Presidential Proclamation -- German-American Day, 2014

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

America is and always has been a Nation of immigrants, and from our earliest days, German Americans have contributed to our national identity. Germans were among the first settlers in the original 13 Colonies, bringing their talents and ideas across the ocean to a new and unfamiliar world. And today, with their descendants and all who followed in their path, we continue to perfect our Union together. On German-American Day, we recognize their distinctive identity and the ways they enrich our country.

German Americans helped build our Nation, and every day they contribute to its growth. As they teach in our schools, farm in our heartland, and serve in our Armed Forces, their German roots offer a sense of their place in the American story. From a land of poets and thinkers, they brought passion for music, science, and art, fortifying our culture and broadening our understanding of the world. Our greatest cities and our biggest advances reflect their daring spirit and diverse contributions.

As we consider our German-American history, we are also reminded that the United States and Germany are vital partners. With the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall approaching, our security and prosperity remain interwoven, and our friendship continues as we work together in pursuit of a more peaceful, stable world. On this occasion, may citizens from both sides of the Atlantic draw strength from the legacy of our Nation's earliest immigrants who boldly pushed forward in unforgiving times. May our shared past continue to inspire us as we face new challenges in our own time.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 6, 2014, as German-American Day. I encourage all Americans to learn more about the history of German Americans and reflect on the many contributions they have made to our Nation.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth.

BARACK OBAMA US Consulate General Munich

2015 Grammy Nominee for Song of the Year - Hozier

Live Interview RTÉ Ten Yahoo!

What's the Best Way to Lose Weight? By Don Saladino

Principle One: Diet
We need to let go of the notion that eating frequently is going to cause us to gain weight. It is only when we are frequently eating the wrong foods that you will notice weight gain. By establishing some simple rules in your everyday life you will be able to allow yourself life's simple pleasures -- without giving them up.  I want you to look at your eating in a seven-day span -- and start to follow an 80/20 rule. 80 percent of the week, you're going to stick to what I'm telling you to do. And the remaining 20 percent, I want you to live your life and enjoy. 
I need you to think of your metabolism as a roaring fire -- when that fire is roaring, we can throw big logs onto it (cheat meals) which will get burned up. Now, how do we get this fire roaring? We do so by feeding it small meals throughout the day. All of these meals have to be nutritious and beneficial to the human body. Yes, we need protein. Yes, we need vegetables. And yes, we do need some carbohydrates and healthy fats. I do not believe in a no-carbohydrate diet. Carbohydrates give your body fuel and specific fiber and nutrients that your body needs for healthy digestion etc. I do not believe in a no-fat diet. Fats are used for energy also, but good fats are also needed to help burn fat. There are also many valuable components in these fats which are good for overall health and vitality, but that is for another day.

Principle Two: Exercise
Start putting in anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes a day of some good activity where you actually break a sweat. By incorporating resistance training, you will start adding muscle to your body, which will burn more energy (calories). Cardiovascular training is also a good contributor, and doing things like taking the stairs and going for walks after dinner are great additions as well.

Principle Three: Rest
This is the most overlooked principle -- and I cannot stress this enough -- rest. People just do not sleep enough. When you're not resting enough, it causes your hormone function to become out of whack. This in turn, can do things like speed up your aging process as well as contribute to weight gain and overall stress to the human body. There are so many different studies out there recommending how much sleep we should be getting per night and I find it sits anywhere between seven and nine hours. So let's say at the very minimum, keep it at seven hours. Huffington Post

Jim Kerr from Simple Minds

Yahoo!

Follow five golden rules to prevent dementia, says study By Rosa Silverman

Lifestyle is responsible for more than three quarters of changes in the brain, research suggests. Following four out of five golden rules for healthy living lowers the risk of developing dementia by more than a third, a study has found. Analysis by Age UK suggested that lifestyle was responsible for 76% of changes in the brain and that people could go some way to avoiding the disease by adopting or quitting certain habits. Taking regular physical exercise, eating a Mediterranean diet, not smoking, and drinking alcohol in moderation were all found to decrease the risk of developing Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. “It’s important to remember that diseases like Alzheimer’s are complex and are likely to be caused by a mixture of genetic and environmental factors, which are still not fully understood. While there are ways to reduce our risk of dementia, there is currently no sure-fire way to prevent the condition, which is why continued investment in research is vital." The Telegraph

Albert Kriemler at Akris

Albert Kriemler has spearheaded fashion design at Akris for over 30 years. During that time, his ability to combine innovation with comfortable wearability has led to a subtle, sleek and modern aesthetic that appeals to a sophisticated, cultivated woman.
Kriemler joined the family business in 1980 at the age of 20. Founded in St. Gallen in 1922 by his grandmother Alice Kriemler-Schoch, the business was developed by his parents into a solid, well-founded company with prospects for future generations. Albert and his brother Peter Kriemler, head of production and management, have gone on to establish Akris as a quintessentially high-end fashion house for women of authority, appreciated by such clients as H.S.H. Princess Charlene of Monaco.
In addition to the Akris Collection, Albert Kriemler creates the Akris Punto line and the accessories collection. Akris has been showcased on the runway in Paris since 2004.
Nowadays, says the designer, fashion "basically has to be simple because we live in times that are complicated enough as it is." Albert Kriemler loves art, architecture, music, photography, and especially the landscape around his native St. Gallen. He received the Swiss Design Award in 2008, and in 2010 he was named star honoree for fashion design by New York's Fashion Group International for his Vision, Integrity and Highest Quality. New York Times Akris Vogue Deutsch January 2015 (German)

Chef Christian Le Squer Rises to the Challenge at Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris

On October 28, 2014, Christian Le Squer took the helm in the kitchens of Four Seasons Hotel George V. The three-starred Michelin chef, who for the last twelve years resided at Pavillon Ledoyen, has brought his knowledge and expertise to the George V, as well as creating a new signature menu for Le Cinq. Travel and Tour World Four Seasons MADAME January 2015 (German)

SÀFILO: Fendi Sun

Sàfilo Group launches Fendi Eyewear and Sunwear. Featured here is a 15-piece sunglass collection. The 16-style eyeglass collection will be previewed in a later issue. Targeted to the contemporary, unequivocally feminine woman, the new line includes bold shapes and iconic detailing such as the Fendi monogram, the legendary striped “Pequin” motif and the 2jours décor. A limited edition Baguette sunglass inspired by the celebrated Fendi Baguette bag, introduced in 1997, is embellished with the Fendi monogram, which resembles the buckle on the bag. Premium materials, including Safilo’s proprietary Optyl and exclusive acetates, enhance the timeless elegance of the sunglasses. The color palette consists of refined shades contrasted with edgy colors and highlighted by an interplay of jewel-like details and shaded or mirror lenses. 

PHILOSOPHY: “We are very excited about our new Fendi collection. Our partnership has allowed us to create eyewear that perfectly reflects the Fendi spirit and heritage. Intense research on exclusive materials along with expert craftsmanship makes these sunglasses fashionable and artisanal at the same time. This strong artisanal approach gives us the innovative ‘frame within a frame’ double shape effect, for example,” says Massimo Zuccarelli, Sàfilo International creative director. 20/20mag MADAME January 2015 (German)

5 Countries Where It's Hardest To Become A Citizen By Investopedia

Obtaining permanent residency status or gaining citizenship in a foreign country may seem like a good idea for those who no longer want to live in the country where they were born or whose passport they hold. But some nations make that transition especially difficult unless you marry a citizen of that country or – in some cases – have ancestors who were citizens. In addition to marriage and ancestry, countries with high barriers to attaining citizen status may have special residency or citizenship tracks for people who fit certain categories, such as being a highly skilled professional or investing substantially in a business enterprise. But these situations don't apply to the vast majority of prospective citizens. Below, in alphabetical order, are five nations that make it especially difficult for foreigners to establish permanent residency or obtain citizenship:

 

Austria

Many EU countries have tough immigration laws, but Austria seems to have one of the lengthiest processes to become a citizen. Anyone who is not a citizen of an EU country and staying longer than six months must have a resident permit before entering the country. People who plan to stay longer than 24 months must also sign an Integration Agreement, a process designed to enhance their German-language skills and ability "to participate in the social, economic and cultural life in Austria." Permanent residents must live in the country continuously for a period of 15 to 30 years before being eligible to apply for citizenship. If approved, applicants must renounce any other citizenship.

 

Germany 

Obtaining permanent residency in Germany is difficult unless you are a citizen of another EU country. Other foreign nationals must have lived in Germany for at least five years and demonstrate competency in language, the political system and society. Applicants must also demonstrate they have an ability to earn a living and that they’ve contributed to the national pension plan, as well as having proof of accommodation. To become a citizen, applicants must have lived in the country at least eight years (seven, if they’ve passed a competency test) and renounce citizenship in any other country.

 

Japan

It takes longer to be granted a Permanent Resident visa in Japan than to become a citizen. People who want to establish permanent residency must have lived in the country for a total of 10 continuous years or more. Those who want to become a citizen of Japan must have lived in the country for five years, receive permission from the Justice Minister and complete a slew of paperwork (some have complained of unnecessary questions involving their personal lives). The process, according to the Japanese Ministry, can take six to 12 months, although those who have gone through it have reported that it can take years. If approved, applicants must be ready to renounce citizenship in other countries.

 

Switzerland

Any foreigner wanting to settle in the beauty of the Swiss Alps, or anywhere else in Switzerland, may do so for three months. To obtain a settlement, or permanent residence visa (unless you are an EU citizen), you must have lived in the country for 10 years. If you qualify for permanent residence by the length of time you have lived in the country, you also qualify to apply for citizenship, but that is not guaranteed; applicants for citizenship must also prove they are assimilated into Swiss society. What's more, all cantons and municipalities have their own rules about granting citizenship. Switzerland permits dual citizenship.

 

United States

While the United States was founded mostly by immigrants, the process for achieving permanent residency and citizenship has become even more complicated since the early 2000s and the war on terrorism. Unless a person is coming to the U.S. through family or an approved job, it is very difficult to establish permanent residency (sometimes known as receiving a green card). There are special categories for those seeking refugee or asylum status, and a lottery for others who wish to apply.

Those who have had permanent residency status for five years can begin the process of applying for citizenship by filling out the application and taking a test, which includes knowledge of history/government and English. Before becoming a citizen, people must swear an oath to the Constitution. The United States permits dual citizenship. Yahoo! Finance

Christopher Cross

Arthur's Theme

William e Kate a New York: la visita di tre giorni in America

Il principe William e la moglie Kate hanno fatto visita al Memoriale dedicato alle vittime dell’11 settembre, a New York. I reali hanno camminato per la piazza sotto la pioggia, coperti da ombrelli neri. Nell’attacco terroristico del 2001 le vittime britanniche furono 67, su un totale di oltre 2.700. Kate, vestita con un cappotto fucsia, ha sorriso prima di deporre assieme al marito un mazzo di fiori presso uno degli specchi d’acqua sorti dove un tempo c’erano le Torri gemelle (Afp) Il Corriere della Sera

Flossbach von Storch

Wealth Management and Investment Funds Philosophy Our approach

As an owner-managed company, we base every investment decision we make on our own fundamental philosophy. This means that we focus on the connections between economic, political and demographic parameters. We prize independence in both thought and action at Flossbach von Storch and this independence is crucial for sound analysis of opportunities and risks.

Our capital market experts identify relevant investment themes at an early stage and implement them effectively. We have developed special in-house company research and country rating tools at Flossbach von Storch which enable us to apply a stringent testing process to the investment opportunities we identify.

15 public funds (the first fund was launched in 1999) and more than 25 special funds, together with the ongoing management of individual mandates, highlight the substance and durability underlying our investment approach. Focus

Flossbach von Storch AGOttoplatz 1 · 50679 Cologne
Tel. +49 221 33 88-0
Fax +49 221 33 88-101
info [at] fvsag.com

Millions of Finns to enjoy tax refunds By Alex

Finland’s tax administration is to pay out more than two billion euros to the country’s taxpayers who paid too much over the course of 2013. Tax authorities in the Nordic country say that 3.3 million people are to receive refunds on taxes paid last year. The total amount to be paid out is 2.2 billion euros, which equates to an average of 658 euros per person. A lucky 711,000 taxpayers are set to enjoy a very merry Christmas, receiving more than 1,000 euros in returns – a sum that amounts to 65 per cent of what the taxman is dishing out. These refunds are likely to start being paid into bank accounts on 3 December. IceNews

A bit of Jul, fra Norge til U.S.A. By Christine Foster Meloni

The lighting of the Norwegian Christmas tree at Union Station in Washington, D.C. has been a popular holiday tradition since 1997. This year’s 32-foot tree was magnificent with its little Norwegian and American flags (300 of each), 20,000 lights, and 700 polar bear ornaments. The polar bear was chosen to remind us that this Nordic animal is under threat and to emphasize the cooperation between Norway and the U.S. on climate issues. Robert Aubry Davis, a native Washingtonian and popular radio and television personality, was the enthusiastic Master of Ceremonies. The program began with the singing of the two national anthems. Mezzo Soprano Sissel Bakken gave a stirring rendition of the Norwegian national anthem and Tenor Ben Hilgert followed with an equally powerful rendering of the Star Spangled Banner. Davis introduced Kåre R. Aas, Norway’s distinguished ambassador to the U.S., who offered warm words of welcome to those present and emphasized the friendship between Norway and the United States. He then called on Sharon D. Anderson, the Interim Secretary of the District of Columbia, to accept the tree, Norway’s gift to the people of Washington. The program concluded with the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus, who gave a gift to each child present. Before and after the ceremony, the wonderful Carolers of Greater Washington, D.C. sang Christmas songs. This is a group of trained opera singers, most of whom are of Norwegian descent. Throughout the evening, Norwegian gløgg (mulled wine) and pepperkaker (gingerbread cookies) were served. Despite the cold and rainy December night, the atmosphere was joyful and cheery. This is definitely a tradition that should be continued.
Tusen takk, Norge! The Foreigner         

Prince William and Princess Kate

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge meet Beyoncé and Jay Z. at NBA game in NYC. Love 'em. Hello! Magazine

The Malala Fund

The Malala Fund co-founders, Malala Yousafzai Nobel Peace Prize Winner 2014, and Malala's father, Ziauddin Yousafzai, U.N. Special Advisor on Global Education

 

We Amplify

the voices of the girls to keep them in the spotlight, inspire girls globally and drive action on girls’ issues by the global community.

 

We Advocate

at the international, national and local level for policy and system changes that give girls access to a high quality education at a community level.

 

We Invest

in community centered scalable solutions that provide quality education with potential for systems level change by empowering local leaders and educators.
The Malala Fund invests in early stage or small organizations that are led by local leaders. We make grants that help organizations scale their impact to lead to systems level change in the country. We believe in the power of local leaders and entrepreneurs and aim to support and amplify their work through our partnerships.
Pakistan

The Malala Fund currently funds work providing quality education and communities of support to girls who were in exploitive child domestic labor.

Nigeria

We support "safe space" projects for schoolgirls and provide mentoring and support to girls who were married young and have no opportunity to go to school.

Jordan

Informal education programs engage Syrian refugee children in Northern Jordan who have dropped out of school or are at risk of dropping out of the learning process completely.

 

Kenya

The Malala Fund works with partners to provide funding for school expansion and infrastructure so more girls can receive quality education.

 

We believe in the power of advocacy to mobilize resources at scale.

 

Our initial advocacy work also includes supporting the Global Partnership for Education replenishment of $4 billion to get all children into school, the Bring Back Our Girls campaign in Nigeria, and the launching of the youth resolution at the United Nations.

Jennifer Hudson

Let It Be ... Hope for Haiti Yahoo!

Daniel Barenboim's Chopin

Chopin's Waltz in A Minor Yahoo!

Dean Martin

Let It Snow

Madonna and children meet Malawi's president

Madonna and son, David Banda and daughter, Mercy James

The president of Malawi has met Madonna's adopted daughter and son.
President Peter Mutharika thanked the pop star on Friday for bringing her Malawi-born children Mercy and David back to their birth country. Friday's meeting was symbolic for Madonna, who had a public falling-out with former President Joyce Banda. "Thank you for welcoming me here. I was a big fan of your brother. He was very kind to us," Madonna said of Mutharika's older brother Bingu wa Mutharika. Madonna has been visiting Malawi since 2006. She funds a number of orphanages and schools in the country. On Thursday she helped open a new 50-bed pediatrics ward in the commercial capital, Blantyre, that she helped fund. CBS News Yahoo!

Staten Island's best place for coffee & a snack: Pasticceria Bruno is your 2014 Reader's Choice Award winner By Pamela Silvestri

Pasticceria Bruno

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Whether it's an after-school stop for
a teenager or an oasis during the day for a harried parent, a most treasured place is an outfit that offers a great cup of coffee and snack to go along with it. Here are your 2014 Readers' Choice Award picks for such spots.

And the winner is: Pasticceria Bruno — 1650 Hylan Blvd., Dongan Hills, 718-987-5859; 676 Forest Ave., West Brighton, 718-448-0993,  PasticceriaBruno.com — with 3,405 votes. Of course it's a winner with 3-star Michelin chef Rick Laakonnen at the Dongan Hills location, Food Network's "Chopped!" champ Franco Franzese in West Brighton and acclaimed Biagio Settepani as pastry chef for both operations. The pretty cafes offer both sweet and savory treats for the discerning patron looking to savor an espresso or cappuccino, not necessarily have a full meal. SILive Pasticceria Bruno

Hostess posa per rivista italiana La Turkish la licenzia: «Troppo sexy»

Zuhal Sengal, 31enne, spedita a casa per le foto «compromettenti». Secondo la compagnia aerea: «Ci sono standard e comportamenti che richiediamo al nostro staff»
Il Corriere della Sera

Red Cross seeks $1.68 billion for 2015 to help civilians in armed conflicts By AP

GENEVA – The International Committee of the Red Cross is asking donors for $1.68 billion next year to help people caught up in armed conflicts, its biggest request ever and 25 percent larger than the current budget. ICRC President Peter Maurer says the budget reflects the needs of people suffering from the changing nature of armed conflicts and other violence. He told reporters Thursday at the organization's headquarters in Geneva that "new kinds of crises, in new combinations, often with a regional dimension" are expanding costs and needs in many places. He says Syria remains the largest Red Cross operation, followed by South Sudan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, Congo, Israel and the occupied territories, Mali, Central African Republic and Ukraine. Fox News ICRC

Echinacea Benefits and Side Effects

Echinacea, also known as coneflower, is a wild flower that grows naturally in meadows and moist low-lands throughout the mid-west. While Echinacea is most commonly known for it medicinal effects, it is also a common garden plant with beautiful purple flowers. Health Benefits of Echinacea There are three varieties of Echinacea: Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea pallida, and Echinacea angustifolia. All three varieties are commonly used to support a healthy immune system. Echinacea is most commonly used for immune system protection and to help shorten the duration of the common cold. Echinacea is thought to serve as a stimulant to the body's immune system by activating white blood cells, whereby making it more difficult for foreign bodies to infect cells. Some evidence from other clinical studies appears to indicate that Echinacea may have antiviral and antifungal effects, possibly adding to its infection fighting ability. These studies are not conclusive. Usage Guidelines When taking Echinacea for the common cold, you should start taking it as soon as you notice symptoms. It is commonly recommended to take Echinacea for three weeks at a time, and to rotate with other immune boosting herbs. Because the strength of Echinacea can vary according to manufacturing practices, it is recommended that you follow manufacturing guidelines on dosage amounts. Precautions Because of Echinacea's effects on the immune system, you should not take this drug if you have multiple sclerosis, AIDS, tuberculosis, leukemia, and autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. People are more likely to experience allergic reactions to echinacea if they are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies. Also, people with asthma or atopy may be more likely to have an allergic reaction when taking echinacea. NutraSanus Gardening Know How (Image by Duncan Harris)

P.A.C.E. program teaches independence to youths with disabilities By Hosea Sanders

CHICAGO (WLS) --

It's a program that's been around since the late 1980s, and it has helped hundreds of students go from living at home to living in a dorm to just simply "making a living" - a transition just like any other young adult. Hallie Puttrich loves her part-time job at the high-end Mario Tricoci salon on the Magnificent Mile. She works here three days a week earning while she's learning. The most important lesson for the 23-year-old is "that it's okay to be myself," she said. The young Buffalo Grove woman is disabled, but the people say that's not getting in her way. "She comes in and introduces herself and walks up and says, 'My name is Hallie and I'm going to be here helping,'" said Mallory Fritz, assistant general manager of Mario Tricoci Salon and Day Spa. "It's just been a delight to have her around."

Puttrich is so confident because of a program called Professional Assistance Center for Education (P.A.C.E.), at National Louis University. "They work alongside typical workers because we set up the expectation for them that when they actually go into a work setting, they will be held to the same expectations as anyone else in the workplace," said Selima Hargadon, P.A.C.E. executive director.

Twenty-seven students live in dorms, go to class two days a week and work three days. On the weekends they are just like any other young adults, learning what it's like to live on their own. "We teach them basic life skills that they need to operate in their own living space as well as how to get to work, what's expected of them at work and how to manage their balances between work and play," Hargadon said.

Jacob Scott says the program has expanded his horizons, teaching him how to be like any other 22-year-old. "I'm learning it by doing new things by trying new things," Scott said. "By pushing myself to go to work, by pushing myself to problem-solve." By the time they finish the two-year program, students say they are more than ready to take on the world. "I'm hoping to get a job to move on with my life and hopefully sustain an independent living," Scott said.

The P.A.C.E. program has been so successful that it has become the model for other independent living programs all over the world. In fact, right now there are students from as far away as South Korea and Saudi Arabia studying right here in Chicago.

To learn more about P.A.C.E., visit www.nl.edu/pace/.  ABC News (Video)

Palestinian dancer seeks change through ballet

RAMALLAH, Palestinian Territories - Ramallah dancer Shireen Ziyadeh wants to use pirouettes and plies to change the place where she grew up, training aspiring ballerinas to show that "something beautiful comes from Palestine". In tights and a white tunic, her hair scraped back in a flawless bun, the 24-year-old Palestinian repeats instructions to a group of tiny dancers in pink tutus and slippers at her ballet school in the West Bank city of Ramallah. The idea of teaching ballet to little girls came to the young management studies graduate four years ago. "I wanted to bring something new and offer them other perspectives on the future," she told AFP. "Ballet, which is a major art form, is a good way to revolutionise traditional Palestinian culture," she said. "I'm not only teaching them to dance but also how to integrate with others." Ziyadeh's is not the first ballet school in Ramallah - she herself learned to dance here in her childhood - but she is one of just a handful of teachers across the Palestinian territories. "Teaching ballet and its philosophy (here) is also a way of showing the world that something beautiful comes from Palestine," she said. Opened in May 2011, the Ramallah Ballet Centre says on its website that it offers "the ability to dance, act and think in more positive ways". AFP AsiaOne

Percent of Youth Without Jobs in Europe

A reason why international students are learning German in Germany with the hopes to land a job in Germany.

Barry Manilow

Mandy

Tony Bennett The Christmas Album * Snowfall

My Favorite Things

Taming Your Inner Critic: 7 Steps to Silencing the Negativity By Amy Morin

The private conversations you have with yourself can be either a powerful stepping stone or a major obstacle to reaching your goals.  If your inner monologue repeats things like, “I’m going to embarrass myself,” or “No one is going to talk to me,” as you walk you into a cocktail party, you probably won’t appear relaxed and approachable. Or, if you’re thinking, “I’m never going to get this job,” in the middle of an interview, you’ll struggle to present yourself in a confident manner. Often, those negative predictions can quickly turn into a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Your thoughts greatly influence how you feel and behave which can cause negative self-talk to become downright self-destructive. Telling yourself that you’ll never be successful or that you aren’t as good as other people, will reduce your feelings of self-worth and deter you from facing your fears.

If you tend to be overly critical of yourself, you’re not alone. Most people experience self-doubt and harsh self-reflections. Take steps to proactively address your negative thoughts and develop a more productive dialog with yourself. Here are seven ways to tame your inner critic:

1. Develop an awareness of your thoughts.
2. Stop ruminating.
3. Ask yourself what advice you’d give to a friend.
4. Examine the evidence.
5. Replace overly critical thoughts with more accurate statements.
6. Consider how bad it would be if your thoughts were true.
7. Balance acceptance with self-improvement.

The Power of Your Inner Dialogue

Your inner dialogue will either fuel your success or prevent you from reaching your full potential. While your inner critic can help you recognize areas where you want to improve, overly harsh negative self-talk will cause your performance to suffer and reduce the chances that you’ll reach your goals. Practice taming your inner critic and silencing the negativity so you can coach yourself in a productive and helpful manner. Forbes Gesund Leben (November 2014)

Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin Pie (Video) with Leanne Brown, NYU Alumna, Food Studies Scholar & Avid Cook, and New York University President John Sexton.

My Pumpkin Pie Recipe. I work with Fresh Pumpkin and Sweet Potatoes.

Bake a pie crust with butter. Make pumpkin pie filling. Bake 1 big sweet potato in foil 1-1/2 hours in 180C oven. Slice 1 Haikado pumpkin in half (*Not Halloween pumpkins) and roast in oven 1 hour 180C. Then puree sweet potato and pumpkin. Mix 1/2 c whipping cream. In food processor mix 3 eggs and 2 egg yolks, 2-1/2 c light brown sugar, 1/2 tsp white salt, 1-2 T cinnamon, 1 T ground ginger, 1/8 tsp nutmeg. Mix well. Add additional brown sugar & spices to your preference. Bake in 350°F/180°C oven approx. 50-60 min. Make sure to cover sides with foil while baking. Allow to cool. Add a side of whipped cream if desired.

Elton John and Billy Joel

Piano Man

Billy Joel

She's Always A Woman To Me

Xiao Hui Wang

Biography - Between Two Worlds (Video)

Madam Xiao Hui Wang (WANG Xiaohui), a renown artist who divides her residence between Shanghai and Munich, works mainly in photography but also creates in the field of sculpture, design, film and media art. She has also made a name for herself as an author. Her artwork has been presented in museums and galleries in numerous countries – most of them solo shows. Many of her works are collected by private collectors and public institutions. She has received numerous awards for her artwork both at home and abroad. To date, she has published over 50 books and art catalogues. Her autobiography, "My Visual Diary", has been a best seller for years and won important prizes in China, like the "Shanghai Excellent Book Award." Therefore, she is regarded as the "Youth Idol" by Chinese media. She has been a professor at Tongji University in Shanghai where she founded the institute "Xiao Hui Wang Art Center" in 2003. She was the general designer for the theme pavilion- "Urban Footprint Pavilion" at the 2010 Shanghai World Expo. The city of Suzhou opened the "Xiao Hui Wang Art Museum" in 2013 and the city of Zhuhai established "Xiao Hui Wang Art Academy" in 2014. Prof. Wang is a recipient of the "German-Sino Friendship Award", issued by the German government.

Being a "Cultural Ambassador", she plays an active role in culture exchanges between China and Germany. She has also been recognized by the influential magazine "Phoenix Weekly" in Hong Kong as one of the top50 "Chinese who Impact the Future of the World". Moreover, Prof. Wang's recent honors include Honorary Member of the BFF (German Association of Photographers and Designers), the "International Star Artist Award" at Art Masters in St. Moritz, "Photographer of the Year" by Shanghai Media Group, "Artist of the Year" by South China Media Group, "Most Valuable Female Artist by Harper's Bazaar, "Gorgeous Awards for Artists" by Jaguar, "Most Successful Woman" by Jessica in Hong Kong, "Artist of the Year" by China Luxury Association, "Female Pace Setter" and "Excellent Designer" and "the Top 10 Leading Images in Creative Industry" by the city of Shanghai. She was also voted the "Most Sympathetic Artist by 2.76 million netizens from NetEase.com. Amazon.com (Chinese) and Amazon.de (German). MADAME October 2014 (German)

Cute Pup

Amazon.de

Kenny Rogers with Dolly Parton and Oprah Winfrey

The Gambler

The Only 7 Kale Recipes You’ll Ever Need By Venus Wong @ Refinery29

It’s no exaggeration to say that kale has reigned supreme in the vegetable kingdom for the past few years. With a fan base that encompasses everyone from Hollywood stars to chain restaurants, it’s one of the most buzzed-about foods of our time. The truth is, the chameleon-like superfood has many culinary uses. It has taste and texture that make it an ideal ingredient for so many dishes — it can be tossed in a salad, blended in a smoothie, or boiled in a soup. Yes, these crunchy greens are definitely here to stay.

Parmesan Broth with Kale and White Beans
Broth adapted from Jennifer Perillo
This broth is not only fairly quick to make, it could be used for all sorts of things, from cooking risotto to soaking beans, but I find it to be so exquisite on its own, I prefer it with only a couple simple additions. I used beans and kale, but you could also add tiny stelline (star-shaped) pasta or a good tortellini. I imagine it would be out-of-this-world to use with an Italian Wedding-style Soup, and I don’t even think I could handle the luxury if you added a poached egg to the below soup, too.
Heads-up: I forgot to mention this earlier, but a downside of this soup is that the residual cheese on the rinds enjoys releasing from the rinds as it cooks and gumming itself to your pot, giving you a fun scrubbing job. The best way to avoid this (this time, or in the future) is to tie the cheese rinds up in cheesecloth so the flavor infuses but less of the cheese. A second way is that if you have a nonstick pot you haven’t gotten rid of, use it here. It will be easier to clean. The way I do it (since I always forget to use cheesecloth) is to keep using that cheesy pot to make the soup after you’ve used the broth, stirring and scraping. I find that only a little is left at the end this way. Hope that helps.
Note: I usually double this. Broth 8 ounces cheese rinds, any paper at the ends removed
6 cups water
1 large onion, peeled and quartered
3 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
1/2 teaspoon whole peppercorns
Handful of flat-leaf parsley
Salt, to taste

To serve
2 to 3 ounces tuscan kale (also known as black or lacinato kale; this is the thinner, flatter leaf variety), washed and patted dry (updated measurement)
1 1/4 cups cooked white beans (from about 1/4 pound dried), with their cooking liquid if fresh (usually about 1 1/2 cups) (updated measurement)
Thin slices of baguette, toasted
Olive oil and parmesan for serving
Make the broth: Bring all broth ingredients to a boil in a large pot, then reduce it to a simmer. Simmer for one hour. Pour broth through a strainer. Your yield should be approximately 4 1/2 cups. You can use this right away or cool it before storing it.
Turn the broth into soup: Prepare kale by removing tough stems and center rib (I often use kitchen shears for this), then cutting the leaves into thin ribbons. Add them to the broth, along with the beans. Add bean cooking liquid if you wish; this not only stretches the intense parmesan broth further but adds a gorgeous extra depth to the soup. Simmer ingredients together for 10 minutes, until kale leaves wilt and beans are warmed through.To serve: Ladle a small amount of beans, kale and broth into a bowl. (It’s so rich, we like it in smaller portions.) Top with a slice of toasted baguette. Drizzle baguette and soup lightly with your favorite olive oil and grate some fresh parmesan cheese over. Time and Smitten Kitchen

Young, Fit...and Diabetic By Temma Ehrenfeld

Thirty-seven percent of Americans have pre-diabetes, fasting blood sugar levels considered higher than desirable. Natalie Bernstein, a svelte nursery school teacher, had taken a routine blood test when her doctor called her during the school day with bad news: She had diabetes. It wasn’t a complete surprise, because her mother and younger sister both suffered from the condition. Her sister, Sonia, had juvenile diabetes, or Type 1, which is linked to an unfortunate gene. But Natalie’s diagnosis was Type 2 — and she was only 35. At 5 feet, 7 inches, Natalie weighed 122 pounds, ate the occasional cookie and spent her days with small children. Keeping her weight up was her challenge: She tended to drop pounds fast when she worked out at gyms, so instead she walked several miles daily. “I felt fine,” she says. “Diabetics are really a heterogeneous group,” says endocrinologist Ping Wang, who runs a fast-growing Diabetes Center at the University of California, in Irvine. The old division — Type 1 shows up young, Type 2 in middle-aged people with bad habits — is giving way to a much more complex picture, embracing more people. More than 12 percent of Americans ages 20 and older have some form of diabetes, according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, although a third of that group has not been diagnosed. Another 37 percent, including me, have pre-diabetes, fasting blood-sugar levels considered higher than desirable. Diabetes is not a single biological process; rather, its a name for symptoms related to high blood-sugar levels. When we eat a meal, the starches convert to glucose, aka sugar, and the bloodstream can only handle a small amount of glucose at a time, less than we ordinarily eat in a modern diet. So the pancreas releases insulin, which lowers the blood-glucose level. In Type 1 diabetics, the immune system is attacking the pancreas, and it doesn’t make insulin. Type 2 diabetics do make insulin and the vast majority doesn’t have an autoimmune problem. In the classic explanation of Type 2, age and a fatty body make us insulin-resistant, and the pancreas has to release more insulin to do the job. Over time, it can’t keep up. About 85 percent of people with a diagnosis of Type 2 are overweight, one among many reasons to keep off those extra fat layers. Many heavy people, however, don’t develop diabetes and some Type 2 diabetics don’t fit the insulin-resistance model. In short, people can end up with high blood sugar for a variety of reasons. A small number have a known genetic defect and so are called monogenetic diabetics. Researchers think that other genetic abnormalities will emerge. A sugar-heavy diet or yo-yo-dieting may work against you, too, but the research is still evolving. As science progresses, the basic advice to stay fit and reasonably slim remains the same. Yahoo! Health  

Gentleman featuring Shaggy

MTV Unplugged

Ex-German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle is being treated for leukaemia at a clinic in Cologne.

The shock diagnosis came after he sought treatment for a minor sports injury. Westerwelle, 52, received the diagnosis after a knee injury he sustained while jogging on holiday in Mallorca, friend and FDP party colleague Werner Hümmrich told the Kölner Express on Saturday. Doctors found irregularities in the politician's blood during a routine preliminary screening, said Hümmrich, and gave him a concrete diagnosis on Thursday. Westerwelle is already receiving treatment at Cologne University hospital, a clinic spokesman confirmed. He is shocked, said Hümmrich, "but also prepared to take up the fight and is confident that he can conquer the cancer. He's in good physical shape and has many friends - me included - who will help him through this difficult time and give him the necessary strength." The Westerwelle Foundation made the announcement on the politician's Facebook page on Friday. Treatment is aimed at his "full recovery," wrote the foundation in statements in both English and German, without going into further details. "On behalf of Guido Westerwelle and his family we kindly ask to refrain from further inquiries." Westerwelle's successor in the post Foreign Minister Frank Walter Steinmeier, currently in Turkey, expressed his support, wrote Spiegel Online. The Local-Germany

AFI Fest Honoree Sophia Loren Talks Life and Loves By Bob Verini

LOS ANGELES (Variety.com) - When Sophia Loren is thrown a tribute like Nov. 12's scheduled gala at AFI Fest, attendees can get an intoxicating glimpse of classic-era Euro cinema glamour, of which Loren remains one of the last living representatives. Film fans recall a half-century's worth of skillful performances in every genre. Looking both forward and back, AFI will screen a restored print of Oscar-nominated "Marriage Italian Style," as well as a new version of Jean Cocteau's "Human Voice," helmed by son Edoardo Ponti. As for the lady herself, after competitive and honorary Oscars, a record 10 David Di Donatello awards, five Golden Globes and threescore trophies and tributes, you'd think it would all be old hat by now. "Never enough. Never enough," she burbles. "I feel very important when they give me an award. I like it, I like it, I enjoy it. I feel like a star." MGM's lire kept her in the city long enough to attract producers, who featured the sprightly ingenue in a series of frothy sex farces beginning with Vittorio De Sica's "The Gold of Naples." "Comedy was fun for me because I come from Naples," she says. "All the dialects and the gestures of everyday life, I had it all inside of me, in my blood." The diva is in a reminiscent frame of mind these days, with new memoir "Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow: My Life" in bookstores. "Especially for me, because I did not have an education in acting, actually. I learned to play scenes through the things that happened to me in life. So I always check inside myself. 'What can I pull out to give the best I can give, emotionally?'" There was plenty to draw upon when De Sica tapped her for the melodrama "Two Women." She's a shopkeeper escaping war-torn Rome with her adolescent daughter, only to encounter rape and death in the countryside. "I was a little scared. That was an imposing and a very difficult role for me. But De Sica sent me a telegram: 'You trust me. If I ask you to do that, it means that I think you can do it well. You'll be great.'" Loren takes pride in her cinematic legacy, citing 1977's "A Special Day" with Mastroianni as one she wishes critics and buffs would revisit. Yet real, not reel life brings her the greatest gratification. She still cooks ("What do you mean, still? I cook"), eggplant Parmigiana being a favorite. "Also pasta fagioli. If I smell beans, I get emotional, I love them so much." Above everything else, is family. "Since I was a kid, my dreams in life were always to be married in a white dress, which I didn't. To have children, which I did, two wonderful boys. And to be a grandmother, that was the greatest." Chicago Tribune and IMDb

Beautiful Art

Courtesy of Catherine Robert Dal Gabbo

Gavin MacLeod Talks About Reuniting With 'Love Boat' Cast After More Than 25 Years By Michael Rothman

"The Love Boat" went off the air in 1987, but the original cast was given a chance to reunite this week in Florida and Gavin MacLeod, who played Captain Merrill Stubing, says the opportunity was a "once in a lifetime experience." All six original members were joined by 25 guest stars to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Princess Cruises. A-listers like Florence Henderson, Loni Anderson and Charo joined the original six to celebrate the cruise line's half century anniversary. "Being together with the other five from the show, it just rejuvenates all our relationships," MacLeod, 83, told ABC News of Wednesday's reunion in Fort Lauderdale. "I saw my [show] daughter Jill [Whelan, who played Vicki Stubing on the show]. Collectively, this was fabulous. It just made us feel how blessed we are to have had that job that turned into so many years." "The Love Boat ran from 1977 to 1987 and was one of the most successful shows of all time. [Written and Executive Produced by the late Aaron Spelling.] ABC News

Good Housekeeping Oatmeal, Raisin & Walnut Cookies

Recipe in The Good Housekeeping Illustrated Cookbook. Mix 1/2 cup butter mixed with margarine, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, beans from vanilla pod, 1 egg, 3/4 cup flour, 1 cup oats, 1 cup chopped walnuts. Drop by rounded teaspoon. Bake 375 degrees Fahrenheit oven for about 12 minutes. I baked at 180 degrees Celsius oven for 14 minutes. You can also mix with dates, dried cherries, coconut, pecans, chocolate chips, for the cookie recipe of your choice.

World powers in Vienna ahead of Iran finale

Senior negotiators from six world powers are gathering in Vienna on Friday to kick off a flurry of final meetings before a November 24th deadline to strike a landmark nuclear deal with Iran. On Sunday and Monday US Secretary of State John Kerry and Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif will meet in Oman together with former EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton. Ashton, who will continue chairing the negotiations until the deadline, will chair another meeting of political directors from the P5+1 powers on Tuesday. The grand finale then starts in the Austrian capital on November 18th when the six powers and Iran begin a final round, likely including Kerry and other foreign ministers at the end. The deal being sought would see Iran scale back its nuclear activities in order to ease long-held fears it might develop atomic weapons under the guise of its civilian programme. After more than a decade of rising tensions the Islamic republic, which denies seeking the bomb, wants the lifting of painful UN and Western sanctions. In months of negotiations, progress appears to have been made on some areas but several key issues, most notably Iran's uranium enrichment capacities, remain to be resolved. The Local-Austria

Haitian President Martelly: 'I'm Trying To Re-Establish Confidence' By Samiha Shafy

Last week, Haitian President Michel Martelly visited German Chancellor Angela Merkel. He is seeking to attract investments from Germany and other European countries to Haiti. "I'm going around, trying to re-establish confidence," Martelly says. "How do we create jobs for people? We invite investors, we offer incentives, we create wealth for our people, and things start changing." In January 2010, a massive earthquake struck Haiti, claiming more than 200,000 lives and even destroying the presidential palace. The country has struggled to rebuild. Worse yet, many donor countries have failed to meet the pledges they made to Haiti. "I don't even want to talk about that money anymore, although we do ask those who promised to help to try and keep their promises." SPIEGEL ONLINE English

The purrfect cup of coffee? Inside Madrid’s cat café By Bárbara Sánchez Ramos

A cup of coffee at La Gatoteca costs €4 – not cheap, but then you also have to consider your drink comes with your own cat to stroke for the next half hour or so. The first, and so far only, cat café in the Spanish capital – next door to the Reina Sofía art museum on Argumosa street – opened its doors a year ago, providing an imaginative solution as to how to bring abandoned cats in touch with potential adoptive families. On EL PAÍS's visit the two-floor space is occupied by 14 felines, who seem to have made themselves at home and, when not curled up asleep, make their way between the tables, perhaps in the hope of persuading one of the customers to take them home. Over the last year, Aznar says she has been able to place 24 felines. La Gatoteca owner Eva Aznar says she got the idea from Japan, where there are around 200 cat cafés. EL PAÍS English

How big of a country music fan are you?

Want to see how well you know today's country music hits? Take our quiz and see how you score. The CMA Awards begins at 7 p.m. CST, Wednesday at Bridgestone Arena. The Tennessean

Fresh ways to doctor stuffing mix

Let’s be clear about something... When making stuffing, it’s always better to slice and dry your own bread cubes. Hands down, the taste and texture are better. But let’s also be realistic. In the chaos of getting the many components of Thanksgiving dinner on the table in a timely manner, many of us won’t have the time to make that happen. It’s all good. Truth is, you can make a pretty respectable stuffing using those bagged stuffing mixes. Fresh Ways With Stuffing Mix: Start with a 12-ounce bag of stuffing mix, flavor of your choice. Prepare according to package directions, but add one of the following combinations before baking the stuffing. • Cherry-berry nut: Add 1 cup chopped dried cherries, 1 cup chopped dried cranberries, 1 cup chopped toasted pecans and the zest of 2 oranges. • Double onion: Caramelize 2 thinly sliced onions in a bit of butter over medium heat for 20 minutes, or until well browned. Add to the stuffing mixture and proceed as directed, also stirring in 2 bunches chopped scallions. • Forest mushroom and rice: Saute 8 ounces of mixed mushrooms in butter until well browned. Add the mushrooms and 1 cup cooked wild rice to the stuffing mixture. • Orchard ginger: Add 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger, 1 diced large apple and 1 diced large pear. South Bend Tribune I make stuffing by sautéing yellow onions and apples, raisins (sometimes dried cherries), dried bread and oregano until moist. Adding a lil powdered bouillon, salt, and pepper. Then I add to the pan crushed walnuts. I stuff the turkey to the rim and the result is spectacular.

Play to Stay: Sour Patch Kids Opens Brooklyn House for Touring Bands By Max Willens

Artists Can Stay at the 'Brooklyn Patch' in Exchange For Content. Bands and touring musicians looking for sweet relief from their touring schedules may soon start dreaming about Sour Patch Kids. A couple weeks ago, the Mondelez-owned candy brand opened up a house in Brooklyn where touring bands can recover from the rigors of the road. It's called the Brooklyn Patch, and according to Mondelez marketing director Farrah Bezner, the Patch represents a long-term investment in indie music culture. "We wanted to be able to contribute," Ms. Bezner said, pointing out that the Patch is meant to start long-term relationships with indie music artists and their fans. When one gets down to brass tacks, the overall goal is to drive awareness and regard for the Sour Patch Kids brand among a specific demographic. "Our target consumer," Ms. Bezner said, "is teenagers." The four-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom house is in a historic landmark building on a quiet street in the Clinton Hill section of Brooklyn; Ms. Bezner asked that the address be kept private. The NUE Agency is serving as lead agency, while the Participation Agency handled its design and experiential elements. "We want people to feel at home," Ms. Bezner said. Quid Pro Quo Nevertheless, there is a quid pro quo associated with staying at the Patch. Artists who stay at the house are expected to create some content that Sour Patch Kids can share across a number of digital channels, which include a Brooklyn Patch-branded Tumblr as well as the brand's Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts. Ms. Bezner said it is also exploring the possibility of adding further amplification partners. Even though it's too early to tell if the Patch will bear any fruit, Ms. Bezner and her agency partners have already started planting additional seeds. An Austin Patch should be ready in time for SXSW in 2015. Advertising Age

Raglans

White Lightening

Record British strawberry season 'to last until December' By Dan Hyde

It is a record year for strawberries, with 150 million punnets already produced – and more than a month of picking still to go. Fruit farms will still be picking British strawberries in December for the first in history, after the long summer and mild autumn produced a record crop. The British Summer Fruits Association said "ideal" growing conditions had yielded sweet, plump fruits for longer than usual. Strawberries have benefited from high levels of sunshine, low humidity, warm temperatures and cooler nights, experts said. This year 98 in every 100 strawberries sold in Britain over the summer were grown in the UK. Strawberry farming had also been "transformed" by the use of glasshouses which were originally built for crops such as salads and flowers, Mr Olins said. The glasshouses provide a "controlled environment", allowing berries to benefit from constant temperatures and humidity throughout the entire. Mr Olins added: "We have produced the biggest crop of the nation’s favourite berry this year – the British strawberry is a remarkable success story." The Telegraph

Duet with son highlight for Streisand: 'I had to sing with him'

Within just a few weeks of the 50th anniversary of Barbra Streisand's first No. 1 album, "People," which topped the charts in October 1964, Streisand has set a new record with her 10th No. 1 album — becoming the only artist to have had a No. 1 album in each of the past six decades. This new album, "Partners," features duets with some of the world's greatest vocalists — Babyface, Andrea Bocelli, Josh Groban, Billy Joel, John Legend, John Mayer, Lionel Richie, Blake Shelton, Stevie Wonder, even Elvis Presley. And yet, for Streisand, perhaps the most thrilling part of this creative work was recording a duet with her son, Jason Gould. Several years ago, Gould came to Streisand and said, “You know, I think I'm going to sing.” When she later heard a recording he made, “I nearly fell off my chair, how beautiful his voice is. His musicianship ... he just floored me so I had to sing with him. ... He played me 'How Deep Is the Ocean.' I said I have to sing that song with you, because it's perfect lyric for a mother and a child.” Mother and son performed together live in 2012 and 2013, and their duet of "How Deep Is the Ocean" now makes its appearance on "Partners." Rounding out the album are some of Streisand's best-known tunes: "People" with Stevie Wonder, "The Way We Were" with Lionel Richie and "Evergreen" with Babyface. Ironically, Streisand — the Oscar-winning, Emmy-winning, Grammy-winning and Tony-winning performer who has sold 245 million albums worldwide — claims she doesn't love to sing, at least not in front of other people. “I love to sing in a recording studio,” she told Yahoo Global News Anchor Katie Couric. “It's just because there's nobody watching.” Then, it can be just her and the music. Still, this notoriously private person isn't afraid to go public on issues she cares about, whether it's gay rights or politics or women's heart health. In recent years, cardiac disease in women has become a major focus of her philanthropy, including personal contributions of $10 million to endow the Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center at Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute. We'll have lots more on that, and some exclusive glimpses of her new campaign, in the coming weeks. Yahoo! News

Pras Michel

Pras Michel