APRIL 2019 VOLUME 10, ISSUE 4 - Graphics and Marketing
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APRIL 2019 VOLUME 10, ISSUE 4
Page 2 • gam|mag • April 2019
inside
Business
2019
April
What Generation Z brings to the marketplace...................................................................................................................... 4
Weather may actually predict illnesses....................................................................................................................................... 4
Customer Service: What to do when your customer lies................................................................................................. 5
Flavor of the Year is a flowery treat............................................................................................................................................... 5
Loudoun’s Awards go to you............................................................................................................................................................. 6
When a company loses an employee the costs add up...................................................................................................... 7
What's wrong with trucking? Fatalities climb as experts debate cause.................................................................... 7
Your Finances
Caution lights for the 2018 tax filer.............................................................................................................................................. 8
How to fund your very own small business start-up.......................................................................................................... 9
USDA loans are not just for buying farms................................................................................................................................ 9
Staying Well
From the night shift to a good day's sleep............................................................................................................................... 10
Have a happier marriage.................................................................................................................................................................... 10
The Adam's apple: What it is and what it does..................................................................................................................... 11
Don't see a chiropractor if you have these conditions...................................................................................................... 11
The best foods for memory, problem solving, brain health.......................................................................................... 11
Stopping migraines before they start.......................................................................................................................................... 12
Items that put on the pounds.......................................................................................................................................................... 12
Scientists recognize the healing power of touch.................................................................................................................. 13
Family-friendly board games to go big into AR................................................................................................................... 13
Health in the News................................................................................................................................................................................ 13
Of Interest
An Easter favorite goes back to Biblical era............................................................................................................................. 14
Is anti-virus software still relevant?.............................................................................................................................................. 14
Easter baskets can always have less candy, more fun.......................................................................................................... 15
A mental error that can keep you in debt................................................................................................................................. 15
Why would you want a salt lamp?................................................................................................................................................. 15
Phone: 703.450.4121
Your gamer kid could make skills pay off................................................................................................................................. 16
Fax: 703.450.5311
Insurance to buy in your 30s............................................................................................................................................................ 16 www.gamweregood.com
Men's fashion: Throwback watches, vests and berets......................................................................................................... 17 gammag@gamweregood.com
Hydrogen cars here, but bumps in road remain................................................................................................................... 17
Bring on those Easter egg battles................................................................................................................................................... 17 gam|mag is our
Earth Day: Energy technology marches on............................................................................................................................. 18 monthly newsletter,
World's vast collection of salt........................................................................................................................................................... 18 combining functionality
Travel greener this year with a few simple changes............................................................................................................. 19 with fresh design.
Secret ingredient in Indian cooking............................................................................................................................................. 19
Whoop it up on Arbor Day, April 26.......................................................................................................................................... 19 Director
Ronnie Price
Senior Living Designer
Write your memoirs for people living 100 years from today....................................................................................... 20
Cutting the cord...................................................................................................................................................................................... 20 Drew Paulas
Putting your life story into print is much easier now....................................................................................................... 21 Copy Editor
Many types of books tell family history.................................................................................................................................... 21 Virginia Grant
Meet Our Gamily
Conrad Coe, Wide Format Specialist.......................................................................................................................................... 22
Photo puzzle: Find the 10 . . . plus a few more........................................................ 23 Follow us @gamweregood
April 2019 • gam|mag • Page 3
BUSINESS NEWS
What Generation Z brings to the marketplace
“Success is not final
and failure is not
fatal. It is the courage
to continue that
counts.”
B orn between the early '90s and 2010, the
first waves of Generation Z are either
working or seeking a job now. According
to the consulting firm BridgeWorks, Gen Z
accounts for more than 60 million persons in
More than any other generation, it's
indisputable that to Gen Z'ers, technology
is a way of life. They've lived in a world of
smartphones and free Wi-Fi for as long as
they can remember, and nine of every 10 have
Winston Churchill, the U.S. – already more than Gen X and two- some digital footprint.
former British thirds the volume of baby boomers. No wonder that switching among devices
Prime Minister What do the Gen Z'ers bring to today's comes naturally to Gen Z'ers. They may begin
workforce? Lots of people are speculating on a task in the morning, work on it later on
that very question. According to Forbes, Gen their smartphone, then complete it on their
Z'ers want to make money. They're pragmatic, laptop after dinner while watching some TV.
competitive and continually refining new Gen Zer's are profoundly entrepreneurial.
skills to stay relevant. Instead of working with More than 70 percent of today's high school
a team, they would rather manage their own students say they want to start a business.
projects to showcase their skills and abilities.
More Gen Z'ers are passing on college Weather may actually
now and moving directly into the workplace. predict illnesses
According to a Pew Research study, more
That old saw that a change in the weather
than 75 percent of them didn't consider
means a change in your health, could
college the only path to a strong education
actually be true, according to a recent
and chose to go to work without delay.
study by Swedish researchers. The study
Acknowledging their caution, focus on found that flu outbreaks occur about a
security, privacy and sensible careers, Gen week after the first cold spell of winter.
Z'ers begin to reflect less the brash millennials They speculate that airborne particles
and more their grandparents, writes containing the flu virus can spread more
economist Neal Howe, co-author of more easily in cold, dry weather.
than a dozen books about generations.
Page 4 • gam|mag • April 2019
BUSINESS NEWS
Customer Service: What to do when 'Flavor of theYear'
your customer lies is a flowery treat
T he customer says the pizza tastes
bad, but the customer ate half of
it. The shopper asks a refund for a
shirt that has clearly been worn and
worn out. The caller says the gadget he
Perhaps you have hibiscus in your
garden this year . . . but have you eaten
any lately? Not the flower, per se, but
anything hibiscus-flavored.
If not, you are lagging
bought was broken on arrival. It has
behind on a 2019 food
been six months!
trend. According to
Firmenich, the world's
“That means treating even the largest privately owned
unlikely complaint with respect fragrance and flavor
and professionalism.” company, hibiscus is
the flavor of the year
In small business, when you're for 2019, "based on
running close to the margin, customers the growing appeal
who want your product for free are not only annoying but also expensive. of florals in food and
How should you treat this situation? drink, and the trend
Give them the benefit of the doubt, says CXService360. Small business has towards curiosity in
a huge investment of time and money in each customer. You generally want consumption." It is
to keep the customer, if there is any chance the customer is telling the truth. natural, floral, and
Customers return to a company where they're treated with respect. Not only slightly tangy, according
do these customers come back but they also tell their friends, comment on to a press release issued
social media and discuss positive experiences with family and friends. by Firmenich. The company also noted
some "mirroring" between hibiscus and
That means treating even the unlikely complaint with respect and
Pantone's Color of the Year, Living
professionalism. Agents can thank the customer for calling or showing
Coral. And, according to the company's
up and then point out the shirt looks well worn and make an offer that is
research, the worldwide use of hibiscus
somewhat less than a refund. To make this work, the agent or sales person
in food and beverage new product
has to be trained.
launches has increased nearly 300 percent
Some customer service situations occur because the customer is angry, compared to 2012. Top categories: yogurt,
not about their current complaint, but about something else. Customer beer, tea and chocolates. It is also popular
service representatives can make polite chat about how often they shop or for infusing water.
use the service and whether they have had other complaints. It could be a Hibiscus has been used in health
learning situation. remedies for centuries, and Firmenich said
If the business does make an exchange or refund on an item in which the "recent studies show promise for both the
credibility of the customer is suspect, a record should be made. You don't have tea and the hibiscus plant extract to lower
to keep a dishonest customer. All you have to do is keep your temper because blood pressure and cholesterol levels."
losing it usually goes badly. Aside from its yumminess in cold
While some companies are terrified of bad talk on social media, remember drinks and in hot teas, hibiscus has savory
that while happy customers talk you up, and unhappy customers can talk you applications as well. Firmenich noted
down, dishonest customers pass the word around. If you are too easy, there is a that hibiscus has been used in Mexican
slice of humanity out there who will exploit it. Some larger retailers make 100 cuisine, like traditional ceviche recipes
percent lifetime quality guarantees and they have accepted routinely dishonest and in trends including enchiladas and
customers as a cost of business. But talk to the customer service reps and dried hibiscus garlic chips.
they'll tell you: the word gets around. If you aren't a giant retailer, that's a word Hungry yet?
you may not want out there.
April 2019 • gam|mag • Page 5
BUSINESS NEWS
Loudoun’s Awards go to you
“How people treat By Amy Mugford • Attract talent: We were named one of the
I
Communications Program Manager Best Places to Work in Loudoun by the
you is their karma;
how you react is n the last four years, Loudoun Economic Loudoun Business Journal. Being seen as a
yours.” Development has brought home nearly 20 great place to work helps our department
awards. You may be thinking, “good job attract prospective employees. Many
Wayne Dyer, author Loudoun companies have earned similar
and personal patting yourself on the back, but big whoop.”
While these awards are a feel-good for us, they accolades, and Loudoun is known for having
advisor a highly skilled, highly educated, high-
are important for you, our business community.
achieving workforce.
We apply for these awards so we can
• Draw new business: We have been
showcase Loudoun as a premier place to do
recognized as the top-performing economic
business. These awards allow us to:
development organization in the world by
• Increase awareness: We submit to design
the International Economic Development
competitions that publish in national
Council. Businesses hear this and keep us in
magazines. This introduces Loudoun County
mind for future projects, knowing we can get
to people with whom we wouldn’t normally
the job done.
have contact. When the county’s economic
development department is using cutting- The department is excited to showcase
edge methods, outsiders can imagine that some of our recent projects in the coming
the businesses we promote may be doing award season. I challenge you go get out there
even more. and show the world the best of Loudoun.
• Get an edge up: We have won a number of It won’t just help your business – it will help
awards from the Association of Marketing Loudoun as well.
and Communication Professionals. This is At Loudoun Economic Development, your business is
one organization where we get third-party our business. We want to make sure Loudoun companies
validation that we are moving our marketing are successful, and if your company isn’t in Loudoun
already, we’d like to discuss how moving here can
and messaging in the right direction. We contribute to your success. Call 1-800-LOUDOUN to
often have groups reach out to see how they learn more about how growing your business in Loudoun
can apply our techniques. is #LoudounPossible.
Page 6 • gam|mag • April 2019
BUSINESS NEWS
When a company loses an employee What's wrong with trucking?
the costs add up Fatalities climb as
E ver think about what it costs a
company to lose an employee
to turnover? According to Inc.
magazine, the figure in December
2018 was 33 percent of the employee’s
experts debate cause
Truck driver deaths are up and that's
a trend that appears on the rise. Since
2011, truck driver deaths have increased
salary. Far worse, a study by the 25 percent. In 2017, there was a nearly
Society for Human Resource seven percent increase in deaths over the
Management reports the cost could previous year, according to the Bureau of
range to five times the annual salary Labor Statistics.
of the vacant position. The question is
why now, with more
“employees who approved of safety standards in
their work-life balance are place than ever before?
10 percent more likely to stay According to trucks.
com, truck drivers
at their company” may be increasing
What drives an employee to take speed because federal
another job and leave a company with rules on driving hours
such a monetary vacuum? TinyPulse, make it difficult to
a respected source in employee-engagement pulse surveys, analyzed data from make deliveries on
more than 25,000 employees globally from January to October 2018. time, especially with
new required breaks.
Their message: Federal regulation
Those who disapprove of their supervisor’s or manager’s performance limits driving to 11
are four times as likely seek employment elsewhere. The study also revealed hours during a 14-
that 40 percent who do not rate their supervisor’s performance highly have hour period with a
interviewed for a new job in the last three months. 30-minute break at
This response, in contrast to just 10 percent of those who rate their eight hours.
supervisor highly. Also, nearly 22 percent of workers who don’t feel Another possible
acknowledged for good work have interviewed elsewhere in the last three explanation is driver
months – compared to just 12.4 percent who do feel appreciated. distraction, a problem
According to the report, employees who approved of their work-life balance common in both professional and
are 10 percent more likely to stay at their company. On the other hand, if they commuter driving. About two-thirds of
feel work is keeping them away from their family and personal priorities, car-truck collisions are caused by drivers
they’re more likely to be looking around for a better situation. of passenger cars. Smart phones and
Employees who rate their company culture poorly are 24 percent more texting while driving are usually cited as a
likely to leave. In fact, the research found that a company’s culture has an even problem, according to trucks.com.
more significant impact – 24 percent – on an employee’s decision to stay or There is a debate whether new
leave than their benefits agreement. A slightly higher number – 26 percent – technologies like automatic emergency
reported that a low level of respect among co-workers would make them more braking for trucks help or hurt drivers.
likely to leave their jobs. New driver assistance technologies could
actually cause drivers, especially new
Employees who feel they’re progressing in their careers with a company are
drivers, to pay less attention and become
20 percent more likely to stay for another year. Meanwhile, those who don’t
more complacent, say Federal Motor
feel support in their pursuit of professional opportunities are 300 percent more
Carrier Safety Administration officials.
likely to be seeking a position elsewhere.
April 2019 • gam|mag • Page 7
YOUR FINANCES
Caution lights for the 2018 tax filer
“At the end of the
day it’s not about
what you have
or what you’ve
accomplished. It’s
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA)
may not mean reduced taxes for every
taxpayer, but it figures prominently for the
American population as a whole.
According to TaxAct.com and other
offset the loss of the personal exemption. Also,
under the new reforms, no longer can the
taxpayer claim the $4,050 personal exemption
for each dependent.
Gone too are miscellaneous itemized
about who you’ve sources, the tax rates of past years are gone. deductions that exceed 2% of adjusted gross
lifted up, who you’ve Almost every tax rate and bracket for each income (AGI). Among these deductions
made better. It’s filing status have been changed. Except for are unreimbursed employee expenses, safe
about what you’ve the 10% and 35% tax rates, tax changes deposit fees, investment management fees and
given back.” modified most bracket rates from one to four union dues.
Denzel Washington, percentage points. Also, when previously there was no cap
American movie star The standard deduction has been increased on state and local income taxes, now those
for every filing status. Now it's $12,000 for a expenses are limited to $10,000.
single person, $24,000 for married couples Meanwhile, the Child Tax Credit increases
filing jointly and the surviving spouse, from $1,000 to $2,000, plus a new $500 credit
$12,000 for married couples filing separately, applies for non-child dependents.
and $18,000 for the head of a household. With the repeal of the Affordable Care
However, the higher standard deductions Act's mandate, no longer does a person
mean that fewer people can itemize choosing to forego health care coverage in
deductions. This change has its pros and cons, 2019 pay tax penalties.
as new limits on certain itemized deductions As for the mortgage interest deduction,
indicate some taxpayers will lose substantial filers who purchased a home in 2018 can
amounts they could have deducted in the past. deduct interest up to $750,000 in mortgage
Depending on how many people live in debt instead of the previous $1 million.
the household, the increase of the standard Also, no longer is the interest on a home-
deduction may or may not be sufficient to equity loan deductible.
Page 8 • gam|mag • April 2019
YOUR FINANCES
How to fund your very own small USDA loans are not
business start-up just for buying farms
T o start a small business, most
entrepreneurs tap into their funds
first, even when they also plan to
procure debt financing in the form
of a small business loan, equity
No, you don't have to buy a farm or
milk cows to qualify for a USDA loan. In
fact, this government-backed mortgage
is more available than you might think.
A USDA loan is typically issued
financing from angel investors, or a through a private lender and guaranteed
venture capitalist. by the United States Department of
Agriculture. The idea is to provide
“Statistics indicate that about homeownership opportunities to low
half of the investors in businesses and moderate-income households as
are family members” well as to stimulate economic growth in
rural and suburban communities.
Otherwise, virtually every lender The loans offer $0 down payments
expects the person seeking a and competitive interest rates to first-
business loan or equity investment time homebuyers. There are a number of
to make a personal financial guidelines related to credit score, income
contribution. If you don't have limits and debt ratio, as well as location
ready cash, look to your personal of the property.
assets as potential sources of startup money. These sources include real estate, The USDA website includes a map
vehicles, retirement accounts, stocks and bonds, or any other asset that can be where you can search areas of the country
mortgaged, sold for cash, or used for collateral. and learn whether or not they are in
According to the small business website, home equity loans are among eligible. Perhaps surprisingly, eligible
the most cost-effective methods for borrowing. Compared to other types areas can be found in every state and are
of financing, their interest rates are meager, and financial institutions are pretty widely available; the more stringent
prepared to lend up to 80 percent of the value of a home. eligibility requirements are on the buyer.
At the same time, credit cards are a familiar source of startup money for "Eligible applicants may build,
asset-poor entrepreneurs despite the soaring rates of interest. rehabilitate, improve or relocate a
The next most prevalent source of small business startup funds is family, dwelling in an eligible rural area,"
friends, or a combination of both. This sort of small business financing often according to the USDA website. "The
takes the form of a personal loan. program provides a 90% loan note
Statistics indicate that about half of the investors in businesses are family guarantee to approved lenders in order to
members, 30% are friends and neighbors, and the remaining 20% are reduce the risk of extending 100% loans
colleagues or strangers. to eligible rural homebuyers."
The USDA provides guaranteed loans
Of course, one of the main advantages of family and/or friend financing
and direct loans. With guaranteed loans,
is flexibility. Family and friends are much more likely to seek a lower rate of
an approved lender issues the loan,
return on their investment and wait longer to get their money back. They
which is backed by the USDA, while a
are less likely to require collateral and scrutinize a business plan as would a
direct loan is what it sounds like – it's
financial institution.
issued directly from the USDA and
Even so, borrowing money from family and friends is not without its is aimed at low to very-low income
potential pitfalls. Loans from one or more family members to another can households who don't have access to
produce jealousy or resentment. Family or friends who've invested in the safe and sanitary housing; any subsidy
business venture may feel they have a right to make or participate in the received is paid back when sold – or the
owner's business decisions. Even worse, if the business fails and the owner borrower no longer lives there.
is unable to repay the money owed, his or her relationship with the family
members and/or friends may be forever impaired.
April 2019 • gam|mag • Page 9
S TAY I N G W E L L
From the night shift to a good day's sleep
“Think twice before
you speak, because
your words and
influence will plant
the seed of either
S tarting out on the night shift can leave a
person with sleepless days and sluggish
nights but, it can get better. At the root of
this dilemma is the disruption of the body's
circadian rhythm, the natural light-dark cycle
to sleep as long and soundly as possible.
Eventually, strict adherence to this schedule
creates a new circadian rhythm that enables
the body to be alert through the night and
sleep during the day.
success or failure that's controlled by an internal body clock. When it's challenging to sleep long enough
in the mind of The most significant threat of night to feel rested, get up and stay up. Do not go
another.” shift work is that a continued lack of sleep back to bed in an hour or so in an attempt to
Napoleon Hill, diminishes reaction time, the ability to make fall asleep again. Instead, proceed with the
American author decisions, process and remember information, normal daily routine. The next morning, when
and maintain awareness. These can cause home from work, be sure to go to bed on time.
preventable errors, accidents, and injuries-- Eventually, patience will prevail. After a
especially in high-risk situations. while, the body accumulates enough sleep
The good news is that with a few changes debt that it will welcome a good day's sleep.
in the light-dark cycle and sleep schedule,
a person's circadian rhythm can be tailored
to working a night shift. When that's
Have a happier marriage
accomplished, the body is naturally prepared Here’s how to start it: Marry your best
to sleep during the day. friend. Many studies show that married
people are happier and more satisfied with
The most critical phase in leaving a night
their lives, particularly during stressful
shift is to minimize exposure to morning light.
times, if they consider their spouses to be
Wear dark sunglasses before walking outside,
their best friends. According to a Gallup
then continue to lessen as much exposure to
World Poll, partners who consider their
light as possible before first going to sleep.
spouses to be their best friends get about
The next step is to follow a consistent twice as much life satisfaction from
program of sleep. Rather than dosing marriage than other people do.
throughout the day, schedule the best time
Page 10 • gam|mag • April 2019S TAY I N G W E L L
The Adam's Apple: What it is The best foods for
and what it does memory, problem
T he Adam's apple is the lump of
cartilage that protrudes from the
throat. "Adam's apple," as described
by Merriam-Webster, is a derivative of a
Latin term that translates into English as
solving, brain health
Scientists at Johns Hopkins
Medicine say these key foods have
various brain-boosting benefits:
a pomegranate – an apple-sized fruit with 1. Olive oil, green tea
red, dense flesh. and leafy greens:
These antioxidant
The Adam's apple serves no function
superfoods help
other than to protect the larynx from
fight inflammation,
injury, says MedicalNewsToday.com. Also
which can damage
known as the "laryngeal prominence," it
the brain. Before
is composed of cartilage, the muscular
inflammation
connective tissue that sustains the neck
starts, eating them
and other parts of the body.
can protect brain
More commonly known as the voice box, the larynx is located at the front function.
of the neck, where its vocal cords vibrate to produce the sounds of voice. 2. Beets, tomatoes
Along with the mouth and nasal passages, it also protects the airways during and avocados:
swallowing. Although every person's larynx grows during puberty, the girl's Studies show these
doesn't increase as much as a boy's. As the larynx increases in size, it forces the foods help ensure
Adam's apple outward. As a result, men have more prominent Adam's apples that your brain
than women. receives the blood it
Some conditions, however, may cause swelling in a person's Adam's apple, needs to stay sharp.
larynx, or other areas of the neck that may indicate a more serious condition. That promotes
Among these are laryngitis (inflammation of the larynx pharyngitis in the back neuron growth in
of the throat), laryngeal, and thyroid cancer. the area of the brain
Treatment for an enlarged Adam's apple varies according to the cause. associated with
These may require such medications as antibiotics or corticosteroids. If the learning and memory.
diagnosis is cancerous, treatment can include surgery, radiation therapy, or 3. Nuts (especially walnuts): They work
chemotherapy. deep in the brain to fight amyloid
Surgery can either reduce or enlarge an Adam's apple. Increasing the size plaques. When amyloid accumulates
of an Adam's apple is performed by transplanting cartilage from other areas beyond normal levels, its plaques kill
of the body. Reducing excess cartilage from the area around the thyroid will neurons while creating inflammation,
make it smaller. which kills even more neurons.
4. Fish, blueberries, grapes, coffee and
Don't see a chiropractor if you have these conditions dark chocolate. These powerhouses
About 27 million Americans see a chiropractor each year, according to increase the level of brain-delivered
a National Institutes of Health report. Most people are seen for back neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a
pain. You should not see a chiropractor for spinal manipulation if you protein that supports the growth of
are taking blood-thinning drugs such as Warfarin. Other reasons to new neurons.
avoid the chiropractor, according to the newsletter Health After 50: severe The scientists quoted in the AARP
osteoporosis, cancer in bones or spine, bone infection (osteomyelitis), Bulletin say BDNF is like Miracle-Gro
numbness or tingling in an arm or leg, Paget's disease, rheumatoid for the brain. These foods stimulate the
arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, increased risk of stroke release of BDNF to prompt the brain to
and unstable spine. make more neurons.
April 2019 • gam|mag • Page 11S TAY I N G W E L L
Stopping migraines before they start
“When I get a
headache I take
two aspirin and
keep away from
children, just like it
T he violent pain of migraines, described
more than 2,000 years ago by the Greek
physician Hippocrates, can be prevented in
40 percent of patients. Still, only 13 percent of
patients use preventative drugs, according to
•B
otulinum toxin type A (Botox) –
Two studies show the worth of Botox as
effective in reducing migraine frequency.
By injection.
says on the bottle.” research by the Mayo Clinic. The success of
preventative drugs can be a matter of trial and
Items that put on the pounds
An anonymous A basic double hamburger can cost you
mother error, taking up to four weeks to decrease the
frequency and severity of migraines. about 600 to 1,200 calories, depending on
size and condiments. But that is chump
Here are the current therapies: change compared to dishes such as fried
•A
ntiseizure drugs – Reduce the chicken and waffles from The Cheesecake
frequency of migraines, but are shown Factory. This sumptuous Sunday brunch
to have side effects of weakened bones, offering has crispy fried chicken strips on
tingling in arms and legs, mood problems, top of Belgian waffles. These are topped
among others. with poached eggs and a Hollandaise sauce.
•A
ntidepressants – Elavil is usually Plus, it is served with maple butter syrup.
prescribed for people under 65 since it It's a diet killer at 2,580 calories. Coming
puts the user at risk for irregular heart up just a tad under is Buffalo Wild Wings
rhythm. It has been shown to be effective dessert nachos. A crispy flour tortilla
at migraine prevention plus insomnia "sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar,
and depression. loaded with ice cream and gooey breaded
•B
lood pressure medications – Beta cheesecake bites" topped with chocolate and
blockers have the best track record for caramel sauce. It's a sugar high that packs
preventing migraines. ACE inhibitors are on the pounds at 2,100 calories.
also used.
Page 12 • gam|mag • April 2019S TAY I N G W E L L
Scientists recognize the healing
Health in the News
power of touch
H
Berries aid thinking
uman touch can be a deeper form Two separate clinical studies show
of communication than words. that berries appear to give a boost to
Researchers say it comes from the brain power. In one study, healthy
gut. According to the Mayo Clinic Health men and women ages 60 to 75 were
Letter, healthcare providers sense that a given two cups of
compassionate touch can help alleviate strawberries for 90
pain and discomfort in their patients. A days. They showed
hand on the arm may provide motivation improved scores for
toward recovery. word recognition
and spatial memory.
More formal approaches to using
In another study,
touch into medicine are complimentary
researchers showed
therapies. Some focus on manipulating
that older adults who
soft tissue. Most help you relax. Massage
ate the equivalent of
therapy manipulates the muscles, skin and
one cup of blueberries
tendons. Almost everyone feels better after
for 90 days didn't
a massage. Studies show that massage can
repeat themselves as
reduce anxiety, pain and fatigue.
often. Quoted in Tufts
Reike is an energy therapy where the practitioner’s hands are placed on the Health & Nutrition
recipient’s body. Different hand positions are held about two to five minutes. Letter, Barbara Shukitt-
Recipients describe a feeling of warmth and relaxation after a session. It’s also Hale said researchers
used to treat stress and nausea from chemotherapy. speculate that the
Everyone can use touch to comfort a person who faces an illness or who has anthocyanins in
lost a loved one. Some people avoid touching to guard their own emotions, but berries have certain
a simple touch on the arm or shoulder can bring benefits to both you and the anti-inflammatory
person in grief. So go ahead, touch that grieving person’s arm. Studies show properties that have direct effects on
that feeling isolated from others has negative health effects, like depression, the brain. Supplements, she said, don't
cognitive decline and an increased risk of heart disease. appear to work. It is the combination of
nutrients in berries that seem to have a
Family-friendly board games benefit.
to go big into AR Opioid pain relief
Fun for the family or parties, the favorite drawing game Pictionary is
found to be minimal
In a new study, just 13 percent of
going high tech this year. In June, Mattel is expected to introduce an
people who took an opioid experienced
Augmented Reality version of the favorite game. Once, earthlings used
relief of low back pain. The study
paper to draw pictures as clues for people to guess a secret word. With the
was reported at the American
AR version, as you might expect, the paper is gone. Instead, players use
Anesthesiologists Annual Meeting.
a wand to draw in the air and the image appears on their phone, tablet
The study involved 2,030 people with
or smart TV screen. And, no, the player drawing in the air can't see what
low back pain. Half took opioid drugs
they are drawing, which judging by most Pictionary games, won't make
but only 13 percent actually had pain
hints any worse than they are on paper. Many AR games are already on
relief. Meanwhile 75 percent of the
the market for mobile phone but this is one of the few aimed at the family/
opioid takers experienced all the
party group market where being in the same room with other gamers is
side effects: Constipation, sleepiness,
important. According to Cnet.com, we will soon be seeing AR versions of
cognitive issues, and dependence.
Clue, The Game of Life, and others.
April 2019 • gam|mag • Page 13OF INTEREST
An Easter favorite goes back to Biblical era
“Don’t look back;
you’re not going
that way.”
Author unknown,
a favorite for
It's fairly easy to connect the dots on any
number of Easter traditions – except for how
a giant bunny became involved, perhaps
– but what about jelly beans? How did that
maddeningly addictive sugar capsule become
some fame as a favorite treat of the character
Edmund in The Lion, The Witch, and The
Wardrobe.
And National Geographic surmises that jelly
beans are a cross between Turkish Delight
bumper stickers such a key player in a Christian holiday? and Jordan almonds – putting a hard outer
and framed sayings After Halloween, more candy is sold during coating onto a jelly-ish candy.
Easter than any other holiday, according to
history.com, which reports that more than 16
billion jelly beans are made in the U.S. each
Is anti-virus software
year for Easter. still relevant?
The website posits a theory about their Trick question. Computer viruses are not
place in the Easter tradition, saying that eggs extinct. They are a vast and ever present
have long been associated with Easter as a danger. The issue at hand is whether or
symbol of new life and Jesus' resurrection. not stand-alone virus software is still
And the egg-shaped jelly bean became necessary. According to MakeTechEasier.
associated with Easter in the 1930s. com, the early days of computing were like
the wild west for viruses, which often had
Reader's Digest says jelly beans used to be a
no trouble spreading through email and
Christmas sweet until the realization that they
downloads. Fast-forward to today, we see
resembled an egg shifted the focus. Christmas
services such as Google and Microsoft's
is second to Easter as the most popular time
Windows have top quality anti-virus
to eat them, according to the article.
capabilities built right in. In fact, keeping
Jelly beans' actual origins appear to date up-to-date frequently used services,
back to a Biblical-era concoction called a especially the operating system, is often the
Turkish Delight. Turkish Delight is a jellylike best way to help prevent a virus outbreak.
candy coated in powdered sugar and it gained
Page 14 • gam|mag • April 2019OF INTEREST
Easter baskets can always have Why would you
MONEYWISE
less candy, more fun want a salt lamp?
W e do love our sugar, and barely
a month goes by without some
holiday giving us a reason to indulge
(Halloween in October, Valentine's Day
in February, Shamrock Shakes in March,
It sounds a little odd at first: a lamp
that looks like a pink or salmon-colored
geode and is made out of a hunk of salt.
Would it make you thirsty? Would
your sinuses get overly dried out? Is it a
chocolate anytime). little too new-agey?
Easter, celebrated on April 21 this year, is Himalayan salt lamps
renowned for its potential sugar rush: from are hugely popular right
marshmallow Peeps to chocolate bunnies now, thanks in no small
and jellybeans, it can be difficult to think of part to celebrity mentions
something other than candy to include in and the popularity of
those Easter baskets.
If you are looking to eliminate or at least “Himalayan salt . . .
reduce the amount of sweets in your basket, gets its rosy hue from
here are some ideas: trace minerals in the
Toys. There's no dearth of fun Easter-themed toys this time of year, including salt, like magnesium,
plastic eggs with popular characters inside to Legos kits, nesting dolls, and potassium and calcium”
Crayola crayons in the shape of Easter eggs.
sea salt in general. The
Books. Ok, so a book isn't a chocolate bunny, but it can be super fun anyway.
theory with the lamps
Choose from any number of coloring books, activity books, or even a
is that the salt absorbs
rousing game of Mad Libs (surely there's an Easter edition).
allergens and dust in the
Gardening kit. ‘Tis the season to plant stuff! You can find cute gardening kits home via negative ions,
themed for Easter, or simply design your own to get started on those spring thereby purifying the air
and summer flowers, herbs, or veggies. (the nasty stuff has all
Jewelry. Add some shine with sparkly earrings or bracelets, or a dazzling pair positive ions, the thinking goes, and the
of shades. lamps neutralize the charge).
Bubbles! Come on, who doesn't love blowing bubbles? Opt for traditional or While the detoxifying benefits of
go for a more modern twist with scents and colors. salt have a long history – or even the
Gift cards. Are the little ones not so little anymore? Or maybe you're the fun bonuses provided by a saline flush –
aunt or uncle who's expected to produce a little something long past the studies on the effectiveness of the lamps
time it seems you should. Gift cards always work, and they don't have to cost are hard to come by. The good news is
you a fortune. that you can find them everywhere and
Kites. As it happens, Easter falls in a great season for kite flying. It's an exciting give one a try for as little as $20 or so.
family activity. And fans point to the calming glow of
the lamp as much as any other attribute.
A mental error that can keep you in debt As for the pink and the Himalayan?
An article on Time.com said pink
Maybe a little debt doesn't feel too bad, but sooner or later people ask Himalayan salt "is made from rock
themselves is it too much? That's when they start comparing themselves crystals of salt that have been mined
to peers. Friend A goes on a cruise twice a year. Debt doesn't seem to be from areas close to the Himalayas,
an issue. Friend B doesn't make a lot of money, but is still a credit card often in Pakistan. It gets its rosy hue
clothes horse. According to financial blogger Michelle Schroeder-Gardner, from trace minerals in the salt, like
comparing yourself to others is false security. It makes you think debt is magnesium, potassium and calcium."
normal. It also makes you think you can afford to have it.
April 2019 • gam|mag • Page 15OF INTEREST
Your gamer kid could make skills pay off
“Not having a goal
is more to be feared
than not reaching
one.”
Fortune cookie
W e usually work to limit our kids' screen
time, but what if that time spent on video
games could actually earn your teen a
college scholarship? It's true: geeks (or are
they nerds?) can get sports scholarships, too.
of fans. The Washington Post article says
pro games are broadcast on video channels,
including YouTube Gaming and Twitch . . .
and even televised on ESPN and DisneyXD.
Professional gamers can compete for multi-
wisdom Or in this case, esports. million dollar prizes, and the Washington Post
said conservative estimates project the global
“Professional gamers can compete esports market to be a $1.5 billion industry by
for multi-million dollar prizes” the year 2020.
Esports is live video game competitions.
According to ESPN, varsity collegiate
Insurance to buy in your 30s
esports began in 2014 when Robert Morris Term life insurance is dirt cheap when
University announced a scholarship- you're young, but it becomes dramatically
sponsored League of Legends team. more expensive the longer you wait. It's
tempting to wait to buy life insurance until
Today, there is a national governing body
you have children or a mortgage. Typically,
called the National Association of Collegiate
people wait until age 30 to 35 to buy life
Esports (NACE) and 98 varsity programs
insurance. People aged 25 or younger
across the U.S. and Canada, reports a
usually are busy just trying to pay the bills.
November article in the New York Times, which
But, there is a steep penalty for waiting. A
added that NACE's executive director said
the organization had helped to facilitate $16 30-year term policy with a $100,000 face
million in scholarships the previous two years. amount is about $13-$15 per month for a
healthy 30-year-old male. For a 40-year-
And according to aother story in the
old male the premium is about $20 per
Washington Post's "On Parenting" section,
month. If you wait until your 50s, when
there's even talk of adding esports as a
you might have some medical issues, you
"demonstration sport" in the 2024 Olympics.
might pay $70-$80 per month or more for
There's also a pro circuit, where players a shorter term policy.
compete in front of hundreds or thousands
Page 16 • gam|mag • April 2019OF INTEREST
Men's fashion: Throwback watches, Bring on those
vests and berets Easter egg battles
H arnesses, fanny packs, puffer coats, and
berets . . . welcome to Men's Fashion
2019, as envisioned by some of the top
trend-setters and observers in the business.
First, the harnesses. They've popped
Sure, it sounds a little messy, and
it can be, but egg knocking is also a
completely family-friendly game played
at Easter in Louisiana.
Also known as egg tapping, egg
up on some notable celebrities, though boxing, or paquing after the French
it's unclear how best to describe these word for Easter, Paques, egg knocking
statement pieces. As a recent article in is a competition in which two players
the Wall Street Journal pointed out, even line up and strike two hard-boiled (and
fashion guru Luis Vuitton described one dyed) eggs together, point to point.
as an "embroidered bib" and another as Whichever egg cracks first is out,
a "cut-away vest." The Wall Street Journal and the winner moves on to the next
article, noting the look, questioned whether opponent.
they are supposed to represent bedazzled
These egg battles have a long tradition
gun holsters, sparkly black lederhosen or
among Louisiana families, though a
perhaps toddler reins for adults.
story in Deep South magazine says the
Thankfully, other trends are a bit more normal, albeit still unique. Fanny game has its origins in Europe, where
packs re-emerged from the 1990s last year and are still going strong, while the Greeks have a tradition of dueling
a Vogue article on men's street style pointed to a beret comeback, as well as eggs. That same article recounts a
animal prints for men, smaller puffer jackets – is that an oxymoron? – and humorous story about two families in
more flare on pants (bye-bye, skinny jeans?). A GQ UK article pointed to the small town of Ville Platte, Louisiana,
short-shorts, hiking sandals and suits worn with no shirts. And don't forget who would compete each year, with one
the handbag. Yes gentlemen, a handbag. Every fashion article worth its salt family arriving in flatbed trucks with
mentioned handbags as well as cross-body bags and shoulder bags. a live band and the other arriving via
Meanwhile, Pinterest tracks trends that appear to apply to actual people school bus while chanting, "We will, we
rather than models on runways. And according to Pinterest, 2019 trends will Paques you" all the way.
include light-wash denim, throwback wristwatches, corduroy (searches were Competitors have their time-tested
up 509 percent), scarves and quarter socks. So whatever your style, 2019 methods to produce a winner, with one
promises to be varied, unique and fun as always. popular technique calling for eggs to
be boiled points-down to ensure no air
Hydrogen cars here, but bumps in road remain pockets. Others claim that boiling eggs
With 5,000 hydrogen-powered cars on the road today, providers are in coffee grounds makes them stronger,
still trying to fill in some technical potholes. But the hope of clean, according to Deep South magazine. And
direct energy for personal transportation still thrives. Sandia National some folks got a little crazy and would
Laboratories has teamed up with First Element, the largest American even smash eggs side to side – which
hydrogen retailer, to work on software models that will help refueling appears to break with tradition entirely.
stations switch to liquid hydrogen. Hydrogen would be a good way to fuel Some towns even hold competitions.
cars since its only emission is water vapor. It's also abundant. But in the In Marksville, Louisiana, there is egg
gaseous state, hydrogen isn't very dense and not much can be kept on site. knocking on the courthouse square,
Liquid nitrogen could be pumped just like gasoline and even transported while Cottonport, Louisiana, has an
in a similar way. It would fit current gasoline models and could make more "Egg Pocking on the Bayou Easter
pumping stations feasible. Software models will address storage concerns Festival" on Easter Sunday that features
for liquid hydrogen, which must be kept at -423 degrees F. This makes a 5k road race, festival with vendors and
leaks an issue since liquid hydrogen freezes the air when it escapes. canoe races.
April 2019 • gam|mag • Page 17OF INTEREST
Earth Day: Energy technology marches on
“Stay hungry and
humble.”
Darren Huston,
president and CEO
of Priceline Group
E arth has just so much space and you gotta
figure that at some point we'll run out of
things, like petroleum.
BP says proven reserves will last 53.3
years. But that doesn't mean the grandkids be
that it is possible to reach temperatures
required for nuclear fusion, says New Atlas.
• Spherical wind turbines. A turbine shaped
like a crooked ball. It's designed to dangle
off skyscrapers and use wind blowing in any
sheltering against rocks. Proven reserves are direction, using rotating energy to generate
the stuff that's easy to get and already known. electricity. People living in high rises could
But there are all kinds of oil fields, from shale generate their own electricity.
fields to those that are hard to get at but not • Bio-electric. They probably won't fly
impossible to do so. an airplane, but could little patches of
Plus estimates are historically wrong. Oil mushrooms power your house? A New
was supposed to run out in 1970, 1995, 2013 Jersey technical group took an ordinary
and 2015. Predictions for 2015 had it that mushroom, attached graphene nanoribbons
there would be a 10 million barrel per day of ink to it and produced electricity. The idea
shortfall in 2015. Instead in 2018 there was a is that arrangements of bacteria could one
two-three million barrel per day surplus. day do bioluminescent lighting.
New reserves are being found and new
technologies have emerged to make oil World's vast collection of salt
production clean and economical, according The oceans contain vast amounts of salt.
to JTC Energy Research Associates, LLC. According to sciencescore.com, the
Some say for 1,000 years. Maybe that's true or saltiest ocean is the Atlantic. Oceans at
maybe that's false. In the meantime, there are the poles are the least salty. But there is so
lots of new energy initiatives. much salt that if we managed to dry up all
• Fusion. Clean, limitless energy from nuclear the water in the oceans, the seabeds would
fusion is possible, thanks to China, whose be covered by a pile of salt as tall as a 12
Experimental Advanced Superconducting story building! In fact, if you could gather
Tokamak in 2018 reached a core plasma all the salt you could build a wall around
temperature of 100 million degrees celsius, the equator a mile wide and 180 miles tall.
hotter than the sun. The landmark proves
Page 18 • gam|mag • April 2019OF INTEREST
Travel greener this year with a Whoop it up on
few simple changes Arbor Day, April 26
J ust as our most well-intentioned dieting
plans can be derailed when traveling so,
too, can our Going Green intentions. In
the scramble to prepare for vacation, we
can sometimes forget about the little things
Perhaps you thought Arbor Day was an
austere kind of a day devoted to all things
serious about trees. And to a large extent,
it is. But did you know Arbor Day is also
a great time to party with trees? Here are
that add up. But with a little planning, we two projects for family and friends:
can bring our eco-friendly selves along for
the trip. And what better month to think Make a tree famous
about it than April, with Earth Day and Find a majestic tree in
Arbor Day to cheer us on? your town and make it
famous – or at least try.
Here are some tips to make your The best way is to make
vacation a little greener: an official submission to
Pack a water bottle. Most airports have AmericanForests.org,
water bottle filling stations located near which keeps a database
restrooms, so you needn't worry about of fantastically large
what to do after you're forced to dump out trees by state. The rules
the bottle prior to heading through the security line. Along those same lines, require you to measure
bring cloth napkins and reusable straws. They're easy to slip into your suitcase the height and width of
or purse and not only provide an alternative to plastic straws and paper a tree, its crown spread
napkins, but add a touch of class to any meal. You can also consider packing and find the 'points.'
utensils. And, remember your reusable bags. They take up hardly any room in This can be done with a
your luggage, and you'll feel good about bringing back souvenirs and the like 100-foot tape measure
in your handy-dandy reusable bag rather than a handful of plastic bags. and yard stick, believe it
You can forego having the hotel sheets and towels changed daily, though you or not. This measuring
can still have your bed made up. And treat your hotel room like you would technique, described on the site, would
your house, remembering to turn lights off when you leave and adjusting the be a good trigonometry lesson for high
thermostat at night and during the day when you head out. schoolers. Short cut: You can also use
Eat local. Half the fun of visiting a new place is checking out what's popular a smartphone these days to make the
with the locals – so why not extend that to restaurants that source food locally calculations with apps like Theodolite.
or shops that do the same? It'll make exploring even more fun. Mix and match Your tree publicity efforts will also
clothes. This works great with clothing and fits into a greener lifestyle because require you to take photos, get a GPS
you become better at limiting items. And when traveling, you can do the same location, and find the scientific and
– choose tops and bottoms that are interchangeable and that you love. You common name of the species. Your state's
don't need to stuff your luggage to bring enough clothes you love! natural resources department usually has
a database of big area trees. You could
Secret ingredient in Indian cooking also try submitting your tree there.
Savory cakes and snacks in traditional Indian dishes often contain an Plan a Seedling Party
unusual ingredient: Eno. According to the Wall Street Journal, Eno is Head out to a wooded area or any place
actually made for the treatment of heartburn and is marketed in India as that needs trees, and plant some 6- to
a antacid that conforms to traditional medicine. Eno is mainly sodium 12-inch seedlings. To make it fun, give
bicarbonate (baking soda) and citric acid. Instead of baking soda, Indian away some Arbor Day swag (available
cooks frequently use Eno. Baking soda alone, they claim, sometimes turns at arborday.org): Bracelets (green,
dishes an unsavory red color, especially in the batter for dhokla, a spicy naturally), "Plant Trees" buttons, stickers,
and spongy snack. water bottles, mugs, hats and other items.
April 2019 • gam|mag • Page 19You can also read
