The sleepy groundhog stretches
For hundreds of years, on February 2, people have wondered if the groundhog would awake to see his shadow. The day probably started with the feast of…
Author: Rick Good
Rick Good spent ten years in the newspaper business, including with The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC) and The Greenville News (Greenville, SC). He co-wrote, with Melinda Coleman, Rutledge to Riley: Governors of South Carolina, 1776–Present (Published by The Greenville News), and is the author of Mind Games Trivia #1 (Amazon). He has recently spent 15 years creating original trivia content through Sounds Good Mobile Entertainment and continues that with his new company, SGME Software. He edits The Smart Reader's money, real estate, and business coverage.
Valentine lore abounds
Superstitions abound about Valentine’s Day and many involve birds. If the first bird a girl sees on Valentine’s Day is a robin, she will know she is to…
Kevlar isn’t just for vests
Medical technology has developed dramatically in recent decades, but up until now there hasn’t been a suitable replacement for human cartilage. According…
Healthy Superbowl munchies
The Big Game on Feb. 4 demands big food, and it can be healthy. Nachos are big during football. Try substituting black bean salad with beans, corn,…
Activity beats genetics
Some people do have a genetic risk for obesity, but they aren’t doomed to be fat. A study published in the journal Diabetes found that genetic risk for…
Food feels good
In a study that will surprise few, scientists in Finland found that eating makes us feel good. The feel-good effect is caused by widespread release of…
Antibiotic reactions
In some people, antibiotics cause diarrhea, but this might be prevented by taking probiotics at the same time. According to the Tufts Nutrition Letter,…
Fuel up with energy-boosting foods
Forget the energy drinks. Dietitians say if you want a steady stream of energy without the ups and downs, try whole foods, grains, fruits and vegetables….
Stent patients should beware of sleep apnea, study warns
Obstructive sleep apnea, the most common type of sleep problem, has long been linked to coronary artery disease, stroke and other heart-related problems….
One shot could someday reduce heart attack risk
Gene therapy might lead to a one-time vaccine-like treatment that would permanently lower bad cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attack by as much…