Here are this week's reading diversions for your personal enlightenment. Have a splendid weekend!
International: The lottery of life | The Economist
Warren Buffett, probably the world’s most successful investor, has said that anything good that happened to him could be traced back to the fact that he was born in the right country, the United States, at the right time (1930). A quarter of a century ago, when The World in 1988 light-heartedly ranked 50 countries according to where would be the best place to be born in 1988, America indeed came top. But which country will be the best for a baby born in 2013?
Brain Power: How To Keep Your Mind Young
You've fretted about your crow's feet, turkey neck and muffin top. But what about your brain? How can you make sure it stays fit and healthy as you grow older?
Symptoms to Check | 9 Symptoms We Don't Worry About -- But Should
Certain health warning signs are well known -- like chest pain (heart attack), fever (infection), yellow eyes (jaundice), and irregular moles (skin cancer). But other concerning symptoms often get overlooked. Though they're common indicators of important health problems, people find them easier to dismiss or ignore.
Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia | Alzheimer's Association
Alzheimer's is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks.
Fraud, Scams, Lies - How to Spot, Prevent Tips - AARP
Do you suspect someone is lying to you? You can't read anyone's mind — which is probably a good thing in most cases — but, according to a new book called Spy the Lie, there are easy ways to determine whether you're probably being duped. The authors claim that if you know the physical and verbal tics to look and listen for, you can be as accurate as a polygraph test.
Drop the eggnog and the sugar cookies! While December may be more well-known for holiday parties and the requisite buffets of baked goods, there are a number of powerhouse fruits and veggies ripe for the picking as the year draws to a close.
13 Things You Didn't Know About Christmas in Canada | Reader's Digest
There’s more to Christmas in Canada than snow drifts, candy canes and festive lights. Unwrap these surprising facts about Canada and the holiday season.
How the temperature of a drink can affect your mood - Chatelaine.com
Yale researchers say the temperature of your drink affects how your brain reacts to things.
Five fun holiday season activities - Chatelaine.com
Make the most of the season with these mood-brightening ideas. And definitely pencil in December 6th as an important date.
Birds Appear to 'Self-Medicate' With Our Cigarette Butts - James Hamblin - The Atlantic
Incorporating nicotine into their nests keeps parasites out. Nature is training flying urban Roombas.
Are eggs really healthy? Food fight finds out - thestar.com
What comes first, health or the egg? Fried, poached or over-easy? Would you like a side of bacon with that? When it comes to the oval, shelled protein, there’s no shortage of questions. Eggs are full of important nutrients, but they are also a source of cholesterol. Deviled or angel, do eggs deserve a place on your plate?
5 Foods That Help You Sleep | Caring.com
Should you let yourself have that midnight snack if you're having trouble sleeping and you think hunger might be part of the problem? Here are five foods that can actually help you drift off:
Should I eat less fruit? | Life and style | The Guardian
Grapefruit has also been linked to an increase in breast cancer. A study in the British Journal of Cancer (BJC) of 500,000 post-menopausal women found that eating a quarter of the fruit a day increased the risk by 30%.
5 Brain Foods You're Not Eating, But Should Be - Brain Pages
Although all foods should be consumed in moderation, these studies give you a slight reason to eliminate some guilt when indulging in “fatty” avocados, “starchy” sweet potatoes, or “sugary” dark chocolates. After all, not only will they satisfy your hungry stomach, but they may also provide you with that mental punch to improve cognitive performance. So let’s crack open that chocolate bar and celebrate its potential to power your brain!
