Insight
Issue 19
•
March 2013
Drug Addiction EXECUTIVE BIO: Steve Markle Professional Pool Player COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: L-Kwon the Rapper EAT GOOD FOOD: Marmont Steakhouse and Bar HATE MATH? Now There’s a Museum For It GENETICS SAY We Should Hate the Gym THE WAR AGAINST
See Inside for Prizes!
March 2013•Insight 1
Editor’s Desk
M
any publications lament on technology — how it brings us away from the “good old days,” makes everyone impersonal and detracts from that “kids out playing until the street light goes on - no doors locked - I Love Lucy type show.” All of that may well be true, but technology has enough positive aspects and amazing advantages that I can temper those kind of drawbacks. What really gets me though, the “con” that just can’t be “un-conned,” is that technology makes our experiences derivative. The best way I’ve heard this expressed, and the way that most matches my mindset on it was iterated in the book, Gone Girl, by Gillian Flinn. It’s actually a great, creepy, twisted book and I highly recommend it. The excerpt below, on the derivativeness of life that technology cause, has nothing to do with the plot itself (don’t worry, it’s not a spoiler); but, it’s worth quoting, instead of finding my own words to relay the same sentiment. “We [are] the first human beings who [will] never see anything for the first time. We stare at the wonders of the world, dull-eyed, underwhelmed. Mona Lisa, the Pyramids, the Empire State Building. Jungle animals on attack, ancient icebergs collapsing, volcanoes erupting. I can’t recall a single amazing thing I have seen firsthand that I didn’t immediately reference to a movie or TV show . . . and the worst thing, the thing that makes me want to blow my brains out, is: The secondhand experience is always better. The image is crisper, the view is keener, the camera angle and the soundtrack manipulate my emotions in a way reality can’t anymore. I don’t know that we are actually human at this point, those of us who grew up with TV and movies and now the Internet. If we are betrayed, we know the words to say; when a loved one dies, we know the words to say. If we want to play the stud or the smart-ass or the fool, we know the words to say. We are all working from the same dog-eared script. It’s a very difficult era in which to be a person, just a real, actual person, instead of a collection of personality traits selected from an endless Automat of characters.” That is, word-for-word, how I feel — angry at society for essentially robbing me of first hand experience in life. I’m sure our film industry hasn’t gone to every corner of the earth. But, the internet sure helps. And, it’s getting increasingly more difficult to give reality’s beauty the credit it deserves. Obviously, it would be nonsensical to go unplug every piece of techn you own and completely unplug from modern day. But, there has to be some balance...right? I think the problem is that technology has kind of snuck up on us. We’ve been around for over thousands and thousands of years; but, huge technological leaps and bounds started happening in rapid succession in only the past sixty years or so. I don’t think we have adapted. We don’t know how to steal back our reality from technology. Not yet, anyway. But, hopefully soon! —Maria “You can shapely assume that you’ve created God in your own image when it turns out that God hates all the same people you do.” —Anne Lamott 2 Insight•March 2013
Readers Respond to our February Issue: In your article “Brain Activity Makes It Easier to Scam Older People,” I really think it should be elaborated that this is not particularly true for everyone. I have come across several elderly people who have actually had much sharper thinking than some younger people. This is especially true if elderly keep their mind working by doing different puzzles and not let their cognitive thinking go. —Richard, Bucks County “Love & Marriage Through A Child’s Eye” is one of the most adorable pieces Insight Magazine has done! I have always wondered what my friends’ kids think, and now I can semi predict what their answer would be. It is also nice to see how creative little kids are. —Cindy, Philadelphia You brought up a great point the in the “National Condom Day” article. I bet many people would not stop to think about the contraceptive market, more particularly the condom market. Even though inventions such as birth control and different rings have hit the shelves, the condom business is still doing better than ever. —Adam, Chester County I found your article on Ikeas fastest route SO interesting! For someone who has been to Ikea many, many times, I have never thought about the shortcut! I was never able to discover it. However, I do plan to try it out next time I go. —Mary, Center City
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.”
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?”
Issue 19 • March 2013
IN THIS ISSUE: Editor’s Desk 2 Letter from the Editor Readers Respond to our February Issue 4 Prizes and Rewards
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Word on the Street 5 Game Changer: Celebrating International Women’s Day 6 St. Patrick’s Day: A Religious Holiday? 7 Ph-un in Philadelphia Easter Celebrations: Past and Present 8 PVC and Weight Gain: Is It Making Us Fat? 9 Executive Bio: Steve Markle, Professional Pool Player 10 Insight Poll Conversation Starters 11 The War Against Drug Addiction 13 Community Spotlight: L-Kwon the Rapper 14 Ice Cubes: The New Hangover Prevention Tool 15 BPA Is Toxic, So Is Its Replacements Healthy Living 16 Women Drinking and Driving An “Epidemic” National Nutrition Month 17 Classroom Design Affects Student Learning We Are More Likely to Remember a Facebook Status than a Face
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Entertainment and Media 18 Top Five Reasons to Go to the Movies in March
19 The Best Bullies of the ‘80s and ‘90s. Celeb Men Who Took Their Wives’ Last Names 20 The Disappearing NY Accent 21 Eat Good Food: Marmont Steakhouse and Bar 22 Genetics Says We Should Hate the Gym 23 Pornstars Are Just Like You! 24 Dress to Impress: Wedding “Ins” 25 Spa Review: Rejuvenating Your Skin from Season to Season Sports and Athletics 26 Ray Lewis’ Last Ride Produces Super Bowl 27 March Madness Preview Philadelphia Flyers Hockey and Sixers Basketball Schedules Science and Technology 28 New Traffic Technology 29 MIT Medical Technology Career and Finance 30 America’s CEOs: “Raise the Retirement Age” States Worry Cars Are Too Fuel Efficient 31 Biggest Tax Scams A Dose of Insight 33 Our Advice Column Horoscope 34 March Predictions Marketplace 37 Advertisement
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22 March 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 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 will post our “Favorite Things.” These are little things that are new, cool and we feel everyone will 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 instead 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 for even more prizes, your account and more information!
1 2 3
AMC! Many great movies are getting ready to hit the theater, enjoy a movie date on us! $20
Cosi! Whether you’re hungry for a big meal, or just want some desert, allow us to get your
tab! $20
Sephora! It is time to step away from your
comfort zone and change up your look! Try makeup shades that you typically would not dare to try, but allow it to be on us! $20
4 Insight•March 2013
International Women’s Day I
n celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8th, we would like to honor women who have changed the world in the political and social realm.
S
usan B. Anthony — a prominent civil rights leader. Anthony led the movement to ensure women and African-Americans had the right to vote. While she never witnessed it in her lifetime, her efforts paid off when women were granted the right to vote in 1920 via the 19th Amendment.
G
loria Steinem — nationally recognized as the leader of the women’s liberation movement in the 1960’s and 1970’s, Steinem was one of the first supporters of women’s privacy and reproductive rights. She also worked to amplify the voices of women in the media.
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oya Toloui — born in Iran, Toloui is a prominent human rights activist and feminist. Her work focuses primarily on defending the rights of Kurdish and Iranian women, as well as speaking out against the governments that suppress their rights. She was arrested and tortured as a result of her activism but has since been released.
S
ojourner Truth — born into slavery in New York State, Truth was an abolitionist and women’s rights activist who helped lead hundreds of slaves to freedom. Her famous speech “Ain’t I A Woman?” given at a Women’s Convention in 1851, is often regarded as the center of the women’s rights movement.
March 2013•Insight 5
Word on the Street
Game Changers: Celebrating
ST. PATRICK’S DAY: A RELIGIOUS HOLIDAY?
W
hile most of us use St. Patrick’s Day as an excuse to kiss our Irish friends and drink copious amounts of Irish whiskey, many don’t know St. Patrick’s Day is actually celebrated as both a cultural and religious holiday in some countries. Born in Britain, Patrick was kidnapped by Irish raiders and taken to Ireland as a slave. He fled some years later back to Britain but returned back to Ireland as a bishop of the Christian church, with the goal of Christianizing the Irish, who, at the time, were polytheistic. As such, he is credited with bringing the Christian religion to Ireland. The famous four-leaf clover was used by Patrick to explain the Holy Trinity. Patrick spent thirty years in Ireland and died in the year 461. St. Patrick’s Day celebrates the day of Patrick’s death and is observed by the Catholic, Anglican, East Orthodox and Lutheran churches. It was made an official holiday back in the early 17th century (although it has not been made an official holiday in the U.S) and has since been expanded to become a celebration of Irish culture in general. So, how do Philadelphians celebrate the holiday, which falls on a Sunday this year? There’s an official parade held on Sunday, March 10th from 1-4pm, with a rebroadcast of the parade on the actual holiday. Additionally, many restaurants in the area are celebrating the day with food and drink specials. Other events include pub-crawls, live music, and street festivals. Don’t forget to wear your green!
6 Insight•March 2013
Ph-un
in Philadelphia!
3/2-10. Flower Show. Come and enjoy the nations
largest indoor flower show at the Pennsylvania Convention Center! 1101 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA 19107. www.theflowershow.com.
03/2. Maple Sugar Festival. Treat your self to
something sweet! Travel to the sugarbush to collect yourself some sap and afterwards, warm up by the fire. Or come inside for Maple Cotton Candy and tasty waffles with Maple Syrup. Parks and Recreation, 901 E. Bridgetown Pike, Langhorne, PA 19047-1597.
3/9-10. Cupcake Decorating Contest and Display.
Do you think you have what it takes to create the perfect cupcake? Participate in this year’s cupcake competition! There are categories for both professionals and amateurs. Giggleberry Fair at Peddler’s Village. Route 263, in Peddler’s Village Shop #166.
3/23-24. Spring Shopping Extravaganza. Treat your
self to some spring shopping to benefit Flying Kites Global Homewood Suites by Hilton Newtown. 110 Pheasant Run Newtown, PA 18940.
3/1-31. Women’s History Month. Throughout the
month, visit the National Constitution Center for various activities honoring the great women of history. Visitors can learn about various power women who have made a difference. 525 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19106.
EASTER CELEBRATIONS: PAST & PRESENT
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aster, a Christian festival and holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus, is the culmination of the Lent season, a forty-day period of fasting, prayer, and penance. Today, the holiday is generally celebrated with sunrise church services, Easter Egg Rolls, parades, and cute baskets for kids. However, those have not always been the typical Easter traditions. The first Christians did not celebrate Easter with a fixed annual festival, as it was a moveable feast, celebrated on random dates. In fact, Easter was not established as a fixed date until the year 325. Once Easter became a yearly tradition, early Christians wore white robes throughout the whole week to indicate their new lives in Christ. NeoPagans gave bread made into crosses to symbolize Jesus’ death on the cross. In Medieval Europe, plays, called Passion Plays, were used to tell the Easter story to those who could not read or write. So, this Easter, consider adding traditions of old to your new traditions and pay homage to our ancestors who started it all! March 2013•Insight 7
©iStockphoto.com
Philadelphia’s got a lot going on in March. 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.
©iStockphoto.com
PVC & Weight Gain:
Is It Making Us Fat?
P
VC, also known as Polyvinyl Chloride, is a widely used plastic found in everything from pipes and bottles to imitation leather in jackets, shoes, pants, and upholstery. But now, researchers at the University of California are reporting that the chemicals within it are making us fat. The problematic chemical, tribulyltin (TBT), has been found to cause increases in body fat, even at very low levels of exposure. The chemical is not only found in plastics, but also in dust. During studies of mice, researchers found increases in body fat, liver fat, and a fat-specific gene expression in the mice’ children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, none of which were ever exposed to the chemical. The findings, published in Environmental Health Perspectives, suggest that early-life exposure to the chemicals can have permanent effects on fat accumulation, even without contact. To limit exposure, it is suggested people limit their use of plastics, opting for steel or glass for water bottles, clean frequently, and avoid digesting food with pesticides, which contain levels of TBT.
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8 Insight•March 2013
FREE DELIVERY
EXECUTIVE BIO
Steve Markle Professional Pool Player By Olga Astreika
Insight: What is one of your most memorable moments? Markle: In April of 2012 I received notice that I had been selected to travel out to Shenyang, China to compete in the Masters Cup which took place in July of 2012. This was a tournament that brought only 12 players from around the world to compete for the title. Every player was high skilled and had a chance to win so it was one of the toughest tournaments that I had ever competed in. I finished in 10th place. Although I was not happy with my performance out there, I still had a great time and got to experience the Chinese culture! Insight: How do you learn your tricks? Markle: I can say a lot of what I learned comes from hours of practice. With being on the pro tour I am constantly challenged by some of the best players this world has to offer. With trying to compete with them it helps me to work hard and keep my skill level high. I am always coming up with new practice routines and shot creations so I can stand out and do well at the tournaments. March 2013•Insight 9
Photos courtesy of Steve Markle
H
ow many of us can say we really enjoy pool and are capable of performing pool table tricks? I don’t know about you, but I sure can’t! However, Steve Markle can! Markle, a 21-year-old West Chester University undergraduate student discovered his talent shooting pool at a local bar with his dad. One night he and his father began talking to a man who was playing on the pool table next to them. The man showed Markle a few trick shots and worked with Markle until he completely learned all of them. “After learning them I went back home and wanted to show them off to my neighborhood friends! So I went to my friend Jordan’s house. He had a pool table for years, but kept it covered with clothes because nobody ever used it,” explained Markle. For the next couple of months the two friends shot pool almost daily. As their skills progressed, the duo produced 2 player trick shot videos, but after a while the idea failed. However, Markle never lost sight of his goals. He began posting videos on YouTube. The videos began to get a lot of attention by the general public, and even some well-known pool players. But one specific event is what got the young pool player to continue competing. At the age of 16, Markle took 9th place in the Comet Billiards Classic professional tournament! After that event he enrolled in more and more competitions throughout the world to build his rank each year. Insight Magazine was able to sit down and talk to Steve Markle about his unique journey! Check out our interview!
EXECUTIVE BIO
Insight: Can you explain one of your tricks? Markle: My favorite shot of all time has to be a shot I call “Mans Best Friend Jump”. This was a shot in one of my videos where I put my dog Koko, a chocolate lab, on the table and jumped the pool ball right over him and made a ball in the corner pocket. It is one of my favorites because it is one that stands out to viewers. There has been so many times when I travel and talk to people in the audience and they ask me if I brought my dog with me. I am the first (and probably the last) to ever jump a pool ball over a dog. Insight: Was this always your dream? If not, what plans did you have for your self? Markle: Ever since I was young I always wanted to live life differently and do something out of the ordinary that makes me stand out. After basically becoming addicted to playing pool I always wanted to make it onto the professional tour and become one of the top players on it. Although I do not consider myself one of the top players I do feel I am getting very close to it. I had wanted to work with the media and have my videos get a lot of views also. So far I have received over 1 million video views and have been featured on all different national television networks and websites. I can say there is still more I hope to achieve in the future though. You find Steve Markle on the web at www.SteveMarklePool.com!
Conversation Starters:
Insight Poll:
] At one point before his death, Elvis consumed more than ninety-four thousand calories each day! That’s twice as much as an elephant.
The public is always hard on those celebrities who lip-sync to a prerecorded version of their own song. So we have to ask, what is your view on this?
] In March 2006, a website called iNewswire was fooled into publishing a phony press release stating that comedian Will Ferrell had been killed in a paragliding accident. ] Benjamin Franklin almost killed himself while trying to electrocute a turkey. ] Planking began to grow in popularity in March 2011 after an Australian rugby player, David Williams, planked during a match. ] The average victim spends 330 hours and more than $1,400 repairing the damage caused by identity theft.
10 Insight•March 2013
It is not okay!
40%
Who cares? It’s still them singing!
40%
No strong opinion
20%
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!
The War Against Drug Addiction
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orldwide there are between 11 million to 21 million people who inject drugs. There are between 14 million to 56 million people nation wide between the ages of 15 to 64 who engage in using amphetamine-type stimulants, such as speed and crystal meth. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, in 2009, 605,000 Americans above the age of 12 reportedly abuse heroin at least once in the previous year. These statistics prove much the drug epidemic is catching up to our nation, with teens in particular. Matt Cassel was your average kid growing up. He loved to play sports (especially soccer) and take family vacations. He enjoyed school and, like many of the other kids, loved spending time with his friends. However, during his early teen years all that began to change. Matt began smoking pot, his group of friends began to change, he started doing poorly in school and his parents could hardly recognize him. As time went on, Matt began experimenting with harder drugs, which led to heroin. Matt’s parents noticed his appearance changing, his eyes looked lazy after drug use; he lost weight and struggled with acne. However, Appearance wasn’t the only thing that changed for Matt; his attitude did too. He began physically fighting with his dad, John Cassel, to the point where police were called several times to resolve the issue. Matt was no longer the same child that his parents used to know. He had become an addict. On November 17th, 2012, Matt Cassel lost his life after overdosing on heroin. Matt is survived by his son, parents and siblings. A few short weeks after Matt overdosed; John started the Matthew Lang Cassel Foundation – Fighting Drug Addiction. The foundation provides information for those who are seeking help to kick drug addiction. John has helped set up three kids in rehabilitation programs, and is currently mentoring six other addicted people. In order to keep Matt’s legacy alive, John has engaged in a number of support groups, such as the Penn Foundation for a parent’s grief support group. He has been asked to give a number of presentations including one at Central Bucks South High School. However, John’s main long-term goal is to reach out and help as many people as needed, no matter of their location.
March 2013•Insight 11
©iStockphoto.com
By Olga Astreika
Photos courtesy John Cassel
It can be difficult to help a drug addict get the help they need. Rehabilitation programs can be costly or you just might not know where to turn. However, the Foundation that john has started provides help both to those struggling with addiction and their families. Of course the Foundation would not get as far as it has without donations and fundraisers. Many people as well as corporate sponsorships have donated to the Foundation. Matthew Lang Cassel Foundation offers two types of corporate sponsorship. One, a corporation makes an annual dollar amount donation. Or the second option is, they sponsor an individual needing rehabilitation that has no means to pay the cost. Volunteers are also greatly appreciated, the form can be found on the Foundation website. It is an incredible struggle to watch a friend’s or family member’s drug addiction and you not having a way of helping. This is why programs such as the Matthew Lang Cassel Foundation have been created. The drug epidemic will not decline until we come together and start the fight against drugs. For those interested, the Matthew Lang Cassel Foundation offers two types of corporate sponsorships - one in which the corporation would donate an annual dollar amount and another in which the corporate would directly sponsor an individual needing rehabilitation. Non-corporate volunteers are just as valuable. Those interested can fill out a form on the Foundation website: John Cassel, founder of the Matthew Lang Cassel www.MattCasselFoundation.org. Foundation
12 Insight•March 2013
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT:
L-Kwon the Rapper By Olga Astreika
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Photos courtesy L-Kwon
ver since he could talk, Bonzie, also known as L-Kwon in the world of music, has been rapping. At first it started out as a hobby with his friends. L-Kwon and his friends would freestyle just to pass time, but in his senior year of high school L-Kwon found his true passion for music. “I love making music and people have always enjoyed it, I figured I could make something out of it,” explained L-Kwon. For their senior project, L-Kwons friends started a record label, but when it came time to graduate and the teens started doing their own thing the rap group split. Now in college, L-Kwon has performed several shows and opened for a number of rappers. We asked L-Kwon to think back to his first show, “the first time I rapped for anyone on stage was in high school, and that’s a show I will never forget. Everything went horribly wrong. We had terrible speakers that blew out mid way through the show. The DJ was not doing what he was supposed to do. It was a crowd full of high schoolers, but it was a mandatory school event. Even though, I still had fun and that was what shaped my live shows today.” The most recent show that L-Kwon performed was opening for Chris Webby, an independent artist out of Connecticut. It was the largest show that the talented rapper had been able to participate in yet! With a crowd of over 500 people, 450 of them had never even heard his name! However, the crowed enjoyed them selves and so did L-Kwon. As every great rapper has, L-Kwon has an entire list of those who have inspired his music, such as Eminem, MGK, J Cole, and Chris Webby. “These are all extremely lyrical emcees that have made a statement while being entertaining. They aren’t afraid to be different and have played a huge part in my development,” explained L-Kwon. But famous rappers are not the only ones that L-Kwon turns to for inspiration. “Inspiration comes from all around me. Sometimes my friends will be like “you should do this, or talk about this in a song.” So I sit down and write something. “ Every career and even hobby teaches us important lessons as we travel through the journey. The gifted rapper views each day as a learning experience, however the biggest lesson he has learned is, “you get out just as much as you put in. This motto keeps L-Kwon focused and driven to succeed.” You can find L-Kwons music on several sites such as www.youtube.com/n3ocwlkr, Facebook.com/knwtht, and of course follow him on Twitter @LKwon_KnwTht. March 2013•Insight 13
©iStockphoto.com
ICE CUBES:
THE NEW HANGOVER PREVENTION TOOL
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e’ve all been there; a great night out with friends, drinking shots and other creative libations. Before you know it, you’ve had about eight drinks and regretting the last four. Now, you’re making friends with the bathroom trashcan and wishing someone, anyone had stopped you before you went too far. Well, worry no more. Ice cubes to the rescue! You read it right. A researcher from MIT Media Labs has invented ice cubes that tell overly eager drinkers when to stop drinking by flashing a red light. The new concept, which is still in development, seeks to help drinkers monitor their intake. At first sip, the cubes are colored green. By the second cocktail, it’s orange; it’s red by the third. What happens by the fourth drink? A warning text is sent to a designated friend, alerting them that you may be reaching your drinking limit. The prototype’s creator, Dhairya Dand, was inspired to create the cubes after a scary night of drinking that landed him in the hospital with an alcohol-induced blackout. That bleak experience spurred his creativity. However, don’t expect the cubes to hit the market anytime soon. There are some kinks that need to be worked out, including having the cubes determine the potency of the drink, as well as figuring out how to get the lights to shine though dark colored drinks.
Want to advertise in Insight? Visit myinsightmag.com to learn how. 14 Insight•March 2013
BPA Is Toxic,
So Is Its Replacement
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ave you ever paid attention to the products in the store labeled, “BPA Free”? BPA, also known as Bisphenol-A, is a compound that mimics estrogen and is found in plastic, store receipts, soup cans and other products. It is a toxic chemical and has been linked to diabetes, asthma, neurodevelopment, and obesity. Virtually every company has moved to remove BPA from its products but the replacement chemical; BPS (Bisphenol-S) may be just as harmful. In an article published in Environmental Health Perspectives, researchers at the University of Texas found that BPS has the same effects as BPA. While BPS doesn’t leak out of plastics as much as BPA, the tiny amounts it does leak out could still prove harmful. While extensive studies haven’t been done to say exactly how BPS could affect our health, it is suspected the effects are the same as BPA. Hopefully, in the near future, researchers will be able to give us a definitive answer so we can all take control of our own health.
HATE MATH? NOW THERE’S A MUSEUM FOR IT
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ove over MOMA and MET; a new museum is in town! The Museum of Mathematics, also known as Mo-Math, opened last fall and is tasked with inspiring math exploration and discovery. Located in Midtown Manhattan, the museum includes dynamic exhibits and programs that seek to broaden understanding of the evolving, creative, human, and aesthetic nature of math. Many may be wondering where an idea for a museum of math came from? The idea itself was birthed out of the closing of a smaller math museum. A group of people were upset by it, noticed there were no other math museums in the country, and decided to explore opening a larger museum in response to a demand for more hands-on programming. While there are a ton of things to do for school-age kids, the bi-level $15 million dollar museum gets it right for all ages and is packed with hi-tech computers, mathematical experiments, cryptography equipment, and Android-powered exhibits. Highlights include a ride on a squarewheeled tricycle and a human tree, which takes images of your silhouette and turns it into a tree. The museum is definitely a must see and is open seven days a week. March 2013•Insight 15
WOMEN DRINKING AND DRIVING AN “EPIDEMIC”
NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH
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e have heard that staying nutritionally healthy and getting the proper nutrients is extremely important, so in March we celebrate National Nutrition Month to remind everyone the benefits of eating right. National Nutrition Month is a national campaign created annually in March by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. It focuses on providing the public with information on healthy food choices and developing great eating and activity habits. It is important for us to get the proper nutrients on a day-to-day basis. Did you know that your body has a way of signaling that it is not getting the proper nutrient it needs? If you continuously feel tired, run down, and sleepy, you may not be getting all of the vitamins that your body is demanding to keep going. In addition, things like staying hydrated play a large role. March 2013 the National Nutrition Month will be celebrating their 40th anniversary. 16 Insight•March 2013
Photos ©iStockphoto.com
Healthy Living
H
ow many times have we walked out of our favorite club and seen our friend get behind the wheel after having a drink or two? Let’s admit it, it has happened one too many times! Before, males were the ones more likely to engage in the danger of drinking and driving, but researchers now state that the present data describes female drunk driving as an “epidemic.” Researchers are searching for an answer as to why more and more women are getting behind the wheel while intoxicated. From 1998 to 2007, the number of DWI arrests for women have increased nearly 30%. This increase in arrests may be fueled by the growing trend of binge drinking among women in the United States. In addition, female drivers now outnumber male drivers by nearly 2 million, increasing the chances that more women will more likely drink and drive then males. Just like smoking or bungee jumping, driving under the influence is one of the many habits of risk-taking behaviors. Some women who drink and drive may be doing it because they’re throwing caution out the window. Than, despite these findings, researchers say that more males then females drive drunk. Advocacy campaigns are still targeted to reduce male drunk drivers; however, more research needs to be done on female drivers.
WE ARE MORE LIKELY TO REMEMBER A FACEBOOK STATUS THAN A FACE
CL ASSROOM DESIGN
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Affects Student Learning
arious things, especially the colors and objects in our close proximity, impact our mind. Education debates have been in the spotlight for a number of reasons recently, but one thing that has received almost no attention is classroom design. A study was published in the journal, Building and the Environment, found that classroom design attributed nearly 25% on student progress throughout the academic year, both positive and negative. Nearly 751 students were observed throughout the 2011–12 academic year, and more than 34 classrooms were observed. Researchers collected data on student’s academic performance in the classroom. They then collaborated with Nightingale Associates, an architecture firm in Manchester, England. The firm ranked each classroom on a sale of 1 to 5 for 10 different design parameters such as light, sound, temperature, air quality, choice, flexibility, connection, complexity, color, and texture. Each parameter had a subcategory such as how much natural lighting entered the classroom, as well as were teachers able to control it. It was found that six out of the ten design parameters impacted student learning. These parameters included color, choice, complexity, flexibility, connection and light. The design of any room impacts the person in it. No matter if it is a classroom, bedroom or office. However, the impact that was identified in the study was a lot greater than researchers have previously imagined. Researchers were able to obtain greater funds to continue this project. Over the next 18 months they will be observing 20 additional classrooms throughout the U.K. to see if they can learn more about the design of classrooms on student learning.
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ouldn’t it be nice if we remembered exam information the way we remember Facebook statuses? We would no longer have to spend hours upon hours cramming that information into our heads. A study was published in the journal Memory & Cognition, which states that people are one and a half times more likely to remember Facebook posts than they are to remember sentences in books and two and a half times more likely to remember statuses than a strangers face. Researchers at University of California San Diego and the University of Scranton were interested in finding out how humans process information from social media. They asked 280 undergraduate students to read 100 sentences selected from various Facebook pages, 100 sentences selected from different books, and showed them several pictures of strangers. The students were then shown the same phrases and pictures and asked to recall which they have seen previously. Researchers found that Facebook posts were remembered more than either the reading passages or faces. Scientist even removed extraneous punctuation, such as smiley emotions and caps to point out that the recall was not due to exaggerated sentence structure. It is a lot easier to recall chatty or witty posts; researchers believe that this may be the reason that people find it easier to recall Facebook posts rather than passages from a book. Researchers even retested this using headline stories and reader comments from various CNN news and entertainment posts. Participants were able to remember readers’ comments the best, followed by entertainment headlines. It is suggested that casually written and unedited posting is remembered better because it is how we speak day-to-day. March 2013•Insight 17
Entertainment & Media
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TOP REASONS
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to Go to the Movies in March
3/1—21 and Over
Starring Miles Teller, Skylar Astin, Justin Chon, Sarah Wright and Francois Chau, the movie tells the story of a straight-laced college student that cuts loose on the night before a crucial medical-school interview. His friends convince him to celebrate his 21st birthday in style and the result is something akin to a Harold and Kumar-type fiasco. If you like hijinks, laughing and happiness, you’ll go see this movie.
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3/8—Oz: The Great and Powerful
Now THIS is the prequel we’ve all been waiting for! James Franco plays Oscar Diggs, a small time magician whose mishap finds him in the fantastical Land of Oz. There he meets three witches: Theodora (Mila Kunis), Evandora (Rachel Weisz) and Glinda (Michelle Williams), who are not convinced he is the great wizard everyone’s been expecting. Now, Oscar must find out who is good and evil before it is too late and, in the process, find the magic inside him.
18 Insight•March 2013
3
3/15—The Incredible Burt Wonderstone
The best cast combination you could ask for! Steve Carell, Jim Carrey, Steve Buscemi, Alan Arkin, James Gandolfini and Olivia Wilde. It’s the perfect mix for a great comedy. The film follows superstar magicians Burt Wonderstone (Carell) and Anton Marvelton (Buscemi), who find that they’ve been growing apart and not bringing in the same crowds they used to. They mainly face outside competition from guerilla street magician, Steve Gray (Jim Carrey). Basically, that’s the whole set up and, as Burt and Anton try to heal their friendship and stale magical act, hilarity ensues.
4
3/22—Admission
Every now and then you can use an easy, predictable, sweet rom-com. That is what Admission is. Straight-laced Princeton University admissions officer Portia Nathan (Tina Fey) is caught off-guard when she makes a recruiting visit to an alternative high school overseen by her former college classmate, the free-wheeling John Pressman (Paul Rudd). Pressman invited her to the school because he believes that Jeremiah (Nat Wolf), a gifted and unconventional student, might be the son that Portia gave up for adoption years ago. Cutesy, fun and a hint of drama.
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3/29—The Host
Do we have another Twilight on our hands? The Host is also written by Stephanie Meyer and will probably win large audiences. The story takes place in the future, when our world has been invaded by an unseen enemy and humans become hosts for these invaders (their minds taken over while their bodies remain intact). Melanie (Saoirse Ronan) is one of the few remaining uncaptured humans. Wanderer, an invading soul, as been assigned Melanie’s body. But, he finds that its former tenant is refusing to relinquish possession of her mind. When outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off on a dangerous journey that ends in love.
the best
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ime to reminisce! There are no better movie bullies than the “back in the day” bullies. They just don’t make them like they used to. Here are our picks for the best movie bullies from the 1980s and 1990s.
Bull ies
of the ’80s and ’90s
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1. Biff Tannen (played by Thomas F. Wilson), Back to the Future 2. Ed Rooney (played by Jeffrey Jones), Ferris Bueller’s Day Off 3. Stan Gable (played by Ted McGinley), Revenge of the Nerds 4. Johnny Lawrence (played by William Zabka), The Karate Kid 5. Chet (played by Bill Paxton), Weird Science 6. Steff McKee (played by James Spader), Pretty in Pink 7. Heather Duke (played by Shannon Doherty), Heathers 8. Moody (played by Matt Dillon), My Bodyguard.
CELEB MEN
WHO TOOK THEIR WIVES’ LAST NAMES 1. Jay-Z (whose real name was Shawn Carter) hyphenated his last name with wife, Beyonce’s. He is now legally Shawn Knowles-Carter. 2. John Lennon took his wife’s, Yoko Ono’s, last name when they married in 1969. Lennon reasoned, “Yoko changed her name for me, I’ve changed mine for her. One for both, both for each other…” His legal name when he died was John Winston Ono Lennon. 3. Jack and Meg White, of The White Stripes, are actually not siblings. They actually married in 1996. Jack took Meg’s last name (his original name was Jack Gillis). The couple later divorced in 2000. 4. Actor Jay Mohr added his wife’s, Nikki Cox’s, last name, to his as a twoyear anniversary present. He became Jon Ferguson Cox Mohr. 5. Actor/reality TV star, Lorenzo Lamas, hyphenated his name to become Lorenzo Lamas-Craig when he married Shawna Craig in 2011.
March 2013•Insight 19
THE THE DISAPPEARING NY ACCENT
20 Insight•March 2013
©iStockphoto.com
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ack in the day, people from New York were actually people from “Noo Yawk.” They were a populous that dropped their R’s. Heck even former president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, did it. Because that’s just what you did when you were from the big apple – you wore the accent and did it proud. Not anymore, it seems. I can’t remember the last time anyone went to visit their “mothah” or the “doctah” or even their “lowyah.” Why the change in the linguistics landscape? Why don’t we hear those dropped r’s anymore? In the early 1960s, linguist, William Labov looked into the idea of “prestige borrowing.” The idea prestige borrowing goes back to the early 1950s, when a sociologist named C. Wright Mills noticed that when middle-class people come into contact with people of a “higher status” they borrow prestige from them – mimic their dignity and power. The result is, for instance, that employees of an upscale department store will draw “prestige” from clientele more so than employees of a more downscale store. Labov, then, looked to see if this happens linguistically as well. He found that it does. Labov’s experiment went as follows: In Manhattan, NY, he went to Saks Fifth Avenue (an upscale department store), Macy’s (a more mid-level department store) and S. Klein (a discount department store). In each store, he walked up to an employee and asked them where men’s suits were. Labov knew they were on the 4th floor, but his goal was to get the employee to so, to hear if they would drop their R’s. He then repeated this across all the stores, with over 250 employees. Labov found that 38% of Saks employees, 49% of Macy’s employees and 79% of S. Klein employees were R-droppers. Labov took further information down about the race, ethnicity, sex and estimated age of the employees he spoke with. 53% of Macy’s employees and 94% of the S. Klein employees that dropped their R’s were African Americans. 33% of Saks employees, 41% of Macy’s employees and 70% of S. Klein employees that dropped their R’s were white women. Basically, no matter which way Labov turned his results, the pattern persisted: the more downscale the departments store, the more they would “borrow prestige,” linguistically, from clientele. The result is from, what Labov calls, “linguistic insecurity.” Other linguists since then have conducted similar studies. Later studies showed less and less R-dropping across the board. Why? The dropped-R is a left over from England’s influence here. FDR, a hugely admired man in the country was a huge R-dropper. People were able to see that linguistic touch to be “prestigious.” However, after World War II, England’s influence in America began to decline. So did R-dropping. Thereafter, producing fully formed R’s slowly became the more accepted, prestigious way of speaking. By the time Labov did his department-store study, New Yorkers were already making more full R’s. And this trend continued, top down. As full-R’s became more prestigious, middle and lower classes began mimicking them more. The result: today’s loss of the “new york accent.”
Eat Good Food:
MARMONT STEAKHOUSE AND BAR
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hether you are planning a business meeting, dinner with your coworkers or looking to take a special someone on a romantic date, Marmont Steakhouse and Bar is the place to go! Located right in the heart of Old City, we guarantee you a delicious experience like you have never had before! Insight was granted the pleasure of meeting Marmont Steakhouse and Bar owner, David Chiavaroli to get all of the details about the famous dishes the restaurant has to offer. The Ambiance. Cozy, comfy, trendy indoor seating is available year-round. But, even better, at the slightest hint of warm weather, great outdoor seating becomes available. No matter where you sit, it’s still a great environment! Walking into the restaurant, you are greeted by smiling and attentive hosts. It’s even great while you wait to be seated – as you find yourself in a warm environment of dim lighting and soft background music. The Delicious Food. You want to get the steak! All Marmont steaks are from Certified Angus Beef, cooked to perfection. Their most popular entrée is the Filet Mignon, though their most talked about steak is their Filet Oscar (a MUST TRY!). The Filet Oscar — sits atop a mound of mashed potatoes and is grilled to your liking. Then, it is topped with lump crabmeat and chopped, sautéed asparagus and served with a side of Hollandaise. To really have thankful taste buds, we suggest pairing this entrée with your favorite glass of red or white wine. But don’t forget your sweet tooth! Any banana lover should DEFINITELY get the Banana Foster. The sauce is made with Mayer dark rum and brown sugar, add that to bananas, light it up and then serve it steaming hot over cold vanilla ice cream. Perfection! The Customability. Don’t just come here for dinner. Hold an even here — a holiday party, a birthday, bridal shower … anything! The chef will create a custom, convenient menu just for your event. And you’ll have an ace team of unofficial party planners that can help you map out what you want. In the words of Chiavaroli, “Marmont is often compared to million and billion dollar restaurants, such as Del Frisco’s and Capital Grille.” However, unlike those corporate owned restaurants, Marmont provides a much more personal feel to its patrons. So next time you are in the neighborhood, make sure you stop by for a great meal or just a quick drink! We promise you’ll be in good hands! Marmont Steakhouse and Bar. 222 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106. (215) 923-1100. www.Marmont.net. March 2013•Insight 21
GENETICS SAYS We Should Hate the Gym
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ou can always tell, when you’re at the gym, who is really glad to be there and who is just plain miserable. The former make sure to have “cute gym clothes” and “check-in” at the gym on Facebook, talking about how amazing their workout was. The latter go to the gym because they ate a lot of pizza the night before or because it’s only February and their New Year’s resolution hasn’t worn off yet (and, also, their gym clothes are not cute — they’re just there to sweat through). I’m a part of the latter category and, with the exception of fun Zumba classes you do with your friends, hate the gym. But, maybe it’s not my fault. And, maybe, if you’re like me, it’s not your fault either. According to researchers from Iowa State University, you might not just be a lazy slob. It could be that your physical capacity for exertion is just significantly lower due to genetics. For these researchers it comes down to your “ventilator threshold:” “Normally when people breathe, they expel an amount of carbon dioxide that is equal to the amount of oxygen taken in. But beyond the ventilatory threshold, the release of carbon dioxide begins to exceed the body’s intake of oxygen. This excess release of carbon dioxide is a sign that the muscles have become more acidic, which the body finds stressful. For most individuals, the ventilatory threshold is around 50% to 60% of the way to their maximum capacity, though there is tremendous individual variation. For elite athletes, the threshold may be as high as 80%, while sedentary people may hit it at 35%.” The researchers go on to say that “some individuals reach their ventilatory threshold after just one minute at a slow pace on a treadmill. Some women’s thresholds are so low that they would reach their maximum capacity simply by doing the dishes or cooking.” This could explain why it’s sometimes the skinniest, seemingly fittest, people get winded after mere minutes of physical activity while “bigger people” can go at it for an hour. But hey, this is just one scientific idea about why we’re not working out. It’s still debatable and it probably isn’t a blanket theory that applies to everyone. There’s still a good chance that I’m just plain lazy. But hey, that means there’s just as good a chance that you are too! So, wanna skip the gym and go rent a movie or something?
Want to advertise in Insight? Visit myinsightmag.com to learn how. 22 Insight•March 2013
Photos ©iStockphoto.com
POR NSTA R S Are Just Like You!
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here are all sorts of flavors of porn. After all, we are all unique and our “eclectic” porn tastes or a natural derivative of our individuality. But, one of the most popular search terms (particularly among younger men) on a porn site: “MILF.” We all know what “MILF” stands for, so I won’t go there (if you don’t know, as a friend). Now I’m sure there are plenty of articles just waiting to be written about the psychology behind a choice like that. But, that is not this article. This article looks at the ladies – the alleged “MILFs” themselves. More specifically, should they even be called “MILFs?” Jon Millward wondered the same thing, and has spent months crunching numbers taken from 10,000 porn profiles on the Internet Adult Film Database. He compiled a database that looked at height, weight, bra size, roles, movie titles, sex acts, names, races, birthplaces, etc. Millward’s findings show that the average age of the “MILF” is just 33! Now when you think MILF – it is typically a “Stacie’s mom” kind of scenario. THAT is what your search result should turn up. Instead, most commonly, it turns up a girl barely out of her twenties! Maybe this sounds feminist-y, but doesn’t that set up yet another unattainable label for women. Real mothers and wives in their forties are competing for the MILF title with girls just barely on “the wrong end of thirty.” And men are deluded into thinking that their current new bride, probably about thirty years old herself, will continue to look like the thirty-one year old he’s “watching” a decade later! Only seven percent of pornstars categorized as a “MILF” are over 40. As a woman, I’m not offended that such a classification exists or even the porn itself. I just am not a fan of the unrealistic standard that I have to live up to! Oh, and in case you were wondering what other statistics Millward came across: 7 The most common bra size among female pornstars is a 34B. 7 Most female porn performers are brunettes 7 The top porn-star-producing state is California 7 “Butts” and its synonyms, appear in porn titles twice as frequently as “boobs” and its synonyms. 7 The thinnest/lightest female pornstar is 74 lbs. 7 24.4% of male pornstars and 42% of female pornstars have a tattoo 7 Male pornstars spend an average of four years in the industry; female pornstars spend an average of three years in the industry. In the 1970s the male pornstar would spend about twelve years in the industry and the female would spend about nine years in the industry. 7 The most common female first name is Nikki. The most common male first name is David.
March 2013•Insight 23
Dress to Impress WEDDING “INS” The wedding season is upon us and a beach theme wedding has become the first pick! Now it is time to consider which accentuating piece of jewelry will compliment your dress; which wedding invitations you will use to represent your wonderful day and all of the other important details that go into planning the special day. Compiled by JL Original Designs, Insight Magazine provides you with this season’s wedding “Ins”!
q Flowers: Cream Roses and Blue Hydrangeas — hydrangeas are trending due to their size, range of colors, hardness, and price.
q Jewelry: Three-strand
pearl choker, with a focal rhinestone pendant — single strand of pearls is traditional, now there are more options with pearls due to color, size, and shape.
q Bridesmaid’s bouquet:
Coordination is key! As you can see here, the bouquet’s satin ribbon and lace match the centerpieces.
q Centerpiece: You can’t go wrong
with a classic three-piece arrangement. Here, the center arrangement is filled with shell chips and light and dark blue hydrangeas. The arrangement is flanked by two smaller vases filled with shells and water and floating candles accented by lace and satin ribbons.
q Wedding stationery: It’s all in the details! The invitation, response card, and escort card shown are handmade, with special vellum paper covered in shells. 24 Insight•March 2013
Spa Review
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REJUVENATING YOUR SKIN FROM SEASON TO SEASON
adies and gentlemen it is almost beach time again and everyone is getting their beautiful beach body ready! Many have made a commitment to hit the gym, eat healthy and some are more aware of skin conditions that can result from too much sun exposure. It can be difficult to rejuvenate your skin from one season to another. During the winter months our skin can get extremely dry and ashy. We have to find the right products to re-moisturize our skin and bring it back to healthy conditions. Some people prefer natural moisturizing remedies for their skin. Here are a few essential oils and natural products that can help make your skin appear less old and wrinkly, as well as rehydrate it. These products work especially magnificent on a long-term basis. Palmarosa Essential oil, also known as Indian geranium, hydrates dry skin and rejuvenates wrinkled skin. It has been known to be a valuable oil in skin care. Eat healthy. Foods such as Omega-3, spinach, and berries all keep your skin looking healthy. Omega-3 in particular keeps the skin moisturized. If you prefer cosmetic products try these recommended products! Cocoa Butter. Cocoa butter retains moisture in the skin. Rather than applying scented lotion, try lotion induced with cocoa butter. It helps to heal cracked and dry skin, as well as keeps your skin looking beautiful. Thebodyshop-usa.com $12. Silk Whimsy Body Lotion. Find out what silky skin really means with Silk Whimsy Body Lotion by Olay. Pamper and rejuvenate your skin, it will thank you. Olay.com $9.99.
March 2013•Insight 25
Sports & Athletics
RAY LEWIS’ LAST RIDE PRODUCES
SUPER BOWL
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ay Lewis’ first sack in the NFL was on San Francisco coach Jim Harbaugh and, in some ways, so was his last. Lewis and the Baltimore Ravens defied the likelihood of getting beat in the Super Bowl and became the champions of Super Bowl XLVII. The game was exciting from start to finish. In the beginning of the game, the Ravens were controlling the game very strongly, taking a 21-6 lead in the first half. The Ravens were controlling possession, shutting down Colin Kaepernick and the San Francisco 49ers offense, as well as being extremely productive on offense. Joe Flacco threw three touchdowns to start the game. Flacco and his receivers were on the same page the whole game as the Ravens marched down the field possession after possession. Then came the half time show, a performance that was electric. Beyoncé was extremely impressive as she literally used up all of the electricity in the Superdome, causing half the stadium to loose power for more than thirty minutes in the third quarter. From that point on, the game completely changed. The 49ers then took control of the game, outscoring the Ravens 25-6 after the power was eventually restored. Kaepernick and the 49er offense seemed to renew their energy as well when power was eventually restored. The 49ers had 260 yards and twelve first downs after the power outage and seemed to be threatening a possible comeback coming down to the final drive. At the end, the final drive and the “final ride” of Ray Lewis’ career was a goal line stand to win the Super Bowl. The Ravens were leading by five points with less than two minutes left. The 49ers needed a touchdown to stay alive, but the Baltimore defense remained strong just like they have all season, stopping the 49ers on 4th and Goal, ending the game and the 49ers season. On the Tuesday after the Super Bowl, the Ravens celebrated with thousands of their fans in Baltimore, as Ray Lewis told his fans that this Lombardi Trophy was his way of thanking the fans for the support that they had given him for his whole career. Baltimore’s leadership and will to win showed on Super Bowl Sunday, with Ray Lewis leading THE LUXURY LIFESTYLE the way. The Raven’s Super Bowl A dedication to fulfilling my clients’ wishes and a passion for the victory was well deserved, but their Philadelphia landscape give me an edge in the world of real estate that likelihood of being in the same places my clients second-to-none. So please allow me to fulfill your real position next year seem slim. With estate dreams, as well as the opportunity to go above and beyond to Ray Lewis retiring, the biggest leader exceed your expectations. on the Ravens defense will be gone Jason Kravitz and the Ravens will have to turn Realtor Licensed in PA & NJ to another player to fill that void. Fluent in English and Russian Despite Ray Lewis’ absence next 226 West Rittenhouse Square #102, Philadelphia, PA 19103 year, Ed Reed, the Ravens’ safety O.215-735-2225|C.267-324-4141| E.RealtorJK@gmail.com has confirmed he will be back for one more season, but if it is with the Ravens is yet to be seen.
26 Insight•March 2013
Flyers Hockey Schedule 3/2 vs. SENATORS 12:00 pm 3/5 vs. RANGERS 7:30 pm 3/7 vs. PENGUINS 7:00 pm 3/9 vs. BRUINS 1:00 pm 3/10 vs. SABRES 7:30 pm 3/13 vs. DEVILS 7:30 pm 3/15 vs. DEVILS 7:00 pm 3/18 vs. LIGHTNING 7:30 pm 3/24 vs. PENGUINS 7:00 pm 3/26 vs. RANGERS 7:30 pm 3/28 vs. ISLANDERS 7:00 pm 3/30 vs. BRUINS 1:00 pm 3/31 vs. CAPITALS 7:30 pm
Sixesrs Basketball Schedule 3/2 vs. Golden State 7:00 pm 3/3 vs. Washington 6:00 pm 3/5 vs. Boston 7:00 pm 3/6 vs. Atlanta 7:30 pm 3/8 vs. Miami 8:00 pm 3/10 vs. Orlando vs. 6:00 pm 3/11 vs. Brooklyn 7:00 pm 3/13 vs. Miami 7:00 pm 3/16 vs. Indiana 7:30 pm 3/18 vs. Portland 7:00 pm 3/20 vs. Los Angeles 7:30 pm 3/21 vs. Denver 7:00 pm 3/24 vs. Sacramento 6:00 pm 3/25 vs. Utah 7:00 pm 3/27 vs. Milwaukee 7:00 pm 3/29 vs. Cleveland 7:30 pm 3/30 vs. Charlotte 7:30 pm
MARCH MADNESS PREVIEW
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s March Madness approaches, many College Basketball fans are very excited, awaiting the highly anticipated NCAA tournament. Unlike the debated College Bowl system, the NCAA tournament is a field of 64 teams playing through a bracket. There are no excuses; the team that goes the whole way wins. The history of the NCAA tournament is one of the richest in college sports. From the Michigan State Spartans defeating Larry Bird and the Indiana State Sycamores, to last year when Kentucky won the National Championship, March never fails to amaze and excite fans of the game. This year the semi-finals and championship game will be held in the Georgia Dome, in Atlanta, but the other locations of the NCAA tournament should prove to be almost as exciting. The West Regional game will be at the Staples Center (LA Lakers and Clippers Arenas), while the East Regional will be in the Verizon Center in Washington, the Midwest Regional will be in Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, and the South Regional will be at Cowboys Stadium. Every single year, these amazing venues are filled with fans, but unlike professional sports, they aren’t cheering for paid athletes that are making millions of dollars from contracts and sponsorships. They are rooting for college students that are fighting for their futures, but more importantly their teammates. The NCAA tournament, unlike many others, seems to preserve the innocence of sports, showing the heart and love that the college players have for this game. This year, like every other, there are a few favorites to win the title in Indiana, Michigan, Florida, Ohio State, Syracuse, Louisville and many more teams. This year’s tournament will be extremely deep and there promise to be some very exciting games. Not only deep teams, but amazing stars like Cody Zeller from Indiana, Michael Carter Williams of Syracuse, Peyton Siva of Louisville, and Trey Burke of Michigan will make this tournament extremely exciting. Many teams will have the opportunity to win this year’s championship and it should be quite the thriller.
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).
March 2013•Insight 27
Photos ©iStockphoto.com
Science & Technology
New Traffic Technology
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very year, Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) has an Urban Mobility Report. This report tells the country how our traffic has affected us in the past year. The report tells Americans numerous things, but most importantly how much time they are sitting in traffic and how much time is wasted. For example, the Urban Mobility Report has found that the top ten worst traffic cities are, as follows, in order: Washington DC, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Boston, Houston, Atlanta, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Seattle. Not surprisingly, Philadelphia is on that list and is the ninth worst city to drive in. The report is detailed enough that it can even figure out the moods of drivers. According to the report, the city that is in the most need of better traffic is Honolulu, being awarded the “most stressful place to drive.” But, TTI is trying to find new ways to take traffic and understand it to help drivers know how much time to add to a given trip. TTI has come up with the PTI, Planning Time Instrument. The PTI is a numerical value calculated based on the traffic in a certain area. The driver will take the PTI and add time to their trip, which 19 times out of 20, guarantees that in the end, the driver will be on time to their desired destination. This is amazing, because drivers will be able to know exactly how much time they need to give themselves to go somewhere down to a science. Along with TTI, GPS companies are trying to get smarter in their breakdown of traffic. Inrix, for example, is a GPS company. They are starting to get information of the speeds and directions of their users and send that information to other Inrix users. This helps drivers know the best and fastest routes to get from point A to point B. “Tom Tom” has also made significant strides in finding the fastest route of a trip, although “Tom Tom” does not work 100% of the time to decrease the length of a trip. Luckily for all drivers, technology is getting better to help decrease traffic and time spent in traffic. 28 Insight•March 2013
Medical Technology
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IT is one of the highest regarded engineering schools in the United States, making it most difficult to get into in the country. A select few students at the school are selected for a class called “Precision Machine Design” that not only shows off the students’ abilities, but also helps doctors more efficiently treat patients. MIT invites surrounding Massachusetts hospitals to submit a “wish list” to students in the Precision Machine Design class. Hospitals fill out a list of procedures that they need better technology for to better examine their patients. The list is presented to the students with a $4,000 budget. The students are then assigned to a project and they have to create a prototype to present to the hospitals. Amazingly, the students have created some mind-blowing technology. For example, one group of students in the Precision Machine Design class was assigned to help create new technology for sleep studies. When a hospital has to do sleep studies, they must connect various wires to the patients’ bodies. These wires are very annoying to deal with for both the patients and the doctors. To make this process cleaner and easier, the students created a “Sleep Sensing Shirt”. The shirt is an Under Armour shirt combines the wires into a much more comfortable way of taking a sleep study. Another group of students were assigned to help make better technology for open chest surgery. The students created an extremely high-tech endoscopic screwdriver that allows doctors to speed the healing of the broken ribs of their patients. These examples as well as many other impressive projects that the MIT students have successfully completed are the start to some very impressive new technology in the medical field. Despite their youth, these students are extremely innovative and prove to be some of the world’s amazing new engineers.
Want to advertise in Insight? Visit myinsightmag.com to learn how. March 2013•Insight 29
©iStockphoto.com
MIT
Career & Finance
A America’s CEOs:
“Raise the Retirement Age”
group of executives of some of the country’s largest corporations are calling for an increase in the retirement age to age 70 for both Social Security and Medicare, affecting the eligibility for those programs for millions of Americans. The group of CEO’s, who form The Business Roundtable, account for nearly a third of the total value of the US stick market. They are proposing a plan to reduce the deficit, in addition to a proposal of larger spending cuts, all in an effort to preserve the Medicare and Social Security programs. These security programs are said to be in danger of running out of funds by 2033. Opponents to the proposal call it “very dangerous,” saying it would shift the cost of Medicare to employers, state governments, and individuals. The proposal also lowers initial benefits for retirees with higher incomes and would require wealthier recipients to pay more for services. Those Americans who have already reached the age of 55 by the time of implementation would be spared from the new policies.
STATES WORRY CARS ARE TOO FUEL EFFICIENT
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Photoos ©iStockphoto.com
hen searching for a new car, one of the first things buyers ask is “what’s the gas mileage?” Thankfully, most car manufacturers have worked tirelessly to provide Americans with more bang for the buck; in fact, the average fuel economy rose 6% in 2012. However, while having amazing gas mileage is important to most Americans, various states have begun to wonder if the savings in our pockets is taking money out of theirs. Some states are reporting a decrease in revenue from gas taxes due to the decrease in gas sales. They are arguing that less revenue equates to less money to build highways, patch roads, and other necessary improvements. Most states are considering increasing the cost of gas to make up for the loss in revenue. Conversely, Virginia’s Governor Bob McDonnell has suggested those who have fuel-efficient vehicles to pay an annual fee to offset the costs. He has also suggested getting rid of the gas tax completely and increase the state sales tax to raise revenue. Hopefully, both taxpayers and the government can reach a solution that softens the blow on everyone’s pocket!
30 Insight•March 2013
BIGGEST TAX SCAMS
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t’s tax time and while most Americans are honest when it comes to their taxes and refunds, the IRS has named the top twelve tax scams used by Americans during tax season. q Identity Theft — the stealing of one’s ID to obtain fraudulent tax returns. q Phishing — the use of fake websites to lure victims to provide valuable information later used to obtain funds. q Preparer Fraud — those actually preparing returns skim off money from their client’s refunds. Be careful when hiring a professional. q Hiding Income Offshore — occurs where taxpayers hide money in foreign accounts to avoid taxes. q Free Money From the IRS — scammers advertise Social Security refunds or rebates but end up stealing them from victims. q False/Inflated Income and Expenses — reporting higher expenses to maximize credits. q False Form 1099 Refund Claims — claiming deductions or credits to which one is not entitled. q Frivolous Arguments — contesting tax liabilities in court with no merit. q Claiming Zero Wages — done to lower the amount of taxes a taxpayer owes. q Abuse of Charitable Organizations — overvaluing donations to get higher credits q Disguised Corporate We Book: Cruises, Hotels, Packages, Contact us: Airfare, Car Rentals, Honeymoons, Ownership — using another’s CruiseLandAir@Gmail.com Destination Weddings, and Groups federal ID number to obscure the 215-322-5696 We take care of you before, during, and true business owner . after your trip q Misuse of Trusts — avoiding tax Extensive research and travel tips for liability by transferring assets into every client non-taxable trusts. Russian/English speaking agents Bottom line: try any of these and O $25.00 OFF your first booked cruise or be prepared to answer when Uncle XOX vacation package with this advertisement Sam comes knocking!
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March 2013•Insight 31
A Dose of Insight
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recently ordered something inappropriate on pay-per-view and the bill statement is going to come any day now! I am really scared that my parents will see what I ordered and ground me since I shouldn’t exactly be watching such things. I am really freaking out and I’m doing my best to get the mail every day. What do I do?
✽ First, just take a step back and breathe. Although, it is an extremely awkward situation, it is one you should deal with when the statement comes. You have no idea what their reaction will be. They might just wind up paying the bill quietly so that they can avoid having this uncomfortable conversation with you. They also might call you out on it. In that case, I would very calmly apologize to them. I would express to them that it is not something you thought
would get charged to their account, and it is not something that will happen again. Even though it seems terrifying right now, when it’s done and over with, you will feel a huge relief. Trust me, this will be as uncomfortable for them as it is for you. Your parents were once your age though, and although they might be a little upset, I’m sure they can remember what it’s like to have these thoughts and feelings.
M
©iStockphoto.com
y boyfriend is getting ready to go serve time at a county jail and does not know how long he may be away for. He told me to wait, but I don’t think I can. He has hit me in the past and I feel like if I break up with him before he goes away he might do it again. I really don’t know what to do because he told me he will have people watching me while I’m away and he will find where I live when he gets out. I am so scared! ✽ First of all, I would strongly suggest looking into some type of counseling. You need a professional to direct you in the right direction when it comes to an abusive relationship. No one deserves to be treated the way that you are. A therapist can help you in gaining your confidence back and setting your life back on track. Secondly, I would make your friends and family aware of the threats he made. They will act as a great support system as far as checking up on you and 32 Insight•March 2013
making sure that you are safe. Whether these threats are idle or not, you should not be living alone at a time like this. Lastly, if you continue to receive threats, I would not hesitate to contact the authorities. There are many laws that protect women from abuse, He is already in a great amount of trouble, and judges don’t look kindly upon women abusers. Start working on yourself. Know that you are a beautiful woman that deserves nothing but the very best.
M
y 73-year-old father found a new girlfriend. Now she is acting like she has rights to all of our stuff like our family house and our beach house. She decides who and when is going there. She is also using his credit cards and buying a lot of unnecessary stuff. My father thinks that she is the best thing that has happened to him and allows her to do what ever she wants, but I think that she has no right to do that.
✽ Whether she has any right to do that or not, this is unfortunately none of your business. Dating her is your father’s choice, and allowing her to be so controlling is your father’s choice as well. If he truly had a problem with what she has been doing, he would have spoken up by now. Even though you are not happy with what is going on, the worst thing you can do is fight him on it. Bad-mouthing her to him will only push your father further away, and in turn giver her more power. As frustrating
as it can be at times, we cannot pick who our family members fall in love with, all we can do is try to accept both people, no matter how awful their relationship seems to us. Clearly, there is something about this woman that he is drawn to which is positive. Try to get to know her a little bit better and maybe you’ll see why he is so in love.
M
Photos ©iStockphoto.com
y wife is telling me that having two separate bank accounts is normal, and that we should assign who pays which bill. I feel as though this is wrong, We should have a joint account and have the bills taken out of one account. We are consistently arguing about it, am I wrong? ✽ Money is one of the things married couples argue about most. Disagreements can cause serious problems in the relationship. Obviously you have your opinion, and she has hers. However, you should be able to come to some sort of compromise. First, I would ask her why she feels so passionately about doing something so non-traditional. Tell her that you are concerned because it seems like she is avoiding a complete commitment to your marriage. She might have a valid argument. Maybe
your spending habits are drastically different from hers, and she doesn’t want you monitoring her every move. Perhaps you can have a joint account from which you pay the bills and then two separate accounts for other expenses. However, if she has no good reason for this separation of finances, I would call her out. After all this might be her way of hiding something more serious. Still, I wouldn’t jump to any conclusions before having an open and honest conversation. March 2013•Insight 33
Horoscope
Aries (March 21-April 20). ). You are caught in a dilemma and a co-worker lends you a helping hand. However, that only creates more confusion, but don’t react too fast. Frustration will get you nowhere, just work to figure out a better solution to fix your problem.
Libra (Sept. 23rd–Oct. 23rd). This month stay away from the office drama. Do not involve yourself in a disagreement or get caught up in a bad atmosphere. Just complete your current projects and stay away from negative people.
Taurus (April 21st–May 21st). This month you will have to make a decision regarding your love life. But before making a decision, review all of your choices and possible outcomes. Do not make up your mind too quickly.
Scorpio (Oct. 24th–Nov. 22nd). Is something inside telling you to reconsider your current career? This just may be the month to do so. Follow your instincts in the business world this month, this might lead to a good future for you.
Gemini (May 22nd–June 21st). You may find that your boss seems a little too conservative for you, but realize they only have your best interest at heart. Be patient about what you want for them and look out for yourself.
Sagittarius (Nov. 23rd–Dec. 21st). ). A close friend might approach you about an important opinion. While the truth may not be something they are interested in hearing, don’t let that discourage you. Be as honest as you can.
Cancer (June 22nd–July 22nd). Being the first to volunteer for a work project is great, especially when the boss notices! However, this month, don’t be the first to volunteer. First check out everything that is involved because then it may be more than you’ve bargained for.
Capricorn (Dec. 22nd–Jan. 20th). It is your time to shine at work! A new opportunity opens up for you and you should consider taking it! This will lead you to meeting many new people who will become an important role in your life.
Leo (July 23rd–August 23rd). A loved one may need your help to listen and to provide them with moral support. This month may be time to express your sympathetic side. On top of that, this will be a hectic month at work so you might want to consider pampering yourself. Virgo (August 24th–Sept. 22nd). You usually find the most comfort in completing projects alone, though this month you might want to reconsider. Working on a team will make things go much smoother, and you will find great ideas while making close friends.
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Aquarius (Jan. 21st–Feb. 18th). Keep your eyes open for that special someone this month. You will realize how much you have in common and your relationship may move into high gear very quickly. Pisces (Feb. 19th–March 20th). You are overworking yourself and it shows! Consider slowing down this month, it may benefit you. Take a few days off and relax, spend time with loved ones.
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