Money is an emotional issue, especially during economic hard times. Social scientists have always warned that once a person’s basic needs are met money doesn’t buy happiness. But if you’re wondering, or maybe even arguing over, what to do with any precious discretionary income these days, a new study suggests how to get the biggest emotional bang for your buck.
Ryan Howell, an assistant professor of psychology at San Francisco State University, found that buying experiences — such as vacations, going to the theater or renting a sailboat — gave people more happiness than buying material things. The study, of 154 people ages 19 to 50, showed that experiences increase happiness …Â More info
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Bardonecchia, Italy – The women of U.S. Snowboarding swept the podium of a World Cup halfpipe contest in Italy on Saturday with Kelly Clark (Mt. Snow, VT) in first, Hannah Teter (Belmont, VT) in second and Gretchen Bleiler (Aspen, CO) in third.
“For me personally it’s a good feeling to win where I was defeated three years ago,” Clark said. “Hannah was riding very strong but I just did my run as I wanted it. I’m glad that I won this great event and that the U.S. took one, two and three.”
Clark last competed in Bardonecchia when she placed fourth trying to defend her Olympic gold medal during the 2006 Games in Torino. Now, while it’s not the Olympics, Clark feels redemption…Â More info
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Forget technique. The thing that holds most Brits back when they hit the mountains in winter is fitness. After all, a life of texting, typing and the occasional trip to the supermarket is hardly adequate preparation for a week of relentless physical activity in an oxygen-depleted environment.
Add a little vin chaud into the equation and it’s no wonder we’re wrecks by the middle of our holiday.
In a perfect world, we’d remedy this situation by undertaking a carefully structured ski-fitness course… More info
The roads get icy. Snow piles up by the inch. And temperatures dance around the freezing mark. It’s winter in Michigan, and these conditions are to be expected.
But while drivers, shovelers and anyone without a sweater may gripe, skiers and snowboarders are delighted.
Snow skiing accounts for nearly 10% of total leisure spending in Michigan, said Claire Bunker of Travel Michigan. In 2007 alone, the ski industry in Michigan brought in $94 million in revenues…Â More info
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