Everything Marriage Blog

Awesome Visualization of Credit Crisis

If you have a hard time wrapping your head around all the terms flying around along with how credit or housing connects with the collapse that's taken place on Wall Street, watch this!

Labels: economy, government, money, news

Is Your Husband's Biological Clock Ticking?

This video from the Today show explore's a relatively new concept...a man's biological clock. Watch the video below.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Labels: men, news, parenting

Wife Wants to Die with Ill Husband

Betty and George Coumbias of Canada have been in touch Dignitas, a Swiss assisted suicide group. The reason is that assisted suicide is legal in Switzerland and George is ill. Betty, however, is prefectly healthy and wants to go if George passes, which is where the controversy lies. Dignitas came under fire last year for helping a 23-year-old Briton commit suicide after he was left paralyzed by a rugby injury, but was not terminally ill. So is it unethical for Dignitas to help Betty take her life if she wants to if/when her husband goes? We'll keep an eye on the news and see how this story plays out. In the meantime, we'd love to hear you weight in on the message boards. Click here to read the complete article.

Labels: commentary, health, news, real people

Economy Good for Therapists Bad for Mental Health

USA Today is reporting that as the economy unravels, so is the mental health of U.S. citizens. "I've never seen this level of anxiety and depression in 22 years of practice," says Nancy Molitor, a psychologist in Wilmette, Ill. "The mental health fallout has been far worse than after 9/11." The article reports a staggering 40% jump in the demand for therapists from June to December. So what are we supposed to do? Unfortunately there are no easy answers and if professional help may be the best option. Psychologist Salvatore Maddi of University of California, Irvine suggests there are three qualities of those who are able to maintain their emotional health in these tough times. Maddi says these "hardy people" stayed committed to what they were doing; they didn't back off or become alienated. They also sought control, trying to influence what happened to them, looking at every avenue for solutions. They saw stressful changes as inevitable and took them as a challenge, an opportunity to grow.

Labels: family, health, money, news

Economy Good for Therapists Bad for Mental Health

USA Today is reporting that as the economy unravels, so is the mental health of U.S. citizens. "I've never seen this level of anxiety and depression in 22 years of practice," says Nancy Molitor, a psychologist in Wilmette, Ill. "The mental health fallout has been far worse than after 9/11." The article reports a staggering 40% jump in the demand for therapists from June to December. So what are we supposed to do? Unfortunately there are no easy answers and if professional help may be the best option. Psychologist Salvatore Maddi of University of California, Irvine suggests there are three qualities of those who are able to maintain their emotional health in these tough times. Maddi says these "hardy people" stayed committed to what they were doing; they didn't back off or become alienated. They also sought control, trying to influence what happened to them, looking at every avenue for solutions. They saw stressful changes as inevitable and took them as a challenge, an opportunity to grow.

Labels: family, health, money, news

Economy Good for Therapists Bad for Mental Health

USA Today is reporting that as the economy unravels, so is the mental health of U.S. citizens. "I've never seen this level of anxiety and depression in 22 years of practice," says Nancy Molitor, a psychologist in Wilmette, Ill. "The mental health fallout has been far worse than after 9/11." The article reports a staggering 40% jump in the demand for therapists from June to December. So what are we supposed to do? Unfortunately there are no easy answers and if professional help may be the best option. Psychologist Salvatore Maddi of University of California, Irvine suggests there are three qualities of those who are able to maintain their emotional health in these tough times. Maddi says these "hardy people" stayed committed to what they were doing; they didn't back off or become alienated. They also sought control, trying to influence what happened to them, looking at every avenue for solutions. They saw stressful changes as inevitable and took them as a challenge, an opportunity to grow.

Labels: family, health, money, news

Couple Gets Cash and Jail Time for Bank Error

Pennsylvania couple Randy Pratt, 50, and Melissa Pratt, 36, are now in jail because they cashed out over $175,000 when the bank messed up on where to put the decimal point. Randy is a roofing installer and deposited a check for $1,772.50, but when they read their statement, it showed a deposit of $177,250. They Pratts didn't call the bank and report the error when it occurred last summer. Instead, the couple withdrew the money, quit their jobs and moved to Florida. They were tracked down when they were attempting to buy a house in the Orlando. When questioned by police, Melissa said her husband often got large checks and that she wasn't aware of any error. No wonder the banks need a bailout!

What's the most amount of money you've "stumbled upon?"

Labels: money, news, real people

Couple Gets Cash and Jail Time for Bank Error

Pennsylvania couple Randy Pratt, 50, and Melissa Pratt, 36, are now in jail because they cashed out over $175,000 when the bank messed up on where to put the decimal point. Randy is a roofing installer and deposited a check for $1,772.50, but when they read their statement, it showed a deposit of $177,250. They Pratts didn't call the bank and report the error when it occurred last summer. Instead, the couple withdrew the money, quit their jobs and moved to Florida. They were tracked down when they were attempting to buy a house in the Orlando. When questioned by police, Melissa said her husband often got large checks and that she wasn't aware of any error. No wonder the banks need a bailout!

What's the most amount of money you've "stumbled upon?"

Labels: money, news, real people

Couple Gets Cash and Jail Time for Bank Error

Pennsylvania couple Randy Pratt, 50, and Melissa Pratt, 36, are now in jail because they cashed out over $175,000 when the bank messed up on where to put the decimal point. Randy is a roofing installer and deposited a check for $1,772.50, but when they read their statement, it showed a deposit of $177,250. They Pratts didn't call the bank and report the error when it occurred last summer. Instead, the couple withdrew the money, quit their jobs and moved to Florida. They were tracked down when they were attempting to buy a house in the Orlando. When questioned by police, Melissa said her husband often got large checks and that she wasn't aware of any error. No wonder the banks need a bailout!

What's the most amount of money you've "stumbled upon?"

Labels: money, news, real people

More Tickets During Recession

It's not just businesses and household income that hurts during a recession, local government also feels the pinch. So it's no surprise that when economist Thomas A. Garrett conducted a study to find out if traffic tickets were purely dished out for public safety that he found the number of tickets cited go up significantly when local government revenue falls. In short, when there's a 1 percentage point drop in local government revenue there's roughly a .32 percentage point increase in the number of traffic tickets in the following year. What's interesting is that according to Garrett, the number of tickets does not go back down when good times return. Garrett says the increase makes sense as it's an appealing way to generate revenue, particularly during a time when raising taxes is not an option.

Furthermore, Garrett does say that the tickets being handed out are at their heart for public safety reasons, but doesn't believe many cities go out of their way to make a point to write more tickets. However, this article from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch references a 2004 investigative piece where top police officials in the town of Bel-Ridge, MO threatened officers if they didn't write more tickets.

Have you received a traffic ticket lately? Did you deserve it? Noticed more police patrolling the streets? Let us know.

Labels: news, study

More Tickets During Recession

It's not just businesses and household income that hurts during a recession, local government also feels the pinch. So it's no surprise that when economist Thomas A. Garrett conducted a study to find out if traffic tickets were purely dished out for public safety that he found the number of tickets cited go up significantly when local government revenue falls. In short, when there's a 1 percentage point drop in local government revenue there's roughly a .32 percentage point increase in the number of traffic tickets in the following year. What's interesting is that according to Garrett, the number of tickets does not go back down when good times return. Garrett says the increase makes sense as it's an appealing way to generate revenue, particularly during a time when raising taxes is not an option.

Furthermore, Garrett does say that the tickets being handed out are at their heart for public safety reasons, but doesn't believe many cities go out of their way to make a point to write more tickets. However, this article from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch references a 2004 investigative piece where top police officials in the town of Bel-Ridge, MO threatened officers if they didn't write more tickets.

Have you received a traffic ticket lately? Did you deserve it? Noticed more police patrolling the streets? Let us know.

Labels: news, study

More Tickets During Recession

It's not just businesses and household income that hurts during a recession, local government also feels the pinch. So it's no surprise that when economist Thomas A. Garrett conducted a study to find out if traffic tickets were purely dished out for public safety that he found the number of tickets cited go up significantly when local government revenue falls. In short, when there's a 1 percentage point drop in local government revenue there's roughly a .32 percentage point increase in the number of traffic tickets in the following year. What's interesting is that according to Garrett, the number of tickets does not go back down when good times return. Garrett says the increase makes sense as it's an appealing way to generate revenue, particularly during a time when raising taxes is not an option.

Furthermore, Garrett does say that the tickets being handed out are at their heart for public safety reasons, but doesn't believe many cities go out of their way to make a point to write more tickets. However, this article from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch references a 2004 investigative piece where top police officials in the town of Bel-Ridge, MO threatened officers if they didn't write more tickets.

Have you received a traffic ticket lately? Did you deserve it? Noticed more police patrolling the streets? Let us know.

Labels: news, study

Racial Medicine

Do drugs respond differently to people of different races? There was a case of a drug called BiDil, which the FDA approved in 2005 to treat heart failure in blacks. The drug worked for African Americans but not other ethnic groups. This has raised the question of developing drugs for racial groups, which becomes a genetic difference not just a social category--and beyond skin color. This article from Newsweek suggests that maybe the touchy subject is the reason that only 3 percent of the patients who might benefit from BiDil were actually getting it. It seems clear, however, that humans can expect more drugs in the future to be designed not just for their race, but their own individual genetics. Because as it's pointed out in the article, identifying yourself as an African American, while may be accurate, doesn't mean you have the same ancestry (one could be from Kenya or South Africa or a mix of many nations and heritages).

What do you think?

Labels: commentary, health, news, study

Racial Medicine

Do drugs respond differently to people of different races? There was a case of a drug called BiDil, which the FDA approved in 2005 to treat heart failure in blacks. The drug worked for African Americans but not other ethnic groups. This has raised the question of developing drugs for racial groups, which becomes a genetic difference not just a social category--and beyond skin color. This article from Newsweek suggests that maybe the touchy subject is the reason that only 3 percent of the patients who might benefit from BiDil were actually getting it. It seems clear, however, that humans can expect more drugs in the future to be designed not just for their race, but their own individual genetics. Because as it's pointed out in the article, identifying yourself as an African American, while may be accurate, doesn't mean you have the same ancestry (one could be from Kenya or South Africa or a mix of many nations and heritages).

What do you think?

Labels: commentary, health, news, study

Racial Medicine

Do drugs respond differently to people of different races? There was a case of a drug called BiDil, which the FDA approved in 2005 to treat heart failure in blacks. The drug worked for African Americans but not other ethnic groups. This has raised the question of developing drugs for racial groups, which becomes a genetic difference not just a social category--and beyond skin color. This article from Newsweek suggests that maybe the touchy subject is the reason that only 3 percent of the patients who might benefit from BiDil were actually getting it. It seems clear, however, that humans can expect more drugs in the future to be designed not just for their race, but their own individual genetics. Because as it's pointed out in the article, identifying yourself as an African American, while may be accurate, doesn't mean you have the same ancestry (one could be from Kenya or South Africa or a mix of many nations and heritages).

What do you think?

Labels: commentary, health, news, study

Less Gifts This Year

Who on your Santa list is not going to receive a gift this year because of the economy? A Maritz Holiday Poll asked who's off this year's holiday gift list and perhaps surprisingly extended family were the first to go. 67 Percent said extended family were getting chopped, while 55 percent said friends and 50 percent said work associates. Click here to see the poll.

Have you removed some people off your gift list who has traditionally been on it in years past? Are you making homemade goodies instead or have other ideas? Let us know what you're doing.

Labels: holidays, news

Less Gifts This Year

Who on your Santa list is not going to receive a gift this year because of the economy? A Maritz Holiday Poll asked who's off this year's holiday gift list and perhaps surprisingly extended family were the first to go. 67 Percent said extended family were getting chopped, while 55 percent said friends and 50 percent said work associates. Click here to see the poll.

Have you removed some people off your gift list who has traditionally been on it in years past? Are you making homemade goodies instead or have other ideas? Let us know what you're doing.

Labels: holidays, news

Less Gifts This Year

Who on your Santa list is not going to receive a gift this year because of the economy? A Maritz Holiday Poll asked who's off this year's holiday gift list and perhaps surprisingly extended family were the first to go. 67 Percent said extended family were getting chopped, while 55 percent said friends and 50 percent said work associates. Click here to see the poll.

Have you removed some people off your gift list who has traditionally been on it in years past? Are you making homemade goodies instead or have other ideas? Let us know what you're doing.

Labels: holidays, news

Poor Get Poorer

Talk about rubbing salt in the wound. Earlier this month, the FDIC reported that bank overdraft fees of up to $38 were disproportionately affecting young and low-income consumers. Perhaps that's not too surprising. What is interesting is that nearly half of consumers pay overdraft fees each year. Also found was that large banks are more likely to process transactions from largest to smallest dollar amount, often triggering more fees. Seems like dirty banking tricks. In total, overdraft-related fees bring in $17.5 billion each year to banks and credit unions according to the Center for Responsible Lending.

Be careful this holiday season and watch your bank account, you can be sure the banks are looking for a way to make some money. Click here to read the complete article.

Labels: money, news

Poor Get Poorer

Talk about rubbing salt in the wound. Earlier this month, the FDIC reported that bank overdraft fees of up to $38 were disproportionately affecting young and low-income consumers. Perhaps that's not too surprising. What is interesting is that nearly half of consumers pay overdraft fees each year. Also found was that large banks are more likely to process transactions from largest to smallest dollar amount, often triggering more fees. Seems like dirty banking tricks. In total, overdraft-related fees bring in $17.5 billion each year to banks and credit unions according to the Center for Responsible Lending.

Be careful this holiday season and watch your bank account, you can be sure the banks are looking for a way to make some money. Click here to read the complete article.

Labels: money, news

Poor Get Poorer

Talk about rubbing salt in the wound. Earlier this month, the FDIC reported that bank overdraft fees of up to $38 were disproportionately affecting young and low-income consumers. Perhaps that's not too surprising. What is interesting is that nearly half of consumers pay overdraft fees each year. Also found was that large banks are more likely to process transactions from largest to smallest dollar amount, often triggering more fees. Seems like dirty banking tricks. In total, overdraft-related fees bring in $17.5 billion each year to banks and credit unions according to the Center for Responsible Lending.

Be careful this holiday season and watch your bank account, you can be sure the banks are looking for a way to make some money. Click here to read the complete article.

Labels: money, news

Why A Couple is Suing McDonald's

Phillip Sherman had a few naked pictures of his wife Tina on his cell phone. Phillip had just finished eating at a McDonald's in Arkansas when he realized that he left his cell phone there. He called the Fayetteville franchise to ask if they would hold the phone for him while to traveled back to pick it up. They agreed to secure the phone for him. Unfortunately, not well enough. The pictures of Tina made their way onto the internet. Now, the couple is suing the manager, the franchise owner and the corporation for $3 million in damages for suffering, embarrassment and the cost of having to move to a new home. The suit was filed on Friday.

Read the full article here. What do you think should happen?

Labels: news, real people, technology

Why A Couple is Suing McDonald's

Phillip Sherman had a few naked pictures of his wife Tina on his cell phone. Phillip had just finished eating at a McDonald's in Arkansas when he realized that he left his cell phone there. He called the Fayetteville franchise to ask if they would hold the phone for him while to traveled back to pick it up. They agreed to secure the phone for him. Unfortunately, not well enough. The pictures of Tina made their way onto the internet. Now, the couple is suing the manager, the franchise owner and the corporation for $3 million in damages for suffering, embarrassment and the cost of having to move to a new home. The suit was filed on Friday.

Read the full article here. What do you think should happen?

Labels: news, real people, technology

Why A Couple is Suing McDonald's

Phillip Sherman had a few naked pictures of his wife Tina on his cell phone. Phillip had just finished eating at a McDonald's in Arkansas when he realized that he left his cell phone there. He called the Fayetteville franchise to ask if they would hold the phone for him while to traveled back to pick it up. They agreed to secure the phone for him. Unfortunately, not well enough. The pictures of Tina made their way onto the internet. Now, the couple is suing the manager, the franchise owner and the corporation for $3 million in damages for suffering, embarrassment and the cost of having to move to a new home. The suit was filed on Friday.

Read the full article here. What do you think should happen?

Labels: news, real people, technology

Bad Economy = Fewer Divorces

It seems that when the screws are tightened during a bad economy, couples find a way to stay together or at least postpone divorce. Gary Nickelson, president of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) says, "Many individuals tend to employ a wait-and-see strategy during a troubled marriage and are very well prepared when it comes time to file for divorce. A sudden drop in net worth can effectively postpone this final decision from being made."

The AAML conducted a survey and found that 37% of AAML members said they typically see a decrease in the number of divorce cases during national economic downturns, 19% experienced an increase. I guess we'll take any bright spot we can with the awful economy.

Labels: news, study, trend

Bad Economy = Fewer Divorces

It seems that when the screws are tightened during a bad economy, couples find a way to stay together or at least postpone divorce. Gary Nickelson, president of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) says, "Many individuals tend to employ a wait-and-see strategy during a troubled marriage and are very well prepared when it comes time to file for divorce. A sudden drop in net worth can effectively postpone this final decision from being made."

The AAML conducted a survey and found that 37% of AAML members said they typically see a decrease in the number of divorce cases during national economic downturns, 19% experienced an increase. I guess we'll take any bright spot we can with the awful economy.

Labels: news, study, trend

Bad Economy = Fewer Divorces

It seems that when the screws are tightened during a bad economy, couples find a way to stay together or at least postpone divorce. Gary Nickelson, president of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) says, "Many individuals tend to employ a wait-and-see strategy during a troubled marriage and are very well prepared when it comes time to file for divorce. A sudden drop in net worth can effectively postpone this final decision from being made."

The AAML conducted a survey and found that 37% of AAML members said they typically see a decrease in the number of divorce cases during national economic downturns, 19% experienced an increase. I guess we'll take any bright spot we can with the awful economy.

Labels: news, study, trend

Ann Dunwoody Becomes First Female Four-Star General

There seems to be a lot of glass ceilings being brought down right now. In this case, Army officials say the promotion of Ann Dunwoody, 55, to become the first four-star general in the history of the U.S. Army is breaking the "brass ceiling." Ann is a 33 year veteran of the Army and her husband is a 26 year veteran of the Air Force. Ann joined in her senior year in college in 1975 and remembers being amazed that they were paying her $500 per month and sending her to airborne school (learning how to jump out of planes). At the time, Ann admits she thought she was only getting into the Army for two years, but now says she knew the first time she put on the uniform that it was all she ever wanted to do.

Where's the next glass ceiling that needs to be brought down? Click here to read the full article.

Labels: commentary, news, real people, women

Ann Dunwoody Becomes First Female Four-Star General

There seems to be a lot of glass ceilings being brought down right now. In this case, Army officials say the promotion of Ann Dunwoody, 55, to become the first four-star general in the history of the U.S. Army is breaking the "brass ceiling." Ann is a 33 year veteran of the Army and her husband is a 26 year veteran of the Air Force. Ann joined in her senior year in college in 1975 and remembers being amazed that they were paying her $500 per month and sending her to airborne school (learning how to jump out of planes). At the time, Ann admits she thought she was only getting into the Army for two years, but now says she knew the first time she put on the uniform that it was all she ever wanted to do.

Where's the next glass ceiling that needs to be brought down? Click here to read the full article.

Labels: commentary, news, real people, women

Ann Dunwoody Becomes First Female Four-Star General

There seems to be a lot of glass ceilings being brought down right now. In this case, Army officials say the promotion of Ann Dunwoody, 55, to become the first four-star general in the history of the U.S. Army is breaking the "brass ceiling." Ann is a 33 year veteran of the Army and her husband is a 26 year veteran of the Air Force. Ann joined in her senior year in college in 1975 and remembers being amazed that they were paying her $500 per month and sending her to airborne school (learning how to jump out of planes). At the time, Ann admits she thought she was only getting into the Army for two years, but now says she knew the first time she put on the uniform that it was all she ever wanted to do.

Where's the next glass ceiling that needs to be brought down? Click here to read the full article.

Labels: commentary, news, real people, women

Don't Count on Holiday Bonuses

It may be a little early talking about the holidays, but they are just around the corner. And with the economy going crazy like it has, it's worth planning now than get stuck on December 24th with no bonus check for relief. The AP just came out with a story saying that many who are expecting and have received year-end or holiday bonuses in the past shouldn't expect to get them this year. Obviously if the company you work for is doing well and has been doing well, you may not have anything to worry about. Then again, they may be planning for rougher waters ahead. Either way, here's your friendly reminder that it's not wise to plan on non-guaranteed money.

Labels: advice, holidays, money, news

Don't Count on Holiday Bonuses

It may be a little early talking about the holidays, but they are just around the corner. And with the economy going crazy like it has, it's worth planning now than get stuck on December 24th with no bonus check for relief. The AP just came out with a story saying that many who are expecting and have received year-end or holiday bonuses in the past shouldn't expect to get them this year. Obviously if the company you work for is doing well and has been doing well, you may not have anything to worry about. Then again, they may be planning for rougher waters ahead. Either way, here's your friendly reminder that it's not wise to plan on non-guaranteed money.

Labels: advice, holidays, money, news

Don't Count on Holiday Bonuses

It may be a little early talking about the holidays, but they are just around the corner. And with the economy going crazy like it has, it's worth planning now than get stuck on December 24th with no bonus check for relief. The AP just came out with a story saying that many who are expecting and have received year-end or holiday bonuses in the past shouldn't expect to get them this year. Obviously if the company you work for is doing well and has been doing well, you may not have anything to worry about. Then again, they may be planning for rougher waters ahead. Either way, here's your friendly reminder that it's not wise to plan on non-guaranteed money.

Labels: advice, holidays, money, news

Ford Key Monitors Teen Drivers

Are you a parent who sweats when your teen takes the family wheels out on the town? Ford feels your pain. They have recently introduced the MyKey, a programmable ignition key for Ford automobiles that monitors teenage driving behavior. So what can this magic key do? A lot of things. It can limit the speed of the car, say 80 mph. It can limit the volume of the stereo. It can prevent the stereo from even coming on if someone in the car isn't wearing their seat belt. It can also make warning sounds when your teen begins to hit higher speeds. For the parent who wants a play-by-play, this PC World article mentions that for a fee parents can have the key track the point-by-point destinations through the GPS.

What do you think, is this a little too big brother or what every parent has been waiting for? MyKey will be introduced as a free standard feature in the 2010 Ford Focus and Ford hopes to eventually make it a standard feature on all Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury models. I'm sure kids everywhere are already talking to their smartest computer-hacking friends.

Labels: gadget, kids, news, parenting, travel

Ford Key Monitors Teen Drivers

Are you a parent who sweats when your teen takes the family wheels out on the town? Ford feels your pain. They have recently introduced the MyKey, a programmable ignition key for Ford automobiles that monitors teenage driving behavior. So what can this magic key do? A lot of things. It can limit the speed of the car, say 80 mph. It can limit the volume of the stereo. It can prevent the stereo from even coming on if someone in the car isn't wearing their seat belt. It can also make warning sounds when your teen begins to hit higher speeds. For the parent who wants a play-by-play, this PC World article mentions that for a fee parents can have the key track the point-by-point destinations through the GPS.

What do you think, is this a little too big brother or what every parent has been waiting for? MyKey will be introduced as a free standard feature in the 2010 Ford Focus and Ford hopes to eventually make it a standard feature on all Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury models. I'm sure kids everywhere are already talking to their smartest computer-hacking friends.

Labels: gadget, kids, news, parenting, travel

Ford Key Monitors Teen Drivers

Are you a parent who sweats when your teen takes the family wheels out on the town? Ford feels your pain. They have recently introduced the MyKey, a programmable ignition key for Ford automobiles that monitors teenage driving behavior. So what can this magic key do? A lot of things. It can limit the speed of the car, say 80 mph. It can limit the volume of the stereo. It can prevent the stereo from even coming on if someone in the car isn't wearing their seat belt. It can also make warning sounds when your teen begins to hit higher speeds. For the parent who wants a play-by-play, this PC World article mentions that for a fee parents can have the key track the point-by-point destinations through the GPS.

What do you think, is this a little too big brother or what every parent has been waiting for? MyKey will be introduced as a free standard feature in the 2010 Ford Focus and Ford hopes to eventually make it a standard feature on all Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury models. I'm sure kids everywhere are already talking to their smartest computer-hacking friends.

Labels: gadget, kids, news, parenting, travel

60 Minutes Explains Wall Street Crash

It's difficult to make out the connection and jargon of the financial collapse on Wall Street, but 60 Minutes has a great 12 minute video that helps explain how our economy got into this situation. It's likely that just about all Americans will feel the effects of the current crash, if not immediately, perhaps when they look at their portfolio in six months and see how it's disappearing. How have you been effected?

Labels: money, news, TV

60 Minutes Explains Wall Street Crash

It's difficult to make out the connection and jargon of the financial collapse on Wall Street, but 60 Minutes has a great 12 minute video that helps explain how our economy got into this situation. It's likely that just about all Americans will feel the effects of the current crash, if not immediately, perhaps when they look at their portfolio in six months and see how it's disappearing. How have you been effected?

Labels: money, news, TV

60 Minutes Explains Wall Street Crash

It's difficult to make out the connection and jargon of the financial collapse on Wall Street, but 60 Minutes has a great 12 minute video that helps explain how our economy got into this situation. It's likely that just about all Americans will feel the effects of the current crash, if not immediately, perhaps when they look at their portfolio in six months and see how it's disappearing. How have you been effected?

Labels: money, news, TV

Where Did That Hamburger Come From?

Keep an eye out the next time you're at the grocery store looking to pick up ingredients for dinner. A new law has gone into effect that requires all meats, fish, and fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables to be identified by their country of origin, whether by a sticker, a sign, a placard or a label. Organs such as hearts, livers and kidneys are not included. As this article from USA Today points out, there are a few loopholes. For example, cooked and processed foods are exempt. Another loop hole is that when you combine two of these foods, they become exempt. Meaning, frozen strawberries are covered and frozen blueberries are covered, but when they're put in the same bag, their origin does not have to be announced. This has been in the works since 2002 and it's finally in the stores. If you see that your beef has traveled 8,000 miles, will you put it back and instead go for the local stuff?

Labels: food, news

Where Did That Hamburger Come From?

Keep an eye out the next time you're at the grocery store looking to pick up ingredients for dinner. A new law has gone into effect that requires all meats, fish, and fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables to be identified by their country of origin, whether by a sticker, a sign, a placard or a label. Organs such as hearts, livers and kidneys are not included. As this article from USA Today points out, there are a few loopholes. For example, cooked and processed foods are exempt. Another loop hole is that when you combine two of these foods, they become exempt. Meaning, frozen strawberries are covered and frozen blueberries are covered, but when they're put in the same bag, their origin does not have to be announced. This has been in the works since 2002 and it's finally in the stores. If you see that your beef has traveled 8,000 miles, will you put it back and instead go for the local stuff?

Labels: food, news

Where Did That Hamburger Come From?

Keep an eye out the next time you're at the grocery store looking to pick up ingredients for dinner. A new law has gone into effect that requires all meats, fish, and fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables to be identified by their country of origin, whether by a sticker, a sign, a placard or a label. Organs such as hearts, livers and kidneys are not included. As this article from USA Today points out, there are a few loopholes. For example, cooked and processed foods are exempt. Another loop hole is that when you combine two of these foods, they become exempt. Meaning, frozen strawberries are covered and frozen blueberries are covered, but when they're put in the same bag, their origin does not have to be announced. This has been in the works since 2002 and it's finally in the stores. If you see that your beef has traveled 8,000 miles, will you put it back and instead go for the local stuff?

Labels: food, news

Husband Sues Wife for Giving Him Herpes

A Manhattan lawyer is suing his wife after discovering she was having an affair when he found her herpes-treatment prescription in their medicine cabinet. He's also suing her lover and her father--a doctor who prescribed the medicine and he claims withheld the affair and knowledge of the infection. The father claims he prescribed the medicine to cure a sore on his daughter's lip. The husband has since also contracted genital herpes, which is treatable, but not curable. The lawyer in the suit also claims that the wife and father violated NY state law requiring people knowingly infected with venereal disease to tell their sexual partner. It's also not surprising that he submitted another file to the courts--for a divorce. Click here to read the complete article from the NY Post. What would you have done?

Labels: health, news, real people, sex

Husband Sues Wife for Giving Him Herpes

A Manhattan lawyer is suing his wife after discovering she was having an affair when he found her herpes-treatment prescription in their medicine cabinet. He's also suing her lover and her father--a doctor who prescribed the medicine and he claims withheld the affair and knowledge of the infection. The father claims he prescribed the medicine to cure a sore on his daughter's lip. The husband has since also contracted genital herpes, which is treatable, but not curable. The lawyer in the suit also claims that the wife and father violated NY state law requiring people knowingly infected with venereal disease to tell their sexual partner. It's also not surprising that he submitted another file to the courts--for a divorce. Click here to read the complete article from the NY Post. What would you have done?

Labels: health, news, real people, sex

Husband Sues Wife for Giving Him Herpes

A Manhattan lawyer is suing his wife after discovering she was having an affair when he found her herpes-treatment prescription in their medicine cabinet. He's also suing her lover and her father--a doctor who prescribed the medicine and he claims withheld the affair and knowledge of the infection. The father claims he prescribed the medicine to cure a sore on his daughter's lip. The husband has since also contracted genital herpes, which is treatable, but not curable. The lawyer in the suit also claims that the wife and father violated NY state law requiring people knowingly infected with venereal disease to tell their sexual partner. It's also not surprising that he submitted another file to the courts--for a divorce. Click here to read the complete article from the NY Post. What would you have done?

Labels: health, news, real people, sex

A Bad Marriage Can Kill You

This sounds like the punch line to a joke, but it's not. Canada.com posted an article about the strain a bad marriage can have on one's health. The article cites: increased risk for heart attack, high blood pressure, stroke, depression, eating disorders; not to mention it could affect the body's immune system, reducing the ability to fight off disease. The article also says, however, that 55 percent of couples who seek help are able to salvage their marriage.

This is definitely good news, but we say why not focus on your marriage all the time. Take the approach of living well and striving to maintain a healthy marriage all the time, rather than trying to bandage something that you neglect and then it becomes broken. We're not saying you shouldn't seek help when you need it, but problems are a lot easier to resolve the sooner you address them.

Labels: health, news

A Bad Marriage Can Kill You

This sounds like the punch line to a joke, but it's not. Canada.com posted an article about the strain a bad marriage can have on one's health. The article cites: increased risk for heart attack, high blood pressure, stroke, depression, eating disorders; not to mention it could affect the body's immune system, reducing the ability to fight off disease. The article also says, however, that 55 percent of couples who seek help are able to salvage their marriage.

This is definitely good news, but we say why not focus on your marriage all the time. Take the approach of living well and striving to maintain a healthy marriage all the time, rather than trying to bandage something that you neglect and then it becomes broken. We're not saying you shouldn't seek help when you need it, but problems are a lot easier to resolve the sooner you address them.

Labels: health, news

A Bad Marriage Can Kill You

This sounds like the punch line to a joke, but it's not. Canada.com posted an article about the strain a bad marriage can have on one's health. The article cites: increased risk for heart attack, high blood pressure, stroke, depression, eating disorders; not to mention it could affect the body's immune system, reducing the ability to fight off disease. The article also says, however, that 55 percent of couples who seek help are able to salvage their marriage.

This is definitely good news, but we say why not focus on your marriage all the time. Take the approach of living well and striving to maintain a healthy marriage all the time, rather than trying to bandage something that you neglect and then it becomes broken. We're not saying you shouldn't seek help when you need it, but problems are a lot easier to resolve the sooner you address them.

Labels: health, news

Marriage Counseling May Hurt Your Credit!

On June 10, the Federal Trade Commission has sued credit card issuer CompuCredit for deceptive marketing practices. The reason is that while many credit card companies have their formula for how they adjust the interest rate or credit score, CompuCredit makes its decision on purchasing behavior, not just payment history--and does so without telling the consumer.

The suit, for the most part focuses on CompuCredit's Aspire Visa, a subprime credit card for risky borrowers. The FTC claims that CompuCredit didn't properly disclose that it monitored spending and cut credit lines if consumers used their cards at certain places. Among them: tire and retreading shops, massage parlors, bars, billiard halls, and marriage counseling offices. According to this article from BusinessWeek, CompuCredit maintains that the FTC's lawsuit is without merit, and defends its practices. "Every time a consumer accesses their credit, a new decision to extend a loan is being made," says Rohit H. Kirpalani, CompuCredit's general counsel. "These scoring models are commonplace across the industry."

Doesn't it seem odd that taking steps to improve or salvage your marriage would hurt your credit score? You'd think it would improve your score since married couples statistically have a higher household income. We'll keep you posted as this story develops.

Labels: money, news

Marriage Counseling May Hurt Your Credit!

On June 10, the Federal Trade Commission has sued credit card issuer CompuCredit for deceptive marketing practices. The reason is that while many credit card companies have their formula for how they adjust the interest rate or credit score, CompuCredit makes its decision on purchasing behavior, not just payment history--and does so without telling the consumer.

The suit, for the most part focuses on CompuCredit's Aspire Visa, a subprime credit card for risky borrowers. The FTC claims that CompuCredit didn't properly disclose that it monitored spending and cut credit lines if consumers used their cards at certain places. Among them: tire and retreading shops, massage parlors, bars, billiard halls, and marriage counseling offices. According to this article from BusinessWeek, CompuCredit maintains that the FTC's lawsuit is without merit, and defends its practices. "Every time a consumer accesses their credit, a new decision to extend a loan is being made," says Rohit H. Kirpalani, CompuCredit's general counsel. "These scoring models are commonplace across the industry."

Doesn't it seem odd that taking steps to improve or salvage your marriage would hurt your credit score? You'd think it would improve your score since married couples statistically have a higher household income. We'll keep you posted as this story develops.

Labels: money, news

Marriage Counseling May Hurt Your Credit!

On June 10, the Federal Trade Commission has sued credit card issuer CompuCredit for deceptive marketing practices. The reason is that while many credit card companies have their formula for how they adjust the interest rate or credit score, CompuCredit makes its decision on purchasing behavior, not just payment history--and does so without telling the consumer.

The suit, for the most part focuses on CompuCredit's Aspire Visa, a subprime credit card for risky borrowers. The FTC claims that CompuCredit didn't properly disclose that it monitored spending and cut credit lines if consumers used their cards at certain places. Among them: tire and retreading shops, massage parlors, bars, billiard halls, and marriage counseling offices. According to this article from BusinessWeek, CompuCredit maintains that the FTC's lawsuit is without merit, and defends its practices. "Every time a consumer accesses their credit, a new decision to extend a loan is being made," says Rohit H. Kirpalani, CompuCredit's general counsel. "These scoring models are commonplace across the industry."

Doesn't it seem odd that taking steps to improve or salvage your marriage would hurt your credit score? You'd think it would improve your score since married couples statistically have a higher household income. We'll keep you posted as this story develops.

Labels: money, news

Today is Loving Day

On June 12, 1967, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the conviction of a married couple named Loving (how appropriate, right?)--he was white, she was black. They violated Virginia's law against interracial marriage. Based on the ruling, interracial marriage became legal in all 50 states. Isn't it amazing that only 41 years ago couples would go to jail for marrying someone of a different race? So thank you Mildred Jeter and Richard Loving for standing up for love. To read more about this monumental landmark case and the holiday that's celebrated today, visit lovingday.org.

Labels: event, news, real people

Today is Loving Day

On June 12, 1967, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the conviction of a married couple named Loving (how appropriate, right?)--he was white, she was black. They violated Virginia's law against interracial marriage. Based on the ruling, interracial marriage became legal in all 50 states. Isn't it amazing that only 41 years ago couples would go to jail for marrying someone of a different race? So thank you Mildred Jeter and Richard Loving for standing up for love. To read more about this monumental landmark case and the holiday that's celebrated today, visit lovingday.org.

Labels: event, news, real people

Today is Loving Day

On June 12, 1967, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the conviction of a married couple named Loving (how appropriate, right?)--he was white, she was black. They violated Virginia's law against interracial marriage. Based on the ruling, interracial marriage became legal in all 50 states. Isn't it amazing that only 41 years ago couples would go to jail for marrying someone of a different race? So thank you Mildred Jeter and Richard Loving for standing up for love. To read more about this monumental landmark case and the holiday that's celebrated today, visit lovingday.org.

Labels: event, news, real people

Why These Couples Won't Get Tax Rebates

An AP article has highlighted a segment of the married population that won't be getting their stimulus check from Uncle Sam. So who is this married group? They are couples where one spouse is not a U.S. citizen. So even if you are a U.S. citizen, if you filed your taxes jointly, you won't receive a stimulus check because both have to have a Social Security card. It's estimated that hundreds of thousands of married couples fall into this category, and this article highlights soldiers who have married foreigners as part of that group. The article goes on to discuss how the IRS didn't clarify this rule on it's website until April 14th. The couples could have filed individually, but as the article points out, the benefits of filing jointly would most likely outweigh the $600 a qualifying individual would receive. Read the full article here.

Labels: money, news, real people

Why These Couples Won't Get Tax Rebates

An AP article has highlighted a segment of the married population that won't be getting their stimulus check from Uncle Sam. So who is this married group? They are couples where one spouse is not a U.S. citizen. So even if you are a U.S. citizen, if you filed your taxes jointly, you won't receive a stimulus check because both have to have a Social Security card. It's estimated that hundreds of thousands of married couples fall into this category, and this article highlights soldiers who have married foreigners as part of that group. The article goes on to discuss how the IRS didn't clarify this rule on it's website until April 14th. The couples could have filed individually, but as the article points out, the benefits of filing jointly would most likely outweigh the $600 a qualifying individual would receive. Read the full article here.

Labels: money, news, real people

Why These Couples Won't Get Tax Rebates

An AP article has highlighted a segment of the married population that won't be getting their stimulus check from Uncle Sam. So who is this married group? They are couples where one spouse is not a U.S. citizen. So even if you are a U.S. citizen, if you filed your taxes jointly, you won't receive a stimulus check because both have to have a Social Security card. It's estimated that hundreds of thousands of married couples fall into this category, and this article highlights soldiers who have married foreigners as part of that group. The article goes on to discuss how the IRS didn't clarify this rule on it's website until April 14th. The couples could have filed individually, but as the article points out, the benefits of filing jointly would most likely outweigh the $600 a qualifying individual would receive. Read the full article here.

Labels: money, news, real people

New Book Explains to Child Why Mom's In Bandages

Have you heard about the new book by plastic surgeon, Dr. Michael Salzhauer called "Beautiful Mommy"? It's only 21 pages and it's aimed at 4 to 7 year olds to help explain why mommy has a bandage over her nose. There's a Business Week article that discusses this book and mentions there's been a 60 percent increase in cosmetic surgery in the U.S. since 2000. Dr. Salzhauer says he thought his book would help explain to kids why their mom is wrapped in bandages after they've had rhinoplasty or a tummy tuck. In the article he says, "You might roll your eyes, but this is a reality for hundreds of thousands of families. It's not going to go away." What do you think?

Labels: book, health, news

New Book Explains to Child Why Mom's In Bandages

Have you heard about the new book by plastic surgeon, Dr. Michael Salzhauer called "Beautiful Mommy"? It's only 21 pages and it's aimed at 4 to 7 year olds to help explain why mommy has a bandage over her nose. There's a Business Week article that discusses this book and mentions there's been a 60 percent increase in cosmetic surgery in the U.S. since 2000. Dr. Salzhauer says he thought his book would help explain to kids why their mom is wrapped in bandages after they've had rhinoplasty or a tummy tuck. In the article he says, "You might roll your eyes, but this is a reality for hundreds of thousands of families. It's not going to go away." What do you think?

Labels: book, health, news

New Book Explains to Child Why Mom's In Bandages

Have you heard about the new book by plastic surgeon, Dr. Michael Salzhauer called "Beautiful Mommy"? It's only 21 pages and it's aimed at 4 to 7 year olds to help explain why mommy has a bandage over her nose. There's a Business Week article that discusses this book and mentions there's been a 60 percent increase in cosmetic surgery in the U.S. since 2000. Dr. Salzhauer says he thought his book would help explain to kids why their mom is wrapped in bandages after they've had rhinoplasty or a tummy tuck. In the article he says, "You might roll your eyes, but this is a reality for hundreds of thousands of families. It's not going to go away." What do you think?

Labels: book, health, news

Mom's Diets Affect Baby's Sex

The foods that a woman eats before she's pregnant could have an affect on what sex her baby will be according to a new study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, a British medical journal. Eating potassium-rich foods including bananas, having a hearty appetite and not skipping breakfast seemed to raise the odds of having a boy according to the study. The research involved roughly 700 first-time pregnant women in the UK. The women were asked about their eating habits in the year before getting pregnant, according to this article in USA Today. Fifty-six percent of women with the highest calorie intake before pregnancy (but still within a normal, healthy range), had boys.

Women who ate at least one bowl of breakfast cereal daily were 87 percent more likely to have boys than those who ate no more than one bowlful per week. The study did have its detractors and also some who said this new research coincides with other signs of a mother's habits predicting their baby's gender. Read the full article here.

Labels: food, news, pregnancy, study

Mom's Diets Affect Baby's Sex

The foods that a woman eats before she's pregnant could have an affect on what sex her baby will be according to a new study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, a British medical journal. Eating potassium-rich foods including bananas, having a hearty appetite and not skipping breakfast seemed to raise the odds of having a boy according to the study. The research involved roughly 700 first-time pregnant women in the UK. The women were asked about their eating habits in the year before getting pregnant, according to this article in USA Today. Fifty-six percent of women with the highest calorie intake before pregnancy (but still within a normal, healthy range), had boys.

Women who ate at least one bowl of breakfast cereal daily were 87 percent more likely to have boys than those who ate no more than one bowlful per week. The study did have its detractors and also some who said this new research coincides with other signs of a mother's habits predicting their baby's gender. Read the full article here.

Labels: food, news, pregnancy, study

Mom's Diets Affect Baby's Sex

The foods that a woman eats before she's pregnant could have an affect on what sex her baby will be according to a new study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, a British medical journal. Eating potassium-rich foods including bananas, having a hearty appetite and not skipping breakfast seemed to raise the odds of having a boy according to the study. The research involved roughly 700 first-time pregnant women in the UK. The women were asked about their eating habits in the year before getting pregnant, according to this article in USA Today. Fifty-six percent of women with the highest calorie intake before pregnancy (but still within a normal, healthy range), had boys.

Women who ate at least one bowl of breakfast cereal daily were 87 percent more likely to have boys than those who ate no more than one bowlful per week. The study did have its detractors and also some who said this new research coincides with other signs of a mother's habits predicting their baby's gender. Read the full article here.

Labels: food, news, pregnancy, study

Husband and Wife Soldiers Bunk Together

In a new change in policy, the U.S. military is now allowing husbands and wives to live and sleep together in a war zone. This rule took change back in May 2006. This article from the AP says that there are more than 10,000 couples in the military, although it doesn't specify if "couple" means married. Not that it matters. The military is attempting to boost morale, as well as improve the divorce rates that continue to offer its own mounting numbers of casualties. This article tells some first person stories and also addresses some of the risks, such as an increase in pregnancy.

Labels: news, pregnancy, real people, romance

Husband and Wife Soldiers Bunk Together

In a new change in policy, the U.S. military is now allowing husbands and wives to live and sleep together in a war zone. This rule took change back in May 2006. This article from the AP says that there are more than 10,000 couples in the military, although it doesn't specify if "couple" means married. Not that it matters. The military is attempting to boost morale, as well as improve the divorce rates that continue to offer its own mounting numbers of casualties. This article tells some first person stories and also addresses some of the risks, such as an increase in pregnancy.

Labels: news, pregnancy, real people, romance

Husband and Wife Soldiers Bunk Together

In a new change in policy, the U.S. military is now allowing husbands and wives to live and sleep together in a war zone. This rule took change back in May 2006. This article from the AP says that there are more than 10,000 couples in the military, although it doesn't specify if "couple" means married. Not that it matters. The military is attempting to boost morale, as well as improve the divorce rates that continue to offer its own mounting numbers of casualties. This article tells some first person stories and also addresses some of the risks, such as an increase in pregnancy.

Labels: news, pregnancy, real people, romance

Preparing For a Layoff

You can't ignore that the economy is struggling and if you know you're in an industry that's being hit hard, it wouldn't be a bad idea to prepare for a layoff. According to this MSNBC article, 63,000 jobs were cut in February. Is yours next? The article offers 10 steps to help prepare for a layoff. FIrst is to establish an emergency fund. Second, live within your means. Third, use credit cards with caution. Fourth, talk about money with your spouse. Fifth, tackle your high-interest debt. The article offers more details for each of these, plus the final five tips.

Have you been laid off or are you preparing to be laid off? How is that affecting your relationship?

Labels: advice, money, news, work

Preparing For a Layoff

You can't ignore that the economy is struggling and if you know you're in an industry that's being hit hard, it wouldn't be a bad idea to prepare for a layoff. According to this MSNBC article, 63,000 jobs were cut in February. Is yours next? The article offers 10 steps to help prepare for a layoff. FIrst is to establish an emergency fund. Second, live within your means. Third, use credit cards with caution. Fourth, talk about money with your spouse. Fifth, tackle your high-interest debt. The article offers more details for each of these, plus the final five tips.

Have you been laid off or are you preparing to be laid off? How is that affecting your relationship?

Labels: advice, money, news, work

Preparing For a Layoff

You can't ignore that the economy is struggling and if you know you're in an industry that's being hit hard, it wouldn't be a bad idea to prepare for a layoff. According to this MSNBC article, 63,000 jobs were cut in February. Is yours next? The article offers 10 steps to help prepare for a layoff. FIrst is to establish an emergency fund. Second, live within your means. Third, use credit cards with caution. Fourth, talk about money with your spouse. Fifth, tackle your high-interest debt. The article offers more details for each of these, plus the final five tips.

Have you been laid off or are you preparing to be laid off? How is that affecting your relationship?

Labels: advice, money, news, work

How Much Sex Does Your Church Require?

Head pastor Paul Wirth of the Relevant Church has issued a challenge to married couples to have sex every day for a month. He's proposed this 30-day challenge as an effort to combat high divorce rates. He wants couples to force themselves to connect even though they're tired from their jobs and let life get in the way. Is your church as awesome at this one? You can find more at 30DaySexChallenge.com. (When we posted this blog, the site had already exceeded its bandwidth!)

Thanks to reader Elizabeth for sending in this great news item. If this won't get her husband to attend church, nothing will.

Labels: fun, news, sex

How Much Sex Does Your Church Require?

Head pastor Paul Wirth of the Relevant Church has issued a challenge to married couples to have sex every day for a month. He's proposed this 30-day challenge as an effort to combat high divorce rates. He wants couples to force themselves to connect even though they're tired from their jobs and let life get in the way. Is your church as awesome at this one? You can find more at 30DaySexChallenge.com. (When we posted this blog, the site had already exceeded its bandwidth!)

Thanks to reader Elizabeth for sending in this great news item. If this won't get her husband to attend church, nothing will.

Labels: fun, news, sex

How Much Sex Does Your Church Require?

Head pastor Paul Wirth of the Relevant Church has issued a challenge to married couples to have sex every day for a month. He's proposed this 30-day challenge as an effort to combat high divorce rates. He wants couples to force themselves to connect even though they're tired from their jobs and let life get in the way. Is your church as awesome at this one? You can find more at 30DaySexChallenge.com. (When we posted this blog, the site had already exceeded its bandwidth!)

Thanks to reader Elizabeth for sending in this great news item. If this won't get her husband to attend church, nothing will.

Labels: fun, news, sex

Chocolate Price Fixing?

Did you feel ripped off yesterday when you slapped down your hard-earned cash for that heart-shaped box of chocolates? It seems others feel you're getting ripped off too. The German Federal Cartel Office have raided the offices of seven of leading chocolate companies including Mars, Kraft Foods and Nestle. Canada's Competition Bureau searched the offices of several companies, many of the same ones as in Germany. There has also been American lawsuits accusing chocolate companies of violating antitrust laws. The German Cartel Office says if they find evidence of collaboration, the companies face possible fines of up to 10% of their annual income. To read the entire article from USA Today, click here.

Labels: food, news

Chocolate Price Fixing?

Did you feel ripped off yesterday when you slapped down your hard-earned cash for that heart-shaped box of chocolates? It seems others feel you're getting ripped off too. The German Federal Cartel Office have raided the offices of seven of leading chocolate companies including Mars, Kraft Foods and Nestle. Canada's Competition Bureau searched the offices of several companies, many of the same ones as in Germany. There has also been American lawsuits accusing chocolate companies of violating antitrust laws. The German Cartel Office says if they find evidence of collaboration, the companies face possible fines of up to 10% of their annual income. To read the entire article from USA Today, click here.

Labels: food, news

Chocolate Price Fixing?

Did you feel ripped off yesterday when you slapped down your hard-earned cash for that heart-shaped box of chocolates? It seems others feel you're getting ripped off too. The German Federal Cartel Office have raided the offices of seven of leading chocolate companies including Mars, Kraft Foods and Nestle. Canada's Competition Bureau searched the offices of several companies, many of the same ones as in Germany. There has also been American lawsuits accusing chocolate companies of violating antitrust laws. The German Cartel Office says if they find evidence of collaboration, the companies face possible fines of up to 10% of their annual income. To read the entire article from USA Today, click here.

Labels: food, news

Pack Cash if You Pack A Second Bag

The No. 2 airline in the U.S. has announced that fliers will have to pay to pack a second bag. Beginning May 5, passengers on United flights will have to pay $25 each way for a second bag and $100 if they want to check a third bag. A United spokesperson said a major reason for the new charge is due to the rise in gas prices. However, members of United's Mileage Plus frequent-flier program and those who book non-refundable economy-class tickets for trips within the US and between the US and Canada are exempt. To be a frequent flier, you need to fly at least 25,000 miles a year. Read the full article here.

Labels: news, travel

Pack Cash if You Pack A Second Bag

The No. 2 airline in the U.S. has announced that fliers will have to pay to pack a second bag. Beginning May 5, passengers on United flights will have to pay $25 each way for a second bag and $100 if they want to check a third bag. A United spokesperson said a major reason for the new charge is due to the rise in gas prices. However, members of United's Mileage Plus frequent-flier program and those who book non-refundable economy-class tickets for trips within the US and between the US and Canada are exempt. To be a frequent flier, you need to fly at least 25,000 miles a year. Read the full article here.

Labels: news, travel

Pack Cash if You Pack A Second Bag

The No. 2 airline in the U.S. has announced that fliers will have to pay to pack a second bag. Beginning May 5, passengers on United flights will have to pay $25 each way for a second bag and $100 if they want to check a third bag. A United spokesperson said a major reason for the new charge is due to the rise in gas prices. However, members of United's Mileage Plus frequent-flier program and those who book non-refundable economy-class tickets for trips within the US and between the US and Canada are exempt. To be a frequent flier, you need to fly at least 25,000 miles a year. Read the full article here.

Labels: news, travel

Technology Is a Relationship Killer

John O'Neill, the director of addictions services at the Menninger Clinic in Houston, Texas says that "technology overload"--addiction-like behavior using electronic gadgets like cellphones or acting as a slave to e-mail can be just as destructive to a relationship as drugs or alcohol. The article from Reuters Life! says the Internet/Computer Addiction Services in Redmond, Washington estimate that 6 to 10 percent of the approximately 189 million Internet users in the U.S. have a dependency on technology.

One of the signs O'Neill says to keep an eye on is when you or your spouse uses text, e-mail or phone call rather than face-to-face interaction when it would be more appropriate. Do you find that this is a problem in your relationship? We'd love to hear from you on this. To read the full article, click here.

Labels: gadget, news, study

Technology Is a Relationship Killer

John O'Neill, the director of addictions services at the Menninger Clinic in Houston, Texas says that "technology overload"--addiction-like behavior using electronic gadgets like cellphones or acting as a slave to e-mail can be just as destructive to a relationship as drugs or alcohol. The article from Reuters Life! says the Internet/Computer Addiction Services in Redmond, Washington estimate that 6 to 10 percent of the approximately 189 million Internet users in the U.S. have a dependency on technology.

One of the signs O'Neill says to keep an eye on is when you or your spouse uses text, e-mail or phone call rather than face-to-face interaction when it would be more appropriate. Do you find that this is a problem in your relationship? We'd love to hear from you on this. To read the full article, click here.

Labels: gadget, news, study

Technology Is a Relationship Killer

John O'Neill, the director of addictions services at the Menninger Clinic in Houston, Texas says that "technology overload"--addiction-like behavior using electronic gadgets like cellphones or acting as a slave to e-mail can be just as destructive to a relationship as drugs or alcohol. The article from Reuters Life! says the Internet/Computer Addiction Services in Redmond, Washington estimate that 6 to 10 percent of the approximately 189 million Internet users in the U.S. have a dependency on technology.

One of the signs O'Neill says to keep an eye on is when you or your spouse uses text, e-mail or phone call rather than face-to-face interaction when it would be more appropriate. Do you find that this is a problem in your relationship? We'd love to hear from you on this. To read the full article, click here.

Labels: gadget, news, study

First Wives Club

California's "Governator" Arnold Schwarzenegger may be a big guy and make big movies, but it's his wife Maria Shriver who was behind a record-setting conference on women this past Tuesday in Long Beach, California. Fourteen thousand women, and a few men, gathered to discuss the environment, the economy, volunteerism, family and soul. New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman interviewed the likes of former Prime Minister Tony Blair and Nobel Prize winner Muhammad Yunus to name a few. Friedman remarked that his wife asked him to please not embarrass her. The highlight of the conference came when Shriver interviewed the wives of the presidential candidates (Bill Clinton could not make the conference). During the question and answer, Shriver asked the women if they think there husbands would put their lives on hold as they had. Both the Republican and Democratic wives in an uncommon state of agreement responded with no answer at all. Guess there's a first for everything.

Labels: news

First Wives Club

California's "Governator" Arnold Schwarzenegger may be a big guy and make big movies, but it's his wife Maria Shriver who was behind a record-setting conference on women this past Tuesday in Long Beach, California. Fourteen thousand women, and a few men, gathered to discuss the environment, the economy, volunteerism, family and soul. New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman interviewed the likes of former Prime Minister Tony Blair and Nobel Prize winner Muhammad Yunus to name a few. Friedman remarked that his wife asked him to please not embarrass her. The highlight of the conference came when Shriver interviewed the wives of the presidential candidates (Bill Clinton could not make the conference). During the question and answer, Shriver asked the women if they think there husbands would put their lives on hold as they had. Both the Republican and Democratic wives in an uncommon state of agreement responded with no answer at all. Guess there's a first for everything.

Labels: news

First Wives Club

California's "Governator" Arnold Schwarzenegger may be a big guy and make big movies, but it's his wife Maria Shriver who was behind a record-setting conference on women this past Tuesday in Long Beach, California. Fourteen thousand women, and a few men, gathered to discuss the environment, the economy, volunteerism, family and soul. New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman interviewed the likes of former Prime Minister Tony Blair and Nobel Prize winner Muhammad Yunus to name a few. Friedman remarked that his wife asked him to please not embarrass her. The highlight of the conference came when Shriver interviewed the wives of the presidential candidates (Bill Clinton could not make the conference). During the question and answer, Shriver asked the women if they think there husbands would put their lives on hold as they had. Both the Republican and Democratic wives in an uncommon state of agreement responded with no answer at all. Guess there's a first for everything.

Labels: news

Hilary Said Saving Marriage Was Right Choice

In a recent interview with Essence magazine, Hilary Clinton said her marriage was worth investing in, but also remarked it isn't a decision for everybody. The 2008 presidential candidate tells the magazine, "I know the truth of my life and of my marriage, my relationship and partnership, my deep abiding friendship with my husband. It's been enormously supportive to me through most of my life. Now obviously we've had challenges as everybody in the world knows. But I never doubted that it was a marriage worth investing in even in the midst of those challenges and I'm really happy that I made that decision." She went on to say, "I think it's so important for women to stand up for the right of women to make a decision that is best for them." A poll released today by the Los Angeles Times and Bloomberg confirms that 30 percent of voters agree that Clinton did the right thing in remaining in her marriage to Bill Clinton "after finding out that he had an external affair." 16 percent said it was the wrong choice and 34% said it was neither right nor wrong.

We would love to know what you think about this. Please visit the hitchedmag.com message board here and join in on the discussion.

Labels: news

Hilary Said Saving Marriage Was Right Choice

In a recent interview with Essence magazine, Hilary Clinton said her marriage was worth investing in, but also remarked it isn't a decision for everybody. The 2008 presidential candidate tells the magazine, "I know the truth of my life and of my marriage, my relationship and partnership, my deep abiding friendship with my husband. It's been enormously supportive to me through most of my life. Now obviously we've had challenges as everybody in the world knows. But I never doubted that it was a marriage worth investing in even in the midst of those challenges and I'm really happy that I made that decision." She went on to say, "I think it's so important for women to stand up for the right of women to make a decision that is best for them." A poll released today by the Los Angeles Times and Bloomberg confirms that 30 percent of voters agree that Clinton did the right thing in remaining in her marriage to Bill Clinton "after finding out that he had an external affair." 16 percent said it was the wrong choice and 34% said it was neither right nor wrong.

We would love to know what you think about this. Please visit the hitchedmag.com message board here and join in on the discussion.

Labels: news

Hilary Said Saving Marriage Was Right Choice

In a recent interview with Essence magazine, Hilary Clinton said her marriage was worth investing in, but also remarked it isn't a decision for everybody. The 2008 presidential candidate tells the magazine, "I know the truth of my life and of my marriage, my relationship and partnership, my deep abiding friendship with my husband. It's been enormously supportive to me through most of my life. Now obviously we've had challenges as everybody in the world knows. But I never doubted that it was a marriage worth investing in even in the midst of those challenges and I'm really happy that I made that decision." She went on to say, "I think it's so important for women to stand up for the right of women to make a decision that is best for them." A poll released today by the Los Angeles Times and Bloomberg confirms that 30 percent of voters agree that Clinton did the right thing in remaining in her marriage to Bill Clinton "after finding out that he had an external affair." 16 percent said it was the wrong choice and 34% said it was neither right nor wrong.

We would love to know what you think about this. Please visit the hitchedmag.com message board here and join in on the discussion.

Labels: news

Chocolate Cravings Explained

You might need a glass of milk to read this post. New research by Nestle (yes, that Nestle) say they may have figured out why some people crave chocolate. It's a gut thing. Or to be specific, it's caused by the type of bacteria inside your stomach. A group of 11 non-chocolate craving men and 11 chocolate loving men were tested. Perhaps the most interesting finding was that the men who ate chocolate had lower levels of LD (bad cholesterol). As if we needed another excuse to each chocolate. Read the full article here.

Labels: food, health, news, study

Chocolate Cravings Explained

You might need a glass of milk to read this post. New research by Nestle (yes, that Nestle) say they may have figured out why some people crave chocolate. It's a gut thing. Or to be specific, it's caused by the type of bacteria inside your stomach. A group of 11 non-chocolate craving men and 11 chocolate loving men were tested. Perhaps the most interesting finding was that the men who ate chocolate had lower levels of LD (bad cholesterol). As if we needed another excuse to each chocolate. Read the full article here.

Labels: food, health, news, study

Chocolate Cravings Explained

You might need a glass of milk to read this post. New research by Nestle (yes, that Nestle) say they may have figured out why some people crave chocolate. It's a gut thing. Or to be specific, it's caused by the type of bacteria inside your stomach. A group of 11 non-chocolate craving men and 11 chocolate loving men were tested. Perhaps the most interesting finding was that the men who ate chocolate had lower levels of LD (bad cholesterol). As if we needed another excuse to each chocolate. Read the full article here.

Labels: food, health, news, study

Spouses Are Copycats

Do you have poor health habits? Well, it's very likely that your spouse does too. The same goes if you decide to start dieting and exercising. You see, new research suggests that spouses are copycats. Researchers examined more than 6,000 individuals who participated in the Health and Retirement Study, which has followed the health of 20,000 Americans over the age of 50 since 1992. The researchers found that smokers were five times more likely to give up cigarettes if their spouse had quit, the same applied to drinking.

What do you think? Do you and your spouse have the same health habits? Read the full article here.

Labels: health, news, study

Spouses Are Copycats

Do you have poor health habits? Well, it's very likely that your spouse does too. The same goes if you decide to start dieting and exercising. You see, new research suggests that spouses are copycats. Researchers examined more than 6,000 individuals who participated in the Health and Retirement Study, which has followed the health of 20,000 Americans over the age of 50 since 1992. The researchers found that smokers were five times more likely to give up cigarettes if their spouse had quit, the same applied to drinking.

What do you think? Do you and your spouse have the same health habits? Read the full article here.

Labels: health, news, study

Spouses Are Copycats

Do you have poor health habits? Well, it's very likely that your spouse does too. The same goes if you decide to start dieting and exercising. You see, new research suggests that spouses are copycats. Researchers examined more than 6,000 individuals who participated in the Health and Retirement Study, which has followed the health of 20,000 Americans over the age of 50 since 1992. The researchers found that smokers were five times more likely to give up cigarettes if their spouse had quit, the same applied to drinking.

What do you think? Do you and your spouse have the same health habits? Read the full article here.

Labels: health, news, study

The Truth, The Whole Truth

Remember that Census data that came out a few weeks back? Newspapers around the country quickly snatched it up and ran with it proclaiming the doom and gloom realities of marriage. Fortunately, Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers, Op-Ed writers for the NY Times decided to dig a little deeper into the numbers and found some interesting misconceptions. In the article they clarify:

The Census Bureau reported that slightly more than half of all marriages occurring between 1975 and 1979 had not made it to their 25th anniversary. This breakup rate is not only alarmingly high, but also represents a rise of about 8 percent when compared with those marriages occurring in the preceding five-year period.

But here's the rub: The census data come from a survey conducted in mid-2004, and at that time, it had not yet been 25 years since the wedding day of around 1 in 10 of those whose marriages they surveyed. And if your wedding was in late 1979, it was simply impossible to have celebrated a 25th anniversary when asked about your marriage in mid-2004.

Man, how numbers can dance. The great news is that marriage, while declining in number according to the data is as strong as ever. Marriages lasting past 10 years in the 90s were at a greater rate than in the 80s, and subsequently were greater than in the 70s.

Labels: news, study

The Truth, The Whole Truth

Remember that Census data that came out a few weeks back? Newspapers around the country quickly snatched it up and ran with it proclaiming the doom and gloom realities of marriage. Fortunately, Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers, Op-Ed writers for the NY Times decided to dig a little deeper into the numbers and found some interesting misconceptions. In the article they clarify:

The Census Bureau reported that slightly more than half of all marriages occurring between 1975 and 1979 had not made it to their 25th anniversary. This breakup rate is not only alarmingly high, but also represents a rise of about 8 percent when compared with those marriages occurring in the preceding five-year period.

But here's the rub: The census data come from a survey conducted in mid-2004, and at that time, it had not yet been 25 years since the wedding day of around 1 in 10 of those whose marriages they surveyed. And if your wedding was in late 1979, it was simply impossible to have celebrated a 25th anniversary when asked about your marriage in mid-2004.

Man, how numbers can dance. The great news is that marriage, while declining in number according to the data is as strong as ever. Marriages lasting past 10 years in the 90s were at a greater rate than in the 80s, and subsequently were greater than in the 70s.

Labels: news, study

The Truth, The Whole Truth

Remember that Census data that came out a few weeks back? Newspapers around the country quickly snatched it up and ran with it proclaiming the doom and gloom realities of marriage. Fortunately, Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers, Op-Ed writers for the NY Times decided to dig a little deeper into the numbers and found some interesting misconceptions. In the article they clarify:

The Census Bureau reported that slightly more than half of all marriages occurring between 1975 and 1979 had not made it to their 25th anniversary. This breakup rate is not only alarmingly high, but also represents a rise of about 8 percent when compared with those marriages occurring in the preceding five-year period.

But here's the rub: The census data come from a survey conducted in mid-2004, and at that time, it had not yet been 25 years since the wedding day of around 1 in 10 of those whose marriages they surveyed. And if your wedding was in late 1979, it was simply impossible to have celebrated a 25th anniversary when asked about your marriage in mid-2004.

Man, how numbers can dance. The great news is that marriage, while declining in number according to the data is as strong as ever. Marriages lasting past 10 years in the 90s were at a greater rate than in the 80s, and subsequently were greater than in the 70s.

Labels: news, study

Honey, You're Killing Me

Couples will joke around how their spouse will talk them to death. Well, a new study that's written about in the NY Times (registration required) suggests that the way a couple argues could substantially damage their health. Two factors played a role in health. The first is bottling up feelings to avoid an argument. According to the study, this seemed to only affect women. The second major factor was the manner in which a couple argues. By watching video, researchers were able to tell who was more likely to have heart disease based on the style of arguing. For women, their health was affected based on how warm or hostile an argument was. For men, the tone didn't matter, what affected them was if the argument was a control issue.

What's really amazing about this study was that the style of argument was as much of a factor for heart disease as smoking or high cholesterol according to Timothy W. Smith, a psychology professor at the University of Utah, who presented the study last year to the American Psychosomatic Society. The lesson here: be nice to each other and don't bottle things up.

Labels: health, news, real people, study

Honey, You're Killing Me

Couples will joke around how their spouse will talk them to death. Well, a new study that's written about in the NY Times (registration required) suggests that the way a couple argues could substantially damage their health. Two factors played a role in health. The first is bottling up feelings to avoid an argument. According to the study, this seemed to only affect women. The second major factor was the manner in which a couple argues. By watching video, researchers were able to tell who was more likely to have heart disease based on the style of arguing. For women, their health was affected based on how warm or hostile an argument was. For men, the tone didn't matter, what affected them was if the argument was a control issue.

What's really amazing about this study was that the style of argument was as much of a factor for heart disease as smoking or high cholesterol according to Timothy W. Smith, a psychology professor at the University of Utah, who presented the study last year to the American Psychosomatic Society. The lesson here: be nice to each other and don't bottle things up.

Labels: health, news, real people, study

Honey, You're Killing Me

Couples will joke around how their spouse will talk them to death. Well, a new study that's written about in the NY Times (registration required) suggests that the way a couple argues could substantially damage their health. Two factors played a role in health. The first is bottling up feelings to avoid an argument. According to the study, this seemed to only affect women. The second major factor was the manner in which a couple argues. By watching video, researchers were able to tell who was more likely to have heart disease based on the style of arguing. For women, their health was affected based on how warm or hostile an argument was. For men, the tone didn't matter, what affected them was if the argument was a control issue.

What's really amazing about this study was that the style of argument was as much of a factor for heart disease as smoking or high cholesterol according to Timothy W. Smith, a psychology professor at the University of Utah, who presented the study last year to the American Psychosomatic Society. The lesson here: be nice to each other and don't bottle things up.

Labels: health, news, real people, study

Young Marriage Worked For GOP Hopeful

It's not too often when a couple gets married in their teens that it will have any chance of lasting; attitudes, goals, ambitions and a slew of other individual feelings set in, ultimately breaking the couple apart as they enter adulthood. But not for GOP presidential hopeful Fred Thompson. He married his then pregnant girlfriend Sarah Lindsey at 17. It's was reported that Thompson was not a very serious student during his high school days, but when his girlfriend told him she was pregnant, Thompson stepped up to the plate, working three jobs and eventually becoming a lawyer representing Tennessee in the U.S. Senate. For more on this amazing story of young love, visit United Press International here

Labels: news, real people

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Awesome Visualization of Credit Crisis

Monday, April 13, 2009

Is Your Husband's Biological Clock Ticking?

Wednesday, April 08, 2009

Wife Wants to Die with Ill Husband

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

Economy Good for Therapists Bad for Mental Health

Economy Good for Therapists Bad for Mental Health

Economy Good for Therapists Bad for Mental Health

Friday, January 16, 2009

Couple Gets Cash and Jail Time for Bank Error

Couple Gets Cash and Jail Time for Bank Error

Couple Gets Cash and Jail Time for Bank Error

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

More Tickets During Recession

More Tickets During Recession

More Tickets During Recession

Friday, January 09, 2009

Racial Medicine

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Racial Medicine

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Less Gifts This Year

Less Gifts This Year

Less Gifts This Year

Friday, December 12, 2008

Poor Get Poorer

Poor Get Poorer

Poor Get Poorer

Monday, November 24, 2008

Why A Couple is Suing McDonald's

Why A Couple is Suing McDonald's

Why A Couple is Suing McDonald's

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Bad Economy = Fewer Divorces

Bad Economy = Fewer Divorces

Bad Economy = Fewer Divorces

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Ann Dunwoody Becomes First Female Four-Star General

Ann Dunwoody Becomes First Female Four-Star General

Ann Dunwoody Becomes First Female Four-Star General

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Don't Count on Holiday Bonuses

Don't Count on Holiday Bonuses

Don't Count on Holiday Bonuses

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Ford Key Monitors Teen Drivers

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Wednesday, October 08, 2008

60 Minutes Explains Wall Street Crash

60 Minutes Explains Wall Street Crash

60 Minutes Explains Wall Street Crash

Thursday, October 02, 2008

Where Did That Hamburger Come From?

Where Did That Hamburger Come From?

Where Did That Hamburger Come From?

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Husband Sues Wife for Giving Him Herpes

Husband Sues Wife for Giving Him Herpes

Husband Sues Wife for Giving Him Herpes

Thursday, July 10, 2008

A Bad Marriage Can Kill You

A Bad Marriage Can Kill You

A Bad Marriage Can Kill You

Tuesday, July 08, 2008

Marriage Counseling May Hurt Your Credit!

Marriage Counseling May Hurt Your Credit!

Marriage Counseling May Hurt Your Credit!

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Today is Loving Day

Today is Loving Day

Today is Loving Day

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Why These Couples Won't Get Tax Rebates

Why These Couples Won't Get Tax Rebates

Why These Couples Won't Get Tax Rebates

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

New Book Explains to Child Why Mom's In Bandages