North America is facing a new addition. A "drug" that on a good day might offer a harmless escape from the troubles of the world. But on a bad, it can turn into a monstrous distraction, rendering you unable to concentrate on work or studies. The drug we're talking about is Facebook, and if you fear you may be an addict, now is the time to find out. Researchers tested 423 students and developed The Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale which lets users measure their dependency on the social networking site by answering six basic questions with how closely they reflect their behavior. Those who answer 'often' or 'very often' to at least four of the questions are considered addicted. The scale is based on the same six core elements of addiction used by doctors to identify alcoholics and drug users. The researchers did find women are more at risk of addiction because of the social nature of the site. The six warning signs/questions are:

• You spend a lot of time thinking about Facebook or plan use of Facebook.
 

• You feel an urge to use Facebook more and more.
 

• You use Facebook in order to forget about personal problems.
 

• You have tried to cut down on the use of Facebook without success.
 

• You become restless or troubled if you are prohibited from using Facebook.
 

• You use Facebook so much that it has had a negative impact on your job/studies.

Carrying the plastic means you're susceptible to a host of temptations and mistakes that can bring regrets later. Savvy cardholders know to resist them. Credit cards can be a great asset or a great liability, depending on how a cardholder uses them. While you probably won't go to hell for committing any of these sins, the financial situation you will find yourself in afterward can certainly cause some pain to your pocketbook and damage your credit score. Read on to find out the seven deadly credit mistakes you should avoid at all costs.
 

1. Gluttony: Bumping up against your credit limit
Just because your issuer awarded you a $6,000 credit limit doesn't mean you should max the card out. For starters, those who aren't able to pay off their balances in full increase the likelihood of winding up in debt, since they'll be subject to the interest on their purchases. Secondly, bumping up against your credit limit is likely to have a negative overall impact on your credit score. "The closer you get to your credit limit, the riskier your credit profile is going to look," says Chris Mettler, the founder of CompareCards.com, since it leads to a high credit-to-debt utilization ratio. Mettler says it's best to use credit in moderation, using only 15% or less of your total credit at any given time. And yes, you should also pay off all those balances in full by the end of the month whenever possible.
 

2. Pride: Not checking your credit report
You might assume your credit score is in fine standing based upon a presumably stellar payment history, but the truth of the matter is that credit reports can easily contain errors. And the more egregious ones, like inaccurate delinquencies or improper credit limit information, can cost you more than a few points on your accompanying credit score. Consumers therefore should check their credit report at least once a year -- especially since you're entitled to one free copy each year, thanks to the Fair Credit Reporting Act -- or right before you apply for a big loan, to minimize the chances that you'll encounter any surprises.
 

3. Lust: Applying for too much credit
Lucrative sign-up bonuses can certainly be attractive, but that doesn't mean you should apply for every credit card that's touting one. Too many credit card inquiries -- generated by lenders that are looking to see if you deserve a new line of credit -- in a short time frame can also negatively affect your credit score. Instead, apply for credit as you need it, and add a new card to your payment arsenal about once a year until you've got three or four you can consistently pay off on time at your disposal.
 

4. Greed: Taking out a cash advance
It may seem like a great idea to use your credit card to get a cash advance at a casino so you have some cash to gamble with, but in addition to the lousy odds you'll have trying to make the money grow, the paper comes with a price. "You're going to be charged a significant amount of interest," Mettler says, estimating that most transactions will carry an interest rate around 23% or higher. As such, it's best to use a credit card only in instances where the plastic itself can be used to make the purchase and you can pay back the funds by the subsequent bill's due date.
 

5. Envy: Applying for a card that's out of your league
Your globe-trotting friend may continually flash a credit card that grants access to swanky airport lounges, earns free airfare and avoids foreign transaction fees, but don't let jealousy lead you to sign up for one of your own. Typically, cards of that caliber contain high annual fees that are worth paying only if you travel enough to justify the rewards. Instead, ask yourself a few questions to figure out what type of credit card is more suitable to your lifestyle. (You'll also want to check that your credit score qualifies you for the account so you don't rack up any of the unnecessary inquiries we were talking about.) There may be a great rewards card with no annual fee that will look much better with your name on it.
 

6. Wrath: Closing all your credit card accounts
Those who have gotten burned by their plastic may be inclined to cut up all the credit cards in their wallet and close all the accompanying accounts, but it's best to curb your anger. Closing accounts can negatively influence your credit-to-debt ratio, especially if the one card you're leaving open -- or transferring a balance to -- is bumping up against its credit limit. It's better to keep the account open but not use it, since that will keep your credit-to-debt ratio positively intact and not jeopardize the average age of your credit report.
 

7. Sloth: Not checking your monthly credit card statements
It can be easy to set up automatic bill pay on your account and then forget all about your credit card, especially in instances where you use it infrequently. However, it's a bad idea to skip checking your monthly credit card statements. "You can be paying for things you've signed up for and forgotten about," Mettler says, in addition to any fraudulent charges that may appear, courtesy of errors or, even worse, identity theft.

Season allergies often plague us staring in May. This year with all the warm weather we are likely to see them very soon. For some the symptoms have already started. I found this article on Sympatico. It offers some advice on how to prepare yourself for allergy season including some natural ways of dealing with the sneezing season. Click here to have a peek.

Watching television can make you smarter. Gossiping can make you less critical of yourself. And coffee can help prevent type 2 diabetes. Yes, some bad habits -- in moderation -- may actually be good for you. Ladies Home Journal reports that some bad habits can have surprisingly good effects. Here are five that get a bad rap, but can be good for you.
 

1. Television -- The good: When you watch shows that exercise your mind, it can actually make you smarter. Some shows can give you a cognitive workout, while others will encourage you to reflect on your marriage and family life. Still others will almost always teach you something new. The bad: If you turn into a couch potato and watch TV excessively while your family does other things, it's a problem. Sitting in front of the TV for too long can drain your energy. If you watch more than two hours a day, it's time to dial down the habit.
 

2. Facebook -- The good: Facebook can help you deepen relationships and connect with people from your past with whom you long ago lost touch. It can be a valuable resource for information, too. Posting a message that you need the name of a good plumber or tips for planting a vegetable garden can result in information you would not have otherwise received. The bad: When you spend so much time on Facebook that you neglect your work, family or household chores, you may need to restrict your use by building it into your schedule. Be disciplined and only check in at those times.
 

3. Gossiping -- The good: When we gossip about other people, it can make us less critical of our own lives. A celebrity's third trip to rehab or the neighbor's failed marriage can make you realize you're doing just fine. Gossip, which is human nature, also relieves stress and can create a culture of closeness. The bad: If you purposely spread vicious stories about someone else that could be potentially damaging, it's time to stop. Too much gossiping can make you seem insecure or egocentric.
 

4. Coffee -- The good: Regular coffee consumption is actually good for you! Numerous studies have shown multiple health benefits, including a lower risk for stroke, dementia, Parkinson's disease, type 2 diabetes, liver cancer and gallstones. The bad: If you indulge in fancy, high-calorie java drinks, they can make you fat since they're not only packed with caffeine, but also calories. And pregnant women shouldn't drink coffee at all because it can increase the risk of miscarriage.
 

5. Being Messy -- The good: So what if your desk is a pile of papers and the junk drawer is so crammed with stuff it won't open? Moderately disorganized people also tend to be more creative and efficient than those who are obsessively neat. The bad: When the boss looks at you like your desk is a fire hazard or you can't find your favorite jeans in your closet, it's time to clean up. Being messy is fine--to a point. Complete disorder is a problem. Schedule weekly tidy-up sessions to keep things under control.
 

Ladies, how do you know he's the man of your dreams? Here are a few hints from MSN.com. The first date signs he's a keeper:
 

1. He's kind to the wait staff/taxi driver/doorman. Does he thank the parking attendant as he hands over his keys? Make polite small talk with not only the waiter but the busboys, too? Consider that your good-guy alert.
 

2. He could pass for Jon Stewart. Meaning: Instead of blathering on about himself, he asks smart questions that don't come off as probing. And if, like a certain late-night host, he happens to be cute, smart and quick with a self-deprecating one-liner, marry the guy!
 

3. His cell is off. Unless he's an on-call surgeon or volunteer fireman, that Nokia should be nowhere in sight.
 

4. He mentions his mom (in passing). "In passing" is the operative phrase here. Why? You want to know he has a strong relationship with the woman who gave him life, if he gets along well with her, he's more likely to respect women in general, but isn't "scary close" to Mom.
 

5. He doesn't mention that his watch is a Rolex. Or that he made a killing in the real-estate market. Or how much his Mini Cooper set him back. Guys who talk about how much things cost, especially to a virtual stranger, are basically insecure.
 

6. He gazes at your face. That's instead of your decolletage, the mirror behind your head, or the 16-ounce porterhouse on his plate.

If you're like most guys, you are probably pretty into being male. You can read a map, do lots of push-ups and don't bleed with the full moon. What could be better than that? And yet, as it turns out, being a man is becoming less awesome with every passing day. A growing pile of research indicates men are falling behind women in a number of key areas. One upside? The next time your girl talks about how she has it tough, you're going to be armed with a number of facts showing that, in fact, she doesn't. Silver lining, gents. Silver lining.
 

1. They Survive More Accidents
 

Bad news, dudes. The testosterone that makes you male also totally screws you when it comes to major trauma. A Johns Hopkins study of over 48,000 patients who experienced major blood loss after an accident found that men were 14 percent less likely to survive than women were. Further studies found that this isn't just the case for human males. Male mice also had lower survival rates after major trauma than female mice did. The rodent researchers did find one quick, easy way to level the playing field with females: castration. So there's that.
 

2. They Invest More Wisely
 

This might be hard to believe given which gender is more likely to drop a hundy on a haircut, but women are smarter with money than men are. A study of 35,000 households found men trade 45 percent more than women do -- and trading reduces their returns by nearly three percent. Women, meanwhile, lose about half as much. Elaine Bedel, president of Bedel Investments of Indianapolis, reasons men dig in their heels more, meaning that they hang on to losing stocks longer than they should. In other words, your loyalty to RadioShack is going to land you in the poor house. It's science.
 

3. They're Getting Better Looking
 

Here's one area where it's good to fall behind: women are getting hotter while men are staying about the same. The logic is that pretty women are more likely reproduce, leading to better-looking ladies everywhere. Researchers at the University of Helsinki found that attractive women had 16 percent more children than less attractive ones. The same doesn't apply to men, because women aren't as shallow. You know how "sense of humor" tops every poll about what women want? Some future study may show men are getting funnier. No evidence exists showing men are getting better looking. Do you care? Neither do we. Bring on the Kate Upton Universe.
 

4. They're Making More Money
 

Not only have women largely reached wage parity, younger ones actually make more than men do. Out of America's 150 largest cities, single women under 30 earn more in 147, at an average of 8 percent, than their male counterparts. In Memphis and Atlanta they earn 20 percent more. And it's not just wages. Women weather downturns better, too. Of the six million Americans to lose their jobs between the end of 2007 and mid-2009, about 80 percent were men. That's because the fields seeing the biggest downsizing -- manufacturing, engineering, construction and finance -- tend to be male-dominated, while more women work in "recession-proof" fields like education and nursing. Our advice? Accept it as the new normal and marry well. Women have been doing it for centuries.
 

5. They're Healthier
 

Women have seemingly always lived longer than men. But that's not all these days. For example, they also eat healthier: a University of Minnesota study found that about 20 percent of women eat fast food once a week, while about a third of men do. But that's small potatoes compared to research showing they have better immune systems and are less likely to develop cancer. Dr. Claude Libert of Belgium's Ghent University believes there are RNA properties of the X chromosome that help prevent illness and help fight off infection, and women have two while we are stuck with just one X and an apparently useless Y. Remember this the next time you need to call in sick. Just tell 'em you've come down with the man-flu.
 

6. They Learn More
 

Here's a legit reason women might be earning more than men these days: they dominate college campuses. Not only do they make up 58 percent of all college students, they're twice as likely to have graduated by the age of 22 than men are. They get better grades, too: at Harvard, 55 percent of female students graduate with honors, compared to just half of male grads. Which just leaves us asking a very serious question: why doesn't someone commission a study to see who does longer keg stands and plays better ultimate? Are you listening, academia?
 

7. They Handle Stress Better
 

You probably won't be surprised to hear that women and men handle stress differently. But you might be shocked to learn that women, science says, handle it much better than you do. One reason is that men lean more toward "fight or flight" behaviors while women do something called "tend and befriend." Or, in layman's terms, "talk it out over a tube of cookie dough." Furthermore, women experiencing stress use naturally produced oxytocin to get over it. Men opt for high blood pressure, alcoholism and getting all aggro in other dudes' faces. But hey, we'll take totally losing our cool over a good cry and a Lifetime movie any day.

Aging successfully means more than good health. It also means taking charge of your personal wellbeing so you can continue to live a vibrant, independent life, regardless of your age. "Successful aging isn't difficult, but it does require a personal commitment to active living," says to Dr. Terri Ginsberg of the New Jersey Institute for Successful Aging at the UMDNJ-School of Osteopathic Medicine.
Here are the top ten tips to live a longer and healthier life:
 

1. Sleep at night.
 

Avoid frequent daytime naps, late night snacks or watching television in bed.
 

2. Eat lots of colors.
 

Vibrantly colored fruits and vegetables on your plate mean a healthy diet that keeps your body moving.
 

3. Get checked out.
 

Catch up on any health screenings your doctor has recommended and don't forget eye and dental check-ups.
 

4. Worry less.
 

It really is possible to "worry yourself sick." Excessive worrying can lead to high blood pressure, digestive problems, chronic headaches and unhealthy weight gain.
 

5. Stay in touch.
 

Living alone doesn't mean being alone. Reach out to friends, neighbors and relatives.
 

6. Move more.
 

Exercise improves heart health, and good heart health helps prevent a range of related disorders, including blood clots and depression.
 

7. Read more.
 

You can "exercise your brain" with newspapers, books, magazines or puzzles.
 

8. Laugh and sing.
 

Is there a better way to enjoy life than to laugh and sing? And both will help you to worry less.
 

9. Take control.
 

Be proactive about your own health. Ask your doctor questions about your health and for advice on positive lifestyle changes.
 

10. Get involved.
 

Local organizations of all types need volunteers. Helping others is the best tonic for feeling good about yourself.

• Women are much more likely than men to restrict their profiles.
• People with the highest levels of education reported having the most difficulty figuring out their privacy settings. That said, only 2 percent of social media users described privacy controls as "very difficult to manage."
• The report found no significant differences in people's basic privacy controls by age.
• Young adults were more likely than older people to delete unwanted comments.
• Men are more likely to post something they later regret.
• Young adults were more likely to post something regrettable than their older counterparts
 

Whether it's pruning friends lists, removing unwanted comments or restricting access to their profiles, Americans are getting more privacy-savvy on social networks, a new report found. The report released Friday by the Pew Internet & American Life Project found that people are managing their privacy settings and their online reputation more often than they did two years earlier. For example, 44 percent of respondents said in 2011 that they deleted comments from their profile on a social networking site. Only 36 percent said the same thing in 2009. The findings come a day after the Obama administration called for stronger privacy protections for people who use the Internet, mobile devices and other technologies with increasingly sophisticated ways of tracking them. Pew's findings suggest that people not only care about their privacy online but that, given the tools, they will also try to manage it. Along those lines is "profile pruning," which Pew reports is on the rise. Nearly two-thirds of people on social networks said last year that they had deleted friends, up from 56 percent in 2009. And more people are removing their names from photos than two years ago.

Yes, that's the word from Kerry McCloskey, whose book, "The Ultimate Sex Diet: The Secret Formula for a Slimmer, Healthier, More Passionate Life," maintains that sex will make you skinny and healthy. Here's the top 10 health benefits of sex:

1. Sex helps you to live longer.
 

2. It strengthens your heart. Do it right and sex can be a cardio workout.
 

3. Sex helps to reduce stress and depression thanks to certain stress-busting chemicals your body produces during intercourse.
 

4. Sex strengthens your bones and muscles.
 

5. It improves your memory and helps keep your mind sharp.
 

6. Frequent sex helps you to look younger. A study by Scotland's Royal Edinburgh Hospital found that an active sex

life can make you look up to seven years younger.
 

7. Sex improves your sense of smell.
 

8. It provides pain relief.
 

9. Sex may reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
 

10. It boosts the immune system.
 

Many years the commercials that run during the Super Bowl are more entertaining than the game itself. In recent years that has changed as we’ve seen some very impressive finishes to the Big Game including last nights game. However in Canada we didn’t get to see the marketing masterpieces that were shown in the U.S. To see the best spots including an Acura spot that features Jerry Seinfeld with Jay Leno and the Soup Nazi click here.