48th is Not a Good Place

The National Academies, the country’s leading advisory group on science and technology, warned in 2005 that unless the United States improved the quality of math and science education, at all levels, it would continue to lose economic ground to foreign competitors.

The situation remains grim. According to a follow-up report published last month, the academies found that the United States ranks 27th out of 29 wealthy countries in the proportion of college students with degrees in science or engineering, while the World Economic Forum ranked this country 48th out of 133 developed and developing nations in quality of math and science instruction.

More than half the patents awarded here last year were given to companies from outside the United States. In American graduate schools, nearly half of students studying the sciences are foreigners; while these students might once have spent their careers here, many are now opting to return home.

A version of this editorial appeared in print on October 26, 2010, on page A28 of the New York edition.

Natalie Rae Recipes

The Way to a Man’s Heart aka Layered Fajita Pizza

This recipe is very easy, but very yummy. This is my fiance’s favorite meal that I cook and I like to think of it as a turning point in our relationship! Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1lb lean ground beef

1 red bell pepper

1 green bell pepper

½ small white onion

½ lime

1 roma tomato

Shredded cheese

Fresh Cilantro

1 pkg taco seasoning

Taco sauce

Soft tortillas

*tortilla size can vary depending on if you want to make family style or individual servings

(individual serving pictured using soft taco size tortillas)

Sour cream and green onions optional

Cooking:

Start by slicing the peppers and onion julienne style (fajita style) and sauté them slowly in the juice of half of a lime and 2 Tbs fresh cilantro. Dice the tomato and set aside. While the vegetables are softening brown the beef in a skillet. Once browned add the taco seasoning and ¼ cup of water. Stir until well seasoned and absorbed. Next take your tortilla and place in your preferred baking dish. Spread 1 Tbs of taco sauce on the tortilla and add a layer of beef, a layer of sautéed vegetables, diced tomatoes, and a layer of shredded cheese. Add another tortilla on top and repeat these layers. Place in the oven for 12-15 minutes, just long enough to melt the cheese and crisp the tortillas. Drizzle with taco sauce. Top with sour cream and green onions! Enjoy!

Manhattan you are TOO LOUD!!

Columbia Study Shows 98% of Manhattan Is Lethally Loud

You've got to shout to be heard in this town -- and it's killing us.

Noise in 98 percent of Manhattan's public space exceeds healthy levels, says a study co-authored by Columbia University researchers to be released today.

Honking cars or quarreling neighbors raise our stress, but background noise like truck traffic that New Yorkers take in stride may be even worse, said Robyn Gershon, a Columbia professor.

Read the whole story: nypost.com

Less $=More Fat

In a society where fast food is more affordable and accessible than nutrient-rich greens, it comes as no surprise that obesity rates are higher for poor adults than for the well-off. The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that a study conducted by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health revealed that obesity rates for poor adults were 9 percent higher than for the well-off, and the gap was even greater for children. One of our biggest misconceptions is that it's poor people's fault. The poor, without access to healthy foods, are making the best possible choices under difficult circumstances. The Inquirer highlights the struggle for the destitute to eat healthy, as they profile a resident of the First Congressional District of Philadelphia -- the "second-hungriest" sector in the United States.

Read more at the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Tips to Decrease Your Sugar Cravings this Holiday Season

• Eat regularly. Eat three meals and two snacks or five small meals a day. For many people, if they don't eat regularly, their blood sugar levels drop, they feel hungry and are more likely to crave sweet sugary snacks.

• Choose whole foods. The closer a food is to its original form, the less processed sugar it will contain. Food in its natural form, including fruits and vegetables, usually presents no metabolic problems for a normal body, especially when consumed in variety.

• Have a breakfast of protein, fat and phytonutrients to start your day off right. The typical breakfast full of carbs and sugary or starchy foods is the worst option since you'll have cravings all day. Eating a good breakfast is essential to prevent sugar cravings

• Try incorporate protein and/or fat with each meal. This helps control blood sugar levels. Make sure they are healthy sources of each.

• Add spices. Coriander, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and cardamom will naturally sweeten your foods and reduce cravings.

• Move your body. Exercise, dance or do some pilates. Whatever movement you enjoy will help reduce tension, boost your energy and decrease your need for a sugar lift.

• Get enough sleep. When we are tired we often use sugar for energy to counteract the exhaustion.

• Keep sugary snacks out of your house and office. It's difficult to snack on things that aren't there!

• Don't substitute artificial sweeteners for sugar. This will do little to alter your desire for sweets. If you do need a sweetener, try Stevia, it's the healthiest.

• Learn to read labels. Although I would encourage you to eat as few foods as possible that have labels, educate yourself about what you're putting into your body. The longer the list of ingredients, the more likely sugar is going to be included on that list. So check the grams of sugar, and choose products with the least sugar per serving.

• Become familiar with sugar terminology. Recognize that all of these are sweeteners: corn syrup, corn sugar, high fructose corn syrup, sucrose, dextrose, honey, molasses, turbinado sugar and brown sugar.

• Sugar in disguise. Remember that most of the "complex" carbohydrates we consume like bread, bagels and pasta aren't really complex at all. They are usually highly refined and act just like sugars in the body and are to be avoided.

• Drink lots of water. Sometimes drinking water or seltzer water can help with the sugar cravings. Also sometimes what we perceive as a food craving is really thirst.

• Have a piece of fruit. If you give in to your cravings, have a piece of fruit, it should satisfy a sweet craving and is much healthier.