Did You Know ?: Phobias and the Famous

We all have fears, right? They range from the subtler things like a fear of spiders (arachnophobia), to the more serious fear of people (sociophobia). But did you know there are many celebrities and historical figures who have suffered from phobias just like you? While most of them fear simple things, some are just a little bit more extreme. And by a little, I mean a lot! So please enjoy this list of well-known people and their phobias.

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Education in America: Where We Are (Part 1)

On May 23, 2012, the presumptive Republican Presidential Nominee rolled out his plan for American education, "A Chance for Every Child: Mitt Romney’s Plan for Restoring the Promise of American Education". (PDF)

In the forward, former Florida Governor Jeb Bush gives us some  universally agreed upon basics about education in America:

"Education has always been central to the American Dream."

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Forty: Fear Not, It's Fabulous!

If you are turning forty, or are in the middle of it, or leaving forty for fifty, hear me now: Have no fear.

I've come to the conclusion, age is just a number. For me personally, the years between forty and fifty were the best years of my life. Professionally, my career was on track and I was moving up the corporate ladder. In fact, if I had never been promoted again, I would have been satisfied. I liked my job, my co-workers, and my work environment. The worst of the climb upward was behind me and the future was bright. Personally, my family was "settled".  My life partner was supportive and loving. The children were basically self-sufficient, responsive to our family values, and reasonably happy.

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Change Your Habits- Save Your Life

A landmark study of about 30,000 people in 52 countries suggests Lifestyle factors can easily account for more than 90 percent of heart attack risk. Making small, positive changes in your everyday habits can have a surprisingly big impact on your heart health

Here’s a look at some of the worst habits for your heart, and how to turn them around.

Couch Potato Madness

You’ve heard it numerous times before. People who spend four or more hours a day watching the tube or with other screen-based entertainment double the risk of a major cardiac.

Those who spent the most time on leisure-time screen-based entertainment had a 48 percent higher risk of dying prematurely, even if they also exercised. Recent research also shows that too much sitting can be just as bad for your heart as smoking.

Negative Attitudes Increase Risk

Stress and depression have long been linked to higher heart disease risk. As simple as it seems, an optimistic outlook may cut heart disease and stroke danger by 50 percent.

The association between an upbeat attitude and reduced cardiovascular risk held true. Research also shows that laughter literally does the heart good, by expanding the linings of blood vessels and boosting blood flow.

Ignoring Snoring Can Be Fatal

Frequent loud snoring can trumpet obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a dangerous disorder that magnifies heart attack and stroke risk,

OSA, which affects 18 million Americans, is most common in people who are heavy, treatment typically involves weight loss and in some cases, continuously positive airway pressure (CPAP), a device that blows moist, heated air in your nose and mouth as you sleep.

Forgoing Fiber

Not only does a high-fiber diet boost your heart health, but it could add years to your life, according to a recent study of nearly 400,000 people, conducted by the National Institutes of Health and American Association of Retired People.

The researchers found that men ages 50 and older who ate the most fiber were up to 56 percent less likely to die from cardiovascular disease, infectious diseases and respiratory ailments, compare to those who ate the least. For women ages 50 and up, a high-fiber diet lowered risk of death from these causes by nearly 60 percent.

Another study involving more than 300,000 men and women found that eating eight servings of fruits and vegetables a day trims the risk of a fatal heart attack by 22 percent, compared to eating less than three. Researchers from the World Cancer Research Fund also report that if we ate more fiber, and less red meat, more than 64,000 cancer deaths would be prevented annually.

Failing to Floss

People with periodontal (gum) disease are nearly twice as likely to have heart disease as those with healthy gums. While the reasons for the link aren’t yet clear, one theory is that the same bacteria that trigger gum disease may also spark inflammation inside the body, damaging arteries. Gum disease affects nearly 50 percent of Americans, many of whom don’t know they have it, because in the early stages, it’s painless.

A new study published in Journal of Aging Research adds to mounting evidence that one of the simplest—and cheapest—secrets of long life is taking care of your teeth, with daily brushing and flossing. Conversely, neglecting your choppers—and skipping dental visits—can be lethal, the researchers report. During the 17-year study, those who never flossed were 30 percent more likely to die than were those who flossed daily.

Smoking Even a Little

Smoking even one cigarette a day increases the threat of heart attack by 63 percent and smoking 20 or more cigarettes a day more than quadruples it.

Need more motivation to quit? Tobacco use also boosts risk for diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and many types of cancer. A 2010 study reports that using a nicotine patch for six months makes it easier for smokers to kick the habit. Munching on low-calorie foods, such as carrot or celery sticks, or chewing sugarless gum, can also help curb nicotine cravings.

You can reduce your health risks by changing your lifestyle. Start today for a healthier life.

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Learning About Prostrate Cancer

Whether you (or a loved one) are worried about developing prostate cancer, have just been diagnosed, are going through treatment, or are trying to stay well after treatment, this introductory overview can help you begin to find the answers you need.
Cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells in the body grow out of control. When cancer starts in the prostate, it is called prostate cancer. The prostate is a walnut-sized organ located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum in men. It produces fluid that makes up a part of semen.

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men, and second only to lung cancer in the number of cancer deaths.

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Celebrate the Mature Woman: Five Icons of Beauty

Despite the media bias against women who aren't 18-28, I've heard many men say there's something especially desirable about a mature woman. "Beauty never dies" said one and another said "they are like fine wine". It started me thinking about beautiful women of color over 40, or 50, even over 60. I never ran out of names for my list, so take a look at some the hottest mature women on the planet:

Diahann Carroll (76) made the list of the 7 hottest women over 65.
Born Carol Diann Johnson, July 17, 1935, in New York, NY, her fabulous career spans five decades. From her debut in 1954 until present roles on Grey's Anatomy and White Collar, she's the girl from the Bronx who romanced Sir David Frost and Sidney Poitier and found worldwide fame as Dynasty's sultry singer. Four husbands later and she's still going strong.

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Sweat the Small Stuff: Change Your Financial Future

 

My son likes the TV show “Breaking Bad”. The title makes me think about breaking bad financial habits and replacing “bad” ones with better choices. Here are some simple steps to a new financial future.

·         Avoid Instant Gratification

It’s about time you learned to resist impulse buying. When you can’t afford to pay cash, using credits cards will simply allow your debt to spiral and increase poor money management. Learn the value of saying “no”. If you aren’t paying with cash or check, use your debit card. It takes the money out of your checking account immediately and provides a useful record of all your monthly expenditures.

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On The Record: Helen Mirren

Dame Helen Mirren collects awards for her stellar performances like some people collect pennies. The English actor has won an Academy Award for Best Actress, four SAG Awards, four BAFTAs, three Golden Globes, four Emmy Awards, and two Cannes Film Festival Best Actress Awards.

Mirren was born Helen Lydia Mironoff in Chiswick, West London to parents of Russian and English origins. Her paternal grandfather was a diplomat turned cab driver and her father was a civil servant in the Ministry of Transport. Her mother was the 13th of 14 children born to a butcher whose father had been the butcher to Queen Victoria.

At age eighteen, she auditioned for the National Youth Theatre and was accepted. By the time she was 20, she was Cleopatra in the NYT production of Antony and Cleopatra at the Old Vic, which led to her signing with the agent Al Parker. During her lengthy career, Mirren has numerous stage performances to her credit and also has appeared in a large number of films. She is the only actress who managed to get both Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Elizabeth II roles.

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A Mother's Day Tribute-Life Lessons From My Mom

Mother's Day seems a perfect time to share memories of my Mom, Laura Randolph. It makes me smile to think of her. You'd love her spunk, her intelligence, her sincerity, and her dedication to her family.

It was plain to see that Laura loved her husband Moses, and while she was the brains in the family, the planner, and the achiever, she left no doubt about her respect for and appreciation of her spouse. Her world was centered in her family and she wrapped  them in her unconditional love. One of the most important anchors of my life has been the knowledge that no matter what, my mother was my best friend and confidant. I wanted my children to be secure in that same unconditional love.

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Scandal's Olivia Pope: Master or Slave?

Kerry Washington as Olivia Pope

If you aren't watching the weekly Shonda Rhimes show "Scandal", you might not know Olivia Pope. But, from the buzz on Facebook and other Internet sites, Olivia is causing a stir and her fame is growing. My daughters and I are avid fans. As with everything, there are pros and cons about Olivia, Kerry Washington, and the plot points in every episode. Clutch Magazine featured the show in a recent post, "Is Olivia Pope the New Sally Hemings?".

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Pundits Galore-Part One

You can call them pundits, commentators, analysts, contributors, strategist, or whatever, but there are many new faces in the media being paid to give their opinions, insights, projections and assessments on a variety of issues. Sweet Nothings spotlighted Black Journalists Max Robinson and Bernard Shaw for "Breaking Barriers" and paving the way for many of the people showing up on your news programs today.

With the 2012 Presidential Campaign in full swing, meet some of the media personalities addressing today's political issues.

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Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Janice Bryant Howroyd

 

It's exciting and inspiring to learn more about the fabulous women who are "breaking the glass ceiling". Being Black and "in charge" is a challenge, both with entry and day-to-day performance. Meet Janice Bryant Howroyd, Act.1 Personnel Services and see how it's done.

Janice is a 56 year old African American businesswoman and entrepeneur who resides in Palos Verde, CA. Her net worth is $250 million derived from the business she founded, Act. 1 Personnel Services and from her investments. ACT-1 Group is the largest minority woman owned employment agencies in the U.S. Today the company has offices in 75 cities and its clients include Ford Motor Company, Cingular Wireless, the GAP, and Sempra Energy, the largest utility in Southern California.

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New York Times Article "Black Women and Fat"

Have you read the New York Times May 5th opinion piece "Black Women and Fat" by Alice Randall?  It's causing quite a stir. Randall says "Black women are fat because they want to be". She also wrote "the fatness of black women has often functioned as both explicit political statement and active political resistance".

When you read the article for yourself, I'd sure be interested in getting your comments, particularly before I share mine.  I'll share my thoughts in the near future. Meanwhile, post your comment and share your thoughts with the EQ family.

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Shaq is More than "Gym Shoes" and "Hoops"

SunSentinel.com reports:
This week's graduating class at Barry University is about to get bigger.
Retired NBA superstar Shaquille O'Neal will graduate Saturday with a doctoral degree in education from the Miami Shores university. His 7-foot-1 frame will don a red-and-black velvet gown as he joins 1,100 graduating students at the commencement ceremonies at the James L. Knight Center in Miami.

Known simply as Shaq, he now can call himself Dr. O'Neal. For 4 1/2 years, the former Miami Heat center took 16 courses, completed 54 credit hours and carried a grade point average of 3.813, according to the university. The 40-year-old's exact degree is in Organizational Learning and Leadership, with a specialization in human resource development.

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Politics on Melissa Harris-Perry's Show

The Melissa Harris-Perry Show premiered on Feb. 4, airing on Saturday and Sunday, 10 am to Noon EST. The show is the only politically themed program hosted by an African-American woman on a cable news network.

Dr. Harris-Perry has been a long-standing political analyst and contributor to MSNBC. She frequently appears as a guest on Al Sharpton's Politics Nation, and she also served as occasional host of The Rachel Maddow Show and The Last Word.

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Communication: The Key to Romantic Relationships

The key to a lasting romantic relationship is great communication.  Whether your romance is just budding and is off to a good start or it needs renewal after years of neglect, here are some tips on taking things to a new level:

Say "I love you" often.

Maybe Stevie Wonder knew the fastest way to a person's heart when he wrote the lyrics "I just called to say 'I love you.'" The most successful couples say "I love you" several times a day -- and mean it.

It's not easy to get those three little words out: Some people grew up in families where love wasn't expressed verbally, and our technology-driven world of e-mail, mobile phones and texting makes it difficult to look into your partner's eyes and tell them how you really feel. Plus, it's very emotionally risky to tell someone you love them when you're hoping they say it back. Yet, when you look into someone's eyes and say "I love you" the brain releases oxytocin, the bonding hormone, and helps strengthen your romantic relationship.

Still having trouble saying it? Show you care in some small way, everyday -- like making coffee in the morning, taking the dog out when it's freezing cold, or massaging your partner's shoulders after a tough day. Or find other words to express your feelings, like "I'm so happy you are part of my life."

Whatever you do, make sure your partner knows just how important he or she is to you.

Learn to listen.

According to Elizabeth Bernstein, a relationships columnist for the Wall Street Journal, there are two categories of people: talkers and non-talkers. The world would be a wonderful place if talkers and non-talkers matched up, but even if they do, it's not always an equation for romantic bliss. It seems that many non-talkers are also non-listeners: they simply tune out the chatter.

Are women always the talkers? Not necessarily, although there is evidence that men and women process language differently: Understanding, producing and listening to speech is easier for women because they have more nerve cells in the left half of the brain, where language is processed.

Whether you're the talker or the non-talker, learn to practice active listening. Look at the person who is speaking, respond occasionally with some verbal cue like "hmmm," "uh-huh" or nod your head. Together, you should set aside some time to talk (and listen) every day, and ask each other questions to clarify thoughts and get more information. Most important, respect one another's need to be able to talk or to spend more time in silence. If necessary, let the talker phone a friend while the non-talker reads a book or enjoys a hobby quietly.

Make thoughtful gestures.

Let your partner know you think of her even when she's not around, and that you really care about the details of her life. Does your significant other have an important presentation to make to a new client? Send an encouraging "good luck" text message before the meeting, and remember to ask how things went at the end of the day. Is he or she worried about an ailing family member? Show your concern and empathy for what your other half's going through.

You can also strengthen your relationship by taking time to get to know what makes your partner happy and show that you care with thoughtful little gifts and gestures. Pick up her favorite flowers occasionally; bring home his favorite snacks from the grocery store; or make a reservation at a favorite restaurant or a tee time for a round of golf. Thinking warm thoughts when you're apart can easily turn into warmer thoughts when you're together.

Admire your partner's strengths - and overlook the little things.

Every day, tell your partner how much you admire one of his strengths. Say, "I'm impressed by your patience with others," or "You are such a good cook." Everyone likes to feel appreciated, and sharing good thoughts will have a positive impact on your relationship and your partner's self-esteem. Make sure the quality you highlight really is a strong point, however, or he might doubt your sincerity.

On the other hand, accepting the quirks about your partner that drive you nuts will also go a long way towards enhancing a romantic relationship, as long as it's not a destructive behavior like driving too fast. Some traits that can be endearing when you first meet someone -- like the way he or she wears a certain T-shirt every Saturday or constantly misplaces his or her keys -- can be annoying when you've been together for a while. Be willing to overlook those pesky behaviors; after all, that's what makes your sweetie unique.

Be honest and share your feelings.

Good relationships are built on mutual trust and respect, and it's essential for romantic partners to be honest with one another. As your relationship grows, open up and talk to your partner about your past, as well as your hopes and dreams for the future. Speak up, even if you have differing opinions about a topic -- whether it's who to vote for in the next election or where to vacation, you need to be able to talk controversial subjects through and respect each other's perspectives.

Make time to talk every day, sharing the details of your daily life or talking about more meaningful issues. Some couples make it a point to enjoy a glass of wine in the evening to relax and talk about the day's events, while others take a walk together or simply touch base on the phone if one partner is on the road.

Your sweetie wants to get to know all about what makes you tick. After all, if you don't share your thoughts and interests, you may not be giving your partner a chance to love you enough!

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