Yes, some common daily beverages pack the calorie count of serious junk food! Back in 2010, experts reported that women were downing 56 percent more calories a day from drinks than they had been 30 years ago. Now a new study from Purdue University tells us why: Researchers found that when subjects ate solid food, they mentally registered the calories they were taking in-but when they drank a liquid form of the same food, they didn't. "We often equate consumption with chewing, not drinking," explains Joan Salge Blake, R.D., a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. But guess what: Calories are calories, whether you chew 'em or chug! Check it out.A 16-oz. breakfast smoothie (470 cals) might as well be a double cheese-burger (450 cals) |
How Many Calories Does Your Favorite Drink Have?
The Best Paying Jobs of the Future
| The U.S. unemployment rate peaked at 10% in October 2009 and has since slowly improved, flirting with 8% earlier this month. Despite the downward trend, the rate is still more than double prerecession levels. As the economy continues to recover and more people return to the workforce, many are trying to find the right career — one that is hiring and pays well. Knowing which jobs will be in high demand and pay the most is a good place to start. To serve as a guide, 24/7 Wall St. identified the best paying jobs of the future. These jobs will grow the most in the next decade, some as much as 60% by 2020. They also have median salaries that are close to double the national average of $34,450, and in some cases more. Many of these occupations will be in highest demand because of changes in the nation's population and in the way the country's businesses operate. Last year, the first baby boomers turned 65. As this generation gets older, increasing medical needs will require more health care professionals. Of the 10 high-paying, high-growth occupations we reviewed, six are in the medical field. Because most of these positions are in the medical field, many require at least a master's degree, and in many cases a doctoral degree. However, four have less demanding educational requirements, including the three that are growing the most. A career as a sonographer, projected to grow 43.5% with a median salary of $64,380, typically just requires an associate's degree. 24/7 Wall St. identified the best paying jobs that also will have the highest demand for new workers in the future based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics' National Employment Matrix, which forecasts job growth between 2010 and 2020 for the bureau's more-than 1,000 listed jobs. The Matrix was used to identify the professions that are going to grow the most as a percentage of 2010 employment figures by 2020. Of those, we then narrowed the list to jobs that also had a median annual income of at least $60,000 in 2010, 75% higher than the $34,450 national median average, and at least 5,000 positions. Using the BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, 24/7 Wall St. also identified the states with the highest concentration of jobs as of May 2011. These are the best paying jobs of the future. 1. Biomedical Engineers  Thinkstock> Pct. increase: 61.7% > Total new jobs (2010-2020): 9,700 > Median income: $81,540 > States with the most jobs per capita: Massachusetts, Utah, Minnesota The work of biomedical engineers typically involves designing or maintaining biomedical equipment, such as artificial organs and X-ray machines. These jobs often require a great deal of technical knowledge in fields such as biology, engineering, math and chemistry. Because of this, a bachelor's degree is typically needed. The professional requirements come with impressive compensation. The median income for such jobs was $81,540 and the top 10% earned more than $126,990. Between 2010 and 2020, the number of biomedical engineers is projected to rise by 61.7%, more than four times the projected growth rate for all jobs, which is 14%. To explain its growth projections for the profession, the BLS cites the baby boomer generation's growing demand for biomedical devices and procedures as it "seeks to maintain its healthy and active lifestyle." 2. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers > Pct. increase: 43.5% > Total new jobs (2010-2020): 23,400 > Median income: $64,380 > States with the most jobs per capita: Rhode Island, Florida, South Dakota Diagnostic medical sonographers work in hospitals and other facilities, conducting ultrasounds on patients and analyzing the resulting images. The BLS projects an increase of 43.5% in the number of positions between 2010 and 2020, which would raise the total number of such jobs to 77,100. Explaining the driving factors behind the growth, the BLS states that "as ultrasound technology evolves, it will be used as a substitute for procedures that are costly, invasive or expose patients to radiation." Sonographers typically need an associate's degree, and many employers prefer candidates to have professional certification. The top 10% of sonographers made more than $88,490 annually. 3. Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists  Thinkstock> Pct. increase: 41.2% > Total new jobs (2010-2020): 116,600 > Median income: $60,570 > States with the most jobs per capita: Delaware, Massachusetts, New York Market research analysts work in most industries, monitoring and forecasting marketing and sales trends, as well as collecting and analyzing data on their companies' products or services. To become a market research analyst, a bachelor's degree is typically required, though many analysts have a master's degree. Citing increases in the use of market research across all industries, the BLS projects the number of positions in the field will rise to almost 400,000 by 2020. Top-earning market research analysts made more than $111,440 annually. 4. Physical Therapists > Pct. increase: 39.0% > Total new jobs (2010-2020): 77,400 > Median income: $76,310 > States with the most jobs per capita: Rhode Island, Vermont, Maine Physical therapists assist patients by helping to address and correct dysfunctional movement and pain. They are required to have a postgraduate professional degree, typically a Doctor of Physical Therapy, and a license. Those completing these prerequisites join one of the fastest-growing professions in the country — by 2020, the number of positions is expected to rise by 39%. The BLS states that "demand for physical therapy services will come, in large part, from the aging baby boomers, who are staying active later in life than previous generations did." The top 10% of physical therapists earned more than $107,920. 5. Dental Hygienists  Thinkstock> Pct. increase: 37.7%> Total new jobs (2010-2020): 68,500 > Median income: $68,250 > States with the most jobs per capita: Michigan, Utah, Idaho From 2010 to 2020, the number of dental hygienists is projected to rise by 37.7% to more than 250,000. Factors driving increased demand for this occupation include ongoing research linking oral health to general health, as well as an aging population keeping more of its teeth. Dental hygienists typically do not need a professional degree or previous work experience, though they often need an associate's degree and a license. Typical job responsibilities include cleaning teeth and taking dental X-rays. 6. Audiologists > Pct. increase: 36.8% > Total new jobs (2010-2020): 4,800 > 2010 Median annual wage: $66,660 > States with the most jobs per capita: New Mexico, Colorado, West Virginia Audiologists treat patients who have problems with their hearing, balance or ears. A doctoral degree is necessary, as is a state license, though exact requirements differ by state. Explaining projected job growth, the BLS notes that "hearing loss increases as people age, so an aging population is likely to increase demand for audiologists." There are not very many audiologists, and a projected 36.8% increase in jobs would bring the total number of audiologists to 17,800 by the end of the decade. Annual salaries exceeded $102,210 for the top 10% of audiologists. 7. Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists  Thinkstock> Pct. increase: 36.4% > Total new jobs (2010-2020): 36,400 > Median income: $76,700 > States with the most jobs per capita: Massachusetts, California, Washington Though the roles of medical scientists vary from job to job, all study biological systems to understand their effects on human health. Medical scientists often work for the federal government, at research universities or in the private sector. By 2020, the number of medical scientists is projected to increase to more than 136,000, as the population of the United States grows and ages and the demand for prescription drugs rises. Educational requirements are quite high, with most positions asking for either a doctorate or a medical degree. The annual pay of the top 10% of medical scientists was $142,800. 8. Veterinarians > Pct. increase: 35.9% > Total new jobs (2010-2020): 22,000 > Median income: $82,040 > States with the most jobs per capita: Montana, Colorado, Iowa In addition to pets, veterinarians tend to sick livestock, laboratory animals and other critters. The BLS projects that the number of veterinarians will increase by 22,000, or 35.9%, between 2010 and 2020. A rising national pet population, as well as the need for additional food supply inspection as the U.S. population grows, are among the reasons for the strong job growth. To practice, veterinarians must obtain a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, currently awarded by just 28 colleges nationwide, as well as a state license. 9. Occupational Therapists  Thinkstock> Pct. increase: 33.5% > Total new jobs (2010-2020): 36,400 > Median income: $72,320 > States with the most jobs per capita: Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire "Occupational therapists treat patients with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working," according to the BLS. Becoming an occupational therapist requires a master's degree, which generally takes two years to complete. The number of occupational therapists is expected to reach 145,200 by 2020, as an aging baby-boomer generation looks to maintain its independence and stay active. 10. Optometrists > Pct. increase: 33.1% > Total new jobs (2010-2020): 11,300 > Median income: $94,990 > States with the most jobs per capita: Hawaii, North Dakota, Montana Optometrists specialize in the care of eyes and vision. Their responsibilities include diagnosing eye injuries and diseases, as well as prescribing glasses and contact lenses. In order to practice, they are required to have a Doctor of Optometry degree, presently awarded by just 20 accredited programs, and must be licensed by the National Boards in Optometry. Those who meet these qualifications are often extremely well-compensated: the top 10% of optometrists earned in excess of $166,400. With vision problems becoming more frequent as people grow older, the number of optometrists is expected to rise by 33.1% between 2010 and 2020. |
What iPhones cost to make Sleek, in demand and most definitely expensive – but the cost of actually making an iPhone is more than £300 less than the retail price.
 Reuters - Luke Peters demonstrates Siri, an application which uses voice recognition and detection on the iPhone 4S, outside the Apple store in Covent Garden, London October 14, 2011 The launch date for the iPhone 5 is approaching and speculation is rampant about what the features of the new phone will be. Recent financial figures revealed that, despite only owning around 10% of the global mobile handset market in 2011, Apple collected 50% or more of the industry's available profits. It seems that the company must be making a sizable profit. Let's find out how much revenue Apple is making from the sales of iPhones by looking at the manufacturing costs of its iconic product. iPhone 4s The current model of iPhone - the 4s - will set you back £499 if you purchase the 16GB version outright from Apple. The 32GB model will cost you £599 and the price goes up to £699 when you purchase the 64GB model. Sum of its parts iSuppli, which is known for its gadget component costs analysis, released a breakdown of the parts that make up the iPhone 4S. The most basic 16GB model carries a bill of materials worth £118. This total is a long way from the sale price of £499. Labour costs Of course, there are labour costs to manufacture this complex piece of kit, but recent investigations suggest that these expenses certainly do not bridge the gap between material costs and sale price. Earlier this year, ABC's 'Nightline' show went into the Chinese factories of Foxconn, where most of the world's Apple products - iPads, iPhones and Mac computers - are manufactured. The investigation revealed that workers earn just £1.12 an hour, work long hours and live in dorms with fellow employees. Asymco analyst Horace Dediu used the 'Nightline' report to estimate that Apple pays labour costs of between £7.86 and £18.56 for every iPhone it makes, which represents just 2-4% of the iPhone's sale price. The 'New York Times' has harshly criticised the labour practices of Apple's factories, and featured an interview with a former employee of Foxconn, who said: "Apple never cared about anything other than increasing product quality and decreasing production cost .... Workers' welfare has nothing to do with [Apple's] interests." Profit So if the materials cost roughly £118, and Dediu has calculated that an additional £58 is spent on manufacturing its smartphone, (a cost that includes the labour costs, transportation, storage and warranty expenses) we reach a total of about £176 to manufacture an iPhone that retails at £499. This represents a profit for Apple of £323 per iPhone. The bottom line Apple is a very successful company, and as consumers, we pay a premium price for the products the company makes. Some people purchase Apple products to become part of the 'trendy' Apple brand. However, for Apple to maintain its high profits and low manufacturing costs, the company pays its workers in China low wages. Many people wonder if these labour practices will tarnish Apple's image as a progressive company. During the 'Nightline' special, the lead journalist asked a Foxconn factory executive if it would be possible for Apple to double wages at Foxconn. The executive responded: "Why not? It would be good for China and for morale." However, for now, the iPhone's hefty price tag puts it out of the price range of the workers who manufacture it. |
The budget smartphone – great value or false economy?
 In these straitened times our desire to stay in touch and up to date wherever we are has only grown. In order to connect we need big, shiny, expensive, contract-laden smartphones, right? Not necessarily - there are a growing number of smartphone manufacturers offering capable budget models for less than £100, such as the £50 ZTE Kis. They may not be as shiny and feature-laden as an iPhone 4S or Samsung Galaxy S3, but they essentially offer the same functionality. Manufacturers like Huawei and ZTE are capitalising on dropping prices for parts and the growing demand for smartphones in the emerging markets. Low-end growth is driving the global market, with entry-level smartphone prices dropping thanks to greater manufacturer competition, data tariffs receiving closer regulation, and operators updating minimum hardware specs for so called 'low-end devices'. This all sounds great for consumers looking to step up from feature phones, but do they really represent great value or is it a false economy in a fast-changing market? Great value Let's be clear, we're looking at the SIM-only pay-as-you-go smartphone option, meaning no 12 or 18-month contract with fixed monthly costs. Set yourself a budget and top up your SIM with that amount - when it's gone, it's gone. Take the ZTE Kis as an example - you can kit out the whole family for less than the cost of one iPhone 4S. As the minimum hardware specifications for operating systems constantly improves, manufacturers are having to up the processing power of budget models. The ZTE Kis runs Android on an 800MHz processor, while the 'upper entry-level' £100 Huawei G300, for example, boasts a 1GHz processor running on the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich OS and is powerful enough to stream online content over the air and run multiple apps. Mix in a 5-megapixel autofocus camera with flash, 4-inch capacitive touchscreen and not unattractive styling and you start to wonder why it's so cheap. Sure, the build quality isn't premium and the design won't wow phone fashionistas, but they're improving fast and will soon become indistinguishable from current midrange models from manufacturers like HTC and Nokia. We're starting to see some of the more establish manufacturers break the £100 mark, such as the Sony Xperia Tipo (£89). False economy Sometimes the mantra 'you get what you pay for' rings true, and that's the case with budget smartphones. The smaller your budget, the more limited your choice and that's most obvious in the operating system, with only Android currently falling into the budget category, and often not the latest version. Windows Phones are starting to get cheaper though (with the Nokia Lumia 710), but the iPhone certainly isn't. Software updates aren't as regular or convenient and over the air updates can be harder to find (although the Huawei G300 is an exception). This may not sound too off-putting, but with budget smartphones often targeted at newcomers to the technology, user friendliness and convenience are crucial factors. It's in the details where the differences add up. Low screen resolution and viewing angle denigrate user experience, from browsing the web to checking out photos. Often cluttered and confusing user interfaces make every action a chore rather than a pleasure. Less responsive touchscreens make typing texts and emails hard work. Low internal memory limits options for things like playing games (on the ZTE Kis Angry Birds worked fine but Temple Run wouldn't work at all), and minimal storage capacity means you'll often need to invest in an SD card to increase it, which costs more money. And then there's the old sticking point of build quality. Cheap materials mean a cheap feel, with clunky styling a common issue. And for a gadget that has to live with you wherever you go and suffer the knocks of life in your pocket or handbag, forking out £50 may mean it doesn't last as long as its pricier rivals. Final thoughts The less you pay, the fewer features you're going to get. Forking out £50 is never going to get you an iPhone-rivaling wonder with the latest interface and add-ons – but that's not really the point. The budget smartphone is amazing because it opens up the functionality and connectivity of the wider virtual world to the cash conscious, to parents for their kids, to small businesses for their employees, and to those who just want to know what all the fuss is about. As long as you manage your expectations, do some research to make sure the model you go for has the features you want and factor in other costs such as SD card to boost memory and a decent case to keep it safe, then it represents a great way to take your first step into the wonderful world of the smartphone. |
Quotes of the week: ‘A squirrel hit me…I could have died!’
 Scunthorpe manager Alan Knill was out riding his bike earlier in the week when he collided with a squirrel. Unable to dodge the animal, it got caught up in his wheel spokes and sent the manager flying over his handlebars. "It was quite serious at the time, I was flying through the air," Knill told the BBC. "I came off my bike at 20-whatever miles an hour, an ambulance was called and everything - I could have died. I saw it run into the road but couldn't do anything about it and it just hit my wheel and stuck in my wheel and hit my brakes. I went over the top of my bike and landed on my head, shoulder and neck. I'm worrying every night about football, but I could have been dead on Monday and it's so stupid." The lower leagues of English football provided plenty more entertaining quotes this week as the ever-bashful Paolo Di Canio laid into a choice selection of his players for their poor performances. "He's (goalkeeper Wes Foderingham) the worst professional I've ever seen," Di Canio told BBC Wiltshire. "It was the arrogance later on when he started moaning to the others. That was the worst thing for me. If he doesn't come out and say sorry to the fans for his professionalism, then he is out of my team. He was nothing until the day he joined me. He didn't have one second as a professional. He's forgotten everything. He's arrogant and thinks he's untouchable." "(Aden) Flint came in tonight as if he was on holiday and this is not acceptable," he told BBC Wiltshire. "He has to take the responsibility. We lost because of him. It was like on Sunday when we lost for Wes (Foderingham). We lost because of a stupid moment. He's a good professional but he has to improve. Flint's a good guy but he's got a big limit." Fulham striker Dimitar Berbatov also decided to launch a bitter tirade, but in the direction of his former boss, Sir Alex Ferguson. "I don't think I deserved such treatment at United - not playing in the last year. I went more than 10, probably 15, times to ask the coach if they need me. And every time I was told that I'm an important player and should not leave, but then again I was not in the team. I know he's the boss, but he has lost, to some extent, my respect because of the way he treated me. I found it hard to accept his decision - I still have my dignity. I said goodbye to the people who deserve it. I couldn't say goodbye to Ferguson." Fiorentina sporting director Daniel Prade was left seething after Dimitar Berbatov snubbed talks with the Italian club in favour of joining Fulham, and now he has been asked to cover the travel costs, among other angry demands. "I'm glad that he did not arrive," Prade told Radio Blu. "We will request to his agent the money we paid for their flight to come to Florence, 100 per cent." This followed the club's statement after the move broke down: "The player embarked, in the company of his agent and with tickets paid by Fiorentina, on a direct flight to Florence. But the player never arrived in Florence. (This was) owing to the reckless and arrogant actions of other clubs which have nothing to do with the values of decency, fair play and ethics of the sport and which go beyond the limits of fairness. We are happy that he did not come to Fiorentina. He did not deserve our city and our shirt and the values it represents." Meanwhile, Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna was less than impressed with Arsenal's sale of midfielder Alex Song to Barcelona over the summer, as he revealed this week. "At Arsenal, you're back from holidays, you prepare and you see two of the players leave when competition returns," Sagna told L'Equipe. "That's the way it is since I am here. I'm used to it now. Van Persie, I expected it. All of us expected it. It was 'obvious', if I shall put it in English. But Alex Song for Barcelona… What a surprise. He is 24, he had three years left. I still can't understand. It is a huge loss for the club." Cristiano Ronaldo is quick to quash suggestions that his 'sadness' is related to his wage packet and current Real Madrid contract. "That I am feeling sad and have expressed this sadness has created a huge stir," Ronaldo said. "I am accused of wanting more money, but one day it will be shown that this is not the case. At this point, I just want to guarantee to the Real Madrid fans that my motivation, dedication, commitment and desire to win all competitions will not be affected. I have too much respect for myself and for Real Madrid to ever give less to the club than all I am capable of. Abrazos (hugs) to all madridistas." +++++ Andy Roddick responds to a standing ovation after he bowed out of the US Open and retired: "I've loved every minute of it. It's been a road, a lot of ups, a lot of downs, a lot of great moments." Novak Djokovic attempts to work out why his opponent, Stanislas Wawrinka, retired in their fourth-round match: "I really don't know exactly what it was but by the look of it, I think it was probably a dizziness or something," Serena Williams, talking in the third person, of course, says her focus is on 'getting more serious' in the later rounds. "I feel like I'm going to get more focused and serious and start playing Serena tennis in the next couple of rounds, if I get to play two rounds. That's my goal." American cyclist Tyler Hamilton reveals how Lance Armstrong tried to bully him into keeping quiet about the years they spent doping together while team-mates. "I planned to take this secret to the grave. When you're on the witness stand, we are going to f***ing tear you apart. You are going to look like a f***ing idiot. I'm going to make your life a living f***ing hell. My lawyer was receiving a series of urgent calls from Lance's lawyers, who were offering me their services, for free. It was a classic Lance move. For six years, he gives me zero support. Now, when things get tough, he wants us on the same team again. No thanks." |
The 5:2 diet - Can starving yourself twice a week make you live longer?
Every few months a new diet fad rolls into town; the Atkins diet, the cabbage soup diet, the baby food diet, the Hollywood diet. They may work for some, but there's often concern about the long-term health of anyone sticking to them for long. Supporters of a new kind of diet claim it can do more than help with weight loss. Intermittent fasting, where the dieter severely restricts the food they eat on certain days, has been heralded by some as a miraculous scientific discovery. Fast benefits The 5:2 dietOne fasting regime has been particularly popular. It's the 5:2 diet – two separate days of fasting a week. On those days, men can consume 600 calories and women just 500.Dieters can choose to eat them all at once, or have several small meals throughout the day. It was made famous by the BBC's Horizon programme Eat, Fast and Live Longer, in which the reporter tried a number of different fasting techniques. He's also written about his experience and the potential benefits. We spoke to three people who've tried the 5:2 diet for themselves. David, aged 32. "I became interested in intermittent fasting because of suggestions that it helps you live longer and healthier. I'm not too fussed about losing weight as I wasn't fat, although I've lost about 3kg in the four weeks I've been on the diet – my stomach is much leaner. "Fast days are hard and I have to plan around them. I can't go for a run or work out because I don't always have the energy and I'm sometimes a bit short-tempered. I eat a small bowl of porridge for breakfast and then two small salads later in the day. "But the payoff is good. I mean, I can eat pretty much what I want the rest of the week and potentially improve my long-term health. "I certainly feel like this has been a lifestyle change rather than a fad diet, I think it's something I'm going to commit to for a very long time." Victoria, aged 61 As one of our case studies pointed out, there have been no extensive trials into the potential benefit or harm of intermittent fasting for humans. If you're tempted to try it out, it's sensible to talk to your doctor first to make sure doing so won't put your health at risk. But if the scientists are right and the benefits are so extreme, then your two fasts a week could become as important as your five a day. |
Pictures of the Week
 Tony Plant, 49, created these extraordinary swirling patterns on a beach in Newquay, Somerset, with an old rusty garden rake. Picture:SWNS
 Members of the emergency services attempt to refloat a pilot whale after a pod of 26 beached near Pittenweem off the coast of Fife. Picture: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire
Prince Harry returned to Afghanistan for another tour of duty and is shown the Apache helicopter flight line by a member of his squadron at Camp Bastion, Afghanistan. Picture: Reuters
 Michael Kenny, 18, became the first-ever man to pass through the education degree course at the world-famous Norland College. He was the only male in a classroom of 48 girls. Picture: SWNS |
When the weather's like this, there's only one thing to do - head for the beach. Savouring the sunshine on Weston-super-Mare beach, Somerset. Picture: Ben Birchall/PA Wire
Easy does it: Prince Andrew abseiled down The Shard skyscraper in London for charity. Afterwards he confessed he would "never do it again"
A somewhat bewildered youngster stands between David Cameron and Nick Clegg as the PM addresses onlookers at Aldermere Housing development in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire Picture: PA
Angler Brian Humphries holds 'The Parrot' a massive 27kg (59lb 14oz) mirror carp. Catching it he likened to 'wrestling Mike Tyson'. Picture: SWNS
The coffin of Dylan Cecil leaving after the funeral service with father Darren Cecil (front right) and mother Rachel McCollum (middle blue dress). Dylan drowned after slipping from a jetty while on holiday visiting his grandparents at Burnham-on-Sea in Somerset last month. Picture: Rui Vieira/PA Wire
French police inspect a drain under the road to the murder scene at Cheverlaine near Annecy in France where the British victims of a quadruple murder were discovered. Picture: Chris Ison/PA Wire
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