We want to go to there. It’s the Chateau d’eau, a Belgian home that is actually an old lighthouse. Check out photos of the minimalist interior here.

via Inhabitat

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Chateau d'Eau: Photo of the Day

The only reason I would take up jogging is so that I could hear heavy breathing again.

– Erma Bombeck

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Erma Bombeck on Jogging

Hurricane Katrina was to blame for the deadly destruction that paralyzed New Orleans five years ago, right? Not according to Harry Shearer. Yes, that Harry Shearer. The funnyman and radio host most famous for his work on The Simpsons, Spinal Tap, and A Mighty Wind believes that the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers is to blame for Hurricane Katrina’s devastation, and just made and released a documentary about his controversial theory.

The Big Uneasy reveals how the complete failure of this governmental body led to the flooding of residential neighborhoods – and how this catastrophic disaster could have been prevented. (Oh, and then there’s the little issue of the Corp’s alleged cover-up of its actions.) The Big Uneasy will be screened next week at select theaters in New York City and Los Angeles, and is already showing in theaters in New Orleans (where Shearer and his wife have been part-time residents for years). Check out the seriously unfunny trailer:

via The Daily Beast

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Harry Shearer's Documentary "The Big Uneasy" Blames Big Government for Hurricane Katrina

When it comes to teen pregnancy rates, the Dutch have it down – literally. In 2007, teen pregnancy rates were 8 times higher in the U.S. than in The Netherlands. We’re not surprised: After all, when’s the last time MTV came out with a reality show about European teen Moms? What does surprise us is that, according to sociologist Amy Schalet’s recent study, “Sex, Love, and Autonomy in the Teenage Sleepover,” the Dutch are pretty liberal about letting their teens have “sleepovers” and decide for themselves when they’re ready for sex:

Dutch parents, by contrast, downplay the dangerous and difficult sides of teenage sexuality, tending to normalize it. They speak of readiness (er aan toe zijn), a process of becoming physically and emotionally ready for sex that they believe young people can self-regulate, provided they’ve been encouraged to pace themselves and prepare adequately. Rather than emphasizing gender battles, Dutch parents talk about sexuality as emerging from relationships and are strikingly silent about gender conflicts. And unlike Americans who are often skeptical about teenagers’ capacities to fall in love, they assume that even those in their early teens fall in love. They permit sleepovers, even if that requires an “adjustment” period to overcome their feelings of discomfort, because they feel obliged to stay connected and accepting as sex becomes part of their children’s lives.

If her study tells us anything, it’s that granting autonomous decision-making to teens leads to better choices about safe sex (STD rates in the Netherlands are also lower than those in the States).

What were your parents’ attitudes toward sex when you were a teen? Do you think Americans should go Dutch when it comes to teaching their kids about sex?

via Broadsheet

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Teen Sex Is Better In Dutch

As the weather starts to turn cooler, don’t you just want to just snuggle up with a big warm robe? We want to help you achieve warm, cuddly nirvana with our Nautica bathrobe and relaxation gift pack giveaway. One lucky Facebook fan will get this $200+ prize pack, which includes fun stuff like Ancient Minerals magnesium bath and body soaking flakes and Faith Hill perfume. You have until Sunday, September 13 at 5 p.m. EST to click here and hit the “Like” button in order to enter to win!

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photo: Thinkstock

Ganja and yoga go together like chocolate and peanut butter, or PB&J, or brownies and pot. And, while smoking weed is still taboo in most states across the U.S., a few cannabis-loving yogis are beginning to publicize their smoke-filled classes. Some yoga experts say that getting high prior to a class is harmful, but others can see how getting baked may help you connect with your body more intensely and enhance the whole experience.

So would you try ganja yoga? (either part)

via The Globe and Mail

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Ganja Yoga: What Took You So Long?

Photo: Ikea.com

Decorating your cubicle might seem like the best way to avoid doing real work, but according to a recent study, having control over at least one thing about your workspace increases productivity. Researchers at the University of Exeter in the UK found that workers who have some control over the design, layout and decor in their office report being happier, healthier, and show a 32% boost in productivity at work. We never thought our desk position could do so much.

Do you have control over how your office looks? Have you taken time to decorate your cubicle or re-arrange your workspace to make yourself happier or more productive at work? Share your office makeovers with us in the comments section, below:

via Vitamin G

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Decorate Your Desk to Improve Productivity

photo: Thinkstock

Our skin takes work – not to mention a good chunk of our salary. We cleanse, tone, exfoliate, apply sunscreen, and moisturize every day. (And do a facial mask while we watch Weeds.) But it turns out that this normal, everyday routine could be harming our skin. Check out Marie Claire’s list of five ways we could be damaging our outermost layer, courtesy of Lemondrop.

1. Old glasses prescriptions. If the RX on your glasses or contacts is old, you’re probably squinting a lot more than you realize. That means you’re leading yourself down the path to fine lines and wrinkles around your eyes. Head to the eye doc and get your prescription updated — it’s an excuse to buy some new glasses, too.

2. Steam rooms. Sweating out toxins feels great — but lots of extremely hot air ruins your skin’s elastin and collagen reserve. So try to limit your steam and sauna sessions.

3. High-impact exercise. Running causes your fat pads to slide, which deconstructs elastin and collagen. Try alternating sprints with power-walking — or else you may soon be living in Sag City, sweetheart.

4. Lack of sleep. Staying up late at night to watch reruns of My Name is Earl doesn’t just damage your pride — your skin also takes a beating. Not sleeping causes your skin to generate free radicals, which make you look older. Goodnight!

5. Water. That tap water you shower in every morning (or however frequently or infrequently) has chlorine in it that strips your skin of its natural oils – making it dry. Get a showerhead with a built-in filter.

From Marie Claire via Lemondrop

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Beauty Takes a Beating: 5 Ways You Harm Your Skin Every Day

photo: Thinkstock

Does your dude still “Vogue”? A new study shows that women are most attracted to men with large…flamboyant dance moves. Researchers claim this find is similar to animal mating rituals, and that women may be attracted to flashy male dancers (not the Chippendale kind) because it shows that they’re in shape. Embarrassing dance moves that center around the head, neck, and trunk are apparently the most important.

We like dudes who are comfortable enough with their manhood to look like dorks when they dance. You?

via Yahoo! News

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Does Your Partner's Flamboyant Dancing Make You Uncomfortable?

Late-Night Work Sessions and All-Nighters Hurt Your Performance – Scientific proof that skimping on sleep hurts productivity and performance. (Huffington Post)

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