Article-1 Can Money Buy Happiness?

03

Philosophers postulate about it. Marketers of everything from cars to cruises to computers promise it. It's
a national duty to pursue it. But what exactly is the elusive and much-desired state of mind known as
happiness?

Over the past couple of decades, a cadre of psychologists, sociologists, economists and political
scientists have sought scientifically verifiable answers to some of the eternal questions: Can money buy
happiness? Does freedom make people happy? Are some nations happier than others? Can people make
themselves happy, or do they have to be born that way? And what is happiness good for, anyway? The
intellectual quest of "hedonic psychology"--or "happiness studies," to use the friendlier colloquialism--is
to go beyond the folk wisdom of Oprah to determine what Daniel Kahneman, winner of the 2002 Nobel
Prize in economics, calls "objective happiness."

There is more at stake than the opportunity to settle old philosophical quarrels. The pursuit of "objective
happiness" could be--and, some argue, should be--the basis of public policy. In his introduction to Well
Being: The Foundations of Hedonic Psychology (Russell Sage Foundation, 2000), Kahneman expresses
the hope that hedonic science will prompt economics to shift its focus from "those aspects of life that can
be traded in the marketplace" to "desirable goods such as love, mental challenge and [reduction of]
stress."

He's not alone. Other studies have concluded that freedom of choice is a significant variable in the
happiness of nations as a whole. And drawing from other experiments, one psychologist has even called
for regulatory limits on advertising that promotes our lust for possessions.

How close are we to knowing what objective happiness is? Will we find a definitive answer to what
every self-help-book buyer is asking? …

Article-2 Does money buy happiness? 93

TWENTY YEARS ago in this journal, Richard Easterlin argued that richer societies are no happier than
poor ones. However, Easterlin argued, within any one country richer people are happier than poorer
people. He explained this anomaly as follows: People judge their economic welfare by that of their
neighbors. If only national income rises, an individual's status, vis-a-vis his neighbors, remains
unchanged.

But since then, new studies have almost completely reversed Easterlin's conclusions. These studies have
found that economic growth does materially increase a country's collective sense of well-being and that
differences in well-being within a country are not significantly related to income.([dagger])

Why the reversal? First off, we simply have better data. For instance, Gallup's 1976 transnational study
concluded that a nation's poverty pervades all aspects of life, for it "adversely colors attitudes and
perceptions" as well as feelings. "Although one could probably find isolated places in the world where
the inhabitants were very poor but happy," said Gallup, "this study failed to discover any area that met
this test." And, in the most probing transnational analysis so far, Alex Inkeles and Larry Diamond found
in 1980 "a strong indication ... that personal satisfaction rises with the level of economic development of
the nation." Indeed, for national populations taken as a whole, money does buy happiness.

Comparisions within a society tell quite a different story, one that challenges some of our basic,
commonsense assumptions. For here, money does not buy happiness. In almost all developed countries
there is no substantial relation between income and well-being. In perhaps the best of the many single-
country "quality of life" studies, Frank M. Andrews and Stephen B. Withey found in 1976 that "The
groupings by socioeconomic status show very meager differences [in sense of well-being] ... and no
significant single steps for [stisfaction with] Life-as-a-Whole." Two years later Jonathan Freedman
reported in Happy people that: "The rich are not more likely to be happy than those with moderate
incomes; the middle class is not more likely to be ... happy than those with lower incomes.... For the
majority of Americans, money, whatever else it does, does not bring happiness."

However, Freedman found that the poor are different: "fewer of them say that they are very happy or
moderately happy and more of tham say that they are very unhappy than people with higher incomes."
Freedman's qualification is crucial: Among the poor money does buy happiness and a greater sense of
well-being.

Happiness is ...

As the respected but iconoclastic economist Tibor Scitovsky wrote in his 1977 book The Joyless
Economy, many of life's pleasures are not bought and sold. Among these, he said, are work satisfaction,
friendship, and the pleasures of solitary thought, reading, and other forms of non-commercial leisure. He
was largely right.

Quality of life studies tend to divide the sources of well-being into two categores: external
circumstances, such as available community services or family life, and …

Article-3 Democracy as a coalition of cultures:

democracy and balance. 94

The shortest definition of democracy I can think of is willingness to leave office when defeated at the
polls. Even shorter as a criterion of the existence of democracy is alternation of political parties in office.
All models of democracy include competition for office based on civil liberties and fundamental
freedoms. Beyond that they differ according to the major criterion used to assess the degree to which
there can be said to be democracy. In contemporary discourse, among both political theorists and
political activists, the basic split is between those who view democracy as a process, a self-organizing
system, to enable individuals to carry out their plans, or as having a substantive purpose.

When I was growing up, in the 1940s and 1950s, the line on democracy was pretty clear: because the
American people (or, at least, those powerful and liberty-loving elites) agreed on the processes of
democracy, unlike those forever petulant, quarrelsome and, worse, ideological Europeans, we, the lucky
ones, could afford to disagree on what might otherwise be divisive policies. No more. Now there are
demands that greater equality of condition be achieved before the processes of democracy are
legitimated. Recall the cry of civil rights leaders that the needs of their constituencies be met before they
would listen to the pros and cons of the Persian Gull' war. Listen to the voices stating that support for
equal opportunity is a code word for racism (cf. the literature on symbolic racism). Or the accusation,
frequently heard on National Public Radio and CBS news, that opposition to hiring quotas by race and
gender is a cover for racism and, if possible, worse, Nazism in the guise of one David Duke.

Everyone agrees that in democracies citizens, as Robert Dahl wrote in his seminal preface to Democratic
Theory, have to be able to gather information and switch their support. Thus there also has to be a range
of choice available. Let us call this individualist democracy in which citizens bring government in line
with their preferences by: 1) voting parties in or out; 2) encouraging parties to compete for their votes.

To this Friedrich Hayek adds a criterion of neutrality of decision rules so that legislation may not take
from some groups to give to others. He is emphatic in stating that rules are there to enable individuals to
organize themselves, not to give advantage to some over others. His is the ultimate individualist position.
Opposition to individualist democracy comes not from those who would reject it--all supporters of
democracy agree that these are necessary …

Article-4 English as the official language: the

problem of multiple cultures. 97
We have known race riots, draft riots, labor violence, secession, anti-war protests, and a whiskey
rebellion, but one kind of trouble we've never had: a language riot. Language riot? It sounds like a joke.
The very idea of language as a political force--as something that might threaten to split a country wide
apart--is alien to our way of thinking and to our cultural traditions.

This may be changing. On August 1 of last year the U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill that
would make English the official language of the United States. The vote was 259 to 169, with 223
Republicans and thirty-six Democrats voting in favor and eight Republicans, 160 Democrats, and one
independent voting against. The debate was intense, acrid, and partisan. On March 25 of last year the
Supreme Court agreed to review a case involving an Arizona law that would require public employees to
conduct government business only in English. Arizona is one of several states that have passed "Official
English" or "English Only" laws. The appeal to the Supreme Court followed a 6-to-S ruling, in October
of 1995, by a federal appeals court striking down the Arizona law. These events suggest how divisive a
public issue language could become in America--even if it has until now scarcely been taken seriously.

Traditionally, the American way has been to make English the national language--but to do so quietly,
locally, without fuss. The Constitution is silent on language: the Founding Fathers had no need to
legislate that English be the official language of the country. It has always been taken for granted that
English is the national language, and that one must learn English in order to make it in America.

To say that language has never been a major force in American history or politics, however, is not to say
that politicians have always resisted linguistic jingoism. In 1753 Benjamin Franklin voiced his concern
that German immigrants were not learning English: "Those [Germans] who come hither are generally
the most ignorant Stupid Sort of their own Nation.... they will soon so out number us, that all the
advantages we have will not, in My Opinion, be able to preserve our language, and even our government
will become precarious." Theodore Roosevelt articulated the unspoken American linguistic-melting-pot
theory when he boomed, "We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language, for
we intend to see that the crucible turns our people out as Americans, of American nationality, and not as
dwellers in a polyglot boarding house. And: "We must have but one flag. We must also have but one
language. That must be the language of the Declaration of Independence, of Washington's Farewell
address, of Lincoln's Gettysburg speech and second inaugural."

OFFICIAL ENGLISH

TR's linguistic tub-thumping long typified the tradition of American politics. That tradition began to
change in the wake of the anything-goes attitudes and the celebration of cultural differences arising in
the 1960s. A 1975 amendment to the Voting Rights Act of 1965 mandated the "bilingual ballot" under
certain circumstances, notably when the voters of selected language groups reached five percent or more
in a voting district. Bilingual education became a byword of educational thinking during the 1960s. By
the 1970s linguists had demonstrated convincingly--at least to other academics--that black English
(today called African-American vernacular English or Ebonics) was not "bad" English but a different
kind of authentic English with its own rules. Predictably, there have been scattered demands that black
English be included in bilingual-education programs.

It was against this background that the movement to make English the official language of the country
arose. In 1981 Senator S. I. Hayakawa, long a leading critic of bilingual education and bilingual ballots,
introduced in the U.S. Senate a constitutional amendment that not only would have made English the
official language but would have prohibited federal and state laws …

Article-5 Middle class income-Rising income in the future 96

Being middle class has emerged as a vital part of the 20th-century American psyche. The majority of
Americans define themselves as middle class, regardless of their actual income level. This perception is
obviously off-base, but with no official definition, it's hard to pin down how much Americans
overestimate their middle-class status.

It's not difficult to understand why they do it, though. Generations of immigrants to the United States
have come seeking streets paved with gold. Trying to do better than the next guy is virtually a virtue in
our free market economy. But in 1994, 5 percent of U.S. households held 21 percent of the nation's
aggregate income. When people realize that doing as well as the next guy is the best they can hope for,
aspiring to middle-class status becomes the goal and the virtue.

Although most would rather be rich than not, people often deride those who are out of sheer envy. The
word yuppie rapidly took on a derogatory connotation in the mid-1980s, and consuming in a
conspicuous way was considered bad taste in light of others' misfortunes. As a result, even those who
achieve affluence may downwardly aspire to respectable and decent middle-class status - not financially,
of course, but as a matter of principle. At the other end of the income spectrum, people who might have
proudly described themselves as working class in the past may now feel uncomfortable with the
unfashionable term, so they opt for middle class instead.

Even as the perception of middle class has stretched to encompass an enormous range of people, the
reality is that economic growth does not raise all boats equally. In the decade 1984-94, average
household income (in real terms) rose by less than 1 percent. The average income of the poorest one-
fifth of households in the U.S. increased by only 0.1 percent. At the same time, the top one-fifth of
households saw their average income jump by 20 percent.

Uneven growth is a characteristic of market-oriented economies. Although economists and others have
long recognized the phenomenon, its causes are not well understood. Certainly, market-oriented
economies rely on incentives to promote work effort and risk-taking. Those who respond most capably
to these incentives are best rewarded. Still, few analysts conclude that the poor are poor because they are
not motivated. Similarly, few would contend that everyone with money got it through hard work and
determination. Wages are determined by supply and demand. Sometimes those forces work in one's
favor. In other cases, …

Article-6 The Benefits of marriage 96

In a sane or sensible society, marriage is more an answer than a question. Of course, it is never the only
answer: In any culture, a noticeable minority never marry, some because they resist for their own reasons
what their culture and their families urge upon them and others for want of the right opportunity. But I
venture to say that for most of humanity, past and present, the only real question here is when, or to
whom. Whether to marry has been little more a question than whether to be born or whether to die.

The New York Times last spring printed a striking dispatch from a demographers' conference in San
Francisco that carried to a new level of desperation the quest for an answer to a question that should not
be asked. If the quoted researchers are to be taken seriously, we can all look forward to the gradual
dissolution of the family and, perhaps, of civilization as well. These social scientists, it would seem,
have abandoned the social or cultural claims of marriage as the usual accompaniment of maturation,
perhaps even the definition of the ascent out of adolescence. Instead, they try, through empirical efforts
that (as reported) were both misguided and incompetent, to persuade us that marriage is good for us, like
diet or exercise. They claim that marriage is in our individual interests simply on instrumental grounds.
Without a doubt, the marriage institution is in our collective interests. As a matter of individual choice,
however, its practical claim upon our fellow citizens and ourselves becomes weaker each year. Sad to
say, the quoted researchers faithfully reflect an atomized culture in which one's own interest is about all
the basis available to justify any of life's choices, large or small. Among the other forces that have
undermined marriage, I would emphasize the pervasive assault on sex roles in late twentieth-century
America. If young women and men cannot see themselves naturally embracing the familiar roles of wife,
mother, husband, father, then marriage becomes a kind of consumer choice, to be weighed against other
claims upon one's money and time.

If that's what marriage is up against, we're all doomed. Or, more precisely, our heirs are, and theirs; for it
will …

Article 7 The Real Generation Gap 98

Born in 1980, today's college freshmen are part of "Generation X." They came into the world long after
Vietnam, Richard Nixon, and Watergate. They never saw Senator Sam Ervin's eyebrows. Can you
imagine? They were also born after Saturday Night Fever They do not know John Travolta has had two
movie careers. Nor do they know what it is like to live in a society in which marriage is the predominant
social institution. Unfortunately, they do know about broken homes and "single-parent families." And
they know what it is like to be the children of child care because 67 percent of them have mothers
working outside their homes.

The members of Generation X know a lot about Madonna, Princess Diana, G. I. Jane, Michael Jackson,
Michael Jordan, and Mike Tyson. They know nothing at all about Kate Smith, Mother Teresa, Rosie the
Riveter, John Wayne, Babe Ruth, and Audie Murphy. Almost without exception, their favorite role
models are the type of celebrities seen on MTV, ESPN, and the cover of People.

One disturbing poll reveals that nearly 100 percent of today's youth can name the "Three Stooges," but
not even 1 percent can name three justices on the U.S. Supreme Court. Seventy-three percent want to
start their own businesses, but 53 percent voted for small business foe Bill Clinton. Only 19 percent
attend church regularly. Only 1 percent include a member of the clergy on their lists of most admired
individuals.

What all these statistics tell us is that the gap between generations is wider than ever before. There are
five areas in which the gap is most pronounced: skills, knowledge, critical thinking, work, and morality.

THE SKILLS GAP

Iowa test scores have been a standard measurement of academic achievement for many decades. And
what they have been measuring lately is frightening. Students who should be scoring at the 90th
percentile are barely scoring at the 70th; those who should be at the 70th are hovering between the 30th
and 40th. Between 70 and 90 percent of all students entering the California State University system have
to take some form of remedial course work in basic subjects like English and math. Eighty-seven percent
of students entering New York community colleges flunk the placement test - they can't even pass the
test that would put them into remedial courses! As New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani observed several
years ago, if skills actually determined entrance into the New York system of higher education, three of
every four students would probably be denied admission. (The state has recently begun to administer
such tests, and it appears that Giuliani was right.) It is also a matter of public record that national ACT
and SAT college entrance test scores are steadily declining despite "adjustments" designed to boost them
artificially.

Yet one-third of many high schools' students maintain 4.0 (straight A) grade point averages. Why?
Because grade inflation, which occurs at every level of education, is rampant. My daughter Sarah has
been in the public school system since the third grade, and she is living proof. She has consistently
received good grades without the benefit of a good education.
When she enrolled in an algebra class in the eighth grade, I offered to help her with her homework. She
took me up on this offer one evening when we were sitting together at the kitchen table. The first
problem was: "What is 10 percent of 470?" I was stunned to discover that Sarah couldn't solve it without
the aid of a calculator. Another problem involved determining 25 …

Article 8 How To Dress Slimmer 09

Everyone's weight fluctuates. While not everyone can be a small size, the clothes you wear can make
you look thinner, or (gasp) larger, it's your choice.

You don't need to completely cover your body if you have extra weight, and not every tip will work for
you. You have some great features, so accentuate them and accessorize. Find out what best flatters your
figure and stick with it.

A small weight gain will make your clothes feel tighter, so always have some "fat" clothes available for
those occasions and don't feel bad. Every woman experiences this. You can dress slimmer and look
thinner with these simple tips.

Tips to Look Thinner

• Find a good fit. Clothes that are too tight or too baggy will make you appear larger.

• Choose darker solid colors such as black, navy blue and gray.

• Dress monochromatic, all in one color, top to bottom, no patterns.

• If you want to wear patterns, go for smaller ones that overlap.

• Avoid horizontal stripes. Look for thin vertical and and diagonal lines for a fluid look.

• Select bold accessories to draw attention away from trouble spots.

• Avoid bulky sweaters and sweatshirts.

• Always try on clothes. Different designers have different size charts.

• Avoid pleats. Flat front pants and skirts are instant slimmers.

• Low-rise pants that hit just below your navel will lengthen your torso.

• For longer looking legs, skirts should fall right above the knee.

• Forego the frills. Extra ruffles and material only add bulk.

• If you have a large bust, invest in a good support bra.

• Avoid shiny fabrics such as velour and satin.

• High heels add height and shapes your legs. That's why you always see runway models in heels.

• Dark panty hose will make large legs appear thinner.

• Stay away from patterned leggings.

 • Wear undergarment foundations such as control top pantyhose and shapers.

• If you prefer wearing a sleeveless dress, cover your upper arms with a sheer, elegant shawl.

• Choose open collar shirts, v-neck shirts, and scoop necklines to make your torso appear longer.

• Avoid small handbags. Stick with a medium-sized bag in proportion to your body.

• A dress with matching coat can hide bulges.

• Match your belt and shoes to your skirt or pants to make your legs appear longer.

• Don't tuck your shirt in. Buy those that fall just below your waist, but aren't too long.

• You can still wear bright colors, just not on your problem areas.

• Frilly clothes are a no-no and just add to your overall size.

• Avoid too-tight pants that cling to your hips and thighs. Instead, try trousers with comfortable
legs and wide cuffs.

• For longer, thinner-looking legs, opt for an asymmetrical, tiered skirt.

• If you're a petite woman, wear the highest heel you're comfortable with to add some height.

• For longer-looking legs, match your socks and shoes to your trousers.

• A thick waistband helps flatten the tummy.

• Like chunky jewelry? Don't overdo it. Choose one large piece and keep the others in proportion
to your frame.

Article 9

Colors Make a Fashion Statement

Women are generally drawn to the colors that flatter their figure and complexion. Your favorite color
doesn't always appear in your wardrobe if it doesn't do a thing for you. If you're the majority, the color
you most often choose to wear is the image you want to reflect, and the color that makes you look and
feel good.

Lets have fun! Find out what fashion statement you're making with the colors you wear on an everyday
basis -- and what the color of your clothing says about your personality.

What the Color of Your Clothing Says about You

Black - Conservative yet sexy, you know that black is versatile. Wearing black clothing makes you
appear thinner, giving your self-esteem a turbo-boost.

Pink - Traditional and charming, pink is feminine all the way. A pink and black combo is a trendy
twosome for women who like to add mystery to their otherwise girly image.
Red - Bold and vibrant, you like to be the center of attention. Red portrays the adventurous side of you
that's undeniable.

Blue - Fun-loving and free, blue clothing attracts independent women who are comfortable with their
inner-selves and achievements.

Orange - Extroverted and gutsy, orange means you like to stand out in a crowd. Never taking life for
granted, you enjoy new challenges and have a tendency to come out on top.

Yellow - Always the optimist, you're athletic and outdoorsy. Yellow reflects a vibrant personality and
great intuition.

White - Those who favor white prefer "safe" colors for a perfect match. White can be a great accent for
a deep, dark tan, adding sex-appeal to the "colorless" color.

Green - If you're hot on green, you're a down-to-earth, natural beauty. While somewhat stubborn, you're
still "the girl next door" who likes to have fun.

Article 10

Women's Fashion Tips

Sharpen your fashion skills with these practical tips to flatter your figure and make your clothes work for
you. The styles you choose will affect your appearance and how you're perceived.

Every woman has flaws. These ideas are for those that accept them, but wish to minimize them. Don't
forget, stand up straight, have good posture and carry yourself with grace. Not only will you appear
taller, you will radiate self confidence and allure.

Know your body and what looks good. You are logically attracted to clothes, styles and colors that
flatter your figure. Use past experience to your advantage and trust your intuition, sometimes fashion
and beauty etiquette comes naturally. Feel free to experiment!

Beware of those "skinny" mirrors in department stores that are misleading. If a style didn't look good on
you in the past, it won't now -- unless you've made some significant changes.

This style guide is for general fashion tips and advice. Check out the current fashion trends to get the
latest tips and tricks for the newest styles.

Style Guide

• Have plenty of neutrals on hand to mix and match.

• Open collar shirts and scoop necks will lengthen a short neck. Add a long necklace.

• Tailored clothes flatter most figures.

• Buy similar styles of the clothes you already own that you think flatter your figure.

• Always carry a safety pin in your purse for emergencies.

• Shoulder pads will help you balance large breasts and wide hips, but keep them slim.
 • For a quick fix, if your slacks or slip is too long, roll it up at the waist.

• Break in your shoes before wearing for an entire day or special occasion.

• Use dryer sheets or fabric spray to reduce static cling.

• If you're losing or gaining weight, go to your local thrift store and get some in-between sizes that
fit.

• Make sure your pantyhose fit correctly. Tugging on them in public is a no-no.

• Don't be afraid to try anything new.

• Always clean your clothing before you store it.

• Apply your perfume before dressing to prevent staining your clothing.

• If a department store doesn't have your size, ask. Many stores are set up to call their other stores
to locate and ship the desired size directly to you.

• Don't bare all. Leave some mystery to your look.

• Fix sticky zippers by rubbing them with some wax or a bar of soap.

• Secure your buttons by dabbing the backs of them with fingernail polish or clear glue. This
prevents the stitching from coming loose.

• If you're concerned about clingy clothing, don't buy anything with more than 5% Lycra.

• Leather has a tendency to stretch, so buy your pants one size smaller.

• Don't fret if you see an outfit in a magazine that is too pricey for your budget. You can probably
put together the same outfit at stores such as the Gap and Old Navy, at a fraction of the price. Just
cut out the picture and take it shopping with you.

Article 11

Eyebrow Grooming and Tweezing Tips for Men

How your eyebrows are groomed can make a considerable difference in your appearance. Eyebrows help
shape your eyes and give you character. If you have bushy eyebrows, it's important to keep them
trimmed and well groomed. Most people need some kind of eyebrow maintenance. Many of these tips
work well for women as well as men.

Never shave your eyebrows for a quick fix. You will regret it later when they all start growing back in. It
will look obvious, and require constant maintenance -- so save the razor for your beard.

Depilatories are not a good idea to use around the eye area and there's plenty of room for mistakes. This
can irritate your skin and your hairs will also grow back much quicker than waxing or tweezing.

Waxing your eyebrows is best done professionally, however there are many kits on the market for this
purpose. They come with step-by-step instructions to simplify the process. If you decide to do this at
home, have a professional do it the first time so you can see how it's done. Be prepared for some
temporary discomfort and pain.
Trimming Your Eyebrows

Depending on how thick your eyebrows are, sometimes all you need is a small pair of scissors to trim
away the stray hairs. Grooming and trimming your brows is best done under a bright lights for accuracy.

First decide what areas need attention and slowly trim your eyebrows in the direction of hair growth.
Don't go overboard, if you trim your hairs too short, they will stick out and look silly. You may want to
do this over a few days, after you have a chance to decide if you're on the right track.

Plucking away Stray Eyebrow Hairs

Aside from waxing, tweezing is still the most efficient method for removing eyebrow hairs. If you need
to pluck your eyebrows, keep a clean pair of tweezers handy for this use only.

Men are tempted to use tweezers for other things, such as cleaning their fingernails. Don't! This will
make them unsanitary and less affective. If you do this, you'll probably need to buy a new pair when the
ends don't meet properly to grab the hairs.

Start off with moistened brows. Tweezing after a shower is ideal, but you can soak your brow area with
a warm washcloth for several minutes and it will have the same effect. Comb your eyebrows in the
direction of their growth and let them fall naturally in place.

After deciding which areas need thinning out, tweeze your eyebrows in the direction of hair growth. For
an even look, start underneath, from the inside, out. Pull them out one by one to avoid mistakes. Be
careful, some hairs may not grow back!

Tweeze the center of your eyebrows and look carefully to make sure you don't get them too far apart.
You can always go back later and remove additional hairs if you need more space.

Don't pluck away too many hairs from the top of your brow. Target the obvious stray hairs and thin them
out a little. Again, start from the center, then outwards.

Correcting Eyebrow Mistakes

Mistakes are bound to happen, even with a steady hand. If you should find yourself with some empty
spaces or bald patches, don't fret. Fill in your eyebrows with an eye pencil or eye shadow that closely
resembles the color of your hairs. By grooming your brows and blending in the color, they will look
more natural.

Article 12

Men's Fashion Tips and Style Ideas

When it comes to wardrobe & fashion, many guys don't realize that clothing does indeed "make the
man." What you wear is just as important to others as to yourself.

To be taken seriously in today's society, a first impression does matter -- significantly. If you want to be
noticed favorably by both women and men, we've got some basic fashion and style tips to help you dress
up to your potential.

Keep in mind, even the most expensive clothing line won't flatter you if you slouch. Stand up straight
and carry yourself with pride. If you respect yourself, others will too.

Wear Clothes that Fit

Why not look good today, instead of some unspecified day in the future, when you gain or lose a few
pounds -- and will it really happen? When you're shopping, buy clothes that are comfortable. If you need
something altered, visit your tailor.

Find out What Works for You

Take a good look in the mirror and you'll begin to understand what colors and styles look the best on
you. It's OK to try something new, but classics outlive trends.

Maintain Your Clothing

Don't wear soiled or wrinkled clothes. Stick to fabrics that resist wrinkling or learn how to use an iron.
Suits and formal wear should be taken to the dry-cleaner to be cleaned and pressed.

Stripes - Not the Best Choice

It's best to stay away from horizontal stripes, unless your tall & lean. Most stripes are unflattering, and
the horizontal ones add bulk, can make you appear heavier, and shorter. Solid colors are a good choice
and dark, solids will make you look slimmer.

Keep it Simple

Loud, bright colors and patterns can make you look ridiculous. You can't go wrong with basic black and
navy blue for work or casual, it's classic for a reason. You can add other attractive colors for a perfect
match.

Get Rid of Old Clothes

Don't be stuck in the "good ole days." If it's out of style, don't wear it anymore. If you can't imagine
parting with it, store it. Trends run their cycles and you may once again be able to wear your favorite
garments -- but only when they're popular.

Keep Short Sleeves for Casual

Don't show up for a job interview or business meeting in a short-sleeved shirt. Formal and business attire
always include long sleeves and a tie.

Men's Accessories Tips

• Your belt and shoe color should match.

• Make sure your shoes are comfortable.

• Keep your shoes in tip-top shape by polishing them regularly.

• A shoe tree will help keep less-worn shoes keep their shape.

• Only lace-up shoes are appropriate with a suit. Save the boots for leisure.

• Your socks should match your shoes.

• Your tie should reach the top of your belt.

 • Wear a belt that fits. The prong should fit into one of the middle holes, not the first or last one.

• Do not wear a belt AND suspenders at the same time.

• Apply cologne before getting dressed to avoid any direct stains.

• Remember, good posture adds height and self-confidence.

Article 13

Cosmetics Tips
If use of cosmetics is any indication of vanity, there's plenty to go around. Stores are full of products to
beautify the body, including skin, hair, nails and lips. Creams, toiletries, and makeup designed to change
or camouflage are all examples of cosmetics.

Today, cosmetics are not only acceptable, they're standard procedure for most women. How they're used
and applied is what separates those who look silly from those who look beautiful and sophisticated.
We'll outline some cosmetics tips to help you bring out your best features while concealing your flaws.

Creams & Lotions

Think of your skin as a canvas. The better the canvas, the better the art, no? There's no denying that
genes play a crucial role in your overall appearance, but skin care early on in life will definitely give you
the edge when it comes to texture, lines and spots when you hit your thirties and beyond.

Body lotions add comfort to dry skin while adding luster. Hands are often exposed to sunlight and may
show age much quicker. We don't always pay attention to our hands but others do. Keep your hands soft
and silky by using hand lotion multiple times every day, particularly after washing them and before bed.

In pre-teen and teen years it's important to keep skin clean and as clear as possible from blemishes to
prevent scarring. Combination skin calls for treating problem areas accordingly. As we age, our skin
loses its moisture and elasticity. There are various facial creams on the market today to add much-
needed moisture to our faces and reduce fine lines and wrinkles -- thus improving our "canvas."

Makeup Advice

When it comes to cosmetics, makeup is the the fun part. Applying makeup is a learned art. Start by
putting on foundation with a sponge, blending it from the center, outwards, into the hairline and neck.
Cover your eyelids and lips as well for solid base. You can set your foundation with loose powder and a
large cosmetics brush.

Apply eye shadow to enhance your eyes. Three shades are ideal to shape and define with the darkest
color on the lid and the lightest just beneath the brow bone. Mascara lengthens lashes provides fullness.

Blush adds color to cheeks and a youthful glow to your nose forehead and chin. Bronzing powder can
double as blush and can be used for shading or hide a double-chin. Blend in well for a more natural look.

Define luscious lips with a lip liner similar to your own lip color or one that matches the color of your
lipstick. To create fullness, dust on some white eye shadow to the center of your bottom lip. Keep lips
moisturized at night with lip balm or traditional petroleum jelly. In the sunlight, use balm with a SPF to
block the sun's dangerous rays from damaging your precious puckers.
Article 14

Healthy Weight Loss Tips

This guide is dedicated to providing you with healthy and practical weight loss & diet tips that will assist
you in your quest to lose weight safely & naturally -- and keep it off!

You won't find any fancy diets or tricks here, just plain, simple common sense advice. Education is the
key to weight loss success and it starts right here. Adjust these tips and techniques as you begin seeing
success, to fit your individual needs.

Once you learn how your body uses food and how to balance your intake, you're well on your way. The
weight loss potential, however, is limited only by your own drive and determination.

What You Need to Know to Lose Weight

About 3,500 calories equals one pound of weight. So, if you take in approximately 3,500 calories less or
burn that amount during physical activity and exercise, you lose one pound.

If you want to lose weight, you will need to create a calorie shortage. You can best do this by reducing
your calorie intake and increasing calorie expenditure. Doing both of these things at the same time is
ideal, and will give you more satisfying results. You can begin slowly with one or the other if you need
to, but eventually you will hit a "plateau" and will have to add the one you're skipping.

Is this difficult? It's not as hard as you may think, if you understand how it works. Slowly reducing your
calorie intake by eliminating foods high in calories and fat, you'll begin seeing results. You will be
surprised how eliminating just one soda a day results in weight loss. That's about 11 pounds a year! Now
imagine combining this with the our weight loss tips and some good, old-fashioned exercise such as
walking, weight training or aerobics. Not only will you be healthier, you'll need new clothes!

Slower, healthy weight loss means it will be easier to keep it off. Crash diets aren't healthy and are only
a quick-fix. A practical goal is a 1-2 lbs a week, but you need to check with your doctor to see if this is
reasonable for you.

Step on the scale and take your body measurements before you begin. You may lose inches before
pounds if you begin exercising, and you'll need to know that you're still losing -- even if the scale doesn't
initially reflect lost pounds.

Start with these healthy weight loss tips and you're one step closer to a more confident, slimmer YOU.

Eat Smart

• Do not view food as your enemy. Having a healthy attitude towards it will help change your
eating habits.

• Identify which foods represent your weak spots. Eliminate some of them completely and reduce
your intake of others.

• Plan to feel some hunger, it's part of it. You can actually stop eating while still feeling hungry. As
your body adjusts, it will become satisfied more easily.

• Get used to reading food labels. This is necessary and very educational.
• Try five small meals a day instead of three larger ones. This keeps your metabolism from
slowing down and helps satisfy your desire to eat.

• Swap foods. Get the lower calorie and fat version of your favorite foods, but read the labels and
compare to make sure the claims are correct.

• Mayonnaise and salad dressing are packed with calories and fat. Get the versions with reduced or
no fat before you cut anything else. Same with margarine.

• Don't crash diet and don't go on very low-calorie diets. A life long change means simply reducing
your calorie intake modestly.

• There's nothing wrong with prepackaged weight loss meals such as Lean Cuisine and Weight
Watchers! You can combine this with your regular regimen.

• Add spices to bland meals. Low-fat parmesan cheese is a great add-on to prepackaged meals. I
love Mrs. Dash.

• Drink water to keep your body hydrated. Your body NEEDS water to help eliminate fat.

• Add water to your meals for a full feeling.

• Expect a larger grocery bill as you buy healthier foods. It's worth it.

• Fast fad Diets? Nope. You need to implement a life long change in your eating habits and
physical activity.

• Use a smaller plate. It will take less food to clean your plate.

• Slowly make your portions smaller and cut your food into small pieces.

• You can still eat meat, just invest in the leaner versions. Trim away visible fat before cooking.

• Get no-stick cooking spray and forget the oil and shortening.

• Dietary fiber makes you feel full and is necessary for a healthy digestive system.

• Always have some fruit on hand for a quick snack.

• Limit your salt intake. Consider a salt substitute for a lifetime change.

• Drain your meat and flush with hot water in a strainer after cooking to eliminate excessive fat.

• Let your homemade soup sit in the fridge and spoon off the fat that collects at the top.

• Steam, broil and bake before frying.

• Chew your food slowly and quit before you're completely full. Studies show it takes 20 minutes
for your brain to realize your stomach is full. If, after that time period, you're still hungry, eat
more. Chances are, you won't.

• Don't eat while you're watching TV or reading.

 • Diet sodas? Some claim they only increase your appetite, but everybody is different. They can
help in situations where you just have to have a soda. The jury's still out on many artificial
sweeteners so it's probably best to take a cautious approach.

• Limit your alcohol intake.

• Take a multi-vitamin daily.

• Avoid Ramen soup. It's cheap, but packed with calories and sodium.

• Don't deprive yourself of that favorite food. Just eat it in moderation.

• Drink a glass of water with your meals but avoid "washing" down your food.

• Surf the Internet for weight-loss support groups.

• If you mess up, don't think you've ruined the entire day. This will lead to more overeating.
Accept your mistake and get back on track the same day.

• Create a food diary and log in everything you eat. Your calorie intake might be much higher than
you think.

• Make an effort every day to cut unhealthy foods from your diet. It doesn't have to be a lot, but
you'll see results by doing this.

• There are two ways you may feel when trying to lose weight. Hunger, or guilt from overeating. If
you eat in moderation, you can reduce the hunger and eliminate the guilt -- a much better feeling.

Article 15

Home Manicure Tips

Properly groomed fingernails are not only attractive, they are practical. While maintaining your nails,
keep in mind that with a great manicure, you're less likely to have to repair them later.

Painting your fingernails is an art and it's fun! This do-it-yourself fingernail guide is intended for those
who don't have the time to visit a manicurist and wish to do it at home, or simply don't want to spend the
money. Remember, your hands will show age before the rest of your body. Take care of them, keep them
moisturized and well manicured -- and you can defy the experts.

Filing and Buffing Your Fingernails

Before you begin an at-home manicure, Place your metal nail tools in an antiseptic solution for about 15
minutes to kill any bacteria and germs.

• Remove your old polish before you begin.

• Never file the nail in a back and forth motion. Instead, go from side to side, in one direction.

• Your nails should be shaped into oval tips.

• Buff the surface of the fingernail after filing.

• Soften your cuticles by soaking in a small bowl of soapy, warm water or cuticle cream.
 • Gently loosen your cuticles with cuticle remover or an orangewood stick.

Home Fingernail Repair Tips

The sooner you repair a broken nail, the less damage there will be. It's best to always have nail clippers
and a fingernail file in your purse and at work for a quick-fix.

• To remove a polish smudge, dip your finger in nail polish remover and tap lightly.

• For a chip in your polish, smooth the edges with nail polish remover and polish the bare area
sparingly.

• For a torn nail, clip and file. For a big break, file off the rough edges and apply glue to the
surface of your nail. Hold your nail in place while it dries. Buff out to smooth.

Manicures - Artificial Nails

Before you begin, it's important to lay down some paper or an old dish towel for a work surface. This
will help prevent any glue or nail polish from getting on your table. Have all of your tools handy
beforehand.

First, buff the surface of your natural nails. This will clean them and rough them up a bit, allowing the
glue to adhere better. Then dry the surface of your nails and apply the artificial nails. Gently rock them
back and forth to get out the air bubbles. Press tightly and apply glue just under the tips where there is
usually a gap.

Painting & Decorating

Be creative when you give yourself manicures! Add wild colors, decals and stickers specifically
designed for your fingernails. But first, you'll need a good surface to work with.

• To avoid air bubbles in your polish, don't shake the bottle. Roll it gently in the palm of your
hands before applying.

• Apply your fingernail polish in three strokes, one in the middle and one on each side, taking
special care to avoid your skin and cuticles.

• If you're in a hurry, or plan to redo your nails soon, apply only two coats of polish. Allow the
first coat to dry before adding the second coat.

• For longer staying polish, apply one base coat, two coats of polish, and finish it off with a top
coat to prevent chipping.

• Metallic nail polishes stay on much longer without chipping, but they're much harder to remove.

• Apply the polish to the edge, underneath the tip of the nail to reinforce the area.

• When you're finished, clean up any additional polish on your skin and cuticles with a cotton swab
dipped in nail polish remover.

• Let your nails dry completely for about 30 minutes before doing anything, and don't go to bed
with wet polish.

• If your favorite polish is getting old and thick, add a bit of polish thinner or remover to revive it.
Manicures - Artificial Nails

Before you begin, it's important to lay down some paper or an old dish towel for a work surface. This
will help prevent any glue or nail polish from getting on your table. Have all of your tools handy
beforehand.

First, buff the surface of your natural nails. This will clean them and rough them up a bit, allowing the
glue to adhere better. Then dry the surface of your nails and apply the artificial nails. Gently rock them
back and forth to get out the air bubbles. Press tightly and apply glue just under the tips where there is
usually a gap.

After the glue dries, file your nails as you normally would and clean off any access glue. Paint as usual.

• Longer nails are more prone to chipping and breaking.

• Trim down the nails before you glue them on.

• When removing artificial nails, soak them in acetone and remove them with a cuticle stick.

Home Fingernail Repair Tips

The sooner you repair a broken nail, the less damage there will be. It's best to always have nail clippers
and a fingernail file in your purse and at work for a quick-fix.

• To remove a polish smudge, dip your finger in nail polish remover and tap lightly.

• For a chip in your polish, smooth the edges with nail polish remover and polish the bare area
sparingly.

• For a torn nail, clip and file. For a big break, file off the rough edges and apply glue to the
surface of your nail. Hold your nail in place while it dries. Buff out to smooth.

Article 16