Topic: Culture & Society

Although the Dems won't be playing much of a role in the Florida primary, we all learned in 2000 that The Sunshine State can make or break you in national elections. Besides, there are other states where the demographics skew old - so we might as well learn how to act.

While much attention has focused on getting out the youth vote, especially in places like Iowa and Michigan, in the upcoming Florida primary the focus of the candidates needs to embrace and understand older Americans, according to Ann A. Fishman, an expert on the habits of different generations.

A poll released last week notes that Americans and Russians agree that their governments should work together to prevent an arms race in space. Large majorities in both countries favor unilateral restraint and a treaty that would keep space free of weapons.

Most Americans and Russians agree that their governments should work together to prevent an arms race in space. Large majorities in both countries favor unilateral restraint and a treaty that would keep space free of weapons.

When mom listens, children learn. Mom doesn't even have to offer any help. All she has to do is listen.

Kids may roll their eyes when their mother asks them about their school day, but answering her may actually help them learn. New research from Vanderbilt University reveals that children learn the solution to a problem best when they explain it to their mom.

Study shows that gay couples in a civil union are more likely to stay together than couples without a legally binding agreement.

Same-sex couples are just as committed in their romantic relationships as heterosexual couples, say researchers who have studied the quality of adult relationships and healthy development. Their finding disputes the stereotype that couples in same-sex relationships are not as committed as their heterosexual counterparts and are therefore not as psychologically healthy.

More proof that the boomers were the first and last youth generation. A new study indicates that the world population with age, with increasing speed, at least until 2020.

The world will experience a significant acceleration in the speed of population aging over the coming years but slow down by mid-century, according to a study by Warren Sanderson, Professor and Co-Chairman of the Department of Economics, Stony Brook University; and colleagues from the World Population Program at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis in Austria. During the 21st century, global aging will peak during the decade 2020 to 2030 and then decelerate, although there will be further increases in the level of aging throughout the century. The research findings will be published in the January 20 online edition of Nature.

A "Miraculous" diamond discovered with a perfect cross embedded in its center. Some see this as a plea for unity and world peace.

One day in the late autumn, David Rafaeli, a diamond dealer in Los Angeles, was sorting through his latest acquisition of diamonds from Israel. Much to his amazement, one of the precious stones of a rare color held what he believes to be a miracle inside. He focused his jewelers lens as close as he could, and no matter how he tried to adjust it - the symbol was still there. It was a perfect unilateral cross, totally natural and magnificent! The beautiful cross was positioned exactly in the center of the diamond. A cross that is a replica of the symbol of the Templar knights from the first crusades of 1096.

Yoga marketing expert Megan McDonough of Mindful Marketing identifies five key yoga business trends as yoga becomes part of the global fabric of daily life in 2008 and moves out of the yoga studio and into doctors' offices, corporate offices, and ad agency offices.

"A sexy yogini sitting in lotus position on the hood of a car is not out of the question - if it helps sell the car," says yoga marketing and trends expert Megan McDonough of Mindful Marketing. She's identified ten key yoga trends as yoga becomes part of the global fabric of daily life in 2008 and moves out of the yoga studio and into the offices of doctors, businesses and ad agencies.

Yes Virginia, there are bisexual women, and they're not just lesbians in hiding - at least according to a new study from University of Utah.

Bisexuality in women appears to be a distinctive sexual orientation and not an experimental or transitional stage that some women adopt “on their way” to lesbianism, according to new research published by the American Psychological Association.

A new study at Vanderbilt University indicates that the "rewards" for aggressive behavior involve some of the same brain functions as sex, drugs and (presumably) rock 'n' roll.

New research from Vanderbilt University shows for the first time that the brain processes aggression as a reward - much like sex, food and drugs - offering insights into our propensity to fight and our fascination with violent sports like boxing and football.

With Valentine's Day rapidly approaching, Professor Steve Gimbel of Gettysburg College looks at the ins and outs of flirting.

Love is in the air as Valentine's Day nears, and Gettysburg College philosophy professor Steve Gimbel is offering some ethical and practical advice on flirting to those of the faint of heart.

"Flirting is an art form. The accomplished flirt knows when to be subtle and when to be blunt," Gimbel said. "But the game can be dangerous, especially if you are involved with someone. Does your lover have a right to be pissed at you for flirting? Like so much in ethics, the answer is it depends."