How To Understand People

Leonardo DiCaprio won his first Oscar at the Academy Awards last night for his role as a bearded frontiersman in "The Revenant." Many Leo fans are breathing a sigh of relief.  Over the years, DiCaprio nabbed Academy Award nominations for his stirring roles in What's Eating Gilbert Grape, The Aviator, Blood Diamond, and The Wolf of Wall Street, only to walk away empty-handed each time. But the 41-year old actor, who was catapulted to stardom as Jack Dawson in Titanic, finally ended his slump yesterday. In addition to Titanic, he has starred in a slew of fantastic movies he received no nominations for, including The Man in the Iron Mask, The Departed, Catch Me If You Can, and Gangs of New York. In his heartfelt acceptance speech, he tipped his hat to mentor Martin Scorsese and implored people to join the effort to combat climate change. Did you catch the Oscars last night? What's your all-time favorite Leonardo DiCaprio movie?

Have you noticed that our gut hardly -- if ever -- fails us? It's when I have opted to go against my better instincts that I've ended up regretting decisions. That's not to say our gut will never lead us astray, but that seldom happens. The reason why we should listen to our gut feelings is simply because no one knows us better than we know ourselves. Whenever I am prodded by other people to do something that goes against my very nature -- take a different route to the mall, drink a different kind of beer, try my hand at a new game -- something goes wrong. That's partly the reason I am resistant to change -- and to others' efforts to get me to do something I may not feel comfortable with. I have an acute sense of what I like and don't like, and it's only become sharper with age. I'm sure many of you feel the same way. I'm in no way insinuating that you should always object to trying out new things and experiences. But human beings are g...

This is an easy one to answer, at least for me. Anything that isn't intellectually stimulating tends to bore me, with exception to comedy movies and animals. Talk to me about the presidential election and I'm fully engaged. Talk to me about your neighbor's boss's husband's new lawnmower, and you'll have me zoning out in no time. Whether you call it small talk or chit chat, it's anathema to people like me with a perpetual thirst for knowledge. I often find greater company in a book or documentary. At least those things teach you something . What comes out of most people's mouths nowadays is mostly nonsense, or empty talk. I know that small talk is the name of the game in Corporate America, and one has no choice but to play along if they wish to keep their job. I do so rather grudgingly. So what am I trying to say?  That with exception to certain individuals, I find the vast majority of people I come across to be, well, boring. As I've stat...

Going through a funk right now in your life? Don't fret -- we've all been there. The beauty of it all is that we can always start anew the next day. Each day is a clean slate -- it gives us the opportunity to cancel out whatever hardship we confronted the day before and work toward reversing our fortunes. With a positive mindset, it can happen. Tomorrow offers limitless possibilities. I remember sinking into a deep depression during the throes of the Great Recession in 2008. News of widespread layoffs dominated the headlines, and I found myself hard-pressed to even find good jobs to apply for.  But I never gave up. Rather, I constantly reminded myself that tomorrow could be better. The promise of a better tomorrow was my glimmer of hope -- my light at the end of a seemingly endless tunnel. And indeed, after much hard work and persistence, I wound up getting a job. Each day offers a fresh opportunity to rewrite your life's story. Just because things aren't...

Many people fear that Donald Trump has forever changed the political landscape in America -- and not in a good way. Yes, more people are turning out to vote in primaries and caucuses. But the fact that this brash and unfiltered real estate magnate and entertainer is dominating in the polls sends a clear message: That anyone who wants to effect change can run for office. Hip hop artist and producer Kanye West has already declared his intention to run in 2020. We can only imagine how many other singers, actors, and others from outside the realm of politics will follow suit. As we're seeing in this heated election season, Donald Trump is playing to people's emotions quite effectively. He's capitalizing on their hopelessness and promising to make a host of sweeping changes to "make America great again"  -- all while remaining thin on specific details. Many voters find themselves skeptical given his inability to provide concrete plans -- something that senators...

We all know about the myriad benefits of exercise, from helping us lose weight to lowering our blood pressure. A recent study in the journal  Psychosomatic Medicine finds that it also helps adults with high-anxiety sensitivity -- or fear of anxiety and related sensations like sweating, dizziness, or a racing heart -- quit smoking. By reducing anxiety sensitivity and depressive symptoms, exercise makes it twice as likely that these individuals will kick their smoking habit. I always encourage my friends and loved ones to exercise -- and with good reason. The benefits go way beyond the physical. When I go to the gym, put on my headphones, and blast the music while on the treadmill or elliptical, I feel fantastic. Not only does it melt away my worries, but it puts me in a good mood -- and I feel more energized (not less so, as contradictory as that may seem) once I get home. If you're not big on exercising, I recommend that you put in at least a couple of hours a week. (I aim to h...

If you didn't watch last night's Republican presidential debate, you missed a doozy. Senators Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz came out swinging like boxers on a mission, challenging Trump on everything from his reluctance to release his tax returns to lawsuits and his traditionally left-leaning views on abortion. At times it felt like a 2-on-1 affair. Unfortunately, Cruz and Rubio may have awoken from their slumber a tad too late. It's jarring that it took these men ten debates to finally stick it to Trump. The fact of the matter is that, like many political pundits, the candidates (with the exception of Jeb Bush, who recently exited the race) underestimated Trump. They figured he would fizzle out eventually, so they never took his candidacy seriously -- that is, until he started racking up victories in the primaries and caucuses. Now they're trying to do anything they can to slow his momentum, but polls have him with sizeable leads in many of the states up for grabs o...

A recent study found that 40% of millennials prefer not eating cereal if it means having to clean up after eating it. Such respondents say they'd rather pick up a smoothie or protein bar instead. Now, I know this doesn't apply to everyone -- some of us are very diligent about washing the dishes, even if it's the last thing we want to do in the morning or evening. (I'm that way myself.) But those who do fall into this group seem awfully spoiled or lazy, if you ask me. Seriously -- how long could it possibly take to wash a bowl thoroughly? I'd say it can be done in 10-15 seconds, if that. Technology has made things so easy for people that many just don't want to lift a finger anymore. I suppose they care more about wasting time on their smartphones than being a responsible adult. And the worst part about it is that many people don't "outgrow" this. Many of these millennials will merely rely on their partners to wash the dishes for them. And o...

A beautiful person doesn't need to have great hair, gorgeous eyes, or a ravishing body. A beautiful person isn't necessarily the smartest or most self-confident of the bunch. While these attributes certainly enhance the overall appeal of a person, they don't make him or her beautiful . What truly makes someone beautiful is their inside . Beauty is only skin deep. I know there has to be some level of physical attraction, but society makes it out to be far more important than it should be. When you meet someone, ask yourself these questions: Do I see myself being with this person for the rest of my life?  Do I see myself remaining with this person even in our later years, when his or her good looks begin to fade?  (Remember, yours will too.) If you truly prioritize finding someone with a great heart above all else, the answers to the above questions should be no-brainers. A beautiful person puts others before oneself, remains positive under even the...

For all their lies and unscrupulous behavior, politicians have one thing going for them: They can give kick-ass speeches and are quick on their feet during interviews and debates. Some of the questions asked of the candidates are pretty tough, and with good reason. We want to elect the person who's best suited to be commander-in-chief. And when asked to address criticisms leveled at them, they sure as hell better have a good, quick answer. In order to do this, they have to demonstrate a firm understanding of the Constitution, not to mention deep knowledge of laws, policies, and their opponents' positions. Their experience in law and public office have no doubt prepared them for the national spotlight. They're also expected to project confidence before a live audience and with millions more tuning in via television, radio, and the internet. Needless to say, the whole world is scrutinizing your every word. As much as we may disagree with what these people have to sa...

Have you ever noticed that the words "listen" and "silent" are spelled with the same exact letters? It's fitting that they'd be composed of the same letters considering that you need to remain silent -- if momentarily -- in order to listen to others. Alas, there are far too many Donald Trumps in the world who run their mouths but never stop to listen to what others have to say. If more people stopped and listened, there would be far less conflict in the world. You can be self-confident without being strident and brash. You can get your point across without interrupting others. I've advocated for standing up for oneself, but never have I said that you need to be loud and obnoxious to achieve this. I wish that people would leave their egos at the door and understand that communication is a two-way street. A conversation where one person is hardly allowed to talk isn't much of a conversation at all. Remember the saying "Do unto others as ...

It's Tuesday morning and I feel tired. Tired and lazy, to be more precise. But why is it that I feel this way if it's only Tuesday? I should feel more energetic given that the week has only just begun. Oh, now I remember... This past weekend, I did so many things that I couldn't possibly remember all of them -- from visiting my mom to going shopping to hanging out with friends to attending my sister's birthday dinner. (I know I missed a couple...) We have a tendency to cram so many things into our weekend itineraries -- after all, it's usually the only time people who work full-time have to run their errands -- that we fail to leave some time for much-needed rest and relaxation. That leaves us feeling awfully tired as we enter the new work week. When I'm tired, I get lethargic, and that translates into an unproductive worker. Usually, I make it a priority of mine to spend at least a few hours on Saturday and Sunday taking a breather. And you should t...

Curly haired women wish they had smooth, silky hair. Balding men just wish they had more of it, no matter the texture. Women want bigger purses and more shoes. Men desire bigger houses and cars. Short people wish they could be taller and heavy people would do anything to look like their thin neighbors. As you can see, we are in a constant state of yearning. Very rarely do we just settle for what we have and call it a day. No, we constantly strive to achieve or obtain things -- and the more out of reach they seem, the more desirable they are to us. There's nothing wrong with bettering yourself. If you've worked hard to earn your money, you should be able to get hair transplants, luxurious cars, or whatever else you're aiming for. I always warn people, however, against becoming too focused on what they don't have versus what they already do. We must keep things in perspective. No matter how much money we have, we're never going to get every single thing we...

On this day in 1732, the future father of the United States was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia. Below are a few interesting facts you may not know about Washington (1732-1799). Washington adopted his wife's son and daughter from her previous marriage. He never fathered children of his own. He lost more battles than he won throughout his military career. Contrary to popular belief, he never had wooden teeth, though he did wear a series of dentures made from metal and cow or hippopotamus bone. He was known for his quiet confidence. Others felt he had an uncanny ability to remain cool under pressure. He loved cricket, fox-hunting, and dancing. After leaving office, he started what became the largest whiskey distillery in the new nation. The love of his life was not Martha Washington, but Sally Fairfax, the wife of his friend George. In a letter he wrote to her toward the end of his life, he confessed that his moments with her had been the happiest of his life.  Wash...

I know several people who are well into their 30s and down in the dumps about their seemingly endless quest to find true love. But what I've also noticed is that they hold a very low opinion of themselves . Their low self-esteem has led to an acute sense of despondency in their lives. If they don't love themselves, how can they expect to love someone else? As I've stated in prior entries, you should never view a partner as completing your life. Only you can make your like whole. Once you've achieved that, a partner serves to complement or enhance it. Saying that your life is complete only with a partner is putting undue pressure on him or her to fill a void that you yourself -- and no one else -- should fill. Many relationships fail because one person feels the other falls short of his expectations. The individual may not realize, however, that the root of the problem lies not with the partner, but with himself: he might not be living up to his own expectation...

One of the most cowardly things a person can do is to talk smack behind someone's back . Unfortunately, this has become all too common in virtually any context we can think of -- work, school, even at home. Let's stop for a moment and consider why someone might want to badmouth someone behind his or her back. In most cases, it's because the person is upset with or envious of the individual and wants to find a way to stick it to them without having an actual confrontation. Thus begin rumors and a lot of he-said-she-said, putting those in the middle -- the ones made to listen to the remarks in secret -- in a tough situation. Truthfully, talking behind someone's back has a juvenile quality to it. Why not act like adults and talk face to face? When people's emotions get the best of them, they can act callously. Most people like drama to some degree -- otherwise, reality shows ranging from The Kardashians to The Real Housewives wouldn't have such a big fol...

Your career choice shouldn't be predicated solely on earning potential. While money is important, it means little if you're going to be miserable. I started college as an accounting major. While few other career paths are nearly as lucrative and stable, I just couldn't see myself crunching numbers for the rest of my life. I switched to marketing, which wound up being a much better fit. Many factors beyond money merit consideration, like opportunities for growth, number of hours required, stress, and, most important, whether one actually likes the work. You don't have to be ardently passionate about what you do. After all, you're there to work -- not to have fun. However, your work should be tolerable; if anything, you should enjoy it at least a little. We spend most of our waking hours in the office. Doing something you detest for 40 or more hours a week translates to pure agony -- at least it would for me. One other important factor to consider: Do you su...

I've noticed that people generally good at practicing reciprocity -- the act of giving back the same treatment that someone has given you, whether it's good or bad. If you give someone a gift for his birthday, he'll likely give you one once your birthday rolls around. If you give him nothing, it's probably best not to expect anything in return. Very rarely do people give without first getting something themselves. More often that not, acts of kindness are rooted in those that came prior. It's a "you do, I do" dynamic. It's almost like playing tag. The same goes for negative behavior. If someone does something to upset you, your first instinct is to do the same to them. In reality, though, the best relationships are those where you do someone nice for someone else and expect nothing in return . They'll felt a sense of duty to return the favor, though, because we don't want to create the perception that we're unappreciative or taking...

I'll be the first one to admit that sometimes I have a tendency to dwell on the negative. I harp on what could go wrong instead of what could go right. It's this kind of mindset that often leads to failure and disappointment. But why should we be pessimistic at all? In the grand scheme of things, it does us little good. In fact, negativity is known to induce depression, lack of self esteem, and other negative outcomes. The best thing you can do is harness that negative energy and turn it into something positive. Go to the gym and enjoy a vigorous workout. Blast the music loudly. Look at pictures of baby animals. Do whatever brings a smile to your face, all while telling yourself "I can do it. I will get through this. I will prevail." Teddy Roosevelt, the 26th president of the United States, once quipped, "Believe you can and you're halfway there." I think negativity begins to set in once we feel we're no longer in control of our lives. But it d...

Maybe you're the quintessential book nerd like me. Or an avid painter. Or a fervent coin collector. Maybe you're a germophobe, teetotaler (i.e., you never drink alcohol), or obsessive Dodgers fan. There's something about you that likely sets you apart from everyone. That's a good thing, right? Well, not to all people. As I have emphasized on this blog before, when someone is a little different from everyone else in the pack, it tends to make certain people a little uncomfortable. So uncomfortable, in fact, that they might try to change you. For example, you might be a hardcore baseball fan, but the vast majority of people are into football. Your friends may try to dismiss baseball as boring and attempt to convert you into a fan of the pigskin. If you find yourself in a similar situation, do not -- I repeat, do not -- cave! People ought to mind their own business and respect the unique tastes and preferences of others. If you've given football a try and...

The last thing you should tolerate from anyone is disrespect. Even if you're at fault, it doesn't give someone the right to disparage you. Part of being an adult is talking civilly with others. In order to earn people's respect, you need to stand up for yourself, or else you'll continue to fall victim to their insolence. This applies to everyone in our lives -- strangers, friends, co-workers, partners, even children. I'm in no way suggesting that you return in kind the impertinent behavior. By berating the individual, you're simply stooping down to his or her level. Rather, we should speak tactfully, if forcefully. It's not always easy to reach that fine line, but we can get there with ample practice. All of us are deserving of others' respect. If we make a mistake, we have no choice but to deal with the consequences. However, that does not entitle someone to denigrate us, let alone in public or around friends and family. If the other person is t...

Do you find it more attractive when a man wears loose-fitting clothing or fitted clothes? Personally, I think men (myself included) look sharper in fitted clothing, so long as it doesn't look too tight on them. The other extreme is equally unprepossessing, however. For example, if their shorts or pants are so big on them that they're forced to pull them up constantly, that's unattractive. Clothing should fit comfortably. That means they should neither be too loose nor too tight. When we gain or lose a considerable amount of weight, the clothing we wore just a month ago might start to look awkward on us. That's why it's important we stay attuned to how our clothes fits on us given our weight fluctuations. Ladies, do you prefer to see men in loose or fitted clothing?

If you plan to vote for either Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton in the general election -- assuming each nabs their respective party's nomination -- you'll be glad to know that a new CNN/ORC poll shows they have comfortable leads among those likely to vote in the Palmetto State's primaries. In the Republican race, Trump has a commanding lead at 38%, followed by Ted Cruz with 22%, Marco Rubio with 14%, Jeb Bush at 10%, and Ben Carson and John Kasich trailing in the single digits. In the Democratic contest, Hillary Clinton has 56% while Bernie Sanders garners 38%, a considerable difference of 18 points. Trump's lead is fueled by widespread perceptions of him as the candidate best equipped to manage the still-feeble economy, foreign policy, and ISIS. They also feel he has the best chance to win in November and would be most likely to effect the changes in Washington so many voters are clamoring for. Clinton's lead comes largely on the strength of support she's...

Far too many of us depend on our partner, friends, and relatives to break out of the boredom that comes over us day in and day out. But why? I'm not saying you can't look to these people occasionally, but really...with all there is to do in the world -- from books to blogging to Netflix to skydiving -- why do so many of us make fun and leisure, in all its incarnations, out to be a shared experience? I think certain activities and sports like bowling and basketball are indeed more enjoyable when more people are involved. However, some have taken this to a whole new level. They refuse to go to the gym or watch a movie unless someone accompanies them. It's as if they can't even enjoy a simple workout unless someone else is on hand. It's either that, or flat-out laziness. Some of us can't be bothered to move a muscle unless someone else is there to provide a nudge. This happens quite frequently in relationships: one partner will rely on the other to get thin...

What an eventful couple of days! Oddly enough, Valentine's Day fell on a Sunday this year. Even weirder. I think, is the fact that the Grammys are today -- on a Monday, no less! I suppose the awards show was pushed to today because the top brass at the network feared it would pull low ratings if aired on Valentine's Day. After all, staying holed up at home watching the Grammys hardly makes for a romantic evening, right? And some of us were fortunate enough not to have to work today, which happens to be Presidents Day. What you might not know is that the actual federal holiday is called "Washington's Birthday," after the nation's first president, George Washington. Washington and Abraham Lincoln have birthdays in February, and Presidents Day was coined as a way of honoring all commanders-in-chief. Though most people pay no mind Presidents Day, I can certainly appreciate the occasion given my interest in presidential history. What's more, I think it shou...

The worst movies, hands down, are those that fail to illicit a reaction in you. You couldn't care less what happens to anyone in the film, even the central character. An hour or less into it, you're yearning for it to end and wish you could get that time back. Such was the case over the weekend when, at a friend's behest, I watched "Man of Steel." Since we plan to watch "Batman v Superman" together, which is slated for a March 25 release in the U.S., he thought it imperative that I watch this one first in order to get some background on the origins of Superman. The movie was completely devoid of any plot or character development. It was laden with special effects, yes, but I had a hard time grasping what was going on and why characters were doing certain things at different points. Special effects are certainly neat, and they help enhance a movie. But to me, at least, they are no substitute for a trite script and lousy acting. I was expecting the m...

Here's an interesting story making the rounds on the internet: a woman named Ashley Graham became the first size-16 model to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated's swimsuit issue. What struck me when I Googled the busty Graham is that she looks pretty average-looking as far as size goes. That they would label her "plus-size" is beyond ridiculous. To me, she looks healthy. If a woman with her physique were spotted on the street, I seriously doubt she'd be deemed a big girl, at least not by the vast majority of onlookers. But, of course, the standards are different in the world of entertainment. I'm glad to see that the bony, emaciated look is finally beginning to lose its appeal. Let's not forget that, a few centuries back, plump women were actually considered more physically attractive than their skinnier peers. How did things change so radically? While I believe thin will always be "in," it's apparent that having a little more meat on...

When you hear the phrase "Founding Fathers," the phrase commonly used to describe the cadre of brilliant politicians and statesmen who played a pivotal role in securing American independence and building a new nation, whom comes to mind? Many people will automatically throw out names like George Washington, the first U.S. president; Thomas Jefferson, who most know as the author of the Declaration of Independence; and Benjamin Franklin, renowned for his long hair, bifocals, and myriad inventions.  But few people know much about Alexander Hamilton beyond the fact that he appears on the $10 bill, if that.  To be honest, I knew little of Hamilton until reading a special issue of TIME magazine titled "Alexander Hamilton: A Founding Father's Visionary Genius -- and His Tragic Fate." I finished it just this morning and gained invaluable insight into the fascinating life of this underrated figure in American history.  In this post, I'd like to share ...

Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia died in his sleep last night at the age of 79. He traveled to Texas for a hunting trip with friends, who say he told them he didn't feel well Friday night. When he didn't get up for breakfast this morning, someone at the West Texas ranch went to check on Scalia and found him unresponsive. Scalia was the first Italian-American and longest-serving justice on the nation's highest court; he served from 1986 until his death. He was a fiery conservative known for his brash personality and biting sense of humor. Though many people disagreed with a lot of what he had to say, there's no denying Scalia held a deep respect for American law and was a champion of the Constitution. Chief Justice John Roberts says he and the other justices are deeply saddened by Scalia's unexpected passing. Scalia, who frequently used the phrase "What can I say," was known as "Nino" by many of his colleagues.

I wear contact lenses roughly 90% of the time. I only wear glasses when I'm watching TV at home, right before going to sleep, or when I'm experiencing an issue with one or both eyes that precludes putting on the lenses, such as an allergic reaction or infection. I've always wondered whether people regard those who wear glasses as smarter. These days, it seems glasses are becoming a fashion statement more than anything else. I've seen countless athletes and celebrities sporting black-framed glasses in recent years. Research suggests people instinctively associate higher intelligence with glasses. In fact, studies show throwing a pair on can actually help you succeed in job interviews. The fact of the matter is that glasses make a person appear bookish. For many people, they might signal that one is nearsighted because they read a lot. A study presented at the 2012 American Academy of Ophthalmology Annual Meeting suggested that myopia (i.e., nearsightedness) was l...

I'll give you a few hints: He was born in 1809 in Hodgenville, Kentucky He grew up a member of a poor family in Kentucky and Indiana He attended school for only one year, but thereafter read on his own in a continual effort to enhance his mind Standing a whopping 6'4," he was a popular wrestler in Illinois  He entertained friends and strangers alike with his folksy wit and sense of humor, which helped him conceal bouts of depression He was quite the animal lover As an adult, he lived in Illinois and performed a slew of jobs before entering politics, including stints as a surveyor, postmaster, surveyor, and shopkeeper He served in the Illinois legislature from 1834 to 1836, and then became an attorney In 1842, he married Mary Todd, with whom he raised four sons He became leader of the new Republican party Known as the Great Emancipator, he signed the Emancipation Proclamation He warned that "a house divided against itself cannot stand" He guided the ...

There are smart people, and then there are confident people. While some people possess both smarts and self-confidence, others may have or exhibit only one of these attributes.  There's no question that politicians like Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, Hillary Clinton, and Barack Obama are bright, self-assured people. Connections notwithstanding, they would otherwise not have made it to the big stage.  Of course, people are at their best when they embody both of these characteristics. You could be the smartest guy in the world, but if you don't make your points with some level of conviction, no one would ever know it. People won't believe what you're saying -- no matter how ground-breaking or erudite -- if you don't sound sure of yourself. At the same time, being gregarious won't get you far unless whatever you're discussing has substance. Spouting off nonsense undercuts any confidence you may bring to the table because, after a while, people will simply w...

If you have the means to buy a new home and are in the market for one, now's the perfect time to do it. Why? The average 30-year fixed rate mortgage dropped this week from 3.72% to 3.65%, its lowest point in 10 months. This makes six consecutive weeks that mortgage rates have dropped. Despite the Federal Reserve's decision to raise interest rates at the end of last year, mortgage rates have continued to slip. Volatility in financial markets fueled by concerns of a global economic slowdown and the falling price of oil have made investors gravitate towards U.S. Treasuries, which has kept rates low for prospective home buyers. Though it was speculated that the rate hike could come in March, Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen said market conditions have become less conducive to growth, which could point to a delay in the Fed's plans to raise the federal funds rate. The average rate on a 15-year fixed rate mortgage also fell to 2.95%, down from 3.01% the previous week....

As tempting as it may be to lie (even when it's those seemingly innocuous white ones), it is always best to refrain from doing so. As soon as someone catches you in a lie, or vice-versa, it raises red flags, let alone a bunch of questions. However serious the lie, the act constitutes a breach of trust.  You begin to ask yourself things like: Why couldn't the person just be sincere? Is he or she a chronic liar? What happens if more serious lies are on the horizon (e.g. cheating, stealing money, etc.) It's better to be forthright with someone than lie and later see it blow up in your face. For example, let's say you accidentally bump into your wife's parked car while you're pulling out of the driveway. Your wife comes back from a business trip and notices a huge dent on her bumper. (Assume it left no visible damage on your car.)  You could be dishonest and say you have no clue as to how it happened. But once your wife puts 2 and 2 together, she ...

Life is really what you make of it. You get out of life what you put in -- plain and simple. If you want to accomplish a goal, only you can propel yourself forward to make it happen. Sure, certain people might lend a helping hand along the way, but they can only do so much. You are the master of your destiny. No one says the path ahead is ever an easy one. In fact, overcoming onerous stumbling blocks is part and parcel of the journey. Whether you're looking to find a job that utilizes your God-given talents or a partner with whom you have great chemistry, your object of desire won't merely fall on your lap. It takes planning, hard work, sacrifice, and, sometimes, a little luck, to get what you want in life. We should remain receptive to opportunities that may come our way, yes, but that doesn't mean we should refrain from seeking them out. Thomas Jefferson once said, "I am a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have....

Every now and then, I search jobs in my industry on sites like Indeed.com, just to get a sense of how many jobs are being created. If my research is any indication, the job market remains sluggish. But you wouldn't know this from the stats reported by major news outlets. Earlier today, CNNMoney reported that America boasted 5.6 million jobs in December, slightly lower than the all-time record of 5.7 jobs set in July. The report adds that the number of job openings now is almost three times the 2.1 million available during July 2009. During the recession, employers could pick and choose employees, as there were few job openings and plenty of available workers. Per outlets like CNN, the tables have mostly turned now: there are ample jobs but a dwindling number of workers. Unemployment dropped to 4.9% in January, the lowest rate in 8 years. Still, I'm just not seeing a glut of jobs available, at least not locally. Perhaps the winds of change have not yet reached every part o...

I think it can be a good or bad thing depending on the situation. For example, if you saw your child or pet about to get hit by a car, that would not be the right time to remain passive. Indeed, certain situations warrant quick action. I tend to remain passive when I am indifferent to whatever is happening around me. For example, some of my coworkers get all worked up over the smallest things, like finding out there are no cups left in the cafeteria, or upon discovering that the holiday lunch will take place at Friday's rather than Chili's. Those kinds of things elicit no reaction in me because, frankly, I don't find them to be a big deal. I think people who react that way to inconsequential events might be given names like "drama queen" or "chit chatter." I run away from such people like the plague. Can't people strive to be a little deeper? If I don't consider something worth gushing over, I'm going to keep my emotions in check -- a...

Several studies suggest that eating spicy foods can increase metabolic rate by increasing temperature. Capsaicin, the compound that lends red chili pepper its potent kick, creates the biggest bump in heat generation, which helps burn more calories immediately after a meal. Ginger and black pepper have been shown to produce similar results. Moreover, studies have shown that on average a meal containing a spicy dish, like a bowl of chili, can temporarily increase metabolism by about 8 percent over a person’s normal rate, an amount considered negligible at best. But besides a slight boost in metabolism, spicy foods may also increase feelings of satiety. One study looked at a group of adult men and found that those who were served hot sauce with appetizers before a meal went on to consume roughly 200 fewer calories at lunch and in later meals than their peers, who did not consume anything with capsaicin. The researchers suggested that capsaicin may function as an appetite suppressant....

On this day in 1693, The College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, received its charter, thereby becoming the second institution of higher learning in the United States (after Harvard University). The original plans for William & Mary stretch back to 1618 -- decades before Harvard -- but were tabled by an "Indian uprising." James Blair traveled to Britain to advocate for a college on behalf of his fellow Virginians. On February 8, 1693, King William III and Queen Mary II of England signed the charter for a "perpetual College of Divinity, Philosophy, Languages, and other good Arts and Sciences" to be founded in the Virginia Colony. Just like that, William & Mary was born. Workers commenced construction on the Sir Christopher Wren Building, then known as the College Building in 1695, before the town of Williamsburg even existed. Over the next two centuries, the Wren Building would catch fire on three separate occasions, each time being re-...

Have you ever stopped and wondered this? Considering there are 7 billion people on this planet, one can only imagine that millions of people are doing the deed at any given moment. That translates to a lot of occupied bedrooms, hotel rooms, and motel rooms, not to mention a plethora of condoms! Whether people are merely having casual sex or trying to make a baby while married is a different matter altogether. It's also likely that sex activity spikes during certain occasions and circumstances, whether it's New Year's Eve or when a hurricane or blizzard strikes a city. And to think that among those millions of people could be people you know, including friends, neighbors, and co-workers. How many people do you estimate are having sex at this very moment?

Super Bowl Sunday is regarded as one of the biggest occasions of the year in the United States. From the barbecues and chicken wings to the ads and much-anticipated halftime show, many people consider it a holiday in its own right, even though it has yet to achieve that status officially. I actually have a friend who always takes the Monday after Super Bowl Sunday off; it just goes to show you just how much alcohol people consume that night. As someone who studied and works in marketing, I can certainly appreciate the appeal of commercials played during the big event. From spots featuring the Budweiser Clydesdales to clever Doritos ads, these ads tend to be funny and worth tuning in for. However, I don't think I've ever watched a football game from start to finish; I've just never been a fan of the sport. (I didn't even know who was playing until the teams were mentioned in a segment on Fox News this morning.) Instead, I have always followed baseball and basketball,...

Now that we're in the thick of the 2016 presidential race, I decided to dig up a few facts on presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton that you might not know. Admittedly, despite being your typical politics nerd, I didn't know any of these myself: According to the National Constitution Center, Hillary Clinton wasn’t interested in politics at a young age. Instead, she aspired to "become a baseball player, a journalist, and an astronaut.”  Clinton was once a Republican, even campaigning for Barry Goldwater in 1964. She switched parties in 1968 and wound up working for Democratic nominee George McGovern in 1972 and Jimmy Carter in 1976. In 1974, Clinton became a member of the presidential impeachment inquiry staff during the Watergate scandal. President Richard Nixon resigned later that year. Clinton is the first presidential spouse to earn a postgraduate degree and the first to be elected to national office. Hillary was the first presidential spo...

When it comes to the stuff we consume, we're usually aware of specific things that are beneficial (salads, fruits) and detrimental (French fries, excessive alcohol) to our health. But there are certain foods out there we may or may not already include in our diet that, unbeknownst to us, can provide a much-needed physical or mental boost. Below are 8 foods that have been scientifically proven to make us happier: 1. Mushrooms: This tasty vegetable is the only plant source of natural vitamin D, and foods that contain this essential vitamins boost serotonin in the brain -- putting you in a better mood. Next time you're making a breakfast omelet or lunchtime salad, remember to throw some mushrooms in! 2. Carbs: Even though we're told to steer clear of carbs, a low-carb diet can make us feel sad and stressed. Carbohydrates increase mood-boosting chemicals in the brain. Of course, the trick is to focus on whole-grain sources, not refined carbohydrates. 3. Turmeric: The ...

Utah state senator Todd Weiler wants Utah to declare pornography a public health crisis. He's introduced new legislation that calls for education, prevention, research, and policy change at the community and societal level in order to tackle what he says is a pornography epidemic that is hurting people in Utah and throughout the U.S. Utah has one of the nation’s highest rates of porn use. Weiler insists that this isn't a veiled attempt at foisting his conservative beliefs on people. He says he simply wishes to raise awareness of the many perils of pornography. In addition to being highly addictive, Weiler asserts it undermines families, strains relationships, and plays a key role in many divorces in Utah. But some people feel pornography isn't as damaging as Weiler is making it out to be. In fact, they say porn is a healthy outlet that can actually infuse excitement into marriages, particularly those that have hit a dry patch in the intimacy department. I think Weiler...

A study finds that couples who spend big bucks on their wedding often end up having shorter-lived marriages than those who have cheaper weddings. For the study, two economics professors surveyed over 3,000 people and found that the more expensive the wedding is, the sooner the couple is likely to divorce. On the other hand, couples who spend less than $1,000 tend to have longer-lasting marriages. An expensive wedding can cause financial strain early in the marriage, leading to tension in the relationship. Not surprisingly, the top predictor of divorce is having arguments over money. Many people (especially women) dream of having a lavish, fairytale-like wedding, but this study shows that doing so could negatively impact the marriage. Though the study doesn't discuss buying expensive rings and paying for an expensive honeymoon, I'm sure those kinds of purchases also have the potential to get the marriage off to a rocky start. I'm happy to say that my wife and I pla...

While some of us may aspire to rise the ranks of our current companies and become VPs or CEOs, others may be thinking about starting our own businesses. What would you say is your top career goal? It's okay not to have an answer to that question at the moment, as many of us are still on a seemingly neverending quest to determine what our true calling is. I know mine is writing, which is precisely why I hope to write a book someday. In the meantime, I aim to continue enhancing and pumping more and more content into this blog while securing writing positions of increasing complexity in my copywriting/editing career (i.e., my day job). And the truth of the matter is that not everyone seeks to be a manager, or is even cut out for it. Some people would rather remain in production-driven roles, where they're truly at their best, than transition into a more strategy-oriented position. And while some people would love to have subordinates, others loathe the thought of people repo...

The other day, I happened across an image someone posted on Facebook with the following caption: "Fat men deal with women's rejection, but fat women expect men to love them for who they are." Interestingly, most people who responded to the image -- men and women alike -- agreed with the statement. I'm not sure I concur, though. For one, I've seen plenty of women paired up with guys noticeably heavier than them. The notion that all women reject big men just isn't true, and we should refrain from promulgating blanket statements like this. What's more, who's to say men don't reject fat women?  One of my friends has vowed never to date -- let alone settle down with -- a fat woman. I know many other guys who echo those very sentiments. I'm happy to say I married a woman who would be considered overweight or voluptuous by today's standards. Since I've never been one to insist on a perfect physique, she and I have had no issues conce...

On this day in 1884, the first portion, or fascicle, of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), widely regarded as the most accurate and comprehensive dictionary of the English language, is published. Today, the OED is the definitive authority on the history, meaning, and pronunciation of more than half a million words, past and present. Plans for the dictionary got underway in 1857 when members of London’s Philological Society, who believed there were no error-free, up-to-date English dictionaries available, chose to produce one that would encompass all vocabulary from the Anglo-Saxon period (1150 A.D.) to the present. Conceived of as a four-volume, 6,400-page work, it was estimated the project would take 10 years to complete. But the 125th and final fascicle wasn't published until April 1928. It boasted 400,000 words and phrases in 10 volumes and was published under the title A New English Dictionary on Historical Principles. Unlike most English dictionaries, which only list pre...