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The Longer Life website and RSS feed present current news, information, analysis, strategies and commentary designed to improve the quality of living. Topics range from Health and Lifestyle to Opportunity and Success
. There is also a Reference section that covers 15 categories and more, totalling over 300 pages of current and useful information. Features include the London-based Irvine Report: a weekday perspective on the world financial markets, and The Cyberiter: our on-site columnist who surveys cyberspace and its impact on our lives.
Contents:
Cyberiter Archives: Festival of Lights
Author: The Cyberiter
The coming of light is often cause for celebration ...
In Sweden, that's why there's joy and frivolity every 13 December. It's Luciafest --- the Festival of Lights --- that marks the unofficial beginning of their Christmas season.
Luciafest --- also known as 'St Lucia Day' or, simply, 'Lucia' --- didn't have its origins in the Christian tradition, but like a number of unique Christian festivals in Europe, it was used to 'meld' their religious message into the lore of a revered pagan legend for the purpose of increasing its own popularity. Easter, for example, arose from the Germanic fertility rituals of each year's new Spring season --- ergo, the Easter Bunny and Easter eggs --- and their calendaric proximity to the Resurrection. Christian missionaries were very clever at utilizing this tactic for the purpose of assimilating their faith into regional cultures and, as we see today, the results were most effective. In this instance, nobody remembers pagan rights of Spring anymore; Easter has totally overtaken the occasion.
Meanwhile, back in the north, long arctic nights in pre-Viking times coaxed fireside tales from elders of even harsher times before, when famine spread throughout south central Sweden. It is said that, as the darkest day of the year personnified the foreboding fate of mass starvation, a glow grew on the horizon of the great Lake Vaettern. Rays of light pierced the darkness as precursors of hope, eventually revealing a longship, laden with foodstuffs and guided by a blonde maiden in a flowing white gown. This spirit of mercy arrived not a moment too soon, and frigid devastation gave way to enlightened renewal.
Before the Julian calendar was replaced by the Gregorian calendar in the 1300s, the longest night/shortest day of the year was 13 December. Thus, this Maiden of Mercy became symbolic for the gradual lengthening of daylight that followed each successive new dawn.
Coincidentally, a similar legend was told in the Sicilian city of Syracuse. There, during the sixth century, forlorn locals gathered in their cathedral for prayers to St Lucia --- a nun who was martyred in 304 AD and whose very name meant 'light' --- when a miracle occurred in the form of a ship entering their harbor, carrying a cargo of food. Some scholars believe that the Goths --- forerunners to the Vikings who originated in western Sweden --- imparted that tale to southern Europe, where the local folk put a 'Christian' spin on it to accommodate their beliefs. However it happened, another melding of pagan lore and Christian ritual had begun its germination.
Meanwhile, back in Sweden, the western province of Halland saw this fable take iconic life in a tradition of young girls in white robes who traversed the snow and ice, torches in hand, carrying baked goods and warm greetings to homesteads throughout the countryside during the darkness of each 13 December. Other provinces took note and adopted the practice. Ultimately, these girls became festooned with crowns of lingonberry leaves and candles to further symbolize the coming of light. Somewhere else along the way, a red sash was added as an adornment, and the full costume of the 'Lucia bride' was complete.
Christianity first came to Sweden during the final throes of the Viking era in the eleventh century. As generations passed, the saintly image of Lucia became intertwined into the Swedish fable and further ebbed into their wintry custom. The local churches had noted the legend's popularity and welcomed its theme of giving which underscored the Lucia celebration. They ultimately incorporated it into their annual rota, which in turn increased their recognition and acceptance by more and more local souls. Finally, in 1927, Luciafest was acknowledged in the royal halls of Stockholm and a national tradition was cemented.
Today, electric lights have replaced candles in the maiden's crown and entourages of younger handmaidens (taernor) and starboys (stjaerngossar) now assist her. Each home may have its own Lucia celebration, but the event's highlight is when each village and city neighborhood 'elects' a Lucia, who then leads her procession to a common service, accompanied by song and a buffet of pastries. These include the traditional 'lussekatter' --- saffron-flavored buns shaped like curled-up cats, with raisins for eyes --- and pepparkakor (ginger snaps) which are accompanied by refreshments such as 'gloegg' --- a hot spiced wine --- or coffee.
Needless to say, Luciafest remains as a uniquely Swedish national holiday. The household celebration takes place before dawn, the civic galas and church services occupy the abbreviated daylight hours, and for those who want to make the most of the occasion, the 'Lucia wake' takes the most party-hardy of souls well into the long Swedish night.
It's quite possible that, during the latter part of that program, another Swedish spirit may appear. This is a high-octane grain- or potato-based libation that can well and truly addle a mind, even to the point where vestiges of other pagan-era Lucia apparitions may be conjured. As late as the Middle Ages, a prevalent belief was that Lucia Night hosted the ravages of ghosts and goblins, with animals becoming enchanted so as to speak to them.
In those instances, given enough aquavit, what the church tooketh away, the spirit broughteth back.
Fight Back Age with Bifocal Contact Lens
Author: John Mancini
Product: Discount Contact Lens
If you are lucky enough to wear contact lenses without problems, you probably do not like the idea of having to switch back to glasses, let alone bifocals as you age. However, your eyes are not able to focus on what you are looking at with just the contacts anymore. Now, you have the option of using bifocal contact lenses to improve your vision as you age. Use these tips to know when to think about getting the bifocal contacts.
Finally, you will begin to notice that none of the glasses from the drug store are helping your vision. The time is right to start looking into whether or not bifocal contact lenses are the right choice for you.
Mono Vision lenses accomplish much the same thing as the bifocal contact lenses, but at a fraction of the cost. The way Mono Vision works is to fit one eye with a near vision contact and the other with a far vision contact. You will automatically adjust to the eye that is right for the viewing that you want to do, although it will take some getting use to. The price of Mono Vision contact lenses is roughly $200.00.
As you get tired, if you are in poor lighting, reading poor quality material or if you have many tasks that are performed near you, you will notice that you are not seeing as well as you expect to. At this point, you may want to get some reading glasses that are commonly available in a drug store. These will act as a magnifying glass and help to rest your eyes.
Be sure to ask your doctor if it is possible for you to have a trial period when switching to bifocal contact lenses. This type of lenses is not right for every person and may not be right for you either; it is nice to know that you will not be locked into anything that you do not like.
The first thing that you will notice is that the smaller reading material becomes harder to read. You might feel as if you want a magnifying glass. As the eye aging progresses you will find that performing tasks that are near you will become more difficult, you may even need help.
Because the use of bifocal contact lenses is fairly new, check with your optical insurance provider to see if they are covered under your plan. If they are not, you may be able to take advantage of your employers flex spending plan.
Poker Strategies: Pot Odds
Author: Robert Marinelli
Product: The Poker Prophet
What are Pot Odds and what should you know about them?
Well, Pot Odds is the ratio of what is already in the pot to the amount you would have to bet to stay in the hand. So, if there are $36 in the pot, and you would need to bet $6 to stay in the hand, the pot odds are 36 to 6, or 6 to 1.
Why would you need to know this?
One example of using pot odds is when your hand is not yet the best hand at the table, but it could be if the right card comes up next. For instance, with four cards on the board you hold four clubs. The odds of completing the flush on the river are roughly 5 to 1 against you. That means for you to bet there should be at least five times the bet amount in the pot. If the bet to you is $2, then there should be at least $10 in the pot to make it worth calling.
Suppose there were $24 in the pot when you were making that decision. The odds of landing that club and getting the best hand at the table were 5 to 1. The pot would pay you 12 to 1 on your bet. That makes calling the bet the right decision to make. You may not land your club and win the hand, but over the long run playing this way will be to your advantage.
Another instance of using pot odds is after the river, when the final bet comes to you. If the pot holds $40, and the bet in front of you is $4, you can use pot odds to decide what to do. The pot is laying you Ten to One odds. ($40 against your $4 bet). Even though you feel your opponent may have the better hand, do you think he is ten times more likely to have a better hand? If so, fold. If not, call the bet and see his cards.
There are plenty of times at the poker table when you will be asking yourself, "Is it worth staying in this hand?". Being able to use pot odds will help you answer that question correctly more often.
Lose Weight by Cycling
Author: Gary Gresham
Product: Performance Bike
Lose weight cycling is a fun and enjoyable way to improve your health and to make you feel better. Pedaling down a rural road or through a city park rouses your spirit and awakens your senses.
A regular routine to lose weight cycling can reduce the risk of serious conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure and obesity.
One of the most powerful arguments for encouraging more people to cycle is that it leads to considerable improvements in public health.
Cycling is also a good way to improve your balance and co-ordination. It enhances your general well-being and promotes mental health. Beyond the health benefits, it's an enjoyable way to get around.
Getting on your cycling bike regularly can also be an effective form of aerobic exercise. Cycling can have positive effects on how we feel too.
Moderate exercise has been found to reduce levels of stress and depression, improve mood and raise self esteem. It has also been found, in some instances, to relieve symptoms of PMS.
Benefits in strength and agility can come from regular cycling also. There are no real-age barriers to cycling and people at almost any fitness level can begin slowly and gently if necessary.
Physically active older people can reduce the rate of hip fractures with regular cycling exercise. Most of the negative things we associate with aging aren't a result of chronological aging but rather a lack of physical activity.
A recent study found that even a small amount of cycling for weight loss can lead to a significant fitness gain. Aerobic fitness was boosted by 11 percent after just 6 weeks of cycling short distances four times a week.
Cycling is as gently on your body as a sport can be. It is a non weight bearing exercise so it's easy on your joints, even the achy ones. It can be a wonderful way to get exercise and lose weight without pain.
They say once you learn to ride a bike you never forget and that is true. The motion and balance come back to you very quickly. If you're looking to get outside more often and improve your fitness, biking is the answer.
If you're looking to lose weight by cycling, jump on your bike and leave your worries and stress at home. Enjoy your ride. Just think, you could be at work instead!
HealthWorld Announces Innovative Wellness Assessment Program
Product: Wellness Inventory
HealthWorld Online announces the release of the online Wellness Inventory, a pioneering "whole person" assessment program based on the work of John W. Travis, M.D., M.P.H., a founder of the modern wellness movement. In a world that offers little support for healthy lifestyles, the Wellness Inventory is designed to support individuals in increasing their state of wellbeing while promoting personal growth.
"Over the past 30 years, the term 'wellness' has become diluted and is now often equated with stress management, smoking cessation, fitness, and screening for health problems," states Dr. Travis. "Wellness is more-encompassing our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of being-an experience of aliveness that comes from your dynamic interaction with the world in and around you."
The program helps individuals to access their current state of wellness, determine their own achievable wellness goals, and create and implement a unique personal plan for wellness.
The program consists of five basic steps to wellness:
Step 1 - Assessment: Users are guided through a lifestyle assessment covering 12 dimensions of whole person wellness from breathing, eating and moving to playing & working, communicating and sex.
Step 2 - Scores: Upon completing the assessment users receive Wellness & Satisfaction Scores for each section as well as feedback on their areas of strength.
Step 3 - Personal Wellness Plan: Users are guided to create a Personal Wellness Plan of 10 action steps drawn from feedback received from the test. The action steps focus on the areas they are most highly motivated to make changes in their life.
Step 4 - Resource Center: You are then directed to 12 Wellness Resource Centers to access resources helpful in meeting your wellness goals. The Resource Centers offer books, tapes, videos, products and services specific to the 12 areas of wellness.
Step 5 - Follow Up: The program is designed to keep you motivated in achieving your wellness goals. Regular email reminders provide access to valuable resources and send you your wellness plan to keep you focused on your goals.
"As a tool for promoting self-understanding and personal health and wellbeing, it plays a central role in HealthWorld's vision of Self-Managed Care," reports HealthWorld President James Strohecker. "We are pleased to continue our mission of providing the seminal work of pioneers and innovators in wellness, self-care and natural medicine to our loyal users."
The Wellness Inventory is licensed by spas, corporate wellness programs, hospitals, HMOs, health professionals, coaches and consultants. Administrators will receive detailed, customized reports across different demographic groups, providing a powerful tool for profiling community or employee segments. For more information on licensing the Wellness Inventory, visit: www.WellnessInventory.net.
HealthWorld Online, established in 1996, is the world's first and largest alternative health/healthy living Internet network.
Most Computers Need Better Spyware Protection
Author: Paul Freedman
Product: Kaspersky Labs
Almost 80% of computers have spyware contamination.
Recent studies suggest that almost 80% of personal computers have some kind of spyware contamination. Spyware is quickly becoming the biggest threat to privacy and security on the internet. "The audited number from the past year clearly shows that spyware is rapidly becoming one of the internet's most dangerous threats". Said Matt Cobb, Earthlink's Vice President of Core Applications.
Spyware can lead to identity left.
What is Spyware? Spyware is any software that uses an internet connection to put itself on your computer without your consent. Spyware then allows others to read information from your computer without your knowledge. Brian Bruke, an IDC Security Research Manager says, "Spyware's ability to track keystrokes, scan hard drives, and change system and registry settings is a tremendous personal and enterprise security threat. These activities can lead to identity theft, data corruption, and even theft of company trade secrets."
There are several spyware tools available, but many provide insufficient protection. One of the better tools is the Anti-Virus Personal 5.0 software by Kaspersky. Their software protects your computer from over 100,000 different spyware and adware attackers, including objects such as Adware, Browser Hijackers, Firewall Killers, Flooders, Hijackers, Trojans, and Worms.
Kaspersky Lab is renowned for rapid response to new virus threats, while our cutting- edge technologies have garnered many awards. Leading software vendors certify our products and we participate in numerous partner programs, such as the Microsoft Gold Certified Security Solutions Program or Novell Nsure Partner Program.
Founded in 1997, Kaspersky Lab rapidly became a world leader in information security software. We leverage our expertise to provide cutting-edge protection against all major cyber threats: viruses, hackers and spam. Today we have 10 regional offices and partners in over 50 countries creating a global network. Wherever you may be located, Kaspersky Lab will protect your PCs, PDAs and networks.
Coming Soon: The Oakland Cyber-A's
Author: The Cyberiter
It was only a matter of time before a sporting venue took hi-tech to the proverbial 'next level' ...Jordan Robertson, business writer for the Associated Press has found that, when the Oakland A's build their new baseball stadium, they intend to go where no geek has gone before: SAN FRANCISCO — If Cisco Systems Inc has its way, the Oakland Athletics' new ballpark in Fremont will be the stadium of the future. Fans will swipe electronic tickets stored on cell phones. Bleacher bums will view instant replays at their seats with laptop computers. And digital advertising displays will be able to switch images based on the buying habits of the people walking by through data embedded in their cell phones. That was the vision that A's owner Lew Wolff laid out to Fremont City Council members this week in a pitch for Cisco Field, a planned ballpark featuring the company's technology, Fremont Mayor Bob Wasserman said Thursday. "It's fabulous - the technology is something else," Wasserman said. "It went over my head. It only takes about 10 seconds to go beyond me when you're talking about technology. I can't say I understand it all, but it's going to be quite a ballpark." Wolff's pitch came just weeks after Cisco CEO John Chambers delivered a less-than-subtle presentation at Oracle OpenWorld about the advances that could be possible at a new ballpark in the San Francisco Bay area. Chambers led a lively presentation last month demonstrating how Cisco technology and intelligent networks would enable fans at the hypothetical stadium to buy and upgrade tickets through smart cell phones, access real-time scorecards at their seats and buy pictures of themselves from crowd cameras and pay to show them on the Jumbotron. The A's were the hypothetical team featured in all of the video and images in the demonstration. Cisco and the A's both have declined to comment about the reported agreement, which would create a 32,000- to 35,000-seat ballpark surrounded by homes and shops on a 143-acre parcel currently held by Cisco. Wasserman said a news conference is scheduled for Tuesday at the San Jose headquarters of Cisco, the world's largest networking equipment maker, to announce the partnership. Wireless access is becoming an increasingly common feature at ballparks, but analysts said a park built with the reported features would be a big step forward. However, while the ballpark could be the ultimate consumer showcase for a company that derives most of its sales from corporate customers, the strategy also could backfire if the entire system doesn't work properly or fans don't warm to the idea, said Sam Wilson, a communications equipment analyst with JMP Securities. "These things work both ways," he said. "If everything works flawlessly, it's a great showcase. But if everything doesn't work flawlessly, it's the exact opposite. It's a laughingstock." Cisco, which makes the routers, switches and other devices used to link networks and direct traffic on the Internet, is trying to shed its image as solely a maker of networking infrastructure gear. The company also hopes to capitalize on products and services that utilize the network. One example is TelePresence, a technology similar to video conferencing that Cisco introduced last month that aims to deliver a three-dimensional feeling that the participants are all in the same room. Earlier this year, Wolff confirmed that the A's, who share the Oakland Coliseum with the NFL's Oakland Raiders, were exploring a move to Fremont, about 25 miles south of Oakland on the east side of San Francisco Bay. Wasserman said talks between the city and the A's are still at an early stage, and that the earliest the A's could begin playing there is 2011.
Getting Serious About Discount Dental Plans
Author: Paul Sanford
Product: DentalPlans.com
The pain is all but unbearable at this point and you are going to have to see the dentist. But, they did it again, didn't they? Your employer has once more resorted to changing carriers in your dental insurance and now you are stuck with less coverage, higher deductibles, and reduced benefits. Unfortunately, you have already exceeded the maximum allotment for your dental hygiene this year and you don't even want to know how much it is going to cost you out-of-pocket to get that tooth taken care of properly, do you? Maybe you don't have dental insurance which is all the more reason for to read on because one way or another, those teeth need taken care of now!!
Maybe you are thinking that a dental plan is the last thing you need with all the other things flying at you every day in this fast-paced world. But nothing could be farther from the truth! People clip coupons just to save a few pennies on a jar of peanut butter but a dental plan could save them hundreds of dollars over the course of a year! But how does a dental plan work? Isn't it the same thing as dental insurance?
A dental plan is membership based but unlike dental insurance which usually requires a monthly deduction from your paycheck, there is only a one-time fee for year round savings. Any dental plan has a list of participating dentists that you can go to for services but unlike dental insurance where you are often limited to dentists in your zip code, you can see any participating dentist and receive the discounts-anywhere! And while most dental insurance covers nearly all preventative procedures, they limit disbursements on many of the treatments that most of us in the "real world" really need like fillings, extractions, root canals, dentures, and even crowns!
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