Afternoon Drive with Jeff & Carly

According to Us magazine, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt conceived their twins via in vitro fertilization.  A source indicated that the couple chose this method  so Angelina “wouldn’t have to deal with the stress of trying to get pregnant.  She could just knock it out.”

First of all, trying to get pregnant the old-fashioned way with Brad Pitt doesn’t seem that stressful.  I’d be willing to try all day for as long as it takes, but maybe that’s just me. :)  On a more serious note, I do realize that in vitro can be a godsend to a childless couple who have tried for years to conceive and have had no luck.  But this situation, if the reports are true, appears to be one of pure convenience.  Did I miss something?  When did having a child become the equivalent of customizing a combo at Wendy’s?  I want it fast and now!

Am I wrong about this?  Is this an ethical issue or is it simply about money, i.e. if you’ve got the cash, you should be able to buy almost anything, including a conception and birth that fits your schedule?  Have your say by clicking on the No Comments/Comments link below.  Today’s Jack Nation bonus code is INVITRO.  It won’t lead to a baby, but it will allow you to “score” until July 27th.  Woo hoo!

P.S. I will be on vacation over the next couple of weeks.  Check back with me after August 11th!

The cubicle is celebrating it’s 40th anniversary and chances are pretty good that you have worked in this type of environment at some point in your life.  If you haven’t, well, consider yourself lucky.  Although the cubicle is a cheap and easy way to reconfigure space and creates a little bit of privacy for members of the rat race, it can be as frustrating as working in a maze.  There are often no windows and people think that just because you can’t see them, that you can’t hear them, either.  False.  I used to hear all kinds of things in my cubicle at a previous job because I was right by the stairs.  It’s funny how people feel that if they say something on their way out the door - whether in confidence to a co-worker or under their breath - that the comment exits with them.  No, not true.  I also hated seeing the over-personalized cubicles of some fellow employees.  You can convey your interests and personality through your calendar, your mug, maybe posting your child’s latest drawing, but there’s no need to go overboard.  This isn’t your bedroom and you’re probably not thirteen (even if you still feel like you are).

Have you heard the James Blunt parody entitled “My Cubicle”?  Click HERE to see one of many hilarious videos posted on YouTube.  What has been your experience with the cubicle?  Share your love or hate of this forty year-old invention by clicking on the No Comments/Comments link below.  Today’s Jack Nation bonus code is MYCUBICLE.  It’s valid until July 24th.     

Big Dee-Dee and an average-sized lobster. (Photo: TheStar.com)

By now, you’ve probably heard of Big Dee-Dee.  If not, let me enlighten you.  Big Dee-Dee is a recently-caught, century-old lobster that weighs 10-kg.  That’s close to twenty times the size of a lobster you’d get in a restaurant!  Denis Breau, the owner of a fish store in Shediac, New Brunswick, has finally decided Big Dee-Dee’s fate.  Despite $5000 being offered to serve the lobster at a banquet here in Ontario and $1000 by a group in Vancouver wanting to set the creature free, the crustacean will be donated to the aquarium at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre in St. Andrews, N.B.

Seeing the photo of Big Dee-Dee got me thinking about the most impressive animal I’ve ever seen.  I can’t decide between the imposing elephants, the elegant-necked giraffes or the 5 metre-long crocodiles I saw in Kenya.  I witnessed all these animals from the safety of a Land Rover, though.  In Costa Rica, I laid eyes on smaller caymans but was in an open boat, so the danger - whether real or perceived - was perhaps more palpable.  But then, nothing says impressive like travelling over Moroccan sand dunes on the back of a camel.  That was pretty memorable, too!

What’s the most impressive animal you’ve ever seen?  Was it in nature?  At a zoo?  In a museum?  What was striking about it?  Have your say by clicking on the No Comments/Comments link below.  Today’s bonus code is BIGDEEDEE.  It will continue to impress Jack Nation members until July 23rd, then after that, not so much.    

So Batman: The Dark Knight has opened here in T.O. to rave reviews.  The Toronto Star gave it 4 out of 4 stars.  It looks like it’s a great movie, whether you’re a comic book fan or not.  I’m hoping to check it out this weekend.

Batman hasn’t exactly had nine lives, but close to it.  There have been seven actors who have played the caped crusader in live action versions of the character - Christian Bale (Present), George Clooney (1997), Val Kilmer (1995), Michael Keaton (1989, 1992), Adam West (1966), Robert Lowery (1949) and Lewis Wilson (1943).

I haven’t seen the Lowery or Wilson performances, but I have to admit, Adam West will always be the consummate Bruce Wayne/Batman to me.  He may not have had the rippling muscles the plastic suits and personal trainers afforded his successors, but there was just something about his delivery that made you admire his strength of character.  His voice, his demeanor, his actions made you believe that he would always do what was right, even if it wasn’t right for him.  That, my friends, is a true hero.

Who was your favourite Batman?  Are you going to check out the new film this weekend?  Feel free to post your thoughts and your review by clicking on the No Comments/Comments link below.  Today’s Jack Nation bonus code is DARKKNIGHT.  It’s valid until July 20th. 

Here are some cell myths that were recently addressed at Switched.com:

Cell phones can cause gas station fires.

• Myth: While pumping gas, using or turning on your phone can release a charge of static electricity that will ignite the fuel.
• True or false? False. This rumor dates back to the ’90s, when a phony e-mail claimed that Shell Oil had issued a warning about three instances of cell phones causing fires at the pumps. When contacted about it in 2003, Shell claimed it was a complete hoax and that it wasn’t aware of any such incidents.

Cell phones can be used to open up locked cars.

• Myth:Broadcasting the sound of a remote keyless entry device over a phone can open up a locked car.
• True or false? False. The rumor is that if you have an extra key remote at home, you can call someone and have them hit the open button while you hold your phone up to the lock. Well, those entry systems use radio waves and proximity  –  and can’t be transmitted over a phone.

Cell phone use lowers sperm count.

• Myth: Carrying a phone in your pocket and constant use can lower your sperm count.
• True or false? True. Sorry fellas, but if you’re on your phone all the time, you might have a lower sperm count or abnormal swimmers. A study at a
  Ohio fertility clinic tested 361 men with infertility issues and divided them based on cell phone usage. Those who used their phone more than four hours a day were found to have much lower sperm counts and higher amounts of poor quality semen.

To read the full list of myths, click HERE.  Have you ever heard any of these cell myths before?  What myths did you believe as a child?  Did someone plant them in your head, e.g. swallowing watermelon seeds will result in vines growing out of your ears, or did you come up with them yourself?  I always liked the one about not crossing your eyes because they could stay that way.  Spread the fallacies by clicking on the No Comments/Comments link below.  Today’s Jack Nation bonus code is CELLMYTHS.  It’s valid until July 19th.

Elton John is the latest celebrity to have an ice cream flavour named in his honour at Ben & Jerry’s.  The Rocket Man is playing his first-ever concert in Vermont (where the ice cream giant is based) on July 21.  As a result, “Goodbye Yellow Brickle Road” will be available at Vermont locations only from July 18-25, with proceeds going to the Elton John AIDS Foundation.  The flavour is described as “an outrageous symphony of decadent chocolate ice cream, peanut butter cookie dough, butter brickle and white chocolate chunks”.  Sounds decadent!

I rarely eat ice cream in the winter, but readily admit that I have it for dinner every now and then in the summer. :)  At Dairy Queen, I’ll order a chocolate dipped cone.  At Baskin-Robbins, I’ll have mint chocolate chip in a sugar cone.  If I happen upon an ice cream truck, swirl soft ice cream (chocolate and vanilla) is what I’ll have.

What is your favourite flavour of ice cream?  Do certain flavours bring back childhood memories?  Do you prefer hard or soft ice cream?  Has melted ice cream ever ruined something for you?  Share your preferences by clicking on the No Comments/Comments link below.  Today’s Jack Nation bonus code is SOFTICECREAM.  It won’t melt until July 18th.   

Body language can speak volumes and often it’s saying things we don’t mean to communicate.  According to AOL, here’s what you need to know to become fluent in body language - other people’s and your own. 

WHAT YOUR BODY LANGUAGE SAYS ABOUT YOU

• Body Language Says: Shifty eyes that avoid eye contact with others.
  What Others See and Hear: A lack of eye contact hinders your ability to create a connection with the person or people you’re speaking with. This oversight gives others few reasons to trust you and your ideas.
• Body Language Says: Arms crossed in front of your body, holding your torso tight.
  What Others See and Hear: Crossed arms make you appear guarded, unapproachable, and on the defense, as though you have something to hide from the people in the room with you. If you’re having trouble relaxing your arms, try folding them neatly in your lap instead of across your chest.
• Body Language Says: A broad grin showing all of your pearly whites.
  What Others See and Hear: A smiling face suggests that you are eager, confident, and pleasant to work with. However, be careful to not smile too much when talking about serious subjects, as your grin might suggest that you aren’t taking the discussion seriously enough.
• Body Language Says: Fidgeting, tapping, or shaking incessantly.
  What Others See and Hear: If you can’t remain still in a meeting or conversation, your constant movements make you look uncomfortable with yourself and others, which can cause a domino effect making other people in the room uncomfortable as well.
• Body Language Says: A stance as strong as an oak-tree.
  What Others See and Hear: Great posture suggests that you are confident, can lead well, are trustworthy, and are rooted in your beliefs. Just make sure that your excellent posture isn’t negated by a stiff, immobile upper body.
• Body Language Says: Legs wide open, arms stretched out, taking up lots of space.
  What Others See and Hear: You’re clearly comfortable with yourself and don’t mind being noticed, but taking up too much space in a small room can be perceived as thoughtless and arrogant. Furthermore, your casual stance may limit the ability of others to take you as seriously as you might like.
• Body Language Says: Leaning towards the person who is talking.
  What Others See and Hear: A subtle lean towards the individual who is presenting indicates that you are a gracious listener and are interested and respectful of that the other person has to say.
• Body Language Says: A shirttail out, a missing button, and other slovenly behaviors.
  What Others See and Hear: You can’t expect people to take you seriously if you don’t take the time to put yourself together properly. A quick check in the mirror and a change of shirt could make or break your career trajectory in many fields.

Is there any body language that you would add to this list?  Do you know someone whose mannerisms are distracting?  I find people who fidget end up making me nervous.  I just can’t concentrate when someone has a restless leg, for example.  Sometimes I cross my arms, but it’s not because I’m unapproachable - it’s simply because I’m cold (temperature wise, not unemotional).  Do you agree with the list?  Post your thoughts by clicking on the No Comments/Comments link below.  Today’s Jack Nation bonus code is BODYLANGUAGE.  It’s valid until July 17th.

This is not me… but it could be!

A few postings ago, I re-printed some research about eating in front of the television and how it could lead to obesity (see TV Makes You Fat).  It wasn’t my intention to get back on the “this is why we’re heavy” topic so quickly, but I saw this info on AOL and wanted to share some “food for thought”.

HOW TO AVOID BINGE EATING (AOL)

• Trade your corkscrew for a bottle opener: Participants in one study ate more food while drinking wine than while drinking beer.
• Shape up: Wedge-shaped foods like pizza make it difficult to estimate proper portions. (No wonder the apple pie always goes so fast.)
• Pack a packet: Instant oatmeal beats out All Bran and Muesli for fullness factor. We love Quaker’s Weight Control Maple and Brown Sugar–it tastes heavenly and has more fiber, protein, and whole grains than the regular variety.
• Find a new china pattern: Research shows that blue is a natural appetite suppressant, so using blue plates, napkins, or placemats may make you eat more slowly and realize when you’re full.
• Dig pop culture: Because it’s mostly air, popcorn is twice as filling as a candy bar or peanuts, with fewer calories. We like Pop Secret 100-calorie packs
• Be antisocial: On average, people who eat with one other person consume about 35 percent more than when they dine alone; at a table of four, that figure rises to 75 percent more; if you’re in a party of eight you’ll nearly double your intake.
• Ignore diet labels: One study found that after eating full-fat muffins, subjects were less hungry and ate less over the next 24 hours than after eating a fat-free version.
• Re-paint your dining room beige: Red, yellow, and orange hues stimulate appetite and make you eat more.
• Hold your breath: Just smelling a fresh-baked cupcake in the break room can induce the insulin secretion that makes you think you’re hungry. Sight activates the appetite snowball too, so avert your eyes.
• Make a dinner date: A study found that women eat less than usual on dates (men tend to eat a lot more).
• But don’t eat by candlelight: Dim light can trigger binge eating.

Does any of this make sense to you?  I agree with the pizza point.  Since I live alone, I tend to buy smaller packages or single servings instead of buying in bulk.  I know it costs more, but it’s easier to stop eating potato chips when you finish a single portion than it is if you have a party-size bag of Lays (betcha can’t eat just one!).  I’m not so sure about the blue plates, though.  My dishes are cobalt blue and that doesn’t stop me from pigging out.

What do you think?  Have your say by clicking on the No Comments/Comments link below.  Today’s Jack Nation bonus code is BINGE.  It will help you gain points (not weight) until July 16th.

Some competitive industries are notorious for breeding back-stabbers.  If you don’t know what I’m talking about, check out an episode of “Mad Men” sometime.  The show is about Manhattan ad men in the 60’s.  Things haven’t changed much, though.  The Creative Group recently polled advertising and marketing executives about back-stabbers and half of them said someone at work has tried to make them look bad.  Their advice?  Don’t let it slide.  Here’s the question and how those surveyed responded.

In general, what do you think is the best response when a colleague tries to make you look bad on the job?

1. Confront the person directly (70%)
2. Notify the person’s manager (10%)
3. Alert your colleagues to the situation (5%)
4. Do nothing (5%)
5. Other/Don’t know (10%)

Have you ever had to deal with a back-stabbing co-worker?  How did you handle it?  What was the outcome?  What would you differently next time?  Share your thoughts by clicking on the No Comments/Comments link below.  Today’s Jack Nation bonus code is BACKSTABBER.  It’s good until July 13th.

You’ve seen this list in some way, shape or form before.  Every so often, someone publishes a new list of the worst lyrics.  Here’s MusicRadar.com’s latest list:

The Ten Worst Lyrics of All Time

1. “I’m serious as cancer, when I say rhythm is a dancer” — “Rhythm Is A Dancer” by Snap!
2. “I don’t want to see a ghost, it’s a sight that I fear the most, I’d rather have a piece of toast, watch the evening news” — “Life” by Des’ree
3. “Is that yo ass, or yo mama half reindeer?” — “Shake Ya Tailfeather” by Nelly, P Diddy and Murphy Lee
4. “He was a boy, she was a girl. Can I make it any more obvious?” — “Sk8er Boi” by Avril Lavigne
5. “I love you like a fat kid love cake” — “21 Questions” by 50 Cent
6. “Time is like a clock in my heart” — “Time (Clock Of The Heart)” by Culture Club
7. “You got a Prada bag with a lotta stuff in it” — “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It” by Will Smith
8. “Lucky that my breasts are small and humble, so you don’t confuse them with mountains” — “Whenever, Wherever” by Shakira
9. “She had dumps like a truck, truck, truck” — “Thong Song” by Sisqo
10. “Only time will tell if we stand the test of time” — “Why Can’t This Be Love” by Van Halen

I have to agree with Shakira making the list.  I remember hearing that lyric for the first time and thinking maybe she didn’t know what she was singing since English isn’t her mother tongue, but then I heard the Spanish version and yep, it’s the same thing.  Would it be bad to have your chest confused with mountains?  How stupid do the guys you date have to be?

I don’t agree with the Van Halen example.  Only time does tell if something stands the test of time.  It’s maybe obvious, but not deserving of the worst lyric list.

One lyric that didn’t make this list, but should have, is from Bon Jovi’s “Bed of Roses”.  I want to be just as close as the Holy Ghost is.  Puh-lease!  Cryptic religious references in a song about “laying in a bed of roses” are just wrong.

Do you agree with the list?  What would you add?  Have your say by clicking on the No Comments/Comments link below.  Today’s Jack Nation bonus code is WORSTLYRICS.  It’s good until July 12th.