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Getaways: Alaska’s Cruise Boom

By Kristin Jackson
RISMEDIA, May 16, 2008-(MCT)-In the 1890s, thousands of rugged miners swarmed onto ships in Seattle, sailing north to find their fortunes during the Alaska gold rush. These days it’s cruise passengers who crowd the downtown waterfront and flock to Alaska: More than 835,000

Green in the Thumb, Not the Wallet? Top Tips for Smart Garden Shopping

By Beth Botts
RISMEDIA, May 15, 2008-(MCT)-For beginners, especially, a garden center can be overwhelming and bewildering: the colors and dazzle, the crowds, the high spirits, the pie-in-the-sky fantasies, the peer pressure, the devil-may-care impulse buying that can leave a wallet gasping.

Save Your Money - 4 Strategies for Getting Price Cuts

By Sharon Harvey Rosenberg
RISMEDIA, May 14, 2008-(MCT)-Haggling over prices is expected at flea markets, yard sales and auto lots. But my sister, Debra Patterson, negotiated a sweet deal for

The Top 25 Books Corporate America is Reading

RISMEDIA, May 13, 2008-(MCT)-800-CEO-READ, a direct supplier of book-based resources, compiles a monthly list of best-selling business books based on purchases by its corporate customers nationwide.

How to Get Fit with Fido

By Heather Newman
RISMEDIA, May 12, 2008-(MCT)-Linda Simlar of Oxford, Mich., was a frequent walker. But it took two large black Labrador mixes to lead her to her first running race-and a new friend.

Snorkel into a Real-life Aquarium Off the White-sand Beaches of St. John

By Bob Downing
RISMEDIA, May 9, 2008-(MCT)-St. John is one of the best places in the world to go snorkeling, but snorkeling gets little respect. Hollywood and television have glamorized

Sharing Financial Duties - A Sound Relationship Strategy

By Dan Serra
RISMEDIA, May 8, 2008-(MCT)-Are you the boss in the family when it comes to planning how to manage money? Or do you let your spouse handle everything so you don’t have to worry?

How to Stretch Those Miles Per Gallon

By Chuck Myers
RISMEDIA, May 7, 2008-(MCT)-Car maintenance can have a marked effect on how much time we spend at the pump. Having a car tuned up on a regular basis, for example, improves

9 Ways to Teach Kids That Money Doesn’t Grow on Trees

RISMEDIA, May 6, 2008-With inflation on the rise (gas prices, grocery bills, health insurance premiums, etc.) and many companies being more conservative, more American families are feeling squeezed. So if you’re feeling guilty

10 Wacky Excuses for Being Late to Work

RISMEDIA, May 5, 2008-(CareerBuilder.com)- If the minutes on the clock seem to fly by in the morning as you frantically run around collecting your keys, getting your kids out the door and grabbing your bills while trying to make it to work on time, you’re not alone.

Getaways: Eat Your Way Through Honolulu and Still Have Time for the Beach

By Toni Salama
RISMEDIA, May 2, 2008-(MCT)-We are what we eat, that’s a fact. But so, too, is this: We are where we eat. No dish is consumed apart from its place. Putting those two

Bathroom Décor: Even the Toilet Has Gone High Fashion

By Mary Beth Breckenridge
RISMEDIA, May 1, 2008-(MCT)-There are loos. And then there are lulus. The humble toilet isn’t necessarily a plain-Jane-or should we say plain-John?-fixture anymore. It’s gone upscale,

Are We Really Safe from Germs?

By Mary Beth Breckenridge
RISMEDIA, April 30, 2008-(MCT)-We have the weapons for germ warfare at our disposal. Anti-bacterial products are everywhere. Hand soaps, household cleaners, even socks

Dogs and Cats Get Sunburn, Too

By Dr. Chris Rainey
RISMEDIA, April 29, 2008-(MCT)-The approach of summer will bring constant reminders about the danger of overexposure to the sun and the need for sunscreen.

OMG: Teachers Don’t LOL or ;) at txt in skoolwrk

By Etan Horowitz
RISMEDIA, April 28, 2008-(MCT)-OMG, did u C the report about txting and skool? No, wuz up? Here’s the 411: A study released Thursday confirmed what teachers, parents and academics have long suspected: All that instant messaging and texting teenagers do is creeping into

Getaways: The Best of the Ballparks

By John Bordsen
RISMEDIA, April 25, 2008-(MCT)-At 51, Tom Broach is doing what he’s wanted to do since childhood: spend spring through fall going to major-league baseball games.

What to Do with All Those Tax Records?

By Marshall Loeb
RISMEDIA, April 24, 2008-(MCT)-When it comes to tax paperwork, many people are adamant about keeping every scrap of paper, often believing those documents will save them

Start Walking for Your Health - at Lunch

By Drs. Kay Judge and Maxine Barish-Wreden
RISMEDIA, April 23, 2008-(MCT)–Last Wednesday was the second annual Start! Walking Day, a campaign developed by the American Heart Association to encourage

How to Avoid Eco-imposters

By Sharon Harvey Rosenberg
RISMEDIA, April 22, 2008-(MCT)-With today being Earth Day, many consumers hope to do their spring cleaning with “green” or nontoxic products. Sometimes, it’s hard to tell the environmentally friendly goods from the eco-pretenders.

Are You the Office Environmental Offender?

RISMEDIA, April 21, 2008-Do you consider yourself environmentally aware? Are you the Chief Recycling Officer of your household? What about at work?

Getaways: Disney for Grown-Ups

By Alan Solomon
RISMEDIA, April 18, 2008-OK, boys and girls, including all you chiffon-wearing princesses-it’s time to go to your rooms and close your eyes and dream of whatever it is little darlings dream about these days.

The Joy of Working with Colors

RISMEDIA, April 19, 2008-(MCT)-Understanding colors really can help in creating awesome gardens. There was something magical about how we got color at the newspaper my family owned when I was growing up. As the pressman made his adjustments-a little more color here, a little less there-he achieved what was known as process color. It seemed […]

The Latest Technique in Travel - Slow Travel

By Chris Welsch
RISMEDIA, April 17, 2008-(MCT)-(Pat Savu, a research chemist at 3M in Maplewood, Minn., says between family obligations and work, her life in the Twin Cities is “frantic.” When she travels, she’s looking for a different pace.

How to Make the Most of ATM Withdrawals

By Marshall Loeb
RISMEDIA, April 16, 2008-(MCT)-At every moment of every day, your bank, your other bank, your brokerage, and your credit card, mortgage and utility companies are recording every single money move you make. But until they come up with personalized

Survey - What is America’s Favorite Book?

RISMEDIA, April 15, 2008-When it comes to reading, we know what genre Americans are reading, but what is Americans’ favorite book? Across all demographic groups the number one book is The Bible. Behind The Bible, the Civil War is still being fought

Bargains for Brave Consumers

By Marshall Loeb
RISMEDIA, April 14, 2008-(MCT)-Let’s say you have some cash on hand, your job (or other source of income) is secure and you love a good bargain. What opportunities might a recession bring?

Getaways: How to Take a Vacation from the Diving Dollar

RISMEDIA, April 11, 2008-(MCT)-Is all the bad economic news leaving you feeling like you need a vacation? Brace for sticker shock. Rising gas prices, airline fuel surcharges and the plunging value of the U.S. dollar are boosting the cost of travel for Americans, just in time for spring break and summer vacation planning.

10 Money Mistakes You Want to Avoid

By Claudia Buck
RISMEDIA, April 10, 2008-(MCT)-April may be the cruelest month, but here are some tips to avoid financial foolery:

Secrets to Success - Tales of the Pizza Delivery Millionaire

RISMEDIA, April 9, 2008-What happens when a pizza delivery driver decides to interview all of the successful people in his area in order to help him decide what he wants to do with his life? He finds direction, an occupation he loves, and the key to financial freedom.

The Outdoors Makes a Better Gym for the Brain

By Julie Deardorff
RISMEDIA, April 8, 2008-(MCT)-It’s no wonder that fitness resolutions tend to fizzle by February. Americans vow to get in shape at the worst possible time of the year, just when miserable weather forces us indoors.

Organizing Tips for a Headache-Free Summer Vacation

RISMEDIA, April 7, 2008-Studies show that Americans are working harder and longer than they ever did before. This places a higher premium on already prized vacation time. But for most, preparing for, going on and coming back from a break can prove

Getaways: North Carolina’s Outer Banks - 100 Miles of History and Fun

By Eric Sharp
RISMEDIA, April 4, 2008-(MCT)-Located at the extreme southern end of the 100-mile chain of islands called the Outer Banks, Ocracoke Island is 15 miles long and rarely more than

3 Easy, Inexpensive Ways to Increase a Home’s Energy Efficiency

RISMEDIA, April 3, 2008-Four out of five people are interested in being “green,” according to a nationwide survey among homeowners. And, nine out of 10 homeowners agree that improving the energy efficiency of their homes is one of the most useful actions to help the environment.

7 Tips for Great Relationships

By Jeff Herring
RISMEDIA, April 2, 2008-In real estate, as in most walks of life, relationships rule. Here are seven tips for highly successful, great relationships.

The Do’s and Don’ts of April Fools’ Day

RISMEDIA, April 1, 2008-(CareerBuilder.com)-April Fools’ Day pranks are nothing new. When done in good taste, they can trigger a laugh or two and lighten up the mood in your office. However, although April Fools’ pranks are rooted in humor, there is a line

3 Ways to Plan Now for a More Rewarding Retirement

By Marshall Loeb
RISMEDIA, March 31, 2008-(MCT)-When you quit working, every day becomes a vacation day. How will you find fulfillment then?

Getaways: Washington State, the Nation’s Other Wine Country

RISMEDIA, March 28, 2008-(MCT)-When hard-charging former Texas Instruments exec Kathy Charlton offered Bordeaux winemaker Benoit Murat a job in her new winery on the Pacific Ocean side of Seattle in 1999, he wondered if she was serious.

5 Tips on Wise Use of Tax Refunds and Rebates

RISMEDIA, March 27, 2008-In most years, more than 75% of American taxpayers receive a federal tax refund, the average of which is $2,500. These refunds, added together with rebates due from the federal income stimulus package, mean that this spring some taxpayers might enjoy a significant windfall.

Do Hybrids Actually Save You Money?

RISMEDIA, March 26, 2008-(MCT)–Gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles get excellent fuel mileage, but do they really save you money? The answer is yes. And no.

If the Airfare is Cheap, Must It Be Tuesday?

By Ellen Creager
RISMEDIA, March 25, 2008-(MCT)-Are airfares really cheaper on Tuesday nights? That was the question I posed a few weeks ago. I asked for reader help in monitoring airfares for a theoretical trip leaving April 1 to any destination.

Calling All Inventors-at-Heart - Wizard Industries Whips New Inventors into Shape

RISMEDIA, March 24, 2008-There won’t be any yelling, push-ups or obstacle courses, but Billy Carmen, CEO of Wizard Industries, Inc., promises new inventors will walk out of his ‘boot camp’ more prepared to introduce their invention to the world.

Getaways: Traveling Light and on the Cheap

By Linda Zavoral
RISMEDIA, March 21, 2008-(MCT)-We should have known better than to recommend an upscale restaurant to Pauline Frommer-she of the “spend less, see more” philosophy-even if it did showcase fresh California ingredients.

What Does ‘Net Fever’ Cost Your Business?

By Gary T. Pakulski
RISMEDIA, March 20, 2008-(MCT)-Despite studies showing that wagering on March Madness disrupts workplace productivity, there are few signs that employers have acted to foul out the annual tradition.

What Causes Good Wine to Go Bad?

RISMEDIA, March 19, 2008-(MCT)-On the surface the wine tasting at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars was another of those informal yet luxe get-togethers the Napa Valley is famous for, but the intensity with which the winemaker studied my every move underscored the fact some very serious business was afoot.

7 Steps to Getting Your Stimulus Check Sooner

By Marshall Loeb
RISMEDIA, March 18, 2008-(MCT)-The IRS will begin issuing rebate payments in May and will continue to issue them through the end of the year. Although there is little you can do to affect the size of your stimulus check, there are steps you can take to make sure you receive it as soon […]

What to Do When Spring Is in the Air

RISMEDIA, March 17, 2008-When most people think of March, they think of St. Patrick’s Day. But March is more than just a time to celebrate Irish heritage. It is the highly anticipated beginning of spring, and with that comes many reasons to celebrate.

Getaways: A Drive into Miami Will Steal Your Corazón

By Thomas Swick
RISMEDIA, March 14, 2008-(MCT)-It’s time again for my day tour of Miami, since a few things have changed since 1999. On Saturday mornings you can fly (at a legal 65 mph, of course) down I-95.

It’s Prime Time for Office Pools, says Vault

RISMEDIA, March 13, 2008-With the Super Bowl, Oscars, and upcoming March Madness, workplaces across the country are inundated with office betting pools. According to a new Vault.com survey, 58% of employees say they partake in such pools and 77% indicated that their co-workers participate.

5 Choices That Can Help You Live Longer

By Leslie Garcia
RISMEDIA, March 12, 2008-(MCT)-Are you optimistic? Add eight years to your life. Do you have low self-esteem? Alas, subtract four (and, no, we did not add “you loser.” That must have been you). We love info like this, culled from “The Long Life Equation” (Adams Media; $10).

Takin’ It Easy - How to Cut Yourself a Break

RISMEDIA, March 11, 2008-(MCT)-Fitness magazines tend to advocate a similar tack on goal-setting: Tell one or a few trusted souls your plan. That way, you have a support staff, a watchdog group.

Getaways - A Taste of Old Europe and Mexico in Busy Guadalajara

RISMEDIA, March 10, 2008-(MCT)-The butterfly clearly knows about my superstition about small bright signs of good things because she is flitting about in the sunshine pouring into the lush, almost wild garden of this charming 10-room boutique hotel in Guadalajara.

Daylight-Saving Time - Lose an Hour, Gain a Good Night’s Sleep

RISMEDIA, March 7, 2008-SleepBetter.org, an educational sleep resource website, offers studied tips on successfully adjusting to the new sleep schedule imposed by the Daylight-Saving Time shift approaching on March 9, Sunday, at 2 a.m., Americans will turn

How to Protect Yourself From the Flu

By Drs. Kay Judge and Maxine Barish-Wreden
RISMEDIA, March 6, 2008-(MCT)-This year’s flu season was off to a slow start until mid-February when the Centers for Disease Control reported that 44 states had widespread

Judging Luggage By Its Color

Commentary by Lori Borgman
RISMEDIA, March 5, 2008-For a nation of citizens who pride themselves on individuality, it’s hard to figure out why so many of us own black suitcases. It doesn’t matter where we’re going or where we’re from, chances are we’re dragging a wheeled black suitcase behind us.

Cool Weather, Dry Air are Rough on Hands

RISMEDIA, March 4, 2008-(MCT)-Until at least the spring thaw, most of us have to deal with the winter’s chill and the damage it can do to our skin. Particularly on our hands.

Getaways: 10 Great Destinations to See Before it’s Too Late

RISMEDIA, March 3, 2008-(MCT)-That dream vacation-diving along the Great Barrier Reef, skiing in the Swiss Alps-could remain a dream forever if you don’t get a move on.

How Do You Meet New People?

By Judi Light Hopson, Emma H. Hopson, R.N., and Ted Hagen, Ph.D.
RISMEDIA, Feb. 29, 2008-(MCT)-Do you need or want to increase your social network? If so, think about getting involved in some sort of exercise program. It’s easy to meet new people this way.

In the Bag - Reusable Grocery Totes Replacing Paper, Plastic

RISMEDIA, Feb. 28, 2008-(MCT)-Paper or plastic? Neither, thank you. That’s what eco-savvy consumers are saying these days when they go shopping. They’re shunning both in favor of BYOB-bring your own bag.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Maintaining Your Car Battery

RISMEDIA, Feb. 27, 2008-(MCT)-Replacing a car battery can be a hassle so it is important to know how to keep this essential power source in top-notch condition. To help your car battery maintain its peak performance follow these suggestions by CarMax, the nation’s largest retailer of used cars:

10 Ways to Be More Energy Efficient - and Green - in 2008

RISMEDIA, Feb. 26, 2008-”Going green” and “reducing your carbon footprint” are all the rage, but these trendy concepts are nothing new for the Alliance to Save Energy. That’s because you can’t be green without minimizing your energy use; and energy efficiency has always been and remains the quickest, most cost-effective way to use less energy

Getaways: Beaufort Has 18th-Century Seaport Charm

RISMEDIA, Feb. 25, 2008-(MCT)–Once a bustling seaport, Beaufort likes to boast that it’s the third-oldest town in North Carolina, dating from 1709.

Simple Substitutes to Help Save Money while Eating Healthy

RISMEDIA, Feb. 22, 2008-(MCT)-This is the time of year when we turn our thoughts to making our meals more healthful, trying to live up to our resolutions to banish some of the bad stuff from the table.

How to Beat the Seat Cheats

By Marshall Loeb
RISMEDIA, Feb. 21, 2008-(MCT)-Buying tickets for shows, concerts and sporting events online is akin to walking a virtual tightrope, with box offices and authorized companies on one side and ticket scalpers on the other.

How to Plan Spring Break - 4 Ways

RISMEDIA, Feb. 20, 2008-(MCT)-Everyone needs a spring break, right? For the twenties crowd, it can mean partying in Cabo or volunteering in New Orleans. Families will find March opening dates at kid-friendly attractions. The rest of us? Check out these ideas for sophisticated city getaways.

Getaways: Hot Picks for 2008 Overseas Travel

RISMEDIA, Feb. 19, 2008-(MCT)-No matter where you call home, as February drones on, you may be getting that inevitable “I need to get away” itch. To feed your imagination, here are some of this year’s picks for overseas adventures:

Professional Football Finishes First as America’s Favorite Sport

RISMEDIA, Feb. 18, 2008-Each of the major sports has had some image problems recently, but their popularity all remains relatively unchanged since last year. Three in 10 Americans who follow one or more sport (30%) say that professional football is their favorite sport, almost unchanged from last year when 29% said it was their favorite.

Demystifying Wine: The `Big 10′ Grape Varietals

RISMEDIA, Feb. 15, 2008-(MCT)-Italy can pose a challenge to wine lovers who want to move beyond the familiar Chianti, Soave, prosecco and Asti. With 20 regions and some 2,000 wine grape varietals, it’s hard to know where to start. Add to this a four-tiered quality control system that doesn’t always guarantee

Valentine’s Day Survey: Money Still Can’t Buy Love

RISMEDIA, Feb. 14, 2008-Nearly 60% of young U.S. couples surveyed argue over money at least once a month, according to PayPal’s second annual “Can’t Buy Me Love” survey. Meanwhile, issues relating to work and household responsibilities top the list for couples in the UK. In both countries, sex ranked low on the list of couples’ […]

Top 20 Most Romantic Cities in America

RISMEDIA, Feb. 13, 2008-With Valentine’s Day just a day away, Amazon.com, Inc. announced its list of the Top 20 Most Romantic Cities in America. After compiling sales data of romance novels, relationship and sex books since Jan. 1, 2008, on a per capita basis in cities with over 100,000 residents, the top 20 most romantic […]

Are You Guilty? Americans Admit to Sending Themselves Gifts on Valentine’s Day

RISMEDIA, Feb. 12, 2008-If you do not have a Valentine this year, don’t worry-just join the millions of other Americans who will be buying their own gifts on February 14. The flowers that are delivered to the front desk may not be from the significant other. A Bill Me Later/Ipsos Insight survey released today found […]

How to Cook up Oozing Goodness

RISMEDIA, Feb. 11, 2008-(MCT)-Say the words “grilled cheese” to anyone and watch them melt as easily as processed, pasteurized American. It’s the ultimate comfort food that unites young and old. Not only that, it’s in vogue.

2008 Super Bowl Ads Increase Online Integration

RISMEDIA, Feb. 8, 2008-This year’s Super Bowl drew an estimated 97.5 million viewers. With such a captive audience, advertisers strive to create that one commercial that viewers will remember and dub their favorite.

Getaways: Disney World’s Contemporary Resort Lives up to its Name

RISMEDIA, Feb. 7, 2008-(MCT)-Here’s good news for all of us who are still collecting birthdays. You can be 36 years old and as cool as you were at 18 or 20. Walt Disney World’s Contemporary Resort proves it.

How to Woo Valentine’s Day Customers

RISMEDIA, Feb. 6, 2008-As Valentine’s Day quickly approaches, nearly half of U.S. small businesses (46%) anticipate strong holiday sales according to Constant Contact’s 3rd Annual Small Business Valentine’s Day Outlook survey. This represents an increase in optimism for the holiday over last year, when 37% of survey respondents that anticipated strong Valentine’s Day sales.

Leona Helmsley’s Lair to List for $125 Million

By Christina S.N. Lewis
RISMEDIA, Feb. 5, 2008–(The Wall Street Journal Online)–Representatives of the estate of Leona Helmsley have decided to list her Greenwich, Conn., mansion for $125 million, people close to the negotiations said.

Mardi Gras: The ‘Greatest Free Show on Earth’

RISMEDIA, Feb. 4, 2008–New Orleans, Louisiana has long been associated with Mardi GrasÑa time to enjoy life, party and simply have a good time. Whether you are looking forward to the extravagant parades, getting dressed up in costume, or attending a ball, the fun and vibrant mood that takes over New Orleans cannot be escaped.

Super Bowl Fever Sidelines Employees on Monday Morning

RISMEDIA, Feb. 1, 2008-New survey findings suggest that an estimated 1.5 million employees may call in sick to work the day after the Super Bowl. The “Super Bowl Fever Sidelines Employees on Monday Morning” survey of 1,430 adults employed full-time was sponsored by The Workforce InstituteTM at Kronos® Incorporated and conducted online via Harris Interactive.

How to Turn Up the Heat for the Big Game

RISMEDIA, Jan. 31, 2008-(MCT)-You may not have tickets to the Superbowl, but you can relax in front of the TV and enjoy Buffalo chicken wings. The contrasting flavors and temperature-spicy chicken and tangy blue cheese; hot chicken and cold celery-conspire to make this dish a winner.

How the Super Rich Do the Super Bowl

RISMEDIA, Jan. 30, 2008-As you make plans for where to watch the big game and which guacamole recipe to make, do you wonder what the super rich are doing during this mega week filled with celebrity parties and big ticket events? While most of us aren’t readying our private jets or paying thousands of dollars […]

Home Is Where the Heart Is: 5 Reasons to Escape to a Vacation Home

RISMEDIA, Jan. 29, 2008-Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, so you know what that means-it’s time to plan a romantic getaway just for two. Hadn’t even considered it? Perhaps you’d like to jet off to a ski resort for a quiet, snowy weekend…or hit the beach for some playful fun in the sun…or just […]

High Risks Mean High Rewards: Will this Year’s Super Bowl Ads Make the Cut?

RISMEDIA, Jan. 28, 2008-(MCT)-The evolution of the Big Game from, well, a game into a paean to Madison Avenue extravaganza, can be traced through its commercials. The average cost of buying air time for a Super Bowl commercial has gone up more than

A Penny Learned: 6 Ways to Teach Kids Financial Fundamentals

RISMEDIA, Jan. 25, 2008-(MCT)-Kids need early education in finances. Parents, regardless of whether you think New Year’s resolutions are poppycock or not, resolve this year to grow your child into a financially sound adult.

Is Your Messy Desk Worth $10,000?

RISMEDIA, Jan. 24, 2008-That’s the question MyFax, one of the leading Internet fax services, is asking office workers across North America. Rather than chastising people with messy offices or trying to change their ways, MyFax is actually celebrating the clutter with its MyFax Messy Office Contest.

Denzel Washington Shines as America’s Favorite Movie Star

RISMEDIA, Jan. 23, 2008-Whether it was his appearances in “American Gangster” or “The Great Debaters,” Denzel Washington scores the top position as America’s favorite movie star for the second year in a row on The Harris Poll’s annual favorite movie star list. In second place, also for the second year in a row, is Charlie […]

Beer, a Fine Dining Experience Staple

RISMEDIA, Jan. 22, 2008-(MCT)-On a cold night last week, about 40 people squeezed into the Newstead Tower Public House in St. Louis’ Grove neighborhood for a five-course “beer dinner.”

Watching Your Pennies: 5 Keys to Unlock Your Budget

RISMEDIA, Jan. 21, 2008-(MCT)-As simple as it may seem, spending no more than you make isn’t easy. “I think a lot of people don’t understand what they spend their money on and without knowing that, it’s hard to come up with a budget,” said Cecil McPherron, a shareholder at Wealth Advisors of Colorado.

Is Your Dog America’s Top Dog?

RISMEDIA, Jan. 18, 2008-The American Kennel Club® announced the “Top 10″ most popular AKC® registered breeds for 2007. Their nationwide registration statistics revealed that the Bulldog - a popular sporting mascot and one of the most recognizable and iconic purebred dogs - has muscled its way into the 10th spot

Does a Wine’s Price Tag Affect Its Taste?

RISMEDIA, Jan. 19, 2008-The old adage that you get what you pay for really is true when it comes to that most ephemeral of products: bottled wine. According to researchers at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and the California Institute of Technology, if a person is told he or she is tasting two different […]

Wanted: Healthy Employees

RISMEDIA, Jan. 17, 2008-(MCT)-Businesses are looking at ways to increase productivity and save some money on the rising costs of health insurance premiums. Employers have offered gym memberships, paid for smoking-cessation classes and stocked apples in vending machines. Health-conscious workers exercised and gave thanks.

How to Find the Best Airfares in a Travel Jungle

RISMEDIA, Jan. 16, 2008-(MCT)-What’s your trick for finding low airfares? Do you scour the online discount fare finders first? Book Web-only specials directly from a carrier’s site well in advance? Or gamble by naming your price for extra savings through Priceline.com?

Top 8 Restaurant Menu Trends for 2008

RISMEDIA, Jan. 15, 2008-When dining out, be sure not to fill up on bread and butter. Mintel Menu Insights, a national restaurant-tracking service, has identified eight exciting trends sure to transform the American menu in 2008. Shaking and stirring everything from fine dining to fast food, these menu changes are sure to satisfy appetites, taste […]

Top 5 To-Do’s That Make Recruiting Easier

RISMEDIA, Jan. 14, 2008–The fact is recruiting is not something that should be left until the very last minute, leaving you scrambling to fill an opening. Instead, be proactive and prepare your recruiting strategy now for when your hiring needs arise in the future.

Do You Watch Your Language at Work?

RISMEDIA, Jan. 11, 2008-Despite the ready availability of free spelling and grammar checkers, 60% of all business correspondence still gets sent containing one or more grammar or spelling errors, according to the results of a study released by WhiteSmoke.

Top 10 Qualities of a Good Boss

RISMEDIA, Jan. 10, 2008-Heads-up, bosses! According to Yahoo! HotJobs’ annual job satisfaction survey, 72 percent of employees are open to a new career opportunity in 2008, and you might be the reason. More than four out of 10 employees (43 percent) blame either dislike of their boss’ management style or lack of mentorship at their […]

‘Subprime’ Voted 2007 Word of the Year

RISMEDIA, Jan. 9, 2008-While many may think that the word “subprime” is a commonly used word exclusively in the real estate industry and for those looking to buy, the Dialect Society recently proved otherwise, voting “subprime” as the Word of the Year.

Tips for Getting Healthy without the Gym

RISMEDIA, Jan. 8, 2008-(HealthDay News)-Better health in the New Year may top your resolution list, and you don’t even need a gym membership to get there, one expert says.

How Graceland Celebrates the King’s Birthday

RISMEDIA, Jan. 7, 2008-While Tuesday, January 8 is Elvis Presley’s true birth date, Graceland celebrated “the King” over the weekend with festivities of all sorts.
Presley is best known as an American singer, musician and actor-often referred to as “The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll”, or simply “The King.”

New Year’s Resolution: What the Checkout Can Do for Your Diet

RISMEDIA, Jan. 4, 2008-Looking to shed a few pounds in the New Year? The average American woman could lose up to 4.1 pounds a year simply from resisting the urge to purchase impulse items such as chocolate candies, chips, and soda once they are in the checkout line, according to a new study from IHL […]

Leading Democratic Presidential Candidates More Desirable Neighbors Than Republicans

RISMEDIA, Jan. 3, 2008-As the Presidential primary season gets under way, a new poll reveals which candidates U.S. adults view as the most desired neighbors. Whether it’s in the White House or the house next door, Democratic candidates are in a dead heat and are preferred neighbors over Republicans, according to a survey(i) of 2,228 […]

Five Gadgets to Say out with the Old, in with the New

RISMEDIA, Jan. 2, 2008-While the advent of the iPhone seemed to be the “end-all” as far as technologies were concerned for 2007, there are other electronics making their debut that have been making the lives of professionals both a little easier and not to mention, fun.