Issue 21
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July 2013
RECORD BREAKING CELEBRATIONS FOR
POVERTY
4th of July
in the Suburbs
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT:
Interconnections for Women, LLC EXECUTIVE BIO:
Emily Nussdorfer, Girls on the Move
EAT GOOD FOOD:
Joe’s Stakes + Soda Shop See Inside for Prizes!
July 2013•Insight 1
Editor’s Desk Readers Respond to our June Issue: When you were younger and didn’t finish your meal, at one point or another, you probably heard “there are children starving in Aca” as rationale for why you should clean your plate. Similarly, I’m sure there was some time that you told your end you were tired and they responded with some version of “Oh my God, me too, you don’t even know how bad I slept.” We live among people in the world, so it’s not surprising that we try to relate and have relationships with one another through shared emotions and experiences. But, have you noticed how hard it is to just have an individual, isolated feeling – one that is not had in relation to something or someone else. It’s like you can’t be full if that Acan kid is hungry. And you might be tired, but not by comparison to that end with the sucky mattress. Or, you might feel pretty that morning when you look in the mirror – then disgusting that evening after you spot some celeb in front of you in line at Starbucks looking flawless. As much as we are individuals and have our own unique lives and emotions, we can’t escape comparison. A little bit of that is healthy, for sure. It’s good sometimes to take a pause, mid-rant about some trivial frustration in your life (like “ahhh it’s so annoying that every radio station is playing Miley Cyrus right now”) and realize that there are greater evils and frustrations in the world to be had. Those kinds of comparisons ground you. But sometimes, instead, you run the risk of trivializing your own legitimate feelings because someone or something else makes you feel like you should. That’s when you need to stop. Stop immediately! Recognize that whining about silly stuff is just that. But, also be able to recognize that your feelings carry just as much weight as anyone else that happens to be over-sharing next to you. Know that your emotion or experience holds value on it’s own and does not need validation by comparison to Rob at work or Sally at cocktail hour. Just be wise enough to note that not every experience needs to be shared and whined about, particularly on social media (“ugh they messed up my tuna sandwich” = trivial). ;) —Maria “No object is so beautiful that, under certain conditions, it will not look ugly.” —Oscar Wilde
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Your article, “Searching for something? The brain and our ability to focus” makes complete sense! There have been numerous times when I have been doing a word search; I focused in on a specific word and found it within seconds. Compared to if I just look for a random word on the list. Our brain and the functions that it can perform are amazing! — Sandra, Bucks County You featured Grant Cameron, the writer of “What About Me?” book in your last issue. I have a close end who is actually living through the same thing that Cameron covers in his book and I am definitely going to recommend it to him. Not many people can openly talk about the hardship of dealing with a spouse who was abused when the spouse was a child. It is also important to read other people’s story and how they deal with the same issue. — Michael, Philadelphia The gadgets that are invented these days are amazing! In your June issue you wrote about “The New Craze: 3D Printing,” and this is the first time I am hearing about such a thing! One minute we are complaining that technology is ruining us, the next we are inventing 3D TV’s and 3D printers. I am slightly disappointed with all of these new inventions. When is it ever going to stop? — Gary, Chester
Insight
Our Team Maria Krishtul Co-Founder/Editor “Did perpetual happiness in the Garden of Eden maybe get so boring that eating the apple was justified?”
Editor’s Desk 2 Letter from the Editor Readers Respond to our June Issue 4 Prizes and Rewards
19 Christian Rock Musicians You Didn’t Even Know Were Christian 20 The Mystery of Elmo Love 21 Eat Good Food: Joe’s Steaks + Soda Shop 22 Dress to Impress: Cool Coral 23 One Parent At Home For Efficiency’s Sake 24 Say “Ah” Spa Review: Architeqt Salon 25 Real Estate Talk with Jamie Reibenbach
Olga Astreika Contributing Writer “My goal in life is to help people and have them happy.”
Angele Douglas Russell Contributing Writer “No one is entitled to an opinion unless they know the facts.”
Elina Khusid Contributing Writer “I believe that if life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade. And try to find somebody whose life has given them vodka, and have a party.”
Matthew Balick Contributing Writer “Never give up! Failure and rejection are only the first step to succeeding.” —Jimmy Valvano
Alla Podolsky Graphic Designer “I am not that creative with words. Can I offer you a picture instead?”
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Word on the Street 5 Record Breaking Celebrations for 4th of July 6 Ph-un in Philadelphia Wedding Day Myths and Superstitions 7 Cell Phone Courtesy Month The Science Behind the Man Cave 8 Community Spotlight: Interconnections for Women, LCC. 10 Poverty in the Suburbs 11 Executive Bio: Emily Nussdorfer, Girls on the Move 13 Avoid Looking in the Mirror, Boost Self-Esteem? 14 The Cost of Legal Marijuana Insight Poll Converion Starters
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Healthy Living 15 Type 1 Diabetes May Be Reversible with Immune Suppressor Protein 16 Diet Coke Is As Bad for Your Teeth As Meth or Crack? Bunions: A Result of Genes, Not Shoe Type? Entertainment and Media 17 Top Five Reasons to Go to the Movies in July 18 Movies You’ve Never Seen Starring A-List Celebs
Issue 23 • July 2013
Sports and Athletics 26 Athletes Are Superstitious? Philadelphia Phillies July Baseball Schedule 27 Horrible Plane Crash Leads Russian Hockey Team to Lancaster Science and Technology 28 How Film Has Changed to Digital in the Movie World 29 California High School Embraces Technology, Rather Than Discourage It Career and Finance 30 Careers for Introverts and Extroverts The Hidden Costs of Having a Roommate 31 How to Take an Affordable Vacation A Dose of Insight 33 Our Advice Column Horoscope 34 July Predictions
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Marketplace 37 Advertisement
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July 2013•Insight 3
Prizes and Rewards! We at Insight want to hear from all of our new and old ends! Send us an email and write to us on Facebook. Let us know what you think, what you want, or just how your day is going and get rewards for doing it!
Your Monthly Reward: Insight will look through all of our emails, as well as Facebook comments, messages and posts. We will select five comments, at random, to include in the upcoming issue. If you see your post, contact us with the post, the issue you saw it in, and your information within one week of the release of that issue and YOU WIN! What do you win? Well, every issue we post our “Favorite Things.” These are little things that are new, cool, and what we feel everyone should enjoy. When you win the post challenge, you get to pick one of our “Favorite Things” from that issue and it’s yours! If, instead, you want to work towards our bigger “Play for Points” prizes, you can ask to add five points to your “Play for Points” account (see myinsightmag.com for more details). So, what are you waiting for? Come leave us a message!
Play for Points: We don’t want to be another magazine you gloss over in a hurry; we want to really interact with you in every section and page of Insight. In our attempts to really get you involved, we’ve set up a points game. Throughout the magazine you’ll see small sections that say “Play for Points.” Each section will have its own instruction on how you can email or Facebook us your answers or contributions and earn points. You can log in and keep a ‘point account,’ so to speak, on myinsightmag.com. You then can add up points to win the prizes that cost a point value ranging from 50 to 1,000 points. So earn enough points for a $20 gift card, or save as much as you can for a five day paid hotel in Miami, FL, or a new iPAD. See our website for even more prizes, your account and more information!
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AMC! Many great movies are getting ready to hit the theater, so enjoy a movie date, our treat! $20
Cosi! Whether you’re hungry for a big meal, or just want some dessert, allow us to get your tab! $20 Sephora! It is time to step away from your
comfort zone and change up your look! Try make-up shades that you typically would not dare to try, but allow it to be on us! $20
4 Insight•July 2013
Photo ©iStockphoto
Word on the Street
RECORD BREAKING CELEBRATIONS FOR
4TH OF JULY
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ndependence Day is rapidly approaching and, while most of us are gearing up for quaint BBQ’s in the backyard with family and friends, our ancestors celebrated the first July 4th holiday, in 1777, in grand style complete with an official dinner for the Continental Congress, toasts, a 13-gun salute, speeches, prayers, music, parades, and fireworks; even the ships were decked out in red, white, and blue.
by Angele Douglas Russell
Today, the most extravagant (and costliest) celebration takes place in New York City, with the famous fireworks display held over the East River. Televised nationwide since 1976, the display features over 40,000 shells of fireworks and is known as the nation’s largest display of pyrotechnic firepower. The celebration is also topped off with musical guests and numerous parades. Costs for the celebration are estimated at a whopping $6,000,000.
July 2013•Insight 5
Ph-un Wedding Day
in Philadelphia! Philadelphia’s got a lot going on in July. Insight Magazine is here to make sure you are in the center of all of the action! Check out the shows, events and exhibitions going on now and coming soon.
7/4. 4th of July Fireworks. Come and watch the Benjamin Franklin Parkway light up with beautiful fireworks following the 4th of July Jam. All the fun begins at 7 p.m.
7/28. 8th Annual Car Show & Street Festival. Over 130 antique, vintage, classic, muscle and custom cars will be on display for five blocks of East Passyunk Avenue! While checking out these unique cars, enjoy a DJ on every block, while eating delicious food from featured vendors!
7/11–22. 19th Annual QFest. Enjoy the largest LGBT film festival on the East Coast. More than 125 films will be screened during this time! QFest.com.
7/26–28. XPoNential Music Festival. WXPN, the public radio station of the University of Pennsylvania, brings together musical legends and new performers at Wiggins Park on the Camden Waterfront.
7/14. The Color Run 5 K Philadelphia. Dress up in all white, grab your family and ends, and enjoy a color filled crazy day! Convenient for everyone, whether you run or walk. It’s all about getting splashed with color! www.thecolorrun.com. 6 Insight•July 2013
MYTHS AND SUPERSTITIONS
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ith wedding season in full swing couples are either planning the memorable big day or have already tied the knot! However, whether you have heard it or not, there are many superstitions and myths surrounding the glorious celebration. Some of these beliefs are known by many and have been passed down from generation to generation, but some are kept a deep dark secret. Here are a few myths you may want to consider prior to your big day. • Finding a tear in the Wedding Veil is a sign of good luck! • It is bad luck to have a visible mirror around the ceremony area and it is also bad luck to have the bride look at herself in the mirror fully dress before she weds. • It is bad luck to have the bride and groom see each other before the official ceremony. • To overcome bad omens the bride should have salt in her pocket and the groom should have a minute horseshoe. • January and June are lucky months for marriage, where as May is an unlucky month for marriage. • If the wedding takes place during a rainy day, the marriage will be stormy. • However, a snow fall signifies a successful marriage. These are just some of the beliefs about marriage and marriage days. There are many superstitions and beliefs that go as deep as the day the duo picks to wed. But whatever you decide, always remember, don’t rush into planning your special day and always choose wisely!
Cell Phone Courtesy Month
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• • • • • •
ave a cell phone? Well, July is Cell Phone Courtesy month, created with the intent to encourage cell phone users to be more respectful of their surroundings by using simple etiquette principles. If you’ve ever been on a Septa bus or train, you already understand the need for this. Etiquette experts highlight a few principles we all should follow to be more courteous to others: Don’t use your cell phone while in a meeting or other busy area. Put the phone on silent mode. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid private converions in public. Use converional tone when speaking on your phone. When setting up your voicemail, always identify yourself with both your first and last name. When speaking with someone, be sure to ask if it’s a convenient time to talk. Don’t text and drive!
The Science Behind the
MAN CAVE
Photos ©iStockphoto
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t is safe to say that every woman in a relationship with a man has heard the term ‘man cave’. While the mere thought of it calls to question men and their rebellion against spending time together, there is actually evidence suggesting that both men and women benefit psychologically from personalized space. Sam Gosling, a University of Texas psychology professor, studies how space is a powerful mechanism for evoking emotions. He states that space is very important for regulating emotions and can positively affect emotional well-being, particularly if a man’s emotional needs aren’t met in other spaces within the home. Let’s face it ladies, sometimes Spanish moss and plastic flowers won’t do. So, the next time your man asks you for his own special space, let him have it. Your emotions will thank you for it. After all, absence makes the heart grow fonder! July 2013•Insight 7
by Olga Astreika
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT:
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o you’ve decided to open up your own business, congratulations! You have the first step completed. Whether it’s a salon, boutique, or a store, you now need to figure out how you will begin to build your client-base. Every great business owner knows that networking is a great way to get to know other business owners and potential clients, which is why Interconnections for Women is the place for you! Founded in January 2011, by Stacy McGuigan and Robin Tracey, Interconnections for Women allows determined business owners to network together and get the business results that they wish to achieve. “Interconnections for Women is a place where all business women can come to grow learn and receive support for their business. We believe that networking is the cornerstone to any business. We live and breathe the motto each day YOU have to Network to Get work,” explained McGuigan. The duo started the organization almost three years ago, unsure about where the road would take them, but they had a vision and believed strongly in each other. At least once a month, IFW holds an event for everyone to get together. Everyone is greeted with a warm welcome, followed by a nametag with your name on it. If you are new to the organization, rest assured that you would be treated like family immediately. For the first 30 minutes guests can mix and mingle, swapping business cards and getting to know one another. After that McGuigan and Tracey do an icebreaker, followed by an introduction to the guest speaker if there is one. Each event is conducted differently, the agendas to them vary, but there is always the same goal for each event. McGuigan said, “our goal with each event is for attendees to make 2 to 3 connections that will in some way move their business forward; either thru obtaining more business or connecting with someone who can help them in their business. We also want them to leave more educated in how to network, tips and tricks to make it easier to connect and follow up with those they have met.” The locations of these events also vary, it’s always planned that the attendees experiences new local restaurants, wineries, banquet halls, etc. Every month it’s a new location to enjoy and experience, never the same thing! Though it is advised that women join the organization and become a member, the events aren’t limited to just members. Non-members can join any event that they please and they aren’t limited as to how many events they can attend. When asked how they recruit their new members, McGuigan explained, “We don’t get women to join!! Once they come to an Interconnections event, they WANT to join! A membership to Interconnections adds value to their business. In many instances of our members just one connection with another businesswoman, will pay for an IFW membership. Any smart business person knows you have to spend money to make money!”
8 Insight•July 2013
Photos courtesy of Interconnections for Women, LLC
Stacy McGuigan and Robin Tracey
Have we gotten your attention with Interconnections for Women yet? We hope so! Unless you network with other business owners, it can be extremely difficult to run your own. You need to have a solid business plan, know your competitors, and what makes your stand out from others. In addition, you need to have faith and believe in yourself and grow your circle bigger with contacts. Interconnections for Women can help you achieve this! Don’t wait, connect with Interconnections for Women today and start growing your circle bigger than it has ever been before! www.interconnectionsforwomen.org Facebook Interconnections for Women Twitter @4Connections 856-381-8850 interconnections@comcast.net
July 2013•Insight 9
hat comes to mind when you think of poverty? A certain urban, inner city neighborhood, a particular ethnic group, lack of material possessions? Well, statistics are beginning to tell a different story, as the number of poor suburban neighborhoods is on the rise. According to the Brookings Institute’s report, “Confronting Suburban Poverty in America”, across the United States, the number of poor Americans has grown over 64% in the past decade, which is more than twice the rate of urban poverty. Some of the cities nationwide with a skyrocketing suburban poverty problem are the Atlanta, Austin, Salt Lake City, and Las Vegas. Here locally, the statistics also show an increase but the poverty rate in Philadelphia remains three times higher than of its suburbs, although Delaware County has seen a marked increase over the past decade. The reason for the growth in poverty rates among suburbanites is a result of loss jobs, foreclosures, and a growing number of lower-income immigrants in the suburbs are primarily to blame, and the problems are only getting worse, as job growth has not increased significantly over the past few years. In order to curb the effects of poverty, many institutions dedicated to helping the urban poor are now looking outside the cities to help as well. With nearly half of American households being one emergency away from homelessness, many are hopeful the help comes sooner than later. 10 Insight•July 2013
Photo ©iStockphoto
POVERTY IN THE SUBURBS W
by Olga Astreika
EXECUTIVE BIO
Emily Nussdorfer,
Girls on the Move
W
Photos courtesy of Girls on the Move
hen schools consider disciplining a student that has acted out on numerous occasions, they immediately turn to suspension, detention, or expulsion. Not many would consider signing up a student for Dance Therapy, even though it may have more promising behavioral results than punishment. But, Emily Nussdorfer thought otherwise. Growing up, Nussdorfer lived in Media, PA, but later moved to Waterville, ME, to attend Colby College. She majored in English Literature, art history and theater studies. During her junior year, Nussdorfer moved to England so she could attend University of Warwick. It was during this time that she found her fascination with experimental theater, and the use of theater to create social change. In 2001, she obtained her master degree in Creative Arts in Therapy, with a focus in Dance Movement Therapy at MCP Hahnemann
July 2013•Insight 11
University right here in Philadelphia. Even after finishing school, Nussdorfer still had her hands full. “During that time I researched the social causes of youth violence and the personal cost, and developed a thesis that combined dance and drama therapy with the performing arts to empower teens struggling under the specter of poverty and violence, to heal and empower themselves through the arts, and become leaders of change in their communities.” While going through school, Nussdorfer got the idea to starts a non-profit organization called Moving Creations Inc. and later started working on a project called “Girls on the Move.” Nussdorfer began working with young girls in Germantown High School, offering them a way to learn development, leadership and community skills through art. Due to a great amount of violence and lack of programs offered to students in Germantown High School, Girls on the Move held great benefits for the girls. The goal was to improve academic achievement, social life changes, and build a greater partnership among the school staff and students. By engaging these girls in art form therapy, they were able to have fun and learn at the same time. “For African American girls living in low-income inner city communities, these art forms are step dance and hip-hop, poetry, and fashion art to start. The dance helps to entice engagement, and then helps unify and empower, as well as channel stress and uplift and soothe intense feelings. It is the way in to building a trusting relationship with them,” explained Emily. Rather than punishing these girls, they were offered to engage in the dance program with other females. They were also given the opportunity to showcase what they learned for the general audience. Parents, friends, teachers and other peers were all invited to come watch these young ladies put on a public show. Through “Girls on the Move” the girls were taught important life skills such as leadership through art and how to interact with others. Although Germantown High School is one of the schools closing next year, Nussdorfer’s work doesn’t stop there. “My plan for now is to write a book about all the Girls on the Move experiences and use it to obtain institutional backing, trademark the program, develop a teacher training manual and begin training teams of artists and dance and drama therapists to run these programs. My goal this year is to do the upper level PR work to find the institutional backing to be able to provide this program sustainably in struggling school systems.” So even after the program ends with “Girls on the Move,” Nussdorfer will still be busy preparing for her next project. www.movingcreationsinc.org Facebook: Moving Creations, Inc. Twitter: Moving Creations Inc
12 Insight•July 2013
Avoid Looking in the Mirror, Boost SELF-ESTEEM?
C
ould you go a year without looking at yourself in the mirror? That’s what 30-year old PhD. student Kjerstin Gruys, did as a part of a unique experiment to boost her self-
KJERSTIN GRUYS
esteem and to inspire others to focus less on external perfection. Her year-long experience, documented on her blog, “Mirror, Mirror Off the Wall”, she highlights challenges she had with the experiment, including a time when she knew she likely had mascara on her nose but refused to look in the mirror to check. She also navigated her wedding, mirror free. This experiment comes on the heels of her struggles with body image and overcoming an eating disorder. After years of therapy, she overcame her eating disorder and began helping other girls with body image issues. She says she got the idea for the experiment from reading about nuns in Italy who were forbidden to look at themselves or each other while undressed. While the experiment has since ended, Gruys says she now looks at her reflection with pleasure because she sees herself from within, which is a message she hopes inspires others. July 2013•Insight 13
The Cost OF LEGAL MARIJUANA
Converion Starters:
Insight Poll:
] Romanian firefighters could not get their trucks close enough to a burning building, so they put out the fire by throwing snowballs at it.
More than 68% of Americans believe the government is out of control, do you agree?
] Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair. ] 100 years from now, Facebook will have over 900 million accounts of dead people. ] You can find square watermelons in Japan. They stack better! ] A snowflake can take up to one hour to fall from the cloud to the surface of the Earth. 14 Insight•July 2013
Yes No Maybe
87%
12% 1%
Got any other suggestions? Let us know on our website (myinsightmag.com), email (insight@myinsightmag.com), Facebook (My Insight Magazine) or Twitter (My Insight Magazine). And, vote for next month’s poll!
Photos ©iStockphoto
T
he legal marijuana train is making its way across the country, as the drug is slowly but surely being legalized in more states. But, how much will a marijuana habit cost you? Thankfully, for those who enjoy or need the drug, you can expect to pay about the same as a cup of coffee at Starbucks. A study conducted by the Colorado Futures Center set out to estimate how much states can collect in tax revenue from the sale of the drug. From that, the folks over at Time magazine roughly estimated that marijuana will cost an estimated $650 a year for someone with a daily habit (cigarette smokers pay about $1894 per year); that’s about $185 per ounce for marijuana smokers.. While that number is an estimate, other factors determine how much the drug will cost including quality and the amount used during each smoking session.
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new study published in Nature Immunology is showing that it could be possible for scientists to find a cure for type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease, by using an immune suppressor protein called CD52. The protein is able to naturally stop the immune system from overreacting and killing pancreatic cells that produce insulin. This could assist in the reversal of type 1 diabetes in its beginning stages before the cells that produce insulin are killed. If results are successful, the protein could also help with other immune disorders such rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Type 1 diabetes usually is found during ones childhood or teenage years. The reason for the disease is that the person’s immune system begins to kill of insulin making cells found in the pancreas. The body uses insulin to control blood sugar levels. If sugar levels in the blood get too high organ damage can occur. Unfortunately, people with type 1 diabetes must have insulin injections for the rest of their lives in order to regulate sugar levels. According to Len Harrison, lead researcher on the study, “It also causes significant long-term complications involving the eyes, kidneys and blood vessel damage, and at great cost to the community”. Luckily for our bodies, we have T cells, which locate and kill cells that pose any threat to our bodies. T cells help keep out immune system balanced by sending and receiving chemical messages. The study aims to show how these messages are exchanged by use of the CD52 protein. Hopefully we’re one step closer to finding a cure for a debilitating disease.
Healthy Living
Type 1 Diabetes May Be Reversible with Immune Suppressor Protein
JULY IS JUVENILE ARTHRITIS MONTH
J
by Olga Astreika
uly is juvenile arthritis month. Arthritis is a musculoskeletal disorder that affects joints, bones, muscles, cartilage, and other connective tissues, which makes it difficult and painful to move around. Juvenile arthritis (JA) is a term used for the many different autoimmune and inflammatory problems that can develop in children who are 16 and younger. JA not only affects joints, but can also include the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and the eyes. Diagnosing JA is often a long and meticulous process that involves physical exams, imaging tests, lab exams, and detailed collection of patient and family health history. The most frequent form of JA is juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Currently, it is not known what causes the disease; however, research is pointing more towards a genetic predisposition. Parents with children who have JA should strive to maintain a life as close to normal as possible so that those affected could learn to cope as effectively as possible. Unfortunately, at this point in time there is no cure for JA so doctors aim to treat the symptoms that are experienced due to the disease. The Arthritis Foundation continues to search for new treatments, provide better access, and research for cures.
July 2013•Insight 15
COKE
Is As Bad For Your Teeth As Meth or Crack?
almost identical erosion and enamel decay. The erosion was a result of high levels of acid that were found in each of the participants favored substances. The teeth were beyond repair in all three cases and had to be completely removed. The American Beverage Association is shooting back saying that this was a very extreme case of diet soda drinking, with the soda drinker consuming about 2 two-liter bottles per day for the past three to five years. The downside of the study is that there really isn’t enough evidence to solidify any of the results found. We’re all just better off limiting the consumption of diet soda or otherwise. 16 Insight•July 2013
BUNIONS A Result of Genes, Not Shoe Type?
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t has long been assumed that bunions are a result of the type of shoe one wears, however, according to a new study published in the journal of Arthritis Care and Research, that may not be the case. Previously conducted research states that twenty three percent of people between the ages of 18-65 and thirty six percent of people over the age of 65 have bunions. Bunions are painful bony bumps that sometimes form on the joint at the base of the big toe. The new study called for the analysis of information from 1,370 people, who were on average 66 years old. The study showed that thirty one percent of participants had bunions while another thirty percent had other toe deformities such as “hammer toes”; both were found to be highly inheritable depending on the participant’s age and sex. These results were especially true for those of European decent. Given these new findings, researchers can aim to search for early treatment or even prevention options.
Photo ©iStocphoto
E
ver try to go healthier and consume a diet beverage that you assume is better than the regular version of the drink? Well, a new study conducted by Philadelphia Kornberg School of Dentistry at Temple University used an extreme diet soda drinker, a methamphetamine addict, and a crack cocaine user of 20 years to compare their teeth. None of the participants experienced sufficient dental care during their lives, however when compared to each other, all three participants exhibited
Photos ©iStockphoto
Diet
to Go to the Movies in July
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7/3—Despicable Me 2
Cue the return of Gru (Steve Carell)! He, the girls and the minions are all back taking on a new challenge. In the original, we wondered if super villain Gru could ever soften up. In the sequel, we have to ask: did Gru get too soft? Here’s to finding out, as Gru is chosen to help stop evil villains with his knowledge of all things evil villain. Lots of great celebs lend their voices to this great sequel! (Miranda Cosgrove, Kristen Wiig, Russell Brand, Benjamin Bratt).
7/3—The Lone Ranger
Disney is behind this retelling of the classic tale. Here, the Native American warrior Tonto (Johnny Depp) tells the audience of the adventures that transformed John Reid (Armie Hammer), a clean, honest man of the law into a great masked Robin hood-esque legend. Disney put out a great mix of action and humor with this one!.
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7/19—Red 2
Veteran actors Bruce Willis, John Malkovich and Helen Mirren are back, with the likes of Mary-Louise Parker and Lee Byung-hun in this action/ comedy about retired CIA operatives forced to reunite to — what else? — save the world! This time around, the team needs to track down a missing portable nuclear device, while dodging assassins, terrorists, government officials and all the other crazies that want to get the weapon before them. Once again, their old school skills save the day . . . and leave us mighty entertained in the process.
7/19—Only God Forgives
Ryan Gosling teams up again with his Drive director, Nicolas Winding Refn, in this bloody Bangkok-set thriller. Gosling plays a drug kingpin attempting to avenge his brother’s death while a crazed, unhinged cop is following his every move. Also starring Kristin Scott Thomas and Tom Burke.
Entertainment & Media
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TOP REASONS
7/26—The Wolverine
Hugh Jackman and his incredible Wolverine physique are back in yet another summer sequel. The story takes place in modern day Japan and finds Wolverine out of his element as he is vulnerable for the first time in his life. He is forced to fight against the lethal samurai steel at the same time he is forced to face his own mortality. As can be expected, Wolverine arises stronger and victorious in the end – but what a fun two hours getting there! This is what a summer movie should look like!
by Maria Krishtul July 2013•Insight 17
Movies You’ve Never Seen Starring
A-list Celebs 1. Total Eclipse (1995), starring Leonardo
18 Insight•July 2013
Dicaprio. The movie follows a genius 16-year-old 18th century poet and his mentor, who fall for each other and develop a romance that turns violent. Leo is known for his amazing selection of roles; but, even the best at picking movies can pick a loser from time to time. 2. Havoc (2005), starring Anne Hathaway. Best known as the movie where Anne Hathaway bares her breasts, the unseen film follows two affluent suburban girls who clash with the Latino gangs of East L.A.. 3. Welcome to Collinwood (2002), starring George Clooney. This awkward comedy follows a petty thief behind bars who hears about the perfect heist. His girl, Rosalind, goes on a mission to find some guys to do the heist for him and be his patsy. Eh, not Clooney’s best. 4. Playing by Heart (1998), starring Sean Connery, Angelina Jolie, Dennis Quaid, Jon Stewart. This is one of those “a million celebs are in the movie and their stories kind of intersect”, movies that “Valentine’s Day” and “New Years Eve” butcher all the time. This one follows eleven people’s love lives in L.A. 5. Take this Waltz, (2011) starring Michelle Williams and Seth Rogen. Weird casting choices don’t help this story about a happily married woman who falls for the artist across the street. 6. Foolproof (2003), starring Ryan Reynolds. Ironic title for the movie, given that it flopped. The movie follows a group that gets outsmarted by a gangster who blackmails them into pulling off a multi-million dollar heist, forcing them to fight back.
Christian Rock Musicians You Didn’t Even Know Are Christian U2. The most transparent about their Christian faith, U2 consistently puts biblical
themes at the center of their music. The song “40,” from the album “War,” has lyrics straight out of Psalm 40: “I waited patiently on the Lord / He inclined and heard my cry / He lifted me up out of the pits / And out of the miry clay.”
Mumford & Sons. You probably didn’t know this, but band leader Marcus Mumford’s parents are leaders in the evangelical Vineyard Church in England and he is a member as well. In fact, he’s told The Guardian that most of his lyrics are “a deliberately spiritual thing but deliberately not a religious thing. I think faith is ¬something beautiful, and something real, and something universal.”
Lenny Kravitz. The “American Woman” singer is actually a devout Christian
who has even gone through celibacy as part of his faith. His song, “Are You Gonna Go My Way?” is sung from the perspective of Jesus Christ: “I was born long ago / I am the chosen, I’m the one / I have come to save the day / And I won’t leave until I’m done / So that’s why you’ve got to try / You got to breathe and have some fun / Though I’m not paid I play this game / And I won’t stop until I’m done / But what I really want to know is / Are you gonna go my way?”
Evanescence. Evanescence co-founder and original primary songwriter Ben
Moody came out of the Christian rock world and, until they hit it big, most of their records would be found in Christian record shops. The song “Tourniquet” for instance, includes lyrics like “I’m dying / Praying / Bleeding / Screaming / Am I too lost to be saved? / Am I too lost? / My God! / My tourniquet / Return to me salvation.”
Kings of Leon. All three band members are sons of a United Pentecostal
Church Preacher. Though their music is generally pretty secular, they feature many songs about redemption, or fire and brimstone. The song “Lucifer” goes, “ went and I sold my soul to Jesus / And nobody knows just what he means to us / I went and I got me some of that holy ghost fire / Ain’t nothing in this world that can take me higher.”
July 2013•Insight 19
THE MYSTERY BEHIND
ELMO LOVE F
act. Everyone loves Elmo. More specifically, children between the ages of one and four (who have watched TV, gone to a day care, or at least somewhat exist in the world) go ga-ga over Elmo. Whether it is the one that sings, or the one that counts, or the one that just hugs you and giggles when you tickle it, some version of Elmo is beloved by each child in this country. Why!? Why does Googling the phrase “Elmo obsession” return 1.75 million results? Tovah Klein, director of the Center of Toddler Development at Barnard College in New York City, explains that kids love Elmo because Elmo is just like them. You see, that red little Muppet mirrors a child’s outlook on life in early development. He is “just like toddlers who are in a exploratory stage of life—like little scientists, trying out and exploring what is around them, delighting in it.” And, that is exactly what Elmo creators were going for when they conceived of him. “Elmo spends much of his time approaching new things or situations,” Klein explains. “He tries something out and makes mistakes; he doesn’t know how something works or what it does.” As Slate Magazine puts it, “Sesame Street Muppets have distinct personalities and functions. Cookie Monster is the impulsive guy. Grover sets his sights high but is not so good at following through. Oscar is the neighborhood grouch. In the early 1980s, Sesame Street content developers realized that they didn’t yet have a preschool character, so they devised a list of attributes that they felt described the prototypic preschool child— “curious, open-minded, fun, loves to learn new things, very optimistic, happy-go-lucky,” explains Rosemarie Truglio, vice president of education and research at Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit organization behind Sesame Street— and they mixed them all together to create Elmo, who first appeared on the show in 1985.” Your child, therefore, likes Elmo because your child is Elmo. Mystery Solved.
20 Insight•July 2013
by Olga Astreika
Eat Good Food:
Photos courtesy of Joe’s Steaks + Soda Shop
E
ver have a craving for a really good cheesesteak, but never know where to go? Well, search no more! Insight Magazine had the pleasure of sitting down with Stefanie Mahoney, the manager of Joe’s Steaks + Soda Shop. The steak shop has been open since 1949, is family owned and operated, and offers items that cannot be found anywhere else, such as their chocolate soda. Each item on the limited menu is prepared with the freshest of ingredients with bread being delivered daily and the meats and cheeses being sliced right in the shop. What makes the sandwiches at Joe’s different is that each one is made with love, with Joe working right at the grill cooking up some of the orders. The grill is over 20 years old and has been left seasoned by all the meat and onions that have been cooked on it over the years. Joe purchased the steak shop in 1999 from Chink’s wife, Mildred. Up until late last year, Joe’s Steaks + Soda Shop was known as Chink’s Steaks, however, protests begun in 2004 and called for a name change. In order to be sensitive and accepting of the whole community, the shop changed its name from Chink’s to Joe’s Steaks + Soda Shop, so that the shops doors could be open to so that the shops doors could be open to everyone who could appreciate a yummy cheesesteak. Not all change has been easy for Joe. For the longest time the shop only offered American cheese and only recently added provolone and whiz as menu options. The most popular order for the shop is the American cheesesteak with ed onions and a coke. So next time you’re in the mood for a great cheesesteak, milkshake, or a custom made soda just for you, look no further than Joe’s Steaks + Soda Shop! 6030 Torresdale Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19135. (215) 535-9405.
July 2013•Insight 21
Dress to Impress COOL CORAL
Hot trend alert! Coral tones
are making a seamless transition from spring to summer and are great for boosting your summertime glow. This orange based hue comes in many shades and looks - best used on lips, cheeks or nails. To avoid an orange glow, pick one feature to add a pop of color and keep the rest neutral. — Elina Yudilevich
Cheeks Nails
22 Insight•July 2013
Lips
LIPS 1. N.Y.C. Smooch Proof 16HR Lipstain in Orange on the Go — $4.99 2. Chanel LÈVRES Scintillantes Glossimer in Volupté — $29.50 3. MAC Lipstick in So Chaud — $18 CHEEKS 1. bareMinerals Blush in Vintage Peach — $19 2. Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Nectar — $42 3. Nars Blush in Torrid — $29 NAILS 1. Urban Outfitters Kimchi Blue Collection Nail Polish in Westside — $5 2. Deborah Lippmann in Million Dollar Mermaid — $19 3. Yves Saint Laurent ‘La Laque Couture’ Nail Lacquer in 5 Coral Divin — $25
Elina Yudilevich is a professional makeup artist working in the Philadelphia area. View her work: facebook.com/prettybyelina
ONE PARENT AT HOME
FOR EFFICIENCY’S
Photo ©iStockphoto
SAKE
I
t was just a little more than a half century ago that the organizational norm was that the father went out and earned the family’s financial living and the mother stayed home and managed the household. Then the whole feminism thing happened and today, while some women are still staying home to raise the kids and tend to all things domestic, it is far from the norm, let alone “acceptable” to the “modern” women. So, today most families have a husband/wife that split the house jobs and economic jobs relatively 50/50 … or, at least, they try to. But, the juggling act is arguably not the most efficient model for modern day families. That’s not to say that all mothers should return to the home sphere exclusively. But, that might be to say that one parent, regardless of gender, should. The publication, Slate, wrote an extensive article suggesting that perhaps the most efficient familial model includes one parent working and the other doing, well, everything else. “Everything else” doesn’t just mean watching the children, but packing lunches, ordering clothes and needed items that someone always forgets at the store, planning medical appointments, paying bills, handling retirement and college funds, etc. Feminists traditionally and historically reject that the woman should continue to play this role. However, even today, New York magazine stories like “The Retro Wife” show that some feminists are resisting this and opting to stay home. More interesting still, Atlantic magazine points out that married gay men with kids are more likely than heterosexual couples to have one parent stay home full time. The argument goes that because gay men have no feminist baggage to worry about, they just go with the better idea and one parent at home is the better idea. Perhaps, not as a matter of economics or as a matter of setting a role model type example for your kids, but purely for efficiency’s sake, one parent at home is best? Slate looks into Gary Becker’s idea about specialization in his book Treatise on the Family: “Major productivity gains were achieved in the industrial revolution when we moved from one guy making a whole product in his house to a factory with everyone doing a single specialized task over and over. Similarly, your household would be more efficient if people specialized.” The parent specializing in the home does not necessarily have to be the woman, it just should be someone. July 2013•Insight 23
Say “Ah”
ARCHITEQT SALON I
f you are looking for a unique and educational salon experience, than Architeqt Salon is the place to visit! Alexey Kats and Pawel Jan founded the salon in October 2012, hoping to provide customers with a unique salon visit. “I’ve wanted a mixed use space for a long time, and when Pawel and I started talking about going into business, he liked the idea of a space where we can host educational workshops, pop-up shops, gallery openings while being able to function as a salon,” explained Kats. Architeqt’s layout is set up like an art gallery daily; guests can view pieces of art while waiting for their appointment. In addition, the guests are invited to a gallery open house, which occurs bi-monthly. It’s during this time that artists, musicians, hairdressers and clients can all come together and socialize. Those who attend can enjoy wine, cheese and live music, all while socializing with other guests! However, just because you attended an event in the summer, does not mean you will see the same artist being featured in the winter. Kats believes in setting up a certain type of atmosphere according to the seasons, “I choose the artists based on the feeling I want in the salon for the season. Whether it is deep figurative art during the winter or light colored collages for spring, I try to achieve a certain atmosphere in the space.” The experience you get at Architeqt you won’t get anywhere else! Aside from hosting beautiful art shows the salon also has some of the highly trained staff. Due to their heavy belief in education, each on of their stylists also work as educators outside of the salon. I have my own venture Fountainhead Beauty where I educate hairdressers on dry cutting. Jennifer is a color and styling educator for L’oreal Professionnel, Brittiany is an extension specialist and educator and Pawel also teaches dry cutting and has been on several artistic teams,” explained Kats. So when your there, you know you’re being taken care of and in trusted hands! What are you waiting for? Book your next appointment at Architeqt Salon! Architeqt Salon We guarantee you will feel beautiful walking out of the there and you won’t be 265 s. 10th st. in Washington Square West, able to keep yourself from looking at every mirror you pass by. Not to mention, you’ll have an education experience while doing it. No more counting down the Philadelphia, PA 19107 Architeqtsalon.com • 267-519-3778 minutes in the boring waiting room for your appointment, just enjoy the art! info@architeqtsalon.com facebook.com/architeqtsalon 24 Insight•July 2013
Photos courtesy Architeqt Salon
by Olga Astreika
Spa Review
REAL ESTATE TALK
I
with Jamie Reibenbach
n a city with very little inventory, have no fear because we are about to see some fabulous new construction. Parking, roof decks made from fiber glass, gardens, driveways, it’s all here! With a high price tag attached to it don’t forget. But that does not mean that you can’t have what you want! There are so many options and so much diversity; I literally lay in bed at night awake due to the excitement I feel. In the meantime Buyers that were once skeptical of purchasing new construction now would rather wait for that. Being a listing agent and buyers agent, the challenges I am facing on a daily basis are justifying prices in homes between $550-800 when there is new construction just a few blocks away and on the way offering more in terms of square footage, outdoor space, and options for parking (2 car garages etc). We are seeing new construction in all areas and in my opinion, superiority in zip code nothing more than a past opinion or a current strong opinion of some.
So what are these sellers going to do? It doesn’t seem like they have much of a choice right now being that we are entering the Summer months of this “fluid market”. We shall see how it affects us here in Philadelphia. Yes, comps are coming in where they should, and yes it is becoming easier to encourage the purchase of a home in several areas of the city. The truth is that something that works for one person may not work for another but there is a home for everyone. Everyone will have different taste, and everyone will have their opinions. But not everyone is buying your home. It is about you, what makes you happy, where you want to live and how you want your lifestyle to be. Ask yourself, “what do I want”. City (surrounding) living is a lifestyle. Whereas if you purchase further out you may have to use your car more often, your choices may be limited in terms of restaurants and nightlife, outdoor cafes etc. Certain areas of the city offer less greenery but as a buyer it is an absolute necessity to determine what you are willing to sacrifice. Ask yourself what your threshold is, both financial and personal. You need to follow your gut. Don’t worry about overpaying for a property, let the appraisal decide. That way there is no disappointment. “This 5 yr old custom oasis in the heart of hot, hot Graduate Hospital. One block from brand new dog park and the popular SoWe & Sidecar Restaurants. Walking distance to Rittenhouse Sq., Fitler Sq. and Schuylkill River Park. This home is the epitome of luxury, style and class with thoughtful added touches and high end finishes throughout. No cookie cutters here! Features every possible amenity including 1-car garage, eat-in gourmet kitchen w/ granite, S/S appliances, gas fireplace, hardwood flooring, private outdoor area off kitchen for entertaining, patio off master bedroom leading to roof deck w/ expansive skyline views, convenient 2nd fl. laundry rm, palatial master bedroom suite with sitting area, 2 walk-in closets, jetted tub, sep. shower & toilet rm, two other spacious bedrooms, partially finished basement with plumbing for 1/2 bath, ceiling fans in every room and so much more! Priced to sell! For Questions about selling your home, buying a home, leasing a home contact Jamie Reibenbach at jamier@addisonre.com at 215.735.3020.
July 2013•Insight 25
Sports & Athletics
ATHLETES ARE
SUPERSTITIOUS?
A
thletes are thought of to be a certain way, especially football players, hockey players, and anyone that plays other contact sports. Athletes have the reputation of being fearless, smart, and definitely hard working. So you may find it surprising that many times weird superstitions play a huge role in how athletes perform on, and off, the court, field, course, etc. And here’s the thing, it’s not just one or two out of the bunch that act this way and not even the reserves you never hear much about. Here are some interesting superstitions that athletes everywhere take very seriously. One of the oddest, yet most common, superstitions is the “silent treatment.” Most commonly seen in baseball and hockey, when “perfection” is possible, you never speak of it to the player chasing either a nohitter/perfect game, or a shut out. In many ways, when a player does try to help the player achieve their goal by informing them how long is left in the game, for example, it jinxes the actual experience. The chances of perfection highly decrease when someone speaks of the great and exciting possibility. Another superstition, more of a curse, is the Madden Curse, which affects only football players. Madden is the most popular football game on the market. Each year the game chooses a player to be on the cover of their newest game. For years, the player on the cover has a horrible season, or gets injured, ruining their season. Philadelphia’s own Donovann McNabb was on the cover of Madden ’06 and did not have a good season that year. The Eagles were coming off of a loss in the 2005 Superbowl and were predicted to have a pretty good season, but the team was absolutely horrible and Donovann McNabb had a very bad injury. This year the cover will be an ex player, so the curse should not affect anyone this year. This final superstition is not as much like the first two though, considering it seems to affect player’s significant others more than the players themselves. During the playoffs, in order to have luck on your side, it is customary that a whole team will not shave until they loose, with no shot at continuing to move on. Players can go for weeks without shaving, especially in hockey, where each series can go seven games apiece. Wives and girlfriends of those players that don’t like facial hair must really feel differently about post-season success than the players do!
by Matthew Balick
Philadelphia Phillies Baseball Schedule
26 Insight•July 2013
7/2 vs. Pirates 7:05 pm 7/3 vs. Pirates 7:05 pm 7/4 vs. Pirates 1:35 pm 7/5 vs. Braves 7:05 pm 7/6 vs. Braves 7:15 pm 7/7 vs. Braves 1:35 pm 7/8 vs. Nationals 7:05 pm 7/9 vs. Nationals 7:05 pm 7/10 vs. Nationals 7:05 pm 7/11 vs. Nationals 7:05 pm 7/12 vs. White Sox 7:05 pm 7/13 vs. White Sox 4:05 pm
7/14 vs. White Sox 1:35 pm 7/19 vs. Mets 7:10 pm 7/20 vs. Mets 1:10 pm 7/21 vs. Mets 1:10 pm 7/23 vs. Cardinals 8:15 pm 7/24 vs. Cardinals 8:15 pm 7/25 vs. Cardinals 7:15 pm 7/26 vs. Tigers 7:08 pm 7/27 vs. Tigers 7:08 pm 7/28 vs. Tigers 1:08 pm 7/30 vs. Giants 7:05 pm 7/31 vs. Giants 7:05 pm
Think you know who will win? Email or Facebook message us with your information and guesses. Right answers get a point towards our annual prize (see Editors Desk for more detail).
Horrible Plane Crash Leads RUSSIAN HOCKEY TEAM to Lancaster
I
n Yaroslavl, a small town of about 60,000 people in Russia, they really love their hockey. Just like all American cities that have major sports teams to root for, the Russians love their hometown teams and in Yaroslavl, their team is called Lokomotiv. In September of 2011, the beloved team struck tragedy, as the whole team and coaching staff was involved in a horrible plane crash, killing everyone on board. Hockey fans around the globe rallied around Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, offering their support in various ways. Hockey players all over the country tried out for the new team, compiling a group of players that was not quite the same as the team that died in the plane crash. Even a coach from America, Tom Rowe, came to lead Lokomotiv in the coming years, trying to rebuild the team. With Rowe having his work cut out, the team’s president asked what he thought would be best in order to make the rebuilding process the fastest and most productive, letting Rowe have free reign to do as he pleased. With Rowe being from the United States, his first thought was to bring the team home with him and have them train in America. Rowe decided to ask for help from one of the most famous trainers in the country, Steve Saunders. Saunders has trained some of the most famous athletes and celebrities. Despite the language barrier, Saunders was perfect for the job and realized that his hometown would be the best place for the hockey players to train — Amish country, Lancaster. In Amish Country, there are very few distractions, with no electricity, no malls, and really nothing but farmland. The players would be able to focus on building their relationships with their fellow teammates as well as getting in great shape so they would be able to compete with the other Russian teams again. Saunders trained the team extremely well, having them run stairs at Millersville University and working them out in his gym in Manheim, right near Lancaster. The team left America to go back to Russia in late May, but their time in America has not only helped their hockey, but also has helped a city and town get past the July 2013•Insight 27 tragedy that struck their favorite team.
HAS CHANGED
DIGITAL
TO IN THE
Photo ©iStockphoto
Science & Technology
HOW FILM
MOVIE WORLD
by Matthew Balick
F
or many of us, going to the movies is something we look forward to, and have since we were young kids. Watching our favorite actors and actresses play various different roles will always be one of America’s favorite past times, as even our parents and grandparents will recall the days they enjoyed spend at the movies, no matter how large the age gap. But, with all technology, things change, things improve, and sometimes we never even realize it. This is the case with movies today. The truth is many movie-goers don’t even know that the same film used for showing movies even five and ten years ago is long gone; the art of watching a movie with the tiny discrepancies of a film projector is, in many ways, ancient history. According to the National Association of Theatre Owners, 88% of all movies shown today are not film, but digital. Movies no longer are played by running hundreds of frames through a projector, mainly with the use of light, but now are all generated to play from a digital projector. While you may expect to find racks and racks of film in the mysterious film room behind the last row, really it has just become a black box, which plays most every movie in the theatre. The pros of going to digital are obvious, as the 88% of movies that are digital is significantly approaching 100% as time passes. With showing digital movies, there is no risk of damaging the film, considering there is no physical tape to damage. The digital copies of the movies also last much longer. The constant wear and tear of film never occurs with digital film for the exact same reason that there is no worry of physical damage- there is no physical specimen to be worn down. Sure, digital is not perfect, but we must realize that movie theatres switching to digital is not the big thing. It is what will come next that could be truly amazing. With the great advancements of 3D already showing up in the big-hit movies, who knows what Hollywood will roll out next. But, next time you go to see a movie at your local theatre, realize that what you are watching is an evolution of what once was and understand where this seemingly basic practice will one day take us.
28 Insight•July 2013
CALIFORNIA HIGH SCHOOL
Embraces Technology, Rather Than Discouraging It
S
chools today have a very tough dilemma that they must face. In the new age where technology rules the student generation, it inevitably plays a role in education, so should schools encourage or discourage its use? Are instant messaging, social networking, and the like sources that could be beneficial in the teaching world? New Technology High School in Napa, California believes that they all can be a major bonus in teaching high school. The mentality at NTHS is very simple: meet the students in their own environments, using instant messaging, twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Google. Instead of limiting electronic use, mainly with the Internet as most all high schools in the country do, NTHS does the exact opposite. The teachers all have Twitter accounts, Facebook pages, and Google accounts so they are able to conveniently communicate with students both in and out of the classroom. Seems pretty forward thinking doesn’t it? Well, amazingly enough, New Technology High School is not all that new. Founded in 1997, NTHS had the idea of embracing technology even before the craze that seems to have set in really in the past five to ten years. In 1997, Facebook and Twitter were not even on the Internet, as e-mailing was really starting to become commonly used. The school was also the first to pair up with the New Technology Network, a nonprofit organization that helps schools implement technology based projects. Now, the New Technology Network works with 120 schools, creating programs to help teachers use technology to reach their students. But, with giving students Internet based freedom come responsibilities. Kids abuse the Internet everyday, by posting hateful things about groups of people or even their friends and visiting sites that are either not age appropriate or support a bad message. New Technology High School understands the problems that face students using technology in and out of school, so they approach online “citizenry”, as they call it, head on. All students must take classes that teach them the appropriate and correct ways to use the Internet along with constant reminders that everything they do on the Internet will forever be there; while you may think you deleted a picture or post from Facebook, it will never truly be deleted. This concept works too and when there are problems, the teachers and administration are there to make sure everything continues to go smoothly. Teachers are friends with their students on Facebook and follow them on Twitter, for the use of teaching as well as monitoring. With embracing the technology that students love, they must be responsible with it as well. The biggest thing that New Technology High School uses in the to its advantage is Echo, an online application that links with Google Apps to effectively help with teaching. All lessons, homework, projects, etc. are posted to Echo. This makes it easier for the students to keep track of their assignments and also helps the teachers track the students’ progress. Everyone that attends uses Echo and teachers at NTHS, making the school run very smoothly. The students are all encouraged to bring their own computers to school and the students really do love the mindset of their school. They enjoy school more because they are able to use the same technology that they use out of school, in school. But most importantly, embracing technology helps students to be prepared for the real world that will await them after high school. The truth is, everything today is online. Almost any field that you enter will involve technology and learning to use it properly in school is all the better for life after school. Many schools are starting to move towards mentalities and ciriculum similar to that of New Technology High School, as almost everyone realizes that as time goes on, technology will only increase in importance, meaning that learning about it in High School is even more important in the future than it ever has been before. July 2013•Insight 29
by Angele Douglas Russell
D
oes making presentations give you the creeps? Do you thrive in social settings? These are questions that need to be answered when considering a career path. Check out different career options for both introverts and extroverts below. INTROVERTS Market Research Analyst — analyzes data and research. Requires a bachelor’s Degree in math, statistics or computer science. Computer Programmer — writes codes to create software programs. Requires a bachelor’s degree in computer science or related area. Accountant — works with numbers, computes taxes, and maintains financial records. Requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting. EXTROVERTS Personal Financial Advisor — helps clients plan finances and future. Doesn’t require a degree but a bachelor’s degree in business or finance is generally needed. Court Reporter — takes transcripts at court hearings and trials. Requires formal training from anything from a certificate program to an associate’s degree in stenography. Registered Nurse — interacts with patients, doctors and nurses to provide care to patients. Requires a degree in nursing and must pass the National Council Licensure Examination to be licensed.
30 Insight•July 2013
he thought of a roommate conjures up dreams of splitting the rent and not having to pay as much for cable and utilities. But, sharing an apartment doesn’t always cut your bills in half. Below are five costs to be aware of when considering getting a roommate. Utilities. If utilities aren’t included, be sure to discuss temperature levels before signing the lease because if one person likes to crank up the A/C, you will not see the benefit of having a roommate. Food. Having shared food interests is good. But, what if you have different tastes and eat different amounts? Or what if your roommate helps himself to your food without asking or chipping in? Make sure to discuss this beforehand. Furniture. Furnishing common spaces can be a point of contention if one person’s idea of necessities is different than the other. Be sure to keep inventory of who brought what in to avoid disputes. Guests. Discuss overnight guests upfront. If someone spending the night for half the month bothers you, speak up and discuss whether or not permission is needed to do so. Rent and Security Deposit. Be sure both names are on the lease so both roommates carry the responsibility of paying the rent. Also, regarding security deposits, be clear about the share of the deposit owed and what, if any, repairs need to be made and get it in writing. Photos ©iStockphoto
Career & Finance
CAREERS for INTROVERTS and EXTROVERTS
T
THE HIDDEN COSTS OF HAVING A ROOMMATE
HOW TO TAKE AN AFFORDABLE VACATION
W
e all love taking vacations but they can be quite expensive. Here are five tips to saving on your next getaway, from USA Today. Search In Advance The best bargains on travel are found in advance, not at the last minute, like most of us hope for. Also, consider flying to a nearby city and taking public transit to your final destination. For hotels, book directly through the website to avoid extra charges. Use Frequent Flier Miles Rack up miles to pay for hotel stays and flights. You can also use miles to upgrade. Consider consolidating your miles between companies with partnerships for added bonus. Visit a Low Cost Destination While visiting Tahiti may be out of the question, inexpensive countries like Central America can be very cheap compared to western standards. Travel in the Low Season Find out how where you would like to go defines “low season” and travel during that time for deep savings. Book Hostels instead of Hotels For the budget-traveling crowd, many destinations sell beds in hostels for drastic savings. Also, check out Home Away or AirBnB for savings on renting private homes or maybe just a room in someone’s home.
Want to advertisein Insight? Visit myinsightmag.com to learn how. July 2013•Insight 31
✽ Probably not. Either way it makes you seem rather conceited. As friends you might just have similar interests and naturally lean towards similar things. If you searched for blonde’s that drove Nissan Altimas and dated personal trainers; I’m sure you’d come up with more people than just you and your friend. If you are annoyed with her behavior, then back away from her a little. Maybe spending less time together will steer her attention elsewhere and she’ll become more of an independent person. See that’s the thing, some people are leaders while others are just naturally born as followers. It’s not that she’s trying to skin you and wear you as a coat; it’s probably that she has little original
thought of her own. You’re better off changing your mentality. Maybe there is some strange dynamic in your friendship where she feels as if she needs to do these things to fit in with you or to get your approval. The issue can be a number of things, but you can’t just assume that people are trying to be you. With that thought process you won’t have too many friends in the future. No one wants to be friends with someone that is so self-involved that they actually believe that people around them want to be them. Take a humble approach and re-evaluate your friendship. Maybe your friend just needs to know that you will accept her and love her even if she doesn’t do everything just like you.
by Elina Khusid
My husband and I have been divorced for a year now, but we have a 2-year-old together. I recently started a college fund for my daughter and talked to her dad to see if he started anything for her. He told me he did not. I am trying to figure out if I am being selfish by thinking this, but I think it’s really irresponsible of him to not be starting some kind of saving account for his daughter. I don’t want him only relying on my money and thinking he does not have to start it on his own. I want to talk to him about it, but I don’t want to fight. Do you think it’s even worth it? ✽ It’s not worth it at all. You are no longer a partnership. You are two people that are coparenting a child. Naturally, you won’t agree on every single thing when it comes to your kid. As a mother, you should do what you think is the best for your child regardless. It’s not a competition between you and your ex. The most you can do is suggest the idea to him; but if he says no, there’s nothing you can do about that. Unfortunately, in a sense you are a single parent now and you have to make decisions for
32 Insight•July 2013
your child on your own. What you are doing is amazing and so selfless. Someday, when your kid is ready to go to college, she will be very grateful for the sacrifices her mother made for her. Maybe her dad will step up before that point too; but if he doesn’t, at least you know that you did the best you could do for her. Co-parenting in a divorce situation is incredibly difficult, so my advice is to not make it any harder than it already is. Let him do what he feels is right, and you do the same.
Photos ©iStockphoto
A Dose of Insight
I have been friends’ with my best friend for about three years now, but now more than recently I feel like she wants to be me. I colored my hair blonde, she went blonde. I got myself a red Nissan Altima, she got herself a Nissan Altima. I started dating a personal trainer; she started dating a personal trainer. I really feel like she wants my life and I want to talk to her about this, but I don’t want it to make our friendship awkward. Is there a nice way to confront her?
My birthday was last week and my mom gave me what she thought was the perfect present for me. However, I don’t exactly like it. Not only do I not see myself using it, it was also extremely expensive. I would hate to just let it sit in my room, so I need to let her know I don’t like it. How can I bring it up to her without hurting her feelings? ✽ I would be very honest with her but I would start off the conversation on a positive note. Thank her for the thought and money she spent on this gift. Also, just make sure that you thank her for being a great mom and for sacrificing for you. Then you can slowly transition into the present. Talk about how much money she must have spent on it, and how maybe it wasn’t the most practical choice for you. Tell her you feel bad that she spent so much on something you might not really get a whole lot of use out of. Also make sure she communicates with you openly as well. Ask her if it were to hurt her feelings if you were to get
something else. She might say “no.” Often times we get things for people because we think they will like it. So if we know that they are appreciative but maybe want something else instead, it’s not the end of the world. Also, you know your mom better than anyone else. Certainly, you must know of ways to approach her without hurting her. Sit down and have a personal conversation, I promise something positive will come out of it. At the end of the day, she is your mother and more than anything she wants you to be happy. If another gift is what will truly bring you happiness, then I’m sure she will never deny you of that.
I have an extremely big family and they are starting to plan their annual family vacation. Many years ago we decided that each year a new person would take the lead and plan the vacation for everyone. For the last two years my older sister has been planning it. It was always where she wanted to go, and everyone is too scared to say no to her because she can be very aggressive. But I’m tired of going by her rules! I want to go somewhere else. Should I just plan my own vacation for the party of one? ✽ Well, that all depends on how receptive your family is to your idea. My suggestion is to reach out to your sister first. Respectfully see if she will graciously allow you to take this one. Ask her to trust you to plan something truly memorable for everyone. You can even go as far as to say that if no one likes it this year, that she is welcome to resume her planning next year. See if she will give you her support. If not, then it is time to see if you can rally the rest of the family. First, take your time to plan the trip that you really want. Type up an email that is extremely descriptive. You can even include pictures so everyone can see your vision. Make sure everything is clear and organized so that no one can nitpick at it. Once everything is completed to
perfection send out the email to your entire family (including your sister). Make sure you write that you took the initiative because you wanted to do something different this year. Tell them that you have everything down to the very last detail planned and thought out. Also, remind them that fair is fair and that it truly is someone else’s turn to make the plans this time around. Include the fact that your sister does truly do a good job each year so this isn’t to offend her. Simply explain that you want everyone to experience something different together. If you want to be really slick, think of each person’s favorite activity while on vacation and include each one in your email. For example: “Dad, you will really love…” Good luck! June July 2013•Insight 33
Horoscope
Aries (March 21-April 20). This month consider sidestepping confrontation with coworkers and focus more on the positive changes going on at home. As the year unfolds, you will be more and more caught up in your private life rather than your works life. Taurus (April 21st–May 21st). You will be greatly influenced by someone this month when you find yourself in the right place at the right time. Don’t be afraid to tell it like it is, good communication is key. Gemini (May 22nd–June 21st). Smart moves take a lot of planning. Though you will find an increase in your cash flow, don’t act impulsively about it and consider making promising financial arrangements. Cancer (June 22nd–July 22nd). This month consider turning your attention on searching for solutions to those problems that you haven’t paid much attention to. You will soon be able to enjoy better fortune in almost every area of your life.
Libra (Sept. 23rd–Oct. 23rd). A troubled relationship will make a sudden appearance in your life this month. But have no fear - your financial and professional life is soaring! Scorpio (Oct. 24th–Nov. 22nd). The month starts off a little negatively for you, but you will be presented with an opportunity to move in a direction that will lead you into great success. Sagittarius (Nov. 23rd–Dec. 21st). Expect great lifestyle changes in the beginning of the month. Also, be patient about finalizing any plans you may have. Don’t rush too much to get them finished. However, your life from here on out is an upward spiral. Capricorn (Dec. 22nd–Jan. 20th). You have been putting off many problems and not wanting to deal with them, but this month they will demand your attention. By mid-month you can finally turn the page on your past. Aquarius (Jan. 21st–Feb. 18th). Consider
Leo (July 23rd–August 23rd). You may want to delay any big decision-making until you stop feeling so perplexed. Making a big decision at the wrong time can hurt you. So think twice, if not three times, before taking a major step. Virgo (August 24th–Sept. 22nd). July is filled with making new friendships and alliances! Welcome the month with open arms and an open heart to bring in lasting relationships. 34 Insight•July 2013
starting a new project at work this month and putting your ideas into play. You may find a financial pull a little, but don’t worry, you’ll get by it. Pisces (Feb. 19th–March 20th). July is the time for you to have fun! So plan a week long vacation, or even a weekend getaway. Either way, it’s time for you to have some fun!
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36 Insight•July 2013