Best Places to Be Born, in 2013...

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Photo: From a (guy) friend. Who run the world?

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The best place on the planet to be born today

While the West may be considered the 'land of opportunity', Canada and U.S. barely even make the top 10.

No. 1: Healthy, wealthy spot

Best Places to Be Born, in 2013...

By Jessica Ferri

Healthy Living

–29 Nov, 2012

Best place to be born in 2013?

Switzerland.

Though America may be the "land of opportunity", Switzerland is the best place to be born in 2013, according to a quality-of-life index from the Economist Intelligence Unit.

The EIU, sister company to The Economist magazine, determines quality of life based on surveys of the population covering 11 factors including wealth, crime, family life, trust in government and the stability of the economy.

Best U.S. states to live in 2032

Income estimates for babies born in 2013 are based on projections for the year 2030, when those children will come of age.

The top ten best places to be born in 2013:
1. Switzerland
2. Australia
3. Norway
4. Sweden
5. Denmark
6. Singapore
7. New Zealand
8. Netherlands
9. Canada
10. Hong Kong

With its small but very stable economy, Switzerland comes in first: wealthy, healthy and trusting of its public institutions.

The United States, "where babies will inherit the large debts of the boomer generation, languishes back in 16th place," the EIU explains.

Feeling the effects of the European monetary crisis, "the largest European economies, France (26), Germany (tied with the U.S. for 16), and Britain (27), don't do particularly well."

The quality-of-life index also reflects changes in the Middle East and North Africa, where "life expectancy continues to increase steadily and political freedoms have spread across the globe", though Nigeria comes in as the worst place for a baby to be born, in 2013.

Other interesting rates include China, coming in at 49, and Russia, at 72.

Back in 1988, the United States was in first place, with France second, and West Germany, third.

Zimbabwe was last, Iraq second to last, Iran third to last.

The EIU explains, receiving a number one rating comes from a combination of the "yawn effect", (despite stability, the country is "irredeemably boring"), and, the "philistine factor (cultural poverty)."

"Switzerland," the EIU claims, "scored terribly on both accounts."

For a more detailed explanation of how these numbers are calculated, see "The lottery of life methodology".

All said, the general takeaway from the index seems to be, in today's world, economy, a country's boring, but stable, environment results in the best quality of life for its citizens.

Related links:
OECD cuts global economic forecasts over euro zone risks
Inventories boost U.S. growth, but trend weak

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Photo: ✯ TRIPLE GODDESS ✯

MAIDEN - The Maiden aspect represents enchantment, expansion, the female principle, the promise of new beginnings, youth, excitement, and erotic carefree aura. She is innocent in ways, but also a enchantress who recognizes the power of her sexuality.

MOTHER - The Mother is ripeness, fertility, fulfillment, stability, and power. The Mother is ripe, full breasted, at the peak of her womanly powers. She is the one who tenderly and lovingly rocks the baby, but she is also the lioness who hunts to feed her offspring and will fight to the death to protect them.

CRONE - The Crone is wisdom, and compassion. She is old in age, experience, accumulated wisdom and death. She is the gateway to Death, and the guide to Rebirth.

http://www.celticjackalope.com

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laughingwolf · 28 Nov, 2012

The Most Searched Recipes of 2012...

By Sarah McColl

Shine Food

–28 Nov, 2012

PrevNext

28 Nov, 2012
Photo by: Corbis
Cheap, healthy, and a perennial crowd-pleaser, it's no surprise chicken is our go-to dinner.
Find More Chicken Recipes>>

.

Most searched for kitchen recipes

There's a crockpot on the counter, zucchini in the fridge, and a whole lot of chicken on the table.

If this list makes one thing clear, it's that home cooks are after the same thing: how to make simple, everyday meals and celebrate every occasion we get (one word: cake).

For each of the year's most popular searches, we've offered some of our favorite recipes, just to save you the trouble of looking yourself.

Here's to another year of happy cooking and delicious meals. --Sarah McColl, Shine staff

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Is Canada a captive oil producer?

With little place else to go other than the U.S., Canada may be land-locked with its oil supplies.

Expand with pipelines

Is Canada a Captive Oil Producer?

By Jennifer Kwan Insight – 21 hours ago

Is Canada a one-trick pony when it comes to its oil trade?

Comments by one prominent U.S. analyst suggests people outside of this country might think so.

Ed Morse, the global head of commodities research at Citibank, says American oil can pretty much be a net exporter via Canadian oil, because "Canadians can't export their oil anywhere, other than to the U.S."

In a recent interview with CNBC, to discuss more broadly his commodity outlook for 2013, Morse says the U.S., on its own, is "unlikely to become a net exporter."

He went on to say: "Between the U.S. and Canada, we will be that exporter.

"I say, between ourselves and Canada because the Canadians can't export their oil anywhere other than to the U.S., and their production goes up steadily, every year."

He adds: "They [Canada] have to only export it to the U.S.

"Their pipeline politics are worse than ours, so they can't build one to either the west coast or the east coast."

Is the Commodity Bull Run Over?Edward Morse, Head of Commodities Research at Citi, explains why he believes commodity prices have peaked at these levels, and provides an outlook for 2013.

At the same time, expectations of a U.S. oil boom threatens to dampen growth prospects of Canada's oil exporters.

The comments come as Ottawa pushes hard to diversify the country's energy markets.

Canadian producers rely heavily on the U.S. market, sending nearly all of their oil exports south.

It is the LARGEST supplier of foreign oil to the U.S., snapping up a 28 per cent share of U.S. foreign-oil imports in the January-August period, according to data released Wednesday by the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Shaking things up is going to be a long, hard slog, given reaction to ongoing attempts to expand or build pipelines, experts say.

So far, proposals to build new pipelines to carry oil sands crude to the U.S. or to Asia, via British Columbia -- namely the Northern Gateway pipeline project -- have ignited political and environmental uproar.

Uncertainty over the Keystone XL pipeline expansion proposal remains.

As well, Canada is currently reviewing CNOOC's $15.1-billion bid for Calgary-based Nexen, a proposal also facing intense scrutiny.

Despite the hurdles, some market observers remain optimistic.

Doug Porter, deputy chief economist at BMO Capital Markets, says he doesn't believe Canada's oil is land-locked.

"I think it's not a foregone conclusion, Canada always has to export to the U.S.

"The federal government and others are actively seeking options," he says.

"It is a challenge.

"There's no doubt about it, but I don't think it's insurmountable."

Biggest mistake new homebuyers make

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The Knife You’ll Want When the "Stuff" Hits the Fan...

By Eric Rogell
06 Aug 2012

Photos: SOG Specialty Knives and Tools

Shit happens.

When things go south, you’ll want to have the right tools with you.

One of those tools is the Escape knife from SOG.

Just the right size to carry in a pocket, throw in your tackle box, or slip in a glove compartment, the Escape has a one hand-opening, partially serrated spear point blade, connected to a hard anodized aluminum handle with a polycarbonate cover for durability.

The features SOG outfitted to handle with it could help save you in an emergency.

The Escape has a built-in wire stripper, and line cutter to cut through seat belts.

Built into the Escape’s handle is a line cutter to cut paracord, string, fishing line, or, in one of those “shit happens” emergencies, can cut through a seatbelt, getting you (or whoever) out quickly.

To get to the seatbelt, there’s also a glass breaker in the handle, for extreme emergencies.

They’ve also included a wire stripper, should you need to MacGuyver your way out of a situation, and a compartment to store extra line cutter blades.

The Escape ($65.00) also comes with a lifetime warranty, because you never know what life is going to throw at you.

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When Rose was pulled from her watery grave near Wilmington, North Carolina,
searchers found a copy of her book, "Imprisonment", hidden on her person.

There was a note inside the book, which was meant for her daughter, Little Rose.

It reads as ...See More

Photo: When Rose was pulled from her watery grave near Wilmington, North Carolina,
searchers found a copy of her book "Imprisonment" hidden on her person.
There was a note inside the book, which was meant for her daughter Little Rose.
It reads as follows:

London, Nov 1st 1863
You have shared the hardships and indignity of my prison life, my darling;
And suffered all that evil which a vulgar despotism could inflict.
Let the memory of that period never pass from your mind;
Else you may be inclined to forget how merciful
Providence has been in seizing us from such a people.

Rose O'N Greenhow.

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How retailers trick you over the holidays

Flyers in your mailbox advertising Boxing Day specials are not really designed for that.

A sneaky 'psychological clue'

Tis The Season to Splurge: 5 Retailer Tricks to Make You Spend More...

–27 Nov, 2012

Avoiding overspending can be a big challenge during the holidays when good intentions can trip up even the most careful budgeters.

Indeed, retailers do their best to take advantage of the splurge season and squeeze every last dollar out of their customers' more generous spirit.

Fortunately, you don't have to be the one to put the extra jingle in their cash registers this holiday season.

We look at the key tactics retailers use and how you can skate around the trap.

[Prepping for a holiday credit crunch: How to save money this holiday season]

1) Pricing ploys

The holiday flyers stuffed in your mailbox are not designed to advertise cheap goods — they're to get you into the store.

This tactic is called a "loss leader", often used on big shopping days like Boxing Day, where deep discounts are few and far between; higher priced items are often what's really on the menu.

When you rush out to buy a $10 jacket only to discover it looks like, well, a $10 jacket, you're more likely to buy something else, even if it's barely discounted.

If you still have Christmas kitsch that never made its way into anyone's gift basket last year, you may also be familiar with another retailer tactic, "bundling", wherein items are sold in groups, at a lower price per item.

Just because you found the perfect thing for someone on your list doesn't mean it's the perfect thing for everyone on your list; avoid buying more than you need.

[Expert tips on debt and overspending]

2) A blueprint for buying

Discount retailers and big box stores might provide a shopping cart as soon as you enter the parking lot, or walk in the front door, but what you may view as convenient is really a psychological cue, designed to put you in shopping mode and give you the impression the goods are so cheap, you can afford to fill your cart.

When you obligingly fill it to the brim, you're following the store's lead — and probably bringing home a lot more loot than you intended.

This is the same tactic at play in discount bins, which can be used to create the impression of a deal, even when the goods aren't on sale.

3) Rebate run-arounds

Retailers often use rebates, particularly on electronics, to advertise lower prices.

While there's nothing wrong with considering a rebate when you're shopping for the best price, keep in mind, many retailers offer discounts this way because there's a good chance shoppers won't redeem them.

In the industry, this is called "breakage", and many stores make the assumption a certain amount of this will occur when they estimate their profits.

This is why many rebates are relatively small, and notoriously (and deliberately) difficult to cash in; if it's only $25 (on $500!), you're likely to give up.

[Keep your budget on track, in 4 easy steps]

4) What you see is what you get

Have you ever wondered why sale items in a clothing store are often carelessly stuffed on a rack at the very back of the store, while the highest priced items are beautifully arranged up front?

Just like many aspects of store organization, this is the retailer's attempt to manipulate what you notice when you're shopping — which, of course, affects what you buy.

The line in front of the cash register is another key area of which to be mindful.

You may already have a full cart, but retailers often use long holiday lines to their advantage by lining them with cute little impulse buys — and plenty of time to admire them.

If you leave your shopping to the last minute, this can be an especially powerful retail tactic.

5) A festive touch

In 2009, the Journal of Consumer Research found consumers who touched merchandise paid more for it than shoppers who kept their hands to themselves.

Don't fool yourself: you aren't "just going to try on" the cashmere sweater.

If you don't have the cash to buy it, leave it on the rack.

A penny for your troubles

More retail food for thought: Unless you're a die-hard shopper, the holiday shopping rush can be a bit of a painful experience. In fact, that's the idea.

In Ellen Ruppel Shell's 2009 book, "Cheap: The High Cost of Discount Culture", the author discusses how, when buying something is a major chore, this can make it easier to justify spending more.

This goes without saying: after fighting for a parking space, battling crowds to get in the door and spending half an hour in line to buy that item on your list, there's no way you're leaving without it - even if it proves to cost more than you expected.

[4 reasons why you spend too much (and what you can do about it)]

Indeed, with Christmas carols blaring through the stores, displays piled high with gifts, and your Christmas spirit working hard to repress your inner Scrooge, it can be hard to stick to a budget.

It just takes a little knowledge to recognize a retailer's tricks.

Yes, it's worth the trouble.

You'll feel a whole lot merrier when the Christmas bills come rolling in...

GoldenGirlFinance.ca is a free personal finance and education site

Sign up for your free financial scoop - from Golden Girl Finance - today!

***

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Magazine ranks world's best airlines

The No. 1 company wins hands down for seat comfort — even in coach — for the 17th year in a row.

New No. 2

World's Best Airlines...

By Everett Potter
–27 Nov, 2012

Singapore Airlines is No.1 for the 17th straight year. (Photo: Courtesy of Singapore Airlines)

Singapore Airlines is No.1 for the 17th straight year. (Photo: Courtesy Singapore Airlines)

MORE AT TRAVEL + LEISURE

» America's Most Dangerous Airports

» World's Funniest Signs

» America's Best & Worst Airports

Buckling your airplane seat belt and weight-loss personality Richard Simmons aren't things you'd necessarily think go together.

If you flew on Air New Zealand in the recent past, that's who may have video-instructed you how to buckle up.

Great companies always think outside the box, and Air New Zealand is no exception.

In the most recent Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards survey, the Kiwi airline came in No. 2.

While readers didn't specifically rank in-flight entertainment, ANZ's fresh, amusing spin on the standard safety video surely gave passengers a memorable impression of the airline.

The factors our readers did vote on, across 76 global airlines: cabin comfort, in-flight service, customer service, value, and food.

No one was surprised to see Singapore Airlines topping the list; they've been the No. 1 airline for the past 17 years.

They must be doing something right—they don't have Richard Simmons entertaining their passengers.

No. 1 Singapore Airlines

For the 17th year in a row—ever since T+L inaugurated the World’s Best Awards—Singapore Airlines has been readers’ overall favorite.

This year, the airline came out on top in every category: cabin comfort, food, in-flight service, customer service, and value.

The 32-inch seat pitch in economy class helps, as do the flight attendants, famous for their above-and-beyond service, and sarong and kebaya uniforms.

Bedtime turndown service is even part of the flying experience for those with pockets deep enough to book the A380 first-class suites that feature sliding doors, 23-inch TVs, and stand-alone beds, hand-stitched by master Italian craftsmen, Poltrona Frau.

(Photo: Courtesy Air New Zealand)

No. 2 Air New Zealand

The Kiwi carrier has been steadily climbing up the ranks of the world’s best airlines.

Two years ago, Air New Zealand ranked seventh; last year, it was fourth.

Cabin comfort, food, and especially improved in-flight service vaulted it into the No. 2 position this year.

T+L readers felt that the airline’s value had improved during the past year, and its innovative OneUp program, which allows you to bid for an upgrade seven days before you fly internationally, beats paying through the nose for business or first.

Another popular innovation: cuddle class, an economy row of three seats that can convert to a bed.

(Photo: Courtesy Emirates)

No. 3 Emirates

Emirates slipped slightly from No. 2, a spot it held for the past two years.

While the airline maintained steady scores for cabin comfort, in-flight service, and food, readers demoted both the airline’s customer service and value scores, this year.

Nothing wrong about coming in third; forward-thinking innovations like the airline’s signature Shower Spa, in first class, keeps the airline up to speed with the very best.

(Photo: Courtesy Korean Air)

No. 4 Korean Air

Korean Air vaulted up the list from last year’s ninth place, thanks to major improvements in readers’ perceptions of in-flight service and food, as well as cabin comfort and value.

Tastier Western, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean dishes also helped.

Taking a page out of Singapore Airlines’ book, it’s the improved level of service that's brought them into the rarefied ranking of the top five carriers.

(Photo: Courtesy of Cathay Pacific Airways)

(Photo: Courtesy Cathay Pacific Airways)

No. 5 Cathay Pacific Airways

Cathay Pacific went up the list from seventh place last year.

The airline works hard and offers improvements in every area, especially in value and food.

Leave it to Hong Kong–based Cathay to be among the first to have rice cookers on board.

Each seat is outfitted with power outlets, and iPod and USB ports—not to mention a 32-inch seat pitch in economy class— special touches to keep the airline highly ranked for cabin comfort.

(Photo: Courtesy of Asiana Airlines/Star Alliance)

(Photo: Courtesy Asiana Airlines/Star Alliance)

No. 6 Asiana Airlines

Asiana is the comeback kid this year.

The carrier fell to No. 13 in 2011 rankings; in 2010, it was No. 6.

What’s the story?

Asiana upgraded its cabin comfort, in-flight service, customer service, and value.

It fell a little short in food ranking, but is so much better in the other critical areas, it’s firmly back in our top 10.

Now that Asiana, like its formidable Asian peers, offers suites, it’s clearly a contender.

(Photo: Courtesy Virgin America)

No. 7 Virgin America

Virgin America remains the highest-ranking U.S. airline in our survey, despite slipping two slots in the overall rankings from last year.

(It holds up even better among the survey’s domestic rankings, with a No. 1 rank in every category.)

The Red touch-screen system allows you to order snacks and drinks, shop, and give back to fight cancer or to offset your carbon footprint is a prime example of how Virgin America is truly in step with the expectations of 21st-century travelers.

(Photo: Courtesy Qatar Airways)

No. 8 Qatar Airways

Ranked No. 11 in 2011, Qatar made a move into the top 10, although not yet back to the No. 3 ranking it earned from readers in 2010, or 2009’s No. 2 spot.

Kudos to improvements in the airline’s in-flight service, and to welcome changes in cabin comfort, namely the 32-inch seat pitch.

Hiring celebrity chef, Nobu Matsuhisa, to oversee the in-flight menu is another crowd-pleaser.

(Photo: Courtesy Virgin Atlantic)

No. 9 Virgin Atlantic Airways

Virgin Atlantic ranked eighth last year and could use a little maintenance in the eyes of T+L readers.

The airline fell a bit short in every category this year, but most especially when it came to food, in-flight service, and value.

Even cabin comfort was found to be less comforting this year compared to last.

The airline still made it into the survey’s top 10—and continues to make headlines for its cheeky spirit.

Earlier this year, for instance, Upper Class passengers had the distinct pleasure of drinks served with ice cubes crafted to resemble Sir Richard Branson’s head.

(Photo: Courtesy of Thai Airways International)

(Photo: Courtesy Thai Airways International)

No. 10 Thai International Airways

Ensconced at No. 10, as it was in 2011, Thai Airways pretty much maintained the status quo, although readers did feel the airline offers more value than it has in the past.

Thai is keeping up with other quality carriers, installing niceties like Audio Visual on Demand (AVOD).

Since most of its flights are within Asia or to Europe (with North American service only to Los Angeles), it lacks the visibility of the top-dog Asian airlines.

Regardless, our readers think it deserves top 10 status.

See more of the World's Best Airlines

Friday, November 30, 2012

Related links

Best Places to Be Born, in 2013...

Pagination

Thursday, November 29, 2012

The Most Searched Recipes of 2012...

Photo by: Corbis Cheap, healthy, and a perennial crowd-pleaser, it's no surprise chicken is our go-to dinner. Basic Roast Chicken Chicken Chili Chicken and Biscuits Cider-Glazed Chicken Chicken Tacos Find More Chicken Recipes>>

Pagination

Related links

Is Canada a Captive Oil Producer?

Pagination

The Knife You’ll Want When the "Stuff" Hits the Fan...

Related links

Tis The Season to Splurge: 5 Retailer Tricks to Make You Spend More...

Related links

World's Best Airlines...

MORE AT TRAVEL + LEISURE

Photo by: Corbis
Cheap, healthy, and a perennial crowd-pleaser, it's no surprise chicken is our go-to dinner.

Basic Roast Chicken

Chicken Chili

Chicken and Biscuits

Cider-Glazed Chicken

Chicken Tacos

Find More Chicken Recipes>>