Got New Year's Cold Feet? Here are 10 Amazing Resolution Ideas That Will Warm Up Your New Year's Toast and Change Your Life

It's New Year's Eve, and you're ready to party like it's 1999. But, as you hold your champagne high and toast and roast your way into 2015, remember that the day of judgment is coming: tomorrow. You can't stop it either, no matter how much you get your drink and dance on; for unless something apocalyptic occurs, tomorrow will come--then what?

Last post I offered a few suggestions for making New Years resolutions, in spite of most people's inability to actually keep them. What we found was those who made an effort to make and hold to their resolutions had a very high chance of success. One key is to keep them simple. Unless you have the means, or doing so already, to resolve to go from broke to millionaire this year may be a stretch (not impossible, but maybe too high).

So, the objective today is to give you a few suggestions that will perhaps take the edge off that slight pang of anxiety that might prick at your heart while you take your second swig of champagne at 12:01--that moment in which your unconscious sends the alarming question, "Now what?"

1. Get a notebook: There are countless articles across the net about the importance of keeping a notebook: a simple little book you carry around with you in which you write down ideas, flashes of insight, reminders, gift lists for significant others, etc. And there are many famous, highly successful people who use or have used them: Mark Twain, George Lucas, Thomas Jefferson, John D. Rockefeller, and many others. You can get a simple black hard cover with elastic enclosure at the dollar store for under 2 bucks, or nicer ones like Moleskine, Rhodia, and, a favourite of mine, Fabriano. Will your iPhone do? Well, answer this question: will the NSA be able to steal the contents from your notebook like they would your phone? A notebook is private and personal.

2. Write 3 pages every morning: I know: it sounds like kooky stuff for creatives, but if you have a notebook, then it's better to use it than let it sit. I've covered this off in the post on becoming a more creative person. There are a number of very reliable journal methods that will enhance your ability to think, solve problems, and plan your future. One simple way is to hit your notebook every morning and write 3 pages on whatever comes to mind. You'll find this practice over time will be something you can't live without, and help you gain clarity over your life and decisions. And it's just as important to revisit your pages, especially those in which you've written your goals. Re-reading goals will help you keep them top of mind, and thus more attainable.

With the how out of the way, here are a few whats that you can adopt at toast time to quell the ensuing anxiety about 2015:

3. Get a car insurance quote: You may have been using the same provider for years, and have become unaware of the vast options that now exist in car insurance that could help you save money. If you have a record, or are seemingly uninsurable, call Easyway Insurance for a free quote--you won't be disappointed.

4. Assemble a vehicle safety kit: A vehicle safety kit can come in the form of items you keep in your trunk, or, to get more sophisticated, a kit from Costco or some other distributor. The bare minimum you need are: jumper cables, candles, matches, blankets, boots/gloves/hat, energy bars, and water. The important thing is to assemble it and keep it in your vehicle. Plan to gather these items this week.

5. Buy a good multi-tool: McGuyver, as we've seen, would not be caught dead without his trusty Swiss Army Knife--this is your bare minimum. There are other amazing cool-tools out there that will come in very handy when you're in a bind, such as the products by Leatherman. Many of them come with pliers, screw driver bits, and a very sharp knife--very important to have with you in your vehicle or in your computer bag for those McGuyver moments. For under $50, you can have something that will last for many years.

6. Chop wood, carry water: You don't know what winter will bring. It will be important to have a 72 hour supply of food and water, and, if you have a fireplace, wood. If there's an emergency situation, food and water can fly off the shelves, leaving you with nothing. If you don't have an alternative heat source to electrical, buy one. Keep the food and water in a safe place where you won't be tempted to eat through it. Change your water supply every couple of months or so.

7. Money Matters: There are a number of books out that talk about another emergent economic crisis over the coming year or two. While these kinds of events are hard to predict, being aware of them is important. A couple of books on this are: Jim Rickards's, The Death of Money, and Thom Hartmann's The Crash of 2016. We continue to live in precarious times. It's important that we have strategies for navigating through economic shake-ups. Books like Rickard's and Hartmann's are relatively good places to start.

8. Stay informed: Plan to read more books, and keep informed of the events going on around you; and I'm not talking only about the conventional daily news shows and publications. There is a lot of misinformation out there that it is good to check out alternative news sources, such as Infowars.com. You don't have to believe everything you hear or see, but you can cross-check sources and make your own decision. Staying informed requires cross-analysis. If you know where to look, you can scan the current events in 20-30 minutes and get a decent sense of what's going on.

9. Read more books: Yes, with all the multi-media out there, books seem totally passé; however, they remain a growing source of information and the means for enhancing your intellect and enriching your life. Key: You don't have to read the whole thing to get what's important. Many books are heavy up front and slim toward the middle, and then fatten up again at the end. You can read most books in an hour by simply reading the Preface and Introduction, getting a gist for the main argument, skimming over the middle section, and getting the main conclusions at the end--unless it's War and Peace, or the Critique of Pure Reason. Reading more will help quicken your mind, get you off-screen, and help you build your ideas and ways of navigating the times.

10. Do some good: This is the Age of Selfie: Much of what we do is to preserve ourselves and not so much for the well-being of others. It's hard to look beyond one's own daily needs and pleasures, but it's important to put as much good out there into the world as possible. Life is hard. People everyday fall into hard times for which they need others. You don't have to be someone you're not. Simply being open to another's need for help--a ride to the store, a coffee for company, a visit at the hospital--is how we can do good to those around us. And you'll feel enriched yourself, perhaps even blessed to be alive and useful.

If You Are Setting New Year's Resolutions You've Got To Read These 6 Awesome Tips

It's almost that time when mass hysteria takes over compelling us to make promises to ourselves that we often just can't keep. Here’s some sobering information about New Year’s resolutions:

• 68% of Canadians made a resolution for 2012
• 55% who made a resolution in 2011 failed to complete it
• 52% of Canadians keep their resolutions for one month
• Only 19% kept New Years Resolutions for the entire year.

In spite of these dismal stats, according to the University of Scranton Journal of Clinical Psychology, people who make New Year’s Resolutions are 10 times more likely to attain their goals than people who don’t, and yet only 8% of Americans actually achieve their resolutions each year. While we may desire to accomplish our goals, how we go about it is the difference that makes the difference. So here are some things to consider:

1. Write down your goals: Ever heard of the millionaire who kept a promise in his or her wallet to achieve that goal by a certain date? There are many stories of such cases. Writing down your goal is a way of making a self-fulfilling prophecy. Whatever those goals are, it’s important to write them down.

2. Make them clear and achievable: If you want to reduce your debt load, don’t just write down “Reduce debt,” but indicate how much this year, and then how much each month. Make it as clear and achievable and detailed as possible.

3. Partner Up: Setting goals with your partner or spouse is very important. For those with partners and families, you don’t live alone. You and your partner both bring strengths to the relationship that can be leveraged toward achieving your goals as a family. Take time with your spouse or partner, and talk over and write down what you want to accomplish as a family or household for the year.

4. Focus on a Few: Having 30 goals may look good on paper, but will be implausible to fulfill, and may lead to guilt and discouragement. Focus on a few, and break them down into achievable action steps, and work toward them.

5. Set a Doable Timeline: It’s not the goal that’s hard to accomplish, it’s a goal running amok and over-extending itself. A goal without a timeline is just a mirage. Set a date, and work diligently toward it.

6. Be Patient with Yourself: Stress raises cortisol in the brain, which reduces your ability to think and function. Stay calm and patient. When you hit a detour or challenge, stay calm and work through it. Be patient with yourself and your loved ones.

By applying these steps, and building a plan for this year, you are 10 times more likely to achieve your goals, whether reducing your debt, losing weight, or taking steps toward a new life. You can do it! Take some time today and just begin.  The follow through simply takes time, intent, and diligence.

Done With Holidays? 10 Ways You Know You've Had Too Much Christmas

Here are 10 ways you know you've had too much Christmas:

1. You can't look at a sales rack without growing flushed and suffering simultaneous bouts of dizziness and nausea.

2. You can't look at another platter of food without growing flushed and suffering simultaneous bouts of dizziness and nausea.

3. You've had more than one trip to Emergency for diarrhea, constipation, or both.

4. While sitting in the waiting room you've wondered at least once if the chaos erupting in your stomach is a result of the disastrous combination of bread and turkey or symptoms of Celiac Disease.

5. You are cancelling future dinner parties for no reason other than to avoid more social (read: coercive) eating and drinking.

6. You've spent the past two days assembling toys for your children only to find more, still in boxes, piled up in their closet--and you grow dizzy and faint.

7. You don't know what you could possibly buy with the Christmas money you received--and this causes you stress.

8. You would rather live with the jeans that are too tight, the pyjamas whose bottoms are too long, and the multi-tool you'll never use than spend another second in a shopping mall.

9. In the throes of emptiness and remorse you feel surrounded by the memories, and receipts, of all the things you've purchased over the past two weeks, you wonder if you need to find a shopaholics anonymous meeting.

10. You're already making plans for leaving the country next year and avoiding the whole debacle--somewhere warm, remote, and out of reach of friends and relatives.

7 Ways You Can Protect Yourself Against Cyber-Attacks and Debit Card Hacks This Holiday Season

It's the day before Christmas--arguably one of the most, if not the most, intense shopping days of the entire year. Gone are the days, however, when you could walk into a store, buy something with cash, and those behind the counter know next to nothing about your personal information. Now, with the advance of credit and debit cards, the means of transaction are highly sophisticated memory devices that hold more personal information than we would ever be comfortable with divulging under any other circumstance. These technological advancements in credit and debit cards are a playground for hackers, thieves, and opportunists. And the holidays are a heightened time of breaches of personal identity and security.  Here are some tips to keep your personal information safe this holiday.

Having a pocket-full of ever-updated strategies to protect yourself from cybercrime is a must.
Here’s a simple list of ways to protect yourself from cyber attack:

1. Review your credit card statements one day per week. Make sure you recognize each of your purchases and notify your credit card company if you see a possible breach.

2. Sign up for real-time alerts with your financial institution. You can easily set a purchase limit on your debit or credit cards, and choose to receive a real-time notification should there be a purchase attempt beyond that limit.

3. Keep your private information private. Your personal data is perpetually threatened, whether its your cell phone or laptop, your wallet, or your PC and home phone. When you’re using new websites for purchases, always make sure this is a closed lock symbol at the bottom right of the screen. Web addresses that begin with “https” are generally secure, and if you click on the lock symbol on the bottom right, it will display the same “https” address.

4. Create strong passwords and change them regularly. Studies have shown that 50% of internet users have weak passwords. If you use birthdates or social insurance numbers as your password and that information is taken through cyber-theft, all of your personal data suddenly becomes vulnerable. The best way is to use random letters and numbers that have no personal connection to you or your family.

5. Consider subscribing to identity protection. There are many identity protection companies that will monitor your credit cards, social insurance number and other data for a fee. If you minimize your risks of security breach, this is one way of doing it.

6. Have your bank disable the 'wifi' function on your debit card: Check on the corner of your debit card. If it has a wifi symbol, it means you can simply tap your card at supporting check-out counters of stores and pay for your items without having to key in your password. These cards hold information that, by virtue of being wireless, can be easily hacked and stolen by surrounding thieves with the right technology. Your bank can disable this feature, thus preventing it from being hacked into while simply carried in your wallet.

7. Cash is still king. This is one of the best ways to avoid such security breaches. In fact, becoming less digital may be, overall, something to give further consideration to.
As we’ve seen, there are security risks everywhere, with one of the prime targets being retail outlets the hackers of which take advantage of such outlets’ connections to financial institutions. Such precautions as those listed above will help you.

Have Someone With Celiac Disease Coming For Holiday Dinner? These 7 Awesome Tips Will Help You Prepare

Celiac is becoming more common among people of all ages. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, between 1 in 100 and 1 in 170 people globally have Celiac disease. Perhaps you or a friend and/or loved one has had Celiac disease for some time, or have been recently diagnosed. 

Whatever the case may be, it's likely that you will be having at least someone with Celiac coming to your Holiday dinner, for whom you will be prepared. If this sends fear and trembling up your spine and through your neck, read on--being prepared is critical.

First, why does it matter to accommodate the guest with Celiac disease? Isn't Celiac some kind of fake disorder schemed up by the organic food cartel, or a result of narcissism running amok--a way for control freaks to control their diets and the eating habits of everyone around them?

Celiac is an autoimmune disorder of the small intestine. It's a genetically predisposed disease that impacts people from middle infancy and up. Symptoms can be chronic diarrhea, constipation, failure to thrive (in children), anaemia, and overall fatigue. It's caused by a reaction to gluten, a protein found in wheat and other grains such as barley and rye. It can lead to a malabsorption of vitamins and minerals, particularly calcium and vitamin D, causing other issues like osteoporosis. And given that a majority of food in the western diets are carbohydrates made from wheat, those with Celiac have a difficult time in situations where alternatives are not available. 

So what can you do to help the guest with Celiac feel comfortable at your holiday feast? Here are some tips:

1. Do a little research: If you don't know much about it, do some research online. Be empathetic with those who have it. It's not some trumped up excuse to manipulate your feast--it's a very real disease. By being understanding and empathetic, you'll find it easier to prepare.

2. Understand ingredients: There are simple ingredients that western culinary culture just takes for granted, but can be very troubling for those with Celiac. You might think you're buying something that doesn't contain gluten, but its secondary ingredients may. Here's a list of must-avoids for Celiac for you to be acquainted with.

3. Re-Invent the turkey: Have you used the same turkey recipe with stuffing passed down generations from your pilgrim ancestors? Does it contain gluten? If so, then you have to re-invent that long-held recipe into a masterpiece that will delight the tastebuds and stomachs of all, including your Celiac sufferer. Check out the innumerable recipes online--and with a little patience and ingenuity, you'll not only surprise yourself, but feel good that all your guests will be able to partake with confidence.

4. Don't cross-contaminate: It's important to make sure that gluten does not transfer to non-gluten food items. This can happen simply by using the same knife to cut both regular and gluten-free bread, or by other utensils or serving plates, etc, having come in contact with glutenous items. That's where education and vigilance come in--it requires you to completely rethink how you cook and serve food. Keep all serving utensils, plates, pots, and platters away from those that will be used to serve gluten-dishes. And educate all those who are helping you with the cooking before they begin: there's no use in putting a wonderful gluten-free meal together if an uncle or niece helping you unscrupulously uses the same spoon to platter the regular and gluten-free stuffing.

5. Double-check the alcohol: Not all alcohol beverages are gluten-free. If you're serving drinks, check to make sure those that contain gluten are well-designated.

6. Designate gluten and gluten-free: If you're serving gluten and gluten-free foods, keep them well-designated and well away from one another. This will make it easy for all your guests to enjoy. 

7. Be open-minded & creative: Let's say your nephew arrives to dinner and surprises everyone with his new girlfriend--and you find out just before the bird arrives to the table that she has Celiac. What do you do? You've got to be in the moment and creative. There'll be things in your home she can eat. Work with the person on it. Be open-minded. The person is not neurotic--she has a real disease. There are things in your pantry that she most likely is able to eat. It won't be perfect, but you'll have made her feel welcome. 

8 Of The Biggest Risks This Holiday Season That You'd Be A Fool To Ignore

It is the best of times, it is the worst of times--for health risks. The holiday can be a perfect storm of risks that meld together and wreak havoc on your body, mind, and soul. Here are a few to be aware of while you're hustling through the malls, gorging yourself for the third time this week on puffed god-knows-what, etc.

1. Heart attack: Hate to start off with this heart-stopper, but it's true. People are stressed out more this season, shopping-till-dropping, eating heavier higher-fat meals, and drinking more alcohol--not to mention the sudden drop in temperature. As well, there are many who will ignore chest pain and other symptoms for fear of "spoiling the festivities" with a trip to the ER, or mistake a heart attack for indigestion. It may be the holidays, but you've still got a body you're responsible for. Do your best to moderate your eating and consumption of alcohol. If you exercise, try to stay consistent. And keep your stress down by realizing that much of the holiday 'spirit' is market forces pressuring you to charge more to your credit card.

2. Feelings of low self-worth: There are studies that suggest that people who 'network' incessantly actually feel worse about themselves than those who seek real relationships. Business parties and corporate affairs can push one into a lot of negative self-talk. Don't lose yourself over the business party. Stay true to who you are. If you need to build relationships as part of your job, try to do so authentically--you'll feel better about yourself.

3. Tree-fires: Natural trees are a cause of fire (duh), with the safest being a flame-resistant artificial one--with the trade off, of course, being off-gassing for evergreen-scented kindling. Keep an eye on the tree. Turn the lights off at night before going to bed--really...the odd person driving at 2am will not miss the rush of holiday spirit that your fire-hazzard tree in the window may or may not invoke.

4. Shopping till dropping: Really? Is it worth it? It's common for shoppers to put greater strain on their bodies than other times of the year, not only walking through countless malls--often while on the great meal-replacement: coffee--but also carrying numerous heavy bags of stuff from store to store and mall to vehicle. Malls are designed to evoke this kind of frenzied behaviour--it's how they make their money. Being present for yourself in the heat of shopping, and knowing when to hold and know when to fold, will help you avoid this risk.

5. Tragic toboggans: Sledding and other playful activities can be damaging to your body and lead to inconvenient injuries. If you're over the age of 40, and live a fairly sedentary lifestyle, it might not be such a good idea to chase your kids up and down a hill just because you're feeling a little tipsy from too much Zinfandel at dinner. Take it easy. Sometimes it's good just to park it at the top of the hill and push your kids down. If you decide to sled, take it slow. Again, be mindful of your body and how you're feeling. It's better to end the toboggan rides early than have them end you.

6. Food Poisoning: Undercooked turkey and spoiled egg nog are common causes of post-holiday meal trips to the ER for food poisoning. Turkeys should be thawed in the refrigerator, not on the kitchen counter where bacteria can build up. Also, it's best to stuff the turkey lighter than fuller, the latter of which can cause the turkey to undercook. And don't leave the egg nog, coffee cream, and other dairy products sitting around for more than two hours. 

7. Toy stabbings: No, I'm not talking about your son getting into your new Bear Grylls survival knife and thinking it's a toy--though if you get one, don't leave it sitting out on the coffee table! I'm talking about trips to the hospital every year by people who have cut and stabbed and punctured themselves trying to pry toys out of the hard plastic packaging things come in these days. There has to be a better way to package product than made out of the kind of plastic that turns razor sharp when cut.  Till then, go slow, and use a good pair of scissors.

8. Parking lot rage: You're in a time crunch, and you know exactly what part of the mall has that store in which the perfect gift for your loved one lies in waiting. A parking spot just opens up and you shoot for it--just as another vehicle who just came up tries to sidewind you and cut in. What do you do? Fight for it, or suck up your pride and keep going? There's a lot of pressure in parking lots this season; and for the most part, it's not the fault of drivers, but the way that parking lots are actually designed: holding less cars than people the mall can hold, extra-small parking spaces to cut down on cost, etc. If you remember you're just in a system created by unscrupulous developers, you might avoid getting out of your car to get into an altercation with the guy who bumped your spot. 

Above all else, take care of yourself and those around you. This is a time of giving, but it's supposed to in a spirit of joy and peace toward our fellow human beings--including yourself. 

If This Is You At A Holiday Party And You Don't Want To Be Charged With Impaired Driving These Tips Will Help

In a previous post, I outlined four basic ways to handle the R.I.D.E. program. I have also covered how you're going to survive the holiday season party marathon. Now, marrying these two topics together, you're going to learn the following ways to stay clear of an impaired driving charge, and/or, worse yet, an impaired collision and the death of you and/or a loved one.

Your options for avoiding an impaired driving charge are simple:

1. Don't drink: This is pretty basic, but abstinence is not just for avoiding teenage pregnancy. If you don't drink alcohol, you have nothing to worry about--you can join and leave a party without the least anxiety of incarceration. 

2. Appoint a designated driver: No, this is not the time to appoint someone who craves alcohol as much as you and is 10 times more likely to break at the slightest whiff of a banal Coors Light, let alone the fine single malt that will be passed around. The key here is to appoint one who reviles alcohol--one who was brought up under the stoicism of the Teetotalism movement, and believes people who drink are morons. That's the person you appoint. If you've got that person locked down, and unless someone slips him/her a roofie, you're good to go.

Now that we've covered off the basics polarities of preventing an impaired driving charge, we can already begin to see the shades of grey billowing between (1) and (2). And given that each moment holds an infinite number of possibilities, let's just cover off a couple of scenarios here.

1A. If you were NOT going to drink, but fell prey to temptation, consider the following:

1. Limit yourself to one or two drinks early on in the party to give time for the alcohol to leave your system. And make sure you eat a good bit of food and drink plenty of water. Part of intoxication is dehydration. Get plenty of water in your system (but don't overdo it and go down with water intoxication) Now, given that with every drink your judgment is greater impaired, you will have to exercise tremendous self-control the rest of the way till closing time, which may be difficult. If you succumb to your impaired judgement and drink more, then,
2. Look for an exit strategy that does NOT involve driving your car anywhere, such as finding someone else to take you home (preferably someone else's designated driver), or crash at the location of the party, if it's a house. If it's not a house, and you crawled out from under a rug by the time all the designated drivers have left, then have someone order you a taxi. Public transit is another option, but you don't want to be that guy on the PSA whose slept the whole night in the subway travelling up and down the Yonge line.
3. Avoid getting in the car with anyone as tanked as you: It's not a good exit strategy to let someone else drive who's just as tanked as you, or is totally tanked but claims to be "fine." Sure, you won't be at risk for an impaired driving charge--you'll just be risking your life. 

2A. Let's say you have a designated driver, but realize that he/she had inadvertently drunk from the wrong punch bowl and now they're tanked (especially the teetotaling ones whose tolerance for alcohol is well-below average), consider the following:

1. Sober up--fast: If it's early on in the party, and you've only had a couple of drinks, now's the time to stop, especially if you know the designated driver and they're almost under the table. Drink plenty of water, and hit the hors d'oeuvre table a few more times. If that's not possible, and you feel absolutely no confidence in yourself to a) sober up and b) avoid further alcohol consumption, then,
2. Find another designated driver--fast: You may have to pay another person to give you and your driver a lift, but it'll be worth it. Hopefully there are others at the party who can do this. 
3. Prepare to split a cab with your designated driver: You'll need to keep that plan at top of mind for when the time comes to go home. Depending on the level of intoxication and vulnerability of your, now AWOL, designated driver, you may want to order the cab to take him/her home first and then you.
4. Crash where you are: Again, possibly a good exit strategy if it's a house party: just stay, if you can, and sleep there till the next morning. If it's at a bar/restaurant, refer to points 1-3. 

It's pretty obvious stuff, and we've all heard it before. The key is to be mindful of yourself and those around you. The old cliche of "Support wildlife--throw a party!" may have been cool when you were 18 and banging around the dance floor to the Smiths, but we all know what happens when wildlife and automobiles collide... Take responsibility for your life and those around you. Man-up, Girl-up--whatever. Just be mindful.

11 Important Ways You Can Be Prepared In The Event Of A Hostage Siege

While the hostage siege was taking place in Sydney, Australia, over the past 24 hours, a question that perhaps was on many people's mind was what they would do if such a situation happened to them. I asked myself this question while in bed last night, and throughout the day as the updates of the story were coming in through my Twitter account. 

The question is a very serious one. We are living in a time of unpredictability, political tension, socio-religious hostility, and an overall dis-ease with our world. 

An underlying assumption of this blog is that insurance is all about preparing for the unknown through which one seeks to mitigate risk. Vehicle insurance is one way of preparing for the unknown, as is house insurance, etc. 

However, there is a broader sense that is just as important for us to be aware of: how we can be prepared for as many situations as possible, even those that seem to be far-fetched or highly implausible. 

What if it were you in the Lindt Cafe in Sydney when the gunman (whom we now know as Man Haron Monis) entered and took you and your fellow patrons hostage? Considering this as a scenario, here's what NATO recommends in its document Hostage Survival for CF Personnel (which you can download for yourself):

1. Regain and maintain composure: The key here is to do whatever you can to calm yourself down: pray, meditate, body-relaxation exercises--whatever. As well, if possible try to calm those around you down. In the early stage of a take-over, there is a great deal of fear (on both sides), intensity, and unpredictability. Hostages who draw attention to themselves through panic are hard for captors to control, and thus may be in danger.

2. Keep a low-key, unprovocative posture: When the intensity is high, you want to show that you are not going to cause any problems. Try to stay under the radar. Don't draw attention to yourself, and refrain from making eye contact. Studies show that in the early stages, people in military uniform and those who are confrontational are usually the first to be killed or injured. In most instances where a hostage has been killed, they have somehow provoked or confronted the captor.

3. Show that you're human: Captors perceive hostages as collateral, not humans. They are using people in exchange for something else--as mere commodities. It's important that they see you as a human being. You can achieve this by fostering communication on non-threatening topics, such as family, etc. Avoid talking about political and social issues--or anything, for that matter, that would offend a captor.

4. Follow the rules given by captors: It is important, in most cases, to follow the rules given by the captors--to show that you are willing to cooperate. Many claim that it is counterproductive to resist the captor--unless of course the demands are personally degrading or violate security. There may be rules that you need to violate, such as not communicating to others--but you will need to do so very carefully. You must be deceptive and very cautious, balancing the payoffs of the decision with the possible consequences.

5.  Say as little as possible if questioned: Short, to-the-point answers are better than long-winded ones. And avoid making suggestions.

6. Win your captor's respect: Remain stoic and under control in the face of the chaos and danger. Live your values, don't talk about them. Avoid open displays of cowardice and fear. Find out what the captor values, if possible, and use that information in dealing with them.

7. Set goals: Some hostage survivors claim that they had to see a loved one again--somehow--which kept them going. It's important that you keep focused on how you are going to survive the situation.

8. Maintain some control of environment: Some survivors note that they kept small morsels of food for those other captors who may have needed it, which not only helped them bond with others, but also find a level of control over their surroundings. Keeping your mind active is also critical, such as being aware of your surroundings and finding patterns. This will prevent you from slipping into listlessness and despair.

9. Be non-judgmental with yourself and other hostages: Being a hostage is something that many of us have never experienced before; it is extremely stressful, and can emotionally and physically wipe out even the toughest soldier. To survive, you have to have grace and patience with yourself and your fellow captives. This will help you be open to possibilities for survival and collaboration.

10. Keep hope alive: This may seem like a cliche, but under such trauma, people with the greatest hope have a better chance of overcoming the situation than those who don't. If you read Victor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning, you'll see that this was the case with Holocaust survivors as well. 

11. Actively maintain stress management: You have to keep your mind active, pray, meditate--whatever you need to do to keep the stress down so that you can stay nimble in your responses, and be prepared for whatever is thrown at you. 

These are only a handful of what's in the NATO document. I recommend that you read it and familiarize yourself with the options. 

Again, this may seem sensational or even offensive to some readers. It may also seem like some kind of broad-stroke, superficial 'how to' for something highly unpredictable and traumatic. However, by reading this, you will be more prepared for such a situation than if you hadn't. Again, it's all about mitigating risk through preparedness. 

4 Things You Need To Know About R.I.D.E. That'll Save You Thousands Of Dollars

T'is the season of jolliness, which also means the season of R.I.D.E: Reduced Impaired Driving Everywhere. It started off in 1977 as a campaign in Etobicoke (hence the 'E' then standing for 'Etobicoke'), but is now province-wide (or 'Everywhere'). The program is known for stopping vehicles at certain locations and doing a very simple check for alcohol impairment.

Here are a few things to know about the program and how you can avoid unpropitious encounter:

1. Don't dodge it: Police are usually on the look-out for people who make sudden attempts to avoid going through the check-out, such as making u-turns, or deeking down a side-street. You'll most-likely be picked up by back-up officers and coerced into undergoing the test nevertheless. 

2. Don't refuse the test: A refusal to test results in the same penalty as blowing a 0.08 in the breathelizer, which, for one's first offence, is a 3-day license suspension and $150 fine. Best to take the risk and see: who knows, you might blow below 0.05.

3. Be aware: While RIDE is a year-long program, its resources are considerably kicked up during the holiday season between November 23 and January 1. Also, you're likely to find RIDE programs around major sporting events and other public venues. It's good to be aware of this and be wise about your alcohol consumption prior to driving your vehicle. 

4. Big bucks: According to the Globe and Mail, "The estimated average cost of a conviction arising from a RIDE program stop is $18,000. This includes towing, car impound fees, legal costs, court-imposed fines, and increased insurance premiums." 

It's a great time of year for enjoying times with family and friends, but it's also important to be wise. The RIDE program folk are trying to prevent drug and alcohol related accidents from harming people. Know your limit. Know that the program is out there; and know that if you are convicted, it'll cost you money--at the least. 

These Holiday Gift Ideas Will Help You Survive A Complex World

This blog is about the broader aspects of insuring against risks--of many different kinds. In the spirit of the myriad topics written about over the past number of months, here's are a few things to add to your holiday list:

1. Multi-Tools: These are not only for the great outdoors, but also the office and the urban jungle. These often come with pliers, a good sharp blade, screw driver heads, tweezers, and other necessities that you don't think you need, but do. Here are a few to look into:

• Leatherman: These tools come highly rated, and are somewhat affordable, depending on what you're looking for. The Micro retails for about $30 and the larger Skeletool is closer to $60. 

• Swiss Army: The Swiss Tool Spirit Plus has 38 functions, including a bit-wrench with 6 bits--awesome for the urban jungle. Or, if you're not interested in a multi-tool, for under $30 you can buy a Swiss Army Tinker Pocket Knife that comes with 11 stainless steel tools, and a classic finish. I've had mine for over 20 years, and it still works well.

• Bear Grylls: If you haven't heard of him, he's got a popular survival show, and a well-branded yet highly-respected array of survival tools. Check out the Bear Grylls Survival Series Ultimate Multi-Tool with Nylon Sheath.

2. Vehicle Safety Kit: So many people drive around under the false assumption that they will be safe at all times and without need of back plans and adequate survival gear. This list isn't exhaustive, but will get you started.

• Energy Bars: Powerbar, Cliff, Lara--choose your favourite and stock up. Could make for great stocking stuffer.
• Water: Yup--a case of bottled water will be important to have in your car, in the event 
• Blanket: Doesn't need to be the classic Hudson Bay blanket--any blanket will do, as long as it keeps you warm. 
• First Aid Kit: Good to have a seatbelt cutter with this, unless you have a multi-tool with a good serrated blade--I'd go for the multi-tool.
• Small shovel, scraper, and snow brush
• Candles, matches, and coffee can: This will be good for generate heat, and melting snow around your car. Or you can use a Blazer Self-Igniting Butane Micro-torch that will help you get a fire started  if you've broken down under cold conditions
• Wind Up Flashlight: This is good in that you don't have to worry about batteries running out. You could also use Kelty Lumatech Lantern.
• Road Maps: Whether from CAA or other sources, it's recommended to have maps you can access in the event your mobile phone is out of battery and you can't Google Map your destination.
• Whistle and/or Air Horn: Just important for getting people's attention
• Jumper Cables
• Sand/Kitty Litter
• Warning Light, Pylons, and/or Road Flares

3. Books: If you're not a big reader, it doesn't mean you shouldn't stay informed. These are only a few books on different themes, but will be a good addition to any holiday list:

• Pandemics: What Everyone Needs to Know. There are a few posts on the Ebola outbreak. What we know is that the threat of a pandemic is not going away, and that it is more complicated than we can comprehend. This book will help you understand the various causes of pandemics, and how to prepare for them.

• SAS Survival Handbook: The Ultimate Guide To Surviving Anywhere. I've given this book as a gift before, and it went over well with an outdoorsman. It's a good general manual, but you'll want to add a few others to the list, like "How to Survive The End of the World As We Know It: Techniques, Tactics, and Technologies for Uncertain Times," and "When Technology Fails: A Manual for Self-Reliance, Sustainability, and Surviving the Long Emergency."

• Cool Tools: A Catalogue of Possibilities: Edited by the editor of Wired Magazine, and hit author, Kevin Kelly, this book is a large catalogue of innumerable tools. A brilliant book for living in the 21st Century.

10 Ways You'll Survive the Party Marathon This Holiday Season

So you've been to your second party, and its not even the second week of December. You wonder how you'll make it to New Year's Day without having to buy a whole new wardrobe two sizes bigger. Worse yet is waking in the middle of the night with a terrible case of acid reflux, or the terror of having consumed three-times the daily recommended amount of sodium and fat. 

It doesn't have to be that way. 

Here are a few tips for the long party haul...

1. It's not your last meal: Some friends in Italy had a maxim (not a saying--a maxim, which is like a principle to live by): "Eat as if there is no tomorrow."  I don't know what it is about feasts, but when I get into one (and I can tell almost immediately when it's going to be a good one), I feel as if I'm chained to this maxim, like it's my new religion or something. It's fine if it's a birthday feast, and you've been eating oatmeal for dinner the past few nights, then great--go for the gusto! But if you are on the second leg of a 20-leg culinary marathon, then you can take it a little easy. Stop when you feel like you're no longer ravenous. Don't worry--there'll be more...

2. You don't have to turn into a runner overnight: Ok, so you're afraid of that two sizes bigger wardrobe that you'll need to buy before New Years, but that doesn't mean you have to sign up for marathon training at the Running Room. Getting out for a 20-minute walk every day is very good exercise, and will help you feel good. Many glorify the marathon as if it is the prometheus of health, but that's just not the case. If you enjoy running, then obviously go for it. But if you hate it, then just getting out and enjoying the air and getting your heart rate up is very good for you.

3. If you have a dog, walk it: It's easy to be tired and bummed out over the month of December--if you have 5 minutes of breathing room between work, parties, and sleep. You look down at your dog whose full out chomping on your pant cuffs, begging to go for a walk after days of neglect, and you'd rather watch re-runs of M.A.S.H. than take the darn thing out. But walking your dog is a synergistic relationship, meaning that it benefits and you benefit: while you're giving the dog fresh air and exercise, it's giving you the same thing. This'll make you feel good, and help keep you active, while giving you a chance to be with another being that won't ask you annoying questions the entire time.

4. Easy on the drink: Alcohol is a depressant. While many enjoy it for it's ability to make them feel less inhibited, those same chemicals that are suppressing your inhibitions are also jacking up your dopamine levels that make you more and more depressed. As well, alcohol can have residual effects on your body, raising, for instance, levels of fatigue, irritability, and reduced brain function. It seems like an everyday practice to consume alcohol, but it is considered one of the most harmful drugs in the world today. If you want to feel good, and you've got a bunch of parties lined up in a row, consider going lighter on the drink, or abstaining entirely.

5. Proteins over Carbs: Following the logic of our first tip (it's not your last meal), consider eating more proteins than carbohydrates. This is not to say avoid eating carbs altogether; but rather to consider having a plate of meat and salad, and leaving the mashed potatoes and thick-crusted bread for the person behind you in line at the buffet table. You'll feel less bloated, and overall more energetic. As well, if it's an evening party, you won't be going to bed feeling like you're the stuffed bird for the next party. It's about moderation, and eating for the marathon, not for the final meal. 

6. Fast the next morning: When working in Italy, it was routine to eat a heavy meal between 11:00PM and 2:00AM. But the next day, while I was eating the morning meal of sweet bread and stiff espresso, some of my colleagues wouldn't eat until lunchtime, giving their bodies a chance to digest the food of earlier that morning. This wasn't all the time, but just when they felt they had eaten too much the night before. If you've hit a late night party, consider skipping breakfast, or, if you're really full, having your next meal at dinner time, drinking plenty of water in the meantime. It doesn't hurt to have a 'liquid lunch' that day, say a Booster or Jugo Juice or bringing your favourite smoothy from home--add in some chia seeds or macca powder and you'll feel awesome.

7. Leave early: You don't have to close out the party--you can make a nice showing, talk to your friends and colleagues, enjoy the food, and exit before it gets too late. This will give you a good night sleep, as well as prevent you from making a third round at the dessert table--or the martini bar. 

8. Make other plans: You don't have to go to every party being thrown out there by work colleagues, friends, religious community groups, and distant relatives of distant relatives. If you get an invite, it's ok to have "other plans." You need time for yourself and your immediate family. Taking some time to be un-social and find solitude is vital for our well-being. It give us the chance to breathe and be present for ourselves and those immediately around us. 

9. Remember why you're doing it: For many, parties are about pleasure; but there is another reason that's much simpler: relationship. Being relational at a party doesn't necessitate a prefacing two glasses of Zinfandel--it's simply a place to be among others and feel connected to a larger community. 

10. Bring yourself: Many of us leave parties feeling worse and lonelier than when we first entered them. We feel hurt by conversations, or the tension in our shoulders and necks from the facade we wore the entire time, trying to be someone we're not. It's ok to just be who you are, and bring yourself to the party. Often parties are filled with people who would all rather be somebody else, when it would be much richer and enjoyable if they could just live freely in who they uniquely are. If you're on leg 2 of a 20-leg party marathon, give 'bringing yourself' a chance: who you are at that moment with all the fatigue, error-proneness, and mixed-bag of emotions that being human comes with. Those who accept you are your true friends; those who don't are undeserving of your time.

These 7 Tips Will Keep You Cool This Holiday Season

Ever wonder why the holiday season, that's meant to celebrate a time of peace, can be such a gong show? Did you wake up December 1st and cringe? Are you procrastinating to go out holiday shopping till the final hour? Do you ask yourself all kinds of questions about meaning and tradition and why it just seems to be buried over by mall riots and Nat King Cole at hypnotic repetition? "It's not the getting, it's the giving," is the adage, but we all know that's not the case--

Here are some tips for keeping yourself cool during the holiday season, and possibly finding joy in it once again:

1. It's not a race: This is a maxim I've used in other posts about highway driving, and it certainly applies to holiday shopping. The Christmas rush is an illusion that is given the appearance of being real by savvy marketers and advertisers. There's no rush. Take your time; enjoy each moment.

2. Keep it simple: So many movies and magazines try to portray the "perfect holiday" feast--again, an illusion. There's no such thing on earth as perfection. The key is hospitality, which can come in the form of a simple meal and being present for your guests. Don't try to be someone you're not. Bring yourself to your hospitality, and not Martha Stewart--unless that's what you love.

3. Keep a light wish list: If you believe it's more about giving than getting, then keep the list light, and focus more on those around you, both family and those who have real needs. Instead of asking for something, have people donate money for your gift to a charity of your choice. Buying can be easy, but being present for another person is hard. A gift can be giving someone a lift somewhere, or helping someone who's having a hard time putting up their lights.

4. Give: Many of us have so much already. We live in one of the wealthiest countries in the world, and yet we have high rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. It's because stuff doesn't make us happy, but giving of ourselves can. Give your time to people in need: volunteer at a soup-kitchen or Meals on Wheels. In spite of our wealthy country, there is a growing divide between those who have and those who don't. So many people are in need.

5. Turn off the media: It's a great time to do a media-fast--that's right, taking some time to stay away from the TV and the Twitter. So much pressure comes from our consumption of media; and we know that media works in the interests of those companies that pay them in return for exposure. In any other circumstance, we'd call this a conflict of interest; but in show-biz, it's called 'entertainment'. Turn it off--it's not worthy of you.

6. Make amends: This can be a good time to make amends with loved ones and friends--another thing that gets missed amidst the tinsel and ribbon. If there's an unreconciled separation or conflict, and communication with that individual will not cause you harm, it might be a good time to reach out to them in a spirit of forgiveness.

7. Be in the moment: We often live in the past or the future, but rarely in the present moment. While you're in the busy-ness of the holiday season, take a moment to pause, breathe deeply, and relish the moment, of being alive, of being among others. Find something you can be thankful for and remind yourself of it. As Dylan sings, "Yesterday's just a memory, tomorrow's never what it's supposed to be..." We are alive now.

Try these out. And if you think of others, add them to your thoughts or a journal you might be keeping. This can be a time of joy--if we're open to its possibilities...

Forget Trying to Be Einstein--These 8 Tips Will Help You Become a Smarter, More Creative You!

Ever feel that you're not smart or creative enough? Ever think that you could have more opportunities if only you think differently or somehow raise your level of smarts? Do you spend time working out your body, but little time reading books, learning new vocabulary, or working creatively? These tips will help you increase your intelligence and enhance your creativity.

1. Read Books: Reading is a foundational activity for building your intelligence. How do you go about this? Simple: Find a book that interests you, and read it. Or, find a book that your colleagues or friends have talked about, but under normal circumstances you'd never read. Skimming a book is not a bad thing to do either, as long as you're able to get the gist of it. A good place to start is a simple book by Mortimer J. Adler, entitled How to Read a Book (and don't let the simplicity of the name fool you--it's a simple and wonderful book.

2. Enhance Memory: In the Renaissance period, memory was foundational for genius. Today, however, we have devices that do our thinking for us (I know one person who relies on his phone's contact list to find his phone number), which is becoming less acceptable as machine smarts are threatening to supplant human intelligence. Having a strong memory is a critical skill for our times. There are innumerable sources for enhancing memory online, and countless books on it.

3. Build Vocabulary: Having a strong vocabulary is a sign of intelligence, and can be a way to stand out among one's peers and colleagues. There are a number of ways to build vocabulary, such as reading books designed to increase your vocabulary, playing Scrabble, doing crossword puzzles, and writing down words you come across in books and articles.

4. Enhance Reasoning: Logic is a way of understanding how arguments function, as well as a framework for making valid statements; and given that a great deal of work in our society hinges on logical problem solving, being able to think your way through an argument, and understand the difference between good and bad reasoning, is vital. The key here is to look into informal logic--and there are tons of books and videos one can look at to learn about and enhance this skill.

5. Listen: This is a skill that's very hard for some to do, but very important for building intelligence. People have different points of view. Intelligence is understood as listening to another's beliefs, and us it to add to your own perception of the world. As well, listening to others can help you solve their problems in a more effective way, thus bolstering your intelligence.

6. Eat Your Eggs Different in the Morning: In other words: try new things. To be a creative person requires that you try new things and document your learning. The purpose is to create a sense of divergence of experiences to shock you into a new way of thinking.

7. Get a Creative Hobby: Did you love painting in high school? Or watch people doing pottery and wish you could if you could get off the couch? Ever wanted to get into woodworking, but don't know where to start? The famous psychologist, Carl Jung, maintained that creativity is to the soul what food is to the body. Meaning that doing creative work is essential to being a whole person. Figure out what it is, and do it.

8. Morning Pages: This is an amazing practice that I learned by reading Julia Cameron's book on Creativity. The process is simple: every morning when you get up, take 3 sheets of paper--whether loose or in a notebook, and write down whatever comes to your mind. This simple exercise will help you get in touch with your emotions, which  is a sign of emotional intelligence.

There are other ways to improve your intelligence that we'll cover in future posts.

These 8 Road Rage Triggers Could Drive You Or Someone Else Over The Edge

I was driving along the 401 yesterday, when a motorcyclist who was travelling at about 115km/hr suddenly braked in front of me, slowing down to about 80. Then, he slipped ahead of a large transport truck into the right-hand lane, and slowed down to almost 70 before rearing the bike back and popping a full-out wheelie that he extended about 20 metres along the highway. I was so startled and taken aback, all I could do was watch aghast and get totally out of his way. I thought for sure he'd lose control of the bike and be mowed down by the transport truck lurking behind him. Instead, however, he reared the bike back again and pulled another wheelie, this time setting off a guy in an Audi who attempted to chase him away in a wild goose chase through fairly thick traffic with speeds that had to be at least 160km/hr. The first thing I thought while watching the two motorists disappear ahead of me was this is precisely why we need police on the highways--to catch the reckless; the other thought I had was that there are very real triggers to road rage on the highway, and popping a wheelie is definitely one of them.

But what are other things that trigger road rage? Here's a list to keep in mind while your driving over the holidays. 

1. Cutting Off: This is one of the primary causes of road rage among males, having the potential to set off explosive behaviour and even pursuits.

2. Blocking the Passing Lane: If you're in the left lane and going considerably slower than the pack ahead of you, yield to those faster drivers coming up in your rearview mirror--just for courtesy. Once they've passed, and you insist on driving in the left lane, simply move back in.

3. Tailgating: This is another major trigger that can set people off. If you're stuck in traffic, tailgating the guy in front of you whose stuck behind 100 other cars is not going to make any difference, but could certainly create an altercation. Take a deep breath and back off. If you're being tailgated, and you want to communicate with the person, rather than hit your brakes and threaten a collision, simply flicker your hazards for a moment to remind the person that it's not safe.

4. Hand Gestures: I got into a situation once where I gestured to someone as if to say "What's the matter with you!" and he snapped and started chasing me down the highway. I made the decision then not to gesture to anyone, unless I'm thanking someone for letting me into their lane ahead of them (always a nice thing to do, though not practiced as much in Ontario as it is in Alberta for instance). And don't flip people the bird--there are incidents in which people have been stabbed or shot for doing so.

5. Horn Honking: I was in a hospital emergency parking lot, and backing along the side of the entrance, when a man pulling in honked at me--it really bothered me (ok, so I honked back--violating this rule). In Alberta, it's an unspoken rule that you don't honk at people for doing things that upset you--quite nice. Only honk if you need to, and don't do it to somehow get back at the person who honked first. The whole ridiculous thing can spiral and lead to a possible road rage incident.

6. Mobile Phones: This is another major trigger of road rage: texting and driving. Funny: so many of us do it, and yet completely freak out if we see someone else doing it. 

7. Headlights: Highbeaming the car ahead of you can really upset its driver, not to mention startle them thus possibly causing an accident. If you're driving with your high beams on a two-lane highway that is without street lights, remember to switch them off for oncoming vehicles. 

8. Eye Contact: How many times do you get upset at the person in the car ahead--say, for going too slow in the fast lane--and you roll up on them and shoot them cold stare? Best to avoid this altogether. Easier said than done, but it is another major trigger of road rage, and can set off a course of action that you will regret.

It's best to avoid conflict at all costs. In the heat of the moment, when your blood's boiling, just ask yourself this simple question: "What's your plan?" If it's driving up the other car's tail pipe and attacking the driver, then you have other issues. If it's just to get back at the 'offender', then you need to take a deep breath, relax, avoid the conflict, and move on. The highway, especially, can seem like a race, but it's really not. The most important thing is getting to your destination safely.

Don't Get Caught Holiday Shopping Without This Critical Mall Survival Kit

It's American Thanksgiving, which means one thing for Canadians (and no I'm not talking about Black Friday deals): That the holiday rush will officially begin sometime this weekend; and that means one thing: that unless you're doing your shopping online you're going to be hitting the malls--along with everyone else (with the exception of those like my mother who have their shopping done by August).

Now for some, this is the most wonderful time of the year; but for others, it means a nerve-shooting cocktail of claustrophobia, agoraphobia, sensory overload, and indigestion from overdosing on food court fare.

So, in the spirit of holiday consumption, here are the essentials that will make up your shopping survival kit:

1. Layers of clothing: There's nothing worse than sweating to death in line at Lululemon because you've got your parka on. By wearing layers, you can get from your car to the mall without your heavy jacket, and then, if need be, get down to your t-shirt once the heat of the shopping begins.

2. Bottled Water: No, I'm not talking about the kind you have to line up at the food court to buy, but a Nalgene bottle brought from home. You might also want to include, if no health hazards are posed, Vega in the water, or some light juice to give you added vitamins.

3. Vitamins: Take a few vitamin C tablets and a recommended dose of Vitamin D--as a simple starter. Vitamin C is known to decrease stress, and Vitamin D is loaded with health benefits. Given that vitamin D deficiency is a result of lack of sunlight, trudging through the mall can easily leave you deficient. Including a Cal-Mag supplement, especially if you're drinking a lot of coffee to keep you in the flow.

4. Deodorant: For those long-hauls, this might be a good thing so that you don't smell like you haven't showered in several days--especially if you're meeting up with loved ones or friends for dinner.

5. Sound-Proof Headphones: If you experience what you think to be sensory overload, it may just be the case. With the incessant holiday music blasting and lights raging in hallucinogenic fashion, you need to get away. One way is to just get out of the mall and walk around outside. Another way, if this just isn't an option or something you care to do is a pair of sound-proof headphones like those you'd use on an airplane. You can find a place to sit, and chill out for a while to clear your mind and re-energize your body.

6. Mobile Device Power Cord: The last thing you want is to have to make a call to get a taxi or meet up with a friend and your phone is out of battery. Take a power cord with you and plug in when you're taking a break.

7. Eye Drops: Are your eyes strained from staring blankly at merchandise or little price tags through glass shelves and cases? Some eye drops can easily clear that up, and get you back on track.

8. Aspirin: Not only good for headaches, but also for your heart (it's a known tonic) for those moments when you add up all that you've spent and feel like you're going into cardiac arrest. Take a half tablet, and you'll be good to go. Alternatively, carrying a small bottle of Advil with you to alleviate headaches can be beneficial.

9. Sunglasses: If you find the lights too bright, you can always make like Jack Nicholson and dawn your shades. Might make you even look more important than you are and get you better deals. A simple baseball cap might do just as well as a visor for blinding lights.

10. Anti-Bacterial Hand Lotion: This is a must, for of all the thousands coming through the mall from all over North America, and the world for that matter, it's good to just keep your hands bacteria free. The smallest vile of this stuff, the better.

11. Messenger Bag: Where else are you going to put all this stuff? In your jean pockets? A small messenger bag will do the trick, and there are many out there, for guys, that look masculine enough to not be considered a man purse.

You Won't Believe What Common Foods Are The Worst Choking Hazards

According to the National Safety Council, choking is the 8th leading cause of death among adults. It happens, and whether child, elderly, or adult it can happen to anyone. 

In October 2013, a woman in an Indian restaurant tried a lamb dish that, according to her partner, was all fat and gristle. He spat it out, but his wife wanted to try. She took a bite, and went to spit it out, but the piece slid down and got lodged in her throat. She began choking, and at one point, while she was projectile vomiting, she was pounding on her back. The partner was urged to take her to the washroom where he called the paramedic for help. Before help arrived, she had suffered from a heart attack, and died, in hospital, only 48 hours later.

Choking occurs when an object, food, or liquid becomes lodged in the throat. And adults often choke when eating and drinking too rapidly. Elderly folk can easily choke, especially if wearing dentures: Whether the food is too tough or cut in pieces too large, they can have problems chewing, and end up choking. 

Here are some common choked-on foods, according to Livestrong:

1. Peanut Butter: Do like making those extra gooey peanut butter sandwiches with extra soft baguette bread? Well this is one of the greatest choking hazards, for the peanut butter can easily get lodged in your throat, and that chewy white bread certainly won't help. And forget about drinking to get it all down--that can actually make it worse! Best to spread the peanut butter thinly so you can chew it before swallowing.

2. Meat: When not cut properly, meat can easily cause you to choke, especially if its gristly. For those with dentures, it is particularly hazardous. When eating meat, make sure you cut it up properly into smaller pieces, and avoid drinking alcohol heavily when eating it, for your lowered judgment combined with a major choking hazard can lead to a trip to emerg--at best. And hotdogs are just as much of a choking hazard for adults as for children, so if you're getting a dog at the game with your kids, be careful that with all the fussing with condiments and napkins and drink spillage that you're focusing on your chewing and swallowing.

3. Baked Goods: You know that picture-perfect esculent plate of chocolate brownies and tall sweaty class of cold white milk (or for those lactose-intolerant, almond milk)? Repeat after me: Choking hazard! There are a few major dynamics happening in this scenario: first, no one nibbles on a soft double chocolate browny; in fact, it's not uncommon to forget that you're eating it while you're eating it, because it just goes too fast--this rapid wolfing down of the browny can be, in itself, a choking hazard. Second, that tall sweaty glass of cold milk only makes the whole endeavour even more treacherous: for the milk (or any liquid for that matter) causes the browny (or cookie or pie or cake or any other baked good) to expand, thus increasing the risk of the whole sweet mass getting lodged in your throat. Imagine that--near-death by brownie? 

4. Fruits and Vegetables: That fruit and vegetable platter can be a major choking hazard if you haven't cut the pieces small enough--especially hard fruits and vegetables. Pineapple, though wonderful to take juicy bits of, can be easily stuck in the throat; and the same for apples, and even bananas, melons and berries, and carrots and celery. And if the good times are rolling, with those extra-large bottles of Zinfandel served forthwith, then the risk is even higher caused by excessive giddiness, laughter, and inebriation. 

5. Cinnamon Challenge: This one had to be included, for those idiotic enough to actually take it. This challenge, for those who haven't heard of it, is to swallow a table spoon of cinnamon in 60 seconds. The problem is that the inhalation of the cinnamon can cause asthma and choking. It's always boggled my mind: first, that someone would think of inhaling powdered tree bark (but let's face it, humans have inhaled much worse), and second that this every-day spice could cause such damage to the lungs. Best to leave the cinnamon for the latte that you will drink with, but not simultaneous to, that chocolate brownie...

Best things to avoid choking are making sure you cut your food, avoid excessive eating and drinking at the same time, and having too much laughter and Zinfandel with your friends around the fruit and vegetable platter...