Tuna Sushi lovers are putting their health at risk, according to a New York Times sample study. The Times bought Tuna Sushi from several restaurants and stores around New York City and had it analyzed by a laboratory. The results yielded levels of mercury so hight that the Food and Drug Administration could take legal action to remove the fish from the market. High Mercury levels are particularly dangerous for children and pregnant women, but recent studies suggest they may also increase the risk for cardiovascular and neurological problems in healthy adults.  read more »

If you are under 50 and experiencing great pressure from your work, you are two thirds more likely to suffer from heart disease than individuals who don't experience high pressure, according to a new study by researchers at University College London. The study found that stressed workers seem to have a weaker nervous system controlling their heart. This system regulates the tone and rhythm of the heart.

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It is estimated that 86 billion plastic bags are used by Americans each year. According to environmental organizations these bags end up entangled in the stomachs of whales and sea turtles or buried in landfills where they last for 1,000 years. New York City council has just enacted the most broad measure to minimize the environmental impact of these bags.  read more »

How would people react if given the means to closely monitor and adjust their electricity? The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory of the Energy Department suggested that if consumers were given digital tools to set temperatures and price preferences, the peak loads on utility grids could save up to 15% a year. The results of the experiment even surprised the Energy Department. How did the consumers react when given the choice between comfort and cost? How much could this save over a long period of time?  read more »

I met with my girlfriend Fern this past weekend and learned about this important new initiative to get back to drinking tap water. Fern is the publicist for this venture and is clearly getting some wonderful traction. Please read the below press release and learn what a difference this small action can make to the environment.

“A Think Global, Drink Local” initiative created to brand tap water-- conceived and launched by agency veterans Mark DiMassimo and Eric Yaverbaum-- continues its meteoric rise in interest and education  read more »

What is more important national security or protecting marine life? That seems to be the conflict between the Navy and environmentalists over the naval use of sonar off the California coast. Whales and dolphins exhibit disoriented and frantic behaviors during the navy's sonar training exercises. Judge Florence-Marie Cooper ordered the Navy to implement strict new safeguard to protect marine mammals by limiting their exercises to 12 nautical miles from shore. The navy is considering an appeal.  read more »

Ronit,

When it comes to family, friends and acquaintances I find myself not always sure about the purpose of relationships. Should relations be goal oriented or does that interfere with being. Simply what is the purpose of relationships? I have my own thoughts but feel I can improve and want to hear yours to get grounded and release social distortion.

Jodan

Jodan  read more »

As year end bonuses and raises make their rounds it may be worth taking a look at this study which showed bonuses had a much stronger effect than raises. A 1 percent raise boosts performance about 2 percent while the same amount as a bonus could improve performance by up to 19 percent.  read more »

Ronit,

Exactly how and why do people get burned out. I know people can get fed up with something over time but some jobs make people physically ill, or even mentally ill. About 10 years ago I got sick for a month after working at a job for over a year. It was a great job and I enjoyed it even though it was a lot of work. Since around then though, I've noticed that I just can't handle stress the way I used to. I am wondering if I really did get burned out. If so I never saw it coming. Is that possible?

Jerry

Dear Jerry,  read more »

A recent study follow 10 - 12 year olds and found that, while they expose themselves to risk as many parents may fear, children take a very active role in managing their exposure to risk in regards to their own actions and by setting rules and limitations in regards to activities with other children.

The University of Warwick and the Research Unit for General Practice in Copenhagen conducted a study that observed children for 8 months in their school, after-school, and in their neighborhood when in the absence of parents.  read more »