944

Yo mama said you need to recycle. She also said you need to conserve the amount of electricity you use. And the list goes on for the “need to do” activities to be eco-friendly to your mother earth. It gets to be pretty overwhelming at times and, frankly, it seems not all that relevant when your head is trying to wrap around all the stuff you’re stressing about already. Don’t worry, liberals are not out to guilt you with their creative, empathic ideas, they’re trying to help you find harmony.

The top stress researchers continually find that the best stress busters take out time to do relaxing, purposeful activities regularly. We usually think of adults sitting cross legged, surrounded by candles, wearing large white cloth diapers, saying “ohm” ad nausuem when thinking of stress relieving techniques, but it’s not necessary to reach out to Eastern India to find one’s inner peace. Regularly attending to something that is personally meaningful allows one to experience a feeling of control over their environment as well as a sense of accomplishment in having an emotional investment in its progress.

And speaking of environment, working to preserve, reduce damage to, or simply enjoy the harmonious systems in the little greenhouse we live in proves to be one of the top stress relievers for stress of all types. So, breathe, say “ohm,” and pick a purposeful thing or two you can do today to let off some steam and be good to your mama

1. Use Canvas Bags When Shopping. Reduce the trash created by reducing the need for production of all those piles of plastic bags. Grocery stores are coming out with some stylish colors (my favorites are yellow and pink!) so you don’t have to feel a fool when toting your canvas grocery tote. Don’t worry if you forget to bring your bag to the store, you can always use those bags to line bathroom and bedroom trashcans too!

2. Coffee Mugs and Nalgene Bottles aside from being cozy, spill proof ways to carry your liquid necessities, help to reduce the waste created by plastic bottles and coffee cups. The same goes for using real silverware, Tupperware and whole host of resusables to decrease the use and production of, disposables.

3. Bike to work and everywhere else! Not everyone has the spare time Fergie has to go to the gym to work on their fitness. Kill a couple birds with one stone and strap on those walking shoes or hop on your two wheeled wonder to use up some of your own energy and save some of those sooty carbon emissions.

4. Turn off the lights, unplug your appliances, and live in a hole. No, just kidding. It is good to be conscious of your use and non use of electricity though. Quick poll, how many people have left a room with the lights still on? Yep, that’s about 85% of people paying to light a room, or rooms, that they’re not using at all. Plug in all your TV, stereo, and computer appliances to one surge protector and flip the lights and all those off when leaving home sweet home with just two clicks. You’ll see a major savings in your electric bill and please your mother earth too!

Noga Sachs M.S. Health & Wellness Science and Motivation
Health and Life Coach
www.nogacoach.com
@nogasachs Written by: Noga Sachs

This week I joined the likes of celebrity rat owners Angelina Jolie, Pink, Paris Hilton, and JK Rowling and brought two new little guys into my life: Zeus and Hercules. I would have NEVER considered having rats as pets, but contrary to popular belief, rats make great pets. If you consider yourself a career power player and find you have little time to take care of a dog or cat then a rat might be the way to go. Rats are social and intelligent animals that are easily tamed and unlike rabbits and guinea pigs, which can require a lot of maintenance, rats are easy to care for and often build a strong bond with their owners. These little guys are surprisingly cute and cuddly. Even Nicole Richie is rumored to have given Paris Hilton a pet rat named Tori Spelling for Christmas. So the next time you are looking for a little companion head to your local pet store and check out the furry little fellas with a bad rep. Written by: Rob Corea

1.Give in. So you hate Fiona Apple and she hates football. Instead of being argument topics, these differences are opportunities to show you care. A hell of a lot sweeter than showing up on her doorstep with a couple of carnations is a pair of tickets to see her favorite love songs.

2. Appreciate. It’s not enough to limit telling him how cute he looks and what a sweetheart he’s being to right after he buys you dinner. We all need frequent reminders of what is great to keep those flattery bubbles floating and popping in our dreamy, romance filled heads. Especially if you’re bringing up “an issue” it’s important to reel in the incentive for dealing with that issue to keep him nipping at the bait.

3. Be Creative. This doesn’t just apply to between the satin sheets, although it’s certainly not a bad thing there either. Piquing impulses is one of the main reasons couples enjoy being together. If you’ve got an unconventional idea, don’t think twice or look back, trust that he’ll want to do it with you and he’ll love the spontaneity!

4. Appeal to the senses. Looking great isn’t the only way to keep your mate excited to see you, but certainly do dedicate yourself to some mirror time. Appealing scents, especially subtle fragrances, even as minor as a enjoyable antiperspirant, can really solidify pleasant reactions when with your beau. Snag a quick squeeze, caress, or kiss behind the ear to tantalize her sense of touch. Pop that Altoid or smooth on your favorite lip gloss to keep things delicious. Turning up tunes that you both like and speaking in pleasant tones fills the ears with the mood for chemistry.

5. Decide. The number one question behind all relationship problems is, would you like to continue to be upset? If the answer is yes, you don’t want to be a boyfriend or a girlfriend, you want to be a victim. If the answer is no, then take a look at some things you can do to move past pissed and irked into entranced and romanced.

Noga Sachs M.S. Health & Wellness Science and Motivation
Health and Life Coach
www.nogacoach.com
@nogasachs Written by: Noga Sachs

1. Steak & Cabernet Pot Pie (Z Pie, Placerville, CA): Beef, potatoes, onions, carrots, cabernet wine, peas, thyme, & lemon juice.
2. Ahi Tuna Wonton Nachos (Rio City Cafe, Sacramento, CA): ahi tuna, cripsy wonton chips, ahi tartar, green onions, tomatoes, sesame sees, soy ginger vinaigrette.
3. Lobster Haute Dog (Hank's Haute Dogs, Honolulu, HI): Lobster sausage seared in butter then dressed with garlic aioli, relish and pickled takuan radish.
4. French Kiss Grilled Cheese (Chedd's, Denver, CO): Garlic & herb jack, gorgonzola, onion, sun dried tomato spread, pizza sauce on focaccia.
5. Rainbow Sprinkle Rice Crispy Treats (The Crispery, Roslyn, NY): Crispycake layered with marshmallow fluff then topped with lots of colorful sprinkles.
6. Gourmet Ramen (nerdlike.com): Ramen noodles, shrimp, cucumbers, green onions, olive oil, squeeze of lime.
7. Yukon Gold Potato Salad (cookingresources.com): Baby Yukon gold potatoes, green onion, dill, mayo, salt & pepper.
8. Twinkie Anchovy Caesar Salad (Graham Elliot, Chicago, IL): Anchovies atop romaine salad wedges, coupled with twinkie croutons & parmesan.
9. LA Water (drinksmixer.com): 1 1/2 oz. each of vodka, gin, white tequila, white rum, triple sec, Midori melon, raspberry liqueur, splash of sweet & sour.
Written by: Stephanie Buck

Hey guys, have you thought much about your underwear lately? If not, you should because chances are your name is not Tom Cruise…which means that those off-white one-size-fits-all chonies you’ve been wearing are definitely risky business. The days of no name tightey whities are long gone and if you currently purchase your under garments at Wal-Mart or Sears then you cannot afford to NOT read this.

Coming home to find your wife or girlfriend wearing some hot new lingerie would lift any guys spirits (among other things). So with this in mind, why on earth would you not return the favor? Guys - Don’t get your panties in a twist, but it’s time to overhaul your underwear! Here are some essential shops that can help beef up your briefs…

Rufskin - Underwear, Leather, and Denim…Oh My! If you want a way to spice up your sex appeal then Rufskin is the way to go. With an awesome line of underwear, swimwear, jeans, and tops they’ve got you covered from head to toe. Get some great stuff at their boutique in San Diego or online at www.rufskin.com

Under Armour - Guys, would you wear your Armani shoes to the gym? No. Which is also why you should invest in some athletic under garments specifically for working on your fitness. Under Armour’s brand of sportswear is not only for professional athletes but for the gym rat in all of us.

Aussie Bum - Talk about thunder down under! Aussie Bum brand underwear and swimwear is electrifying. With more styles and colors than you could imagine, these Aussies know their stuff. You can view their entire selection and buy these bad boys online at www.aussiebum.com

While these briefs might cost more than your 99 Cent Store brand…they are worth every penny. Try ‘em out and see for yourself!
Written by: Rob Corea

So after you finish smoking a little marijuana, put the rest back into the cellophane and back into your baseball hat for later. Sometime later though while you were in a convenience store you took off your hat and noticed that it wasn’t there anymore. Hmmm, where did it go?? Fortunately a very nice police officer was there to remove the missing cellophane bag from your forehead and ask, “was this what your were looking for?”

The office was also so kind to charge this sharp fellow from Lebanon, Pennsylvania with possession of drug paraphernalia.

Try your pocket next time buddy.
Written by: Rob Opacki

Times are tough and we have all encountered panhandlers and homeless individuals on freeway entrances, outside of grocery stores, and around the beach. Sometimes we are feeling a little generous and other times we simply look the other way. But after learning that some panhandlers can earn up to twenty dollars an hour, I began to wonder two things… a) if I was in the wrong business and b) how I could decipher the scam artists from those really in need.

The fact of the matter is that looks can be deceiving and unless you stalk them throughout the day, there is no way to know if the money you give out isn’t being spent on drugs and alcohol. Does this mean we should put our wallets away and turn the blind eye to those in need? I think not.

Here are some ways you can help out without dishing out the dough…

• Swag Bag - A nice way to help out is to fill a goodie bag with food and hygiene products.

• Donate Time - Time is money people! Find a local charitable organization that helps the homeless and those in need and donate an hour of your time. Whether it is working at a soup kitchen or helping out at a local shelter your time is sure to help.

• Do You - Put your professional skills to good use. I recently came across a great collaborative campaign called “Artists Against Hunger” that is being sponsored by a local design firm and the San Diego Food Bank to raise money and food. The campaign calls for local designers to create posters that will be featured and sold for charity. Want to contribute? Find out more and submit your work at: http://www.parkerwhite.com/social-awareness/

There are many ways you can be generous and help others in need without giving away your money. So go on wit’ yo bad self and be creative when make a difference. A little good karma never hurt anyone and you never know when you might need a helping hand.
Written by: Rob Corea

I live in LA, and we are blessed with amazing weather year round (with occasional rain like right now). But this is a question that affects all of America, should grown men actually drive convertibles?

When I see a guy cruisin’ down the street, sunglasses on, a fresh tan on his face and the top down…it just doesn’t feel right. His masculinity blew out of the car as soon as that roof was retracted.

Like any rule, there are exceptions. But if you don’t fall under any of these, just know you look like a cheese-ball.
1. You’re a teen and you are lucky enough to have your first car be a convertible Camaro, ‘Stang or whatever car you were dreaming about for the past two years.
2. It’s a classic muscle car. These are completely exempt. You get masculinity points for every foot-pound of torque.
3. Your car is over 150K. I know this sounds snobby, but BMW 6 Series, Aston Martin, Porsche 911, Bentley, Ferrari, etc… are all okay. Just know that if you drive one of these cars you may not look cheesy, but you are walking a fine line to being a douche bag.
4. You are a proud gay man
5. You’re driving your girlfriend’s car, and she is sitting next to you

Otherwise, sorry but you look silly.

Xoxo
Ashlan (a proud convertible driver)

Written by: Ashlan Gorse

“Oh come on, just eat it.” Said the Snake to Eve… and we all know the end of that story. Somehow, that very same suggestion doesn’t seem so ominous when coming in the form of “USDA recommendations.” There is something suspicious about the staggering growth of the fruit and vegetable intake instructions though. Do they really think we don’t remember the original food pyramid, suggesting 3-5 servings of fruits and vegetables? Then they snuck in 4-6 servings while we weren’t looking and, just when we noticed it, those bastards shot up those “recommendations” to 7-10! Who are they kidding? There are very few things I eat even close to 10 of in a day, normally only including nutritionally void items such as M&Ms, Pringles, and Krispy Kremes.

Well darn it, they’re right, those government officials. Even the simple, sinful apple, celebrating its peak this season, has some pretty perplexing health purifying properties. Noshing on apples not only reduces the risk for diseases normally developing over time, like heart disease and Alzheimer’s, but also conditions that are rearing their ugly heads earlier now, like type II diabetes and all cancer types (The World’s Healthiest Foods).

Aside from weight loss and disease prevention bravado, Apples flaunt many, more immediate, beautifying properties, appealing to both female and male interests. If you can hold off taking a bite of that delicious Eden danger, there are some fantastic dermatological enhancements one can gain from placing apple concoctions on the skin. Various facial masques made from apples and other natural products are shown to even tone, firm up, and leave the skin aglow. Even apple cider vinegar alleviates sunburn, rashes, and acne. Impressive! And don’t think I forgot about you guys, apple treatments are shown to decrease hair loss and even promote hair growth (Ygoy). How about them apples?!

True that apples are pretty fantastic, but they’re not the only stars when reaching out in the produce aisle. All fruits and vegetables have quite the extensive list of credentials in the way of health promotion, both inside and out. So whether you’re striving for five, or trying to fit in 1 serving per day, there’s no wrong answer. Grab your favorite and... rub it on your face?

Noga Sachs M.S. Health & Wellness Science and Motivation
Health and Life Coach
www.nogacoach.com

Written by: Noga Sachs

So I wasn’t very interested at all in the David Letterman sex scandal. It’s the same old story of someone having sex with their coworker. Okay, this story had a little extra kick with the extortion angle but all in all there are better scandals out there.

Now, Jimmy Kimmel is dating his coworker Molly McNearney, a longtime staffer on his ABC show. For several months the pair have been keeping this on the down low and I don’t like Jimmy Kimmel either (in fact I cant stand late night talk shows) but good for him (I still think Sarah Silverman out trumps any bitches.)

But this got me to thinking, should I sleep with a co-worker? Problem is I have a start up company so it is just me, myself and I and so far in my employee manual there are no rules about masturbating so I am safe with that.

No but seriously, I had to Google “rules on dating co-workers” and I pulled up what seem to be some unofficial/official rules from http://www.employer-employee.com/.

These may help you before you decide you are horny for your co-worker or they may not because when it comes to sex, there seems to be no rules these days.

- Before you ask the co-worker in the next cubicle out for a date, first check to see if your company has an employee dating policy (uh, who wants to read that….)

- "No means no!" One more time: "no" means "no!" Do not repeatedly ask the same co-worker out for a date. (Why not?)

- Develop an office relationship before you develop a romantic relationship (Does that mean sex in the office?)

- Realize that in reality relationships do not work out like they do on TV (um, on reality TV they don’t work out…)

- Develop open communication. When you are dating a coworker you have what is called a "dual relationship." A dual relationship means that you have two different types of relationships (business and romantic) with the same person (Duh, duh, duh…)

- Agree not to flirt at work (why not? That’s so much fun.)


Until next time,
www.iammichaelcohen.com


Written by: MICHAEL COHEN

There’s no doubting there’s some dumb people in this town. But we always thought they were the tourists. In fact, a recent study by The Daily Beast says it’s not the tourists that are the idiots, it’s the locals. By analyzing various data associated with education and intellectual environment, Las Vegas ranks second to last among the largest 55 metropolitan areas in the country. How dumb can we be though? I mean we got to be 60% right around 90% of the time. That should rank us like higher more than the lower middle of the list, or at least less above half obviously.

Who’s the moron now??

Complete list:
http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-10-04/americas-smartest-cities---from-first-to-worst/
Written by: Rob Opacki

Hello everyone…my name is Rob and I am an addict (and not the Whitney kind!). My addiction? Coffee.

What helps me sleep at night is knowing that I am not alone. According to some estimates, 4 out of 5 Americans fiend for what I consider to be legal crack in a cup. With around 400 million cups of coffee sold daily in the United States, coffee is America’s drug of choice. Lets admit it, with rush hour traffic, long work days, and an economic downturn…can you blame us for indulging in psychoactive supplementation?

So what’s an addict to do? Some semi-helpful suggestions for cutting your cravings include the following:

* The Patch - Believe it. Thinkgeek.com is marketing CaffeDerm. A self-proclaimed “Caffeine Banishment Therapy Aid (CBTA).” This miracle product doesn’t have calories and won’t stain your teeth and claims to help phase out caffeine addiction - SWEET!

* Decaf - I know. I said it and I am not proud of it.

* Green Tea - It has less caffeine and is thought to have weight loss properties.

* Power Nap - Researchers have found that a 20 minute nap can help productivity and alertness. Just don’t let the boss find out.

* Light Lunch - Stay away from carb heavy meals that will weigh you down when you are trying to scale the three o’clock work wall.

I hope these suggestions prove helpful…Good luck trying to wean yourself off the bean!

PS…this blog is being finished at 1:55 pm which means that the coffee shop downstairs is open for 5 more minutes!

Written by: Rob Corea

Thinking about getting a boob job? Whatever, don’t snap out that automatic, defensive “no!” we’ve all thought about it. Yes, I’m talking to you too, guys. I know you’ve considered texture, appearance, and bounce while taking a look at your lady, the lady on our cover, the lady you’d like to cover.

Boob jobs. Everyone has an opinion and everyone is curious. Well, curious you should be, because this is the month to celebrate boobs! Yes indeed, the whole city of Phoenix will be totally inaccessible this Sunday, October 11, 2009 with closed down streets and masses of people walking or running, toting their brightest pink apparel in support of breast cancer research through the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure 5k race. My first October in the valley, wearing a bib and ready to race, I even had a police officer pull me over just to give me directions to the start line! People here are serious about boobs.

Although we can’t thank breast cancer survivors for the increased breast implant surgery phenomenon we see so rampant throughout the Valley (80% for cosmetic reasons 20% breast reconstruction), we can thank breast implants for saving our precious chest treasures by decreasing risk of breast cancer by 50-60% (National Cancer Institute). Makes you think twice before making your comment about that fox passing by with DDs huh?

The truth is, breast cancer is no joke. Second only to lung cancer, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death to women in the US, affecting 1 in 35 women. Yuck. Thankfully though, the rate of survival has been increasing since 1990 due to increased screening and awareness. Males can also be affected by breast cancer, although less frequently, (American Cancer Association) so if you see changes in your chest, regardless of gender, be on the lookout and ask your doctor for instructions on how to cop a proper screening feel.

Noga Sachs - M.S. Health & Wellness Science and Motivation
Health and Life Coach
www.nogacoach.com Written by: Noga Sachs

944 blog reader, do you want to be famous?

YES.

First, choose one trade within the performance stage, whether it be singing, acting, dancing, modeling, even socialite-ing/reality-show-dramatizing (I’m working on transforming these nouns into verbs) will do the trick. Become noticeable and impressive in some way, whether singing a catchy radio hit, modeling a signature look, leading a hilarious teen flick, or juicing up the morning office talk after an episode of your MTV “life”. Very loose guidelines that are always up for interpretation.

Next, crossover into another trade within the performance realm, one that might have been your second choice or one that, in your opinion, would be the easiest for you to break into. If necessary, use the star power of your name to glamorize the normalness of your new product. Some examples include Jessica Simpson - the singer who acts and had a reality show, and model/actor/producer/cougar-target Ashton Kutcher. Even the ever so lovely Heidi Montag was the highly anticipated musical performance of the recent Miss Universe pageant.

Then, date someone in Hollywood. Anyone. Star power definitely helps, but don’t let them outshine you, at least be at the same level of fame. Prime picks include Jay-Z and Beyonce, Chris Brown and Rihanna, and Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Even Britney Spears made it work for a while with Kevin Federline (Note: no marriage required in the formula.).

And finally, pick a commodity sold in stores that you yourself like to buy or always wanted to innovate. If you have no prospective interests, pick one that you guess requires no skill to develop or can hire others to create under your name. Some celebs are more involved in the process than others, such as Gwen Stefani with her L.A.M.B. fashion line or Vera Wang’s Princess fragrance.

Some players in the Hollywood game wear the crown well while growing their empire, such as Jennifer Lopez, from an aspiring dancer “On the 6” subway to numerous platinum albums, memorable movie roles, past matches with P. Diddy and Ben Affleck, marriage to Marc Anthony, and victories in both fashion and fragrance.

Others are meant to stay within their performance playpens, no matter who you date or what you sell. Among these include the suddenly singing socialite Paris Hilton, Miami Heat’s Shaquille O’Neal who used to rap and act during the basketball offseason, and, most recently, Lindsay Lohan. The girl who is so familiar with headline entertainment news does it again, except not with drinking or drugs, but as the “artistic advisor” for a new line with Emanuel Ungaro and designer Estrella Archs that debuted on the catwalk of Paris’ fashion week this past Sunday. If your endeavors include multiple failed attempts to conquer the pop charts, romantic links with a sitcom actor and a random woman, and now a fashion collection that Women’s Wear Daily calls “an embarrassment”, you should probably stick to your successful child star scripts in Disney films. What WWD advises about being a fashion designer goes the same for ruling a celebrity empire: “Being a young, pretty, controversial woman who looks good in clothes and photo ops just isn’t enough.” So if you think you can follow in J.Lo’s steps, you better be somewhat multi-dimensional, or surround yourself with people who have the guts to tell you that glitter heart pasties, whether black or silver, are not in. Ever.
Written by: Ashley Lee

Affion Crockett! You guys probably remember him from Nick Cannon’s Wild ‘N Out show. He was the cool cat with the Yankee’s hat that was literally jockin jockin Jay-Z and now we see him mimicking Jay-Z, Kanye, and Chris Brown! Check out this spoof of “Run This Town” called “Hunt Chris Down” by Affion Crockett that Chris Brown posted on his twitter a couple of days ago.




I wonder if Chris found it just as funny as I did…(side eye Breezy*)..

Keeping it real,
Ruby
Written by: Ruby Kaur