Insight
Issue 22
•
June 2013
Gay and Lesbian
Pride Month Where Do You Plan to
Travel to This Summer, Philadelphia? Community Spotlight:
Prestige Home Care Agency Executive Bio:
Grant Cameron
Eat Good Food:
Beer Week Edition
See Inside for Prizes!
June 2013•Insight 1
Editor’s Desk
T
he Office was one of my favorite shows. Last month, it’s nine year run came to an end with a great, tear-jerker of a final episode. Since watching it, most of the dialogue has escaped me. One line, however, voiced by Andy, the character played by The Hangover’s Ed Helms, has since stuck with me: “I wish there was a way to know you were in the good old days before you actually left them.” It’s a quote that can comfortably live alongside sayings like “seize the day,” “live in the moment,” “appreciate what you have,” “you don’t know a good thing until it’s gone,” etc. On some level it’s just another iteration of the general “savor the life you’re in” kind of message. It’s not a new or novel idea. My parents always told me not to rush life because I’ll have time to be “x” older age I’m craving to be but I can’t go back to what I once was or had. This was always true advice and, objectively, I understood it. But, I never felt it. As I’ve gotten older, however, I’ve come to intuitively understand it. That time passes along is a palpable thing. That the wonder of our current situations, even if unbeknownst to us, will one day pass as well is an inevitability. We should not wait until we have to look back longingly or miss times in our lives to appreciate them. Now, missing the past doesn’t have to mean your present or your impending future don’t shine as bright. Missing does not have to be some blander form of jealousy for a former self. It’s just as surely a tip of the hat to the way things used to be – a nod of the head, a raise of your glass, a slight bow to your past. We can look back fondly because there is much in all our lives to look back fondly on. But, what I wish for everyone is that they can make this acknowledgement of the present as easily as they do of the past. Just take a moment, a split second, and acknowledge that these days right here…they’re the good old ones! Walk through your days with that realization at the forefront of your mind and, I promise you, you’ll miss less of the beauty of your life now. —Maria
“No man really knows about other human beings. The best he can do is to suppose that they are like himself.” – John Steinbeck
2 Insight•June 2013
Readers Respond to our May Issue: Until the May issue, I have never heard of Diner En Blanc. However, the idea seems so elegant and beautiful that this year I must go. I love that everyone is in white, the location is undisclosed, and after words there’s a beautiful festival. This seems like such a beautiful and relaxing night for adults. I am extremely excited for this year. — Mary, Bucks County Whenever there is a full moon outside I feel like everyone around me begins to act strange, hostile, and just plain weird. I always thought it was a coincidence, but after reading Three Common Myths about Full Moons, everything is starting to make sense now. Some of the myths are true, while others aren’t. Some make sense, such as crime occurring more, but some don’t such as conception. — Tom, Philadelphia When I decided to come out to my parents I had the same experience that Crystal Cheatham had. I needed to plan the moment right, but even if I did I was informed to pick between religion or my sexuality. I think the ID Kits will be helpful to those who are confused about how to go about it. This way they can be guided more, and know that they are not alone. I wish I knew about the ID Kits when it was time to let my family in on my secret. — Linda, Montgomery County
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?”
Olga Astreika Contributing Writer “My goal in life is to help people and have them happy.”
Editor’s Desk 2 Letter from the Editor Readers Respond to our May Issue 4 Prizes and Rewards Word on the Street 5 Father’s Day: Honoring Fathers Who Made a Difference 6 Ph-un in Philadelphia Gay and Lesbian Pride Month 7 Student Safety Month Understanding the Teenage Brain 8 Community Spotlight: Prestige Home Care Agency 9 Searching for Something? The Brain and Our Ability to Focus 10 Where Do You Plan to Travel to This Summer, Philadelphia? 11 Executive Bio: Grant Cameron. Helping Spouse Heal From Trauma of Childhood Sexual Abuse 13 Children and the First Ladies of the US: Who Had the Most? Insight Poll Conversation Starters 14 Shocking List of Possibly Illegal Items in Your Yard
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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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Healthy Living 15 Exercise May Lower Risk of Kidney Stones in Women Emergency Room Visits Increase Dramatically Due to AMBIEN 16 Suicide Rates Increase Among Older Adults June Is National Aphasia Awareness Month
Issue 22 • June 2013
Entertainment and Media 17 Top Five Reasons to Go to the Movies in June 18 They Dated? 19 Green Celebs. Not Tree Huggers, but Weed Lovers! 20 Gentlemen, Put the Razors Down. We Like You Grizzly 21 Dress to Impress: Streetmoda. 22 Eat Good Food: Philadelphia Beer Week Edition 23 H2 — Yuck, Oh No! 24 Say “Ah” Spa Review: Peaceful City Sangha: Meditation and Mindfulness in Center City Philadelphia
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Sports and Athletics 26 Eagles Draft Recap Philadelphia Phillies Baseball Schedule
27 The NFL in China Science and Technology 28 The New Craze: 3D Printing 29 New Androwid HTC One Career and Finance 30 Buy a Home Together Before Marriage? Top Three Things to Know When Getting Car Insurance Quotes 31 Are Checklists Helpful? A Dose of Insight 33 Our Advice Column
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Horoscope 34 June Predictions Marketplace 37 Advertisement June 2013•Insight 3
Prizes and Rewards! We at Insight want to hear from all of our new and old friends! 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!
1 2 3
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•June 2013
Honoring Fathers Who Made A Difference
Word on the Street
Father’s Day: A
s Father’s Day approaches, we at Insight would like to highlight some of history’s most interesting fathers, who’ve made a difference in our lives and in the lives of their children.”. Charles Darwin The “father of evolution” was also a father of ten children, whom he had with his wife Emma Wedgwood. His children remembered him as a doting father who was strict but also took an interest in their lives and encouraged their freedom.
Charlemagne Known as the “Father of Europe” because of the many titles he held in his lifetime, Charlemagne had 18 children with eight of his ten known wives. When one of his sons, Pepin, plotted to kill him because Charlemagne didn’t choose him to be a successor to his throne, Charlemagne showed fatherly mercy. Instead of having his son executed with the other conspirators, he banished his son to a monastery.
by Angele Douglas Russell
William Jackson Smart While no one knows William Smart, he is actually the inspiration behind Father’s Day. His daughter, Sonora Smart created Father’s Day to help others honor their fathers. She held her father in great esteem, as he raised six children on his own following his wife’s death, and felt strongly that fatherhood needed recognition. The first Father’s Day was celebrated in 1910 and became a national holiday in 1966.
June 2013•Insight 5
Ph-un
Philadelphia’s got a lot going on in June. 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.
5/31–6/9. Philadelphia Beer Week. A week-long festival to celebrate beer in Philadelphia (the best beer-drinking city in the nation). Throughout the week, try as many different beers from different breweries in Philadelphia!
6/1. Walk the Wall. Hyper local event focused on raising much needed funds for non-profit organizations located right here in Manayunk and Roxborough. www.business.manayunk.com.
6/1. North Light Aloha Gala & Auction. Shake out your grass hula skirt, don your Tommy Bahama shirt and celebrate Hawaiian style. www.northlightcommunitycenter.org.
6/2. Italian National Day Street Festival. Celebrate all things Italian at the Filitalia La Festa della Rebubblica. They’ll have live music, authentic Italian food with specialty cocktails, a spaghetti eating contest, and plenty of activates for the kids; including a moon bounce and face painting! www.visiteastpassyunk.com/events.htm.
6/22–23. Manayunk Arts Festival. Manayunk’s famous Arts Festival is back for its 24th year on June 22nd and 23rd! 6 Insight•June 2013
Gay and Lesbian Pride Month
E
ach June, thousands of supporters of the Philadelphia lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT) community come together on a day known as “PrideDay”, to celebrate and promote the advancement of LGBT rights with parades and festivals. The first official Pride Parade was organized in the late 1980’s and coincided with a rally planned by the Lesbian and Gay Task Force, which took place in Love Park. Because of its inaugural success, an organization was formed and the group produced a parade and festival each year at Penn’s Landing to continue the community outreach and visibility that was achieved in the first year. Since then, PrideDay has grown to attract over 25,000 people annually. This year will mark the 25th Anniversary of PrideDay, set to take place on Sunday, June 9, 2013, with a parade (starting at noon) and a festival at Penn’s Landing. While there is a $10 cover charge used to help fund the event and such, you will not be disappointed. The parade and festival includes over 50 craft vendors, a family zone, a dunk tank, a pet zone, a sports area, and even health screenings. It’s a day you won’t soon forget.
Photos ©iStockphoto
in Philadelphia!
Student Safety Month
S
tudent Safety Month was started to heighten the awareness of safety and of making sound decisions following graduations, parties, senior proms, and other special events. The goal is to encourage young people, nationwide, not to drink and drive, as well as using good judgment during celebratory periods. The awareness month was started in 1998 by Carole Copeland Thomas, whose son was tragically killed in a car crash, in 1997, after drinking and driving AFTER leaving a friend’s birthday party. The accident occurred six days after his high school graduation. Thomas started to bring awareness just a month just a month after the accident, by encouraging organizations and communities to initiate safety activities or to enhance safety initiatives already in place. To date, there are hundreds of facts related to the effect alcohol has on teens, as well as the growing pressure teens face from their friends to drink. Approximately 1.4 million teens are injured in alcohol related accidents per year. Activities to help curb these behaviors include mock car crashes and speaking with teens about the dangers of consuming alcohol. Also, schools have now started developing “game plans” for teens to follow on celebratory nights. So, if you have a teen in your home, talk with them about these issues and encourage the local schools and communities to initiate activities to help curb this growing problem before it’s too late.
Understanding the Teenage Brain
e
Photos ©iStockphoto
ver hear a parent ask a teenager, “what were you thinking?” Well, researchers have set out to answer that question, looking at why teenagers seem to be less risk averse than adults. And now, they may know why. In the latest issue of Current Directions in Psychological Science, scientists have discovered that the risky behavior in some teenagers is actually a reflection of the unique effect peer pressure has on a teenager’s developing brain. It’s been well documented that the cognitive control system in our brains, which helps to “put the brakes” on risky behavior, takes longer to mature; add peer pressure into the mix and teenagers seem to go haywire. However, researchers have found that when teenagers are with their peers, their risky tendencies are heightened because of a change in the way their brains process rewards. As such, teenagers tend to be more risk averse when their peers are not around.
June 2013•Insight 7
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Photos ©iStockphoto
Community Spotlight:
by Olga Astreika
S
ince 1995, Prestige Home Care Agency, located at 10890 Bustelton Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19116 Suite 211, has been providing a comprehensive array of home care services. Older adults are not Prestige’s only focus; they also provide services for pediatric cases and young adults who may need help with care.
Prestige is fully staffed with Registered Nurses, Practical Nurses, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Therapists, and Home Health Aides. Services are offered 24 hours a day, seven days a week, which also include holidays. As our parents begin to age, we start considering what our options are as far as caring goes. We search for something that will provide the best services to them, looking after them the way we would if we were around. However, there are also preferences that they require, such as the comfort of their own home. This is where Prestige Home Care Agency fits best! Allowing aging adults to live in the comfort of their home, while receiving nursing home-like care from their licensed professionals. Patients are also cared for courteously and treated with compassion and dignity, just like family. In addition, Prestige accepts most health insurances, such as Americhoice, Aetna, Bravo and more, making it possible for patients to receive the care that they deserve. Prestige has also been contracted with a variety of organizations, including State and Local Government Programs, Certified Agencies, Long Term Home Care Programs and Hospices. If you or your parents are not fluent in English, Prestige can provide you a staff member who speaks Spanish, Russian, Polish or Chinese. That way you won’t ever have to worry about not being able to communicate with them! So what are you waiting for? Call Prestige Home Care Agency to find out more about the care that they can provide you with! (215) 677-3299.
8 Insight•June 2013
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Searching for Something?
The Brain and our
Ability to Focus
June 2013•Insight 9
Image ©iStockphoto
W
hen you drop something on the floor or lose someone in a crowd, the brain seems to go into overdrive and we seem to develop a laser-sharp ability to locate the item or person. Now, researchers have confirmed that assumption with the results of a recent study, which found that when we embark on a targeted search, the various visual and non-visual regions of the brain mobilize to track down what we want to locate. The study, conducted by scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, used functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) to record the brain activity of participants as they searched for people or vehicles in movie clips. Researchers found that areas normally involved in recognizing specific visual categories, such as plants or buildings, switched to become tuned to humans or vehicles, which vastly expanded the area of the brain engaged in the search. So, the next time you are searching for something, know that your brain is working, more than you know, to help locate what you’re looking for.
Where Do You Plan to Travel to This Summer, Philadelphia? by Olga Astreika
S
ummer is here once again and one thing we look forward to the most during the summer ARE vacations! If you have a trip planned to somewhere exotic such as Mexico or just the Jersey Shore, it is still something to look forward to. After a year of working everyone deserves to get some time off and enjoy themselves and their family. But wherever you are planning to go, you know that you start your count down months before it is time to please. Insight Magazine wanted to know where our readers are planning to escape to this summer. Some had unique plans, while others kept is simple and close to home. Find out what our readers plan to do this summer here! 1. Ashley Romano. Telford, PA — I am really looking forward to escaping to Atlantic City, New Jersey this summer. Simple but still enjoyable! 2. Simon Brafman. Northeast Philadelphia, PA — I plan to travel to somewhere in South America. The location has not been picked out just yet, but I am working on it. 3. Erika McCalister. Northeast Philadelphia, PA — I am going to Miami this summer! I cannot wait to get under the Miami sun and see what kind of nightlife they have there. 4. Kory Aversa. South Philadelphia, PA — This summer I plan to travel to a few places such as Orlando, Florida, The Jersey Shore and Niagara Falls. 5. Roberta Pipito. Philadelphia, PA — This summer I just plan to escape to Cape May, New Jersey.
10 Insight•June 2013
Executive Bio
by Olga Astreika
Grant Cameron Images courtesy of Grant Cameron
Helping Spouse Heal From Trauma of Childhood Sexual Abuse
G
rant Cameron is an award-winning journalist and author living in Ontario, Canada. He has written a downloadable PDF book, called What About Me?, for men who are helping female partners recover from effects of childhood sexual abuse. The end result of the traumatic and trying times Grant encountered while helping his wife, Liz, deal with her abusive past at the hands of her stepfather really make this novel unique. Grant wrote the book to help the millions of men worldwide, who are trying to help their partners heal from the torment of childhood sexual abuse. If you are a partner of someone who was abused as a child, you will find this book enlightening. It takes you into the world of a sexual abused survivor, and explains how a partner can be a help rather than hindrance in the healing process. Grant covers important subjects like the inner child, the necessity for breaks and how to be a support. Grant has been a writer, editor and columnist for more than 30 years. His thought-provoking articles have appeared in numerous magazines and newspapers across North America. We had the opportunity to sit down with Grant himself, and discuss his book, his experiences, and more. Insight Magazine (IM): What do you find is the most challenging part in helping someone who has been abused? Grant Cameron (GC): The most challenging and difficult part of the healing process is when the survivor gets overwhelmed and begins to give up hope. She may think it will never end. It’s gut wrenching to see the survivor go through this process. It’s the stage when everything in the survivors life looks as though it’s falling apart. The survivor might experience feelings of hopelessness and despair. It’s an especially frustrating period in the healing process. As a partner, you can get disheartened because you feel as an outsider looking in. At times during the healing process, Liz would get overwhelmed. It felt like it was never going to end. She couldn’t take it any more and became disheartened. There were days when I’d come home from work to find her lying on the bed crying. I felt helpless because she was really feeling down and there wasn’t much I could say or do to alleviate her suffering. The good news, though, is that the suffering will pass, although it will take time. It’s very typical for a survivor to feel despair at times. Just knowing that it will end, though, can be a big help. IM: Do you think the struggles of overcoming abuse ever go away? Does it get easier to deal with? GC: Yes, as the survivor heals she leaves behind the pain of the past and no longer mourns for her lost childhood, although she will always remember what happened to her. The key is that she will no longer suffer as a result of what happened. When Liz
June 2013•Insight 11
was going through the healing process, it was sometimes painful and she spent a lot of time thinking about the past. There’s no quick fix to erasing the effect years of abuse have on a person. However, as Liz healed and time went by, the pain slowly subsided. Liz progressed quickly because she had a good counselor and she put all her efforts into the healing process. She was fully committed to moving on from her past in order to live her life without the fear and anger she carried with her for years. Today, as a fully healed woman, she has put the past in perspective. It does not interfere with her daily life. She’s shed the haunting memories and replaced them with a more positive outlook and demeanor. She’s changed for the better and, as a result, we have a stronger relationship. IM: What would be your biggest advice for men dealing with these same struggles? GC: Don’t panic during the survivor’s healing process. Be patient and realize there is light at the end of the tunnel. When a survivor is healing form the past, she’s got a lot on her plate. At times, it’s like being on a roller coaster of emotions. But trying to rush the survivor through the healing will not do her or you any good. It’s something she has to work through on her own time. There’s no time limit on the healing process. A lot depends on the severity, nature and duration of the abuse and each survivor heals at a different rate. The survivor can’t just suddenly take all the mixed-up emotions and feelings inside her and wipe them out in a single stroke. The survivor must work slowly and methodically through her feelings. She needs time to separate the good from the bad. In Liz’s case, it took nearly a year for her to get to the point where she was fully healed. So, partners have to be patient with a survivor. Healing takes time — a different amount of time for each individual. The survivor has to go through the different stages of recovery and feel the full effects of each stage in order to heal. But partners can rest assured that the healing process will end. Sometimes that, in and of itself, is enough to inspire a survivor. IM: What emotion did you feel when your significant other shared this with you? GC: I was shocked when Liz first told me about the abuse. I’d lived a life sheltered from abuse so it was quite a revelation to me. I didn’t know such things really happened. I asked liz a lot of questions to help me understand. How could someone do that to a child? Why hasn’t someone reported him? I was outraged that the stepfather had gotten away with it all. But I quickly realized what Liz needed was a listening ear and not a lecture. So for the next several hours, she talked and I listened. I heard about the abuse and the toll it had taken on her life. By the end of the evening, I’d heard the full story. Liz had finally unburdened herself and told somebody about the abuse she endured. We didn’t realize it at the time, but it was Liz’s first step on the road to recovery. IM: Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers? GC: If your wife or partner tells you they’ve been abused, believe them. It’s certainly not easy for a survivor to come forward and confront such a past. A survivor needs your support. She became a victim in one of the worst ways. What happened to her was a crime. She wasn’t a consenting adult when the abuse took place. She was an innocent child who knew nothing about sex or sexuality. She just followed the orders of an adult whom she likely trusted. The perpetrator is the culprit here. He was probably much older than her, someone she really trusted, someone who knew what he was doing was wrong, someone who knew it was a crime. Perpetrators usually control children by using coercion or threats. It’s often only later in life, when the survivor no longer feels threatened, that she feels safe enough to tell someone. To order a downloadable PDF copy of ‘What About Me?’ please go to www.helpforpartners.wordpress.com. The book is $15.95. For more information, email grant.cameron@cogeco.ca.
12 Insight•June 2013
Children and the First Ladies of the US:
O
ver the years, there have been fifty-six women to hold the title of First Portrait of Martha Jefferson Lady of the United States. While most Randolph by Thomas Sully. served in the position as a result of their marriages to the President of the United States, some became First Ladies because the President was unwed or the official First Lady was unable to fulfill her duties. So, when it comes to answering the question of which First Lady had the most children, the answer isn’t what one would President Jefferson, Martha Randolph, some normally expect. of her children and a woman slave depicted at When Thomas Jefferson assumed office in 1801, his daughter, Martha Monticello by artist G B McIntosh. Jefferson Randolph actually served as the First Lady, as the President’s wife, Martha Jefferson, passed away prior to him taking office. From 1791–1818, First Lady Martha Randolph gave birth to twelve children with her husband Thomas Randolph, making her the First Lady who bore the most children. In terms of the First Lady who bore the most children for a President, Anna Harrison, wife of President Benjamin Harrison, had ten children, although she only served as First Lady for one month, as a result of the death of President Harrison.
Conversation Starters:
Insight Poll:
] Opened in 1867 and closed in 1995, Beechworth is now the site of frequent ghost sightings and offers tours to the public.
Do you believe a zombie apocalypse is possible?
] Colombia is the world capital for kidnapping. In 2010, an estimate of 282 people were kidnapped.
Yes No
49%
18%
Maybe
26%
] New York City is estimated to have 8 million rats, or one rat per person.
I don’t know
] COPD is the third leading cause of death in America. In 2007, it claimed more then 124,000 lives.
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!
] Men are three times more likely than women to be diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder, and twice as likely to develop an alcohol dependence.
7%
June 2013•Insight 13
Thomas Jefferson Foundation
Who Had the Most?
Shocking List
E
ver drive by someone’s home and wonder why they have a sofa on their front porch? Or a family of twenty garden gnomes in their yard? Well, in some states, it may be illegal to have certain items in your yard, even though it’s your property. Check out this list of things the people over at Time magazine found to be illegal in some states. Vegetable Gardens People in Florida, Oklahoma, and Missouri have been forced to dig up their vegetable gardens, as lawmakers have decided they are unsightly and should remain strictly backyard affairs. Unfortunately, this does not help fight the obesity epidemic we are currently facing.
Garden Gnomes In Port Orange, Florida, garden gnomes are not allowed, as one woman was told to “move visible statues, including a pelican, egrets, and a gnome” from her yard or face a fine. Turns out, one of the statues was less than a foot high but she was still required to move it.
Images ©iStockphoto
Clotheslines Most homeowner associations ban clotheslines in the yard, as it’s seen to be bad for property values. However, last year, the Great Neck, Long Island community officially banned residents from hanging laundry in the front yard. In other parts of the country, residents have petitioned officials to pass legislation that would ensure their “right to dry” with the clotheslines. Sofas Some people like rocking chairs, others prefer sofas on their front porches but many cities, such as Durham, NC and Huntington, WV, have recently banned the comfy furniture from front porches and yards.
14 Insight•June 2013
Photo ©iStockphoto
of Possibly Illegal Items in Your Yard
Photo ©iStockphoto
I
t has been long recommended that everyone should exercise daily to stay fit. However, new research points that there may be other health benefits to exercising regularly. Experts from the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center, Georgetown University, and University of Washington School of medicine suggest that women who exercise regularly may be lowering their risk of kidney stones. The researchers examined more than 85,000 records of postmenopausal women in the U.S. All women were over the age of 50 and participated in the Women’s Health initiative study. They all had their weight and height measured in order to have the doctors determine their body mass index. The researchers performed annual surveys with the women, in order to keep track of their eating habits. In addition, things such as drinking fluids and consuming less salt and meat all were taken into account, since these things lower the risks of kidney stones. By the end of the study, three percent of the women developed kidney stones after eight years. Those who exercised more reduced their risk by 16%, compared to those who did not exercise at all. Researchers noted that it is not about the intensity of the exercise, but rather the amount of exercise done. In addition, cutting out foods high in calories also reduced women’s risk of kidney stones by more than 40%. There are over three million people in the US seeking medical attention for kidney stones annually, and more than half a million visiting the emergency room. Previous studies noted that drinking and smoking dramatically increased the risk of kidney stones in women as well. So ladies, do us a favor and take care of your body!
Healthy Living
Exercise May Lower Risk of Kidney Stones in Women
A
Emergency Room Visits Increase Dramatically Due to
by Olga Astreika
Ambien
ccording to a new report released by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, USA (SAMHSA), the amount of people consuming Ambien (zolpidem) and ending up in the hospital emergency room increased by more than 220% between the years of 2005 and 2010. In 2010, more than 4,916,328 Americans visited the emergency room due to a drugrelated issue. More than 86% of those who visited the hospital due to adverse reactions to Ambien were females. Those numbers rose from 3,537 in 2005 to 12,130 in 2010. A 144% increase was seen among men, which increased from 2,484 in 2005 to 6,306 in 2010. Zolpidem is prescribed to patients who have insomnia problems. It is a short-term treatment in order to have patients fall asleep. Zolpidem is an active ingredient found in medications such as Ambien, Ambien CR, Zolpimist and Edluar. The U.S. FDA first approved it on December 19th, 2008. However, due to various adverse reactions by consumers, the FDA told pharmaceutical companies, specifically who made medication containing zolpidem, to reduce the dosage to females by 50%. They recommended that the dosage be reduced for males as well. Some common adverse symptoms to Ambien are: agitation, daytime drowsiness, dizziness, drowsiness while driving, hallucinations and sleepwalking. If you experience any of these symptoms seek medical attention immediately.
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June is National Aphasia Awareness Month
T
een suicide gets a lot of attention from the media, counselors and parents — warning against various mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety as a primary issue that needs attention. However, people seem to forget that there may be another age group that could be affected by rising suicide numbers. According to a recent report released by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, between 1999 and 2000, suicide among 34-to-64 year old adults increased by nearly 28.4%. Moreover, suicide among adults between the ages of 50 to 59 has nearly doubled during that time period. In 2010, more than 38,000 Americans committed suicide. That number is nearly doubled than those who were killed due to homicidal reasons that year. In 2009, the number of people whom committed suicide in the U.S. was drastically larger than the number of deaths due to motor vehicle crashes. These numbers prove that it is time to start focusing on studying suicide among other age populations, not just teens. It also proves that more time should be spent learning about different risk factors in order to make sustainable prevention programs. If you or a loved one is suffering from suicidal thoughts or feelings of depression, it is time to reach out for help. There are many places you can turn to and people you can speak to. The suicide hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. So don’t wait. Pick up the phone and call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
16 Insight•June 2013
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Photo ©iStocphoto
Suicide Rates Increase Among Older Adults
ore than one million Americans are suffering from Aphasia. More commonly seen among those already suffering from Parkinson’s disease, Cerebral Palsy or muscular dystrophy, Aphasia impairs a person’s ability to process language, but it does not affect intelligence. The disorder affects how one communicates to others or the way the interpret information. Those who are diagnosed with Aphasia experience extreme difficulties with reading and writing, and the disorder can occur in people of all ages, races, nationalities and gender. June is known as Aphasia Awareness Month. The first time June was observed as National Aphasia Month was in 2008 when the House and the Senate unanimously passed the Senate Resolution 556 and House Resolution 1188. During this month, various organizations go around educating the public and spreading the word about Aphasia. The main goal is to have people understand that those suffering from Aphasia are not any less intelligent than those around them. The disorder does not impair competence levels, just the ability to communicate. If you know someone who is suffering from Aphasia, you need to be patient with them. Allow them enough time to speak and never finish their sentences unless asked. Be aware of background noise and turn off any radios or T.V’s when possible. Suggest other ways of communicating with them other than speech, such as drawing or gesturing.
to Go to the Movies in June
1
6/7—The Internship
If you liked Wedding Crashers, you’ll like this. Something about Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn just works! In this team up, they play fired salesmen who try to prove they are not obsolete in our modern world by landing insanely competitive internships at Google. Now they have to figure out a way to outperform brilliant ivy league braniancs for the limited number of jobs available.
2
6/12—This is the End
Initially started as a spoof video, friends Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, James Franco, Jonah Hill, Danny McBride and Craig Robinson (all playing themselves) made a full length feature film wherein they’re trapped in a house after some apocalyptic events devastate L.A.
3
6/14—Man of Steel
Based on the true story of a group of L.A. kids that robbed the Hollywood homes of wealthy celebrities for almost a year before being caught. Directed by Sofia Coppola, and starring Emma Watson, the movie is worth a good watch – if at least to see the mindset of the teens who swindled the likes of Paris Hilton. The undertone of the film provides a sobering view of our modern, materialistic, Hollywood-crazed culture. Style and substance.
5
6/28—The Heat
At this point Melissa McCarthy is a comedic establishment and you should just be attending any movie she is in. Here, she co-stars with Sandra Bullock – an uptight FBI agent who foul-mouthed and ‘rough around the edges’ McCarthy has to make more street friendly. The incompatible agents serve up some serious hilarity as they try to bring down a ruthless drug lord.
Honorary Mentions: We typically report our top 5 favorite films coming out in any given months. But, seriously, you should also go check out World War Z and Monsters University!
by Maria Krishtul
Photo ©iStocphoto
We’ve been living in Batman’s world for a while now, just itching for a new installment of in the Superman franchise. We all know the story – alien child sent to Earth, adopted by couple in Kansas, posed as journalist while actually having super powers, saved world time and time again. This time, the man of steel is played by the sexy Henry Cavill (The Tudors). Not only does Cavill really do the role justice, but he shines alongside his Lois Lane (Amy Adams).
4
6/14—The Bling Ring
Entertainment & Media
5
Top Reasons
June 2013•Insight 17
THEY C
upid sometimes surprises us with his arrow! These are some of our favorite weird celebrity couplings. Can you believe they actually dated?!
Dated?! +
1
2. Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Meagan Good 3. Kathy Griffin and Jack Black 4. Helen Mirren and Liam Neeson 5. Paula Abdul and John Stamos
8. Channing Tatum and Amanda Bynes
11. Donal Logue and Sofia Vergara
14. Tyra Banks and Seal 18 Insight•June 2013
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+ 7
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+ 9
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12. Joshua Jackson and Rosario Dawson 13. Kylie Minogue and Lenny Kravitz
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9. Ashley Greene and Ian Somerhalder 10. Jewel and Sean Penn
+ 3
6. Glenn Close and Woody Harrelson 7. Zach Braff and Drew Barrymore
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1. January Jones and Josh Groban
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14
Green Celebs Not Tree Huggers, But Weed Lovers!
T
o legalize or to not legalize? Some celebs make their stance on the debate much clearer than others. Morgan Freeman — Though 75-years-old, the actor told The Guardian that he’ll “never give up the ganja.” Rihanna — constantly Instagrams photos of herself enjoying some downtime with a puff or two. Cameron Diaz — has openly admitted to buying weed from Snoop Dogg (another Mary Jane lover). Justin Timberlake — told Playboy Magazine “The only thing pot does for me is it gets me to stop thinking. Sometimes I have a brain that needs to be turned off. Some people are just better high.” Snoop Dog — calls himself a “platinum medical marijuana card” holder. Lady Gaga — told 60 Minutes that she “smoke[s] a lot of pot when [she] write[s] music.”
June 2013•Insight 19
M
en of an older generation typically reprimand the male youth of today for walking around like a pack of unshaven apes. “Dirty hipsters,” as they call them, and unkempt men simply did not live alongside the Don Drapers of the earlier days. But, today, that “five o’clock shadow” look is all the rage. Between movies and on red carpets, you’ve got actors like John Hamm and Tom Hardy sporting some serious facial scruff — and they’re sex gods to the female public! Well, it’s not just a trend. Women dig scruff … says science (so you know it’s legit). Here’s how the publication ScienceNOW puts it: “A new study shows that facial hair says a lot about a man and that attractiveness peaks at the “heavy stubble” phase. Researchers photographed 10 men at four stages of beard growth: clean shaven, 5-day “light” stubble, 10-day “heavy” stubble (shown), and fully bearded. Three hundred and fifty-one women and 177 heterosexual men viewed the photos and rated each face for attractiveness, masculinity, health, and parenting ability. Women ranked heavily stubbled faces as the most attractive. Participants said that the clean-shaven men looked about as healthy and attractive as those with a full beard, but rated the bearded men higher for perceived parenting skills. Light stubble got the short end of the stick, garnering low scores across the board from both men and women. The 5-day growth may be too patchy, the researchers write in the May issue of Evolution and Human Behavior, which suggests “a threshold of density and distribution may be necessary for beards to function as an attractive signal.” Stubble conveys maturity and manliness, they write, with less of the macho aggressiveness implied by a full beard.”
20 Insight•June 2013
Photo ©iStocphoto
Gentlemen, Put the Razors Down. We Like You Grizzly
Photo ©iStocphoto
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June 2013•Insight 21
Eat Good Food: by Olga Astreika
Philadelphia
Beer Week
Edition
Photos courtesy of Susan Schlisman
P
hiladelphia is known for its great taste in beer! The many breweries we have to choose from, the limited edition beers and the unique taste, you just won’t find it anywhere else. This is why from May 31st until June 9th we celebrate Philadelphia Beer Week. During this week, many restaurants are offering amazing specials on their menu and even “limited edition” beer offers that you won’t be able to try anywhere else! The menu that is picked for this week is unique and special; with choices you have never seen before! Beer Week is a big celebration for Philadelphians, restaurants can see over 3,000 guests throughout the week! Devil’s Alley, located at 1907 Chestnut St., is just one of the many restaurants offering great specials during Beer week. General manager, Chris Younge, and Chef Brain Fidiam, collaborated with John Weeler, the bar manager, to offer guests a one of a kind beer tasting menu. The menu was inspired by fresh, local breweries and offers a wide range of styles and tastes. Once the drink menu was created, than the food menu was paired with it. The inspired Troegs Mad Elf Fried Green Tomatoes is one of the many Troegs Mad Elf Fried Green Tomatoes, with delicious dishes offered by Devil’s Alley during Beer Week. This is fresh mozzarella, basil puree, mad elf & honey what Chris Younge had to say about the must-try dish, “Treogs Mad Elf balsamic reduction, paired with Troegs Mad Elf Fried Green Tomatoes were conceptualized by our chef after we told him we had saved one of their 2012 vintage kegs. Troegs Mad Elf is somewhat of a phenomenon in Philadelphia; it is by far the most popular beer in town throughout December. Bars literally fight over kegs, and nobody can keep the stuff around for more then a couple days. So we took a gamble by hanging on to one of the kegs, and to my knowledge will be the only bar pouring the 2012 vintage. The tomatoes are marinated in the brew prior to being breaded and fried. The sweetness of the aged ale compliments the tartness of the under-ripened fruit quite nicely. The accouterments of the dish are more classic tomato flavor Farmhouse Steam Mussels with coconut combinations of basil and fresh mozzarella, but with a twist (in true Devils curry sauce, grilled French bread, paired with Alley fashion) with a Mad Elf infused balsamic and honey reduction.” Can you Ommegang Hennepin Farmhouse Saison say delicious?! We definitely suggest trying this special dish while you still (Cooperstown, NY)
22 Insight•June 2013
have the chance! Call and reserve your table today! Another great restaurant to try during beer week is Smokin’ Betty’s, located at 116 S. 11th St. They are offering guests 3 Artful Courses paired with 3 Killer Beers from June 6th until June 8th, from 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m., for only $35 per person! You cannot beat that price anywhere else. Smokin’ Betty’s works with a variety of local distributors who bring in unique beer from coast to coast. This year’s limited edition beers will be from Dogfish head, including beers called the Firefly Pale Ale, Positive Contact Cider Hybrid, and Sixty One Beer Wine Hybrid. Of course we can’t give away too much about the beer, you will have to see for yourself during Beer Week! But don’t worry if you’re not a beer person, Smokin’ Betty’s is also offering a variety of cocktails. General manager, Emily Smith, suggests the White Peach Sangria. This drink is very refreshing, especially on a hot summer day in June. The Sangria has a Chablis base, with peach brandy, triple sec, Lairds Apple Jack Liquor, and Absolut Apeach. Beer drinkers aren’t the only one’s enjoying delicious drinks! How about some entertainment too? Smokin’ Betty’s holds an annual drag show called Broads, Brews & Queens, which celebrates women in the beer industry. This year’s show will feature more than ten queens, the Goddess Isis and the Sisters in Sin! Smokin’ Betty’s and Devil’s Alley are both owned by Susan Schlisman and offer guests upscale comfort food. Their menu is unique and delicious, so we suggest visiting them on more than just the Beer Week occasion!
I
H2 — Yuck, Oh No!
n America, land of the free, country of choices and “have it your way” slogans, we pride ourselves on the availability of options — restaurant menus, activities available at our local community center, a million stores, etc. This lets us choose what is fashionable, what is cool and what is yummy. But, it seems, we’re not always choosing what is healthy. Such is true in the case of good, oldfashioned water. Apparently, we hate it as a nation and keep trying to sub it out for soda, juice, iced tea, etc. Even when we do opt for a “water” drink, it’s typically Vitamin Water or some flavored water substitute. Those “water substitute” drinkers are literally targeted by the industry for their dislike of water. The WSJ reports that the Vitamin Water type company has a specific target consumer in mind: “People who know they should drink more water but don’t like the taste. These waterfussy drinkers are a quiet but large group – about 20% of Americans, say drink companies and consumer research firms. Some complain water tastes metallic or chlorinated. Others say water is too boring.” So, one-fifth of Americans reject the taste of one of the most fundamental, important and enjoyable substances there is. Next thing you know, we’ll need to get scented oxygen tanks because those that require them won’t like air. June 2013•Insight 23
Say “Ah”
Spa Review
Peaceful City Sangha: Meditation
and Mindfulness in Center City Philadelphia by Olga Astreika
E
veryone deserves to pamper themselves and treat themselves to a relaxing day. But when many people think of pampering, they automatically assume a spa treatment. Not many would consider Mindfulness or Meditation. Insight Magazine was able to speak to Sara Becker, from Peaceful City Sangha, to get a better understanding as to what these selfcaring practices are and how they benefit us. Read on to find out!
Insight Magazine (IM): What is Peaceful City’s history? Sara Becker (SB): “Sangha” is a Sanskrit word meaning “community of practice,” and Peaceful City Sangha is a group of folks who gather to practice mindfulness and meditation together. Our style and roots spring from the tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, a Buddhist monk, poet, and peace activist. Peaceful City supports the practice of mindfulness in daily life in order to transform suffering in ourselves, our relationships, and the world into understanding, compassion, joy and peace. We joyfully welcome people of all backgrounds, traditions and beliefs, both experienced practitioners and those new to meditation and mindfulness. Our Sangha was founded in 2005 by myself and another mindfulness practitioner, Elizabeth Savage, as a way to enjoy a short meditation practice in community in the middle of the week. At first there were just three or four of us gathering for an hour on Wednesday evenings in Elizabeth’s home. After a few months, we found a Wednesday home at Eviama Life Spa (www.eviama.com), which anchored us and helped our community to grow. Now, Peaceful City offers practice sessions weekly on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings; a twice monthly Thich Nhat Hanh Reading Circle; twice yearly daylong mindfulness retreats; and more! IM: What is Mindfulness, and how does it affect the mind and body? SB: Mindfulness is the capacity to be truly present to what is happening inside us and around us. With simple, basic techniques, we come home to ourselves, relax, and let go of all our worries and anxieties. This full, caring presence with ourselves deeply refreshes and heals our body and mind. Over time, sustained practice can bring profound transformation and healing. Mental habits like fear, anger and despair loosen their grip. We feel happier and more at ease, and we relate more easily with others. We begin to make the choices we really want to make, and to live the way we really want to live. IM: What is meditation? SB: In common speech, “meditation” usually means the formal practice of focused awareness. Our most basic practice in Peaceful City is mindfulness of breathing: we bring our attention to the natural flow of our in breath and out breath. This practice is very wonderful. Just by bringing our awareness home to our breathing, we bring our body and mind back together. We are truly here. You could try it right now if you like: just find a comfortable sitting position, where you are upright, alert, but relaxed. Settle in comfortably, feeling the position of your body. You may like (after your read these instructions) to close your eyes. Now, as you feel the natural flow of the out breath, place all your attention on the flow of the breath going out of your body. Maybe 24 Insight•June 2013
Photo courtesy of Peaceful City Sangha
you settle a bit more easily into the chair or wherever you are. Then, as the breath naturally comes in, bring all of your attention to the flow of the breath coming in. Breathing in, I feel the breath coming in. Breathing out, I feel the breath going out. In, out. If you like, you may say silently to yourself “in” as you breathe in and “out” as you breathe out. Sometimes your mind may wander a bit; thoughts may come up. No problem. Just, if that happens, each time it happens, bring your mind back again gently to the enjoyment of simply being present with the flow of breathing. You may like to practice like this for a minute or two (or longer). Now, open your eyes if they were closed and expand your awareness to include what’s around you. How do you feel? You just meditated! Do you notice any change in your body or mind? IM: What is involved in each session? How can this benefit someone? SB: Different practice sessions are different; please see our website (below) for full descriptions. Our most basic practices are: sitting meditation, walking meditation, listening to teachings about mindfulness, and sharing together about our experiences of being mindful in daily life. Practicing meditation with others is much easier than practicing on one’s own. IM: Would you say meditating is as beneficial to a person as having a spa day? SB: Like a spa day, meditation and mindfulness deeply relax, nourish and refresh our body and mind. But mindfulness is a treat we can enjoy any time — and for free. Plus, it makes us look and feel so beautiful! Are we ever more radiant than when we’re really smiling from our heart? And what could be more relaxing and nourishing than feeling true love — in ourselves, with others, and in the world around us? IM: What are the health benefits to meditation and Peaceful City’s practice sessions? SB: Mindfulness shows us that stress, anger, fear — and love, joy and happiness — are not beyond our control. We learn to recognize and care for these emotions. Over time, we help the negative ones to lessen and the positive ones to grow. I don’t personally have medical studies to cite (though there are many). But I know from personal experience, and you can easily imagine, the physical impact over time of feeling less and less angry and fearful, and more and more relaxed and full of love. Even one breath in mindfulness can make us feel wonderful. It can relax us, refresh us, and bring us home to ourselves. The longer we practice, the deeper the benefits go. Each of us will choose how deeply we want to enter into the practice, and how far we want to take it. We all travel the path of mindfulness in our own way, and ripen in our own time. And it’s all beautiful. In this very moment, we have the capacity to be fully present — to ourselves, to our loved ones, and to life. There is nowhere else to go, nothing else to do. IM: Where can Peaceful City be reached? SB: For more information about Peaceful City’s practice and offerings, please visit our website at www.peacefulcity.org or contact us at info@peacefulcity.org or (215) 852-4375. All of Peaceful City Sangha’s offerings are free of charge. June 2013•Insight 25
Sports & Athletics
Eagles Draft Recap
L
ast year the Eagles had one of their worst seasons in franchise history, winning only four games. Luckily, there is a new head coach in town with a new type of mindset; there will be a lot of change coming from Eagles camp. The first step to a new, hopefully bright future was the NFL Draft, which was from April 25 to 27 in which the Eagles did a pretty good job. They took eight players in the draft, which is a lot to sort through, but for the most part they picked the right guys. The Eagles had the fourth overall pick and wisely selected Lane Johnson, the offensive tackle from Oklahoma. Although he was the third tackle taken in the draft, Johnson is going to be one of the league’s best linemen. Lane is big, fast, athletic, and mean. With the Eagles’ offense as quick and physical as it seems like it will one day become, a tackle like Johnson really could be the absolute perfect fit for the Birds. Johnson is excited to work hard, likes the idea of Chip Kelly’s offense and even played a little quarterback when he played in junior college: a ton of upside for the Eagles. The Eagles’ second round pick, Zach Ertz, tight end from Stanford was just as great of a choice. A lot of analysts are comparing him to the great, but hated, Jason Whitten. Ertz is 6 foot 5 inches weighing 245 pounds, but he can really move. He is very quick and extremely athletic. He has great hands for a tight end and his blocking for a more receiving end is another major plus for the offense that Chip Kelly will be running. Just like Lane Johnson, Zach Ertz is another perfect fit for the rebuilding Eagles. The Eagles also made a very wise pick to trade up into the fourth round for Matt Barkley. They only had to give up next year’s seventh rounder, which really isn’t too bad at all. Barkley was very impressive during his good years at USC and Chip Kelly was a huge fan playing against him in the Pac-12. Barkley will be one of the better backups for the Eagles and if he is good, the Eagles will look like geniuses for selecting him. Other than the fact that the team didn’t select a linebacker in the 2013 NFL Draft, they really did make great selections that appear will help the team in the near and long term future. Unlike last year, the Eagles will have a great, hopefully healthy, offensive line as they look to improve on last year’s horrible season.
Full list of Eagles draft selections:
Round 1: Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma Round 5: Earl Wolff, S, NC State Round 2: Zach Ertz, TE, Stanford Round 7: Joe Kruger, DE, Utah Round 3: Bennie Logan, DT, LSU Jordan Poyer, CB, Oregon St. Round 4: Matt Barkley, QB, USC David King, DE, Oklahoma
by Matthew Balick
Philadelphia Phillies Baseball Schedule
26 Insight•June 2013
6/1 vs. Brewers 4:05 pm 6/2 vs. Brewers 1:35 pm 6/3 vs. Marlins 7:05 pm 6/4 vs. Marlins 7:05 pm 6/5 vs. Marlins 1:05 pm 6/6 vs. Brewers 8:10 pm 6/7 vs. Brewers 8:10 pm 6/8 vs. Brewers 7:15 pm 6/9 vs. Brewers 2:10 pm 6/11 vs. Twins 8:10 pm 6/12 vs. Twins 8:10 pm 6/13 vs. Twins 8:10 pm 6/14 vs. Rockies 8:40 pm 6/15 vs. Rockies 4:10 pm
6/16 vs. Rockies 4:10 pm 6/17 vs. Nationals 7:05 pm 6/18 vs. Nationals 7:05 pm 6/19 vs. Nationals 7:05 pm 6/21 vs. Mets 7:05 pm 6/22 vs. Mets 4:05 pm 6/23 vs. Mets 1:35 pm 6/24 vs. Padres 10:10 pm 6/25 vs. Padres 10:10 pm 6/26 vs. Padres 10:10 pm 6/27 vs. Dodgers 10:10 pm 6/28 vs. Dodgers 10:10 pm 6/29 vs. Dodgers 10:10 pm 6/30 vs. Dodgers TBA
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).
The NFL in China
Photos ©iStockphoto
I
t is true that American football is exactly what the name implies: it is American. There is no debating that. All of our best stars are American, the Hall of Fame is full of Americans, and every NFL team is, well, American. When the league was first started in the early 1900s, this was perfect. A sport for just Americans to play and a sport that almost everyone in the country adored. But times have changed drastically since the early 1900s. The economy now being completely global and a serious international dependence. The NFL is one of the world’s most profitable sports leagues, making about $9.5 billion last year. Sure it is the most profitable in the United States, but there is so much more potential for more money. With the trend of major corporations the NFL must become international, but in China? There is an NFL office there, but is it even worth it? It is unlikely for many people that football in China is at all possible. The country for years has rejected any type of western influence and along with the one-child policy, many parents are horrified of the idea of their only child being involved in physical damage. But, golf became a large interest for the Chinese thanks to western influence and some of the 1.3 billion people there must have some type of interest in one of the most interesting and complex sports in the world. And, like golf, it appears that the idea of a new sport is intriguing to the Chinese. Kids are beginning to fall in love with football, joining local teams and even doing what they can to stream live American football games on their computers. An organization called American Football Without Barriers (AFWB), is also helping to spread American football throughout China. It’s founders Breno Giancomini (Seattle Seahawks Tackle), Gary Barnidge (Carolina Panthers Tight End), and Ahmed Awadallah (college friend), went to China in March. Along with Panthers’ teammates Steve Smith, DeAngelo Williams, and Thomas Kieser, the players evaluated a team called the Sea Dragons, guided by some American and Chinese coaches. Each kid evaluated had a scouting tape made and the kids with the most impressive skills had their video sent to American scouts. In order to achieve the possibility of creating scouting opportunities for kids in other countries, AFWB will not only do trips like this to China, but to other countries as well. With the NFL office in Shanghai and groups like American Football Without Barriers, it does appear there could be something in the Asian country. Internationalizing American football brings the NFL more money, more teams, and a lot of new excitement to the league that many of us have loved since we were kids. Hopefully China continues to learn about the sport and take it in as its own.
June 2013•Insight 27
Science & Technology
The
New Craze:
by Matthew Balick
I
3D
t feels like everywhere we turn there is a new craze nowadays. Everything in technology is growing, becoming more exciting, and most of all changing. So now that the smart phone seems to be owned by almost every household in America along with its big brother the tablet, technology wizards must be coming up with the next thing that will make people go crazy and marvel at how far we have come. Thanks to 3D Systems, the true pioneers of the newest movement, 3D printing appears to be the newest, most innovative thing that will start to hit the market hard. It is gaining so much momentum that Staples has purchased the rights to start selling 3D System’s most popular, affordable 3D printer, the Cube coming to stores in June. The Cube truly is amazing, printing 3D images in up to 16 different colors in five and a half inches in all three dimensions. You can create an action figure, a small mug, a bracelet, and pretty much any other fun thing you could imagine. For the general consumer, this machine is so useful and fun, but for even more practical uses, this printer could be life changing. Chefs can experiment with the way their food may look, artists can make their very own, printed, guitars as many already have while demoing the Cube. And maybe most exciting, doctors can experiment with creating prosthetic limbs and even organs, saving peoples lives more affordably and quickly. This is not going to stop with 3D Systems either. The company has been very open with its technology, giving other companies insight on how to create their own 3D printers. Makerbot will start selling its own model of the 3D printer in the near future, as well as dozens of other companies seeking to strike gold with this concept that has everyone ecstatic. Printrbot, Ultra-Bot, and Gigabot are just some of the newest names trying to make their own stake in the new industry, which seems to be just exactly what happens with every phase. One company comes up with something brilliant and then let the competition begin. 3D printing is hugely exciting and does prove to be one of the most innovative technologies since the tablet. The idea of being able to make your own 3D plastic object is something that many never even thought possible. For people interested in the way things are made and work, the Cube and others like it is so exciting that it becomes a must have. Wall street is already starting to buzz over it and most likely very soon consumers will too. So make way for the new big craze- the 3D printer.
28 Insight•June 2013
Printing
New Android
HTC One
T
he iPhone controls the market for smartphones, sure, but Android isn’t too far behind. In some categories Apple defeats android, but in others it’s right there or even out in front, but Android definitely does need something to make the common technology race a little bit closer. They might have that device in the new HTC One, just recently going on sale to AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint users. This device really is exciting for those among us who refuse to rely on iPhones. The One is extremely sleek and light, with a great 4.7 inch, 1080p screen. It has fast data connection, crisp calling, and a 4 megapixel camera that has a lighting attachment that makes the camera even nicer than its specifications would suggest. HTC also worked with Beats Audio and attached a speaker system into the phone, allowing for strong, clear music from the external stereo. The processor is about the same as the one in the new Samsung Galaxy S4 as well, which is very fast and impressive. The One’s biggest plus though is Sense, the new interface that HTC has created for the phone. Set up like a newsfeed, your home screen on the One allows you to pick some of your favorite sources of news to browse upon waking your phone. It gives the phone a very “in the now” attitude always informing you on what is happening currently around you. It is extremely unique, showing the reason for the name the “One”. Many users are very excited about the personalization of the One and for many it is, well, Apple-esk. But here’s the kicker — there are a lot of problems that drive consumers away from the device. For one, Sense is very limited. HTC picked a few sites for users to highlight on the home screen, but many of us enjoy small, unknown blogs for our daily news, along with many other major sites that weren’t included by HTC. A large number of consumers feel that this does not allow the device to be quite as unique as they are advertising. Also, the Sense home screen only allows news, nothing else. Although there is a call, text, menu, Internet, and camera area on the bottom of the One’s screen, there is no room to have a larger portrayal of any of those functions. Many HTC phones in the past have allowed users to fully customize their home screen with anything they please. The One is restricting that more than HTC usually does. Finally, there are only two physical buttons on the screen, home and back. Most all Android phones have a third to show all applications and screens (double tapping home allows this). Some feel that this is a better use of space, but some Android lovers are very used to three buttons. The phone is not perfect, but it does have tremendous potential to help Android beat out the iPhone in 2013. The phone is new, exciting, and very impressive, giving iOS a little run for its money. June 2013•Insight 29
Career & Finance
Buy A Home Together
Top Three Things to Know When Getting
Car Insurance Quotes
G
etting car insurance quotes these days is easy. You go to a site, enter your information, and, in minutes, you have a quote for insurance. However, with so much information out there about what’s available, it’s easy to get sidetracked and confused. Check our top three things to look for when shopping for car insurance.
by Angele Douglas Russell
W
hile most people generally wait to purchase a home with their partner after marriage, a new study suggests that many millennials are choosing to purchase homes together first before getting married. The study, released by Coldwell Banker, indicates that nearly 24% of married couples between the ages of 18 and 34 said they purchased a home before they tied the knot. This trend seems to be more prevalent in the Northeast, where people tend to marry later when their finances are more stable. While this may be shocking to some, experts believe going through the process of purchasing a home before marriage is smart, especially when it comes to being open about finances. Couples are forced to deal with important issues and be transparent with topics most don’t find out until after the wedding, including salaries, debt load, kids, and where to settle down.
30 Insight•June 2013
Check Your Eligibility for Discounts There are so many discounts available for insurance. For example, younger drivers could qualify for a good student discount. Military service members also qualify in some states for discounted rates. Moreover, nearly all companies give discounts for bundling services. Evaluate Your Own Policy While you likely received the best deal on insurance when you purchased it, often the rates are updated but you are not aware of it. As a rule of thumb, get a “rate check up” annually so you can be certain you are getting the best rates. Photos ©iStockphoto
Before Marriage?
Find Out if You Need Comprehensive Car Insurance In some states, the state minimum required insurance may be enough. However, check to see if your financial lender for your auto loan requires more insurance.
Are Checklists Helpful?
W
hile checklists are a great way to get things done, they can also create some problems, especially if they make you feel overwhelmed or frustrated. Below are some things to consider when deciding whether to create a checklist.
Motivation If you prefer to take things one step at a time, a checklist may overwhelm you. However, if you are a big-picture person, a checklist is likely helpful. Organization Creating a list in the morning gives your day direction. However, organizing it may be too time-consuming. Don’t get caught up in the details. Prioritizing Put the most important things first, unless you want to jump from task to task randomly.
Photos ŠiStockphoto
Delegating Checklists make it easy to delegate tasks to another person. However, you should be in control of the list if you are concerned about giving away easy tasks and getting stuck with the challenging ones.
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✽ The key to having it all is balance. Although your job makes you happy, having people around you that care about you should make you happy too. Jobs come and go, but healthy relationships can last for years. Just as if you will feel unfulfilled without your work, I’m sure you’ll feel equally empty if you didn’t have companionship. Maybe make a commitment to have a night out where you leave your phone off
and promise not to check it. It’s only a matter of time before your friends won’t want to hang out with someone who is mentally checked out. Take a moment to reflect on what happiness is to you. Pin point the 5 most important things that make you happy, and work your hardest to balance them into your life. It might seem to be a daunting task at first, but it will all pay off. You will feel like the girl that has it all.
by Elina Khusid
My best friend recently told me she is pregnant and I can’t help but feel resentment towards her. I have been with my significant other for almost six years now and I have been trying to get pregnant and it hasn’t worked. But my best friend and her boyfriend weren’t even trying. Is it wrong for me to be upset at it?
✽ It is not wrong for you to be sad. It is a natural feeling when someone close to us gets something that we want. What would be wrong is for you to feel angry and take that anger out on her. Give yourself a day to feel sorry for yourself, but then regroup before your sadness turns to anger and destroys your friendship. You have to be happy with your life, even when things aren’t going as you planned. Love yourself and your husband
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and know that someday, somehow, you will have the child you always wanted. But send out positive energy because that’s what the universe will return to you. Negativity will only bring you more stress and heartache. Encourage your friend and give her the support she needs because someday she will do the same for you. Keep your chin up, things have a way of working out.
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A Dose of Insight
I love my job and I enjoy doing what I do, however, I also feel like I may be a slight workaholic. I cannot go out with my friends, family, or take some time to my self because I am always “connected.” I am not saying I don’t like it, or enjoy it, but sometimes I feel like my friends get angry at me for it. I really don’t know what to do because I don’t mind it, but I feel like my friends do.
My girlfriend and I broke up about a month ago and almost instantly she got a new boyfriend. However, she was in a car accident less then a week ago and I was the first person she called. Of course I came to the hospital with her and was there for her, but I don’t understand why she called me and not her current boyfriend. Could she still have feelings for me? Or is she just more comfortable with me around?
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✽ It could be either or. Maybe she still cares about you, or maybe you’re her comfort zone and the person she knows will be there. Either way it should not matter. If you once cared deeply about someone, you will care about them even when you break up. Not wanting to date someone any longer, doesn’t mean you don’t wish them good health and happiness. Bottom line is she most likely called you because you have taken care of her for so long. Your the guy she knew was going to show up and be compassionate towards
her. However, remember that there was most likely a really good reason for why you broke up, and an even better reason for why she moved on so quickly. It’s better to take the accident in stride and move on with your life. Find someone who appreciates you enough to not let you go.
I am a college student and my roommate is a nursing student major. For the last week she has been studying until 4 in the morning, then the next day she has an exam at 8 in the morning, but she has not been doing well on them. She recently asked me what was wrong with her and why she wasn’t doing well. I did my best at explaining to her nicely that she can’t study till 4 then expect to do well on an exam and she completely lost it on me. Should I have kept my mouth shut and not told her?
✽ A good lesson to learn in life is that there are two types of people. One’s that ask for advice and actually want it; and one’s that ask for advice but just want you to listen to them complain. Lesson learned the hard way in this case. From now on when she asks you something like that treat it as a rhetorical question. Shake your head and say you don’t know. Listening and giving her sympathy is all she is really looking for because she’s probably too stubborn to take advice. Also don’t take her snapping
at you to heart. People that are stressed and are not getting sleep, tend to be a bit hostile. Try avoiding the whole topic of studying if you can, clearly it’s a touchy subject. Many college students have incredibly unhealthy study habits and wonder why they’re not doing well. Lack of sleep is particularly detrimental. Many studies show that our brains and our bodies can’t properly function when we are not getting enough sleep. Clearly that might also be the explanation for why she freaked for no reason. June 2013•Insight 33
Horoscope
Aries (March 21-April 20). If your significant other has been acting strange towards you, you may want to look within yourself and how you have been treating them. This month think about how you are towards others, and don’t be too harsh on them. Taurus (April 21st–May 21st). You have done something amazing, and now it is time to get rewarded for it. This month you will get rewarded for previous work, but remember to stay in contact with those people who helped you make it in the first place. Gemini (May 22nd–June 21st). This month someone new and exciting will make their way into your life. Welcome them with open arms, as they will become an important figure in your life. They will sweep you off your feet, but all you need to do is enjoy it. Cancer (June 22nd–July 22nd). Someone has been pushing you to do something you do not feel comfortable doing. This month they will even try to guilt trip you by saying, “If you loved me, you would,” but don’t let that dictate your moves. Stop to think about the actions and risks you are willing to take. Leo (July 23rd–August 23rd). You have a friendship which you have been holding on to. However, this month it may be time to let go completely. Though they have impacted your life previously, now the relationship has only become toxic. Virgo (August 24th–Sept. 22nd). Prepare yourself for change this month. It will come unexpectedly, but it will be major. Just remember that everything will work out in the end.
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Libra (Sept. 23rd–Oct. 23rd). This month is full of excitement and fantasies for you. It may be your age, or it may be about the current person you are seeing. But whatever it is sit back, enjoy yourself, and for once in your life forget reality. Scorpio (Oct. 24th–Nov. 22nd). Any person you come into contact with this month will have a positive effect on your life. Also, this month you may want to rethink your current career option. If you are unhappy at your current job do not drag your feet anymore. This is the month for big changes! Sagittarius (Nov. 23rd–Dec. 21st). Be aware of getting easily attached to others this month. Be very careful about who you flirt with or even act playful towards, your partner would not appreciate it. However, if you are single, enjoy it! You may meet the love of your life this month. Capricorn (Dec. 22nd–Jan. 20th). This month brings a lot of changes to your life. One of the major changes will involve your work and career. You are unhappy with the way your career is now, you have become unhappy and unsatisfied. However, it will all change this month when you are presented with a new and positive job. Aquarius (Jan. 21st–Feb. 18th). Something unusual may happen to your relationship this month. Take the time to think things over and reconsider some actions you have done before. If your significant other really knows you, they will give you your desired space. In the end you may be better off in your relationship than you first started out. Pisces (Feb. 19th–March 20th). You have been trying to convince someone to do something you wanted them to do for a while now. Previously you were unsuccessful, but this month it is something you should look forward to. However, you should consider if you are willing to lose your principles over these actions.
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