled economy, by all means sweat it out!

Michelle takes a less-vigorous approach to her fitness, working out about 90 minutes, three days a week. She reportedly prefers a step machine, the treadmill and cardio exercises using weights.

Since the Obamas have succeeded in creating an important message around embracing change over the last two years, maybe they'll support another important message for the country—that of fitness and health.

Do the Obamas inspire you to live healthier?

Thirty, Flirty and Thriving

2008-11-19T12:49:48Z

Believe it or not, life doesn’t magically come into focus the second that you’re no longer 20-something. Creating the life you want in your 30’s takes work. To make change a little easier as you head into the next decade of your life, follow this month-long plan from The Frisky's Wendy Atterberry (a First30Days expert, b-t-dubs):

Day 1: Celebrate
It’s your birthday! Celebrate the way you want — go away for the weekend, have a big blow-out with all your friends, or share a bottle of champagne over an intimate dinner with your sweetie.

Days 2 - 7: Indulge a Little
You’ll quickly discover that hangovers are far worse in your 30’s than they ever were in your 20’s. So get in the habit of downing a glass of water for every alcoholic beverage you drink. In the meantime, to cope with any anti-climactic, post-birthday blues you may have during the first week of your 30’s, schedule an indulgence or two. Get a massage, treat yourself to a facial, buy yourself a late birthday gift (preferably something sexy and fun).

Days 8 - 15: Set Goals
In the second week of your 30’s, take the time to sit down and write your goals for this new decade...it’s time to get serious about making the mark you want to leave on the world and create the life you’ve always dreamed of. Be specific about your goals and write them in the positive (“I will,” instead of “I want” or “I might”).

Days 16 - 23: Get a Physical
As awesome as it is to be 30, your body is aging. Risks for a number or diseases and ailments increase dramatically in your 30’s, so schedule a physical with your doctor this week and discuss what you need to know about your body and how to keep it as healthy as you can for as long as possible.

Days 24 - 26: Create a New Beauty Routine
Skin care should be a big concern in your 30’s. If you aren’t already, be sure to wear sunscreen every single day (even in the winter!), and remember that moisturizer is key to keeping aging skin supple and smooth. The skin around your eyes is getting especially sensitive; invest in a good eye cream and apply it every day.

Days 27 - 29: Create a New Fitness Routine
If you aren’t exercising at least three to five times a week in your 30’s, your body’s going to suffer. It’s one of the cruel facts of life that as our world expands, so do our asses. If the thought of going to a gym sends you reeling, sign up for some fun classes designed to keep you flexible and in shape while you blow off some steam.

Day 30: Have Some Fun
It’s been a month since you turned 30, and if you’re like most women, you’re realizing this decade is going to be so much better than the last one. Besides having more financial and career stability, you’re a sexier, more confident, determined version of your 20-something self. Go out and have some fun today! You’ve earned it.

Pop on over to their site and share your experiences—what did turning 30 do for you? How did you handle it?

The Lights Are Bright...

2008-11-19T11:07:28Z

If you're into the creative scene, particularly that of Hollywood and Broadway, then you know it takes A LOT of money to finance these projects. The upside is that these projects create jobs and get people working toward a common goal. The downside is that during economic hardships, funding for these types of projects is usually the first to go.

That's Entertainment.

Broadway used to be a happy medium between art and money, but in recent years the shift has been much like Hollywood's. It's all about what can sell. Creativity has long since been stifled to make room for cookie-cutter work with a guaranteed audience. But, even with all of that money, times are still tough and investors are scared—to say nothing of individual donors.

The response from Broadway to this problem is to cancel shows. While there are many that don't agree with simply canceling shows as the solution to the financial problem, the more "radical" suggestions won't be implemented until there are no other options.

What say you, patrons of the arts? Are investors right to pull out from their creative interests in favor of more sustainable investments? And what are arts organizations to do in times of crisis? Tell us if your plans for the coming year include taking in shows and films as a means to "forget your troubles, c'mon, get happy."

Spaced Out

2008-11-19T10:50:01Z

If you've been worried as to whether or not you're making a good first impression at your new job, this story will make you feel a whole lot better.

So, it's your first day on the job as an astronaut and you really want to impress your bosses back at NASA. You (NASA Astronaut Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper) show up right on time at 0600 hours, your space suit looks impeccable and you ate just the amount of dehydrated bacon and eggs to be prepared for your new job of lubricating the gears of the starboard Solar Alpha Rotary Joint.

But, things don't go quite as planned:
First, a grease gun inside your tool bag leaks, coating everything inside with a film of lubricant. Then while you're trying to clean it up in the absence of gravity, the whole bag floats away. You're forced to share your space tool bag with your partner for the rest of the mission.

In space, nobody can hear you say, "D'oh!"

Luckily, your bosses still support you and realize that everyone makes mistakes—especially when there's slippery lubricant involved (there is a joke about the adult industry in here somewhere, but we're totally too highbrow to make it.)

What's the most embarrassing thing that's happened to you when starting a new job?

Stay Quit Monday

2008-11-18T11:41:32Z

If you've been thinking about quitting smoking, this Thursday could be like your New Year's Eve. November 20th is the 33rd anniversary of Great American Smokeout Day, which was implemented by the American Cancer Society in order to encourage smokers to kick the habit. Unlike New Year's Eve, however, everyone celebrating on Thursday will have the same resolution—cutting smoking out of their life.

People across the country will be thinking of you and sending out their positive energy as you put down your cigarettes for one day. While having that kind of motivation for 24 hours is certainly powerful, where will you draw your strength the rest of the year? Well, the American Cancer Society has started a really cool new program called Stay Quit Monday, that you can start after you've made it through this weekend.

"Why Monday?" the web site says. "It's a fresh start—the January of each week. A day to refocus and recommit, celebrate your progress, or to quit again if you relapse."

What a powerful concept! If you give in and have a cigarette, you don't have to give up because you know there's another Monday right around the corner!

The Healthy Monday web site is full of resources and support, including links to helpful online tools. Give it a shot!

Gluten Be Gone!

2008-11-18T11:30:55Z

Chances are, if you ascribe to a gluten-free diet, you are suffering from celiac disease, or at the very least, have a gluten allergy that requires some eating restrictions. It's hard enough to work on living healthier before factoring in such a serious lifestyle change, but for many, it's absolutely necessary. Celiac is an autoimmune disease of the small intestine that often goes undiagnosed because it can resemble other digestive diseases and disorders. These days, there are many diagnostic tests out there that can identify celiac as the culprit.

After you've dealt with a diagnosis that so seriously affects your diet, you'll have to investigate for yourself what foods you can or can't eat by reading labels. Processed foods can have long lists of ingredients, so start getting used to reading them thoroughly before you dig in. A safer alternative, and one that can really add some variety to your gluten-free diet, is to start cooking gluten-free recipes. Maybe there's no more pasta on the horizon, but you'd be surprised how closely you can imitate a lot of gluten-containing dishes!

Eating Well has a whole slew of gluten-free recipes with generalized nutritional information to boot. Are you or someone you know afflicted with celiac? How many meals do you cook for yourself and how do you approach restaurant eating? And by all means, if you have a recipe to share, go ahead!

Green-i-licious Face

2008-11-18T11:12:28Z

Waking up to an unsightly blemish smack-dab in the middle of your nose can be a bummer, especially when you have that hot date tonight, right? But treating it with harsh, chemical-laden pimple products can also be a pity for your skin. That’s because traditional products are whipped up with yucky stuff, like parabens, which can actually do more harm than good to your skin.

The Earth doesn’t like them either. You might think that your face products only stay on your face, but those ingredients make their way to the environment, too. According to Ideal Bite, the cosmetics industry has only tested for safety about 11% of the more than 10,000 ingredients that are used in your personal care products.

That said, you might want to take some advice from Michael Pollan, author of In Defense of Food, who says "If you can't say it, don't eat it." In this case, if you can't say it, don't put it on your face. Can you say hydroxyethylcellulose or ethoxydiglycol? We didn’t think so, but those are just two of the ingredients in the ever-popular ProActiv acne treatment system.

Here are a few face- and eco-friendly options to try instead:

* Daniel Kern Starter Kit: Think of it as ProActiv minus the parabens.

* Desert Essence Green Tea Facial Cleansing Pads: Made with pure essential oils and natural botanical extracts.

* Burt’s Bees Herbal Blemish Stick: The ten natural herbal ingredients will make your face totally buzz-worthy.

We want to know: What natural cure do you have for your worst facial woes?

Finding Compassion in Religion

2008-11-18T10:56:52Z

It would be nice to think that all religious matters were peaceful and holy. But take a look at the news or slip into any religious culture, and you will sometime find a bit of small-mindedness. That’s because, according to experts, religion has a history of intolerance. But the promising factor is that every religion also has built-in principles for defeating intolerance.

In a new effort called “The Charter for Compassion,” religious leaders and followers of all sorts are joining together to help people tap into those principles and build a more peaceful global community. The charter even released a video to help explain their purpose.

“Compassion is at the heart of every religion,” says one speaker on the video. “And religion, when it’s done in a healthy way, should enhance that.”

The premise of this movement is to follow the Golden Rule—do unto others as you wish to see done unto yourself. Following such ways of living will in turn help anyone to live more spiritually.

We want to know: How have you learned to find compassion within your religion? Do you live by the Golden Rule?

Could You Give Up Technology?

2008-11-17T11:37:02Z

Ah, the Presidency. Unfettered access to information, all at the click of a ...

Hey! Where are you going with my Blackberry?

That's right. It seems our commander in chief is going to have to surrender his right to bear a PDA come January. Since the dawn of the information age, Presidents have had to surrender the freedom to text or e-mail, mostly because of security concerns that their every word could be used against them.

Obama, of course, is rarely seen without his Blackberry, and wants to have a laptop in the Oval Office. Do we think he'll get his wish? And of course, the real question is...Mac or PC?

[NYT]

How to Get a Debt Free Degree

2008-11-17T11:06:17Z

It's possible to leave school with no debt...rare, but possible. There's a new blog in the blogsphere that's dedicated to students and saving them money. Officially, the blog release date is December 1st, but we're getting the jump on it a little early to share some great content with you guys.

Studenomics.com has a few tips on how students can actually graduate college debt free. Even better, the budding community has also chimed in with some great tips of their own:

Live at home. Yeah, we know. But it'll save you tons of money and make sure you don't have to come back home after school because of uncontrollable debt issues, which is so much worse.

Buy used textbooks and share with others. Most people don't even crack open their textbooks after class is finished, so finding creative ways to save on textbooks because they are the biggest culprits of credit card debt.

Take more credit hours. Many schools may allow for more credit hours that are already factored into your tuition rates. For example, some may allow students to take 21 credit hours rather than just 16. Sure, there is some major sacrificing on your part - especially with time and your social life-but think of the benefits. With that schedule, you'll probably finish a semester or so early. You'll save money, get a jump on your future, and you're more likely to have less debt because you didn't waste money on partying. Hey, we're just saying.

Alright, now it's your turn. What can students and their parents do to help cash-strapped grads leave school with little-to-no debt?

Home Sweet Home Birth

2008-11-17T10:44:48Z

We understand the need to make the experience of giving birth as comfortable as possible (after all, it’s one of the most uncomfortable events in a woman’s life), so we weren’t surprised to read in The New York Times that home births are on the rise—even in cramped NYC apartments that offer little privacy.

But for these women, a few noisy neighbors are fine if it means skipping the hospital. Pregnant women across the country say that they’re worried about receiving medical intervention, especially with the rising rate of C-sections. Others have been inspired by the documentary “The Business of Being Born,” which features producer Ricki Lake giving birth in the tub of her NYC apartment.

We must admit, the idea of a home birth sounds intriguing. But we’re also a little high-maintenance, and this is a messy process. One midwife explained that couples should get the pads used for house-training puppies. Giving birth while sitting on a Wee Wee pad? That part isn’t as intriguing.

And of course, there are the risks: What if something goes wrong? Is a midwife really equipped to deal with a serious medical emergency? If you're planning a home birth or have had one, share your story!

Passport to Health

2008-11-14T13:57:39Z

I'll take door number three, Bob.

Congratulations! You've just won an all-expenses paid trip to beautiful India! While you're there, you'll receive a top-of-the-line surgical procedure courtesy of your insurance company.

Thank you for playing, "Let's Make a Recovery."

The health insurance giant Wellpoint has announced that next year it will launch a medical tourism program that will give its clients the opportunity to fly to India for surgical procedures. While it may seem like a long way to go for a hip replacement or a heart bypass, but you can't argue with the accounting. A typical hip replacement surgery in the United States can cost up to $80,000. In India, it can be as little as $8,000. The price disparity is similar for other procedures.

Other insurance companies have taken note of the 750,000 Americans who participated in medical tourism last year. In addition to Wellpoint, Aetna Inc., Cigna Corp. and UnitedHealth Group are also said to be developing programs.

Undoubtedly, a large portion of the people traveling overseas for operations are doing so because they don't have health insurance.
Would you be willing to go to another country for a life-saving surgery? How would you go about making sure it's safe? [BusinessWeek]

The Skinny on Losing Weight

2008-11-14T13:36:16Z

There’s no question that we are fed a lot of messages through the various forms of media that bombard us everyday. When it comes to dieting and losing weight, some of these messages even seem conflicting or contradictory of what we think we already know. Tell us the truth, already! How do you know what to believe when you’re attempting to get healthier and shed some pounds?

Fitness guru Tom Gilliam and his coauthor Jane Neill, R.D., drawing from their book Move It. Lose It. Live Healthy: The Simple Truth About Achieving & Maintaining a Healthy Body Weight, dispel 11 common myths about losing weight. Here are just a few of them:

Myth: Vegetarian = Healthy Don't be fooled by a restaurant's attempt to make a dish healthy by calling it "vegetarian." To replace some of the flavor of meat, often unhealthy substitutes are added. Make sure you know exactly what is going into your meal.

Myth: Reduced fat = Low in fat. Not necessarily true! In order for a product to be able to tout the “reduced fat” label, it needs to have 25% less fat than the original. If we’re talking French fries or frozen pizzas, this reduction may not even make a dent.

Myth: If you exercise, you need to drink a sports drink. Those drinks are full of sugar and any electrolytes you might gain can easily be ingested in a healthy diet. Unless you're training for the Tour de France, stick with water.

Have you debunked any myths about losing weight or staying healthy lately? [Newsblaze.com]

Sex Tips from the Animal Kingdom

2008-11-14T13:11:25Z

Have you ever noticed that when medical studies are purporting the health benefits of sex, the studies usually involve mice instead of people? That’s because scientists say mice are actually very similar to humans. But what would our sex advice columns look like if we followed animal recommendations for sex? Maybe a little like this:

Being Married Is Good for Men’s Health
Male mice that were in monogamous relationships had lower blood sugar and insulin levels, making their risk for diabetes lower than their partner-hopping buddies.

Bigger (and Sharper) Is Not Always Better
In the animal kingdom, many males practically have weapons for penises that induce pain in females when mating. So it’s no surprise that the guys with the least painful members get the most girls and create the most offspring. All you “average” men out there, rejoice!

For True Bliss, Join an Orgy
When rats mated in groups, switching partners often, they were able to better control their rate and duration, leading to a more pleasurable state of mind that lasts longer than the orgy.

Who Knew a Space Could Tell so Much?
Prairie voles are a highly monogamous species, so how do they pair off? The females look for the guys who have the greatest distance between their genitalia and their rear ends. The guys with the greatest distance in that area also had bigger testicles, which would theoretically imply they have more sperm.

Something tells us, guys might not like it if girls were to whip out the measuring tape on this one as a means of improving their sex life.

What other funny or bizarre animal studies on sex have you read or heard?

Juggling Your Job Search

2008-11-14T12:05:51Z

It’s hard enough to keep up with a demanding boss and your never-ending to-do list, but finding a new job on top of everything else is enough to make even the most organized and on-top-of-it person feel a little crazed. You may feel a little like you’re cheating on your company by sneaking around behind your co-workers’ backs. The long lunches, the extra lipstick stashed in your purse, the secret phone calls behind closed doors…you get the idea. Here are a few tips from Nicole Williams on keeping your search on the DL.

Nix the guilt. Job hunting is a fact of life. Your boss or co-workers may be doing the same thing, so don’t feel like you’re being disloyal. Remind yourself that a new job will give you a better quality of life and help advance your career.

Schedule accordingly. Many interviewers understand that you’re currently employed and are willing to accommodate a request for an early-morning or late-afternoon interview to minimize interference with your current job responsibilities.

Excel at your current job. If you’re kicking butt at the office, who can fault you for taking an hour off here and there? Delegate when you need to, but keep plugging along so you’ll earn a solid reference from your boss. Though she’ll be sad to see you go, she’ll be happy that you’re off to bigger and better things.

There are a few others she shares that are good as well. Are you or have you tried to manage interviews while still showing up to the office everyday? Share your stories here!

Step Right Up!

2008-11-14T09:17:09Z

He’s done it again! Thomas Beatie—who made headlines earlier this year when he announced he was pregnant with his first child—announced to Barbara Walters that his expecting another bundle of joy this summer in an interview set to air on Nov. 14th.

Born Tracy LaGondino, Beatie underwent a sexual reassignment procedure in order to become a man. Lucky for him, though, he kept his female reproductive organs. When his wife was unable to get pregnant due to a hysterectomy, Beatie decided to put his uterus to work and carry a child himself. Their daughter, Susan, was born in July.

When you think of it, Beatie’s story really should give some hope to women struggling with fertility issues. After years on high levels of testosterone, he has been able to conceive not once, but twice (the first pregnancy was achieved after two rounds of IVF). In fact, he reportedly hadn’t menstruated for eight years before stopping his hormone therapy.

Still, some people find Beatie’s journey into parenthood a little too much for the brain to handle. Tell us: what do you think?

Mind Over Matter

2008-11-13T16:42:37Z

Surely you’ve experienced the proverbial butterflies before leading a meeting, giving a talk or performing in front of an audience. You’ve probably had stomach flops as a result of thinking about a new love. Maybe your heart rate was sky-high as you waited to hear test results at the doctor’s. It’s not at all a New Agey thing to say that mind and body are very much connected, and this fact could be affecting your workout routine, for better or worse.

In an MSNBC.com article, Gareth Dutton, a psychologist in Florida, reminds us that “a thought is just a thought. It doesn’t mean it’s reality.” So, you hate exercising! In actuality, there are probably specific things about exercising you don’t like, but if you think more about it, there are fun aspects, too. Need help getting out of the negative-thought rut? The article lists some typical utterances such as “There’s no way I can find the time to exercise” and “I’ll never be able to lose all this weight,” and offers up “better thoughts” for turning that negativity around.

When you’re formulating a plan for getting in shape, what thoughts run through your mind? Are you excited at the new challenge and looking forward to the results? Or are you beleaguered by doubts and fears, presuming that you are going to fail? Maybe a combination of both?

A Cure for AIDS?

2008-11-13T16:33:57Z

Part of the First30Days change philosophy is that with every change, something good will come. At times this can seem impossible to believe, but it can come true in ways we'd never, ever expect.

Take the case of an unnamed 42-year-old male AIDS patient, who was later diagnosed with Leukemia that developed independently. How could this person ever find anything positive out of being diagnosed with two deadly diseases at once?

When his doctor began treating the Leukemia with a bone marrow transplant, it occurred to him that he might be able to use the same concept to treat the AIDS as well. They found a donor who possessed a gene mutation that prevents AIDS from developing. So far, the patient's blood tests appear negative for AIDS.

Is this the miracle cure we've all been waiting for? It could be. Is it a huge step in the right direction? Indubitably. The doctors say that this breakthrough will help to encourage researchers to put forth more efforts into studying gene therapy.

Whatever the outcome, this patient was probably at one of his lowest points when he received the second diagnosis. Now they could be playing an integral part in bettering and/or saving the lives of millions. [Associated Press]

Tips From a Recessionista

2008-11-13T15:00:36Z

Unless you’re living in a cave somewhere in, I don’t know, rural Alaska, far, far from civilization, you’ve probably noticed that our economy is in the tank. And despite last week’s presidential election of Barack Obama and his message of change and hope, it will take some time before things stabilize and we’re back on track.

In the meantime, many of us are choosing to embrace our inner recessionistas, shunning the big-budget shopping sprees and pricey meals out that we may have enjoyed in the past in favor of clothing swaps and cozy dinner parties in. But quaint as all that sounds, it isn’t always easy to go from spendista to recessionista, to save for a rainy day instead of splurging on a cute, new pair of Wellies the second we spot anything less than clear blue skies. Luckily, our dear friend Wendy at The Frisky has some awesome tips for getting over the hump, like writing a budget, editing your wardrobe and beauty routine and how to get the most you can, secondhand. Who knows? You might actually use these tips even after the tide turns. After all, it pays to live frugally always.

How are you becoming more of a recessionista? Share your own tips!

You Inspire Us!

2008-11-12T13:44:31Z

It never ceases to amaze us here at First30Days that you are so willing to share yourselves with us. We understand how hard it is to create lasting change in life. A letter we received today from Linda underscores that principle as it applies to losing weight:

I heard you on Gayle King's XM talk show today. I was sitting in the car finishing my sandwich about to go in to my Weight Watcher meeting. WOW! is all I can say. You have really put into words all that I've been going through the last 3 1/2 years. I've lost 105lbs through persistence,being supported by my WW group and learning all the things that you actually put in to words! Sometimes it is hard to explain why I could be successful after 5-6 failed attempts at this over the last 20 years. Everything that you talked about is really right on and explained my journey very well! Thanks for sharing this. I am about to purchase your book and share these insights at my meeting! Hopefully we can get some others inspired and get through the "demons" of change!! Thanks, Linda

Linda, thank YOU! This is exactly why we are here, and getting the message out there that yes, you can change! You are stronger and more resilient than you've ever been told. Change does take time, but we know that there are things you can do, think and say to get through it. If you want to listen to the Oprah and Friends show Linda referenced, click here. And let us know where you're standing in the midst of change...we'd love to hear from you!

Come Here Often?

2008-11-12T13:26:45Z

Have you ever noticed how similar job interviews are to first dates? On both occasions you agonize over choosing the perfect outfit, try to avoid talking about your ex (boss, lover or both), and do your best to make a great first impression.

Still not convinced? The Vancouver Sun recently ran an article about how to give a good first impression on a dream job interview. We've mixed up some of the advice tidbits with suggestions for first date impressions from a couple of dating sites. Try to see if you can pick out which ones relate to job interviews and which refer to dating:

1. You've got to show confidence when you enter the room. Be ready with a smile, but stand straight, make eye contact and offer a strong handshake.

2. If your teeth look like you've been drinking black tea and compulsively smoking cigarettes for the past 72 hours, with the added bonus of chronic halitosis, then chances are that you will, more likely than not, have a lot of free time for yourself.

3. Follow this through by visualizing yourself in the situation as an equal, not a subordinate. Keep your chin up and maintain the self-perception that you're an equal participant.

4. Keeping your outfit clean and simple will enhance your features and boost your confidence, getting people to notice you. Feeling confident and secure in what you wear reflects in your personality and makes all the difference.

5. Being conversational doesn't mean telling personal stories or rambling on unceasingly. Your stories should be 60 to 90 seconds long and they've got to be relevant to the discussion.

So, what do you think? In our opinion, all of these are pretty relevant to the job hunt...and they won't hurt you on a date either.

(Answers: 1, 3, and 5 are interview advice while 2 and 4 are about dating. If you're tired of checking out career web sites, next time trying hitting up some online dating ones. Just make sure you don't ask your interview for a goodnight kiss.)

To Co-Sleep, No Chance to Dream

2008-11-12T12:14:39Z

For new moms and dads, the co-sleeping debate is about as tiring as, well, waking up to a crying newborn every two hours. And it doesn’t help that there are conflicting research and opinions on the issue everywhere you turn.

In an attempt to make life for us parenting newbies a little easier, Babble.com compiled the opinions of leading childcare experts to find out if co-sleeping is a wonderful bonding experience for parent and child—or a dangerous practice that should be avoided at all costs. We’d love to tell you that the answer to the question is found in their responses, but the truth is it’s still a complicated issue. But it is interesting to note that a few doctors have softened their stance a bit.

While Dr. Spock, the childcare guru of moms and dads the world over, is still completely against it, Dr. William Sears and Dr. Alan Greene admit that some form of co-sleeping is okay—provided proper measures are taken.

And Dr. Ferber—who invented the world-renowned “Ferber Method” to get babies to sleep through the night—also now concedes that “children can sleep well during a wide range of circumstances.” He does caution, however, that many parents have difficulty stopping the practice. A valid point considering that we personally know a few parents that now have a five, six, or seven-year old in their beds every night. That can't make for a restful sleep—and we’re guessing any romance between mom and dad is surely falling by the wayside.

Is there a baby in your bed? How do you feel about it? Sound off below.

Small Change, Big Difference

2008-11-12T12:02:49Z

Change is hard. There. We said it.

But that doesn't mean it can't be done! It's why we're here and it's why you're here. Not only does our community have some of the best tips on change available on the web, but we try to round up the best of the best online for you, too!

Like these from The Simple Dollar on reducing your debt. The writer, Trent, advocates a day-by-day approach, which sounds easier than it is. Therefore, he's given some useful tips for managing each day as you go.

Make your daily goals clear and concrete. As Trent points out, "I will spend less money today" is not specific enough. It relies on memory to tell you how much you spent the day before, even a week before. Instead, try to go with goals that are more measurable, such as "The only money I will spend today will be for groceries and bills."

Make your daily goals realistic. In order to succeed, you must understand that this process takes a little time. Don't set a goal where you prepare yourself for failure. "I will pay off three credit cards today" isn't realistic for most people. If it's within your range to do so, you wouldn't be reading this. Choose realistic goals that will help you be motivated along the way.

Consider the big picture. You have to consider whether or not your daily goals will have an adverse affect on your overall plan. If you say that you won't spend any money at all today, that likely means you're putting off spending for another day. Instead, try to focus on not spending any money outside of your budget.

Keep a journal to mark you progress. It's important to keep track of your accomplishments, and even your setbacks. You can analyze what you were doing and make changes, jot down ideas to make it easier, or just talk about your struggles. If you prefer to type, start a blog. It doesn't have to be public if you'd prefer to keep it to yourself. Either way, make it a part of your daily routine.

Trent had several other tips to help make the day-by-day planning a little easier, so we highly encourage you to check it out. Do you find that you are overwhelmed by the big picture, or do you already break things down to daily goals? Please share any experiences you've had with daily planning to reduce debt-we want to hear it!

Wanted: A Child to Love

2008-11-12T11:12:37Z

Prospective parents are forced to jump through hoops to adopt—and even that doesn’t guarantee them a child.

With certain states now happily barring people from adopting (hello, Arkansas), you’d think someone would be doing something to make it easier in other parts of the country. Well, think again. According to a recent report by Listening to Parents, adoption—no matter where you live in the US—is harder than ever.

It seems like a no-brainer to us: a loving parent wants to bring a child into their loving home. While many assume it’s difficult because everyone wants a cute and cuddly newborn—and there’s not enough of them to go around—that’s not the case. In fact, a large majority of people polled would be thrilled with a child older than 6. And there are even far more people willing to adopt teens and kids with disabilities.

So, what’s the problem? Research shows that many foster care bureaucracies handle initial calls badly and simply don’t listen to parents throughout the process. Not to mention that prospective parents are often treated like criminals, being fingerprinted on site and answering intimate personal questions over the phone. Those two factors alone can make the average, law-abiding, “I have nothing to hide” citizen queasy.

The result: for every 1,000 people who call a public child welfare agency seeking to adopt, only 36 do so. And that’s a real shame because there are currently over 100,000 kids in foster care just waiting to be placed into permanent loving homes.

Ok, now we’re depressed, but we hope you can lift us out of it. For those of you that are going through—or have completed—an adoption, how is the process? What would you change, and what do you feel works? Share a happy ending if you've had one!

Abe Is My Homeboy

2008-11-12T10:52:31Z

If only we could truly be BFF with John Adams or Honest Abe, we so would. In the meantime, we can just be their Facebook friend.

Oh. You didn't know your past leaders and future president are all hanging out in the interweb's coolest social network?

This election year, Facebook became the place to show your allegiance to the Obama/Biden or McCain/Palin campaign. Fan pages were created by each campaign, and of course there were the requisite user created groups too. Obama's Facebook page has about 3 million supporters.

Why use Facebook to show your allegiance for this president (or any other, for that matter?) Because...why not? In the days since the election, some of us have found ourselves justifying our allegiance to the president-elect. There have been some heated notes posted and messaging back and forth—and while the compulsion might just be to move on already, part of us thinks that Facebook showcases the very best of democracy in action—it's a place where all voices can be heard, debates can run freely and we can each stand behind individuals and causes we believe in.

And when we change our minds, we can always leave a group or "unfriend" someone.

So what's your Facebook status these days? Do you believe in using social networks to drive support toward causes and candidates?

Is There an Ideal Age to Get Married?

2008-11-11T14:40:03Z

“When did you get married?”

It was a simple question that would be harmless to most people except that in this case it was “Today Show” host Meredith Vieira asking her co-host Matt Lauer, who is bordering on Ross Gellar levels of serial marriage and divorce. Although things got a little awkward, Lauer seemed unruffled by Vieira’s slip.

Vieira, who married in her 30s, represents a growing segment of the population who is delaying marriage. In fact, according to the U.S. Census, the average age for first marriages is almost 26 for women and 28 for men, which is the oldest age for marriage since the U.S. Census was started. But is this trend of delaying marriage improving relationships?

Experts are mixed on whether waiting to get married ultimately decreases the risk of divorce. Most experts agree that marrying before age 20 is likely to lead to divorce because the individuals are still in the process of self-discovery. But after that, couples who marry in their 20s run about the same risk for divorce as couples who marry in their 30s.

What do you think is the ideal age to get married?

Word of the Year: Hypermiling

2008-11-11T13:28:19Z

Hypermiling has officially been chosen as the Word of the Year by the good people at the New Oxford American Dictionary.

We thought it was Change, but whatever.

Anyway, hypermiling, for those who may not know, is "an attempt to maximize gas mileage by making fuel-conserving adjustments to one’s car and one’s driving techniques. Rather than aiming for good mileage or even great mileage, hypermilers seek to push their gas tanks to the limit and achieve hypermileage, exceeding EPA ratings for miles per gallon."

Hypermilers will do almost anything to cut down gas usage, from always making sure tires are properly inflated to driving without shoes to increase foot sensitivity to pedals. Talk about extreme green!

Have you gone to extremes with creating a green home and lifestyle? We'd love to hear what you think of hypermiling...and what you're doing to conserve!

The Job Market for Graduates

2008-11-11T11:39:12Z

This year's college seniors are busy slogging their way through midterms, a rowdy NCAA football season as any on record and doing everything they possibly can to put off thinking about the inevitable. Graduation is less than seven months away and that degree they've been working so hard for isn't going to get them very far come May.

It's not that getting a degree isn't worthwhile, it's just that this year's group of fresh faces from academia are facing an extremely tight job market and fighting for what few open spots there are with those who've been spit out into the treacherous waters of unemployment.

The problem is really just a numbers game. Without breaking out the graphs and getting into percentages (we're writers, not mathemagicians, remember?) it comes down to this: more students than ever finishing college. Companies hiring fewer workers. High unemployment rates. It's a perfect storm of the good (well-educated people wanting to work) and the bad (an ecomomy in the tank.)

But just because the outlook is glum doesn't mean it's all bad. While major cutbacks in finance, retail, manufacturing and construction are causing people with those majors sleepless nights, demand for recent graduates is still up in accounting, public service, health care, education and technology. And if you are in a field that isn't looking spectacular, think of it as an opportunity to pursue other passions. Sure, you might have made a killing on Wall Street someday. But you also might find the freedom in not going that traditional route. Maybe there's the heart of an artist or social worker under that Brooks Brothers suit. You won't know till you try! And if not, there's always grad school. Right now, deferring the "real world" for another two years or so doesn't seem so bad.

How are these reports adjusting your post-college plans? [WSJ]

Canned Heat

2008-11-10T15:25:32Z

Just when you thought business people were running out of ideas for products to help you quit smoking, a Dutch company has come up with a product called "liquid smoking," that it purports can fend off the desire to smoke cigarettes. The new product is being launched in Great Britain, where a recent smoking ban has nicotine lovers craving a fix.

Supposedly the product works not with nicotine,"but a potent mix of roots from South African plants, which has been used since the 14th century by bushmen."

Why is it that every miracle cure has to come from ancient bushman or an Amazonian tribe? Can't they just admit it came from a lab? Anyway, critics are already up in arms about the products packaging, which resembles a Marlboro package, but at least one smoke-free individual is welcoming the new product.

Bruce Watson, a freelancer for Walletpop.com who says he kicked his cigarette habit with the help of absinthe, writes that his "own experiences with herb-infused liquids makes me think that this beverage could offer a workable solution for a lot of nicotine
addicts."

The only danger is that liquid smoking could turn into a new liquid addiction. What do you think? Will you turn to a can for your nicotine fix? [The Daily Mail UK]

Does Size Really Matter?

2008-11-10T15:16:19Z

Just how important is the size of the engagement ring? Of course, following through on a memorable marriage proposal is essential, too, but a girl can’t wear a proposal.

A man was preparing to propose to his girlfriend who had given him an ultimatum—either get married or get bent. His grandfather had promised him the 2.5-carat diamond he had given his wife after he had built a successful business. In the meantime, the man’s parents kept the ring in a safety deposit box. So when the time finally came, the man asked his parents for the ring he’d been promised. Instead, they showed up with a small, simple engagement ring that had belonged to another relative.

The man freaked. He’d already told his fiancée-to-be about the giant rock, and he couldn’t look like a liar. Fortunately, his girlfriend was not into jewelry, so when he mentioned the smaller ring, she said it was fine. All that mattered was that she get a commitment from him, until the next day when she changed her mind and decided she really did want the big ring. After all, did his family think she wasn’t worthy of the big ring?

Eventually, the man haggled with his parents and proposed with the 2.5-carat ring. In the end, it would seem size does matter, even when we try to pretend it doesn’t. We may want to believe we’re bigger and better and that material things such as large diamond rings don’t matter, but—darn those primitive urges—big, shiny objects will always catch our attention. Do you agree? [The New York Times]

Our House is a Very Fine House

2008-11-10T12:15:02Z

You must be thinking we're crazy. Buy a house in this economy? It seems counterintuitive, sure...but realty pros are saying there's never been a better time than right now to buy.

They cite low prices and shrinking inventory as two main reasons for a favorable buying climate. But the National Association of Realtors says more can be done, and it's the government who needs to make it happen. To encourage more buyers into the housing market, NAR has proposed that the government buy-down mortgage interest rates to ensure fixed low rates for home buyers. NAR also presented a four-point plan to Congress last month recommending, in part, that the repayment feature be removed from the first-time home buyer tax credit, that the tax credit be extended to all buyers, and that higher FHA and conventional loan limits be made permanent—up to $729,000 in high-cost areas—to give buyers in these areas access to safer, more affordable mortgages.

Do you agree with the assesment that you should buy now, or are you still waiting? [WSJ]

Brutal Honesty

2008-11-10T12:04:22Z

Does this post make my butt look fat? No really, you can tell me. I won't get mad.

Have you ever tried to get a straight, honest opinion from friends and family members? Sure, people who really care about you might be able to caution you about a potentially embarrassing hairstyle or a pair of too tight jeans, but touchy subjects like work ethics or overall competence in a certain subject can be too taboo to address face to face.

If you've been searching for months for your dream job and coming up with the same results over and over again, it might be time for some brutal honesty. How else are you going to know what you need to change? Then again, how are you going to coax your pals into being straight up with you?

One of the sources interviewed for a recent Wall Street Journal article about ramping up networking strategies had a great idea. Diane Darling turned to SurveyMonkey.com, an anonymous online survey service for help. Darling polled her friends and family and realized that she should switch from outlandish purple suits to more businesslike attire.

Do you think you could benefit from a dose of anonymous constructive criticism from friends and family?

When Daycare Costs More Than Your Salary

2008-11-10T11:48:58Z

For many families, spending is being cut to the bare minimum. Having cut everything they can, they're now turning to one of the nation's largest expenses in household budgets...daycare.

Many places with year-round wait lists are now struggling to fill open positions. It's no longer a matter of choosing daycare over owning a second car or some other expense. It's a matter of choosing to feed the family.

Parents are finding it exceedingly difficult to meet the demands of childcare costs when many of them are being laid off or having their hours seriously reduced. In those cases, they're able to stay home with the kids while they look for work. In other cases where the cost of daycare has outpaced that of rent and mortgage payments, parents are turning to friends and family for help. Some are even taking nightshifts for the extra money and the fact that their kids are asleep. Even more alarming are the reports that parents are simply taking their kids to work and leaving them in the car with food and water while they finish their shifts (a very. bad. idea.)

Something to consider if you're in this situation is a family co-op. We know lots of families in our neighborhoods who are sharing childcare duties. Perhaps there are a few stay-at-home moms and dads who wouldn't mind watching the kids for free while you work, as long as it's reciprocated of course.

What other daycare solutions can you think of or have you had to use? What advice can you give to other parents in this situation? [USA Today]

Adoption Ban

2008-11-10T11:38:55Z

By now, most of you have read that Arkansas voted to ban unmarried (read: gay) couples from adopting. It's unfortunate that this privilege has been taken away, because it seems that it’s the kids that really suffer.

While the ban technically affects all unmarried couples, it was written to prevent gay couples from raising children in Arkansas, which has three times as many children who need homes as people willing to adopt or foster them (um, maybe Arkansas needs better legislation on sex education, including birth control.)

Some are saying the measure passed because of strong opposition in the state to the candidacy of Barack Obama (Senator John McCain won the state by a fairly large margin). “I think white Arkansas Democrats felt cross-pressured in this race,” Jay Barth, a political science professor at Hendrix College told The New York Times. “They didn’t want to vote for what they viewed as Bush’s third term, but they also couldn’t bring themselves to vote for Barack Obama. One response was just to bow out of voting, and their absence probably helped this proposal succeed.”

Arkansas is not the first state to enforce such a ban: Florida and Mississippi prohibit adoption by gay individuals and couples, while Utah prevents unmarried cohabitated couples from adopting.

What do you think of these restrictions on adoption? Is a loving home a bigger priority than a married or unmarried, gay or straight set of parents?

What Obama Needs to Do About Debt

2008-11-07T09:14:54Z

Now that the election's over, the real work begins. Already pols and pundits, as well as writers across the globe, are offering advice about what should take place in Obama's first days and weeks as President.

Gosh. And we thought that after you became leader of the free world, things got easier.

An interesting bit appeared today on what Obama should do to reduce the nation's debt during his first 30 days in office. The author says that the president-elect will have a very narrow window of about 30-60 days to send a clear message about where we are heading financially. Some points for action he includes are:

Sending a very clear signal that we are going to begin to live within our means, spend what we earn, eventually begin to save. This requires a bipartisan program that makes both Democrats and Republicans most unhappy as we begin to restructure our debt.
Picking and choosing who gets saved. We cannot spend a few hundred billion more, every week, without major consequences. Some banks, some major companies, cannot be saved.
Creating budget transparency. CEOs who exceeded a budget by as much, or hid as much debt, as most governments routinely do would, at best, be fired. More likely they would be jailed. We need to apply a simplified Sarbanes Oxley to business and to state and federal government. While cutting in some places, the U.S does have to keep fast-growing start ups alive; it's where more jobs are being generated.

His final point is perhaps the best one: this financial crisis WILL pass. But it's going to take work and commitment on everyone's part. Let us know what you think the new president should do about the economy, and what you're doing to reduce debt as well.

Love the Twinkie...Again

2008-11-06T15:42:09Z

Sweet tooth or not, it’s a bit frightening to read that 500 million Twinkies are consumed every year—wowzers! There’s no question that these sponge cake and icing treats are a dessert splurge with little nutrition and virtually no benefits for your weight loss plan. But in a time when more people are packing lunch and/or eating on-the-go, Hostess, the Twinkies’ maker, is getting in on the calorie-counting scene. On the surface, this seems like a good thing, right?

Meet “Twinkie Bites.” It sound harmless and cute, and at only 100 calories a package, it qualifies as low-cal! But did you know that a regularly-sized Twinkie is only 150 calories anyway? It’s great that the calorie-counting is done for you, but what you’re getting is a bunch of empty calories and because the snack pack is more convenient, might you be more likely to eat a Twinkie everyday?

There are many foods out there that take advantage of the consumer, what with clever marketing such as Swedish Fish being touted as “fat-free” candy. Yes, that’s true, but that doesn’t mean they’re good for you! How do you feel about these snack packs jumping on the “low-cal” bandwagon? Do you think 100-calorie snack packs backfire in terms of eating healthy and losing weight? [MSNBC]

Moving in Together

2008-11-05T15:00:28Z

Whether you’re getting hitched or embracing the modern tradition of premarital cohabitation, moving in with your significant other is a big deal. From fighting for the covers every night to waking up with the person you love each morning, this new chapter in your life—especially the first 30 days—may be rife with happy moments and potential conflicts.

While there’s no foolproof plan to avoiding relationship complications after you move in together, our new friends at The Frisky have some great tips for getting through the beginning stages of creating a home together without wishing you'd kept your own place, just in case.

For instance, they suggest establishing ground rules and decorating the new place together—that way, you feel like you're both investing in living there, not just perpetually spending the night. Also, you should try spending some time apart (no! really! it's a gem of an idea) which can help you appreciate each other more.

Read the rest of their tips here, and share your own! What have you learned from moving in together that would help others about to take the plunge into cohabitational bliss?

What Does McCain Do Now?

2008-11-05T14:12:23Z

John McCain fought a good, long battle for the Presidency. After his concession speech (which we heard some Dems in our neck of the woods actually thought was very gracious, generous and humble) our thoughts turned to what someone does after a bid for the White House.

McCain is well past the age of "official" retirement, but it's hard to imagine him just not doing anything. Fortunately, there are a great many things to keep one occupied when going to the (Oval) office is no longer an option. And then there's the fact that he still has two years left in the Senate this term, and could run again in 2010 (which would make him a rich 80 at the end of his career.)

Whether he retires or not, we're sure that some R&R is on the agenda in the coming days. What a long, strange trip it's been...

What do you think? After a run at the highest office in the land, should McCain be thinking of ways to spend his retirement? Or should people who are as passionate about their jobs as he is keep working as long as they can?

The Happiness Paradox

2008-11-04T14:16:21Z

No matter how hard you try, putting a smile on your face can feel like a bit of an impossible feat. Your job has got you down, life has thrown in a few wrenches and all you want is a darn burrito but your favorite joint is closed.

Gretchen Rubin at "The Happiness Project," says being happier is a process full of perfect contradictions.

For example, Rubin subscribes to the idea that you should learn to stop taking yourself so seriously, but also take yourself seriously. At first, you might be saying, "Umm … huh?" Think about it. Perhaps it is possible to find a happy medium between being a Serious Sally and a Reckless Reba. Discover it and you will find happiness, or at least that's what Rubin says.

Here are a few others:

1. Get organized, but also keep that junk drawer. Cleanliness really is next to happiness, but sometimes a little organized chaos can take some of the stress out of always being orderly.

2. Be efficient, but take time to laugh, play and relax. That's because efficiency is key to getting things done, but if that's all you are ever doing, then you will miss out on opportunities to enjoy life which leads to happiness. Duh!

3. Think about yourself, so you can forget about yourself. If you don't take a little time to focus on you, then all of those feeling will just keep nagging at you.

It might seem like a far-fetched notion, but these small changes can make some of the big problems in your life seem a lot more manageable. Rubin also says that you should "Accept yourself, but expect more of yourself" in order to constantly find new happiness.

What little changes do you make when you need to get happy?

Election Party Menu

2008-11-04T13:56:44Z

Before you read any further, did you vote? If not, go, go go to your local polling station right now! If you did your civic duty by casting a ballot today, your job is done. But wait! You can hop into your pajamas later and watch the election returns on television until the next president is determined, but there’s a good chance you’re hosting or attending a party. What should you cook?!?

The folks at Eating Well magazine know that it will be party time for a lot of people tonight, but whether you are jovially celebrating or anxiously awaiting, there’s no reason to go overboard with the consuming. No matter what the occasion, living healthier should still be a top priority and that’s why these healthy election party recipes are just perfect for tonight.

In lieu of beer, try spiced apple cider (a serving of fruit!), a drink that is great for chilly evenings. Hot artichoke dip is one of those quintessential party appetizers, but it’s usually loaded with fat. Eating Well has tweaked the recipe, making a healthier, high-fiber version. To complete your menu, click on the link below. Do you have socializing plans tonight? Are you cooking or baking anything special, like ObaMartinis or McCain and Cheese? [Eating Well]

Raisin' Awareness

2008-11-04T13:40:51Z

Of all the half-baked ideas… well this one isn't so much baked as it is dried, but an Australian medical team is using raisins as part of cognitive therapy to help depression patients. Before you go reminiscing about those dancing California raisin commercials, this therapy doesn't involve cartoons or catchy songs.

According to Australia's The Age newspaper, this new therapy is called Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy and it "uses the raisin as a way to learn meditation techniques that make you more aware of the physical world, and your own thoughts."

Sounds a bit odd, no? Well, if you think about it, a raisin offers a lot to contemplate. It's tasty, squishy, has lots of funky wrinkles and an interesting history. Just where was the vine where it originated and where was it laid out to dry? Whew, that's hours of food for thought right there!

We might be acting a bit silly regarding this story, but the truth is it does have a good point. The object of this therapy is to train the mind to reduce negative thoughts. You can do that with a raisin, a date or fried plantains. The more you fill your mind with positive thoughts, the less room the negative ones will have to invade.

Is there a certain food or object that always brings you positive thoughts?

No Sex? Who Cares!

2008-11-04T13:29:52Z

If your sex life has been lacking lately, have you visited your doctor and ruled out any medical conditions that could be the culprit?

It might seem obvious, but almost 50% of women have some sort of sexual problem, according to a recent study in the November issues of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Of the more than 32,000 women ages 18 to 65 who were surveyed, 43% reported some type of sex problem, 39% reported a decrease in sexual desire, 26% reported arousal problems and 21% reported problems achieving orgasm.

Surprisingly, only 12% reported significant personal distress associated with their sexual disorder.

Your sex life should always been fun and enjoyable. If it’s not, your very first stop should be to your primary care physician. Get over your embarrassment and talk to your doctor about improving your sex life. Your doctor is a professional and wants you to be healthy in all areas of your mind and body.

How do you feel about discussing your sex life with your doctor? [HealthDay]

Books for A Better Life

2008-11-04T13:18:18Z

Did you know that each year, the MS Society honors books that they feel make a difference to people struggling with a health diagnosis? The Books For a Better Life Awards honor writing in categories from parenting and going green to spiritual living and wellness.

That's great news all on it's own—we've long believed that the thoughts and experiences of others can be great guiding lights in times of transition and difficulty. The even better news this year is that WE are nominated!

The First 30 Days: Your Guide to Any Change is nominated in the Motivational category alongside four other tremendous tomes (one of which is authored by First30Days expert Julie Morgenstern. Congrats to her!) While the winners won't be announced until February, we encourage you to take a look at some of the titles, and if you haven't already, buy a copy of our book today (hey, c'mon. We had to ask!)

Meantime, share with us what books have been helpful to you during your hard times. We'd love to know what you think should be on the list!

Beauty School Drop In

2008-11-04T10:49:54Z

If Frenchy were around in during this current economic crisis, would the most fashionable of the Pink Ladies at Rydell High have been so quick to tell her to pack up her shears? Chances are, probably not. Educational experts are predicting that the current economic downturn will lead to higher enrolment numbers at colleges and universities, especially at community colleges and trade schools.

This includes people who already have undergraduate and even graduate degrees in more traditional fields. The shift in demographics is great news for any older folks who are planning on returning to college. With all these other people headed back to school, you probably won't be the only one who has to rush out of class to pick up your kids from karate or has to turn down a night at the bar in order to prepare a proposal for work the next morning.

We're not really surprised at the news, given that many of our members have recently shared in our Career channel that they're looking for creative ways to pick up extra cash! Even if you don't have the time or resources for heading back to school, you can parlay your knitting skills into a part-time business, or start babysitting in the evenings.

Have you considered extra education in the hopes of making more money?

Walking the Line

2008-11-03T13:53:26Z

This is normally what happens when actors abandon film for music. Selling a few albums and hanging out with Rick James is fun and all, but never meets the expectations (or the level of talent) said actor achieved on film.

Joaquin Phoenix says that it will be different for him. His remarkable acting ability allowed him to embody Johnny Cash in "Walk the Line," and now Phoenix is hoping to bring that same energy to a completely new career. This weekend Phoenix, who has also starred in mega-hits like "Gladiator" and "The Village," confirmed that he will be leaving movies to pursue music full-time and that he doesn't plan on coming back. (Guess we can all be glad this bug didn't hit him while he was playing Commodus. There's just no money in gladiating.)

"It's like greener pastures, you know what I mean?" Phoenix told the Associated Press. "And so, I'm just going to try and like, I'll just be doing the other thing. ... Hopefully, I will emotionally impact you with that, as well."

We sure hope Phoenix can break the trend of great actors having not so great musical careers. In addition to Murphy, Bruce Willis, Russell Crowe and Juliet Lewis have all embarked on less-than-stellar musical adventures. But, hey at least they're having fun, right? The important thing is that they're bringing the same amount of passion they had for their old job for their new one.
Have you recently-as Phoenix said-moved on to greener pastures and started a new job? How is your transition going?