To Sleep In or Not to Sleep In?

Scientific studies in the past have supported the common knowledge that sleeping in on the weekend will just make it that much more difficult to get up on time for work or school. However, a new scientific study seems to actually give credence to the urge most of us have to use the weekend as a chance to catch up for insufficient sleep during the week.

A study published in the journal Sleep indicated that catching up on sleep during the weekend can in fact help to restore your normal performance levels for the week to come. Getting enough sleep is what’s most important, rather than precisely what sleep routine is used. “The bottom line,” stated Dr. David Dinges, chief of the Division of Sleep and Chronobiology at the University of Pennsylvania, “is that adequate recovery is important for coping with the effects of chronic sleep restriction on the brain.”

So here’s to a great weekend sleep!

The Numerous Benefits of Cranberries

CranberryCranberries are tiny fruits with enormous benefits. Most people are familiar with these sweet red berries, but are unaware of how healthy they really are.

First of all, cranberries are rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants, which strengthen the immune system, as well as prevent problems in the cardiovascular system and possibly even cancer. The proanthocyanidin minerals in cranberries cleanse the urinary tract, digestive and reproductive systems from waste and harmful bacteria, minimizing the risk of infections. There is also a theory that the quinic acid in the fruit can also prevent the formation of kidney stones.  Last, but not least, cranberry juice is incredibly healthy for teeth and gums. It keeps the mouth free of plaque-causing bacteria in a natural way.

Cranberry juice is a sweet, delicious drink that most children enjoy. Try serving it at meals instead of carbonated drinks or even other juices, especially during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season, to ensure that your children reap the incomparable benefits of cranberries.

Green Technology You Can Use

“Going Green” is the catchword of the times. But even with the best of intentions, many people are not sure how to actually integrate green technology and good environmental habits into their homes and daily lives. To help you help the planet, we’ve brought you a few recommendations on how to make your house more green.
1. Buy Green Appliances: Your refrigerator can be any color you want – but check whether it has the “Energy Star” logo. Such appliances use between ten and fifty percent less energy and water than their non-environmentally friendly counterparts. Since the fridge is one of the biggest users of energy in the home, an efficient one can really help you cut down on your electricity bill as well.
2. Keep Cool: Nearly half the energy consumed in the home is due to heating and cooling. So keep it a bit cooler in winter and hotter in the summer and you’ll save both energy and money. A programmable thermostat can do this for you automatically. Continue reading Green Technology You Can Use

Mac Takes Over From Microsoft?

If you can remember all the way back to the year 2007, you might recall that the dominant operating system in the United States was what the omnipresent and all powerful Microsoft mega-company was offering. Then the universe changed and Apple set their iPhone loose on the market. Now Apple’s ubiquitous smartphone commands the vast majority of sales with Microsoft’s Windows Mobile operating system dragging behind miserably at about 3% of market share.

You have to hand it to Microsoft. They are bravely beginning their fight back up the market-share ladder with their latest and greatest smartphones using Windows Phone 7 software. These endowed phones went on sale first thing on Monday at AT&T stores throughout the country, including the HTC Surround and Samsung Focus. Continue reading Mac Takes Over From Microsoft?