Tuesday, June 25, 2013

美国4成未婚女 要孩子不要伴侣

信源:世界日
联社(AP)妇女娱乐电视频道(WE tv)30日公布的最新民调显示,50岁以下未婚、没有子女的妇女中,有超过五分之二(42%),考虑不要伴侣、独自生养子女;也有超过三分之一(37%)妇女考虑独自收养子女

这个探讨美国家庭结构改变所面对的问题的民调,结果与人口普查局最近公布的报告一致,即单亲母亲的人数在增加,人口普查局的资料显示,2011年有410妇女分娩,其中有36%未婚,比2005年的31%增加,在2024岁的妇女中,有62%为未婚

APWE的民调也显示,很少美国人认为日益多元的家庭形态对美国社会不好,但许多人还是对单亲母亲有疑虑,64%的人说,单身无伴侣的妇女有子女对社会不好,持这种观点的男人占68%妇女占59%

这项民调发现,对于有关如何及何时有子女的问题,男女的态度有很大的差异,未婚妇女中有37%虑独自收养子女,男人只有19%这样想。未婚妇女有31%虑把自己的卵子冷冻,27%愿意用捐赠的精子进行人工受孕

对于单亲母亲养育子女是否与双亲一样好,30%的人说是,27%的人说不是,43%说看情形而定。有32%的母亲说,生养子女对她们的事业有负面的影响,而只有10%的男人这样说

住在明尼亚波里斯的44岁的财务顾问克莉丝蒂‧艾弗森未婚,但在四年前决定要个孩子,并独自扶养,她用捐赠精子诞生的女儿现在两岁半,她希望再生一个。她说,做为单亲,每天照顾婴儿自然会占掉她工作时间,现在女儿稍大,她感到渐回正轨,不久后即可恢复在职场的冲刺。她说,这样做很辛苦,但完全值得,她还想要第二个孩子就是证明

旧金山41岁的医院职能治疗师乔艾丝‧陈也是单亲母亲,独自照顾十岁的女儿,她说,来自教会的朋友帮助她维持了家庭和养育女儿,她认为单亲母亲养育子女会像双亲一样好

这项民调是于本月1523日,在网上12771849岁者进行调查,包括访问了298名未婚、但有子女,或正在怀第一胎的妇女,误差为正负3.8%

咖啡提神或是心理作用

信源:英国《每日邮报》
实验证明咖啡本身无法提升注意

喝咖啡能提神,似乎是人们普遍的共识,但是最近英国研究发现,疲惫时喝杯咖啡,才能神清气爽地开始工作,其原因并不是咖啡因的效果,而是心理作用

东伦敦大学选择8818~47岁每天要喝两杯以上咖啡的人做实验,把他们分成两组,一组告诉他们喝的是无咖啡因咖啡,实际上他们喝的却是一般咖啡;另一组则相反,告诉他们喝的是一般咖啡,其实是无咖啡因的咖啡

喝完一杯咖啡后让他们接受测试,测验他们的注意力、反应时间和心情等。结果显示,自以为喝下咖啡因的那一组,注意力和反应都比较好。研究人员说,从这项实验来看,咖啡本身无法提升注意力,反倒是自以为喝了咖啡的人,心理上有了依靠,注意力就比较集中了

但是为什么人们在清晨喝一杯咖啡后感觉确实不太一样?研究人员称,原因很可能是这杯咖啡扭转了一夜没有咖啡因供给所带来的惫效应。而且,英国布里斯托尔大学研究人员发现,常喝含咖啡因饮料的人会逐渐对这种刺激作用产生抗性


研究人员以379名成年人作为研究对象展开调查,一半人从不或极少喝含咖啡因饮料,另一半人经常饮用这类饮料。研究人员要求他们在16时内不饮用含咖啡因饮料,随后让他们喝咖啡或没有实际作用的安慰剂。评估后发现,常喝含咖啡因饮料者喝咖啡后的兴奋程度,与平常很少喝咖啡者喝安慰剂后的兴奋程度相当

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Sex or the smartphone: what do Italian women want?


Protesters gather in Rome's Piazza del Popolo to demonstrate against Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi in Feb. 2011, saying his sex scandals have hurt their dignity and reinforced outdated gender stereotypes. (Alessandro Bianchi /Reuters)


Some think rock ‘n roll is better than sex. Others opt for chocolate. But smartphones?

Well, si. If you’re an Italian woman. According to a survey of 3,000 European women byalfemminile.com, some 29 per cent of Italians – close to one-third – admit to checking their phones during sex, according to a report in the Italian news agency ANSA. 

And not only that. Eighty-three per cent of those polled confessed to being “exceedingly attached” to their phones to the point of addiction.

Furthermore, nearly one-quarter of them “cannot withstand being separated from their devices for more than an hour,” compared with 14 per cent of their European sisters. That’s far more, statistically, than stay with their husbands once they’re married – little more than 50 per cent.

In or out of the bedroom, the survey says, about 23 per cent of Italian women check their phones every half hour, compared with 18 per cent in Europe. And men who date them can expect that 54 per cent of their inamoratas will spend the evening with their eyes, and hands, on their keyboards. 

But does this say more about the women – or their partners? 

The study, in fact, could be the worst blow to the image of the Italian lover since the death of womanizing Fascist poet Gabriele D’Annunzio.

And it’s a far cry from Stendhal’s contention that in Italy, “one must only make love; other pleasures of the soul are cramped here…anywhere else is only a bad copy.” 

But things have moved on since the early 19th century.  

Or could it be that like former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, Italian men have fallen victim to their own overblown publicity? 

With near-total control over the Italian media for more than two decades, Berlusconi flamboyantly promoted a role for women as sex kittens, striptease artists and burlesque queens, at the service of domineering (but irresistible) men. He invited high profile guests to “bunga bunga” parties supplied with very young women, with himself as the director and star. 

The media onslaught rolled back some of the gains won by Italian feminists and made male chauvinism “normal” again. Sexual harassment was shrugged off as flirtation and women complained of increased hassling on the street. 

But they had more overwhelming problems too, as the economic meltdown heaped disaster on discrimination. The female unemployment rate rose to up to 54 per cent, and the World Economic Forum’s 2011 Global Gender Gap Report placed Italy at 74th in gender equality, below Ghana and Bangladesh. Not surprisingly hundreds of thousands of women took to the streets crying basta

Is it any wonder that they’ve also taken so fiercely to their obedient mechanical major domos – which they know will always be under their thumbs?

Olivia Ward has covered conflicts, politics and human rights from the former Soviet Union to South Asia and the Middle East. She was the Star’s European bureau chief from 1997-2002.


英国调查显示星期五做手术死亡率最高

信源:BBC
英国伦敦帝国理工学院研究人员所做的一项调查显示,在星期五做手术的风险要比星期一高出44%

研究人员在这项调查中收集了英格兰公费医疗系统从2008年到2011年的全部非急诊手术资料。研究人员通过检查大约400万例手术资料发现,有27,000多人在手术后一个月内死亡,死亡率为0.67%

引人关注的是手术的死亡率随着每周日期的变化而出现明显的变化。数据显示,星期一做手术风险最低,然后逐日增加,在星期五达到风险最高点

研究人员指出,星期五手术死亡率高,可能是因为患者在手术后最需要得到照料的时候正好遇到周末,因而不能得到良好的术后照料


领导这项研究工作的医生则认为,手术后的最初48时对患者来说是最关键的。如果在这个时候出现出血和感染等问题,但身边又没有称职的医生,情况会很糟。调查所显示的总体死亡率比较低,令人宽慰,但如果我需要在接近周末的时候做手术,我会希望了解这个医院能不能在术后照顾我。

How to help someone having a heart attack

Cardiologist Dr. Chi-Ming Chow shares what to do if someone has a heart attack, cardiac arrest or stroke


Cardiologist Dr. Michael Chow with a portable defibrilator unit.
By: Isabel Teotonio Living reporter, Published on Tue May 28 2013
On Sunday, about 13,000 cyclists will participate in Ride for Heart , the largest charity cycling event in Canada. The sold-out event raises funds to support research about heart disease and stroke.

The Star spoke with Dr. Chi-Ming Chow , a cardiologist at St. Michael’s Hospital and spokesperson for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, about what to do if you or someone you know has a heart attack, cardiac arrest or stroke.

He shared why no one should be afraid to do CPR, even if they don’t know how, the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest, and why Stayin’ Alive should never be too far from your lips.

The difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest
During a heart attack, the heart keeps beating. People often have discomfort in their chest that radiates up to the jaw, and a pressure or squeezing pain can radiate down the left arm — or both arms. They may be short of breath, sweating or nauseous.
A heart attack occurs when the coronary arteries that supply the heart with blood are blocked. If blocked for more than six minutes, the heart will be damaged. “If not opened up immediately, either by our own body defence mechanism or mechanically, by coming to a hospital for an angiogram or angioplasty, then permanent damage may set in,” says Chow.
A cardiac arrest is different, because the heart suddenly stops. Between 15 and 30 per cent of heart attacks can progress into a cardiac arrest; others may be caused by inborn structural abnormalities to the heart. Stroke, electrocution, suffocation and drug overdose may also cause cardiac arrest.
People having a cardiac arrest lose consciousness. There is no pulse, and they stop breathing and turn blue. “Usually, it’s very dramatic, because there’s no circulation through the body,” says Chow.
Both require medical attention, but it’s important to know the difference. People who have had a heart attack should get to the emergency room as quickly as possible. If someone’s had a cardiac arrest, it’s important that a bystander performs CPR immediately to get the blood flowing and keep the person alive until medical attention arrives.

How to spot a stroke
Studies show up to 60 per cent of people aren’t familiar with the warning signs for heart attack and stroke.
A stroke may result in problems with speech and vision, facial weaknesses or paralysis and an inability to move one side of the upper arm or lower arm. The person may suffer a severe headache or loss of consciousness.
That’s because strokes are lack of blood supply to the brain, either by a blockage or rupture of a blood vessel. Permanent brain tissue damage starts to set in after six minutes, and it’s crucial to get treatment within three to four hours. Doctors can give a patient a clot-buster to restore circulation.

What to do if you’re having a heart attack or stroke
“With heart attack and stroke — which we call a brain attack — it’s important people recognize the signs and symptoms and call 911 or go to the closest emergency department,” says Chow. Avoid going to the hospital by yourself.
“I’ve had patients who’ve driven with crushing pain in their chest, but they keep driving and they come right into Emergency. It’s important they stop what they’re doing, call 911 and chew an Aspirin,” says Chow.
What to do it you see someone have a cardiac arrest or stroke
About 80 per cent of cardiac arrests occur outside a hospital — often at home or work.
If you see someone has a cardiac arrest, call 911, ask someone to get an AED (automated external defibrillator) and start CPR as quickly as possible.
Don’t know CPR? You’re not alone.
“It’s a conservative estimate, but I would say about 60 to 70 per cent of people (in Toronto) have not attended a CPR course,” says Chow.
There are 40,000 cardiac arrests in Canada each year. The chance of surviving is about 1 in 20. It’s crucial the average person know CPR, because it can increase a person’s chance of survival by 70 per cent.
“The Heart & Stroke Foundation’s main message is: If you don’t know CPR, learn it. And learn how to use an AED,” says Chow.

What to do if you don’t know CPR
CPR has gotten a lot simpler. Check for unresponsiveness, call 911 — have someone get an AED, if possible — and start chest compressions. Push hard — two inches down — and fast in the centre of the chest at a rate of 100 compressions per minute. Think of the rhythm in “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees—that’s the beat at which you should be pushing.
“There have been studies showing people who played that song in their head performed better CPR in terms of the rhythm,” says Chow.
“There is a possibility of doing it wrong,” says Chow, but “it’s better to do it and try to save someone’s life than not do it. You may break a rib, but it’s better to have broken rib than die.”

美中较劲的新战场 缅甸现在成了香饽饽

信源:法广网|编辑:2013-05-22

520这一天,缅甸总统吴登盛成为这个国家近半世纪以来到访美国白宫的第一位领导人,而美方借此作出象征性的大力表态,以支持吴登盛所推动的改革


缅甸总统吴登盛与美国总统奥巴马会

法新社周一报道说,当军事将领出身的吴登盛步入白宫,在椭圆形办公室与奥巴马总统展开会谈时,这个场景仅在数年前还是完全无法想像之事

过,对于缅甸总统来访,白宫外头仍有一小群抗议者聚集。有批评人士指出,奥巴马邀请吴登盛访美操之过急,减低了缅甸必须处理侵犯人权问题的压力。这些问题包括近来在缅甸出现的反穆斯林暴乱,而国家安全部队被批评对此种暴行视若无睹

2011年,以名义上的文人身份就任总统的吴登盛,施政上令许多怀疑人士大感意外。因为他释放了数百名政治犯,放宽审查制度,开放报禁,还容许长期遭受软禁的偶像型人物昂山素季进入国会

法新社指出,缅甸改革的最重大考验,将是2015这一年。届时将举行大选,军方及其盟友是否愿交出政权有待观察,而此政权交付的对象有可能是昂山素季

在吴登盛和美国越靠越近之际,原本的邻居中国心头别有一番滋味。特别是当北京回想起,1962缅甸军人推翻民选政府夺权,排除民选制度,开始由军人独裁统治的情景。而在缅甸军人统治期间,由于压迫人权、迫害境内少数民族,而遭到西方世界制裁,不得不向近邻大哥-中国-

现在情势逆转,越来越多的迹象显示美国正在拉拢缅甸。这令中国开始紧张,其中原因据分析指出,首先是,中国将缅甸视为前进印度洋的重要跳板,西方军事专家认为,在中国打造的印度洋珍珠岛链战略中,包括巴基斯坦、缅甸、孟加拉等国。再来是,中国在缅甸拥有许多重要能源投资,北京担忧在缅甸投资权利受损

因此,北京也另谋对策,开始拉拢缅甸反对党,致力于推进和昂山素姬建立长久的合作关系

据《伊洛瓦底江》杂志报导,中国新任驻缅甸大使杨厚兰本月稍早会见反对党-全国民主联盟(简称民盟)-领导人昂山素季,民盟在58日也派出12访问团前往北京10天。

本台日前报导曾指出,中国此举是打破禁区接触缅甸反对党。另据亲北京的香港《大公报》15报道,民盟6月将再派团访问北京,到时候可能就是昂山素季本人亲自领军。中国驻缅甸大使馆一位官员对此表示说,只要条件成熟,自然可以成行

台湾《联合报》称,中国驻缅甸大使馆57日的新闻资料显示,大使杨厚兰在仰光会见当时即将出访中国的民盟代表团成员时,杨厚兰说过:远亲不如近邻中方愿加与包括民盟在内的各政党友好交往

说,杨厚兰最近还与缅甸军政府统治期间遭逮捕入狱多次的八八学运世代领袖见面。学运领袖哥哥基告诉杨厚兰说缅甸不应该变成强权间的战场,而他所指的权就是中国和美国

另外值得我们注意的是,昂山素季今年三月被国会指派调查缅甸中西部的礼勃东铜矿厂污染事件,而调查结果是决定不关厂这家铜矿厂背后最大股东正是中国万宝公司。昂山素季当时说,如果停止铜矿开采必定损及经济,她还说:论喜欢与否,我们必须与邻国相处这个邻国,当然非是中国莫属了

总而言之,北京看好昂山素季未来在缅甸可能上台执政的远景。现在就向缅甸反对党伸出和解之手,的确是中国未雨绸缪之策。也或多或少地牵制住一直主导缅甸民主改革并迅速与美国亲近的现政府

另外,中国国内一直有批评称,至今为止,北京一直致力于与美国、欧盟、俄罗斯等国的大国外交,以及以非洲和南美为中心的资源外交,相对忽略了与邻近国家的外交。有专家认为,北京新领导班子是不是为应对美国的亚太再平衡战略,才想积极巩固与邻近尤其是南亚国家的关系。而中国总理李克强首度外访的首站选择了印度,也就不令人意外了

Heart attacks decrease with smoke-free workplace laws: Mayo Clinic

Smoke-free workplace laws are associated with about one-third fewer heart attacks


Heart attacks declined significantly after a comprehensive smoke-free workplace ordinance went into effect in 2007.
By: Mayo Clinic Published on Tue May 28 2013
A Mayo Clinic study shows that smoke-free workplace laws are associated with about one-third fewer heart attacks.
The study assessed changes in heart attack numbers within a large population base in Minnesota. Researchers compared the incidence of heart attacks in the 18 months before the smoke-free restaurant law passed in 2002 with the incidence of heart attacks in the 18 months after a comprehensive smoke-free workplace ordinance went into effect in 2007.
They found that heart attacks declined significantly — 33 per cent — and they noted a trend of decreased sudden cardiac death. Adult smoking dropped 23 per cent, but other cardiovascular risk factors — including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity — remained stable or increased.
Second-hand smoke exposure is associated with coronary artery disease in non-smokers. Research also suggests that the cardiovascular effects of second-hand smoke are nearly the same as the effects experienced by someone who is actively smoking.
Mayo Clinic researchers say the study points to the need to consider second-hand smoke to be a major risk factor for heart attacks as well as a possible risk factor for sudden cardiac death. They add that second-hand smoke could be addressed with the expansion of smoke-free workplace policies. Avoid second-hand smoke whenever possible, and if you have coronary artery disease, avoid second-hand smoke altogether.

7 reasons your house may not be selling

Here are some of the common mistakes people make when putting their home up for sale.

Good timing - April to June is ideal - and a realistic asking price are among the factors that will ensure your house sells in a timely fashion.
Selling a home isn’t as simple as planting a sign in the ground any more. It involves preparation, timing and strategic advice. If you don’t do all of the above, do not be surprised when your home does not sell while others in the area are doing so.
Here are some common mistakes:
1. Good photos matter
More and more, buyers are being introduced to properties online. Pictures and videos matter. Before you take any picture, make sure your home has been properly de-cluttered, inside and out, and consider staging tips that will make the rooms appear larger. Pictures from your own iPhone will not impress anyone. Make sure all photographs are taken by professionals.
2. An MLS listing isn’t enough
In addition to the MLS, your home needs to be marketed on social media and should be directly advertised to other real estate agents, here and abroad, who are more likely to bring a buyer to your home. Foreign investors want Canadian real estate, as they view it as a safe investment. You need to reach every potential buyer.
3. The price isn’t right
A home is likely to attract the most interest within the first two weeks it is listed for sale. If the home is overpriced, buyers will move on. Be realistic when you set a sale price. Check out the competition and see what recent sales have been in the area. Remember, the longer a house sits on the market, the more likely that people will start asking whether something is wrong with it.
4. Buyers can’t get in to have a look
You never know when a potential buyer will want to see it. It might be late in the evening or at other times that are not convenient for you. If you say no, the buyer will typically just move on to the next home for sale, where the owner is more accommodating.
5. Your timing is wrong
Most buyers like to close before the beginning of the school year, to avoid too much disruption. Since closing usually happens 60 days after the offer is signed, you want to try to time your sale to happen between April and June. People generally go on vacation in the summer.
6. The house has a stigma
Sometimes two homes look similar, but one backs on to a ravine and the other to a hydro line. Make sure your agent asks for feedback from people who have seen your home but have decided not to put in an offer. If there is something outside the home that is bothering buyers, either figure out how to address it or adjust your price. If your neighbours know about prior problems with your home, be upfront and tell buyers in advance. They are going to ask the neighbours anyway, as part of their due diligence.
7. You have the wrong agent
When you interview agents, it should never be about choosing the one with the cheapest price. You have too much money riding on this choice. Ask any agent you interview about their own marketing plans and social media presence, and above all, get references. In addition, ask a simple question: Why should I hire you? If they can’t demonstrate why they are different, move on.

Mark Weisleder is a Toronto real estate lawyer. Contact him atmark@markweisleder.com

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

柠檬泡水隐藏的健康秘密

信源:雅虎健康

柠檬富含柠檬酸、苹果酸、维生素C钾、钙、镁、磷等,还含有柠檬精油、橙皮甙、柚皮甙等保健成分。柠檬果肉极酸,虽不宜直接鲜食,但切片泡水却有利于营养物质的释放。那么,柠檬水应该怎么泡呢?我想跟大家分享一下我的经验


最好选择鲜柠檬

鲜柠檬香味浓郁,而干柠檬的香气成分和维生素C都有一定损失。鲜柠檬一定要带皮切薄片。因为皮的部分类黄酮物质更高,如橙皮甙、柚皮甙等,它们都是有益健康的成分,柠檬精油也主要在皮里面,而切薄则有利于柠檬皮中的香气成分泡出来。类黄酮物质有淡淡的苦味,和柠檬本身的酸味相配合,天热时喝更解渴。剩下的柠檬可以在切口处涂些蜂蜜,用保鲜膜包上,能在冰箱里存三天

水温60~70较适宜

柠檬的水太凉,香味不容易泡出来。如用沸水浸泡,则会有较多的苦味物质溶出,比如橙皮甙等。有人担心,水温太高会导致维生素C损失,其实柠檬的酸性较强,而维生素C在酸性条件下耐热性较好,没那么容易损失。因此,泡柠檬的水温一般在60~70较合适

柠檬泡水一定要淡

如果用柠檬水代替白开水来解渴,则泡水时一定要淡。一大片带皮柠檬泡1升水,能倒3-4小杯,一般冲泡2-3次,没有柠檬味道时换片新的即可。这样泡出来的柠檬水不酸不涩,比较清香,不加糖或蜂蜜即可饮用,所含能量几乎可以忽略不计。如果柠檬片放的比较多,则需要加糖或蜂蜜,有利于平衡酸味

最后,需要提示大家的是,柠檬水加一点蜂蜜或白糖会更好喝。但是,淡甜的柠檬水大约含有5%的糖,一杯(200克)加糖蜂蜜水中含能量40千卡,如果喝两杯,就相当于吃1/4碗米饭,所以需要控制体重的人要限量

此外,胃酸过多的人只需把柠檬水尽量泡淡一点就可以喝,因为少量的柠檬酸有利于胃黏膜修复。对于消化不良者来说,在淡柠檬水中加薄薄一片姜佐餐饮用,对促进消化液分泌还有好处。不加糖的淡柠檬水中没有钠,几乎不含能量,而含有钾、少量维生素C和少量类黄酮物质,很适合高血压、糖尿病、心脑血管疾病和痛风等慢性病人日常饮用

乌干达贫民窟女孩成象棋神童 最初只为一碗粥

信源:国际在线

17岁的女孩菲奥娜·穆特希是乌干达的一名象棋神童,在国际棋坛为乌干达赢得了不少荣誉。但是,有谁知道,这位象棋天才诞生的起点只是为了一碗粥


菲奥娜对象棋有很深的感


菲奥娜获得过很多奖

菲奥娜·穆特希出生在乌干达最大的贫民窟卡特维。3岁时,她的父亲死于艾滋病,全家生活没有着落,没有食物,也没有钱租住房屋,只得流落街头。这个时候,她的哥哥布莱恩告诉她,有一家基督教慈善基金会在教孩子下国际象棋,而去学象棋的孩子能够在那里免费喝粥。

过,菲奥娜·穆特希刚到基金会时,许多人不让她来抢饭碗,叫她滚开。对此,她并不觉得十分郁闷。她说,被人驱赶不算什么伤心事,她生活在贫民窟,这样的事情已经司空见惯了。她一次又一次地被驱赶,但又反复来到这个基金会学象棋,并进行比赛,就是为了能够混一口饭

奇怪的是,通过孜孜不倦地蹭饭,菲奥娜·穆特希的棋艺不断增长,在象棋方面的天赋被激发出来,直至战胜了她的教练,进入了国家队。20109月,她参加全国比赛,一路过关斩将,荣获亚军。在2012年第40届国际象棋奥林匹克团体赛上,菲奥娜带领队友屡挫强敌,把国家队的世界排名从第108位提升到89位,提升幅度19位,成为全国英雄

荣誉面前,菲奥娜·穆特希非常感慨最初接触象棋的日子。她近日在接受记者采访时透露,吸引她进入国际象棋领域的,其实并不是象棋里面的马、象、车、兵,也不是里面的黑王、白王,最初让她接触象棋世界的仅仅是一碗粥。而在贫民窟里,你不斗争,就什么也得不到,这就是她为什么总是能够喝到粥、赢得比赛的原因所在