Why does Rudolph have a shiny nose?

For generations children have been fascinated with Santa's reindeer, especially the beloved Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. While adored by millions, no one has ever known exactly why Rudolph has such a bright and shiny nose. 
However, in 2012 researchers in Norway and the Netherlands set out to find out why from a scientific perspective why a reindeer's nose may glow.

The team of scientists wrote a paper about their findings entitled, "Microcirculatory investigations of nasal mucosa in reindeer Rangifer tarandus (Mammalia, Artiodactyla, Cervidae): Rudolph's nose was overheated."

In order to conclude why Rudolph has a red nose, the team of researchers used a hand-held microscope to examine a variety of nasal linings. This included: Five healthy humans, two reindeer and an individual with a nasal growth, of the non-cancerous type. The scientists used infrared technology to examine participants.

Described as a "tongue-in-cheek" investigation, the scientists found in their experiment that reindeer noses contain a higher number of blood vessels than humans and that the massive amount of exercise they do once a year while flying at rapid speeds also has an impact.

Santa's reindeer are estimated to deliver to 100 million homes and travel about 650 miles (1,000 kilometers) per second, which is no small feat.

The scientists did reportedly admit this study is not conclusive and that Rudolph may have had a cold, a hangover or an infection. (The question begs asking - one can't help but wonder based on testing results, if it is due to the number of blood vessels, why aren't the other eight reindeer sporting shiny red snouts too?)

In December 2013 a group of scientists from Sweden also decided to get to the bottom of this age-old question. They used a thermographic camera to examine things a bit more. Their study can be seen in the video above. 

"Rudolph" is listed as one of the top best-selling secular Christmas songs of all time, only second to "White Christmas". Did you know "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer" was originally written in the 1930s? It was later set to music after WWII. While Rudolph and his shiny nose are famous, his origin is lesser known. 

Avoid being a carjack victim during the holidays

Photo credit: Leigh Goessl

This time of year is often associated with a higher number of crime incidents, primarily associated with theft, whether retail or burglary. However, carjacking is one crime that also tends to increase. 

These tips are important year-round, but being theft-related crime tends to increase over the holidays, during the months of November and December it is a good idea to be more vigilant.

Knowing what to look for in will decrease the chances of your becoming a carjacking victim:

• Pay close attention to your surroundings.
• Always be on alert to any activity near your car.
• Check the inside of your car before entering it.
• Have keys in your hand as you approach your car.
• If any suspicious persons are hanging around your car, keep walking.
• Pay careful attention to people asking questions or handing out flyers, this could be a ruse.
• Once in your car, lock it immediately.
• If suspicious strangers are walking on your street, keep driving until they've gone.

Remember, anyone can be a target and carjacking incidents occur both during the day and at night. Experts recommend being alert at ATMs and if another car bumps yours, to keep doors and windows closed until police arrive. Washington, D.C. authorities note a car is replaceable, you are not. If a carjacker threatens you with a gun or other weapon, give up the car.

Carjacking is a very serious crime and, while it is impossible to avoid in some cases, being prepared with information and strategies can help keep you safer. Avoid being a carjack victim.

Anti-GMO activists unite to take on Monsanto

On May 23, 2015 activists across the globe took part in the March Against Monsanto united in a common belief – to ban, or at least label, the genetically modified organisms contained in foods. Better known as “GMOs”, these are foods which contain ingredients that have had alterations in its DNA.

The March Against Monsanto is now in its third year and activists gathered in numerous communities across the world. Monsanto is chosen as the focus of the protest because it is the largest producer of GMO seeds and the herbicides used in conjunction with them. The corporate giant is the maker of products such as "Roundup", the glyphosate-based product.

According to organizers of the event, more than 425 cities in about 40 countries spanning six continents planned to participate. RT reported 452 events were registered with March Against Monsanto. Supporters of this cause would like to see foods containing GMOs, banned. Or, at the very least, labeled. 

Protestors also took to the streets of Washington D.C. After rallying in front of the White House, activists marched to Monsanto’s D.C. headquarters to demand action.

Photo credit: Leigh Goessl

In front of Monsanto’s headquarters, there were a few people standing in support of GMOs. It was determined during the course of the protest, at least a couple of those present were from the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA), which is a staunch advocate of GMOs.

Photo credit: Leigh Goessl

Photo credit: Leigh Goessl

It is not clear exactly how many people participated across the globe, media reports cite tens to hundreds of thousands. What is clear is that this a growing movement. While some countries do require labeling (or have banned the use) of GMOs, the United States and Canada do not have mandatory labeling. Some activists just want to right to know and make their own choices of whether or not to eat foods containing GMOs. At the March Against Monsanto event, this message was clear.

Photo credit: Leigh Goessl

Photo credit: Leigh Goessl

Regulators in the United States and Canada continue to resist mandatory labeling of GMOs in foods. Recently, the U.S.  Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced an initiative that would allow companies to voluntarily label their products free of GMOs. However, these companies will have to pay for this label.

In Photos: Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC 2015

Every year I wait with anticipation for the time when the cherry blossoms peak around the Tidal Basin. In the Washington D.C. area this typically happens between the end of March and mid-April. For 2015 the peak was anticipated by the National Park Service (NPS) to occur from April 11 to April 14 and this is exactly when it occurred. I went downtown yesterday to take my annual walk around the Tidal Basin. What a view!

This year the blooms looked more white than pink, but there were two trees with a deep pink shade - it was easy to spot them from across the Basin. All were so delicate looking and just beautiful.

Here are a few more photos from Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC 2015:

1. View of the Jefferson Memorial

 2. Close up of cherry blossoms and buds

3. Views of the Washington Monument

 4. Morning sun streaming - Cherry blossoms in Washington DC

Employment Trends for 2015

Image credit: CC0 Image by Joergelman / Pixabay

As 2014 has now come to a close, many people are looking forward to what's to come in 2015 in a variety of topics, including career opportunities. 

Technology has had a significant impact on workplaces across the globe. According to Gartner, the "rise of smart machines, ubiquitous access and software-defined architectures will reshape IT" over the next year.

In the past decade or two, due to the rise of more integrated technology, jobs have been enhanced, replaced and, for some, provided some major headaches. Love it or hate it, it is a part of the modern workplace and 2015 will be no different. Technology, along with some other changes, are forecast to dominate employment trends in the upcoming year.

Here are some of the anticipated top employment trends for 2015:

• Social media for recruiting and searching jobs
• Decline of human resources
• Infographic-style resumes
• Job sharing
• Exercise while working (treadmill desks or standing workspaces)
• Casual attire
• Generation Z being sought as interns/employers developing relationships with students long before graduation
• Millennials become the largest employed population
• Millennials will also grow into leadership roles
• The pay gap between men and women (ages 25 to 34) is still present, however the gap in this generation is closing.
• Mobile will become more relevant in job search

One of my personal favorite trends, this one predicted by Forbes, indicated that honesty will become more dominant. The younger generations are demanding transparency in companies. As they become leaders, will many embrace this philosophy? The other question I ponder is if sometime in the near future the glass ceiling may finally actually shatter?

What trends do you anticipate? Anything you like or dislike about the way the job market is changing?

Additional Sources:http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2013/01/30/19internship_ep.h32.html
http://national.deseretnews.com/article/771/wage-gap-between-men-and-women-almost-closed-for-millennials.htmlhttp://www.smartcompany.com.au/people/human-resources/43305-fifteen-job-trends-you-ll-see-in-2015.html#