Lifestyle

A new report from the College Board reveals that the class of 2014's average SAT scores were virtually the same as those of the past five classes, indicating that -- yet again -- too few of this year's crop of seniors are ready for college. To describe the current iteration of the SAT results, the College Board's chief of assessment, Cyndie Schmeiser, said "Flat and stagnant would be the words that we would use." This year's high school seniors averaged 497 in reading, 513 in math, and 487 in writing, resulting in a composite score of 1497. The class of 2013 had an average of 496, 514 and 488, respectively, and a composite score of 1498. There was a single point difference between the two classes' composite scores. According to Jacqui Byrne, a partner at Ivy Ed in New Jersey, "The...

Actor Charlie Sheen is at the center of yet another controversy, as a Los Angeles dental technician has alleged that Sheen punched her chest and grabbed her bra in a dental visit gone wrong. On Oct. 3, Margarita Palestino filed a lawsuit for sexual battery in the wake of the alleged incident, which occurred Sept. 25. According to the complaint, Sheen ripped off his nitrous oxide mask, shouted “I’m going to f---ing kill you!” and pulled down on Palestino's bra strap in an attempt to expose her, causing her to break free and run from the room. Upon returning at the request of one of the dentists performing the procedure, George Bogen, she claims Sheen punched her in the chest. Palestino further alleges that Sheen’s personal assistant handed her $500, telling her, “This is for your trouble...

A new and extensive analysis of IRS data reveals what many people know to be true: the wealthiest Americans are donating a much smaller share of their income to charity than low and middle-income Americans give from theirs. The study, conducted by nonprofit news organization the Chronicle of Philanthropy, was released this week. The findings were based on tax returns of Americans who itemized their deductions, including charitable gifts, between the years of 2006 and 2012, and the report also gave rankings for states and metropolitan areas based on the ratio of contributions to adjusted gross income. According to the report, Americans who earned $200,000 or more gave an average of 4.6% less of their income between 2006 and 2012. However, those who earned less than $100,000 increased thei...

According to a new government-sponsored panel of healthcare experts, several large clinical trials have produced enough evidence to support the statement that primary care physicians should screen all of their patients over the age of 45 for diabetes. These clinical trials have provided enough evidence, the panel states, to show that an early diagnosis of high blood sugar levels gives physicians time to work with their patients on lowering blood sugar levels, and ultimately reduces the risk of becoming diabetic and/or developing heart disease later on. As explained by Boston Globe reporter Deborah Katz, these "moderately elevated" blood sugar levels are called "prediabetes," and patients who altered their diet and exercise regimen had a 47% reduced risk of developing diabetes in the next ...

Earlier this year, two Japanese automotive manufacturers unveiled the designs for new motorcycles. Now, keen-eyed observers, especially those who are anime fans, have noticed that the bikes' designs look a lot like the titular giant robotic war machines of the anime and manga series Mobile Suit Gundam. Honda made a big splash this past summer at the 30th Osaka Motorcycle Show when it revealed the plans for its new bike, the NM4 Vultus. With a sleek exterior and dramatic angles, it was very obvious that the bike was influenced by -- as the automotive manufacturer itself said -- the "futuristic machines seen in the anime and manga television and film styles." Looking at the bike from the front, the influences become much more obvious. Its inverted triangular shape, with its glass windshiel...

Retail juggernaut Walmart has allegedly blamed comedian and actor Tracy Morgan for the serious injuries he received when one of Walmart's truck drivers crashed into his limousine van, because Morgan was reportedly not wearing a seatbelt. According to the legal documents, the actor's injuries were "caused, in whole or in part, by plaintiffs' failure to properly wear an appropriate available seat belt restraint device," and that the actor and his entourage had "acted unreasonably and in disregard of [their] own best interests." The monolithic retailer has reportedly not only refused to comment on whether or not it's laying any blame on the driver, but has even gone so far as to refuse to acknowledge whether Kevin Roper -- the truck driver -- was in fact a Walmart employee, noting the possi...

There are many reasons why you may want to find a local expert dermatologist to help you with your skin care routine. One of the most common reasons for someone seeking out advanced skin care treatments has to do with fear of developing or having confirmed cases of skin cancer. If you have skin cancer or you are considered high risk for developing it down the line, you will want to be extra careful with your skin and what you put on it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOq3cEtVw2s A dermatologist can help you protect your skin from damage from every product sand items such as soaps, detergents, lotions, makeup, and more. If you come to them with a product and are wondering, are these ingredients safe for me to use, they can help you determine the answer based on your unique skin care needs....

Recently, 21-year-old pop sensation Ariana Grande has been plagued by rumors. Just as quickly as she shot to fame, so have rumors developed regarding her alleged diva-like behavior and bad attitude. This time, instead of leaving a hopeful fan disgruntled, she may have lost a member of her entourage because of her antics. Celebrity news outlet Page Six reported that Grande's life coach, whose job it was to keep the songstress balanced, focused, and healthy, reportedly quit months ago due to her bad attitude. According to a close source, Isaac Calpito just couldn't take it anymore. He also claimed that all the rumors regarding Grande's poor behavior are indeed true. “There is a fine line in the world of "celebrities" between the roles of a coach and image consultant. The "difficult" characte...

Oils have a bad reputation, and adjectives like "oily" are a negative when it comes to skin. But one nutritionist aims to prove that oils are actually good for the skin. Marlene Watson-Tara spoke with Wewomen.com on the benefits of several different types of oil, including Moroccan argan oil, which is known for its health and beauty advantages. Oils such as argan oil, walnut oil, avocado oil and coconut oil, said Watson-Tara, are known as good fats that are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated and contain essential fatty acids. These types of fats differ from the bad fats, she explained, which are from trans, saturated and interesterified fats. These good oil could help reduce cholesterol and blood pressure and prevent inflammatory diseases when they are consumed. One of the most advant...

Brides-to-be are busy preparing for their big day in a surprising way: with fat fillers, laser treatments and Botox injections... in their hands. Botox clinics in Auckland, New Zealand, have begun to report an increase in business, especially when it comes to middle-aged brides-to-be. Patients also spend up to $300 NZD (approx. $246 USD) to have fat injected into their fingers and hands to give them a fuller, younger appearance. Women who visit these clinics are also having age spots and marks caused by sun exposure removed from their skin with laser procedures. The reason for these treatments? As more couples use professional photographers to chronicle the wedding day, brides are taking more steps to ensure everything is perfect -- including those close-up photographs of the bride and ...