Recently, WIRED Magazine released their own guide pyramid but not for food groups or categories but instead a guide on how we can achieve a balanced media diet.

[click on image to view larger version]

Practicing good nutrition keeps your mind sharp, your body fit, and your life long. The same could be said for consuming media. (Seriously, knowledge is power.) When you add it all up, the average American spends roughly nine hours a day glued to some kind of screen, and like your diet, quality is as important as quantity. Here are Wired’s suggested servings for optimal media health.

Based on the percentages showed in the pyramid, I can say that my media diet is quite balanced although I spend more than 9 hours a day. Btw, I think this media diet pyramid would look neat in a tshirt.

How about you guys? Do you have a balanced media diet? If not, what areas are you lacking at or not consuming?

Source: WIRED.com

What is the secret to getting a solid 7 to 8 hours of sleep? Head for the kitchen and enjoy one or two of these 10 foods. They relax tense muscles, quiet buzzing minds, and/or get calming, sleep-inducing hormones – serotonin and melatonin – flowing. Yawning yet?

Bananas. They’re practically a sleeping pill in a peel. In addition to a bit of soothing melatonin and serotonin, bananas contain magnesium, a muscle relaxant.

Chamomile tea. The reason chamomile is such a staple of bedtime tea blends is its mild sedating effect – it’s the perfect natural antidote for restless minds/bodies.

Warm milk. It’s not a myth. Milk has some tryptophan – an amino acid that has a sedative – like effect – and calcium, which helps the brain use tryptophan. Plus there’s the psychological throw-back to infancy, when a warm bottle meant “relax, everything’s fine.”

Honey. Drizzle a little in your warm milk or herb tea. Lots of sugar is stimulating, but a little glucose tells your brain to turn off orexin, a recently discovered neurotransmitter that’s linked to alertness.

Potatoes. A small baked spud won’t overwhelm your GI tract, and it clears away acids that can interfere with yawn-inducing tryptophan. To up the soothing effects, mash it with warm milk.

Oatmeal. Oats are a rich source of sleep – inviting melatonin, and a small bowl of warm cereal with a splash of maple syrup is cozy – plus if you’ve got the munchies, it’s filling too.

Almonds. A handful of these heart-healthy nuts can be snooze-inducing, as they contain both tryptophan and a nice dose of muscle-relaxing magnesium.

Flaxseeds. When life goes awry and feeling down is keeping you up, try sprinkling 2 tablespoons of these healthy little seeds on your bedtime oatmeal. They’re rich in omega-3 fatty acids, a natural mood lifter.

Whole-wheat bread. A slice of toast with your tea and honey will release insulin, which helps tryptophan get to your brain, where it’s converted to serotonin and quietly murmurs “time to sleep.”

Turkey. It’s the most famous source of tryptophan, credited with all those Thanksgiving naps. But that’s actually modern folklore. Tryptophan works when your stomach’s basically empty, not overstuffed, and when there are some carbs around, not tons of protein. But put a lean slice or two on some whole-wheat bread mid-evening, and you’ve got one of the best sleep inducers in your kitchen.

For an extra treat, here’s the ultimate sleep-inducing snack…

Lullaby Muffins
Makes 12 low-fat muffins
Between the bananas, the whole wheat, and the honeyed touch of sweetness, these muffins are practically an edible lullaby.
· 2 cups whole-wheat pastry flour
· 1/2 teaspoon salt
· 1 tablespoon baking powder
· 2 large, very ripe bananas
· 1/3 cup applesauce
· 1/4 cup honey
· 1/2 cup milk or soymilk

Preheat oven to 350F. In a large bowl, combine the flour (make sure it’s whole-wheat pastry flour or you’ll produce golf balls, not muffins), salt, and baking powder. In a blender, puree the bananas; add the applesauce, honey, and milk. Blend well. Pour the banana mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just moistened. Line muffin tins with paper muffin cups, pour in batter, and bake 30 minutes or until tops are lightly brown and slightly springy.

Nutrition Facts:
Per serving: 119 calories; 1g fat; 2.5g protein; 27g carbohydrates; 10g sugars; 133mg sodium; 3g fiber; 35mg magnesium

Source: Yahoo! Food

Found this neat article while I was surfing the web. This is for the new fathers out there who might be panicking or are worrying about to do, just like me.

1. Don’t worry, your dad didn’t know what he was doing, either.

2. No, no–not that Spock!

3. Second thought, maybe you should worry.

4. Never tell anybody that you and your wife are “trying.”

We really don’t need the visual, that’s why.

5. Never tell anybody where your child was conceived, how long it took, or what song was playing.

6. Do not name your baby after cities, geographical points of interest, features of the solar system, seasons, plants, animals, or current television stars.

7. Your child, at birth, already has a deeply complicated relationship with his mother, and, for the first year, you are only a curiosity.

For a couple of years after that, an amusement-park ride.

Then, a referee.

And finally, a bank.

8. If you want to subject your son to the unkindest cut, insist on a local anesthetic, since many pediatricians don’t bother to use one.

The anesthetic is for the kid.

9. Baby gas is lessened with a good nipple connection during feeding, which decreases air intake.

Assuring that his lower lip is flipped out, not pursed, helps.

10. There is nothing wrong with thumb-sucking, which helps ease the pain of teething.

Nonetheless, it probably ought to stop by kindergarten.

11. Diaper-rash remedy: Expose baby’s hydraulics to the air until dry. Soak baby’s bottom in tepid water with a half cup baking soda. Then, Balmex. Or Lotrimin. Rediaper.

12. You know how they say you’ll get used to diapers? You won’t.

Unless you wear them a lot.

13. Forcing children to use toilets will make them dislike toilets.

Children begin using toilets when they tire of that not-so-fresh feeling.

Of course, this is long, way long, after you tire of it.

14. The start of crawling: usually begins between six months and twelve months.

Standing: usually between nine and twelve months.

Walking: between twelve and fifteen months.

The onset of the above, as with all developmental skills, is hugely variable among individual children.

15. Avoid walkers, not only because they can be dangerous around stairs but because they don’t require a child to balance and thus retard his walking progress.

16. Reason boys are better: They cannot get pregnant.

17. Reason girls are better: They’re less likely to get arrested.

18. The threat of an unknown punishment is always more effective than a stated one.

19. Annals of great punishments: Hang dolly from a noose!

That was a joke, Dad, a joke.

Annals of great punishments, for real: making him wash the car, clean the bathroom, and watch The McLaughlin Group.

You see, all great punishments should reduce the number of disagreeable tasks you would otherwise have to perform.

20. Teach by example.

21. Your kids can develop an independent sense of good taste only if they’re allowed to make their own mistakes in judgment.

22. Relax: Lots of little boys want a Barbie and a dollhouse.

23. The first time you change your son’s diaper and he pees all over you is not an accident. It’s foreshadowing.

24. Children of too-strict parents are more likely to develop tics.

25. Let them take reasonable risks: A few scrapes in the long run are nothing compared with the scars left by hovering parents. Or tics.

In preparation for risks: a Red Cross first-aid course.

26. The most common cause of fatal injury among kids between five and nine involves cars, which is to say, hold their hands. And buckle them in.

27. Try to tuck them in every night, too.

28. When changing diapers, avoid baby powder, as it can irritate her lungs.

When changing diapers, definitely don’t avoid the Desitin–spread it thick, like Spackle.

29. It never hurts to videotape the baby-sitter.

Especially if she’s hot.

30. Never disclose to other parents that you have found a good baby-sitter.

31. Reason boys are better: They cost less, especially their clothes.

32. Reason girls are better: They’re less likely to burn, slash, or chew the clothes they have.

33. Overalls are not only cute, they provide a convenient handle.

34. At a certain point, your child will appear to survive exclusively on peanut butter, french fries, Cheerios, and hot dogs.

35. Dropping food on the floor is a new and delightful skill to a one-year-old, not a deliberate attempt to annoy you.

However, as small he or she might be, never underestimate an infant’s ability to project chewed food over great distances.

36. The single most important thing a father can possess: Wet-Naps.

37. NOW, more than ever, don’t move into a place without laundry facilities.

38. Children’s hobbies to nip quickly in the bud: drums, archery, matchbook collecting.

39. Beware your child’s uncles, who will teach your kid dirty words, introduce him to liquor, and give him gifts of drums, archery sets, and possibly matches.

40. It is, of course, your natural right to exert the above negative influences on your siblings’ offspring.

41. You are under no obligation to tell children the truth.

Lying to children is, in fact, half the fun: “Oh, that tree? That’s a yellow-spotted spickle-gruber, of course.”

On the other hand, they do remember everything.

42. Sesame Street.

43. Your bedroom door gets a lock. Your teenage son’s does not.

44. Lock or no, please knock before entering, as the disruption of a youth who is spanking his monkey will be twice as traumatic for you as it is for him.

45. Other doors to lock: those on the liquor cabinet.

46. There is only one reason for a teenager to burn incense, and we think you remember what it is.

47. Unfortunately, those books that say motherhood makes women desire more sex are referring to women who are not your wife.

48. No matter how wealthy you are, don’t buy your kid a car — offer to match him.

Ditto for other adolescent big-ticket items; teach the little bastard some responsibility!

49. The previous statement proving you are your parents.

Only — hopefully — with better fashion sense.

50. Price of a college education for a baby born in 1999: $200,000.

51. If the real response to his question is no, try this instead: “Go ask your mom.”

52. DNA tests are 99.9 percent accurate, but check the ears to be absolutely sure.

53. Reason boys are better: Boys start talking later than girls.

54. Reason girls are better: Boys toilet-train later than girls.

55. The twos aren’t always terrible.

Even if they are, take heart, as kids aged three to six generally believe their parents are the most amazing beings alive and wish to be exactly like them.

How scary is that?

56. Establishing savings accounts for your kids and requiring them to make regular monthly deposits teaches them how to eventually become J. R Morgan.

The above could prove useful in your dotage.

57. Corny as it sounds, that Harry Chapin guy was right.

Then again, you could argue that W. C. Fields was right, too.

58. It’s never too early to begin reading to children.

59. Let them read what they enjoy.

60. Except your porn, which your son will eventually steal unless you hide it really well.

No, you cannot ask for it back.

Furthermore, you cannot steal his.

61. Acceptable reading material: Dr. Seuss, Where the Wild Things Are, Harold and the Purple Crayon, Curious George, and any of the following by Roald Dahl — James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Danny the Champion of the World.

Neither of the following by Roald Dahl: Kiss, kiss or Switch Bitch.

62. Know that by the time your kids are teens, those enormous baggy pants will be long gone, as will tattoos, piercing, and Marilyn Manson.

Of course, by 2015, kids might very well sever arms and legs as fashion statements.

63. Some parents walk around naked in front of their children.

These parents should stop it.

64. Nearly all psychological problems result from feelings of worthlessness, which is to say, every now and then make sure that you tell your kid he’s pretty great.

65. And never raise a hand to him. But being a good guy, you probably knew that.

66. The harder they play, the earlier they sleep.

67. Never turn down an invitation to play.

68. No toys that require batteries.

69. They never really outgrow the claw.

“No, Dad, no! Not the claw!” means “Apply the claw, please.”

70. All in all, fatherhood is pretty terrific — filled with joy and triumph, promise and miracles — particularly other people’s fatherhood.

71. You might think you know a lot about fatherhood, but not as much as you will when you’re a grandfather.

72. If you’re thinking that fatherhood means the end of life as you’ve known it, you, sir, are, of course, absolutely correct.

Source: MSN.com

They groom
Let’s be perfectly honest: If the vast majority of men didn’t manscape, the number of urban sasquatch sightings would rise by at least 300%. Thankfully, that hasn’t become an issue since today’s trendsetting metrosexuals are shaving, waxing and plucking like never before. In fact, these ambitious “Mother Pluckers” have created a male grooming market that exceeds sales of $3.5 billion annually. To put that in perspective, that’s more than the combined GDP of Liberia, Sierra Leone, Burundi, and Malawi — four countries where male grooming is admittedly less of a priority than outrunning wild boars.

They cry
When it comes to crying, men used to believe it was only admissible to shed a tear at
a) Your father’s funeral or
b) When hit in the man berries with anything larger than a breadbox.

However, there’s not a red-blooded man on the planet who hasn’t broken down during the closing moments of a sports film. That includes tearjerkers like Rudy, Bang the Drum Slowly and, yes, even two-thirds of the Air Bud trilogy. So, just how often do men cry? According to Dr. William Frey, a professor of pharmaceutics at the University of Minnesota, men cry an average of 1.4 times per month.

They consume girly drinks
Although few guys will admit it, there are certain times when an ice cold beer or a smooth glass of scotch simply won’t satisfy. That’s why they are increasingly wetting their whistles with festive girly drinks like lime margaritas, wine coolers and apple puckers. Sure these drinks might not be very manly, but you’ll never get a fun little paper umbrella if you keep on ordering Coors.

They refuse sex
Although it might seem preposterous, there are times when some men are simply not in the mood. According to recent statistics, 22% of men are more likely to refuse sex than their partners. Whether he’s too pooped to pop or he’s just listened to his mother-in-law discuss her yeast infection, not all men are sexual machines at all times.

They preen
For years, music lovers have debated who Carly Simon was singing about in her mega hit, “You’re So Vain.” Was it Warren Beatty? How about Mick Jagger? Although both men are likely candidates, Simon could easily have been singing about men in general. Like it or not, men are arrogant, boastful creatures more concerned with their appearances than they let on. Consider, for instance, that according to a recent survey, 19% of men said they wouldn’t mind being stupid as long as they had the perfect body — call it the Keanu Reeves Syndrome, if you will. That compulsive concern over their looks also extends to their hairlines, as 48% of men think balding has a negative effect on business and social relationships.

They watch chick flicks
It isn’t merely a coincidence that many of the best films from the past decade have been so-called chick flicks. From The English Patient to The Hours, these well-crafted cinematic gems contain a certain je ne sais quoi missing in movies like White Chicks. They have intense drama, they have keen character development and, sometimes, they even have cat fights.

Similarly, the reason Desperate Housewives has become one of the top shows on the tube is because it attracts a demographic that’s split among female and male viewers. And why not? The plots are fun, the dialogue is witty and the women are hotter than a snake’s ass on a wagon ride. Desperate Housewives is hardly a new phenomenon either. Even before Housewives premiered, shows like Sex and the City ruled the airwaves for the very same reason.

They flip through women’s magazines
No one ever wants to get caught reading an article entitled “7 Ways To Make Him Ache For You.” Nonetheless, we all peruse magazines like Cosmo and Marie Claire from time to time. After all, these pithy little publications offer us an intimate perspective into the female psyche. They teach us what women want, they instruct us on what women are thinking and, best of all, each issue contains more cleavage than the Grand Canyon. More than just glossy periodicals, they’re like psychology textbooks with boobies.

They display brand loyalty
Although most men scoff at the notion of brand loyalty, their closets often reveal a different sentiment altogether. Hit the links, for instance, and you’ll find many men are plastered with so many Nike swooshes that they look as though they’ve signed a multimillion dollar endorsement deal. In the end, men are attracted to certain brands for the same reason they’re attracted to the idea of love at first sight: It saves time.

They cuddle and use pet names
Get a guy behind closed doors with his partner and he’ll resort to an endless string of “darlings,” “pumpkins” and “cupcakes” faster than you can say “Gag me with a spoon.” In fact, some men use these pet names so much they end up sounding like a romantic form of Tourette Syndrome.

And where there are pet names, cuddling can’t be far behind. Luckily, it doesn’t have to be a bad thing. A recent survey conducted by the Berman Center for Women’s Health in Chicago found that couples who cuddle have a closer emotional connection and are more stress-free. Sure, a good hug might not be as exciting as having sex with Norwegian twins on a trapeze, but if it helps you live longer, it can’t be all that bad.

They acknowledge other guys’ looks
Ask a guy about another man’s attractiveness and he’ll either
a) Tell you he’s never noticed,
b) Openly question your sexuality or
c) Run out of the room screaming, “Stay away from me, you hear me? Stay AWAY!”

That’s because they all think that admitting they find another guy attractive is like admitting they want to spend an afternoon in a Turkish bathhouse with Carson Kressley. Nonetheless, men do notice. They notice at work, at home and in the gym. Hell, they even notice in the bathroom, where even heterosexual guys have glanced at more packages than a UPS delivery man.

by: Ryan Murphy
Source: Askmen.com

This article is basically for men, but I guess most of it can apply to all single persons out there.

No matter where you look, from movies to magazine ads, men are always being told that they need a woman to be happy. And while the company of a lady does have its boons, there are benefits to flying solo as well.

The single life is replete with liberties that you could not imagine. Here are the top 10 reasons you should consider taking a hiatus from the relationship arena and remain single.

10. You don’t have to tolerate moodiness & nagging

Fellas, how many times have you been in the doghouse because your woman was livid for reasons you still don’t understand? Relish not being the target of her inexplicable mood swings, and the calm that comes when there’s no nagging. When you wake up on the couch, you’ll know it’s because you chose to pass out there.

9. You can gain weight without worrying

Just as you can spend more time buffing up at the gym, you can also just chill and let yourself go for a little while. When you’re not on the market, you don’t have to worry about looking like an Adonis every day. Go ahead and wear that threadbare Metallica T-shirt and those holey boxers. Enjoy the pleasure of occasionally being a slob. Just don’t go so far that you can’t trim down in time for when you decide to start hunting.

8. You can appreciate your independence

You can use your newfound free time for solitary fun, as well as self-improvement. Being single forces you to do things for yourself, like cook, do laundry and tidy up your pad. Being skilled at many things makes you a more complete, well-rounded person — a great card to hold when you decide to reenter the dating market.

Furthermore, independence is a great trait, and women will likely notice that you’re not the needy, clingy type.

7. You can control your finances

If you’ve ever been in a serious relationship, you know that, sooner or later, a good chunk of your budget goes into steady lady-maintenance costs. Bachelorhood gives you full financial freedom, and you never have to worry about paying for dinner or buying presents.

However, understand that this does not mean that you will save money — on the contrary; you might be spending more on partying, buying drinks, dressing well, and so on. But at least you are the master of every single dollar you spend.

6. You have more time for activities

When you’re single, you have no reason to sit around doing nothing. Want to harden your body at the gym? Play a new instrument? How about watch the Die Hard trilogy for the 11th time? Who’s stopping you?

You can even use the time that you’d spend pleasing a demanding girlfriend to hang with the boys. After all, isn’t neglecting your friends one of the biggest sacrifices of couplehood?

Look forward to being spontaneous, not having to answer to anyone and flirting like crazy…

5. You don’t have to deal with another’s personal habits

You used to cringe when she used your razor to shave her legs, and the scented candles she burned in every room made you sick. Now there’s no irritating habits to tolerate. You can sleep peacefully without her snoring and hog all the blankets without a care in the world. You have no one to pick up after but yourself. Give your patience a well-deserved break and live in unflustered.

4. You can be spontaneous

Being single lets your break out of the numbing cycle of routine. Be daring while you can. Go on a fishing trip with your crew at the drop of a hat. Push it further and head out on a wild Spring Break surrounded by gorgeous college women. Not only will you be doing something out of the ordinary, you can do it without double-checking with someone else first. This is the height of freedom.

3. You can focus on your career

Life is a juggling act in which you have to keep the many elements aloft, paying equal attention to each one. But if you let one drop, you can channel your forces to the remaining parts. In the absence of a relationship, you’ll have much more time to devote to your work. You can put in those extra hours on a project to impress your boss, and even take on something else. And you don’t have to worry about sacrificing your love life, as you’ll be single and vigorous.

2. You can be your own boss

Relationships are synonymous with compromise. You eventually have to sacrifice something you really like — a football game or extra cheese on your pizza — for the good of the pair. Use your single time to treat yourself a little more. In small doses, selfishness is good for the soul.

Being your own boss also means answering to no one. You went to a strip club? You got the scent of some woman’s perfume all over your clothes? Enjoy not having to explain your actions.

1. You can flirt as you please

Nothing is worse than that nagging voice in your head telling you that you shouldn’t be talking to this killer brunette in front of you. Being single gives you the complete freedom to flirt with whomever you want, whenever you want.

It also gives you the chance to sharpen your mojo so that, before you know it, you’ll be the master player on your block. Since you’re unattached, take this opportunity to master the art of seduction, and who knows what rewards you’ll reap.

The bright side of solitude

Everything has a good side; you just have to learn how to spot it. Society places too much importance on finding a mate, something your hormones are quick to enforce. The next time you get that pesky feeling that you have to be with someone, remember these 10 points, and you’ll savor the joys of being a free man.

*This is another repost; article from Askmen.com